Test Plugs Patents (Class 138/90)
  • Publication number: 20090050225
    Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved system for gas piping under roadways using polyethylene pipe (2) as a casing pipe around an inner carrier pipe (1), along with a method for testing airtightness. A conduit (10) for the tracer wire (9) is included, along with an accompanying procedure for bypassing the flow of gas through the tracer wire conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Dave Thomas
  • Patent number: 7481096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a test tee device for leak testing a pipe line system. In structure, the test tee device includes a tee fitting, comprising a tubular section extending between a first and a second opposing openings axially aligned with each other, a third opening communicating with the tubular section of the tee fitting; wherein the tubular section has a inside diameter greater than the first opening inside diameter and the second opening inside diameter. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for leak testing a pipe line system. The method operates by inserting a test tee fitting, applying a test pressure to the test tee fitting through the third opening; and removing the removable insert, if the test pressure is maintained for the predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Tony Brock
  • Patent number: 7389798
    Abstract: A plug for a port is provided. Preferably, the plug and a cartridge configured to couple fluid tubes to a housing use substantially identical components such as a seal and a retainer or guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation of America
    Inventors: Michael D. Nowling, Rick D. Pelfrey
  • Publication number: 20080115851
    Abstract: A device for isolating at least a portion of a pipe from fluid flowing therethrough. The device having a body (1) that is at least partially insertable into the pipe. An external surface of the body is adapted to abut with an inner surface of the pipe to substantially prevent fluid flowing therethrough. At least one valve element (10) is arranged within the body (1) and is selectively openable and closable to permit fluid to flow through the body to facilitate removal of the body from the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Pochodyla
  • Publication number: 20080092970
    Abstract: An anchor mount formed of a stopper having a thrust flange joined to a first end of a stem portion with an axial bore extending there through and a centering portion inclined between an overhanging portion of the flange and the stem portion; a part-spherical coupler presented on the stopper thrust flange opposite from the stem portion; a substantially resiliently deformable plug having an axial bore extended there through; an elongated shaft extendable through the respective axial bores of the stopper and the plug and having a threaded portion thereof extendable from a second end of the plug; an end cap having with an axial bore there through and being structured with an anti-rotation mechanism operable for resisting rotation of the end cap relative to the plug; and means for reversibly moving the end cap along the elongated shaft relative to the stem portion of the stopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20080072981
    Abstract: A system for testing plumbing includes a flexible plug for sealing or unsealing the plumbing, an outer container for connecting to an access line to the plumbing system; a flexible air line connected to the flexible plug. The testing system is sealed when the flexible plug seals the plumbing and when the flexible plug is not sealing the plumbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Doug Saffell
  • Patent number: 7347218
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a test plug from a vent when positioned at a remote location with respect to the vent. The apparatus includes a cover having a handle section and base, the cover being visible from a remote location with respect to the vent. The apparatus further includes a retainer coupled to the cover by a connecting sleeve. The test plug is maintained between the cover and retainer and is removable from the vent by forcibly engaging the apparatus with a retrieval device configured to extend from the remote location to the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventors: Cory Reimer, Duane Reimer, Jon Dorn
  • Patent number: 7343936
    Abstract: A coupling used during testing of a water line including an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe connected by the coupling. A removable barrier disk prevents water from flowing through the connected pipes until after testing, when the disk is then detached from the body member of the coupling. A piercing assembly interacts with a groove near the perimeter of the disk to initiate a tear that propagates along the groove as the disk is pulled away from the body member of the coupling. The piercing assembly is attached to the disk by a fulcrum element offset with respect to a center of the planar disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: MCP Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Collins, Albert A. Amparan, Mark J. Cataldo
  • Patent number: 7334608
    Abstract: This device will prevent intrusion of rainwater, groundwater and other unwanted fluids into a sanitary sewer system thereby alleviating the load on the sanitary sewer, collection, transmission and waste water treatment facilities thereby reducing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Josck Alston McCartney, Stafford Alston McCartney
  • Patent number: 7334607
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective cap (9) for sealing a collecting vessel of a condenser closed by means of a sealing stopper (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Behr France Hambach
    Inventors: Frederic Bellott, Fabrice Kaczmarek, Frederic Seibert-Sandt
  • Patent number: 7325442
    Abstract: A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent one or more conduits comprises a generally cylindrical body defining a recess therein and including first and second end portions for cooperating with an end portion of a conduit. The body includes an opening between the first and second end portions. A sealing door or a test door is selectively positioned in the opening. A diaphragm member including a through hole is provided to be positioned within the body. A valve is operably connected to the diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the through hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough. A window for viewing the interior of the body for troubleshooting, diagnosis, etc., may optionally be provided. The opening in the body receives the diaphragm member and the test door when leak-testing a conduit, or the sealing door when connecting one or more conduits in a fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Inflow Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Pampinella, Brandon Ming-Yung Chi
  • Patent number: 7325573
    Abstract: A plumbing line test plug includes a plug body adapted to plug an interior diameter of a plumbing line. The body has a wet face, which is exposed to liquid when in use, and a dry face, which is opposed to the wet face. A flexible pressure responsive annular membrane extends outwardly and rearwardly from the wet face. Hydraulic pressure of liquid in the plumbing line, forces the flexible pressure responsive annular membrane into sealing engagement with interior walls of the plumbing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 7311120
    Abstract: An expandable pipe stopper for inserting within a pipe having two rigid circular plates adapted to be inserted wholly within a pipe and an outwardly-expandable flexible seal located between peripheral surfaces of the plates so as to be capable of expanding radially. A projection is rigidly secured to or integral with a first of the plates and extends slideably through an aperture defined by the second plate. The stopper also includes a lever pivotable about an axis through the projection and cam means rigidly secured to or integral with the lever such that the lever is pivotable between a first orientation in which the flexible seal is relatively undistorted and a second orientation in which the cam means force the plates towards each other so as to axially compress and radially expand the seal for engaging with sealing contact with the wall of a pipe. A member is rigidly secured to or integral with part of a remote peripheral surface of one of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Sewer Products Limited
    Inventor: Michael Eric Flanagan
  • Publication number: 20070284011
    Abstract: A method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises positioning a swellable component about at a desired location within a pipeline, exposing the swellable component to a swelling agent within the pipeline, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline, thereby forming a seal across the pipeline, and opening a fluid pathway through the pipeline without removing the swellable component. Another method of performing a servicing operation within a pipeline comprises inserting into the pipeline a pipeline tool comprising an externally mounted swellable component, propelling the pipeline tool through the pipeline to about a desired location via a flow of fluid, expanding the swellable component into sealing engagement with the pipeline at about the desired location, and opening a flow path through the pipeline tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rune Freyer, Laurence Abney, Steve Arrington
  • Patent number: 7264020
    Abstract: A test fitting for installation in a plumbing system comprises an annular sleeve having opposed first and second open ends and an inner surface that defines an open interior space and a hole. A cord has a first portion removably positioned in the sleeve's interior space and a second portion extending through the hole for removing the cord from the interior space through the hole. The first portion of the cord forms a watertight spiral disc that extends across the interior space to define a first area completely separated from a second area, and an outer edge of the spiral disc may be supported by a ledge extending from the inner surface into the interior space. Means are included for selectively sealing the hole after the cord is withdrawn through the hole, such as a plug complementary to the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: James Wolk
  • Patent number: 7240697
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for isolating the end of a segment of pipe, which includes a substantially cylindrical body, having first and second ends, and a circumference slightly less than the inner diameter of the pipe segment; a pair of spaced apart inflatable seals positioned around the wall of the body; means for introducing a fluid into the inflatable seals through separate lines under sufficient pressure so that the inflatable seals are inflated against the wall of the pipe segment defining an annular space between the inflated inflatable seals; a line for introducing a fluid into the annular space under pressure to test the integrity of the seal between the inflatable seals and the pipe wall, and having a dual function to capture fluid which may have entered the annular space as a result of a inflatable seal failure; a line through the body for allowing fluid to flow through the line at predetermined times and pressures; and a plurality of bolts on the first end of the body which would engage the inner wa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mechanical Research & Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne W. Beebe, Charles L. Stecker
  • Patent number: 7225836
    Abstract: A pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith. The pipe plug is preferably configurable from a non-sealing configuration wherein radially expandable seals are relaxed by application of pressure from a compressed fluid, to a spring biased sealing configuration automatically upon release of the pressure. A positive seal is automatically formed and maintained by spring biased axial compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: William Field
  • Patent number: 7210503
    Abstract: A method and device for preventing water from penetrating into the rising part/intermediate section (12) of a pipe (6) when laying the pipe (6) on or near the seabed (8) by means of a pipelay vessel (1), and where a plug (22) that seals against, travels and locks in the inside passage of the pipe (6) is arranged inside the pipe (6) between the lay vessel (1) and the seabed (8), where during normal pipelaying the plug (22) is displaced in the pipe (6) so as to essentially maintain its relative position relative to the pipelay vessel (1), and where in the event of water flowing into the pipe (6), the plug (22) is locked in the pipe (6), whereby water is prevented from filling the rising part/intermediate section (12) of the pipe (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: TDW Offshore Services AS
    Inventors: Harald Syse, Jostein Aleksandersen
  • Patent number: 7171987
    Abstract: A reusable pipe fitting plug for temporarily sealing the open hub on a non-threaded female pipe fitting. The pipe fitting plug has a retainer with piercing edges, expandable pins or grit type particles designed to engage the inner portion of a pipe fitting hub in order to anchor the pipe fitting plug. The pipe fitting plug further has an expandable rubber seal or expandable rubber bladder designed to provide a watertight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond J. Serret
  • Patent number: 7163028
    Abstract: A multipurpose plumbing tool has a body at one end, a head at an opposite end and an intermediate neck portion connecting the body and head. The marginal end portion of the body is cut back to form a reduced section, a shoulder being formed at the junction of the reduced section and a non-reduced section of the body. The reduced section is internally and externally threaded. An inwardly tapered seat for an O-ring is formed in the shoulder. An O-ring positioned in the tapered seat is compressed and contained within the tapered seat to provide a water tight seal when the externally threaded end is threaded into a female fitting. The free end of the head is formed with an internally threaded socket. A washer seated at the bottom of the socket provides a water tight seal when the socket is screwed onto a male plumbing fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Manuel Diaz Atkinson, Mark Abraham
  • Patent number: 7124779
    Abstract: Arrangement at a plug for sealing liquid- or gas-carrying pipes, comprising several slips (15) arranged peripherally on the plug, so as to allow them to be pushed up along a conical force ring (25) by means of a hydraulic cylinder (5), where the slips (15) are provided with a possibly divided sliding surface (19, 19?) and at least one possibly divided sliding surface (20, 23) having an angle that differs from the angle of the sliding surface (19, 19?). The force ring (25) has sliding surfaces (27, 29, 29?, 31) that correspond to the sliding surfaces (19, 19?, 20, 23) of the slips. The first part of the sliding surfaces (20, 23, 27, 31) has a steep gradient and the second part of the sliding surfaces (21, 21?, 29, 29?) has a small gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Plugging Specialists International ASA
    Inventor: Harad Syse
  • Patent number: 7111645
    Abstract: A plug for sealing high pressure tubes is made from a memory-shape alloy. The plug is formed having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the tube and is shaped by cooling to its martensite finish temperature and bending its wings in opposing directions such that at a later time, it will fit within the tube. After insertion into the tube, the plug is heated to its austenite finish temperature, restoring its wings to almost their original shape, thereby exerting force onto the tube walls, sealing the tube from leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Michael E. Fry
  • Patent number: 7089964
    Abstract: A coupling used during testing of a water line including an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe connected by the coupling. A removable barrier disk prevents water from flowing through the connected pipes until after testing, when the disk is then detached from the body member of the coupling. A piercing assembly interacts with a groove near the perimeter of the disk to initiate a tear that propagates along the groove as the disk is pulled away from the body member of the coupling. The piercing assembly is attached to the disk by a fulcrum element offset with respect to a center of the planar disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: MCP Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Collins, Albert A. Amparan, Mark J. Cataldo
  • Patent number: 7021337
    Abstract: An improved screw in test plug covering the opening of a test plug opening adapted to removably secure inflatable test balls thereto for inflation therein for water column pressure testing, and deflation for release of the water before removal of the test plug and test ball from the plumbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Allen R. Markham
  • Patent number: 7013926
    Abstract: A plumbing pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith is disclosed. The pipe plug is adapted with a conduit having a check valve that opens in response to fluid pressure to enable the injection into the plumbing system of a pressurized fluid, such as water, to pressurize the system downstream of the plug to allow for leak inspection and pressure testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Randy Storey, Michael Anthony
  • Patent number: 6997041
    Abstract: A method and device for pressure testing a pipe line is provided wherein a fitting is inserted into the pipeline by inserting male ends of the pipeline into female ends of the fitting to define a flow path through the fitting extending along a longitudinal axis. The fitting has an internal recess cooperating with a test slide to block flow through the fitting. An externally accessible port allows insertion and removal of the test slide. The test slide has an internal recess in which a pressure release slide moves to open a hole to release pressure, and to close the hole to block flow through the fitting for pressure testing. After testing and the release of the fluid test pressure, the test slide is removed and a finish slide is inserted into the recess. The finish slide has an opening located and configured to coincide with the flow path through the male ends of the pipes, and to block the recess to provide a substantially uniform, cylindrical flow path through the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Securus, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg P. Metzger, Fred O. Enstrom, Scott W. Randolph, Duane R. Condon, Thomas L. Kendall, Larry D. Brown, Dennis L. Hart
  • Patent number: 6976499
    Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line. Removal of the barrier is facilitated through the use of a piercing device and pull tab which can be actuated from a position outside of the waste line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: MCP Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Duncan
  • Patent number: 6976509
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for pressurizing pipe includes a resilient and compressible plug insertable into the opposed ends of the pipe for sealing the pipe. The plug includes a plug body having a larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the pipe, a flange that limits insertion of the plug into the pipe, and a blind hole coaxial with the plug for receiving the rod of a pushing member used to force and push the plug into the pipe. The rod has a smaller diameter than the hole for allowing the plug to compress during insertion for fitting into the pipe. After insertion of the plugs pipe pressurization occurs by securement of the needle end of an air pressure gun to a cylindrical needle shield that is circumjacently placed on the pipe for needle end alignment whereupon the needle end perforates the plug for pipe pressurization, and as the needle end is withdrawn the plug body compresses and closes the temporary needle slot thereby sealing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Clifford J. Kirvan
  • Patent number: 6966343
    Abstract: A pipe plug apparatus configured for insertion into a section of pipe and adapted to radially expand so as to engage the inner surface of the pipe and form a positive seal therewith. The pipe plug is preferably configurable from a non-sealing configuration wherein radailly expandable seals are relaxed by application of pressure from a compressed fluid, to a spring biased sealing configuration automatically upon release of the pressure. A positive seal is automatically formed and maintained by spring biased axial compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: William Field
  • Patent number: 6966342
    Abstract: A sealing plug for blind installation in a suitable hole thereby to plug and seal the hole, which sealing plug comprises a sleeve (1) having one end closed, a stem (2) having a head (4) at least part of which is radially enlarged with respect to the remainder of the stem, the stem head being within the sleeve and the stem protruding from the open end of the sleeve by passing through a part of the sleeve which has an internal cross-sectional dimension less than that of the stem head, the stem head having a shoulder (8), and there being an abutment of sleeve material against at least the radially outer part of the shoulder, the stem head being of a material which is harder than that of the sleeve and being formed with a weakened portion at a position intermediate the head and the part of the stem remote therefrom, whereby, when the sealing plug is inserted in a suitable hole, with the sleeve entirely within the hole, and increasing tension force is applied to the stem with respect to the sleeve, axial compressi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Textron Fastening Systems Limited
    Inventor: Keith Denham
  • Patent number: 6915819
    Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A unitary planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line when in place but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: MCP Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Duncan
  • Patent number: 6901966
    Abstract: A seal device is constituted of a plurality of seal tubes. After a connected-tube body having base members disposed at a fore end and a rear end is inserted into a fluid passage such as a tubular member, the seal tubes are expanded by injecting gaseous nitrogen into each of the seal tubes. The intermediate portions of the seal tubes along a longitudinal direction are press-fitted to the inner surface of the fluid passage over the entire circumference thereof, whereby the fluid passage is sealed. Since the connected-tube body is easily bent in the vicinity of a connecting base member between the tubes, the connected-tube body can be easily curved along the fluid passage, thus facilitating an operation for inserting the connected-tube body into the fluid passage and also enhancing a sealing property with respect to the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Giichi Onuki, Hirohito Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6901611
    Abstract: A head fitting for a bathtub waste water drainage system is disclosed. The head fitting simplifies leak testing in bathtub waste water drainage system and eliminates the need for a separate test cap and fastening hardware for leak testing. The head fitting includes an internal partition wall and a breakout test plug molded as an integral part of the head fitting. The internal partition wall and breakout test plug initially hermetically seal the flow passage of the head fitting for leak testing the drainage system. The test plug can be broken out from the internal partition wall to open the flow passage after leak testing and without damaging the head fitting. The test plug forms part of the partition wall defined by an annular groove in the partition wall. The groove forms an annular band of relatively thin material (fracture band) that integrally connects the test plug to the partition wall, but allows the test plug to be forcefully separated from the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: J&B Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen McEntire, Maynard Searing, Scott Searing, Fred Krolzick
  • Patent number: 6886388
    Abstract: A penetration fitting for forming a sealed connection between a conduit and a containment structure in an underground storage tank fueling system is provided that includes a main fitting element for forming a sealed connection to each of the conduit and the containment structure, wherein the main fitting element includes an interstitial space that is in fluid communication with each of the conduit and the containment structure. In one embodiment a monitoring fluid is disposed in the interstitial space and a sensor is used to monitor the level of the monitoring fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: M. Daniel McGill, Thompson W. Wyper
  • Patent number: 6883546
    Abstract: A lockable assembly for hermetically sealing an opening consists of a threaded wing bolt, a domed capping plate having an annular axial hole and means for locking the assembly, an elastomeric sealing gasket, and a base plate having a threaded axial hole for receiving the threaded bolt. Positioning the gasket between the capping and base plates, the bolt is inserted through the assembly, then base plate first the assembly is inserted into the opening to be sealed. A flange on the gasket and the capping plate support the assembly on the rim of the opening to be sealed. Screwing the bolt into the assembly urges the plates toward one another compressing and deforming the gasket radially outward creating the seal. Accompanying frictional forces between the gasket and inner surface of the opening to be sealed along with the locking means prohibit the removal of the assembly by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas E. Kobylinski
  • Patent number: 6877529
    Abstract: An improved sealing cap in particular for a collector tube in an air-conditioning unit for vehicles suitable for being axially inserted in a cylindrical portion (11) at an end of said collector tube comprises at least two moulded elements able to be coupled (12, 13, 22), a first (12) element being equipped with a portion (16) with the same diameter as the collector and at least one portion with a smaller diameter (17, 21) suitable for stably receiving a second element (13, 22) to define at least one seat (15, 150) for a sealing ring (14), which is realised with the coupling of the at least two elements. The portion with a smaller diameter (17, 21) defines a base of the seat (15, 150), a side surface (19, 28) of the second element (13, 22) and a side surface (20, 29) of the portion with the same diameter as the collector (16) respectively defining sides of said seat (15, 150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: SKG Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Bernini
  • Patent number: 6851452
    Abstract: A guide plate for a lug type closure arrangement is provided with a stepped profile to aid a user move the head of the closure arrangement relative to the hub from a locked to an unlocked position. A marker pin is provided to align with the guide plate at various stages in the unlocking sequence. The relative positions of the marker pin and the guide plate indicate to the user the relative positions of the lugs on the head and the lugs on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: General Signal UK Limited
    Inventor: Brian Smith
  • Patent number: 6843108
    Abstract: A pipe test plug for scaling and pressure testing a water utility supply line or other pressurized pipe has a plug body sized and shaped for insertion into an open end of a water supply line. The plug body has an inner and an outer end, with first and second spaced apart annular seals supported on the plug body. The annular seals and plug body together seal the water supply line when the pipe test plug is inserted therein. A securing member extends through at least one portion of the water supply line and into the plug body inserted therein for securing the pipe test plug in the water supply line under test pressure, the securing member being received in the plug body between the second annular seal and the other end of the plug body. The plug body may include first and second cylindrical seal plates each defining a peripheral groove for respectively receiving and supporting the first and second annular seals. The cylindrical seal plates are connected by web portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Mitchell Hunt
  • Patent number: 6840090
    Abstract: A plumbing testing device (10) has a pair of aligned and closed pipe sections (12 and 14) with open sides facing in opposite directions. The plumbing testing device (10) is longitudinally collapsible to facilitate removal from between pipe ends (19 and 20). The pipe sections (12 and 14) each have a port (32, 35), a transparent hose (38) connects the ports to one another, and a valve (30) controls the flow of water between the pipe sections (12 and 14) through the hose (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: In Sync Mechanical Contracting Ltd.
    Inventor: Murray Douglas Smith
  • Publication number: 20040261873
    Abstract: A method and device for preventing water from penetrating into the rising part/intermediate section (12) of a pipe (6) when laying the pipe (6) on or near the seabed (8) by means of a pipelay vessel (1), and where a plug (22) that seals against, travels and locks in the inside passage of the pipe (6) is arranged inside the pipe (6) between the lay vessel (1) and the seabed (8), where during normal pipelaying the plug (22) is displaced in the pipe (6) so as to essentially maintain its relative position relative to the pipelay vessel (1), and where in the event of water flowing into the pipe (6), the plug (22) is locked in the pipe (6), whereby water is prevented from filling the rising part/intermediate section (12) of the pipe (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Harald Syse, Jostein Aleksandersen
  • Patent number: 6820636
    Abstract: A plumbing tool and its method of use are disclosed wherein the plumbing tool includes a tube for insertion into a pipe beyond an area of such pipe that is to be soldered, such tube having an inflatable balloon structure at one end thereof. After the tube is inserted in the pipe and the balloon structure is positioned at the location where fluid stoppage is desired, the balloon structure is inflated to allow for soldering operations to be completed. A water bypass can be disposed within such tube for directing any fluid flow to the exterior of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Tai Kien
  • Publication number: 20040216794
    Abstract: An expandable plug device and a method for manufacturing the expandable plug. The expandable plug device has a sacrificial core which is used as an interior mold in the manufacturing process and which remains in the plug body after completion and during use. The expandable plug device is a multi-size plug having elastomeric and reinforcing layers and which may have an internal fluid flow-through conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J Beckey, David A. Endresen
  • Publication number: 20040187945
    Abstract: An expandable pipe stopper for inserting within a pipe having two rigid circular plates adapted to be inserted wholly within a pipe and an outwardly-expandable flexible seal located between peripheral surfaces of the plates so as to be capable of expanding radially. A projection is rigidly secured to or integral with a first of the plates and extends slideably through an aperture defined by the second plate. The stopper also includes a lever pivotable about an axis through the projection and cam means rigidly secured to or integral with the lever such that the lever is pivotable between a first orientation in which the flexible seal is relatively undistorted and a second orientation in which the cam means force the plates towards each other so as to axially compress and radially expand the seal for engaging with sealing contact with the wall of a pipe. A member is rigidly secured to or integral with part of a remote peripheral surface of one of the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Advanced Sewer Products Limited
    Inventor: Michael Eric Flanagan
  • Patent number: 6769291
    Abstract: A pressure test cap includes a mounting collar with an outer rib to limit depth of insertion of the cap into a pipe. A closure disc which seals the mounting collar is connected to the collar through an inner rim by a weakened ring. An outer rim section registers with the inner rim so that impacts to the outer rim are transferred to the weakened ring to separate the disc from the collar. The closure disc includes a centrally positioned nipple for connection of a conduit of a pressurized test fluid source. The nipple is closed by a break-away nipple plug. The nipple plug has a centrally located indentation for piercing to bleed trapped air from the system and resealing by a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Manfacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank D. Julian, Duane R. Condon
  • Publication number: 20040129327
    Abstract: A pipe test plug device for testing pipes includes a coupling and a quick release seal that includes pull points to allow the seal to controllably break free and be removed in pieces whether the pipe to be tested is plastic or metallic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Hooper
  • Patent number: 6755215
    Abstract: A unitary removable barrier for installation in a cylindrical water line to selectively block the water line to passage of water therethrough. The unitary removable barrier is composed of a single piece body having at least one cylindrical section sized to receive upstream and downstream pipes of the water line. A unitary planar disk is molded with the cylindrical section and is of a circular circumference which completely blocks the water line when in place but which is selectively removable from the cylindrical section thus removing the barrier to the passage of water through the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Duncan
  • Patent number: 6752175
    Abstract: An auxiliary device (100) is provided for repairing a pipeline and sealing small damages (5) in a wall (4) of a pipeline. A working space (8) is created between the interior of the pipeline (93) and the outer circumference of the base element (22) when the auxiliary device (100) for repairing a pipeline is pushed into a pipeline. The working space (8) can be sealed in the axial direction of the pipeline (3) and in a jointing manner by way of the expanding sealing collars (24,25). The auxiliary device (100) is provided with a transport module (40) that is articulated to the sealing module (20). The device can be transported through the fluid flow by means of the transport module (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Willschuetz, Hans-Georg Willschuetz
  • Patent number: 6732762
    Abstract: An improved plug device 10 for sealing an internal tubular passageway in a predetermined location against pressure and flow applied from one side. The plug 10 is selectively inserted and retrieved from the tubular passageway using an installation tool 200. The plug 10 has an elastomeric seal 72 and multiple latch dogs 40 that reciprocate in an axial direction to engage or not engage the tubular passageway. An elastomeric seal 72 of the plug 10 is manipulated to cause it to recess during the installation and retrieval of the plug device 10 to minimize scuffing the seal 72. Multiple latch dogs housed in the plug are radially moved outward to engage a prepared internal groove in the tubular passageway, then the elastomeric seal 72 is relaxed to bias against the interior of the bore of the tubular passageway. The plug is easily installed and removed by robots or remote manipulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Publication number: 20040079427
    Abstract: An improved sealing cap in particular for a collector tube in an air-conditioning unit for vehicles suitable for being axially inserted in a cylindrical portion (11) at an end of said collector tube comprises at least two moulded elements able to be coupled (12, 13, 22), a first (12) element being equipped with a portion (16) with the same diameter as the collector and at least one portion with a smaller diameter (17, 21) suitable for stably receiving a second element (13, 22) to define at least one seat (15, 150) for a sealing ring (14), which is realised with the coupling of the at least two elements. The portion with a smaller diameter (17, 21) defines a base of the seat (15, 150), a side surface (19, 28) of the second element (13, 22) and a side surface (20, 29) of the portion with the same diameter as the collector (16) respectively defining sides of said seat (15, 150).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Michele Bernini
  • Publication number: 20040074549
    Abstract: An expandable plug fitted with a pressure valve for plugging a tubular bore having a shaft member with one or more cylindrical cylinders and one or more cylindrical sleeves slideably disposed on the shaft member and a flange is attached near the distal end to retain the cylindrical seals and cylindrical sleeves on the shaft member. The shaft member may be hollow with a pressure valve secured within the hollow shaft. A pulling mechanism disposed at the proximal end of the shaft member compresses the cylindrical seals by exerting an axial force upon the shaft member in a proximal direction, thereby causing the shaft member to slide through the axial openings of the cylindrical seals and the cylindrical sleeves in the proximal direction, thereby compressing the cylindrical seals between the flange and the pulling mechanism. The compressed seals expand radially, sealing the tubular bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Allen