Apparatus and method for shutting off fluid flow in a pipe main
US5462077A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6123
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for shutting off fluid flow in a pipe main while repairs are being made requires only exposure of the top surface of a buried main and utilizes an anchor system installed in or above the excavation which supports an elongate tubular seal tube against the exposed surface of the main to extend radially therefrom. A jack mechanism compresses the lower end of the seal tube containing a seal member against the exterior surface of the main. A tubular cutting tool installed inside the seal tube is rotated by an air motor to cut a hole in the side wall of the main. A tubular sealant application tool installed inside the seal tube has a nozzle at its bottom end that sprays liquid sealant material onto the interior surface of the main and is then removed. A tubular bladder deployment tool installed inside the seal tube carries a pair of deflated bladders. The bladders are deployed from the deployment tool in opposed direction into the interior of the main along the longitudinal axis of the main and are then inflated to expand and form a seal to shut off fluid flow in the main. After repairs have been made, the bladders are deflated and retracted and the bladder deploy…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.