A module for a vacuum pumping and/or abatement system. The module comprises a frame defining a space, a plurality of facilities inputs configured to receive facilities from a facilities supply, a plurality of facilities outputs configured to output the received facilities out of the module, and a plurality of facilities connection lines located at least partially within the space defined by the frame. The plurality of facilities connection lines connect the facilities inputs to the facilities outputs. The module further comprises a controller configured to control supply of facilities received at the facilities inputs out of the facilities outputs; and control operation of one or more vacuum pumping and/or abatement apparatuses remote from the module.

A hydraulic connection tube interconnects two port fittings of a hydraulic cylinder. The tube includes a bend or bent portion that reduces forces and stresses at the fittings.

A thermal expansion compensating device has a conduit with a first opening and a second opening for connection to a first pipe and a second pipe of a hot water system, respectively, the first and second pipes being formed by removing a section from a length of pipe of the hot water system. A pre-tensioning force is applied to the device to axially displace the first opening from the second opening until after connection of the openings of the pipes. A resiliently deformable pipe segment defines a portion of the conduit between the first opening and the second opening and is resiliently deformed to a tensioned position by the application of the pre-tensioning force. Once the hot water system is activated, the pipes axially thermally expand such that the first opening moves towards the second opening and the pipe segment moves from the tensioned position towards a rest position decreasing the stress on the device.

A thermal expansion compensating device has a conduit with a first opening and a second opening for connection to a first pipe and a second pipe of a hot water system, respectively, the first and second pipes being formed by removing a section from a length of pipe of the hot water system. A pre-tensioning force is applied to the device to axially displace the first opening from the second opening until after connection of the openings of the pipes. A resiliently deformable pipe segment defines a portion of the conduit between the first opening and the second opening and is resiliently deformed to a tensioned position by the application of the pre-tensioning force. Once the hot water system is activated, the pipes axially thermally expand such that the first opening moves towards the second opening and the pipe segment moves from the tensioned position towards a rest position decreasing the stress on the device.

A flexible pipe loop including three flexible tube members: a first flexible tube member connected to a pipe run, a second flexible tube member connected to the first tube member, and a third flexible tube member connected to the second flexible tube member, the second flexible tube member and the third flexible tube member arranged such that they are substantially parallel. The configuration of the three flexible tube members permits six degrees of freedom of the flexible pipe loop.

A flexible pipe loop including three flexible tube members: a first flexible tube member connected to a pipe run, a second flexible tube member connected to the first tube member, and a third flexible tube member connected to the second flexible tube member, the second flexible tube member and the third flexible tube member arranged such that they are substantially parallel. The configuration of the three flexible tube members permits six degrees of freedom of the flexible pipe loop.

A low profile gripping device having a locking assembly attached to a base having a table, wherein the locking assembly comprises a locking strap with pairs of fins disposed for insertion into an aperture of a buckle. The locking assembly comprises an offset anchor block having opposing sides, the locking strap attached to one side, and the buckle attached to the opposing side. The interface between the locking strap and the anchor block forms a creased groove for seating a flexible polymer tube or polymer coated cable. The creased groove is located above the table such that the seated tube or cable is substantially centered above the base. The locking strap is inserted through the aperture to secure the tube or cable in the creased groove, and the fins retain the locking strap in fixed relation to the buckle.

A thermal expansion compensating device has a conduit with a first opening and a second opening for connection to a first pipe and a second pipe of a hot water system, respectively, the first and second pipes being formed by removing a section from a length of pipe of the hot water system. A pre-tensioning force is applied to the device to axially displace the first opening from the second opening until after connection of the openings of the pipes. A resiliently deformable pipe segment defines a portion of the conduit between the first opening and the second opening and is resiliently deformed to a tensioned position by the application of the pre-tensioning force. Once the hot water system is activated, the pipes axially thermally expand such that the first opening moves towards the second opening and the pipe segment moves from the tensioned position towards a rest position decreasing the stress on the device.

A system for forming a pipeline including fused pipe having straight pipe elements and one or more non-linear pipe subassemblies positionable at respective preselected locations on a predetermined path. The system includes a straight pipe processing subassembly and a finishing subassembly. The system also includes a second fusing module for fusing the non-linear pipe subassembly with a selected one of the straight pipe elements to include the non-linear pipe subassembly in the fused pipe, the second fusing module being attachable to the finishing subassembly.

A system for forming a pipeline including fused pipe having straight pipe elements and one or more non-linear pipe subassemblies positionable at respective preselected locations on a predetermined path. The system includes a straight pipe processing subassembly and a finishing subassembly. The system also includes a second fusing module for fusing the non-linear pipe subassembly with a selected one of the straight pipe elements to include the non-linear pipe subassembly in the fused pipe, the second fusing module being attachable to the finishing subassembly.