Abstract: A method of lining a main pipe and one or more service pipes extending therefrom is disclosed. The method comprises lining a main pipe with a liner of plastics material, inserting a liner of plastics material into a service pipe from an end of the service pipe remote form the main pipe and penetrating the wall of the main pipe liner to bring the main pipe into fluid communication with the service pipe. The wall of the main pipe liner is preferably penetrated by providing a pig or robot inside the lined main pipe, locating the position at which a service pipe is joined to the main pipe and using the pig or robot to cut, drill or pierce through the wall of the main pipe liner. A further lining portion may be provided along at least a part of any distance between the main pipe liner and the liner inserted into the service pipe. The further lining portion may be an insert of plastics material or may be provided by sealant with a channel formed therein or it may be formed by a combination of the two.

Abstract: A pipe threading arrangement for connection to a service pipe (14) in a dwelling comprises a launch coupling (50) with a body portion (51) forming a chamber in which a parachute housing (60) is held. A stopper arrangement (30, 31) allows the coupling to be attached to the service pipe (14) whilst gas is present in both the service pipe and main. The housing includes a folded parachute-like device (62) attached to a line (66). A front portion of the parachute housing includes flexible guide (63) which allows the device to be manually lowered into a main pipe via the service pipe. A tube (65) is used to push the housing through the pipe. The tube is arranged to receive a jet of gas to separate the end with the guide attached and to inflate the parachute into the main where gas flow carries it along the main.

Abstract: An apparatus which guides a cable through a conduit. The apparatus includes a guide device for receiving the cable. Passage of the cable through the guide device is permitted. Further, the guide device is automatically moved from a first position to a second position during passage of the cable into the conduit to assist in the movement of the cable along the conduit.

Abstract: A pipe threading arrangement includes a launch body (13) and a parachute (15) within tube (12). The parachute is launched into pipe (2) via slide valve (1) and brings with it a threading cable (19). At a remote location within the pipe (2) the parachute is stopped by a catch arm (8) with associated catch finger (5). The parachute is deflated and retrieved, together with the threading cable, via the slide valve into the catch body (4).

Abstract: A replacement pipe is installed within an existing service pipe (1) by first advancing a sealing means (6,8) along the existing pipe to a position adjacent its junction with a main pipe (2), then deploying the sealing means to seal against the inner surface of the existing pipe) in the example shown, by pumping sealant (10) into the space between the seal body (6) and the pipe (1), and subsequently advancing the replacement pipe along the existing pipe. The space between the two pipes is then filled with sealant and finally the sealing means is opened, in the example shown by withdrawing a guide rod (5) and its collar (7) on which the sealing means was advanced into position.