Abstract: A platelet agitator includes a base and a frame. The frame moves laterally relative to the base at variable speeds. The agitator further includes a controller and a user interface in communication with the controller. The user interface has a discontinuous input device that has at least a portion of adjustment range that is non-linear compare to the remainder of the adjustment range.

Abstract: A device for welding plastic tubes includes a pair of tube holders each of which has a tube clamp which includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The jaws in both of the tube clamps of both tube holders have smooth tube contacting walls to permit the tubing to slip through either side when the tube holders and tubes are being moved from a loading station to a stripping station to increase the length of fluid free area in the clamped tubes. A cutting/welding station provides for cutting the tubes and welding them together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes: heating and melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; and butt fusing the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion, thereby creating a fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and device for forming a continuous tubular foil (106, 308). Foil (106, 308) is supplied and buffered. Foil (106) is supplied as flattened tubular foil (106) from a supply. A next piece of foil (308) is supplied from a next supply. The ends of tubular foil (304, 309) are connected. This then allows supplying and buffering next tubular foil (308) supplied from the next supply. The device and method allow connecting the ends of tubular foils (304, 309) by opening the end (309) of the next flattened tubular foil (308) supplied from the next supply and moving the end of the flattened tubular foil (304) in an upstream direction (299) into the opened end of next tubular foil (309) from the next supply. Connection is made using a tape (250, 270) applied onto the foil ends (304, 309).

Abstract: An apparatus for welding together thermoplastic hoses comprising two clamping units which in part can be rotated and displaced relative to each other. The two clamping units each have two clamping jaws which comprise through-passages between the clamping jaws in which the hoses can be inserted continuously parallel to each other and squeezed transversely to each other. The apparatus further comprises a heatable blade for severing the hoses and melting the cut edges thereof between the clamping units. An intermediate piece is disposed between the clamping jaws of the clamping units, thereby separating the clamped hoses from each other, and at least one of the two clamping units has inner and outer clamping jaws, wherein the inner clamping jaws are held by the outer clamping jaws and can be adjusted together. In a closed position, the inner clamping jaws and the intermediate piece can be rotated with each other.

Abstract: An adhering jig for an adhesive connecting member is provided, in which the adhesive connecting member can be adhered without being broken even if it is twisted during connection of an optical fiber. The adhesive connecting member of the present invention has a tabular member having insertion holes fitting a shape of the optical connector, and an adhesive connecting member having a certain size. The adhesive connecting member has a strongly adhesive layer and non-adhesive layer, and the adhesive connecting member was arranged at a bottom of the insertion hole via the weakly adhesive layer, so that the non-adhesive layer is lower.

Abstract: A device for welding plastic tubes includes a pair of tube holders each of which has a tube clamp which includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The jaws in both of the tube clamps of both tube holders have smooth tube contacting walls to permit the tubing to slip through either side when the tube holders and tubes are being moved from a loading station to a stripping station to increase the length of fluid free area in the clamped tubes.

Abstract: A device is provided for ensuring the sterile integrity of two separate fluid pathways during interconnection of the two pathways with a two-part connector assembly. The two-part connector assembly is of the type which comprises a male portion and a female portion, each portion initially having a port covered and protected by a peel-away strip. The device comprises a base assembly, a connector clamp assembly mounted to the base assembly and configured for securing the two-part connector assembly in position for interconnection of the male and female portions, and a strip withdrawal assembly mounted to the base assembly and configured for simultaneous withdrawal of the peel-away strips from the ports of the male and female portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining plastic tubes is provided. The apparatus comprises a treatment body which is arranged above a depositing surface of the apparatus and is guided over a joining section of the plastic tubes during the joining operation.

Abstract: A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to chance the direction of the lacer and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a system for applying a seal to the closure of an opening, in particular to a door of a motor vehicle, is provided. The application takes place in two stages. In a first stage, a seal, which is cut off from a continuous seal strip is placed with a stationary roll-on head on placing and pressing elements of a tensioning plate, which are moved past the roll-on head. In a second stage, the tensioning plate with the seal placed on the placing and pressing elements is guided to the closure of the opening and pressed here by means of the pressing elements on the bonding face of the closure of the opening. In general, this type of application takes place exclusively by mechanical means.

Abstract: An adhesive connecting member and an optical connecting structure using the member, in which connection loss can be reduced and handling is facilitated, are provided. The adhesive connecting member optically connects an optical transmission medium and another optical transmission medium or an optical part by being intervened therebetween, and the member has a strongly adhesive face contacting the optical transmission medium and a weakly adhesive face contacting the other optical transmission medium or optical part. In addition, by this adhesive connecting member, the optical transmission medium and the other transmission medium or optical part can be optically connected.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic tubes, thermoplastic melting plates, thermoplastic tube connecting apparatus, and methods for using the same.

Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus that can carry out self reset operation without giving damage to the apparatus and that safety of an operator is considered. The tube connecting apparatus has an EEPROM memorizing information with respect to a connecting process state of tubes. When electric power is inputted, the apparatus judges whether power supply was shut off during tube connecting operation based upon the information memorized in the EEPROM with respect to the connecting process state of tubes and a detecting result of a wafer 41 according to a wafer position detecting sensor 421, and carries out reset operation. In the reset operation, the apparatus restarts and completes connecting operation (S620 to 632) by heating the wafer again to fuse the tubes adhered to the wafer (S614, 616). Error indication is displayed at a LCD display to secure connecting strength and the like (S634). A locking state is not cancelled during cooling time after heating of the wafer is stopped to secure safety (S628 to S632).

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: Plastic tubes are welded by first placing the plastic tubes across aligned tube slots in a pair of side by side tube holders. The tubes are clamped to create a fluid free area. The clamps in one of the tube holders are shifted laterally away from the other tube holders to increase the fluid free area of each tube. A cold cutting device cuts through the clamped tubes to create four stub ends. The four stub ends are heated/melted. The stub ends are realigned so that the one stub end in one holder is aligned with the other stub end of the other tube holder and the realigned stub ends are pressed into contact with each other to create a weld seam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and design of a fusion welded pipe wherein the effects of an inner bead of the fusion weld are minimized. The internal shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured in several different shapes so that the beads or lips produced by the fusion welding process are unobtrusive and do not interfere with the function of the pipe. In a likewise manner, the outer shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured so that the lips are unobtrusive on the external surface of the pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming plastic frames. Frames are joined to bring heated, soften ends into engagement, causing some softened material to be forced out from between the engaged portions, forming a flashing. This flashing is trimmed by a pair of trimming blades moved along associated guide members. The trimming assembly is mounted directly upon clamps holding the frame members, enabling performance of the trimming operation and eliminating the need for moving to a separate trimming/finishing station remote from the joining equipment. Excellent cutting action is assured by locking the guide blocks preparatory to a trimming operation. Various combinations and sequences of repetitive trimming operations may be selected whereby the cooperating blades are moved in selective cooperating directions to provide a trimming operation which avoids the need for further finishing. Trimming may also be performed simultaneously on multiple stacks of members being joined using the above technique.

Abstract: A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to change the direction of the laser and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.

Abstract: A conduction welding apparatus and method for bonding abutted thermal plastic tubular end portions is particularly suitable for welding PFA. In a preferred embodiment, a folding weld head embraces the abutted the tubular end portions to be welded, each tubular end portion including a flange spaced from the surfaces to be joined. The weld head includes means for securing the flanges within the weld head and further include bias means. The bias means provide an inward axial bias on the adjoined tubular end portions when the tubular end portions are displaced axially outward from the weld head due to the expansion of the plastic during the weld process. The bias means in a preferred embodiment is substantially inoperative prior to the weld and provides bias, or a substantial increase in bias, when the flanges are displaced due to the expansion of the molten PFA during the weld process.

Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional press for welding plastic tubes and joints particularly polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene and polyvinyldifluoride tubes and joints, comprising a first fixed base and a second base, movable with respect to said first base along sliding guides, a first vise group, mounted on said first base and a second vise group mounted on said second base, a thermo-element, provided on a guide parallel with respect to said first and second base and coupled with said guide in such a way to be provided in a working position between said vise groups, and in a rest position, completely out of the operation field of said vise groups, and in a lowered position with respect to the operation field of said vise groups.

Abstract: A wafer for use in selectively connecting and disconnecting plastic tubes is in the form of a heatable plate having side walls and having a leading end and a trailing end. An outwardly extending scoop is formed on each of the side walls between and spaced from the leading end and the trailing end. A pair of slits is formed in the trailing end in line with the scoops for reducing the amount of plastic material remaining on the wafer.

Abstract: A conduction welding apparatus and method for bonding abutted thermal plastic tubular end portions is particularly suitable for welding PFA. In a preferred embodiment, a folding weld head embraces the abutted the tubular end portions to be welded, each tubular end portion including a flange spaced from the surfaces to be joined. The weld head includes means for securing the flanges within the weld head and further include bias means. The bias means provide an inward axial bias on the adjoined tubular end portions when the tubular end portions are displaced axially outward from the weld head due to the expansion of the plastic during the weld process. The bias means in a preferred embodiment is substantially inoperative prior to the weld and provides bias, or a substantial increase in bias, when the flanges are displaced due to the expansion of the molten PFA during the weld process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting nucleic acid molecules such as target DNA molecules and mRNA molecules by using a DNA probe, and provides a DNA capillary, comprising a fluid passageway formed of a cylindrical capillary made of glass, a plurality of independent probe regions formed in the inner wall of the fluid passageway, and DNA probes each immobilized in the probe region, the immobilized DNA probes differing from each other. For performing the measurement, a sample is introduced through an open portion into the capillary so as to perform reaction and, then, fluorimetry.

Abstract: An indexer system for a plastic pipe butt-fusion machine of the type having a machine super-structure, parallel horizontal support shafts affixed to the super-structure, a first clamp system for removably grasping an end portion of a first length of plastic pipe, a second clamp system for removably grasping an end portion of a second length of plastic pipe and an actuator system for moving the plastic pipes toward and away from each other, the indexing system having an indexer shaft mounted on the super-structure spaced from and parallel to the support shafts, an indexer carriage slidable on the indexer shaft, a facer and a heater pivotally secured to the indexer carriage, a translation mechanism for laterally positioning the indexer carriage to thereby locate the facer and heater between lengths of plastic pipe and a structural beam secured to the super-structure and parallel to the indexer shaft, the indexer carriage being slidably secured to the structural beam so that it is retained in predetermined orien

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing photographic films is disclosed, where the films are conveyed along a path and supported by a track element. Upon being positioned to receive a splice, the films are clamped between a movable splice pad and the track element. The clamping action produced by the movable splice pad substantially eliminates the problem of film foldovers caused by curling at the trailing end of a film. A splice head is lowered to apply a splice tape to the films, thereby forming the splice. The films are spliced together in a flattened state, producing a continuous web of film which can be wound onto a roll or core for further processing.

Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilely coupling two bodies of fluids in fluid communication utilizes a clamp transportable into a sterile enclosure. A pair of tubing segments, each communicating with one of the fluid bodies, is preferably retained in the clamp and transported into the sterile enclosure. The clamp maintains the shape of the tubing segments during the process. Portions of the tubing segments are severed within the enclosure and the remaining ends are heated. The heat may be provided with a hollow disk into which is blown heated air. The ends of the tubing segments are transported out of the enclosure and bonded together while held within the clamps. The clamps prevent deformation of the tubing segments during the process. The process may be partially or fully automated.

Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).

Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus is arranged to hold tubes in a first tube holder and a second tube holder, to rotate a pair of rotatable clamping members which include separable pieces disposed in rotational symmetry for holding the tubes in either or both of the first tube holder and the second tube holder, to heat and melt the tubes by a heated cutting plate moving therebetween to cut the tubes, and to weld cut end faces of the different tubes. When the pair of clamping members are in a state of not holding the tubes rotation preventing members fixedly lock the clamping members in a predetermined position, preventing the clamping member from being rotated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of joining a mating face of a first through duct to a mating face of a second duct. Specifically, the method includes bonding the first duct mating face to the second duct mating face to form a bonded structure while the ducts are supported in alignment with each other on an alignment member. Once so bonded, the alignment member may be removed from the bonded structure. Advantageously, the method of the present invention provides an approach for accurately joining ducts together such that the joint is clean, accurate, nondistorted, durable, and impermeable to metal ions. Furthermore, the resultant joints are extremely uniform, and are easy and economical to make using simple equipment, thus making the present invention particularly useful in mass production.

Abstract: A tool and related method uses an insert for lap splicing two end to end connected tubes to one another. The insert is formed from plurality of members which together are receivable into the internal size and shape of the internal tubular member. The insert can be pulled out of the tubular members once the lap joint is formed. The invention also resides in a tool which locates a flange onto the outside surface at the end of the tubular member to effect registration of it in a flush and perpendicular manner.

Abstract: An insert and method of use for conjoining plastic tubular end portion to form a beadless weldment. The insert comprises a first core portion having a longitudinal axis and a first circumferential surface, and a second tubing contact portion having a longitudinal axis, a second inwardly facing surface and a third circumferential surface, with the second and third surface in concentric relation to each other, and the second tubing contact portion operatively connected to the first core portion. The first core portion and the second tubing contact portion are longitudinally movable relative to each other between a first conjoining configuration and a second removal configuration.

Abstract: A heating-element in a welding device for heating up plastic molded parts region by region during the welding operation is proposed, comprising at least two shell-shaped heating elements (2, 3) resting on the outside on the plastic molded parts in the region of the weld, the heating elements being of a rotationally symmetrical design, each heating element (2, 3) having a central region (7) and two edge regions (8, 9) arranged adjacently on both sides of the central region in the axial direction and designed in an axially symmetrical manner, and the edge region being formed from a material which has a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the central region.

Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus for grasping and heating to melt and alternately connect the cut ends of a plurality of tubes is disclosed. A first tube holder and a second tube holder for grasping the tubes are provided with a pair of clamps having holding portions for holding a plurality of tubes; each of the pair of clamps being moved into contact with, and away from, each other. One or both of the holding portions of the first tube holder and the second tube holder are formed of semi-circular separatable members and having a symmetry of rotation in relation to the center of the rotating axis, and have a grasping means for moving into contact with, and away from, the pair of clamps and have a rotating means for rotating the semi-circular holding portions of one or both of the first tube holder and the second tube holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding fluoropolymeric pipe liners together comprising: a plate having first and second opposing surfaces, the first and second opposing surfaces facing away from each other; a temperature-resistant coating overlaying at least one of the opposing surfaces; and means for heating the first and second opposing surfaces. A method for joining fluoropolymeric liners using the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe at an angle of less than 90.degree.. The apparatus prevents the angled sidewall pipe from migrating during the fusing operation. Also provided is a radius cutter for cutting the radius of the angled sidewall pipe to match the concave upper surface of the host pipe.

Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus for grasping and heating to melt and alternately connect the cut ends of a plurality of tubes is disclosed. A first tube holder and a second tube holder for grasping the tubes are provided with a pair of clamps having holding portions for holding a plurality of tubes; each of the pair of clamps being moved into contact with, and away from, each other. One or both of the holding portions of the first tube holder and the second tube holder are formed of semi-circular separatable members and having a symmetry of rotation in relation to the center of the rotating axis, and have a grasping means for moving into contact with, and away from, the pair of clamps and have a rotating means for rotating the semi-circular holding portions of one or both of the first tube holder and the second tube holder.

Abstract: A hand held tool for facing and joining the ends of opposed lengths of plastic pipe in axial alignment has a generally horizontal body and a generally vertical fixed handle extending from the body. A cylindrical shaft is supported by the body perpendicular to the fixed handle. A fixed pipe clamp is supported by the body by which a first length of plastic pipe can be removably secured. A moveable pipe clamp is slidably supported by the shaft by which a second length of plastic pipe may be secured. A moveable handle is pivotally supported to the body, the handle having a first portion in engagement with the second pipe clamp and a second portion extending in a plane of the fixed handle so that the second clamp can be manually moved towards the fixed clamp. A facer is removably positionable on the hand held tool between the fixed and moveable clamps, the facer having a cutter body having a cylindrical opening therethrough. A cutter holder is rotatably supported in the cylindrical opening.

Abstract: A molded plastic vessel is provided with a fitting or other attachment after molding and before winding of the vessel. The fitting is provided with a plastic insert. The insert and a wall of the vessel are heated and welded together to hold the fitting on the vessel. The tank is filament wound for reinforcement, and the filaments capture the fitting to hold the fitting on the wall. The wall is opened to provide a passage through the fitting into the vessel. An apparatus is provided that carries and moves the fitting, insert, and a heater to install the fitting on the vessel.

Abstract: A plastic fishing bait coupling tool for fusing plastic fishing baits together to form a unique fishing bait. The tool includes a base with a heating rod outwardly extending from a perimeter side wall of the base. The heating rod has an elongate inner portion extending into the base and an elongate outer portion outside of the base. A coiled heating element for providing heat is provided in the base and disposed around the inner portion of the heating rod. The heating rod has an outer end adjacent the outer portion of the heating rod. A heating head is coupled to the outer end of the heating rod. The heating head is generally triangular in configuration and has a bottom side and a pair of upper sides converging together at an upper vertex.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing a bell connector to the end of a corrugated thermoplastic pipe are disclosed in which an expandable mandrel grips a preformed bell and a pipe support grips a pipe co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the bell. A pipe trimmer for facing the pipe end may be moved into and out of the axis of the pipe if necessary for trimming the pipe end to provide a uniform planar flange face and a heater, combined with a supporting flange, moved sequentially into and out of the axis of the pipe and bell for heating the opposed faces of the trimmed end of the pipe and the end of the bell to a desired fusing temperature. Upon heating of the opposed faces of the bell and the pipe to a predetermined fusing temperature, the said faces of the bell and the pipe are abutted against each other, with the back side of the corrugated pipe flange face fully supported by the supporting flange, i.e. backing ring, at a predetermined pressure for a time sufficient to fuse the bell and pipe together.

Abstract: A kit for testing the integrity of sterile tubing welds made by a sterile tubing welding machine employing welding wafers includes a plurality of tubing samples, and a container having a series of receptacles for holding the tubing samples and the wafers used in the sterile tubing welding machine. A set of instructions is provided for making the sterile tubing welds with the tubing samples in the container, and a data sheet is included for recording particulars of the kit and reporting a weld analysis.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, the foregoing needs are addressed by a splicing tool for joining a first tube and a second tube, including a first member and a second member which are moveably coupled. The first member has a first handle section and a first mold section. The first mold section has a first groove. The second member has a second handle section and a second mold section. The second mold section has a second groove. The first groove sized to receive at least a portion of a first tube, at least a portion of a second tube and a bonding material. The bonding material attaches the first tube to the second tube when the first and second grooves are substantially aligned and heat is applied to the bonding material.

Abstract: A wafer for use in the selective connecting and disconnecting of plastic tubes incorporates a fuse in an aperture. The fuse is made of a laminate having light transmission characteristics which change after the wafer and its laminate have been heated. The wafer would be used in a device for connecting/disconnecting plastic tubes wherein the device includes a sensor which would deactivate the device if the sensor detects the change in light transmission characteristics thereby indicating that the wafer had been previously used.

Abstract: A sterile containment welding device for plastic tubes includes a pair of alignable tube holders each of which includes a base having a tube receiving channel and a clamping jaw pivotally mounted to the base. The outer end of the tube receiving channel is outwardly flared preferably at an angle of about 14.degree..

Abstract: An assembly is provided for butt fusing lengths of plastic pipe in axial relationship. The assembly includes a cart having a chassis and wheels, the chassis having a longitudinal axis defined by the direction of movement of the cart in a straight line. A butt fusion machine having a frame, a first clamp and a second clamp thereon, is removably positioned on the cart. Each clamp is adapted to releasably secure the end portion of a length of thermoplastic pipe so that thereby the frame has a plane of orientation along which lengths of pipe extend when secured by the clamps.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching abutting ends of first and second coaxial pipe sections together includes a support frame, at least two spaced-part fixed pipe clamping jaws having respective upper and lower jaw halves carried by the support frame for positioning the first pipe section in a fixed position, at least two movable pipe clamping jaws having respective upper and lower jaw halves carried by the support frame for translating movement of the second pipe section relative to the fixed clamping jaws and into aligned abutment with the first pipe section, and a joining device for joining the first and second abutted pipe sections together without interference between the clamping jaws and the pipe sections. The clamping jaw pivots respective fixed and movable upper and lower jaw halves into and out of clamping engagement with the first and second coaxial pipe sections.