Abstract: An inflatable gas pipeline stopper is used for stopping gas flow through pipelines to permit repairs to be made to gas pipelines. For plastic gas pipelines, a tapping tee is attached to the plastic gas pipeline and a gas tight apparatus having a valve is attached to the tee. Thereafter, the plastic gas pipeline can be cut with a pipe cutter that is engaged with a hexagonal head and magnetic attachment to be operated from the exterior of the air tight apparatus. The pipe cutter can be removed from the air tight apparatus and the valve of the air tight apparatus closed to prevent gas from escaping from the pipeline. The inflatable gas pipeline stopper with dual air bags can then be inserted into the plastic gas main, through the air tight apparatus and the tee, to stop the flow of gas through the pipeline. After repairs on the pipeline are complete, the inflatable gas pipeline stopper can be removed, the tee can be stopped, and the air tight apparatus can be removed.

Abstract: These objects and advantages are achieved by the inflatable gas pipeline stopper of the present invention, which is used to stop gas flowing through a pipeline when effecting repairs of the pipeline. The invention includes an attachment for attachment to a gas pipeline. A quick connect is provided to form an airtight seal between the stopper and the attachment. A junction box is attached at the other end of the quick connect. The junction box has two receptacles on the upper end thereof for receiving two shafts therein. Each shaft has a port and a valve. At the top of each shaft is a quick connect for attachment of a stuffing box thereto for insertion of air lines therethrough. Within the two shafts, and attached to the air lines, extend two moveable bag inserting and retracting plunger assemblies attached to an air source at the tops thereof.