Abstract: A hook assembly includes a first hook having a first open end and a second hook having a second open end. The first hook is parallel to the second hook where the first open end is adjacent to the second open end. Extensions extend from each of the first hook and the second hook. The extensions extend perpendicular to a hook plane of the first hook and the second hook members. The first hook is a mirror image of the second hook. A hinge connects the first hook to the second hook. The hinge is located at an opposite end of the hook from where the extensions are located. A resilient member exerts a constant force at the hinge to bias the first hook and the second hook toward an open position.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement, comprising: a pipe with a pipe axis and an ultrasonic, flow measuring device. The ultrasonic, flow measuring device has a sensor unit, which is fixed in a hole in the pipe, which hole is introduced essentially perpendicularly to the pipe axis into the pipe wall. The sensor unit has a rail or a rod with a longitudinal axis. The rail or the rod bears at least two ultrasonic transducers, which define a signal path, wherein the signal path extends parallel to or on the longitudinal axis of the rail or of the rod, and wherein the signal path is tilted from a perpendicular connecting line between the center point of the hole and the pipe axis. In addition, an ultrasonic, flow measuring device is noted.

Abstract: This document discloses novel conduits for telecommunications lines, such as optical fibers. In an aspect, a conduit might have a body defining one or more channels into which optical fibers can be inserted. In another aspect, the body might have a first face that is substantially planar and a second face opposing the first face. The second face might a low-rise arc profile and/or might be configured to be installed into a depression in a material. Also disclosed are methods and tools for installing, using, and/or removing such conduit.

Abstract: A boring shield apparatus for attachment to a boring machine/jack for installing pipe sections underground is provided by this invention. Such invention comprises drill heads and a screw auger that rotate with respect to a non-rotating exterior housing. When the boring shield is operatively connected to the boring machine jack and moved forward into contact with the earth along the desired underground pathway for the pipeline, dirt is excavated by means of the rotating drill head and transferred inside a self-contained screw auger whereupon it is pushed safely away from the boring shield and boring machine. This boring shield apparatus pivots with respect to itself for enhanced steering capacity. It accommodates pipelines of larger diameter and length and rough exterior surface.

Abstract: An underground service protection system made from two main sections, a first frame having a bottom panel with hinged side and end panels and a second frame having side and end panels. The end panels retain inserted slides having half apertures. The half apertures surround a pipe or other structure being protected while the first frame and second frame form a protective cage. A standpipe and a back-fill gauge extend upward from the protection system. The hinged ends and sides enable the first frame to be installed with reduced material removable. The first frame and the second frame are aligned and held together using stakes on the first frame and pockets on the second frame. Tie wraps are used to hold the sides and the stakes and pockets together.

Abstract: Device (1) for applying a push or pull action on tubes (100) to be laid in the ground for overcoming waterways or other types of obstacle, includes two push blocks (2, 2?), disposed parallel to and mirroring each other, and a vice (8), which couples the device (1) to a tube (100) to be pushed/pulled. Each push block (2, 2?) including, in turn, a base (5, 5?), a main cylinder (3, 3?), a movable arm (6, 6?), one positioning cylinder (4, 4?) and vertical regulation cylinder (7, 7?). The arms (6, 6?) conferring a variable geometry to device (1) which is able to assume corresponding positions and positive and negative angles. The device finds application in the field of ancillary equipment for horizontal controlled drilling and horizontal directional drilling (TOC and HDD), i.e. suitable technologies for installing new pipelines without opencast digging.

Abstract: A pipe has a tubular body with a male end and a female end. The male end has an external surface with a first engagement groove. The female end has an internal surface with a second engagement groove, and an aperture extending from an outer surface of the tubular body to the second engagement groove. The female end receives the male end of another pipe such that the first engagement groove of the male end axially aligns with the second engagement groove of the female end to establish a spline engagement groove having a groove length, LG. A flexible spline is located in the spline engagement groove to lock the pipes together and establish a pipe assembly. The flexible spline has a spline length, LS, and LS?LG.

Abstract: A gripping organ for load-moving vehicles comprises a support structure (7), removably engageable to a support arm (4) of a load-moving vehicle (2); at least gripping pliers (8), operatively engaged to the support structure (7) and predisposed to engage at least an object (P) to be moved, the gripping pliers (8) comprising at least a pair of gripping elements (16) which are mobile between an operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) engage the object (P), and a non-operating position, in which the gripping elements (16) are disengaged from the object (P); the pliers (8) being translatable along a translating direction (A) and rotatable about a rotation axis (B) which is perpendicular to the translating direction (A).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of structural pipe lining for conduit rehabilitation and more specifically, to methods for rehabilitating conduits using structural liners. There is provided a method for rehabilitating a tubular conduit having an inner conduit space and at least one service connection tied into the tubular conduit. A portion of the at least one service connection protrudes into the inner conduit space. A liner is provided for covering the inner surface of the tubular conduit. The liner is made of a flexible material capable of being impregnated with a first curable adhesive resin and has a film made of a material impermeable to liquid bonded onto the inner surface of the liner. Also provided, is a flexible sealing member made of a second curable adhesive resin.

Abstract: The method of protecting two subsea pipelines which cross each other in a subsea environment from damaging one another when subsea currents slide the upper pipeline along the upper surface of the lower pipeline by providing roller around the upper pipeline and rollers around the lower pipeline which are connected together by a rotatable connection which allows the sets of roller to match the angle of the pipeline.

Abstract: An installation tool for installation of earth loops includes a cylindrical body with slots in its outer surface, for receiving of tubes of the earth loops, and a central passage extending therethrough from a grout fitting to a central opening at a leading end face of the cylindrical body. An anchor fits over the end face and includes a face plate with tube apertures extending therethrough, a retainer ring which serves to hold the earth loops in place within the slots during insertion of the tool into the borehole, and a pair of flexible plates extending from opposing positions on the retainer ring, approximately in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for concurrently forming a plurality of pipelines. The apparatus includes a support chassis coupled to at least one transportation facilitation member. The transportation facilitation member facilities the movement of the support chassis along a surface. A first pipe fuser is disposed on the support chassis and is configured to fuse a first section of pipe to a first pipeline. A second pipe fuser may also be disposed on the support chassis. The second pipe fuser may be configured to independently fuse a second section of pipe to a second pipeline. The first pipe fuser fuses the first section of pipe to the first pipeline with the support chassis in a stationary position. The second pipe fuser fuses the second section of pipe to the second pipeline with the support chassis in the same stationary position.

Abstract: A pipe conveyor system which operates to assemble and disassemble a plurality of pipes.

Abstract: An improved method and system of deploying a pipeline for fiber optic sensing applications. A plurality of pipe sections (11) are provided each having an internal pipe (13) surrounded by material layer(s). Opposed ends (17A) of each pipe section have a portion of the surrounding layer(s) removed or omitted. A tubular member (19) extends lengthwise along each pipe section within the surrounding layer(s) and has free ends (19A) that extend from respective terminal walls (20A) of the surrounding layer(s). Adjacent pipe sections are joined together. The tubular members of adjacent pipe sections are joined together to form a conduit that extends along the pipeline. The conduit is adapted to carry one or more fiber optic waveguides therein. At least one second layer of material is applied to the area between the joined pipe sections. The surrounding layer and the at least one second layer provide for insulation and/or protection of the internal pipes of the pipeline.

Abstract: A device for at least one of a pig launching/receiving device or a connecting pipe to a submerged pipeline. A deflection bend is operatively connected to the pipeline. A blind pipe projects from the deflection bend. The blind pipe is substantially concentric with and extends in an opposite direction to the pipeline. The blind pipe is not in fluid communication with the deflection bend.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device in particular for tensioning pipe sections upon an abutment, including a traction element, an adapter, and a tensioning device for applying the tension force, and a sliding brake.

Abstract: A ground piercing pipe tool for carrying and depositing pipes of different inner diameter under a ground surface, comprising a ground piercing tip and impact-receiving end cap respectively connected to forward and rear ends of a rod and characterized by at least one of the tip and end cap being releasably connected to the rod so as to allow the pipes to receive the rod and further characterized by the tip and end cap having radially spaced outer supports dimensioned to engage inner surfaces of different ones of the pipes at tip and end cap ends thereof and to longitudinally support the pipes on the rod for selective deposit under the ground surface upon removal of one of the tip or end cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for preventing disbondment in an insulated piping system that is used for conveying high temperature fluids. More specifically, an external slip wrap is shown, capable of surrounding the outer protective jacket of the insulated piping system at a location along the piping before an elbow shaped or angular change in direction. The slip wrap comprises a loosely received outer sleeve which surrounds the outer protective jacket of the piping without being bonded thereto, thereby allowing the insulated and jacketed pipe to move axially relative to the slip wrap for a selected distance once the pipe is buried in the ground.

Abstract: There is provided a pipe lining method wherein a lateral pipe lining material and a main pipe lining material are securely joined. After a lateral pipe has been lined, a start liner is applied to the main pipe and a main pipe lining material is then inserted. A heating wire for melting the start liner is mounted on a surface of a flange of the lateral pipe lining material during or after lining of the lateral pipe. While the main pipe is being lined, the heating wire is heated to melt the start liner existing between the flange of the lateral pipe lining material and the main pipe lining material. When the resin in the main pipe lining material is cured, the main pipe lining material and flange of the lateral pipe lining material are integrated. This allows the lateral pipe lining material and main pipe lining material to be reliably joined.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a first pipe into contact with a stationary second pipe includes a strut having a first end and second end. A force generating apparatus is mounted to the strut, and is configured for pulling the first pipe relative to the second pipe.

Abstract: A tunneling system including a tunneling apparatus including a cutting structure for forming a borehole and at least one linkage section for transmitting a force generally toward the cutting structure is disclosed. A method of disposing a casing string within a subterranean formation by applying a force generally to the trailing end of the tunneling apparatus, generally toward the leading end thereof, but without transmitting the entire force through the entire casing string is also disclosed. At least one linkage section extending within but not in contact with at least one casing section of the casing string may transmit the force. Also, a force limiting member may limit a force applied to the casing string.

Abstract: A section of a host pipe is removed, a flange is placed at one end of the host pipe section and split sleeve halves are secured to one another and at one end to the flange to cantilever the split sleeve from the end of the host pipe. A deformed thermoplastic liner is drawn through the host pipe and split sleeve and reformed to its cylindrical configuration by introducing steam under pressure. Once reformed, the split sleeve halves are removed, the end portion of the rerounded liner is cut and an adapter flange is fused on the end of the cut liner portion. The split sleeve halves are reapplied about the rounded liner with the flange on the adapter bearing against an end face of the flanges of the split sleeve. A cylindrical section is welded to the adjacent host pipe section and a flange thereof is bolted to the distal end flange of the split sleeve whereby a permanent pressure sealed connection is provided between a lined host pipe section and a non-lined host pipe section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the operation of sewer systems includes a first set of sewer lines connected to a source of other water and a second set of sewer lines of smaller diameter than the first sewer lines connected to sources of sanitary effluent, the first and second sets of lines being separately connected to a sewerage treatment plant. The second set of sewer lines can be attached to the interior surfaces of the first set of sewer lines by an adhesive material and fasteners. A liner can be provided in the first sewer lines with the second sewer lines being positioned between an exterior surface of the liner and the interior surface of second sewer lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a first pipe into contact with a stationary second pipe includes a frame and a strut pivotally mounted to the frame about a first pivot axis, the strut having a first end and second end. A pivot assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame about the first pivot axis. A pair of wheels is rotatably mounted to the pivot assembly about a wheel axis. A force generating apparatus is also mounted to the frame, the force generating apparatus configured for pulling the first pipe relative to the second pipe.

Abstract: A method of welding together the ends of outer pipe sections (16A, 16B) of pipe-in-pipe pipeline to be laid on a seabed employs an annular member (5) interposed between adjacent lengths of pipe. The annular member comprises a first axial part (11) which fits within the end of the first outer pipe section, and a flange part (12) which is interposed between the adjacent ends of the two lengths of outer pipe sections (16A, 16B) to be joined. The flange part (12) of the annular member (5) projects radially outwardly beyond the inside of the outer pipe sections (16A, 16B) and terminates radially inwardly of the outside of the outer pipe sections (16A, 16B), and provides some of the welding material for the joint.

Abstract: A process and plant for laying a pipe in a trench comprising placing a flattened tubular preform in the trench, the perform having a reinforcement surrounding an inner seal, the reinforcement being impregnated with a resin, and inflating the perform in the trench.

Abstract: An apparatus transforms a motorized frame mounted on crawler tracks and having a rotatable horizontal platform, into a pipeline laying machine or the like. A first structure is hinged to the platform on a horizontal axis at one end, at its other end, has a coupling intended to be secured to a track guide carriage. A second structure which, at its free end carries a lifting member, is hinged on a horizontal axis to the coupling.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a vehicle-mounted apparatus (30) for laying pipelines in which adjacent pipe (17, 28) are joined by the technique of magnetically impelled arc butt welding (MIAB). A MIAB welding head (13) having a welding axis is mounted on a transportable platform (35). A pipe guide (50) capable of engaging a welded pipe string is located rearwardly of the welding head (45). The pipe guide (50) maintains alignment of the string with the welding axis. The apparatus includes pipe feed means (47, 48, 49) maintaining alignment of a next pipe to be laid with the welding axis and the pipe string (17). The platform (37) is rotatably mounted on the vehicle (30) and tilts around a horizontal axis. The vehicle (300) is provided with pivoting steerable tracks (38).

Abstract: A trencher comprising a cutting disc (2) with a prefabricated tongued and grooved element feeder comprising a sweeper box (32) with a U-shaped transverse cross section closed at the front by a rake (34), in such a way that earth cannot fall inside it, and powered drive wheels operably frictionally pushing prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) in order to urge the elements together and to keep the different prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) coupled together during their descent into the inside of the sweeper box (32). This produces a temporary plank mould for the trench, so that the lowering and laying of the prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) inside the trench may be carried out automatically, safely, and in a working environment that is free of earth, thus enabling the correct linking of the elements.

Abstract: A rotatable pipeline end termination. A conduit is attached to an end of the pipeline. One or more collars are attached to the conduit. A ring is rotatably received on the collar. A pipeline support structure such as a flat bottom closed skid having the function of a mud mat is attached to the ring. The ring may be free floating for rotation or may be manually activated to rotate the termination to the correct orientation so as to be flat on the sea floor for full bearing contact.

Abstract: A method for installing conduits on a mountain is provided. The method includes placing at least one cable longitudinally across a ridge of the mountain and installing the at least one cable on a front side and a back side of the mountain. The front and back sides of the mountain are bounded by the ridge, and the at least one cable crosses over the ridge. The cable is positioned along both the front side and the back side of the mountain. At least one conduit is moored to the at least one cable on the front side of the mountain, and at least one cable is anchored on the back side of the mountain.

Abstract: Methods are provided for installing an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe pipeline on the seafloor. Inner and outer pipe segments are formed and the inner pipe is coated and insulated. Coating may include sprayed polyurethane foam and insulating half-shells that are placed around welds. Epoxy is preferably coated on the inner pipe before other coatings. The segments are loaded on a lay barge and water stops are preferably installed in the annulus as the pipeline is formed. Water stops may be formed by placing a liquid polymer in the annulus and allowing it to cure.

Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine for replacement of underground pipes includes a bursting head having a rearwardly opening recess and a front end opening that communicates with the recess. An inlet pipe is connected at its front end to a distal end of the drill string and extends into the recess of the bursting head through the front end opening. A striker is mounted for sliding movement along the inlet pipe, and a distributing mechanism responsive to pressure fluid supplied through the drill string and inlet pipe causes the striker to reciprocate in the rearwardly opening recess of the head to deliver forward impacts against the bursting head. The striker and distributing mechanism are mounted in a tubular housing, and a pulling connection is provided by which the impactor can be pulled by the drill string while the striker is delivering impacts against the head in the same direction as a pulling force exerted by the drill string.

Abstract: A method for installing conduits on a mountain is provided. The method includes placing at least one cable longitudinally across a ridge of the mountain and installing the at least one cable on a front side and a back side of the mountain. The front and back sides of the mountain are bounded by the ridge, and the at least one cable crosses over the ridge. The cable is positioned along both the front side and the back side of the mountain. At least one conduit is moored to the at least one cable on the front side of the mountain, and at least one cable is anchored on the back side of the mountain.

Abstract: A portable pipe irrigation system that is used primarily for temporary drip and sprinkler installations includes a unique trailer that comprises a platform which simplifies installation and removal of the irrigation system. The trailer is either self propelled or pulled by a tractor. A magazine in the central portion of the trailer is of a sufficient length to accommodate pipe of various lengths and cross sections. A work platform is located at either end of the magazine, allowing workers to manipulate the pipe in the magazine and load the pipe into one of two installation chutes. Catwalks are located on one or both sides of the magazine. Two chutes or channels are located on the platform at a comfortable work level. A primary chute is located closest to the magazine and is fitted with a fixed stop on the front end and a pushing lever on the rear end. A secondary chute is provided for final assembly of the pipe sections.