Abstract: A thermally stable component formed of a tempered aluminum alloy casting which reduced costs is provided. The aluminum alloy typically has an elongation of at least 8% after casting, which is preferred for self-piercing rivet processes. The aluminum alloy leaves a casting facility in the as-cast (F temper) condition. The cast aluminum alloy is then shipped to another entity, such as an OEM, and is subjected to an artificial aging process, such as on the OEM's existing paint line, rather than at the casting facility. The artificial aging process typically includes electrodeposition coating and curing. The components that can be formed by the reduced cost method include lightweight automotive vehicle components, including structural, body-in-white, suspension, or chassis components, such as front shock towers, front body hinge pillars, tunnels, and rear rails.

Abstract: A thermally stable component formed of a tempered aluminum alloy casting which reduced costs is provided. The aluminum alloy typically has an elongation of at least 8% after casting, which is preferred for self-piercing rivet processes. The aluminum alloy leaves a casting facility in the as-cast (F temper) condition. The cast aluminum alloy is then shipped to another entity, such as an OEM, and is subjected to an artificial aging process, such as on the OEM's existing paint line, rather than at the casting facility. The artificial aging process typically includes electrodeposition coating and curing. The components that can be formed by the reduced cost method include lightweight automotive vehicle components, including structural, body-in-white, suspension, or chassis components, such as front shock towers, front body hinge pillars, tunnels, and rear rails.

Abstract: A lift-assisted manhole cover assembly with a flush surface and external pivot shaft. The cover includes a mounting tab that extends beyond the general periphery of the cover. The mounting tab may be connected to a shaft that is threadedly engaged with the frame. A spring may be mounted between the frame and the mounting tab, for example, in a sleeve, to provide a mechanical assist in lifting the cover. The sleeve may be disposed outside the manhole opening where it does not block access to the manhole opening.

Abstract: A detectable warning plate having integrally cast lugs. The lugs may extend from the undersurface of the plate so that they can be entrapped within concrete during installation. The plate may define a vent hole through the plate above each lug to permit air to escape from beneath the dome plate during installation. The plate may include one or more integral support ribs that extend downwardly from the plate. The support ribs may extend around the plate near the periphery. The lugs may be extensions of the support ribs.

Abstract: A method for installing a fiber optic cable in a building having a gas riser includes the steps of routing a first translating member from a riser entry location, through the riser, and out a riser exit location. A fiber optic cable near the riser exit location is engaged by the first translating member, and is retracted into the riser past a branch in the riser, so the fiber optic cable hangs down past the branch. A second translating member is routed from a branch entry location, through the branch, and into the riser. The fiber optic cable is engaged by the second translating member, and the first translating member is disengaged from the fiber optic cable. The second translating member, along with the fiber optic cable, is retracted through the branch and out the branch entry location. The fiber optic cable may then be connected to an end-user system.

Abstract: A method for installing a fiber optic cable in a building having a gas riser includes the steps of routing a first translating member from a riser entry location, through the riser, and out a riser exit location. A fiber optic cable near the riser exit location is engaged by the first translating member, and is retracted into the riser past a branch in the riser, so the fiber optic cable hangs down past the branch. A second translating member is routed from a branch entry location, through the branch, and into the riser. The fiber optic cable is engaged by the second translating member, and the first translating member is disengaged from the fiber optic cable. The second translating member, along with the fiber optic cable, is retracted through the branch and out the branch entry location. The fiber optic cable may then be connected to an end-user system.

Abstract: Pipeline stopping tools for use in temporarily stopping flow in a pipeline have features for centering a conduit or cable within the pipeline. The conduit or cable is guided into a recess, to avoid damage as the pipeline is squeezed closed. Alternative pipeline stopping stools have features for sealing against both the inside walls of the pipeline and against the cable. In a first tool, a linkage on a handle drives seal lips on a seal ring to engage around and seal against the cable in the pipeline, while the outer edges of the seal ring seal against the inside walls of the pipeline. The linkage includes jaws which force the seal lips against the cable. In a second tool, a resilient seal is attached over a center plate and side plates pivotably attached to the center plate. A linkage drives the center plates from an open to a closed position. A cable recess in the seal ring seals against the cable while the outside edges of the seal ring seal against the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling nipple attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first drilling nipple by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until a second drilling nipple is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back or pulled forward through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit is installed in a gas service line, to line the cable or conduit in a natural gas main pipeline to a telecommunications panel in a building.

Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.

Abstract: A method of routing a new pipe duct into an existing pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until it reaches second fitting. The translating member is attached to a pipe inner duct. The duct rod and pipe inner duct are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling fitting (18) (8, 70, 250, 300) attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing (30) attached to the first drilling fitting by using a first manipulator (34) located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism (60), until a second drilling fitting (80) is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit or cable is installed in a gas service line, to provide an optical fiber between an optical fiber trunk line or ring and building.

Abstract: Pipeline stopping tools for use in temporarily stopping flow in a pipeline have features for centering a conduit or cable within the pipeline. The conduit or cable is guided into a recess, to avoid damage as the pipeline is squeezed closed. Alternative pipeline stopping stools have features for sealing against both the inside walls of the pipeline and against the cable. In a first tool, a linkage on a handle drives seal lips on a seal ring to engage around and seal against the cable in the pipeline, while the outer edges of the seal ring seal against the inside walls of the pipeline. The linkage includes jaws which force the seal lips against the cable. In a second tool, a resilient seal is attached over a center plate and side plates pivotably attached to the center plate. A linkage drives the center plates from an open to a closed position. A cable recess in the seal ring seals against the cable while the outside edges of the seal ring seal against the pipeline.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling nipple attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first drilling nipple by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until a second drilling nipple is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back or pulled forward through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A method of routing a new pipe duct into an existing pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until it reaches second fitting. The translating member is attached to a pipe inner duct. The duct rod and pipe inner duct are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling fitting (18) (8, 70, 250, 300) attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing (30) attached to the first drilling fitting by using a first manipulator (34) located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism (60), until a second drilling fitting (80) is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit or cable is installed in a gas service line, to provide an optical fiber between an optical fiber trunk line or ring and building.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling nipple attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first drilling nipple by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until a second drilling nipple is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back or pulled forward through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit is installed in a gas service line, to line the cable or conduit in a natural gas main pipeline to a telecommunications panel in a building.