Abstract: A device for tapping a conduit, which conducts a flowing fluid, comprises a housing, which has a principal part, a fixing part running flush with the principal part for fixing to the conduit and an outlet part for discharging fluid from the tapped conduit. A rotating cutting device is provided in the principal part, said device being displaceable from a retracted first position into an extended second position, in which a section of the wall is cut out of the conduit. A telescopic shaft, which is fixed on one side to the principal part and on the other side to the cutting device, is provided. The telescopic shaft has at least two segments that can be displaced in relation to each other in a sealed manner and is fixed to the principal part in a sealed manner. The telescopic shaft does not protrude beyond the principal part as a result of its axial extensibility or retractability, thus ensuring a compact construction and ease of use.

Abstract: A device for producing bypasses under pressure in fluid piping systems, including a horizontal T-shaped body having a radial conduit which can be connected to a connecting collar or seat of the pipe to be bypassed and a radial conduit with a mouth for extracting fluid from the bypass. The device includes an inverted cup-shaped cutter with an overdimensioned tooth crown and, on the rear part thereof, a stepped extension with two threaded areas. One of the threaded areas is attached to the upper neck of the radial conduit and is closed with a cover and gaskets. The device further includes an actuation means which can be positioned on the neck and which is equipped with a feed screw and a shaft which can be connected to the end threaded area of the cutter by means of a male connector and a nut.

Abstract: A carbonation retaining closure assembly device for beverage containers. The device comprising a cap member manufactured to seal and adapted to engage with the mouth of the beverage container. An inner groove surrounds the outer peripheral edge of the cap member forming a stud within the center of the cap member. The stud has a threaded outer wall. A connector member has an internal bore dimensioned to accommodate the length and circumference of the stud. The bore has means for securely engaging upon the outer wall of the stud. A cutting means is internally mounted within the top layer of the bore wherein a slit is punctured within the outer wall as the connector member is engaged upon the stud. A dispensing mechanism is disposed upon the top of the connector member for dispensing the beverage through the slit such that the carbonation level in the beverage container is retained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe tapping apparatus to couple new pipes to an existing pipe. The pipe tapping apparatus includes a base pipe, having a saddle-shaped socket part to be in close contact with the main pipe to pass a fluid therein; and a bending part coupled to the saddle-shaped socket part. The pipe tapping apparatus further includes a coupling pipe to be coupled to the sub-pipe extending to a predetermined place in which the supplied fluid is used, with a ball valve provided in the coupling pipe to control the flow of fluid passing through the coupling pipe. The pipe tapping apparatus further includes an electric heat-welding pipe to couple the coupling pipe to the base pipe. The electric heat-welding pipe has a first heating wire which is provided in the electric heat-welding pipe to weld the electric heat-welding pipe to the base pipe, and a second heating wire which is provided in the electric heat-welding pipe to integrate the coupling pipe with the electric heat-welding pipe.

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 saddle tee and tap combination for making a fluid connection with an irrigation line in an irrigation system. The saddle tee includes a base having a passage therethrough, and a clamp thereon for engaging an irrigation line. The clamp holds the irrigation line in alignment with the passage, and compresses the irrigation line into an generally oval cross-section elongated in the direction of the axis of the passageway. The tap has a tip with a pointed end adapted to be inserted into the passageway so that the pointed end penetrates the wall of the irrigation line engaged in the clamp, in the direction of the elongation of the cross section.

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: The drip system tool is similar to a pair of pliers with a piercing member and a retention member crossed in the center and rotatably fastened together. The piercing member has a handle with a gripping surface on one end and an inwardly projecting piercing pin on the opposite end. The retention member has a handle with a gripping surface on one end and an inwardly projecting arcuate retention hook on the opposite end. The retention hook is of a sufficient diameter to retain a piece of irrigation hose for the formation of a hole by the piercing pin. The retention member also features an axially oriented extension formed with a cylindrical socket for holding a conventional connector fitting for a drip irrigation system.

Abstract: The converter for converting a mechanical joint to a socket fusion joint includes a body having an inner surface, a stop disposed on the inner surface, and a fusion surface extending from the stop for a distance d1. The converter also includes a marker disposed on the outer surface for providing a reference location as to where the body can be severed to keep d1?FM, wherein FM is the minimum fusion surface length allowable for the fusion socket joint. A method for repairing a leaking mechanical joint is provided which includes severing the mechanical coupling from the converter and the pipe. The method also includes performing a facing operation on the converter end surface to form a faced end such that the fusion surface extends between the faced end and a stop for an axial distance d1?FM.

Abstract: A tool having a hand gripping region for rotational attachment to an irrigation system with the tool having soft bumps thereon spaced from each other and affixed to the hand gripping region to cushion the user's hand as an irrigation component is field attached to an irrigation system.

Abstract: A plumbing tool includes an elongated hollow shaft and a resilient member attached to the shaft adjacent a shaft end. The resilient member extends radially outward and is sized to closely fit within a pipe inner diameter. Once the pipe has been cut, the tool is forced into the pipe end and the resilient member closely fits within the pipe inner diameter to block fluid flow. As the shaft is hollow, fluid flow is diverted through the shaft. A valve is then passed over the tool to engage the pipe end. As the fluid is being diverted through the tool, the value is then soldered to the pipe without concern for the heat sink effect of fluid passage through the pipe. Once the valve has been properly soldered to the pipe end, the tool is simply pulled through the valve and removed. Capping of the pipe end with the valve is therefore rapidly achieved with minimal disruption to the users.

Abstract: A cable for laying in plastic tubes for transporting gas or water is described that comprises a cable core assembly and a plastic sheath surrounding the cable core assembly, in which cable the plastic used for the plastic tube and the plastic for the sheath can be welded together.

Abstract: The invention is an improved conduit flow controller for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture defined by a continuous peripheral edge in the sidewall of the conduit. An elongated housing surrounds the aperture and is sealingly connected to the conduit. A conduit stopper is movably mounted in the housing and is positionable in the conduit. The conduit stopper includes a deformable sealing element having opposed flat sides and an edge engageable with the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected with the sealing element. A resilient seal is mounted on a carrier and is engageable with the continuous edge. The sealing element is cooperative with the seal to close a portion of the conduit to regulate the flow of fluid along the elongated conduit.

Abstract: A valve assembly for insertion in a line formed by an existing pipe of predetermined outside diameter containing fluid under pressure includes a valve body with a bonnet-supporting flange that defines an access way into the valve body through which an installer can cut and remove a section of the existing pipe. A bonnet with a moveable gate having a width no less than the predetermined outside diameter of the pipe, includes a flange-mating portion that fits into the access way in a fluid-tight fit while defining a gate opening through which the gate moves into the valve body to a closed position in which the gate extends through the gate-receiving gap in the pipe and into fluid-tight engagement of the valve body.

Abstract: A V-shaped frame 102 is attached to a pipe 100 to be drilled. The frame may be used with larger pipes by attaching a removable extension plates 120 to the arms 104 106 of the V-shaped frame, thereby increasing the size of the recess between the arms 104, 106. The apparatus may be fixed to the pipe 100 by a chain 110 which connects to the platform 102 and extends around the pipe 100, or by attaching clips to the frame and attaching the clips to the surface of the pipe by screws etc.

Abstract: A tapping valve having a housing which can be electrically welded to a pipe and which includes a connection piece (2) with a drill (24) therein for drilling the pipe. The connection piece has an inner surface (34). The drill or a bushing (70) in which the drill can be moved axially by a threaded connection (74, 76; 80, 82) is provided with an external thread which engages the inner surface of the connection piece. Inner surface (34) is constructed such that it is initially cylindrical adjacent the external thread (32) and an inner thread can be formed in the inner surface (34) using the external thread (32) by rotating the drill (24) or the thread (70) in an axially forward direction (30). The tapping valve is easy to manufacture and yet offers a high degree of functional reliability.

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: A combination junction provides a fluid, electrical-power and control-signal connections. A combination tap comprises a flow probe that pierces a main conduit when it is attached to it. It thereby provides fluid communication between a tap conduit and the main conduit. The combination tap also includes one or more tap electrical conductors to tap electrical conductors embedded in the main-conduit wall.

Abstract: A method of sealing a pipe and a device for sealing the pipe which prevents gas leakage out of a pipe stub plugged by a stopper disposed in a tee fitting, to allow a permanent cap to be welded onto the pipe. The device comprises an expandable plug comprising a pair of plates with a sealing member disposed between the plates. The plates can be squeezed together, for example by tightening nuts onto bolts extending through the plates to compress the sealing member and cause the periphery of the sealing member to expand against the inner wall of the pipe. Stabilizing means, for example a nut having a reverse thread and a complimentary tool, is provided for stabilizing the expandable plug radially within the pipe as the plates are squeezed together. The expandable plug is inserted into the pipe stub after the bypassed section of pipe has been removed, and lodged in the pipe by squeezing the plates together to expand the sealing member against the inner wall of the pipe stub.

Abstract: A self-piercing radiator drain valve which is implemented in a radiator requiring the coolant therein to be drained, particularly a radiator having no integrated drain valve. A radiator foot has a blind bore. A self-piercing valve body including a piercing tip and a resilient seal is threadingly driven into the blind bore to cause the piercing tip to penetrate the bore end wall and enter into a coolant reservoir tank, thereby providing a valve orifice for draining the tank. The seal provides coolant tight sealing with respect to the valve orifice for the remaining life of the radiator. At any time in the future, coolant draining and refilling can again be performed by unthreading and then rethreading the self-piercing valve with respect to the blind bore, as recounted.

Abstract: Adaptor assemblies are detailed. Preferably for connecting automatic pool cleaning apparatus to return lines of swimming pool water-circulation systems, the assemblies utilize spurs that may affirmatively grip, or cut or gouge into, the return lines to retain the adaptors in position. Releasing the adaptors may occur with use of a release line which retracts the spurs when activated. Avoiding release of the spurs through rotation of the assemblies allows rotation for other purposes as, for example, to connect the device to a hose or other apparatus. A bellows or other assembly additionally may be included with the assemblies to facilitate their sealing against walls or other surfaces in which the return lines are embedded.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved structure of a piercing drain device used on a sealed chamber mainly comprising a first component, a second component, a piercing component, a first arc pad and a second arc pad. Because the first component and the second component are pivoted on their end portion, increasing the force arm, the force of clamping is then increased to improve the gastight. Without any pad or only with the first arc pad or with both the first and the second arc pad, the improved structure is used on three different sizes sealed chamber, and has wide range utilization.

Abstract: A device for connecting a branch pipe (54) on a fluid-transporting piping system (C). The device (B) includes a support portion (12) on a wall of the piping system (C); a piece (28) for connecting the pipe (54); a perforating member (20) provided with a cutter (70) for perforating the wall (10) of the pipe and a cylindrical portion (71) mounted atop the cutter whereof the outer face (60) is smooth. The device further includes a shaft (16) cylindrical in shape along an axis (51) which receives the perforating member (20) and wherein the perforator can be displaced by screwing to pass from a position perforating the wall (10) to a retracted position inside the shaft (16). A seal (E, 30) is disposed between the shaft (16) and the perforating member (20). The support portion (12), the connecting piece (28), the shaft (16) and the seal (E) are made integral by moulding or overmoulding, and the seal is supported on the outer face of the perforating member (20).

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: In order to free a seized valve, an inspection port is formed in a wall of the valve body and the areas where the valve is seized are determined. One or more injection ports are formed in the valve body adjacent to the seized portions of the valve, pressurized fluid (preferably an insoluble lubricant having a very high cone penetration) is injected through the or each injection port and the injection ports are then closed.

Abstract: A tapping connector for a pipeline, vessel or the like wherein the connector has a membrane disposed therein. The membrane may be curved or arcuate and may be configured to offer a partially cylindrical profile that resembles the wall of a pipe. The tapping connector may be used to provide future connection points for branch lines to the pipeline, vessel or other containment structure. The membrane so configured may be removed by conventional pipe tapping equipment.

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: 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 refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.

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: Apparatus for tapping a hole in a pipeline adapted to be attached to a support assembly having sealed communication with the exterior of a pipeline and having a tapping machine body with a boring bar rotatably supported therein with a circular cutter at the lower end thereof, a feed screw rotatably supported by the tapping machine body for axially positioning the boring bar, a hydraulically powered boring bar drive assembly within the tapping machine body driving the boring bar, a hydraulically powered feed screw drive assembly within the tapping machine body driving the feed screw and an auxiliary drive shaft affixed to rotate the feed screw drive assembly extending exteriorly of the tapping machine body and adapted to receive supplementary mechanical rotary energy for rotation of the feed screw so the boring bar can be retracted if hydraulic power is lost. A pressure compensation system permits the apparatus to be operated in a subsea environment.

Abstract: A hot tapping tool having a stationary tubular member threadedly engaged to a movable tubular member adapted for rotational and axial movement with respect to the stationary member with said movable tubular member operably connected to a shaft having cutter head and causing said shaft to move axially toward and away from a pipe line to be cut.

Abstract: A fluid supply interruption free cutting apparatus of the present invention comprises a seal-up housing and a drill. The drill has a milling cutting tool turned by a motor. The seal-up housing is of a structure suited to turn in the circumferential direction of an existing pipe. A first housing part of the seal-up housing is formed with a cutting tool insertion aperture through which the cutting tool is inserted and with a gate passage aperture through which a gate passes that is inserted for cutting off the flow of a fluid through the interior of the existing pipe after cutting of the existing pipe. The first housing part is provided with a first operation valve to open or close the gate passage aperture and with a second operation valve to open or close the cutting tool insertion aperture. An anticorrosive member is fitted in the opening formed in the cutting of the existing pipe.

Abstract: A tapping apparatus having a drilling device for producing an outlet on a medium-carrying pipeline, on which a tapping fitting is arranged, and having a drive and advance device for driving and advancing a drilling tool is proposed, a coupling and uncoupling mechanism being arranged for coupling and uncoupling the drive device to and from the advance device for the drilling tool. The tapping apparatus is of modular construction, can be dismantled into individual parts and is easy to operate.

Abstract: An irrigation system for selectively providing water to various plants in a relative same area with different rates of application of water. The system has a first valve for connecting a water supply with a tube in a edging. The edging has vertical web with a flange for locating the tube in a fixed position within the area with respect to various plants. A plurality of second control valves are located on the tube in a plane tangent to the web such that a first end cap on each of the control valves is below an apex of the tube. Each second valve is characterized by a body having a first projection that extends into the tube. The body has a stepped axial bore that extends into the first projection to meet a cross bore for communicating water presented to the tube into the stepped axial bore. The stepped axial bore is connected to an outlet port in a first end cap by an internal port.

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: 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 tapping valve having a housing which can be electrically welded to a pipe and which includes a connection piece (2) with a drill (24) therein for drilling the pipe. The connection piece has an inner surface (34). The drill or a bushing (70) in which the drill can be moved axially by a threaded connection (74, 76; 80, 82) is provided with an external thread which engages the inner surface of the connection piece. Inner surface (34) is constructed such that it is initially cylindrical adjacent the external thread (32) and an inner thread can be formed in the inner surface (34) using the external thread (32) by rotating the drill (24) or the thread (70) in an axially forward direction (30). The tapping valve is easy to manufacture and yet offers a high degree of functional reliability.

Abstract: Apparatus for blocking the bore of a pipe (1) comprises a plurality of elongate shutter member (15-17) pivotably mounted to an elongate support member (3/3a) for insertion through a pre-drilled aperture (8) in the pipe wall. Actuating means (14) are provided for pivoting the shutter members (15-17) from an insertion configuration in which they substantially aligned with said support member (3a) and deployed configuration in which they are fanned out across the bore of the pipe (1). Each shutter member (15-17) is pivoted about a point (9) located towards one end thereof and towards the insertion end of the support member (3a) so as in use to lie between the axis of the bore of the pipe and the wall of the pipe (1) opposite the location of said aperture.

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: An aeration valve for drink cans with a valve insert radially movable in an elastic bung sleeve is provided. The sleeve includes a holding mechanism and sealings. A radially movable valve insert includes a gripping part formed substantially as plate with an axial projection formed centrally thereon and a holder in which the projection engages. The projection has at least one surface which forms a channel with the inner wall of a soft part of the sleeve. The holder has at least one sealing surface which, together with the inner wall of the sleeve formed by the soft part, seals off the lateral bore against liquid, and at least one surface which forms a channel with the inner wall of the soft part of the sleeve. The plate of the gripping part has recesses which, with the surface of the outer flange, form a channel running parallel thereto. The plate of the gripping part may include a cam formed on the lower side which engages in a recess in the outer flange.

Abstract: A filter vent fitting for a drum which allows for the passage of hydrogen gas but precludes the passage of radioactive particulates, the fitting having evacuation/pressurization conduits which allow the drum to be evacuated or pressurized, and cryogenic/sapling conduits which allow the temperature of the drum to be reduced and samples drawn from the interior which are not filtered. Preferably a cap member is provided with a pressure balancing bore which is active during the evacuation and pressurization steps.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for tapping into a fluid containing vessel from a valve device connected with the vessel. The apparatus is comprised of a housing having a lower end adapted for attachment of the apparatus to the valve device, the housing defining a housing bore, the housing bore defining a housing bore axis. A feed rod assembly is connected with the housing adjacent to the housing bore. In addition, a feed nut is connected with the feed rod assembly, the feed nut defining a first bore. A drilling rod extends through the housing bore and is rotatably supported in the first bore of the feed nut and a drilling bit is connected to a lower end of the drilling rod, for tapping into the vessel. Manipulation of the feed rod assembly results in axial movement of the feed nut and the drilling rod relative to the housing bore axis so that the drilling rod moves through the housing bore.

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 headspace gas sampling and venting method utilizes a vent port and a sampling port which are punched through the lid of a drum containing hazardous materials, such as transuranic waste. In accordance with the system, a punch having a hollow passage therethrough, which passage has a filter element therein is first inserted through the lid using a pneumatic gun. A second punch, similar to the first punch, but having a passage with a septa seal therein is thereafter inserted through the lid with the pneumatic gun. Headspace gas beneath the lid is then sampled with a needle inserted through the septa seal. Both the venting port and sampling port are configured with detachable punch points which pass through the lid and are then released from the venting and sampling ports so as to open ends of the passages therethrough for communication with the headspace.

Abstract: A device for facilitating manual gripping of pipes and connectors includes first and second elements hingedly interconnected and biased open by a spring element. Each element includes a channel with projections deployed to define gripping features for gripping a roughly cylindrical object of given outer diameter. The first and second elements provide grasp surfaces which, in the closed position, lie within a cylindrical volume of diameter four times the given outer diameter and generally circumscribe the object.

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: A plumbing tool includes an elongated hollow shaft and a resilient member attached to the shaft adjacent a shaft end. The resilient member extends radially outward and is sized to closely fit within a pipe inner diameter. Once the pipe has been cut, the tool is forced into the pipe end and the resilient member closely fits within the pipe inner diameter to block fluid flow. As the shaft is hollow, fluid flow is diverted through the shaft. A valve is then passed over the tool to engage the pipe end. As the fluid is being diverted through the tool, the valve is then soldered to the pipe without concern for the heat sink effect of fluid passage through the pipe. Once the valve has been properly soldered to the pipe end, the tool is simply pulled through the valve and removed. Capping of the pipe end with the valve is therefore rapidly achieved with minimal disruption to the users.