Abstract: An assembly for introducing a pipe liner into a branch line includes a launcher defining a passageway through which a resin impregnated pipe liner and bladder tube assembly passes. An inflatable member mounted to the launcher assembly is actuatable between an inflatable condition and a deflated condition. The pipe liner and bladder tube are secured in place by expanding the inflatable member outward against the inner surface of the branch line. Air pressure drives the bladder tube and pipe liner into the branch line. The bladder tube remains in place until the pipe liner hardens.

Abstract: Apparatus for blocking the bore of a pipe (1) comprises a plurality of elongate shutter member (15-17) pivotably mounted to an elongate support member (3/3a) for insertion through a pre-drilled aperture (8) in the pipe wall. Actuating means (14) are provided for pivoting the shutter members (15-17) from an insertion configuration in which they substantially aligned with said support member (3a) and deployed configuration in which they are fanned out across the bore of the pipe (1). Each shutter member (15-17) is pivoted about a point (9) located towards one end thereof and towards the insertion end of the support member (3a) so as in use to lie between the axis of the bore of the pipe and the wall of the pipe (1) opposite the location of said aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a valve, the valve being attached to a tank, the method including steps of providing a valve tool having a rigid tube and having an elastic air bladder, such bladder having a port, the port being connected to the tube, the valve tool further having a check valve; opening the valve in need of repair; extending the valve tool into such valve; injecting air into the rigid tube, causing the bladder to seal against the tank; detaching and withdrawing such valve; repairing such valve; reattaching such valve; opening the check valve to break the seal; and withdrawing the valve tool.

Abstract: A pipe sealing apparatus insertable inside a pipe and inflatable therein to prevent fluid flow and backflow through a defined section of pipe. The pipe sealing apparatus has a first inflatable plug at a first end and a second inflatable plug at a second end connected by an elongated flexible tensile member and a fluid pressure hose. Each inflatable plug has a plurality of ports that may be connected to a source of fluid pressure, plugged, or left unplugged depending on the application. The second inflatable plug may be inflated either simultaneous with the first plug, or independent of the first plug. Each inflatable plug also has a flow-through conduit.

Abstract: An installation assembly for installing a liner in a pipeline comprises an inner bladder having an installation end and a retrieval end. An outer bladder surrounds the inner bladder. The ends of the inner and outer bladders are coupled together adjacent the installation end. The inner bladder is coupled to an air source at a retrieval end and the outer bladder adjacent the retrieval end is free. Following installation and curing of the liner, the bladder assembly is retrieved by pulling on the retrieval end of the inner bladder, and upon retrieval, the outer bladder is inverted.

Abstract: An inflatable plug within a fragile streamlined cover attached to a rigid lance tube is pushed through a leakage hole to plug it on an upstream end by being inflated with pressurized fluid conducted through the lance tube to rupture the fragile cover and position the plug against the wall sealingly covering the upstream end of the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing plumbing systems is described. The apparatus includes an expandable member which is placed inside a fluid conduit and controllably expanded to temporarily occlude the fluid conduit, a flexible fluid conduit which supplies an expandable member fluid which causes expansion of the expandable member, a movement limiting assembly which prevents the expandable member from moving deeply into the fluid conduit and aids in retrieval of the expandable member, and a sealing assembly which prevents leakage of fluid from the fluid conduit during the testing process. The method of the invention relates to the employment of such a device in testing the integrity of a plumbing system.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing downhole comprises providing a section of expandable tubing of a first diameter, and axially compressing the tubing to induce buckling, such that the buckled portion describes a larger second diameter. The resulting diametric expansion may be utilised to anchor or seal the tubing within a larger bore.

Abstract: A compressed-ring pneumatic pipe plug having an expandable bladder in the form of an annulus, the bladder having open ends with end cuffs and a pair of rigid end caps that are constructed with a circular end plate having a perimeter rim over which an end cuff is installed and with a ring that is installed over the end cuff and compressed against the cuff and rim, with the rim and ring having a complimentary ridge and groove arrangement to lock the ring onto the rim with the end cuff of the bladder sandwiched between the rim and ring.

Abstract: A pipe sealing apparatus insertable inside a pipe and inflatable therein to prevent fluid flow and backflow through a defined section of pipe. The pipe sealing apparatus has a first inflatable plug at a first end and a second inflatable plug at a second end connected by an elongated flexible tensile member and a fluid pressure hose. Each inflatable plug has a plurality of ports that may be connected to a source of fluid pressure, plugged, or left unplugged depending on the application. The second inflatable plug may be inflated either simultaneous with the first plug, or independent of the first plug. Each inflatable plug also has a flow-through conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element (1) with inflatable bellows (10) for sealing piping. Said sealing element can be e.g. cylindrical in shape and said bellows (10) can be provided with two recesses (14a, 14b) containing a gel (11). When the bellows are inflated, the gel (11) encompasses e.g. uneven areas on the inner wall of the piper or cables in the pipe in such a way as to provide a seal.

Abstract: A lateral packer and felt combination are disclosed for use in efficiently inhibiting infiltration into or out of a pipeline. The lateral packer is inflated and expands radially to secure the felt at the source of infiltration. Once the felt is secured, the lateral packer is removed and the felt left in place as a barrier to infiltration.

Abstract: A pipe sealing apparatus insertable inside a pipe and inflatable therein to prevent fluid flow and backflow through a defined section of pipe. The pipe sealing apparatus has a first inflatable plug at a first end and a second inflatable plug at a second end connected by an elongated flexible tensile member and a fluid pressure hose. Each inflatable plug has a plurality of ports that may be connected to a source of fluid pressure, plugged, or left unplugged depending on the application. The second inflatable plug may be inflated either simultaneous with the first plug, or independent of the first plug. Each inflatable plug also has a flow-through conduit.

Abstract: A pipe sealing apparatus insertable inside a pipe and inflatable therein to prevent fluid flow and backflow through a defined section of pipe. The pipe sealing apparatus has a first inflatable plug at a first end and a second inflatable plug at a second end connected by an elongated flexible tensile member and a fluid pressure hose. Each inflatable plug has a plurality of ports that may be connected to a source of fluid pressure, plugged, or left unplugged depending on the application. The second inflatable plug may be inflated either simultaneous with the first plug, or independent of the first plug. Each inflatable plug also has a flow-through conduit.

Abstract: A flow control valve which does not utilize any moving components in the valve is disclosed. In the flow control valve, a valve housing that has a cylindrical-shaped wall is first provided. Inside the valve housing, is then provided a first and a second end plate for sealingly engaging an inner periphery of the valve housing. The first and the second end plate are positioned spaced-apart in a predetermined distance while each of the end plates has at least one aperture therethrough for the passage of a fluid flow to be controlled. Inside a valve cavity formed between the two end plates and the inner periphery of the valve housing is positioned an inflatable bag such that when a fluid is flown into the inflatable bag, the bag inflates to either partially block or completely block the fluid passageway through the valve cavity.

Abstract: A flow control valve which does not utilize any moving components in the valve is disclosed. In the flow control valve, a valve housing that has a cylindrical-shaped wall is first provided. Inside the valve housing, is then provided a first and a second end plate for sealingly engaging an inner periphery of the valve housing. The first and the second end plate are positioned spaced-apart in a predetermined distance while each of the end plates has at least one aperture therethrough for the passage of a fluid flow to be controlled. Inside a valve cavity formed between the two end plates and the inner periphery of the valve housing is positioned an inflatable bag such that when a fluid is flown into the inflatable bag, the bag inflates to either partially block or completely block the fluid passageway through the valve cavity.

Abstract: A flow-through pipe plug for conduits which permits controlled blockage of fluid flow in a conduit in which the plug is installed, the plug having a rigid cylindrical core on which are secured an outer bladder and an inner bladder, the bladders and core forming chambers between the bladders and the core, the core having pressurizable fluid supply pipes to the chambers with hose connectors for connecting the supply pipes to an auxiliary component for independent pressurization of the chambers and expansion of the respective bladders with the outer bladder expanding to the inner wall of the conduit in which it is installed and the inner bladder expanding to block passage through the core.

Abstract: It is a question of an actuating means adapted to be activated by fluid power, which comprises a hose body (5) extending between two spaced head pieces (3 and 4) and whose interior space is able to be subjected to a fluid medium. A strand structure (6) fixed to both head pieces (3 and 4) and extending coaxially in relation to the hose body has two strand groups (18 and 19) in a crossover configuration with bendingly flexible strands (7) extending adjacent to one another with the same longitudinal alignment within a strand group. An intermediately placed yielding material (22) between the strand groups (18 and 19) serves to maintain the strand groups constantly at a distance apart.

Abstract: A pipe leak testing arrangement which includes a device having sealing bags joined by a coupling. When inflated, the bags form a seal volume chamber. The bags may not form a perfect seal, and as a result leakage past the bags may occur when a differential pressure is present. A remaining portion of the pipe forms a test volume chamber. A first transducer measures differential pressure between the chambers and a further transducer measures the test chamber pressure. Measured pressure information is used by a control device to track pressure change and to adjust the seal pressure so as to maintain equal pressures even if the test pressure decays due to a pipe fracture. In an alternative arrangement, two separate devices with associated circuitry are provided to facilitate two temporary seal pressure chambers with the test chamber therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for retrofitting a pipeline (1, 1′) which is under pressure with a fluid meter (2). The device comprises a branch fitting (60) with two sealing sockets (61, 62) placeable in a fluid-tight manner on the pipeline (1, 1′) and a branch socket (63). The branch socket (63) has an outer thread (64) onto which a lock fitting can be seal-tightly screwed. After opening the pipeline (1, 1′) by milling, a flow-guiding insert (50) is inserted into the branch socket (63) in a seal-tight manner which guides the fluid out of the pipeline (1) and returns it again into the pipeline (1′) after it has flown through the fluid meter (2). A temperature sensor (7, 8) can be inserted into the branch socket (63). By means of bladders (66.1, 66.2), which can be inflated by means of a fluid, the fluid flow through the branch socket (63) can be shut off. The device according to the invention finds its application in gas, water, and heating installations.

Abstract: A safety device for protecting a fluid pipeline (1) from an excessive flow of the fluid running through it. The device includes a body (2) delimited by a tubular wall (20), having an upstream end (21) and a downstream end (22) and being selectively inserted into the pipeline (1). A valve (3), which is sensitive to a pressure loss, is supported by the body (2) and disposed between the upstream and downstream ends. A retaining means (4a, 4b) holds the body (2) in place inside the pipeline (1). An inflatable envelope (5) is provided outside the body for impermeably encasing a section of effective length of the tubular wall (20) into which at least one first opening (231) is cut.

Abstract: A bladder system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including a flexible barrier member for dividing at least a portion of the structural member being reinforced into one or more sections; and a reinforcement material for filling one or more sections bounded by the flexible barrier member. The reinforcement material filling one or more sections of the structural member can be a pumpable polymeric material, and the flexible barrier member can be a polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressured O-ring type sealing system which allows for effective seals without expensive and time consuming machining of the sealing surface. The O-ring sealing system of the present invention allows the sealing member to conform to the natural surface irregularities of the sealing surface and to compensate for any eccentricities between the plug and the inner diameter of the member being sealed.

Abstract: Novel packers for repairing ruptures in straight-line conduit systems as well as lateral conduit lines are described and illustrated herein.

Abstract: A pressure flow stop for temporarily blocking flow of water from a main water supply line to a residence or business, in order to facilitate replacement of a damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve, or “curbstop”, of the residence or business. In a preferred embodiment the pressure flow stop is characterized by an elongated, typically cylindrical stem housing which is removably attached to the damaged, defective or deteriorated shutoff valve after the shutoff valve is closed and the water meter is removed from the shutoff valve, respectively. An elongated, flexible stem, terminated by an inflatable balloon, is slidably disposed in the stem housing, and the shutoff valve is opened to facilitate extension of the balloon end of the stem from the housing through the shutoff valve and into the water source pipe leading from the main water line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dislodging a test baffle in a fluid conduit following pressure testing without permitting fluid to escape. The invention provides a device for dislodging or unseating a test baffle, for releasing a pressure within the conduit contained by the baffle, and for removing the baffle without leakage or other fluid escape. A preferred apparatus according to the invention comprises a rigid plug adapted for sealing engagement of an end of a fluid conduit such as a pipe, and a removal device adapted to pass through an aperture in said plug and to engage and dislodge a test baffle disposed within an interior of the conduit. Preferred removal devices comprises flexible lines attached to the test baffle and tools adapted to pass through the aperture and engage the test baffle.

Abstract: A pneumatic pipe plug for pipeline tee-connections and access ports having a molded cap structure, an elastomeric inflatable body, and a sealant ring. The molded cap structure of the pneumatic pipe plug having two concentrically spaced projections which act to receive and seal the elastomeric inflatable body. The elastomeric inflatable body having a closed bottom and an open top which has a peripheral shoulder extending therefrom. The sealant ring of the pneumatic pipe plug having a threaded exterior and an interior lip which compresses the peripheral ridge of elastomeric inflatable body against the projections of the molded cap structure when the sealant ring is joined to the molded cap structure. The molded cap having an inflation device that is suitable to regulate air flow through the upper surface of the cap and into the area contained within the inner most projection of the lower molded cap.

Abstract: A pipe leak locating system is provided including a pipe with an inlet. A plug is situated within the pipe and an air generator is mounted on the inlet of the pipe with a pressure gauge coupled therebetween for detecting the release of pressure within the pipe between the inlet and the plug.

Abstract: The invention provides, in a first form, an expandable plug for regulating pressure or flow within a tube. The plug has an inflatable bladder (12) for diametral expansion by internal fluid pressure introduced by inlet (14). The plug is reinforced by an envelope (26) of cords (28) which spread laterally upon inflation of the bladder to provide diametral support to the bladder. In a second form of the invention, an inflatable plug positioned in a tube of internal diameter d is controlled according to the equation P.sub.p =.DELTA.P+P.sub.d wherein P.sub.d is the internal pressure in the plug, .DELTA.P is the differential pressure across the plug and P.sub.d is the plug free expansion pressure for diameter d.

Abstract: A sewage by-pass discharging apparatus for sewage pipe works comprises an upstream side stop cock disposed at an upstream side of a sewage pipe laid in a working area, a downstream side stop cock disposed at a downstream side of the sewage pipe laid in the working area, a member for discharging the sewage accumulated at an upstream side from the upstream side stop cock to a downstream side from the downstream sides stop cock by bypassing the sewage pipe, a drain pipe connected to the sewage pipe laid in the working area, a drain pit connected to the drain pipe, a stop cock for preventing the sewage from flowing from the drain pit into the drain pipe, and a unit discharging the sewage reserved in the drain pit to downstream side from the downstream side stop cock. According to this structure, the working to the sewage pipe can be performed while the sewage system is maintained in a state of being utilized as usual by the residents of the respective homes.

Abstract: A sewage by-pass drainage system for sewage pipe works comprises a submerge pump provided in a first manhole, a sewage pipe between a second manhole and a third manhole located at a downstream side of the first manhole being taken as a working zone, an upstream side stop plug being provided at an outflow side of a sewage pipe between the first manhole and the second manhole, and a downstream side stop plug being provided at an inflow side of a sewage pipe opening to the third manhole, a suction pipe of a suction drainage apparatus provided on the ground being projected into an upstream side of the upstream side stop plug, a discharge pipe of the suction drainage apparatus being projected into a downstream side of the downstream side stop plug, and a discharge pipe of the submerge pump being arranged to the downstream side of the downstream side stop plug. By this, a sewage or the like can be drained even from the deeply buried sewage pipe so that an odor may not leak above the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing and/or leakage testing of sewer pipes, in particular of connecting pipes diverging therefrom. The apparatus is constructed as a tubular member and includes an opening, wherein the apparatus can be moved in the sewer pipe. The apparatus has a bladder which can be moved out through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high pressure plug coupling for providing a quick, fluid tight connection to a fluid port having internal threads. The high pressure plug coupling includes a generally hollow, exterior sleeve, with a hollow cylindrical piston slideably disposed within the exterior sleeve. A split collet assembly is connected to an end of the piston and is moveable therewith relative to the exterior sleeve. The split collet assembly includes a distal end portion that is radially expandable and contractable, with an interior surface of the distal end portion being tapered. An expansion pin is moveably disposed within the collet assembly and the piston for expanding the distal end portion. The expansion pin includes a frustum-shaped end portion adjacent to the distal end portion, with the frustum-shaped end portion being engaged with the tapered interior surface when the distal end portion is radially expanded.

Abstract: A linestopping system for pipes includes first and second linestopping means, each linestopping means including an inflatable plug, an inflation means and an insertion means and first and second branch pipe supports each having an apertured flange with a pipe section mounted thereon at an acute angle, each pipe section containing a valve. In use, the pipe supports are disposed on a pipe in spaced apart locations with the pipe sections facing in opposite directions such that upon apertures being cut in the pipe at the pipe supports the inflatable plugs of respective linestopping means are inserted by the insertion means through the apertures in the pipe and subsequently inflated by the inflation means so as to seal off a section of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe sealing apparatus insertable inside a pipe and inflatable therein to prevent fluid flow through the pipe includes an elongated inflatable sleeve of elastomeric material and an elongated outer sleeve substantially surrounding the inflatable sleeve. The inflatable sleeve is shiftable with respect to the outer sleeve during inflation of the inflatable sleeves. An intermediate sleeve, shiftable with respect to each of the inflatable sleeve and outer sleeve, may be provided between the inflatable sleeve and the outer sleeve. The ends of the inflatable, intermediate, and outer sleeves may be folded and clampingly sealed to each other to provide a fluid-tight seal at opposite ends of the sealing apparatus. A flexible cylindrical member may extend through the inflatable sleeve between the opposite ends thereof, an inflatable space being defined between the cylindrical member and the inflatable sleeve.

Abstract: A pipe plugging apparatus for use stopping the flow of water or other fluids in a pipe during pipe repair and construction, comprising a hand-held pump, the hand-held pump has a hand activated screw element for moving a piston for pushing water or other fluids within the pump. The hand-held pump has a cylindrical housing with an adjustable pressure relief knob at a first end and a filler intake port and an air bleeder valve positioned at a second end. The cylindrical housing includes a check valve and an aperture at the second end adapted for securing an intrusion tube connector. An intrusion tube with a connector check valve secured on a first end is secured to the hand-operated pump. One or more intrusion tubes may be linked together and provided either empty or fluid pre-filled. A water inflatable balloon is secured to a second end of the intrusion tube by a ribbed connector element.

Abstract: A method for blocking the bore of a pipe comprising moving an inflatable bag along the bore of the pipe from an access point in the pipe to a point where the bore is to be blocked, inflating the bag until it engages the internal wall of the pipe or main and causing the bag to maintain its inflated condition. Where an expandable foam is used.

Abstract: An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle comprises a train of modules 11-16 interlinked by suspension units 17 to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in respective modules. A detector module 14 determines the presence of a service junction and a manipulative module 13 allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline whilst providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This can include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules.

Abstract: A coolant pipe blocking device for use in a nuclear power plant is provided to temporarily choke up a coolant inlet pipe to thereby inhibit fluid communication between a reactor and a steam generator, the steam generator having a coolant chamber in communication with the reactor via the coolant inlet pipe and a manway providing access to the coolant chamber. The pipe blocking device includes a plurality of hub segments(42-48) arranged along a longitudinal axis substantially with a uniform spacing to one another and an elongated, flexible, support rod(50) extending in a coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis for interconnecting and keeping spaced apart the hub segments. A plurality of bladders(52-60) are arranged in an end-to-end relationship with respect to one another and attached to the hub segments to define a series of hermetically sealed air chambers.

Abstract: An inner diameter plug for sealing a pipe near an open end of the pipe. The plug is capable of being reused within a range of pipe inner diameter tolerances and of providing effective fluid-tight sealing over a range of internal pressures. The plug can be hand tightened and provides self-gripping and self-sealing features.

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: A stopper plug and method for making the same. A reinforcement spider is integrally laminated within a multi-layered plug formed from several plies of elastomeric and unidirectional reinforcement. The spider cooperates with end plates such that expansion of the plug causes both longitudinal contraction of the plug and radial expansion while concomitantly increasing the force by which the end plates are attached to the plug preventing delamination at that juncture. Two forms of plug are shown. One has capped endwalls provided with nipple outlets and one is provided with a throughflow central passageway.

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.

Abstract: A device for plugging a pipe includes a resilient, hollow body member that expands with the application of internally applied pressure to block the pipe. The body member has at one end a conical shaped wall with an apex that points inward. At ambient pressure, the diameter of the body member is less than the diameter of the pipe into which it is inserted. The diameter of the body member increases as the internal pressure increases, and the length of the conical shaped wall decreases.

Abstract: A system for sealing the nozzle of a steam generator including a collapsible nozzle dam and an installation pivot arm. The collapsible nozzle dam includes a base portion receivable through a manway in the steam generator for retaining an inflatable seal in place within the nozzle, a post extending from the base portion, a plurality of foot assemblies positioned radially about the post for engaging a nozzle ring around the nozzle of the steam generator, a truss structure for supporting the foot assemblies with respect to said base portion including compression legs interconnecting the foot assemblies with the base portion and tension legs interconnecting the foot assemblies with the post. The foot assemblies fold about the post for insertion thereof through the manway to unfold once inside the steam generator for engaging the nozzle ring and positioning the base portion within the nozzle.

Abstract: A kit is provided for temporarily blocking the bore of a pipe through which a fluid flows, the kit comprising an expansible flexible bag seal which is inserted through a hole provided in the wall of the pipe and an apparatus for injecting into the bag seal a quantity of a material adapted to expand in situ in the bag seal and inflate the bag seal to seal against the inside of the pipe. The pipe may be a gas main and the material may be an expandable synthetic resin foam. The bag seal is removed by injecting thereinto a substance capable of dissolving the foam so that the bag seal can be at least partially deflated.

Abstract: A fluid diversion apparatus (10) comprising a structure (12) for sealing an interior surface (13) of a pipe (14), so as to stop residual water within the pipe (14) from reaching a distal free end (16) of the pipe (14). An assembly (18) is for inserting the sealing structure (12) within the pipe (14). A facility (20) is for diverting the residual water centrally through the pipe (14) away from the distal free end (16), so that a valve, male adaptor or fitting can be soldered to the distal free end (16) of the pipe (14).

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 pneumatic plug useful for expediting the hydrostatic testing of bathtub and water plumbing installations. The pneumatic plug has a semi-rigid handle tube with an air valve at one end and an inflatable tube attached to its opposite end. The inflatable tube and the handle are of sufficiently small diameter to pass through the overflow drain in the bathtub, past the drain stopper assembly and into the drain trap without disassembly of the plumbing. The inflatable tube, such as a latex tube, is chosen with a length and wall thickness such that the inflatable tube is relatively stiff and will tend to deflect laterally around a solid obstacle when advanced into the plumbing rather than flattening axially. The inflatable tube is inflatable to a diameter at least five times greater than its deflated diameter for making a water-tight seal in a plumbing conduit.

Abstract: Fluid flow through a conduit is selectively blocked upon the occurrence of an alarm condition by an inflatable member normally folded when not in use to occupy as small a volume as is practicable. The small size volume together with securement of the inflatable member in a preferred location minimizes the effect of the inflatable member to normal fluid flow. A thin, tear-away sleeve maintains the inflatable member in the folded state and quickly tears apart during inflation enabling the inflatable member to fill and plug the interior of the conduit. The shape of the inflatable member, together with the fluid source utilized for inflation assures rapid, liquid-tight sealing. Alarm signal monitoring and inflation initiation is guaranteed under substantially all conditions through the employment of an electronic controller with a stand-by battery.