Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning and holding together a secondary pipe on a branch connector before the branch connector is mounted on a buried main pipe for transporting fluid. The device rests solely on the secondary pipe and on the branch connector away from the main pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing a branch connector on a buried pipe for transporting a fluid, and to do so by means of a multi-purpose long handle from the top of an excavation. The apparatus comprises a bottom saddle positioner having a support structure on which there are disposed firstly clamping connection means adapted to the diameter of the pipe together with a support adaptor for supporting a bottom saddle, and secondly means for releasably fixing the positioner to the end of the multi-purpose long handle and situated on the side of the support structure opposite from its side on which the clamping connection means are situated.

Abstract: The method concerned is for connecting a section of buried main conduit (120) to a secondary conduit. For this purpose, a starting pit (200) and a finishing pit (204) are dug, a drilling device comprising a series of rods to be placed end to end is lowered into one pit in a manner such as to drill along a horizontal axis at the level of or at a height close to that of the main conduit. Upon completion of the drilling, the secondary conduit is passed through the bore-hole (202) in a manner such that an end portion is situated above the pit, this portion is fixed to a first region of a branch connector for connecting the two conduits and this end portion, equipped with its connecter, is lowered into the pit and the connector is fixed to the main conduit.