Abstract: An pneumatic plug for sealing a pipeline. The pneumatic plug includes a tubular member that extends in an axial direction from a first end to a second end. The tubular member includes a rubber layer and an elastomeric band. The rubber layer extends from the first end to the second end of the tubular member. The elastomeric band is disposed on a top of the rubber layer. The elastomeric band is positioned between the first end and the second end of the tubular member.

Abstract: An inflatable plug for sealing a pipeline includes a tubular member, a first indicator, and a second indicator. The tubular member has an inner surface and an outer surface that extends in an axial direction from a first end to a second end. The tubular member defines a central chamber configured to inflate to a predetermined pressure so that the outer surface of the tubular member expands to contact an inner surface of the pipeline. The contact between the outer surface of the tubular member and the inner surface of the pipeline define a contact length that extends in the axial direction. The first indicator and the second indicator are positioned on the outer surface of the tubular member. The first indicator is spaced from the second indicator in the axial direction by a predetermined length. The predetermined length is substantially equal to the contact length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable plug structure for use in high pressure applications. The expandable plugs, such as pneumatic plugs, are preferably constructed of a multi-layered, reinforced elastomeric cylindrical body, i.e., of reinforced natural rubber, and having an inflator member at one end. The multi-layers include various rubber layers, rubber coated aramid, which subsequent to vulcanization provides a unitary plug with shoulders that resist delamination. The cylindrical body may incorporate metal end plates as well as end plate weldment structures which cooperate with a high pressure flow-through conduit which allows the completed high pressure test plug to simultaneously seal a pipeline and to direct fluid therethrough. The high pressure plug obtains its strength in part based upon high frictional resistance forces generated by the external rubber layer(s), and further by the manner in which the external rubber layer8s) are molded into the metallic structures in the plug.

Abstract: A rupture disc assembly for pneumatic plugs constructed and arranged to cooperate with an aperture in an end casting or other plug component to expel excess air from the plug interior when a predetermined internal plug pressure is reached. The rupture disc holder assembly may have a two part body structure and be mounted to the inside or outside of the pneumatic plug. The rupture disc assembly utilizes a rupturable member in a flanged holder structure positioned in communication with the pneumatic plug.

Abstract: A one directional flow valve assembly for a fluid system. The valve assembly is comprised of a valve body having an internal valve chamber in communication with the ambient environment and a valve seat arrangement. The assembly further has a cap structure with means to position and align a sealing member with respect to the valve seat. A flexible elastomeric sealing diaphragm may be utilized and which is under tension when the sealing diaphragm is in a sealing configuration. The sealing member has a peripheral deflection shield to direct ambient fluid through the valve body. A carrier plate structure may be provided to position the sealing member and deflection shield with respect to the valve seat arrangement to operate the valve assembly.

Abstract: A rupture disc assembly for pneumatic plugs constructed and arranged to cooperate with an aperture in an end casting of the plug to expel excess air from the plug interior when a predetermined internal plug pressure is reached. The rupture disc assembly utilizes a rupturable member in a flanged holder structure positioned in communication with the end casting aperture.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a plumbing appliance and for sealingly attaching an air admittance valve in a vent pipe. The connector assembly has an elastomeric sealing gasket with an interior threaded bore which is expanded by a rigid bottom portion of an air admittance valve. The bottom portion of the valve body has exterior threads and an expander portion which cooperates with the lower sealing ring of the sealing gasket to compress the elastomeric body of the sealing gasket against the interior of the vent pipe.

Abstract: A one directional flow valve assembly for a fluid system. The valve assembly is comprised of a valve body having an internal valve chamber in communication with the ambient environment with a valve seat of a predetermined configuration. The assembly further has a cap structure with means to position and align a sealing membrane with respect to the valve seat. A flexible elastomeric sealing diaphragm is provided which is under tension when the diaphragm is in a sealing configuration. A carrier plate structure may be provided to position the sealing diaphragm. The sealing member is in tension adjacent to the sealing seat when in a sealing position.

Abstract: A two piece mechanical plug assembly for sealing low pressure pipelines. The mechanical plug assembly comprises a rigid body member and a flexible, cylindrical sealing member. The rigid body member has an upper portion and a lower portion of a frustoconical configuration having a plurality of threads. The sealing member has a conical bore with a plurality of threads to receive the lower threaded portion of the rigid body member. The upper portion of the rigid body member has an upwardly extending member with opposing wing members for turning the rigid body member into the sealing member whereby the rigid body member expands the flexible sealing member for sealing engagement into the interior of a pipeline.

Abstract: A frangible sealing plug for pipelines comprising a unitary disc shaped fluid impermeable body having a plurality of score lines on one side, and a peripheral score line on the opposite side adjacent a peripheral sealing structure. The peripheral sealing structure abuts the end of a pipeline section. The impermeable sealing plug is preferably molded of a plastic composition. The plurality of score lines includes at least one radially disposed score line and at least one concentric score line. The frangible sealing plug is positioned in the end of a pipeline section to hold a testing fluid backpressure. After testing, the disc shaped body is separated into a plurality of pieces along the score lines by a removal device.

Abstract: An assembly process for inflatable fabric bag plugs used to seal low pressure pipelines. The assembly process steps include marking and cutting coated fabric elements from a predetermined woven fabric and a plurality of sealing strips. The fabric elements and sealing strips include a plug body portion, main seam cap strips and first and second end seam cap strips. The process steps further include forming a flat tubular plug body from the plug body portion and bonding sealing rib extrusions thereto. A first end closure is formed in the plug body, a first tethering assembly is bonded over the first end closure and ports are installed therethrough for receiving an inflation assembly and a gauge assembly. A second end closure is formed in the plug body and an opposing tethering assembly is formed and attached thereover.

Abstract: An inflatable fabric bag plug for sealing low pressure pipelines. The bag plug has a body portion constructed of a coated fabric material and includes a plug body portion, main seam cap strips, first and second end seam cap strips and a plurality of sealing strips which are bonded over all internally and externally exposed fabric edges to prevent leakage when the plug is inflated. The body portion has first and second end closures and opposing tethering assemblies which are bonded over the end closures and to the plug body portion. An inflation assembly and a pressure gauge assembly are provided for inflating and deflating the plug as well as monitoring the plug during use. Bypass assemblies are provided to permit the passage of fluids through the bag plug when inflated in a pipeline.