Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making connections to pipes and pressure vessels while they are under pressure employs a first drive mechanism for delivering a cutting tool to the pipe or vessel wall and a second separate drive mechanism for powering the movement of the cutting tool through the wall. The long linear travel associated with the transit of the cutter to the wall is divorced from the short cutter travel required to perform the actual cuffing operation. This allows the two long and short travel systems to be designed independently of one another, and engineering compromises between them can be avoided.

Abstract: A trailer frame for use on a trailer including at least one pair of main support frame members that extend in a longitudinal direction of the trailer frame. The main support frame members have a deck side and a bottom side. In one embodiment, the trailer frame also includes a plurality of cross frame members extending between the main support frame members; and a plurality of extension frame members converging to a hitch point at a front extension of the trailer frame. The extension frame members are attached to respective main support frame members with one end of each extension frame member being notched so that upper sides of the extension frame members are flush with the deck side of the main support frame members while a portion of lower sides of the extension frame members overlap the bottom sides of the main support frame members. The main support frame members include I-beams and plate members extending between and attached to flanges on each of the I-beam main support frame members.

Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for making connections to pipes and pressure vessels while they are under pressure. The invention provides a first drive mechanism for delivering a cutting tool to the vessel wall and a second separate drive mechanism for powering the movement of the cutting tool through the wall. The long linear travel associated with the transit of the cutter to the wall is divorced from the short cutter travel required to perform the actual cutting operation. This allows the two long and short travel systems to be designed independently of one another, and engineering compromises between them can be avoided.