Repair device for the in situ repair of pipes, and a method of repairing pipes
US5372162A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/1645
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A repair device for the in situ repair of a pipe comprises an assembly of at least four short cylindrical, inflatable members 1, 2, 3, 4, which are interconnected by articulated rods 5 which are each articulated by means of a cardan joint 6. When in the pipe, the inflatable members define a cavity 10 for receiving a filler material 7'. Ducts 8 are provided for individually connecting the inflatable members to a source of compressed inflating fluid, and a duct 22 is provided for conveying the filler material to the cavity 10. The outermost inflatable members are provided with attachments for securing a cable or chain 9 thereto. This construction permits the complete and continuous repair of the pipe during advancement of the assembly of inflatable members, even in the region of shoulders 12, internal projections 13, connections with lateral pipelines 14, or bends 12', while ensuring that the injection chamber 10 remains filled with filler material 7'.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.