Variable length pipe repair fitting
US6237640A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2023/22
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An expandable repair fitting for sealing and reinforcing polyethylene pipe includes a single or multiple middle section(s) that receives two end sections. The three sections are split into halves in order for the fitting to encapsulate the entire pipe to be repaired. Electrical heating elements in the form of wires are embedded within each section. The specific location of the wires causes the jointed halves to melt together when an electrical source is supplied to the wires, as well as causing a portion of each end piece to melt about the outer pipe diameter, thereby forming a sealed repair fitting. A portal is provided on the middle section to allow pressure testing of the integrity of the fitting. In a second embodiment, the repair fitting does not encapsulate the entire pipe circumference.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.