Insertion and removal of inflatable pipeline flow stopper bags
US8800601B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/612
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for fluid flow control, including flow stoppage, in a pipe having a saddle fitting with an axially extending outer launch tube and a coaxially aligned inner launch tube longitudinally split into two inner launch tube halves disposed within the axially extending outer launch tube. At least one inflatable flow stopper bag is disposed within the inner launch tube for stopping flow of a fluid through the pipe with which the saddle fitting is connected. An inner launch tube control rod for manipulating each of the inner launch tube halves during the inflatable stopper insertion and removal processes is connected with each of the inner launch tube halves, and a flow stopper bag control rod for manipulating the inflatable flow stoppers is connected with each of the inflatable flow stopper bags.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.