Abstract: A tubular assembly which includes a first (or outer) tube (12), a second (or inner) tube (21) and a plug (42) within the second tube (21) is described. The plug (42) resides within at least a portion of the second tube (21), which itself resides within a portion of the first tube (12). The first (12) and second (21) tubes each have perforations (15, 24), at least some of which are aligned. The plug (42) has cavities (45) in its exterior surface (48), at least some of which are aligned with the aligned perforations (36). Plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic material) is molded through aligned perforations (36) and at least partially fills aligned cavities (45). The edges (39) of aligned perforations (36) are embedded in the plastic material (53) molded therethrough. The plastic material (53) extending through aligned perforations (36), into cavities (45) and embedding perforation edges (39) therein, serves to fixedly attach the first tube (12), second tube (21) and plug (42) together.

Abstract: A method of repairing a leak at a branch pipe location in a manner that it is not necessary to drain the water or the liquid from the main pipe at which the repair is being made. The end of the existing branch pipe is removed from a connector at the main pipe, and a temporary plug with an elongate handle is used to branch the connector opening. With the opening remaining closed, an intermediate connector is placed over the elongate handle and welded to the connector, after which the plug member is taken from the opening and a permanent plug put in the upper end of the intermediate connector.

Abstract: Pipeline stopping tools for use in temporarily stopping flow in a pipeline have features for centering a conduit or cable within the pipeline. The conduit or cable is guided into a recess, to avoid damage as the pipeline is squeezed closed. Alternative pipeline stopping stools have features for sealing against both the inside walls of the pipeline and against the cable. In a first tool, a linkage on a handle drives seal lips on a seal ring to engage around and seal against the cable in the pipeline, while the outer edges of the seal ring seal against the inside walls of the pipeline. The linkage includes jaws which force the seal lips against the cable. In a second tool, a resilient seal is attached over a center plate and side plates pivotably attached to the center plate. A linkage drives the center plates from an open to a closed position. A cable recess in the seal ring seals against the cable while the outside edges of the seal ring seal against the pipeline.

Abstract: A plug for a pipeline fitting is provided and includes a cylindrical body having an annular sealing groove, an O-ring fitted in the annular sealing groove, an expanding plate having an outer edge inserted into an annular locking groove of the pipeline fitting, and an expanding device connected to a plugging machine to insert the expanding plate into the locking groove of the fitting. The expanding plate is divided into two half plates and has a central opening with a minor axis in the direction of expansion and a major axis perpendicular to the expansion direction. The expanding plate has elongated holes and pins formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the dividing line of the expanding plate. The cylindrical body has threaded holes formed at positions corresponding to the elongated holes of the expanding plate. Screws are screwed into the threaded holes through the elongated holes to couple the expanding plate to the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a central circular recess.

Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket which defines a recess therein. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends from the gasket. A diaphragm member is positioned in the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve operably connected to the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits. A coupling for clamping the leak testing device about one or two conduits includes a generally cylindrical member having a central axis and including a plurality of sections. The sections are interconnected to one another by at least two hinge members in a manner that two sections have free end points to be releasably fastened together.

Abstract: This invention contemplates a resettable plug assembly suitable for insertion into a pipeline from a transverse tee connection in order that flow may be stopped and pressure retained by the plug. The stopper plug is inserted in the upstream direction and utilizes a bypass valve to aid installation when there is flow. The seal of the plug is expanded radially to contact the wall of the pipeline for sealing. Once in place the bypass valve is closed to stop the flow in the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and device for pressure testing a pipe line is provided wherein a fitting is inserted into the pipeline by inserting male ends of the pipeline into female ends of the fitting to define a flow path through the fitting extending along a longitudinal axis. The fitting has an internal boss extending around a circumference of the flow path and extending radially inward toward the centerline a distance corresponding to the wall thickness of the mating male ends of the pipes so the pipes and boss define a periphery of the flow path through the fitting. A recess is formed in the boss to sequentially receive two slides. An externally accessible port allows a test slide to be inserted into the recess, with the test slide sealing against the walls defining the recess to form a fluid-tight seal for pressure testing the line. The test slide is removed and a finish slide is inserted into the recess.

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: 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 repairing a valve, the valve being attached to a tank, the method including steps of providing a valve tool having a rigid tube and having an elastic air bladder, such bladder having a port, the port being connected to the tube, the valve tool further having a check valve; opening the valve in need of repair; extending the valve tool into such valve; injecting air into the rigid tube, causing the bladder to seal against the tank; detaching and withdrawing such valve; repairing such valve; reattaching such valve; opening the check valve to break the seal; and withdrawing the valve tool.

Abstract: A plumbing test fitting for insertion in a plumbing drain or pressure fluid distribution system includes a body with two spaced-apart lateral ports formed thereon and opening into a central bore of the body. One of the ports is adapted for receiving a hose bib for connection to a source of test fluid and the other port is provided for withdrawing a flexible diaphragm from the interior of the body with a pull member extending through the other port. The flexible diaphragm is retained in the body during a pressure or leakage test of the plumbing system and is removed after completion of the test by tearing the diaphragm away from a supporting rim part. The flexible diaphragm is foldable to be withdrawn through the other port which may be of a diameter smaller than the normal unfolded diameter of the flexible diaphragm.

Abstract: An inflatable plug within a fragile streamlined cover attached to a rigid lance tube is pushed through a leakage hole to plug it on an upstream end by being inflated with pressurized fluid conducted through the lance tube to rupture the fragile cover and position the plug against the wall sealingly covering the upstream end of the hole.

Abstract: A pipe blind in which a lug radiating there from and having a hole there through for one of the coupling bolts is of lesser thickness than the remainder of the plate and less than the thickness between juxtaposed faces of the flanges of the pipe coupling whereby the blind when not in use can remain suspended from one of the bolts of the coupling.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing plumbing systems is described. The apparatus includes an expandable member which is placed inside a fluid conduit and controllably expanded to temporarily occlude the fluid conduit, a flexible fluid conduit which supplies an expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member, a movement limiting assembly which prevents the expandable member from moving deeply into the fluid conduit and aids in retrieval of the expandable member, and a sealing assembly which prevents leakage of fluid from the fluid conduit during the testing process. The method of the invention relates to the employment of such a device in testing the integrity of a plumbing 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 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.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing downhole comprises providing a section of expandable tubing of a first diameter, and axially compressing the tubing to induce buckling, such that the buckled portion describes a larger second diameter. The resulting diametric expansion may be utilised to anchor or seal the tubing within a larger bore.

Abstract: A method and device for pressure testing a pipe line is provided wherein a fitting is inserted into the pipeline by inserting male ends of the pipeline into female ends of the fitting to define a flow path through the fitting extending along a longitudinal axis. The fitting has an internal boss extending around a circumference of the flow path and extending radially inward toward the centerline a distance corresponding to the wall thickness of the mating male ends of the pipes so the pipes and boss define a periphery of the flow path through the fitting. A recess is formed in the boss to sequentially receive two slides. An externally accessible port allows a test slide to be inserted into the recess, with the test slide sealing against the walls defining the recess to form a fluid-tight seal for pressure testing the line. The test slide is removed and a finish slide is inserted into the recess.

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

Abstract: A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made integral with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.

Abstract: An instrument for temporarily preventing fluid flow along a pipe utilizing a manually actuatable handle, a seal assembly and a flexible cable releasably connected between the handle and the seal assembly. The handle includes a handgrip and a depressible lever pivotally connected to the handgrip to articulate a handle and wire within a sleeve respectively connected to a first and second compression element to expand by compression an elastomeric seal captured therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for retrofitting a pipeline (1, 1′) which is under pressure with a fluid meter (2). The device comprises a branch fitting (60) with two sealing sockets (61, 62) placeable in a fluid-tight manner on the pipeline (1, 1′) and a branch socket (63). The branch socket (63) has an outer thread (64) onto which a lock fitting can be seal-tightly screwed. After opening the pipeline (1, 1′) by milling, a flow-guiding insert (50) is inserted into the branch socket (63) in a seal-tight manner which guides the fluid out of the pipeline (1) and returns it again into the pipeline (1′) after it has flown through the fluid meter (2). A temperature sensor (7, 8) can be inserted into the branch socket (63). By means of bladders (66.1, 66.2), which can be inflated by means of a fluid, the fluid flow through the branch socket (63) can be shut off. The device according to the invention finds its application in gas, water, and heating installations.

Abstract: An apparatus for pipeline construction comprises a constructing means located on the lower part of the apparatus, which includes a chest and a unit for completing the operation of construction; a feeding means located on the upper part of the apparatus, which drives the constructing means to rotate and to approach to the constructed pipe, and which includes a main shaft having a central hole, a rod placed in the central hole, a drive means as well as a rod feeding means; a base of the apparatus, the bottom of the base and the top face of the base are detachably connected with the feeding means and the constructing means respectively.

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

Abstract: A drainpipe test plug device according to the present invention is capable of being easily inserted through an opening such as a drain clean-out or other side opening to effectively seal a pressurized drainpipe. Further, the drainpipe test plug device is capable of maintaining a seal against fluid pressure in a piping system for any desired length of time without bleeding or leakage past the drainpipe test plug device. In addition, the drainpipe test plug device is adapted for use with a range of sizes of pipes by using a plug sized to fit the pipe under test. The drainpipe test plug device has a plug or seal that is rotatably coupled to a pivot arm, which is in turn rotatably coupled to a lever arm for positioning the drainpipe test plug device within a drainpipe. Consequently, the plug is capable of rotating about two axes simultaneously to effect a seal within the drainpipe.

Abstract: A refrigeration sealing system for a refrigeration unit includes a trap-process tube coupled with and in communication with a compressor of the refrigeration unit for receiving refrigerant from a refrigerant source. The trap-process tube defines a passageway through which refrigerant flows from the refrigerant source to the compressor. The refrigeration sealing system for a refrigeration unit further includes an annular plug disposed within the passageway. The annular plug defines a bore for facilitating the flow of refrigerant through the passageway. The annular plug is further deformable to seal the passageway of the trap process tube.

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 leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made intregal with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.

Abstract: A cover assembly that is equipped with a pivotable handle for sealing a vacuum conduit opening is provided. The cover assembly is constructed generally by a cover body and a pivotable handle resting in a recess in a top surface of the cover body. The cover body is constructed by an upper annular portion and a lower annular portion integrally formed or joined together. The upper annular portion has an outside diameter that is larger than an outside diameter of the conduit opening, while the lower annular portion has an outside diameter that is smaller than an inside diameter of the conduit opening for sealing the conduit opening when the lower annular portion of the cover body is inserted into the conduit opening, a bottom surface of the upper annular portion sealingly engages the end surface of the conduit opening. The upper annular portion may further include a recess in a top surface for concealing the pivotable handle therein.

Abstract: A pneumatic pipe plug for pipeline tee-connections and access ports having a molded cap structure, an elastomeric inflatable body, and a sealant ring. The molded cap structure of the pneumatic pipe plug having two concentrically spaced projections which act to receive and seal the elastomeric inflatable body. The elastomeric inflatable body having a closed bottom and an open top which has a peripheral shoulder extending therefrom. The sealant ring of the pneumatic pipe plug having a threaded exterior and an interior lip which compresses the peripheral ridge of elastomeric inflatable body against the projections of the molded cap structure when the sealant ring is joined to the molded cap structure. The molded cap having an inflation device that is suitable to regulate air flow through the upper surface of the cap and into the area contained within the inner most projection of the lower molded cap.

Abstract: This invention is a safety blinding device that includes a body and bolt clamps for blinding pipes. The body includes a plate and extensions that extend radially from the plate. Preferably, there are three extensions that define three angles between each other, with two of those angles measuring approximately 132 degrees and the third angle measuring approximately 96 degrees. The angle measurements enable the device to be used with any standard pipe flange having a multiple of four bolt holes by ensuring that the extensions will fall between the bolt holes. The plate is preferably sized to completely cover the raised face of the pipe flange, thereby completely covering the pipe flow passage. One bolt clamp is included for each extension. Each bolt clamp is releasably mateable to its corresponding extension, preferably by way of a threaded bolt and hole mechanism. Each bolt clamp also includes a sliding clamp mechanism, which extends and retracts so that it clamps to the inside surface of the pipe flange.

Abstract: The improved water drain pipe test plug device includes an elastomeric solid drain plug which is resilient and flexible and is in the form of a disc. The disc has a front surface and an opposite parallel rear surface connected thereto by a peripheral annular rim. The disc has a leading end and a trailing end, the rim at the leading end sloping rearward and inwardly and the rim at the trailing end being parallel thereto. An arcuate spacing plate is connected to the disc front surface and a pressure plate is connected to the disc's rear surface. The pressure plate, in turn, is connected to a generally laterally extending elongated lever arm having a slot extending up therethrough. A pivot arm is rotatably connected to and depends below the lever arm, terminating in a bottom foot which is adapted to support the device on the lower edge of a drain pipe access hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing a breach in a lower nozzle of a glass lined vessel which includes an internal flange having an upper surface, a lower surface, an outside end surface and an inside end surface. The apparatus further includes an insert tube having an outside diameter sized to permit insertion through the nozzle and of sufficient length to extend completely through the nozzle and extend beyond a lowermost portion of the nozzle. The insert tube has an inside surface, and an external surface having an upper end portion. The upper end portion of the external surface of the insert tube is in contact with and integral with the inside end surface of the internal flange. The insert tube is usually welded to the internal flange at that location. The external surface of the insert tube is threaded below the lowermost portion of the nozzle. The apparatus of the invention also includes a liner of corrosion resistant metal, e.g.

Abstract: A down spout clean out adapter (10) connectable to a bottom distal end of a leader (18). The down spout clean out adapter (10) having an adapter (12) which has an adapter upper front (12UF) having an adapter upper front opening (12UFA) and an adapter upper left (12UL) having an adapter left guide and an adapter upper right (12UR) having an adapter right guide and an adapter upper back (12UB). The down spout clean out adapter (10) further has a door (16) which has a door top (16T) and a door front (16F) and a door back (16B) and a door bottom (16A) and a door left (16L) and a door right (16R). The door (16) is removably positionable between the adapter left guide and the adapter right guide.

Abstract: A process for servicing a live pipeline does not require the preexistence of isolation valves or access components or the use of special enclosures. No special components remain in the serviced pipeline. The invention is particularly useful for servicing hospital medical gas distribution pipelines or other pipelines having restrictions on components, connections, and contamination.

Abstract: A pipe sealing system comprising an insertion tool and a seal apparatus for providing sealing to a damaged pipe. The sealing apparatus includes a cover member and a tool attachment member. The insertion tool includes a handle having an outer tube and an inner shaft slidably positioned within the outer tube. Additionally, the insertion tool includes an attachment region associated with the inner shaft for releasably attaching the tool attachment member to the insertion tool. The attachment region enables releasable controlled positioning of the cover member within the outer tube of the handle. The invention further includes a method for repairing damaged pipes.

Abstract: An access plug flange is provided for inspection ports, for example on high temperature chemical processing vessels or pipes. The plug flange prevents heat loss through an access port formed in an insulative lining covering the vessel or pipe. The plug flange further does not deteriorate or lose its sealing effect despite its location near relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: A connecting construction of a branch pipe is disclosed.

Abstract: A dual chamber orifice fitting comprising a first chamber maintained in fluid communication with a pipeline, a fluid flowing in the pipeline passing through the first chamber; a second chamber selectively maintained in fluid communication with the first chamber; a sealing member selectively rotatable from a first position wherein the sealing member seals the first chamber from the second chamber, and a second position wherein the sealing member permits the first chamber to be placed in fluid communication with the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of plugging up a coating material introduction aperture formed on a hollow structural member, the hollow structural member being coated with a coating material through dip coating and then heated to bake the coating material coated thereon, which includes the steps of providing a plug having a coating material introduction passage and formed of a foamable material which is foamable by heat at the time the hollow structural member is heated to bake the coating material coated thereon, inserting the plug as unfoamed into the coating material introduction aperture before the hollow structural member is coated with the coating material through the dip coating, and heating the plug to produce a foamed product so as to plug up the coating material introduction aperture. The step of heating the plug is performed by heat which is applied to the hollow structural member for baking the coating material coated thereon.

Abstract: An instrument for temporarily sealing a pipe against fluid flow comprising a manually actuatable handle and a sealing unit engaged to the handle, the sealing unit having a seal assembly supported at one end of a flexible cable operatively connected to the handle. The sealing assembly comprising an elastomeric seal contained between first and second compression elements which compress the elastomeric seal into an expanded state upon actuation of the handle.

Abstract: A process to access a plate carrier having an orifice plate and carrier plate seal and an orifice fitting. The process includes moving the plate carrier from a pressurized orifice body lower chamber to an orifice body upper chamber. A seal ring is sealed in the upper chamber against the plate carrier to create a fluid type seal between the upper body chamber and the plate carrier. Pressure is bled off in the upper chamber to the atmospheric pressure. An entry plug threadably connected to a retainer is unscrewed and a crank removed to allow access to the orifice plate and to the carrier plate seal. The crank and entry plug are replaced and the upper chamber is repressurized. The seal ring may then be loosened from the plate carrier before returning the plate carrier to the lower body chamber.

Abstract: A solid, steel plug includes a disc-shaped plug portion and a disc-shaped flange on one of the plug portion and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The plug can be advanced into an oil gallery access hole in a cylinder head of an engine to seal the hole. A tool is disclosed for urging the plug into the hole. The tool includes a base that is configured for flushly fitting on the head over the access hole, and a bolt that is threadably engaged with the base for urging the plug into sealing engagement within the hole.

Abstract: An orifice fitting for measuring fluid flow therethrough which can be used for either single or dual chamber fittings. The orifice fitting includes a plate carrier having an orifice plate receivable in the plate carrier. The orifice plate has a single preferred fluid flow direction. A double circular shoulder in the plate carrier includes a first shoulder and a concentric second shoulder having a larger diameter than the first shoulder. The double shoulder mates with a circular recess on the orifice plate to properly orient the plate for the preferred fluid flow direction.

Abstract: An outlet opening (14) to a branch line 40 in a pipeline 10 is sealed without interrupting the flow of gas in the pipeline 10 by cutting an access opening 60 in the wall 62 of the pipeline 10 opposite the branch line 40. A seal 100 is inserted through the access opening 60 using a sub-assembly 70, which consists of a flange 74 having a screw-threaded through aperture, an externally screw-threaded tube 82 received in the aperture and a rod 80 carrying a handle 72 at one end and the seal 100 at the other. The seal 100 has a sealing face 102 which is part-cylindrical in shape and is held in the correct orientation by the handle 72 while the tube 82 is screwed home. When work on the branch line 40 has been completed a temporary seal 160 is installed in the joint-flange 16 which is welded to the pipeline 10 allowing removal of the isolation valve 64 which is replaced by a blanking flange fitted to the joint-flange 16.

Abstract: An air vacuum system is provided. The air vacuum system is used to clean or remove dust particles or other particulate matter from a building. The vacuum system includes an air vacuum outlet flush-mounted with a floor region of the building. The air vacuum outlet comprises a vacuum port operably coupled to a vacuum supply. Further included with the air vacuum outlet is a vacuum port cap which can be mounted within the vacuum port to seal the air flow within the vacuum supply. The vacuum port cap is designed having a pivot arm which extends from a position flush with the surface of the cap to a position in which a user can grasp the arm and lift the cap from the port. The arm thereby pivots about an axis which extends through a receptacle formed within the upper surface of the cap. The receptacle is used to receive the pressed end of the arm for allowing the opposed end to protrude upward. The opposed end includes flanges which can be grasped by the user's fingers to remove the cap from the vacuum port.

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: The invention relates to a device for blocking a flow in a pipeline under pressure, comprising a clamp member (1) for encasing a section of the mantle surface of the pipeline and comprising a pipe socket (2) with a valve (17), switchable between an open and a closed position, and a hole-making tool (3) for producing a hole (56) in the mantle surface during sealing between the tool and the pipe socket. A blocking means (4) is adapted to be inserted through the produced hole and to expand in the pipeline for the purpose of blocking the flow in the pipeline. The blocking means consists of a body with a cross-sectional dimension which is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the hole, and a support member being guided in the pipe socket. Two sliding elements, which are carried by the body, are via the support member adjustable from the outside between an open position in which it is retracted into the body, and an expanded blocking position, in which it seals against the inner circumference of the pipeline.

Abstract: A hot tap apparatus for insertion of a controllable device into an in-service pipeline comprising a housing adapted to be sealably secured to a pipe and enclose a portion of the pipe. The housing forms a chamber which is partitioned into an insertion chamber and a discharge chamber, the insertion chamber being disposed adjacent to an insertion end of the housing and the discharge chamber being disposed adjacent the discharge end of said housing. The insertion end of the housing is sealable. The apparatus further comprises a cutting apparatus for cutting an opening in the pipe sized to receive the controllable device disposed in the housing.

Abstract: A fluid valve can be disconnected from a fluid pressurized container by use of a changer tool having an elongated tubular housing, a tubular member positioned within and coaxial with the housing bore for slidable movement along the longitudinal axis, a shaft positioned within and coaxial with the bore of the tubular member for axial movement of the shaft with respect to the tubular member, a first retention member on one end of the shaft, a second retention member on one end of the tubular member, and an elastomeric tubular plug member positioned about the shaft between and in contact with the two retention members. Each of the two end portions of the elastomeric plug member is substantially harder than the intermediate portion of the elastomeric plug member, and is provided with an outwardly extending annular ring which engages an internal shoulder in the associated retention member to secure the retention member to the plug member.