Internal pipe attachment mechanism

US5372391A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• United States Department of Energy · US

Inventors

• Richard M. Bast · Livermore, US
• Dwayne A. Chesnut · San Francisco, US
• Carl D. Henning · Livermore, US
• Joseph P. Lennon · Livermore, US
• John W. Pastrnak · Livermore, US
• Joseph A. Smith · Fanwood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 22, 1993
• Grant date: Dec 13, 1994
• Expiry date: Feb 22, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16L37/098
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An attachment mechanism for repairing or extending fluid carrying pipes, casings, conduits, etc. utilizing one-way motion of spring tempered fingers to provide a mechanical connection between the attachment mechanism and the pipe. The spring tempered fingers flex to permit insertion into a pipe to a desired insertion depth. The mechanical connection is accomplished by reversing the insertion motion and the mechanical leverage in the fingers forces them outwardly against the inner wall of the pipe. A seal is generated by crushing a sealing assembly by the action of setting the mechanical connection.