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A method and apparatus for installing a split fitting on an intermediate point of a pipeline. The apparatus includes remotely-controlled, power-operated manipulator elements operable to close segments of the fitting about the pipeline in the manner of a clamshell. The manipulator elements include ca

A method and apparatus for installing a split fitting on an intermediate point of a pipeline. The apparatus includes remotely-controlled, power-operated manipulator elements operable to close segments of the fitting about the pipeline in the manner of a clamshell. The manipulator elements include cam means to initially close the fitting segments and C-clamp means to effect full closure of the fitting segments.

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Apparatus for remotely installing a fluidtight split fitting on an intermediate location of a pipeline, the fitting being split longitudinally into mating segments and being provided with means for hinging the segments together in the manner of a clamshell, manipulator means mounted on the segments

Apparatus for remotely installing a fluidtight split fitting on an intermediate location of a pipeline, the fitting being split longitudinally into mating segments and being provided with means for hinging the segments together in the manner of a clamshell, manipulator means mounted on the segments and being constructed and arranged to engage portions of the segments and forcibly close them together into fluidtight mating contact with one another, said manipulator means including C-shaped clamp means and power operated means for moving said clamp means relative to said segments, said clamp means including power-operated means, said clamp means being movable by said power operated means from a retracted position to an operational position, said clamp means in said retracted position allowing said segments, while hinged together, to pass onto the pipeline at said location and in said operational position being disposed adjacent a line at which the fitting is split and bridging a gap between the segments at such line, the poweroperated means being arranged to engage and maintain the segments closed in fluidtight relation against forces developed by pressure prevailing in the pipeline. A method of assembling a fitting on the intermediate length of a pipeline including the steps of supplying a longitudinally split fitting of mating half segments, the segments being provided with means for hinging the segments together at one side in the manner of a clamshell and with radially extending flange elements at an opposite side, mounting manipulator means including a power actuator and C-clamp means on one of the segments in a manner permitting such hinged segments to assume a pipeline clearance position wherein the segments can pass over the pipeline while hinged together and an operational position wherein the segments encircle the pipeline, using the power actuator of the manipulator means to move the C-clamp means from a retracted position permitting passage of said segments over the pipeline to an operational position wherein the C-clamp means extends generally transverse to the mating plane of said segments when they are closed over the pipeline such that it bridges said flange elements of both segments, and using means on said C-clamp means to squeeze said segments together through said flange elements.