Patent · US Expired

Pipe cleaning and plugging apparatus

US4202377A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
16References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 3, 1978
Grant dateMay 13, 1980
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 3, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16L55/124
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for plugging a pipeline through a side opening and arranged such that the sealing portion may be removed and a rotary brush substituted to effect initial cleaning of pipeline should that be desired. The apparatus includes a bell-type housing which is arranged for mounting over the side opening in a pipeline to form a fluid tight chamber therewith so that the cleaning and plugging operation can be carried out while fluid pressure is present in the pipeline. The apparatus includes a drive stem which extends into the chamber through a ball and socket coupling provided in the upper part of the housing which permits articulation of the drive stem. The drive stem has supported on the lower end thereof a plug assembly which is adapted for insertion into the pipeline for effecting the seal. The plug assembly includes an annular cup-shaped seal having an annular lip which is sized for easy insertion into the pipeline at a point axially adjacent to the side opening. The plug assembly includes an annular member which is arranged to deflect the lip portion of the seal radially outwardly into initial sealing engagement with the pipe upon contact of the annular member therewith. Bei…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.