So what does "in the pipeline" mean?

My take...

Re: Alaska Pipeline

The reserves were there and huge, but we needed to build a transportation means before pumping it out of the ground. The pipeline was empty until the switch was turned on.

Re: e.Digital

Infringer "reserves" identified, pipeline built in Mar-08 by DM, 1st switch turned on 9/25/08, remains on until the Samsung settlement, then the switch is turned off, but the reserves are still there.

In both examples, the switch can be on or off at anytime, but the reserves remain until depleted.