Patents by Inventor Brad E. McSweeny

Brad E. McSweeny has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110120499
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for inserting a larger diameter foam pig into a tubular member, such as a pipe or pipeline, through a smaller diameter access connection when the tubular member contains a pressurized product flow. A foam pig sized appropriately for the tubular member is reduced in size so as to reside within a canister or vacuum-packed bag within the canister. The canister is located above an access connection to the tubular member. The reduced size foam pig is then injected from the canister through the small diameter access connection. As the foam pig enters into the interior space of the tubular member, the pig expands and turns and travels downstream of the access connection. The expanded foam pig has a diameter substantially equal to that of the tubular member and a volume substantially greater than that of the foam pig prior to its injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Rick D. Pruett, Eric N. Freeman, Phillip K. Morrison, Brad E. McSweeny