Patent · US Active

Wedge type plug and method of plugging a lateral line

US8820363B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
94References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 24, 2011
Grant dateSep 2, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 1, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/53
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A plug for temporarily plugging a lateral line from lateral opening in a main pipeline. A distal end of the plug is inserted in the lateral line from the main pipeline. The plug includes a fitting tube and a wedge constructed for deforming a deformable portion of the fitting tube outward to plug the lateral opening. Axial movement of the wedge with respect to the fitting tube toward a flow area of the main pipeline causes deformation of the deformable portion. A gripping member may be positioned on an outer surface of the fitting tube. The plug may include a fitting on the fitting tube to facilitate gripping of the plug by a tool. A cutting and brushing assembly may be used to remove the plug from the lateral line. Methods of installing and removing lateral plugs are also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.