Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device that is adapted to seal an area of a construction, such as a tube or pipe or other cavity, from foreign material or debris temporarily, wherein the device includes a cylindrical plug that has a plurality of resilient bodies for holding the device within a particular construction. The bodies are substantially planar, and semicylindrical in shape wherein two bodies are utilized. A flexible cover includes a first pouch which contains a first body therein and desirably a second pouch of the cover contains a second body therein, with the cover having a hinge between said first and second pouches. When the device is not in use, the bodies can be folded against one another in a closed position until they are inserted into a tube or pipe whereupon they can be opened to an open position and generally form a disk having a snug, fitted connection with a wall of the tube or pipe.

Abstract: A purge system useful in welding applications to provide a shielding or purging gas to a weld site, preferably of a tube, pipe or construction, while also providing controlled release of an exhaust gas and pressure relief through the use of a permeable body. The purge system is also flame resistant allowing use in close proximity to the weld site. The design facilitates ease of insertion, holding and retraction in a tube, pipe or other construction.

Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device that is adapted to seal an area of a construction, such as a tube or pipe, from foreign material or debris temporarily, wherein the device has a resilient body for holding the device within a particular construction. The device also includes a post extending through the body and a base connected to a first end of the post, the base including a flange for maintaining the body on the post. The device further includes a cap that is securely locked to a second end of the post to prevent the post being withdrawn from the cap. The device body is captured between the base and cap.

Abstract: A retaining member particularly suitable for use as part of a foreign material exclusion device that can be used to temporarily seal an area of a construction from foreign material or debris, wherein the retaining member includes a post adapted to be inserted through a body of the foreign material exclusion device and cap having a rim and a fitting, the latter mateably engageable with an end of the post. The post and fitting each include through bores that are alignable such that they can be connected, for example with an extraction member of the foreign exclusion material device. Foreign material exclusion devices including the retaining member are disclosed.

Abstract: Foreign material exclusion devices adapted to be positioned in a construction, for example a tube or pipe to temporarily seal off one side of the construction from another. The device includes a resilient body surrounded by an enclosure that substantially conforms to the shape of the body. At least one internal support component aids in connecting the enclosure to the body and provided reliable, consistent alignment between the body and enclosure.

Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device adapted for use in an opening or cavity of a system or construction, for example a tube, pipe or the like that can be utilized in one embodiment to prevent entry of debris into a particular area of the construction, the device having a body that is adapted to seal a first side of the cavity from a second side of the cavity, the device further including a body comprising a resilient material that can be compressed to fit into the desired opening or cavity and then can be re-expanded to provide a snug fit about the opening such that the device supports itself, the device further including an inflatable apparatus operatively connected to the body, wherein upon inflation, the apparatus contacts desired surfaces of the construction and aids in maintaining the device at a desired location within the system or construction and also aids in forming a desired seal.

Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device adapted for use in a cavity of a system or construction, for example a tube, pipe, or the like, the device having a body that is adapted to seal a first side of the cavity from a second side of the cavity and prevent passage of debris past the body, the device further including a sensor operatively connected to the body and adapted to measure a property of the environment adjacent at least one surface of the device. Methods for utilizing the device to seal a portion of the cavity and to record, and preferably distribute, the data are also described.

Abstract: Foreign material exclusion devices adapted to be positioned in a construction, for example a tube or pipe to temporarily seal off one side of the construction from another. The device includes a resilient body surrounded by an enclosure that substantially conforms to the shape of the body. At least one internal support component aids in connecting the enclosure to the body and provided reliable, consistent alignment between the body and enclosure.

Abstract: Foreign material exclusion devices especially adapted to be positioned in a construction, for example a tube or pipe to temporarily seal off a potentially sensitive area of the construction from foreign materials or debris. In one embodiment the device includes a specifically defined, fixed-size eyelet to assist with insertion and/or removal of the device from a construction. Still other embodiments of the device include cavities that retain a trackable coating applied to the device. Further embodiments include identification elements embedded and thus protected within the frame of the device.

Abstract: Foreign material exclusion devices especially adapted to be positioned in a construction, for example a tube or pipe to temporarily seal off a potentially sensitive area of the construction from foreign materials or debris. In one embodiment the device includes a specifically defined, fixed-size eyelet to assist with insertion and/or removal of the device from a construction. Still other embodiments of the device include cavities that retain a trackable coating applied to the device. Further embodiments include identification elements embedded and thus protected within the frame of the device.

Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device adapted for use in a cavity of a system or construction, for example a tube, pipe, or the like, the device having a body that is adapted to seal a first side of the cavity from a second side of the cavity and prevent passage of debris past the body, the device further including a sensor operatively connected to the body and adapted to measure a property of the environment adjacent at least one surface of the device. Methods for utilizing the device to seal a portion of the cavity and to record, and preferably distribute, the data are also described.