Tubular expansion device and method of fabrication
US7861744B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F11/00
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention comprises a device for expanding tubular members to a controlled diameter and its method of fabrication. The device includes an expandable bladder held in a convoluted form. After the device is inserted into a cylindrical tube to be evenly expanded, the bladder is expanded by hydraulic pressure to a controlled maximum diameter. It is then deflated so the device can then be moved to another location and reused. The bladder is formed from a flexible impervious material having integral reinforcing fibers. It is initially formed in a fully expanded configuration over a convoluted mandrel and a removable cylindrical shell. When the shell is removed vacuum or external pressure draws the bladder against the mandrel. The bladder is overmolded with a resilient cover to hold it in reduced form until pressurized. The bladder cover prevents the bladder from kinking during the expansion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.