Switch arm for piggable pipeline connector
US10309577B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L41/023
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An extended switch arm for a piggable pipeline connector for directing a pig to a particular pipeline and a method of manufacturing the same. The extended switch arm may comprise a switch arm, an upper plate attached to the top of one end of the switch arm, and a lower plate attached to the bottom of the end of the switch arm and aligned with the upper plate. A switch arm extension may pivotally attach between the upper and lower plates via a pin, allowing the switch arm extension to pivot from side to side relative to the switch arm as the switch arm is moved from one side of the pipeline connector to the other, essentially blocking access by the pig to one pipeline or the other without providing any sharp angles or other surfaces upon which the pig could become caught.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.