Abstract: A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.

Abstract: A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.

Abstract: A plug for closing an opening in the sidewall of a pipe, including a base member having a radial flange portion, a tubular portion and an annular elastomeric seal member slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in engagement with the flange portion. A rigid compression member is slideably received on the base member tubular portion and in contact with the elastomeric member and has a frusto-conical circumferential surface. A plurality of rigid segmented slips are received on the compression member and have teeth for biting into the cylindrical sidewall when displaced on the frusto-conical surface. An actuation member is received on the base member tubular portion providing a surface in engagement with the segmented slips. A tightening nut can be tightened to cause the segmented slips to lock the plug in position and to sealably close the pipe cylindrical sidewall.

Abstract: A circular cutter is provided for use in cutting a hole through a main pipe wall from within a branch pipe, the circular cutter including a shaft rotated about a rotational axis, a circular cutter having at an outer end cutting teeth and an inner end secured to the shaft, and at least one centering ring secured to the circular cutter external cylindrical surface and of external diameter greater than the circular cutter external cylindrical surface and less than the internal diameter of the branch pipe, the centering ring serving to centrally position the circular cutter as it is rotated within the branch pipe and also serving to provide a positive stop to axial advancement of the circular cutter after it has cut through the main pipe wall.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, including the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, by use of the hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the hot tap machine leaving an access through the valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

Abstract: A closure for an opening extending through a tubular member, the opening having a first cylindrical surface of a first internal diameter and a second cylindrical surface of an enlarged internal diameter providing a circumferential ledge, and, in the second cylindrical surface an increased internal diameter circumferential slot, the closure being formed of a cylindrical plug removably positioned within the tubular member and in engagement with the circumferential ledge and including an expandable snap ring having a collapsed and an expanded condition and receivable when in the expanded condition within the circumferential slot to capture the plug between the circumferential ledge and the snap ring. In one embodiment the snap ring is a unitary circumferential member having opposed, spaced apart first and second ends and wherein the snap ring is radially inwardly collapsed by moving the first and second ends towards each other.

Abstract: A side cutter apparatus for an excavating machine having a plurality of spaced rotating digging wheels mounted on a common horizontal shaft, each wheel having a pair of spaced sidewalls, and having frame rails partially extending into the spaces between adjacent wheels; which includes a base plate affixed to the periphery of a cut-away section of a sidewall adjacent to the open space between the wheels; a pivotal side cutter including a back panel disposed in the cut-away section and pivotally mounted at its lower end on the base plate so as to pivot into the open space, a front panel disposed essentially parallel to the back panel and pivotally mounted at its lower end on a common axis with the back panel so as to be pivotally movable therewith, a cutting tooth affixed to the upper portion of the front panel and extending into the open space, a roller rotatably mounted on an axis perpendicular to the front panel and extending through the same into a vertical space between the panels wherein the roller is dir