Expandable plug and control method
US6053210A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/85
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides, in a first form, an expandable plug for regulating pressure or flow within a tube. The plug has an inflatable bladder (12) for diametral expansion by internal fluid pressure introduced by inlet (14). The plug is reinforced by an envelope (26) of cords (28) which spread laterally upon inflation of the bladder to provide diametral support to the bladder. In a second form of the invention, an inflatable plug positioned in a tube of internal diameter d is controlled according to the equation P.sub.p =.DELTA.P+P.sub.d wherein P.sub.d is the internal pressure in the plug, .DELTA.P is the differential pressure across the plug and P.sub.d is the plug free expansion pressure for diameter d.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.