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 packer joint is provided for mounting on a vessel or pipeline entry valve which includes a stinger guide and seal. Clamping collet are mounted within the packer to retain the stinger in the desired position. Different metals within the guide body from those of the stinger rod prevent gaulding and damage. A lock-up the rod may be released via a bore hole providing tapping access to the collets.

Abstract: A probe structure for inserting into and operating upon an object within a pipeline, especially a high pressure pipeline carrying liquid or gas, is characterized by two coaxial cylinders that can be either pneumatically or hydraulically actuated. A primary cylinder is adapted to be mounted onto a pipeline tee and/or valve, and includes a movable primary piston to which is fixedly attached a primary lower hollow shaft that moves with the primary piston and preferably a primary upper hollow shaft that also moves with the primary piston. The primary lower hollow shaft is adapted to selectively extend into the pipeline while the primary upper hollow shaft extends above the primary cylinder and is fixed to a secondary cylinder, such that the secondary cylinder moves with the primary piston. The secondary piston includes a secondary piston that moves independently of the first and second cylinders.

Abstract: The symbols of a first code are represented by sign and magnitude bits in a manner analogous to the sign and magnitude bits representing the symbols of a second code. A memory stores digital samples partially representing coding pulses, and each pair of sign and magnitude bits is used to control a common shaping filter. The shaping filter uses the samples stored in the memory to generate a sampled digital signal representative of the analog signal transmitted over the telephone line.

Abstract: A diverless process of tapping a pressurized subsea pipeline without removing the pipeline from service. The process includes the steps of lowering and landing a measurement tool onto the pipeline in order to check ovality and straightness of the pipeline with the measurement tool. Pipe lift frames are lowered and landed onto the pipeline spaced from a chosen location. The pipeline is lifted by hydraulic actuators or mechanical screws on the lift frames. A hot tap fitting and accompanying orientation frame are lowered and landed on the pipeline between the pipe lift frames. The pipe lift frames are incrementally raised until the pipeline is fully seated in the hot tap fitting and orientation frame. A fitting clamp is secured to the pipeline. A hot tap machine is lowered onto the hot tap fitting and orientation frame. The pipeline is then tapped with the hot tap machine. The pipeline is thereafter lowered by deflating the lift frame bags.

Abstract: A diverless process of tapping a pressurized subsea pipeline without removing the pipeline from service. The process includes the steps of lowering and landing a measurement tool onto the pipeline in order to check ovality and straightness of the pipeline. Pipe lift frames are lowered and landed onto the pipeline spaced from a chosen location. The pipeline is lifted by hydraulic actuators or mechanical screws on the lift frames. A hot tap machine and accompanying orientation frame are lowered from the surface and landed on the pipeline between the pipe lift frames. A fitting clamp is secured to the pipeline. A hot tap machine is lowered onto the hot tap fitting and orientation frame. The pipeline is then tapped with the hot tap machine.

Abstract: An improved method and article of manufacture for introducing a locator wire into an interior portion of a pressurized, or non-pressurized, subterranean or otherwise concealed plastic pipeline. The present invention introduces a locator wire into a plastic pipeline while simultaneously minimizing the escape potential of a transported volume, such as, but not limited to, gas, water, sewerage or oil. A locator wire feeding unit initially feeds the locator wire through a locator wire alignment coupling and proceeds thereafter to project the locator wire through a valve assembly, a locator saddle, and ultimately into a plastic pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides highly adaptable valves for providing hemostasis about minimally invasive surgical implements such as guidewires and endovascular prosthetic delivery catheters. The valves generally comprise an elastomeric sealing body which will maintain hemostasis by contacting a surgical implement traversing the valve over a very small contact area. Preferably, the orifice is formed in a thin membrane which extends radially inward from a torroidal balloon having a relatively rigid outer rim and a flexible inner portion. When a vacuum is applied within such a balloon, the flexible inner portion pulls the membrane radially outward to expand the orifice diameter. A positive pressure can be applied within the torroidal balloon so that the balloon expands radially inward to block access through the valve.

Abstract: A pressure flow stop for temporarily blocking flow of water from a main water supply line to a residence or business, in order to facilitate replacement of a damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve, or “curbstop”, of the residence or business. In a preferred embodiment the pressure flow stop is characterized by an elongated, typically cylindrical stem housing which is removably attached to the damaged, defective or deteriorated shutoff valve after the shutoff valve is closed and the water meter is removed from the shutoff valve, respectively. An elongated, flexible stem, terminated by an inflatable balloon, is slidably disposed in the stem housing, and the shutoff valve is opened to facilitate extension of the balloon end of the stem from the housing through the shutoff valve and into the water source pipe leading from the main water line.

Abstract: A apparatus and method of using the apparatus for removing a blockage in a subsea pipeline without retrieval of the pipeline to the surface. The apparatus components include a hot tap saddle, a drill assembly, a fluid blaster assembly and a support frame. The hot tap saddle component has a first portion and a second portion, with the first and second portions being configured to clampingly engage in a sealing relationship to the subsea pipeline. The first portion of the saddle includes a first and second opening with the first opening extending generally upwardly and configured for connecting to a drill assembly and the second opening being positioned generally at an angle to the first opening and configured for connecting to a fluid blaster assembly. The fluid blaster assembly including a nozzle, a hose and a high pressure pump with the fluid blaster assembly being contained within a pressure vessel. The fluid blaster assembly is configured for mounting to the second opening of the hot tap saddle component.

Abstract: A coolant draining tool has a thermally insulating handle with a passageway therethrough. A curved drain tube is connected to the passageway and has an end portion with plurality of apertures for insertion into the cooling system of a motor vehicle. A hose coupling also is connected to the passageway for attaching the tool to a suction device to draw coolant from the cooling system.

Abstract: An integral, one piece cover for a cylinder tank vessel valve is provided with a flexibly expandable housing, preferably formed of resilient molded plastic. The housing has a slot at the bottom, along one side. There is an opening formed adjacent to the slot. Dual locking tabs on the housing are adapted to receive a locking device. The cover is placed over the valve of a tank or any other upwardly extending valve by spreading the tabs apart, thus causing the slot to open and expand the lower portion of the housing. In this expanded state, the slot passes over the valve's hose or piping connection. The connection is then positioned within the opening and the tabs are released. The resilient nature of the housing biases the slots to close around the connector. The housing can At then be secured with a lock through the locking tabs. Once secured, the valve cannot be accessed without removal of the lock.

Abstract: A probe structure for inserting into and operating upon an object within a pipeline, especially a high pressure pipeline carrying liquid or gas, is characterized by two coaxial cylinders that can be either pneumatically or hydraulically actuated. A primary cylinder is adapted to be mounted onto a pipeline tee and/or valve, and includes a movable primary piston to which is fixedly attached a primary lower hollow shaft that moves with the primary piston and preferably a primary upper hollow shaft that also moves with the primary piston. The primary lower hollow shaft is adapted to selectively extend into the pipeline while the primary upper hollow shaft extends above the primary cylinder and is fixed to a secondary cylinder, such that the secondary cylinder moves with the primary piston. The secondary piston includes a secondary piston that moves independently of the first and second cylinders.

Abstract: A branch apparatus for a pipe and a branch method using the same connect a branch pipe installed to a place requiring a fluid such as a gas, a chemical substance and water to a main pipe through which the fluid flows. The branch apparatus for a pipe and the branch method using the same make a laying depth of the main pipe be identical with that of the branch pipe by horizontally installing a branch apparatus, and thus make the branch pipe receive both a low vibration and a small load from the ground. The branch apparatus includes a T-type pipe having a horizontal pipe whose both ends are opened and a vertical pipe connected to an upper part of a center of the horizontal pipe; a reinforcement plate welded to the main pipe for being welded to one end of the horizontal pipe of the T-type pipe; a flange which is welded to an upper part of the vertical pipe of the T-type pipe, and has female screw lines in a center thereof; and a plug coupled with the center of the flange.

Abstract: A fluid-sampling tool for obtaining a fluid sample from a container. When used in combination with a rotatable drill, the tool bores a hole into a container wall, withdraws a fluid sample from the container, and seals the borehole. The tool collects fluid sample without exposing the operator or the environment to the fluid or to wall shavings from the container.

Abstract: A gas meter bypass apparatus and method for removing a gas meter from operation for service or replacement and placing the meter back into service without interrupting the flow of gas to the user. The apparatus connects to a standard tee which is utilized on the customer side of most residential or commercial meter installations. The bypass apparatus includes a clamp assembly, a seal fitting, an isolation valve, an extraction fitting, an isolation fitting, and a flexible tube connector. The clamp assembly is used to attach the bypass apparatus to the tee. The seal fitting connects to the clamp assembly and seals between the bypass apparatus and the port of the tee where the plug is installed. The isolation valve attaches to the seal fitting. The extraction fitting attaches to the isolation valve and is used to extract and re-install the plug through the isolation valve.

Abstract: A method is provided for replacing an existing service pipe carrying fluid to an outlet within a property with a replacement service pipe. In the method the outlet is disconnected within the property from the existing service pipe in such a way that both during and after disconnection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property. A desired length of replacement service pipe is then fed into the existing service pipe in such a way that during and after the feeding step fluid is prevented from escaping into the property. The outlet is then connected to the outlet end of the replacement pipe 2 in such a way that during the connection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property and after the connection step fluid is allowed to pass to the outlet solely by way of the replacement pipe.

Abstract: A valve system for use in batch processing, particularly for preventing exposure of material to the environment during transfer from one container to another. The system in effect comprises two butterfly valve discs (5, 6; 105, 106), one (5; 105) on a container (12; 107) for transporting material to or from a reaction vessel (3; 103) and the other on the reaction vessel (3; 103) itself. Each valve disc (5, 6; 105, 106), when closed, shuts off the container (12; 107) or vessel (3; 103) respectively from the environment. When the container (12; 107) is connected to the vessel (3; 103) a shaft (9; 109) connected to one valve disc (5; 105) interengages with a shaft (10) connected to the other valve disc (6; 1006) to enable the discs (5, 6; 105, 106) to move simultaneously, and material may be transferred from the container (12; 107) to the vessel (3; 103) or vice versa.

Abstract: An inflatable gas pipeline stopper is used for stopping gas flow through pipelines to permit repairs to be made to gas pipelines. For plastic gas pipelines, a tapping tee is attached to the plastic gas pipeline and a gas tight apparatus having a valve is attached to the tee. Thereafter, the plastic gas pipeline can be cut with a pipe cutter that is engaged with a hexagonal head and magnetic attachment to be operated from the exterior of the air tight apparatus. The pipe cutter can be removed from the air tight apparatus and the valve of the air tight apparatus closed to prevent gas from escaping from the pipeline. The inflatable gas pipeline stopper with dual air bags can then be inserted into the plastic gas main, through the air tight apparatus and the tee, to stop the flow of gas through the pipeline. After repairs on the pipeline are complete, the inflatable gas pipeline stopper can be removed, the tee can be stopped, and the air tight apparatus can be removed.

Abstract: These objects and advantages are achieved by the inflatable gas pipeline stopper of the present invention, which is used to stop gas flowing through a pipeline when effecting repairs of the pipeline. The invention includes an attachment for attachment to a gas pipeline. A quick connect is provided to form an airtight seal between the stopper and the attachment. A junction box is attached at the other end of the quick connect. The junction box has two receptacles on the upper end thereof for receiving two shafts therein. Each shaft has a port and a valve. At the top of each shaft is a quick connect for attachment of a stuffing box thereto for insertion of air lines therethrough. Within the two shafts, and attached to the air lines, extend two moveable bag inserting and retracting plunger assemblies attached to an air source at the tops thereof.

Abstract: A device for removing sprinkler heads from the type of overhead sprinkler systems commonly found in commercial buildings. During use the device is clamped around the sprinkler pipe attached to a sprinkler head, and provides a means for containing the flow of pressurized or trapped water from the sprinkler head until a flexible hose, such as a garden hose, can be connected to its hose bib and extended to a friendly location for efficient and damage-free removal of water from the sprinkler head during to its disconnection from the sprinkler system.

Abstract: A device for containing and redirecting fluid which is released when a fitting is removed from an end of a pipe is attached to a pipe after the connection between the pipe and the fitting has been loosened. The device comprises a bag which has an opening in the top of the bag. The opening allows the bag to be placed over the fitting that is to be removed. The bag has a plurality of adjustment straps which connect to an upper portion and a lower portion of the bag. When the adjustment straps are adjusted, slack is formed in the material of the bag between upper and lower ends of the adjustment straps. The slack thus formed allows the fitting within the bag to be manipulated so that the fitting can be removed from the pipe. Fluid discharged from the pipe upon removal of the fitting is contained within the bag or directed through a hose to a receptacle or drain.

Abstract: A conduit stopper used with a nozzle sealingly mounted on an elongated conduit for selectively interrupting the flow of a fluid through the conduit. The conduit has an aperture communicating with the nozzle for receiving a portion of the conduit stopper. A plug holder is connected to the linear actuator. A retainer cap is secured to the plug holder for movement therewith in the nozzle. A deformable sealing element has one end secured to the retainer cap and an opposite end is adapted to be forced into sealing engagement in the interior of the conduit to interrupt the flow of the fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A hot-tapping sleeve is provided for tapping a main pipe and attaching a branch pipe. The tapping sleeve includes a split sleeve having first and second sleeve members which together form a circular bore for receiving a portion of the main pipe. The first and second sleeve members each form approximately one half of the circular bore. A plurality of clamping members pass through associated holes in the first and second sleeve members to clamp the first and second sleeve members together with the main pipe therebetween. A side branch is attached to the first sleeve member which has an opening in fluid communication with the circular bore. A sheet type packing member is located around the opening and is only between the first sleeve member and the main pipe. A metal spray is located on the second sleeve within the circular bore and engages the main pipe for resisting axial displacement of the main pipe to permit tapping of the main pipe while the main pipe is under fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum tube shut-off 10 for shutting off vacuum air flow between coating removal power tools 36 and a vacuum source 34. The vacuum tube shut-off 10 includes a vacuum tube 12 in vacuum air flow communication with the power tool 36 and the vacuum source. The vacuum tube 12 has a slot 26 transverse to the air flow direction through the vacuum tube 12. An air flow block 16 is removably insertable into the vacuum tube 12 through the slot 26 to prevent air flow through the vacuum tube 12. A self clamping stopper or O-ring 14 circumscribes the outside of the vacuum tube 12 to sealingly engaging the vacuum tube 12 to prevent air flow through the slot 26 when the air flow block 16 is removed from the slot 26.

Abstract: A method for isolating a relief valve, the relief valve being positioned in fluid communication with a pressurized vessel by positioning a gate valve body between and in fluid communication with the relief valve and the pressurized vessel, the gate valve body including a plug and a cap positioned to sealingly close an opening in the gate valve body generally covered by a gate valve bonnet cover and yoke, removing the cap, sealingly positioning a sandwich valve over the opening in the gate valve so that when the pass-through is opened a passageway through the pass-through sandwich valve is generally co-axial with the opening in the gate valve, sealingly positioning a removable yoke over the passageway through the pass-through, the removable yoke including a stem and being adapted to movement of the stem through the removable yoke; opening the pass-through; moving the stem into engagement with the plug and removing the plug from the opening in the gate valve body; and positioning a valve gate on the stem and mo

Abstract: A retraction mechanism permits easily removing a sensor assembly from a pressurized process fluid container through a valve attached to an opening in the container. The retraction mechanism includes a folding support linkage having a first end and a second end formed from at least two links that are joined together to have a pivot joint located therebetween. The first end of the support linkage is joined to the sensor assembly, while the second end of the support linkage is joined to the valve or the fluid container. The two links are partially folded when the sensor assembly is in operable position, and pivot about the pivot joint to unfold when the sensor assembly is removed. The retraction mechanism further includes a damper connected between the two links of the support linkage. The damper provides a damping or restraining force for the sensor assembly as the sensor assembly is removed from the fluid container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bidet attachment for mounting on a standard toilet. A nozzle is mounted on the underside of the toilet seat. Water is supplied to the nozzle through a conduit from a water supply pipe. The conduit is connected to the pipe with a T-tap having two halves. The two halves are bolted together and a hole is drilled through the pipe using a special tool. The conduit is secured to the T-tap with a crimping collar that slides over a tapered extension on the T-tap. Water flow rate is controlled by a cam valve. The cam valve can be opened and closed with a control handle to place a selected amount of squeeze on the conduit to allow a selected amount of water to flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A beverage tap includes a probe with a cylindrical upper section and a reduced-diameter cylindrical lower section. In order to seal the probe with respect to a Sankey-type keg fitting, an elastomeric seal includes a tubular body attached to the upper section of the probe and formed with a downwardly flaring sealing fin on its lower end. An apertured sealing disc is attached to the lower section of the probe and is located within the tubular body. Angularly spaced webs are molded integrally with the body and the disc and join the two together as a single unit.

Abstract: A cutter for tapping a plastic pipe, which is capable of retaining a cut coupon, comprises a generally cylindrical element that terminates at one end in a smooth, thin walled circular cutting edge. The cutting edge surrounds a hollow coupon receiving section of the cutter which contains internal threads for engaging the cut coupon so that the coupon is retained within the hollow section of the cutter after completion of the tapping operation. The cutter is used in conjunction with a tapping tee having an internally threaded through-bore for receiving external threads that are provided on a portion of the cutter. The cutter is rotatably advanced through the bore of the tapping tee so as to contact and then cut through the plastic pipe to be tapped.

Abstract: A method for cutting an opening in the side of a pipe carrying gas under pressure, providing a bypass through the cut, and terminating the bypass when the pipe has been repaired, and apparatus for performing steps of the method. A branching saddle is bonded to the pipe, and a fixture is mounted on the pipe at the saddle. The fixture comprise a barrel through which various tool-insertion assemblies may be inserted.The tool-insertion assemblies tyically include a shaft carrying a tool on one of its ends, a driving hub affixed near its opposite end, and a sealing plug slidably mounted axially on the shaft between the tool and the driving hub. The tools enter into the fixture's bore through a tool inlet, into which the sealing plug of the insertion assembly is screwed for a pressure-tight fit. The tools are individually inserted, in succession, through the fixture's bore and through the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A method for cutting an opening in the side of a pipe carrying gas under pressure, providing a bypass through the cut, and terminating the bypass when the pipe has been repaired, and apparatus for performing steps of the method. A branching saddle is bonded to the pipe, and a fixture is mounted on the pipe at the saddle. The fixture comprises a barrel through which various tool-insertion assemblies may be inserted.The tool-insertion assemblies typically include a shaft carrying a tool on one of its ends, a driving hub affixed near its opposite end, and a sealing plug slidably mounted axially on the shaft between the tool and the driving hub. The tools enter into the fixture's bore through a tool inlet, into which the sealing plug of the insertion assembly is screwed for a pressure-tight fit. The tools are individually inserted, in succession, through the fixture's bore and through the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: Method and device for mounting a body in a conduit containing fluid. An installation unit is mounted on the fluid at that place, where the mounting of said body is desired, whereby sealing is established against the environment around an area, where a hole is going to be made in the surface of the conduit. The hole is made in the conduit in said area maintaining sealing against the environment. A body is inserted through the hole, so that the body will be placed in the conduit.

Abstract: A continuous output device for liquid or gaseous fluids comprising a rail having channels each opening to a first surface of the rail through a slit sealed by a sealing strip, the fluid being supplied to the channels of the rail, and a coupling having an opening member for locally pushing aside the sealing strip for passing, at activation of the coupling, the fluid to said coupling beyond the sealing strip for further distribution to a using place. The sealing strip comprises a spiral spring covered with a sealing body for sealing against the slit. The revolutions of the spiral spring are inclined so that the torsional properties of the spring are used for pushing aside the sealing strip.

Abstract: A reelable flow stopper for plugging fluid flow within a pipe having a guide housing with an enclosed guide channel. A guide housing sealably secures to at least one side of a full port gate valve and the opposite side of the full port gate valve is in communication with the inside of the pipe. The pipe has an access hole in a pipe wall of the pipe. The guide channel is in communication with the access hole. At least one guide prong of a fork extends into the pipe. The guide prong is secured to the guide housing. A roller bearing is rotably mounted to each guide prong of the fork. A take-up spool is secured to the bearing and the take-up spool rotates with respect to each guide prong of the fork. A stopper tape has a spool end secured to the take-up spool and an opposite end contacting the guide pins located within the guide housing. The guide pins route and guide the stopper tape into and out of the pipe. A crank is secured to a crank gear. A drive gear is secured with respect to the take-up spool.

Abstract: A self-drilling valve for tapping into water mains is disclosed. The valve provides a through bore providing a valve seat at its forward end and threaded for the remainder of its length. A cutter is located in the bore and provides a threaded head at its rearward end and a relatively long, tubular shank at its forward end. Cutting edges are provided at the forward end of the shank so that when the cutter is rotated and threaded forwardly against the surface of the water main, an opening is cut through the wall thereof. A guiding seal is positioned in the valve seat adjacent to the forward end of the cutter prior to and during the cutting operation to laterally position the forward end of the cutter during the cutting operation. Such seal remains with the cutter as the cutter is retracted so that the shank extends through the seal in all positions and does not have to re-enter the seal.

Abstract: A valve assembly for allowing entry of a sampling device or probe device from an ambient atmosphere to a vacuum chamber comprises an electromagnet means which controls a ball made of magnetic material. Upon entry of the device into an entry inlet of the apparatus, the ball is seated in response to activation of the electromagnet means so as to seal an aperture leading to the vacuum chamber. As the device is moved towards the vacuum chamber, the magnetic force is removed, which allows the ball to drop away from the aperture allowing entry of the device into the vacuum chamber. Upon withdrawal of the device from the vacuum chamber, the ball is actuated by the electromagnet to seal the aperture, thereby maintaining the integrity of the vacuum system.

Abstract: A tool for removal of debris from within a transmission pipe containing gas under pressure, including, a slide tube, having an angled fitting provided at its bottom end, and generally for disposition within the transmission pipe, said slide tube extending through a reducer, that incorporates and includes therein a mounting member, such as a swivel ball, through which the slide tube locates, and has a hermetic seal therewith. The slide tube 2 at its upper end includes one or more shut-off valves, and may also incorporate a filter device, for collecting of the accumulated debris that is carried with the pressurized gas as it rapidly passes through the slide tube, after opening one or both of the shut-off valves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tapping saddle for establishing a lateral connection to a pipe. The tapping saddle includes a tapping valve that is held against the pipe by a flexible metal band. The flexible band has a plurality of lengthwise extending spaced apart holes adjacent one of its ends. The flexible metal band is held about the pipe by a first lug fixedly connected to one end of the band and a movable lug positioned on the other side of the band adjacent the first lug. The lugs are connected and drawn together by a bolt that passes through a selected one of the holes in the band. A tab is positioned between the first lug and the band and urges the band into clamping engagement with the second lug when the first and second lugs are drawn together by the bolt.

Abstract: A pipe plugging tool for use in cutting and then soldering a fitting to a pipe includes a shaft, sleeve, compressible plug and nut arranged so that the nut can be rotated to axially compress the plug so that it radially expands into contact with the inner surface of the pipe. A stop member can be removably and adjustably positioned on the sleeve to set the location of the plug relative to the end of the pipe so that the nut is exposed when the fitting has been completed and so that the plug is spaced from the soldering heat sufficient distance to prevent degradation of the plug. A bag including a zipper and hook loop connecting fabric can be wrapped around the pipe prior to cutting. The bag has sleeves through which the hands of the operator can pass so that the cutting and plugging can be completed inside the bag and any escaping water collected at the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: A valved fitting for a sewer or drain line access is described which permits easy sewer line entry. The fitting includes a large-straight-bore valve body and a housing which is adapted for connection to a sewer line. Embodiments include removable and permanently attached fittings. A further feature is a flexible hose which attaches to the housing and can be used to prevent leakage of sewer liquids when the sewer line is to be cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a flexible bag into the interior of a fluid transmission line to form a plug by filling the bag with a freezable liquid. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical frame member with a flange for mounting the apparatus on a saddle member attached to the transmission line. A first telescoping tubular member is mounted on the frame member and supports second and third telescoping tubular members and provides a cavity for storing the bag in a collapsed condition. The second tubular member is connected to the bag and is operable to eject the bag from the first tubular member into the transmission line interior. The third tubular member is operable to extend into the bag interior, includes a liquid conduit for filling the bag and includes conduits for circulating cooling or heating fluid within the interior of the third tubular member to form a heat exchanger for accelerating the freezing or thawing of the liquid within the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for working on a section of gas main while it is in service comprising a work chamber formable around a section of the gas main and having means for admitting a tool thereto in a manner that it can be manipulated from outside the work chamber; means for removing the tool from the work chamber while maintaining the work chamber under gas pressure and means for safely evacuating the work chamber of gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing concentrations of liquid from a natural gas pipeline comprising a tap valve mounted on the pipeline at the upper portion thereof so as to be in communication with the interior of the pipeline. A siphon apparatus is removably mounted on the tap valve and includes a siphon pipe which is vertically movably mounted with respect to the tap valve. The siphon pipe is vertically movable from an upper position wherein the lower end of the siphon pipe is positioned above the tap valve to a lower position wherein the siphon pipe extends through the tap valve so that the lower end of the siphon pipe is positioned at the bottom interior of the pipeline. A discharge pipe extends from the siphon pipe and is in communication with a liquid holding tank. A siphon valve is imposed in the discharge pipe to permit the selective removal of the liquid from the pipeline. A portion of the siphon pipe is enclosed by an operating cylinder barrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging a gas meter without interrupting customer service. The apparatus preferably comprises a rigid frame for temporarily securing a meter to be exchanged independently of its mounting nuts, and an isolating enclosure adapted to be selectively removeably coupled about a portion of the meter loop terminal to provide a fluid flow bypass around the meter. A rigid conduit is adapted to be positioned within the enclosure means until the meter is removed, at which point it will be inserted in the meter loop to bypass the meter to facilitate enclosure removal. Purging apparatus is included to remove air from the enclosing volume and the replacement meter.

Abstract: A centrally bored and counterbored valve body is secured at one end to a refrigerant line. The line connected end of the valve body contains a normally closed valve core having a stem spring biased to close the valve core. The other end of the valve body contains a mandrel moveable toward and away from the valve core stem for opening and closing the latter. The mandrel contained end of the valve body is surrounded by a cap, containing a sealing ring, manually moved threadedly on the valve body for biasing the mandrel against the valve core stem to open position and sealing with the adjacent end of the valve body. At least one refrigerant outlet service valve is connected with the valve body through a valve body lateral port communicating with the valve body counterbore surrounding the mandrel.

Abstract: A gate valve, mounted in a drain pipe connected to a downstream exposed end of a part of a plumbing system subject to occasional freezing, is controlled to open and close by opposed pressures of a spring and a temperature controlled pressure of a refrigerant fluid in an expansible and contractable bellows, the respective pressures being equalized at 33 degrees F. with gate valve closed, the pressure differentials therebetween resulting from temperature changes progressively opening and closing valve at temperatures below 33 degrees F. and closing it and keeping it closed at 33 degrees F. and above, and thereby preventing the plumbing from freezing, by allowing water to flow therethrough at and below freezing.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing concentrations of liquid from a natural gas pipeline comprising a tap valve mounted on the pipeline at the upper portion thereof so as to be in communication with the interior of the pipeline. A siphon apparatus is removably mounted on the tap valve and includes a siphon pipe which is vertically movably mounted with respect to the tap valve. The siphon pipe is vertically movable from an upper position wherein the lower end of the siphon pipe is positioned above the tap valve to a lower position wherein the siphon pipe extends through the tap valve so that the lower end of the siphon pipe is positioned at the bottom interior of the pipeline. A discharge pipe extends from the siphon pipe and is in communication with a liquid holding tank. A siphon valve is imposed in the discharge pipe to permit the selective removal of the liquid from the pipeline. A portion of the siphon pipe is enclosed by an operating cylinder barrel.

Abstract: A sanitary pressure relief device which includes a rigid sleeve having an annular resilient collar secured to one end thereof, as by a ring clamp. This resilient collar is adapted to be clampingly and sealingly engaged around the end of a cleanout fitting, as by a further ring clamp. An elongated resilient glove is clampingly and sealingly engaged to the other end of the sleeve, as by a further ring clamp, which glove permits removal of a screw plug from the cleanout fitting. The sleeve has a discharge opening formed in the sidewall thereof, and a length of hose is connected to this discharge opening. A suitable valve or clamp is associated with the hose for opening and closing same, to permit the controlled discharge of liquid from a drain pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing concentrations of liquid from a natural gas pipeline comprising a tap valve mounted on the pipeline at the upper portion thereof so as to be in communication with the interior of the pipeline. A siphon apparatus is removably mounted on the tap valve and includes a siphon pipe which is vertically movably mounted with respect to the tap valve. The siphon pipe is vertically movable from an upper position wherein the lower end of the siphon pipe is positioned above the tap valve to a lower position wherein the siphon pipe extends through the tap valve so that the lower end of the siphon pipe is positioned at the bottom interior of the pipeline. A discharge pipe extends from the siphon pipe and is in communication with a liquid holding tank. A siphon valve is imposed in the discharge pipe to permit the selective removal of the liquid from the pipeline.