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: An apparatus for installing a reopenable shut-off valve into a flowing high pressure pipe, such as the production pipe in an uncontrolled flowing well, utilizes a cylindrical outer saddle member attached around the production pipe and providing a housing for the drilling, finishing and plugging assembly. The saddle is welded directly to the pipe section or attached via an intermediate layer of epoxy to add rigidity and strength to the pipe section. A rotary drill is advanced completely through the surrounding saddle and the internal production pipe and is followed axially by a valve plug. Sealing engagement of the valve plug in the cut hole may be attained by expanding the plug with internal fluid pressure or by utilizing a tapered plug held in sealing engagement with the similarly tapered hole by the application of an axial sealing force. A method for accessing the production pipe at an underground location for attaching the pipe plugging apparatus a safe distance from the well head is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-line fluid flow control valve adapted and designed for installation in an existing fluid line carrying fluid under pressure, without the necessity of interrupting flow of fluid through such line, and further provides apparatus for installation of the valve of the invention and a method of installation of the valve of the invention. The valve of the invention generally comprises a valve body having a sleeve to be placed around the fluid line and a neck extending outwardly from the sleeve, a double acting and hydraulically balanced valve member to seal the fluid line and the neck of the valve body, and a valve actuating assembly to operate the valve and to maintain proper alignment of the valve member.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping a fluid through a wall, comprising a vacuum source (24), a tapping head (1) provided at the front thereof with a circumferential seal (3) bounding a contact area, perforating means (4) to be brought into a position extending through the contact area, and at least one conduit (11, 111, and 211) communicating with the contact area for discharging air from the contact area enclosed by the seal (3) and for discharging fluid released. The invention provides an apparatus for easily and reliably tapping fluid that may be under excess pressure through a wall. In the contact area a reduced pressure can be generated by the vacuum source, resulting in that the tapping head is held against the wall and moreover no fluid can release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a branch conduit to an existing conduit (9) through a valve (1, 2), the valve being connected to the conduit in such a way that its flow channel (8) is directed tangentially of the conduit (9). A tool (12, 16, 20) is fixed to the outlet of the valve to cut an opening in the conduit (9) through the open valve (1, 2). The tool is designed with a piston having a side recess (13) formed with a cutting edge (20) so that when the piston is retracted from the flow channel, a portion (14) of the conduit (9) is severed and the severed portion (14) will be caught by and retained within the recess. After closing the valve, the tool is dismounted, the portion (14) is removed together with the tool and the branch conduit is connected in replacement of the tool.

Abstract: A method of rendering an existing pipeline flexible, by cutting out an intermediate portion of a pipe in a ring form, inserting a pipe joint into a cutout position, and connecting the pipe joint to the pipe. The pipe joint used in this method includes a plurality of sleeves interconnected in a fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The pipe joint is inserted into the cut-out position and connected to the pipe, with the plurality of sleeves substantially fixed to one another while being interconnected in the fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The sleeves are thereafter released from the fixed state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for injecting sealant into a packing assembly chamber surrounding a valve stem 11 of a valve 2 without venting the pressure within the valve 2. A cylindrical body 60 is frictionally welded to the exterior of the valve 2 adjacent the packing assembly chamber. A drill bit is passed into the body 60 and through a set of packing seals 87. An opening is completed into the packing chamber. As the drill bit is withdrawn from the body 60, a second valve 70 is manually "closed" to isolate the packing chamber from the drill bit and prevent the escape of pressurized fluid when the drill bit is removed from the seals 87. Thereafter, a device for injecting sealant is attached to the body 60 and the valve 70 is "opened" to allow the sealant to flow into the packing chamber.

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: 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 and apparatus are provided for injecting sealant into a packing assembly chamber surrounding a valve stem 11 of a valve 2 without venting the pressure within the valve 2. A cylindrical body 60 is frictionally welded to the exterior of the valve 2 adjacent the packing assembly chamber. A drill bit is passed into the body 60 and through a set of packing seals 87. An opening is completed into the packing chamber. As the drill bit is withdrawn from the body 60, a second valve 70 is manually "closed" to isolate the packing chamber from the drill bit and prevent the escape of pressurized fluid when the drill bit is removed from the seals 87. Thereafter, a device for injecting sealant is attached to the body 60 and the valve 70 is "opened" to allow the sealant to flow into the packing chamber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed 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, along with apparatus for performing steps of the method. To provide the bypass, a branching saddle is bonded to the pipe, and a fixture is mounted on the pipe at the saddle. The fixture comprises a barrel having an inlet at one end, into which the pipe stub of the branching saddle extends, and a second inlet at its opposite end, through which various tool-insertion assemblies may be inserted, and an axial bore connecting the inlets. A gate valve, housed within a drum around the midsection of the barrel, is operable to divide the barrel so that the bore region in its upper part is pressure-isolated from that in its lower part.

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: Hydraulic cylinder apparatus, including a ram and attached piercing element is chained and secured around a perforating gun. A hydraulic cylinder is pressurized to thereby drive the piercing element through the sidewall of the perforating gun. The piercing element is tapered so that it is self-sealing during penetration of the gun sidewall. The piercing element is allowed to retract in a controlled manner so as to control the depressurization of the perforating gun.

Abstract: This invention involves a method for recycling Freon by the use of an appropriate valve that is attached to the Freon source in the appliance. The appliance can be a refrigerator, an air conditioner or any structure using Freon. The valve is so constructed so as to have a puncture means which taps the Freon supply tube or other supply and conveys the Freon into a collection vessel which can be hermetically sealed once the Freon is collected. The collecting vessel is then brought to a collection center where the collected Freon is recycled and reused. This invention provides a valuable ecological function and also an incentive for the reuse of this material.

Abstract: A fluid connection is made to a conduit with a fluid connector by piercing a wall of the conduit. The connector includes a hollow nose portion. The connector is mounted on a tool having a punch pin extending through and beyond the nose portion. The wall is pierced by a point on the punch pin, and the hole is enlarged by forcing the nose portion through the wall while the punch pin supports the wall of the nose portion. A fluid tight seal is formed between the nose portion and a collar of deformed wall material.

Abstract: A fluid supply pipe (1) is drilled and tapped using a saddle (2) adhered to its surface, the drilling and tapping tools being attached to the saddle. The saddle (2) comprises a sole plate (3) snugly fitting on the pipe, and an upstanding collar (4) with a through bore (20) through which the cutting and tapping tools pass. During adhering the saddle to the pipe, adhesive is prevented from entering the bore (20) by provision of a closure member (21).

Abstract: A device is provided for permitting a first length of previously commissioned main to be extended by connecting a second length of main thereto, the device comprising a duct 1 having an inlet 2 for connection to the first length of main before it has been commissioned and an outlet 3 for connection to the second length of main after the first length of main has been commissioned, the outlet 3 being isolated from the inlet 2 by a barrier or wall 24 which may be punctured after the outlet 3 has been connected to the second length of main to effect communication between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3.

Abstract: A connector for establishing a communication between an existing water pipe and an additional conduit has a clamp arranged to clamp an existing water pipe and including a clamp housing and clamping elements cooperating with the latter, and a valve arranged to pierce the existing water pipe and establish a communication between the existing water pipe and the additional conduit, wherein a housing of the valve and the housing of the clamp together form an integral one piece housing element. A plunger of the valve has a contact surface which can be brought in contact with a seal and interrupt the communication in a water tight manner.

Abstract: A service tee comprises a tubular T-piece 1 having a through-portion 2 with a flexible lower end 6 for connection to a gas or water main 70 by way of a hole in the wall of the main and a side branch portion 3 for connection to a service pipe. The end 6 of the through-portion 2 is adapted for initial insertion into the hole in the wall of the main 70 and then for subsequent radial outward expansion so that its surface sealingly engages with the edge of the hole. An expander 4 is provided for location within the end 6 of the through-portion 2 and is adapted in a first position to permit initial insertion of the end of the through-portion into the hole and on movement to a second position to cause expansion of the end 6 into engagement with the edge of the hole.

Abstract: Piercing surge regulator valve for use with a liquid-carrying member. There is a valve body adapted to be connected to the fluid-carrying member in a sealing manner. The valve body comprises a housing and a housing fitting inside of the housing, the housing and housing fitting being movable in relation to each other. There is a bore in the valve body. There is also a container containing a flexible diaphragm therein so as to divide the container into two chambers, one chamber adapted to contain pressurized gas and the other chamber adapted to contain pressurized liquid, the container having a hole whereby the pressurized-liquid chamber communicates with the bore. A piercing element is present in the bore and has a passage therethrough. The housing fitting engages the piercing element, movement of the housing fitting inwardly in relation to the housing causing the piercing element to move in the direction toward the liquid-carrying member.

Abstract: A cable entry or exit pipe is formed on a fluid transportation pipeline while in normal operation full of and transporting a fluid under a positive pressure, by a method which comprises the steps: (a) producing two semi-cylindrical shells, one of which carries an oblique branch pipe and has an aperture aligned with the bore of the branch pipe; (b) securing in a fluid tight manner around the pipeline the two shells so as to form a reinforcing collar carrying an oblique branch pipe lying at an acute angle suitable for the entry into and exit from the pipeline of a cable; (c) securing in a fluid tight manner to the free end of the branch pipe an isolating valve; (d) securing in a fluid tight manner to the free side of the isolating valve a fluid tight drilling apparatus equipped with a drilling bit; (e) opening the valve and introducing the drill bit through the opened valve into the branch pipe; (f) rotating and progressively advancing the drill bit into contact with and through the wall of the pipeline section

Abstract: A method is provided for temporarily or permanently blocking the bore of a gas service pipe 5. In the method a resilient ball 6 is forced along the pipe 5 from the gas meter tap end of the pipe 5 by gas pressure, the ball 6 forming a force fit sufficient to resist any attempt to dislodge it by the pressure of gas in the pipe 5. The ball 6 is forced to a position where it is outside the gas consumer's premises 1.

Abstract: A bubbler container for containing and transporting ultra-pure corrosive and poisonous liquid reagents which must be protected from exposure to air and from transmission of gas or vapor through containment walls, means for using the same in connection with unique valving and multiple layer seals for conduits is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a plastic fitting and a line stopping mechanism to a main includes a stopper shaft which is used to remove a completion plug in the fitting during installation, and to control the line stopper mechanism once it is installed within the fitting; a connection between the stopper shaft and an external drive shaft is provided which includes both left and righthanded threads in order to prevent the connection from loosening while it is being torqued in different directions. A method of installing the fitting which includes electric resistance fusing is also disclosed.

Abstract: For use in a hot tapping system having a plug receiving flange providing communication into the interior of a pipeline, a completion machine for attachment to the flange providing means to install or retrieve a plug from within the flange, the machine being formed of an elongated cylindrical housing having a flange portion to removably sealably engage the plug receiving flange and the housing forming a hydraulic cylinder, an elongated tubular control bar reciprocally and non-rotatably received within the housing, a piston within the cylinder secured to the control bar by which the control bar is hydraulically displaced, and a rotatable retention rod telescopically received within the control bar and having a threaded end to attach to a plug, the retention rod being secured to a plug for placement of the plug into a flange or the removal therefrom.

Abstract: A cassette containing a group of sealed cells is used as a means for delivering doses of fluid to be injected into a sterilizing chamber. After the cassette is automatically positioned over a piercing mechanism, the cassette is moved downwardly so that a cell is pierced. Fluid is then forced out of the cell by pneumatic pressure into an injector valve, which opens in a manner which does not adversely affect a vacuum within the chamber.

Abstract: Subterranean service pipes, eg. water mains, are tapped by minimal excavation to expose the upper half of the main and then locating (with respect to the main) a conventional pipe-tapping device but without employing means encircling the pipe. Thus, a clamp can be used, or a saddle adhesively secured to the pipe. The clamp or saddle preferably provide means for proper orientation of the drilling and tapping tool with respect to the main.

Abstract: Steam distribution lines may be adapted for desuperheat without being removed from service by adding a branch conduit and a closure valve, hot tapping the line through the closure valve and adding a desuperheater apparatus including an elongated injection conduit with water injection nozzles disposed near the distal end thereof. An insertion and retraction device is mounted on the valve and supports the desuperheater apparatus for insertion of the desuperheat water injection conduit into the interior of the distribution line without interrupting steam flow. Temperature indicators and controllers are similarly installed on the distribution line downstream of the desuperheater apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for tapping a tubular member includes a split ring type clamp arrangement having a tapping tee assembly extending therefrom. The clamp arrangement includes a combination alignment/hold structure to facilitate orientation of the clamp arrangement with the tubular member. A combination valve and cutting tool cooperates with the tapping tee assembly. An annular cutting surface on the tool has a first diameter for cutting an aperture in the tubular member. An annular, conical flange portion on the exterior of the tool spreads the aperture to a diameter greater than the first diameter, while a sealing land on the cutting tool has a second diameter larger than the first diameter and is adapted for close receipt in the aperture. A radial shoulder engages an internal surface of the tubular member for securely clamping and sealing the tapping tee assembly thereto.

Abstract: This process permits an inlet/outlet to be established in a liquid filled tank using an underwater diver without the necessity of draining or otherwise putting the tank out of service. The diver enters the tank at the top and places a dry pot against about the center of the back of the manhole cover. A hole is drilled in the manhole cover and a pipe nipple inserted through the hole. A flange is provided on the pipe nipple and if a gasket is not used, it is welded completely around to prevent leakage. A cap or valve is screwed onto the pipe nipple on the outside and the dry pot is removed. Various other ways of placing the pipe nipple through the wall are described. The installed nipple can be used by attaching a suction hose thereto for the purpose of removing sediments from the floor of the tank. If desired a smaller inlet/outlet installed in this manner is used to supply air for a diver working on the inside of the tank.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve having an external valve body substantially cylindrical, with a bore therethrough positioned atop the exterior of the pipe, an internal stem portion movable within the bore within the valve body, including a tip for extruding in through a bore in the wall of the pipe, a piston member housed within the internal movable valve body movable from a first position locking fluid flow up through the internal body and a second position allowing fluid to enter the internal body and enter a drain port, a spring member intermediate the upper portion of the valve head and the internal body for biasing the piston member in a normally closed fluid bloding position, means on the valve body for imparting force on the upper portion of the internal member for driving the lower tip portion through the wall of a particular type of fluid flow pipe, and insulation means for housing the external valve and for insulating the valve from direct contact with the fluid flow line.

Abstract: A well casing penetrator includes an elongated housing enclosing an outwardly movable hydraulic driven punch for cutting an opening in a casing. A high pressure liquid jet nozzle is mounted on the end of a hose which moves outwardly through an axial bore in the punch when extended through the casing to cut a radially extending opening in the surrounding earth. The punch includes longitudinal slots along opposite sides which cause tabs to be bent back along opposite sides of the opening cut in the casing to prevent dislodging of any portion of the casing from the casing as a consequence of the operation of the punch.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for temporarily clamping a tapping tee saddle 1 to a pipe 9 has a platform 2 and a pressure member 32 which is connected to the platform by a rod 24 slidable in a screw shaft 16, the shaft 16 being screw adjustable relative to the platform 2. A compression spring 40 is provided between the pressure member 32 and the shaft 16. Flexible straps 54 are connected to the platform 2 to extend around the pipe 9 for clamping the assembly to hold the saddle on the pipe. Clamping pressure is provided by screw adjustment of the shaft 16 in the platform 2 to compress the spring 40 between the member 32 and shaft 16 and a consequent reaction against the straps 54. During adjustment of the shaft 16, the rod 24 is displaced relative thereto and its position in the shaft 16 provides an indication of the clamping pressure which is exerted on the saddle 1.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for tapping a tubular member includes a split ring type clamp arrangement having a tapping tee assembly extending therefrom. The clamp arrangement includes a combination alignment/hold structure to facilitate orientation of the clamp arrangement with the tubular member. A combination valve and cutting tool cooperates with the tapping tee assembly. An annular cutting surface on the tool has a first diameter for cutting an aperture in the tubular member. An annular, conical flange portion on the exterior of the tool spreads the aperture to a diameter greater than the first diameter, while a sealing land on the cutting tool has a second diameter larger than the first diameter and is adapted for close receipt in the aperture. A radial shoulder engages an internal surface of the tubular member for securely clamping and sealing the tapping tee assembly thereto.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a novel method of perforating a main pipeline while in service, and split joints suited to this method, in order to connect a branch pipeline thereto. According to this method, perforating work is carried out from an opposite side across the main pipeline to where the branch pipeline is connected, as distinct from known methods in which perforating work is carried out on the side of the main pipeline to which a branch pipeline is connected.

Abstract: The gas supply mechanism includes a main body, a nut, a packing having an O-ring part and a ringlike flange part, a piercing body and a valve housing. The O-ring part fits well the sealing cover of a gas cartridge even if the surface of the sealing cover is not flat. The valve housing has a gas passage and a bypass which enables to prevent pulsation of gas flow.

Abstract: A method of replacing an inlet valve for a hot water tank, comprising removing the existing valve and inserting a new valve particularly adapted for use in the present invention. The new valve is connected to the pipe end portion of the inlet pipe by means of a compression nut and a ferrule, with the compression nut attaching to exterior threads on a first connecting portion of the valve. Then the flex tube connecting member is interconnected with the exterior threads of a second pipe connecting portion. The valve itself is a gate valve with a full flow through passageway, and the two exteriorly threaded connecting portions are to be connected to the compression nut and the flex tube connecting nut, respectively.

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 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: A machine for safely cutting a hole in a pressurized main pipe wall within an attached branch pipe, without requiring temporary main pipe clamps or permanent branch line valves and fittings. The pipe tapping machine is clamped to the branch pipe, providing a temporary seal and self-centering hole cutting guide. A valved port is provided to leak or proof test the branch pipe and sleeve prior to cutting and vent fluid after the hole is cut. Inserts can be provided to adapt to various branch pipe sizes. A hole segment retainer can also be provided to minimize downstream damage to the main pipe. Handles, ratchets and stops are provided to quickly tap the main pipe without damage to the opposite wall.

Abstract: A molded tapping member for connecting a branch line to a pipeline includes a U-shaped saddle piece with a shell-shaped bight section and a pair of laterally spaced legs each extending outwardly from an opposite end of the bight section. The legs are formed of partial sections connected to one another by a film hinge. After positioning the tapping member on the pipeline by moving it radially toward the pipeline axis, the bight section and the legs are pressed around the pipeline. A heating wire mat is incorporated into the U-shaped saddle piece so that it fits closely around the pipeline for welding the tapping member to the pipeline. With the construction of this saddle piece a uniform welding pressure can be established during the welding operation.

Abstract: A fluid pressure entry tap valve for use with pressurized pipes comprising a Wye device with an on-off valve of the ball type in each of two forks of the Wye. Preferably, one fork is in-line with the stem of the Wye while the other fork is at an angle thereto. The Wye stem is externally threaded for complementary engagement with a pipe saddle structure. The saddle structure is designed for either clamping to the pipe, or for being welded thereto.During use the Wye fork which is straight in-line with the stem has it's ball valve opened so a wet tap drill can be inserted to make an opening into the pipe under pressure. Then after removal of the drill the associated valve is closed. A curved guide directional shoe then is mounted upon the Wye, the valve opened again, and the guide inserted through the Wye into the pressurized pipe. Then the ball valve in the angled other fork of the Wye can be opened and a detector head of leak detector apparatus inserted therethrough into the pipe while still under pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling into a pipe under pressure to form a branch has a casing which can be connected to an isolating valve of a tee-fitting and through which a drill bit passes within the tee-fitting and the valve. The drill bit is surrounded by a barrel sealed with respect to the casing so that the casing rearwardly of the drill bit forms a chamber receiving drilling debris.

Abstract: A clamping device for connecting a branchpipe to a main pipe buried underground, has a main body with a lower side having a curved surface for engaging the main pipe and, at the same time, is provided with a connection port for a branched coupling. Arms are supported by sections of the body on both sides of the connection port cand on the upper side of the main body. These arms are extended downwardly so as to hold the main pipe and move for free rotation with respect to the support sections. Arm retainers are idly supported at the centers by bolts which are screwed into threaded holes provided on a midplane of the support sections of the main body. The retainers have pushing sections formed on both their ends for pushing the arms from above, at external sides of the support sections. Only a small working hole must be excavated for connecting the branched pipe to the main pipe since the clamping device can be positioned and tightened from ground level.

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 valve which can be applied to a water pipe while the pipe remains in service. The body of the valve is formed in two sections which can be applied to the outside surface of the water pipe and secured together in precise alignment with one another by tapered pins. A reciprocating gate which forms the valve element is bifurcated and includes a pair of gate sections carrying knife edges which cut through the pipe wall when the gate is initially moved to its closed position. This cuts away a ring from the water pipe and permits the gate to function to control water flow through the valve. The scrap ring which is cut away from the pipe is forced by the gate into a cavity disposed out of the flow line. The gate crushes the ring against a complemental convex surface of the cavity. Camming interaction between the leading ends of the gate sections and the convex surface mechanically forces the gate sections away from one another to press them firmly against the valve seats when the gate is fully closed.

Abstract: A drilling machine operable by a single operator to tap into a pipeline includes an elongated boring bar to which a number of different tools such as drills and hole saws may be removably attached. The boring bar is positioned within a body tube allowing rotation of the boring bar relative to the body tube. The body tube is positioned within an internally threaded feed tube such that as the feed tube is rotated, the boring bar is advanced. Manual or automatic driving equipment is secured to the boring bar to rotate the tool. A clutch mechanically couples the rotation of the driving equipment to the feed tube to move the tool into the pipeline at a controlled rate. The clutch includes a feed nut threadably secured to the feed tube. Adjacent the feed nut is a clutch member slideably secured to the feed tube. A biasing member such as a wave spring is position between the feed nut and the clutch member.

Abstract: A line piercing valve assembly has a transverse cylindrical bore for the reception of a length of tubing to be pierced and an interior recess open to the outside disposed within which is a piercing needle and valve member depressable into the bore for flow communication with the pierced or tapped line, the piercing needle and valve member normally being spring urged away from the length of tubing into sealing contact with a valve seat. A depressor pin is removeably attached to the upper end of the piercing needle and valve member for depressing it sufficiently to pierce the tubing upon screw-threading advancement of an internally-threaded cap enclosing the open end of the interior recess, the interior bottom wall of the cap abuttingly engaging the outer end of the pin for this purpose. An "O" ring seated within an annular recess concentric with and open into the cylindrical bore seals against leakage of the tubing pierced.

Abstract: In installing angle stop valves by a plumbing fixture such as below a sink, in a dwelling, where two capped stub-out pipes extend out from the wall and have respective hot and cold water under pressure, a new angle stop valve of this valve assembly is endwise directed over the sealing cap of the stub-out pipe, and also partially over the stub-out pipe, where it is then secured to the stub-out pipe. During and after this assembly its internal sealing gaskets bear against the stub-out pipe. When water is needed in an installed sink, the handle of this new angle stop valve is rotated causing its self-contained stainless steel pin to pierce the respective sealing end cap to create an orifice. Upon the withdrawal of this stainless steel pin, the water flows from the stub-out through the unsealed end cap, through this valve and on to the sink faucet. At all times during this installation the main water system of the dwelling remains turned on under pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus which is provided for closing a fluid valve in response to initial movement, as for example caused by a seismic disturbance, which is removably mountable to existing inline valves, such as gas valves. The apparatus includes a trigger which is responsive to seismic movement, particularly at a resonant frequency, to release a pressurized fluid supply which in turn drives a mechanical actuator to actuate the subject valve through the existing valve coupling. The existing valve coupling is typically a valve stem which must be rotated approximately ninety degrees from an open position to a closed position. The pneumatic drive is sufficiently powerful to actuate valves which are noticeably difficult to actuate manually. The force required to actuate the trigger mechanism is independent of the force required to actuate the valve, in accordance with the invention.