Cup for use on a pipeline
US5295279A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B9/0557
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved cup for use on pipeline pigs is formed of a unitary material, such as urethane, the cup having a forward end, a rearward end and a central axis and with an integral flange portion providing means for securing the cup to a pipeline pig, the cup having an intermediate portion extending rearwardly from the flange portion, the intermediate portion having an interior frustro-conical surface and an exterior frustro-conical surface and the cup having a rearward portion, the external surface of the rearward portion curving in an arc to a generally cylindrical configuration. The cup preferably has a plurality of slits formed in the rearward portion, each of the slits being in the plane of the cup central axis and most preferably includes V-shaped grooves in the cup rearward portion external and/or internal surfaces, the grooves being of V-shaped configuration. The provision of the rounded exterior surface of the cup reduces the likelihood of the cup catching on obstructions within the pipeline and the provision of the slits and grooves functioning to increase flexibility of the cup allowing it to more readily deflect inwardly when obstructions in a pipeline interior wall are enc…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.