Abstract: A pipe stopper assembly includes a stopper fitting defining a fitting channel, the stopper fitting configured to be mounted to a pipeline; and a pipe stopper positioned in the fitting channel and comprising an expandable stopper body and a pressure assembly, the expandable stopper body configurable in an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, the pressure assembly configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration; wherein, in the open configuration, the expandable stopper body is biased to the expanded configuration, and in the closed configuration, the expandable stopper body is biased to the contracted configuration; and wherein, in the expanded configuration, fluid is prohibited from flowing through the fitting channel, and in the contracted configuration, fluid is permitted to flow through the fitting channel.

Abstract: A drain rod system for connecting at least two rods together and/or to a peripheral device, said rods and/or devices connected or coupled together by one or more connection means which including a first male portion at least part of which includes a non-circular member and a second female portion at least part of which is configured to receive at least part of the non-circular member extending from an adjacent male portion. The connection means further including first and second threaded engagement members, said first threaded member including a thread or threaded portion and at least part of the second threaded member adapted to receive at least part of the thread or threaded portion, wherein at least one or both of said threaded members includes a grip portion to enable the user to engage or disengage the male and female portions and/or the first and second threaded members by hand.

Abstract: A valve assembly may include a valve having an upper valve surface and a lower valve surface. The valve may be movable in a slot in a housing between an open position and a closed position, and the slot may have an upper slot surface and a lower slot surface. The valve assembly may include a biasing member movably positioned within the housing that may be configured to urge the valve toward one of the upper slot surface and the lower slot surface.

Abstract: An example shut-off device includes a valve body to surround a section of a pipe and form a chamber about the section of the pipe. The example shut-off device also includes a first flange bearing on a first side of the chamber. The first flange bearing in a closed position forming a first seal between the pipe and the chamber. The example shut-off device also includes a second flange bearing on a second side of the chamber. the second flange bearing in a closed position forming a second seal between the pipe and the chamber. The example shut-off device also includes a cutting blade in the chamber. The cutting blade tightens against the pipe to cut through the pipe and at least partially seals an opening in the cut pipe. The cutting blade is configured to operate as a gate valve.

Abstract: A device (130) and method for intervening on a branch of a fluid conduit (20), the device comprising: a removable flange (105) comprising: two portions (110, 115) linked by a removable junction (120) having, when the two portions are linked, an opening surrounding the branch and a lock (130) for locking the flange around the branch such that the opening sealingly surrounds the branch, an inflatable airlock (135) comprising: an inflatable body (140) having at least one inflatable protuberance (145) and an attacher (150) for sealed attachment to the flange.

Abstract: A launch system for a pressurized pipeline includes a housing attachable to the pipeline such that an inside of the housing is open to an interior of the pipeline and an outside of the housing is exposed to an ambient environment outside the pipeline. A first actuator arrangement is disposed on the outside of the housing, and a second actuator arrangement is disposed on the inside of the housing. A seal arrangement is disposed in the housing between the first actuator arrangement and the second actuator arrangement. Each of the first and second actuator arrangements is configured to receive a cable having a portion extending outside the housing, a portion extending through the seal arrangement, and a portion extending inside the housing. The actuator arrangements are independently operable to pull the cable relative to the seal arrangement for moving the cable into and out of the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a sealing case having a branch hole formed in a first separate case and extending in the radial direction of an existing pipe; and a rubber packing for sealing a gap between the sealing case and the existing pipe, wherein: the first separate case has a flange for attachment and removal of a boring machine; the sealing case reciprocates in a pipe axis direction; the rubber packing forms; a first sealed area surrounding a portion of the sealing case for shutting the branch hole; a second sealed area being adjacent to, sealed against, displaced from the first sealed area in the pipe axis direction, and sized so as to be able to shut the opening bored by a cutter; and a tolerance space, into which a second seal ring escapes, is formed between a packing attachment groove and the second seal ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maintenance device for maintaining an elongated and in particular tubular hollow body (2), which is designed to conduct a fluid, having a sealing device (4) comprising a function unit (12), said sealing device being provided for sealing a working area (9) with respect to surroundings of the hollow body (2) and being movable in a direction along a surface of the hollow body (2), wherein the sealing device (4) comprising the function unit (12) can be moved at least partially in the longitudinal direction (B) of the hollow body (2), relative to the surface (7) of same, while preserving a tight seal. In addition, a method for forming a maintenance access on an elongated and in particular tubular hollow body is claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and premade and/or prepositioned kits for bypassing damaged or blocked standpipes during fire or other emergencies to quickly restore water supply near the location of the fire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a maintenance device for an elongate, tubular hollow member (2) designed to conduct a fluid. Said maintenance device comprises a sealing mechanism (4) which is to seal a working zone (9) relative to surroundings (30) of the hollow member (2) and can be moved in one direction along the hollow member (2). A side of the sealing mechanism (4) that faces the hollow member (2) forms an at least partially curved surface and can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the hollow member (2), especially in order to be placed in the sealing position. A method for servicing an elongate, tubular hollow member (2) is also claimed.

Abstract: A tapping tee assembly and method is provided for fluidly connecting to a conduit. The tapping tee assembly includes a body having a conduit recess for receiving the conduit and further defining a passage having one end adjacent the conduit recess. A cutter is received in the passage and engages a threaded region of the passage for selective advancement and retraction within the passage upon rotation relative the body. The cutter comprises a first component with first and second ends and having a cutting edge at the first end for cutting through a side wall of the conduit to establish fluid communication between the main passage and the conduit. A second component is secured to the first component at the second end either by mechanically securing or molding the second component to the first component.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a sealing case including separate cases and enclosing a portion of an existing pipe, and a valve cover portion attached to a branch pipe portion protruding upwardly from the existing pipe; a gate valve body accommodated by the valve cover portion and the branch pipe portion to be intruded into the existing pipe to stop the flow of the fluid through the existing pipe; an operation valve body having an arc-shaped lateral cross section for opening/closing a branch hole formed in the branch pipe portion by rotating in the circumferential direction of the existing pipe; and a rotation mechanism for rotating the operation valve body, the rotation mechanism including: an operation portion; a driving gear unit which rotates; and a driven gear for rotating the operation valve body in the circumferential direction of the existing pipe following the rotation of the driving gear unit.

Abstract: A process is provided for accessing an underground pressurized gas main for retirement of replacement of the connection of a gas service pipe thereto. A gas main fixture that has a service tee adaptor and a pressurized chamber connected thereto is mounted onto the gas main with the tee adaptor above a tee plug on the gas service pipe. The chamber is closed against gas discharge and the tee plug is unscrewed from the gas service pipe while the pressure chamber is closed. The tee plug is removed through the service tee adapter and pressure chamber while minimizing gas discharged to atmosphere. The plug hole is preferably reamed through the pressure chamber while the chamber is closed to atmosphere, tapped for a straight fine thread, and a main plug with the fine thread is screwed into the tapped hole while limiting its depth of engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a sealing case 20 having a branch-shaped branch hole 23 formed in a first separate case 21 and extending in the radial direction C of an existing pipe 1; and a rubber packing 30 for sealing a gap between the sealing case 20 and the existing pipe 1, wherein: the first separate case 21 is provided with a flange 28 for allowing for attachment and removal of a boring machine 3; the sealing case 20 is capable of reciprocating in the pipe axis direction L; and the rubber packing 30 forms: a first sealed area S1 surrounding a portion of the sealing case 20 where the branch hole 23 is provided for shutting the branch hole 23; and a second sealed area S2 being adjacent to the first sealed area S1, sealed against the first sealed area S1, displaced from the first sealed area S1 in the pipe axis direction L, and sized so as to be able to shut the opening bored by a cutter 3a.

Abstract: A method of hot tapping into a multiple string configuration for obtaining access to the production tubing without removing outer layers of casing by providing a multiple casing string that includes at least an outer casing and an inner casing or production string; mounting a clamp assembly around the wall of the outer casing; hot tapping a small opening through the outer casing wall to capture any pressurized fluid through the opening; cutting first and second large openings through the wall of the outer casing to access the inner casing, each opening being approximately 180 degrees from the other opening; through the first opening, drilling a small hole through the wall of the inner casing to capture any pressurized fluid through the opening in the inner casing; and inserting an anvil through the second opening to contact and stabilize the wall of the inner casing to prevent the casing from moving while the casing is drilled.

Abstract: A subsea hot-tapping system, comprising an existing pipeline; a hot-tap body fitted around the pipeline; and a fluid injected between the pipeline and the body. In some embodiments, the system also includes a radial arm cutter, adapted to cut a hole in the existing pipeline.

Abstract: A tap and draining device for a filter cartridge that allows removal of excess fluids to be removed from a filter prior to filter removal in an effort to reduce fluid spillage and associated contamination includes an angled hollow punch in fluid communication with a valve and flexible tube for controlled drainage. A magnet is provided along a top surface to hold and seal the device against the oil filter. A user taps a bottom surface of the device, thereby causing the beveled tap to penetrate the filter. Once fully inserted, the device allows fluid to drain through an internal port and out the attached tubing, preferably into a container where it may be discarded or recycled as required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tapping into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection and an adjustable tapping clamp with adjustable support/locking feet, compression plate with view ports, and angularly adjustable hot tapping system, along with a drill/saw system.

Abstract: Tapping devices and methods for using such devices to tap into a pipe are described. The tapping device contains a drill connected to the proximal portion of a shaft, a tapping tool attached to a distal portion of the shaft, and a protection device attached to the shaft. The protection device itself contains containing an enlarged distal portion, an enlarged proximal portion, and a middle member extending therebetween. The user can hold and use the tapping device with a first hand on a handle of the drill and a second hand on the middle member of the protection device. The protection device protects the hand from hitting an object (including the pipe), the socket, or the drill, thereby improving the safety for the user. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus including a sealing case 20 having a branch-shaped branch hole 23 formed in a first separate case 21 and extending in the radial direction C of an existing pipe 1; and a rubber packing 30 for sealing a gap between the sealing case 20 and the existing pipe 1, wherein: the first separate case 21 is provided with a flange 28 for allowing for attachment and removal of a boring machine 3; the sealing case 20 is capable of reciprocating in the pipe axis direction L; and the rubber packing 30 forms: a first sealed area S1 surrounding a portion of the sealing case 20 where the branch hole 23 is provided for shutting the branch hole 23; and a second sealed area S2 being adjacent to the first sealed area S1, sealed against the first sealed area S1, displaced from the first sealed area S1 in the pipe axis direction L, and sized so as to be able to shut the opening bored by a cutter 3a.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for valve insertion and linestopping. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sealing housing having a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion that are each dimensioned to partially surround an exterior surface of an existing pipe in an airtight state. In one embodiment, an integral valve assembly is disposed at least partially within an integral valve housing section of the upper housing portion. The integral valve assembly comprises a valve movable between an open position in which the valve provides an open pathway through an opening in the upper housing portion, and a closed position in which the valve provides a seal adjacent to the opening. The upper housing portion may be adapted to selectively receive each of an adapter plate for a cutting machine, a valve bonnet, and a blind flange.

Abstract: A drip line installation kit apparatus and method is provided for puncturing a conduit. The kit includes a clamping means having a clamp member to engage the conduit, the clamp member having a guiding channel oriented at a predefined angle to the conduit. A coupling means engages the guiding channel and a punch fits within the coupling means so as to align with the guiding channel and maintain a conduit puncturing punch end at the predefined angle to the conduit. A punch press engages the coupling means and drives the punch into the conduit thereby puncturing the conduit.

Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses a plumbing pipe cutter with an integral means of directing away residual water after a pipe is cut. The device comprises a conventional, low profile pipe cutter that is commonly used to cut copper water supply lines. Other cutters designed for polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other types of piping can likewise be adapted. The apparatus is further comprised of a transparent shield around the entire perimeter of the cutter and extending onto either pipe. At one end of the shield, approximately 8-10 inches from the cutter, the transparent material is flexibly gathered and routed to a short section of PVC tubing. The distal end of the tubing has a hose connector onto which a standard hose would be attached. When the apparatus is fully installed, residual water in cut pipes is collected and directed away without harming the surrounding areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diversion which can be used under load conditions in a fluid distribution system without interrupting the fluid supply or installing a by pass. The diversions consists of a body that is formed by two complementary components including an upper component comprising openings which are oriented transversely to the direction of the pipe to be cut off, which are equipped with seals and which are designed such as to enable the insertion and passage of a cutting blade that is associated with an external guillotine. The aforementioned upper component comprises an inner collar or flange which can be coupled and secured to the pipe segment to be cut off, said collar or flange being joined to a threaded longitudinal element which extends externally and which is used to remove the cut-off pipe segment. The invention also includes elements for sealing the openings once the cutting operations have been performed and the guillotine has been removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming an opening through a storage tank (3) containing a flammable and/or combustible fluid, for example petrol. The storage tank (3) includes a hollow column (7) extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the storage tank (3), an interior wall of the hollow column (7) in combination with the exterior surface of the storage tank (3) defining a well-like cavity allowing access by the apparatus (1) to the exterior surface of the storage tank (3). The apparatus (1) includes a cutting assembly (13) for cutting through the exterior surface of the storage tank (3); and a housing assembly for supporting the cutting assembly (13). The housing assembly includes a sealing assembly for sealing the housing assembly with respect to the hollow column (7) such that the cavity is sealed from surrounding air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diversion which can be used under load conditions in a fluid distribution system without interrupting the fluid supply or installing a by pass. The diversions consists of a body that is formed by two complementary components including an upper component comprising openings which are oriented transversely to the direction of the pipe to be cut off, which are equipped with seals and which are designed such as to enable the insertion and passage of a cutting blade that is associated with an external guillotine. The aforementioned upper component comprises an inner collar or flange which can be coupled and secured to the pipe segment to be cut off, said collar or flange being joined to a threaded longitudinal element which extends externally and which is used to remove the cut-off pipe segment. The invention also includes elements for sealing the openings once the cutting operations have been performed and the guillotine has been removed.

Abstract: A tapping tee assembly and method for tapping a conduit and fluidly connecting to the conduit include a body defining a conduit recess for receiving the conduit and further defining a main passage with a cover disposed therein. The main passage has a first end adjacent the conduit recess and a second, open end spaced apart from the first end. The second end is closed by a cap. The body of the tapping tee assembly is secured to the conduit with the conduit received in the conduit recess. The cutter is advanced along the main passage toward the conduit without removal of the cap from the body to tap the conduit and fluidly connect the conduit and the main passage.

Abstract: A pipe interruption fitting having a flange is removable after pipe maintenance work has been completed. The fitting includes an upper reinforcing plate, an inner surface of which has a curvature corresponding to an outer surface of the pipe, and a vertical pipe welded to the upper reinforcing plate. The fitting further includes an adaptor welded to the vertical pipe. Bolt holes are formed in an upper surface of the adaptor. A through hole is formed through the adaptor. An annular groove is formed in an inner surface of the through hole. The flange is removably coupled to the adaptor. Coupling holes are formed in the flange for installation of a boring machine or a stopple machine. The fitting further includes a plug fitted into the through hole of the adaptor and having an expansion plate to be inserted into the annular groove. A cover is adapted to be inserted into the through hole of the adaptor and to be welded thereto.

Abstract: A method of mechanically hot tapping petroleum equipment that contains a hydrocarbonaceous fluid in its interior by drilling an aperture in such equipment while employing cooling by cyclic drilling and/or refrigeration, the equipment drilling being carried out in a manner such that the temperature of the drill and material being drilled do not exceed a predetermined target temperature that is derived from the decomposition temperature, auto-ignition temperature, and like characteristics of the fluid present inside the equipment.

Abstract: A method of installing a cable or conduit into at least one plastic pipe of a fluid carrying pipeline system, comprises attaching a first saddle fitting at a first location on said plastic pipe by electro-fusion, opening the pipe at the first location, introducing the cable or a pull body through the saddle fitting into the pipe towards a second location or retrieving at least part of the cable or a pull body introduced at a second location, and pulling the cable directly or by means of the pull body through the pipe. This allows installation of a cable without turning off the fluid supply.

Abstract: Tapping fitting (1) suitable for application to a plastic pipe (P), comprising: a housing (5) including a hollow main section (6), the housing being attachable to a pipe (P); a cutter assembly (13) mountable within the hollow main section (6) and axially moveable therein into a cutting position wherein the cutting blade (14) engages the surface of a pipe (P) to which the fitting is attached; and a direct seal (23) between the housing (5) and the cutter assembly (13), wherein, in use, the seal (23) is maintained between the housing (5) and the cutter assembly (13) regardless of the axial position of the cutter assembly (13) within the housing (5).

Abstract: A drainage valve tap assembly for connection of a branch line to a main line while simultaneously forming a freeze proof drain comprising a hollow body having a first end and a second end, a cutting tube attached to the first end of the body; a handle having a hollow interior, the handle attached to the second end of the body for rotating the body; and a resilient drain plug extending at least partially in the body for blocking off the flow of water therethrough under a water pressure and for allowing the draining of water therethrough and out of the drainage valve when the water pressure is cut-off.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of hot tapping a conduit and inserting a sensor is disclosed wherein the conduit is hot tapped and the sensor inserted in one step. The apparatus includes a first cavity, a propellant disposed in a first end of the first cavity, a plunger, and a second cavity adapted to contain a sensor. The plunger includes a shearing surface and an aperture. The propellant propels the plunger from the first end of the first cavity towards the second end of the first cavity, creating an aperture in the conduit. When the plunger is disposed at the second end of the first cavity, the first and second cavity are in fluid communication with each other and the apertures in the plunger and the conduit are aligned with the second cavity, and the sensor is then automatically propelled through into the conduit by the propellant.

Abstract: An existing straight pipe 1 is cut off at two locations by rotating two seal-up housings 2 each mounted with a cutter 3, to form two cutoff groove 12C. A straight pipe portion 1p between the two cutoff grooves 12C remains left without retrieval, to impart a flexibility and contraction and expansion properties to a pipeline.

Abstract: A method of replacing a gas main that supplies gas to a recipient through an existing service line includes connecting a first tapping tee to the new gas main and connecting a second tapping tee to the existing service line that communicates with a downstream recipient. Branch passages of the first and second tapping tees are fluidically connected together by a connecting conduit. The new gas main is then tapped with the first tee so that gas flows from the new gas main into the connecting conduit up to the second tee. All air is bled from the connecting conduit between the first and second tees, and the existing service line is then tapped with the second tee so that gas is supplied to the recipient through both the existing service line and the connecting conduit. Gas flow to the recipient from the old main is then terminated. The second tee is a specially configured tapping tee specifically adapted for bleeding air from the connecting conduit that interconnects the first and second tees.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for use with an abrasive fluid jet cutting system, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's nozzle. This improved nozzle apparatus comprises (a) a nozzle having an entry port for receiving a slurry consisting of a carrier fluid and abrasive particles, an inner wall for directing the flow of the slurry, and an outlet port through which the slurry exits the nozzle, (b) wherein at least a portion of the nozzle wall is porous, and (c) a lubricating fluid chamber that surrounds the porous portion of the outer wall of the nozzle, the chamber having a port where a lubricating fluid enters the chamber, with the chamber port connecting to an input pipe which connects to a filter for filtering contaminants that might clog the pores of the porous portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: An end-cap lockingly securable to the end of the pipe at the same time a secondary action such as a branch line is formed to the main pipe line. The end cap housing has an integral branch forming member to allow a user to lock the end cap to the pipe by forming a branch line on the side of the pipe with the end cap housing sandwiching the end of a pipe between a pipe insert and a pipe receptor in the end cap housing. The pipe receptor includes an insert having a sealing surface, which when engaged to the interior surface of a pipe, forms a leak-proof relationship with the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing plumbing installations including a tool for making an opening through a test cap or other blockage in a fluid-carrying line of a plumbing system. The tool and cap make the testing method possible. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, a test cap welded in the drain pipe seals the drain line from the sewer line at the location of the clean-out. Thereafter, the rough-in plumbing system is tested by pressurizing the system through the clean-out on the building side of the cap. Following successful completion of this test, the top-out plumbing is completed, leaving the test cap welded in place. After the roof vents are in, the top-out test of the plumbing system is made, also through the clean-out. After final test and inspection, a special tool constructed in accordance with the present invention is inserted down the clean-out to penetrate and ream-out the test cap.

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: The invention relates to an existing pipe cut-off method and slitting method, by which an existing pipe made of cast iron and steel can be cut off. With a cut-off method according to the invention, first, a part of an existing pipe 1 is enclosed and sealed up by a seal-up housing 2 in an airtight state, a cutting tool 30 having a plurality of blades 30c is accommodated in the corresponding seal-up housing in a state the cutting tool is attached to the abovementioned seal-up housing 2. Next, the cutting tool 30 is fed toward the center of the abovementioned existing pipe 1 while slitting the existing pipe 1 by rotating the cutting tool 30 by power of a prime mover, and the abovementioned existing pipe 1 is cut off by the cutting tool 30 by turning the abovementioned seal-up housing 2 in the circumferential direction R of the existing pipe 1.

Abstract: A hollow tap having an axially outward extending cutting tooth so that when the cutting tooth is brought into rotational pressure engagement with a resilient tubing the cutting tooth cuts a hole partially through the resilient tubing leaving a coupon hingedly but securely attached to the resilient tubing to maintain the coupon in an out-of-the-way condition within the resilient tubing. Continued rotation of the tap within a saddle brings a sealing surface on the cutting tube into fluid tight seal with the resilient tubing to provide a branch outlet to the resilient tubing though the tap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for installing a fluid tap onto a pipe or conduit containing pressurized fluid. Debris generated by cutting a coupon from a pressurized fluid conduit is directed though the apparatus and prevented from entering the conduit. The apparatus can be removed from the newly installed air tap and reused. According to the method, pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid system is used to wash debris generated from the coupon-cutting operation through the apparatus along a flow path that includes a collection chamber and filter. A kit is also provided and includes the apparatus and a variety of interchangeable connectors and cutting tools to allow the apparatus to be quickly configured for a wide variety of tap, valve, and pipe sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an existing pipe cut-off method and slitting method, by which an existing pipe made of cast iron and steel can be cut off. With a cut-off method according to the invention, first, a part of an existing pipe 1 is enclosed and sealed up by a seal-up housing 2 in an airtight state, a cutting tool 30 having a plurality of blades 30c is accommodated in the corresponding seal-up housing in a state the cutting tool is attached to the abovementioned seal-up housing 2. Next, the cutting tool 30 is fed toward the center of the abovementioned existing pipe 1 while slitting the existing pipe 1 by rotating the cutting tool 30 by power of a prime mover, and the abovementioned existing pipe 1 is cut off by the cutting tool 30 by turning the abovementioned seal-up housing 2 in the circumferential direction R of the existing pipe 1.

Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a combination hand cylinder drill and tool for installing a stopper plug for drilling and/or plugging a hole in a sealed fluid container. The stopper plug aspect of the invention is used to insert and secure a stopper plug to close a hole in the wall of a storage container or a pipe carrying fluid under pressure. This permits removal of a defective pipe fitting such as a tee or a valve. The stopper plug includes a toggle or anchor for engaging the inner wall of the pipe at the location of the hole to be sealed shut. After the stopper plug is secured in place, the defective fitting is removed. The drill aspect of the invention is used to drill out a cylindrical hole in the pipe and/or fitting so that the plug can be installed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap or plug welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.

Abstract: A valve insertion method without stopping passage of fluid, wherein, first, a part of an already-installed pipe is enclosed air-tightly with a valve casing, a milling type cutting tool which has cutting edges on a free end surface and an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a gate being housed in the valve casing with the gate and the cutting tool fixed thereto. The gate and cutting tool are provided in positions spaced from each other in the axial direction of the already-installed pipe. A worker then feeds the cutting tool in the radial direction of the already-installed pipe as he has the cutting tool make cutting motions for cutting the pipe by the rotation of the cutting tool. The valve casing is then turned in the circumferential direction of the already-installed pipe as the cutting motions are kept made, whereby a cut groove cut in the direction of the range of the whole circumference of the pipe is formed.

Abstract: A hollow tap having an axially outward extending cutting tooth so that when the cutting tooth is brought into rotational pressure engagement with a resilient tubing the cutting tooth cuts a hole partially through the resilient tubing leaving a coupon hingedly but securely attached to the resilient tubing to maintain the coupon in an out-of-the-way condition within the resilient tubing. Continued rotation of the tap within a saddle brings a sealing surface on the cutting tube into fluid tight seal with the resilient tubing to provide a branch outlet to the resilient tubing though the tap.