Abstract: An inflatable fabric bag plug for sealing low pressure pipelines. The bag plug has a body portion constructed of a coated fabric material and includes a plug body portion, main seam cap strips, first and second end seam cap strips and a plurality of sealing strips which are bonded over all internally and externally exposed fabric edges to prevent leakage when the plug is inflated. The body portion has first and second end closures and opposing tethering assemblies which are bonded over the end closures and to the plug body portion. An inflation assembly and a pressure gauge assembly are provided for inflating and deflating the plug as well as monitoring the plug during use. Bypass assemblies are provided to permit the passage of fluids through the bag plug when inflated in a pipeline.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for blocking fluid in a pipe 1 onto which a positioning unit 2 is hermetically mounted and through which a hole is drilled in the pipe while maintaining a hermetic seal. An expandable body 8 is inserted into the pipe with the aid of a blocking implement 7 enclosed in support tube 9. The expandable body is expanded to temporarily block the flow of fluid in the pipe. The support tube has a supporting structure for supporting the expandable body against the flow of fluid during insertion into the pipe, after insertion, during expansion and after expansion. The support structure increases the capability of the expanded body to withstand the high pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: A plug which is inserted into the nozzle of nuclear reactor steam line is provided with a set of inflatable primary seals which resemble a pair of tires. A locking ring which features pads which can be hydraulically driven radially outward into engagement with the nozzle wall, is located adjacent the tire-like inflatable seals. The latter are inflated by a spring loaded piston. A tool which inserts the plug into the nozzle is adapted to tract the piston against the bias of the preloading springs, until such time as the plug is inserted into position. After insertion the piston is released and the seals are inflated.

Abstract: A pipeline flow stopper is insertable in a collapsed, deflated form in a pipeline through a tap hole and then inflated to temporarily block fluid or gas flow through the pipeline. The stopper comprises an inner inflatable bladder encased within an outer bladder casing. The inflatable bladder receives a pressurized gas and inflates to an inflated form within the pipeline. The bladder casing is constructed of fabric coated with a flexible polymer to render the fabric impervious to the fluid or gas in the pipeline. The fabric is joined together along seams either by stitching which is thereafter sealed by liquid seam sealer, cementing, vulcanization or the like, or the stitching can be eliminated entirely and all the seams electronically heat sealed to join them and prevent fluid or gas from escaping past the stopper through the seams.

Abstract: An inflatable closing plug for pipes and a method of manufacturing same. The plug includes a unitary balloon-like element of elastic material, and a wire located on and adhered to the outer surface of the balloon-like element. The wire extends from the first end of the balloon-like element to the second end of the balloon-like element, and has a coefficient of elasticity which is less than the coefficient of elasticity of the elastic material of the balloon-like element. The plug can expand freely in the radial direction and is bounded in axial sense by the longitudinal wire or wires, in order to permit a sufficient closing pressure to be achieved. To manufacture the plug the balloon-like element is inflated to a predetermined pressure. At least one wire is placed on the outer surface of the inflated balloon-like element between its two ends, and adhered thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shutting off fluid flow in a pipe main while repairs are being made requires only exposure of the top surface of a buried main and utilizes an anchor system installed in or above the excavation which supports an elongate tubular seal tube against the exposed surface of the main to extend radially therefrom. A jack mechanism compresses the lower end of the seal tube containing a seal member against the exterior surface of the main. A tubular cutting tool installed inside the seal tube is rotated by an air motor to cut a hole in the side wall of the main. A tubular sealant application tool installed inside the seal tube has a nozzle at its bottom end that sprays liquid sealant material onto the interior surface of the main and is then removed. A tubular bladder deployment tool installed inside the seal tube carries a pair of deflated bladders.

Abstract: An inflatable gas pipeline stopper is provided for stopping gas from flowing through a broken gas pipeline while effecting repairs of the gas pipeline. The invention includes an elongated cylindrical stopper housing for attachment to a gas pipeline in an air tight engagement which may be accomplished through a commercially available drilling and tapping machine and by an air tight clamp assembly. Within the stopper housing extend a pair of moveable bag inserting and retracting plunger assemblies including rigid air pipes which are attached to an air source at the upper ends thereof and to inflatable air bags at the bottom ends thereof.

Abstract: The improved drain plug device is formed in accordance with the present method. The device includes an elongated, hollow, flexible, resilient, unitary, self-supporting tubular member having a central passageway extending all the way therethrough to the exits in the opposite ends of the member. The member has a rear bulbous inlet portion, a middle very flexible portion to allow the member to bend around curves in drain lines, and a front bulbous outlet portion. The inlet and outlet portions have the same sidewall thickness while that of the middle portion is preferably somewhat thicker. Preferably, the middle portion is narrower in diameter than the other portions of the member. The outlet portion has a higher Shore hardness than the inlet portion and therefore expands radially under internal fluid pressure more slowly than the inlet portion but collapses, after removal of such pressure, at a faster rate, thus assuring that water in the tubular member during use thereof will not back up and out the inlet exit.

Abstract: The new, remote-controlled installation of sheathing into inaccessible manifolds and junctions from subsidiary into main piping makes it possible to repair damaged intersections cheaply, rapidly and reliably, without the intersection having to be exposed by excavation. An application device (1), which is installed on a pipe-repairing machine, makes insertion of a lost sheathing (4) into the subsidiary piping (8) possible. The cavity (12) which comes about in this way between the sheathing (4) and the damaged part is subsequently sprayed with specially suited sealing mass by means of a high-pressure nozzle (13).

Abstract: A portable inflatable valve is provided for disposition in a floor drain opening to prevent the undesired flow of toxic liquids into the drain opening. The valve includes a rigid support structure adapted to rest on the floor surface above the drain opening. A pressurized gas cylinder is located below the rigid support structure for pressuring a surrounding elastomeric sock into sealing contact with the hole side surface. Actuation of the gas cylinder is accomplished by a manual plunger arranged for downward motion to puncture a foil closure on the upper end of the gas cylinder.

Abstract: Pipe closure device with opposing dual mandrels has external conical surfaces which cooperate with internal conical surfaces of segmented rigid wall engagement member. Rotation of threaded shaft causes relative axial movement of dual mandrels and effects outward radial motion of rigid wall engagement members and outward motion of elastomeric seal, securing device to wall of pipe and sealing pipe closed. Rotation of shaft in opposite direction releases elastomeric seal and rigid wall engagement members from pipe wall. Inflatable seal seals against inside wall of pipe when inflated. Shaft is rotated by air-powered motor which is insertable and attachable into sealed receiver without use of tools.

Abstract: A device blocks the flow of fluid in a pipe so that work can be done on the pipe downstream of the device. The device includes an installation unit and a blocking unit. The installation unit is sealed against the ambient when mounted on the pipe to permit drilling a hole into the pipe and the blocking unit includes an expandable body which is passed through the installation unit and on through the hole in order to temporarily block the flow of fluid in the pipe. The expandable body has a larger diameter than the internal diameter of a channel in the installation unit. The blocking unit includes a rod mounted in the holder to which a manual force is applied for distending the expandable body before insertion so that the expandable body has a diameter less than the diameters of both the channel and the hole thereby facilitating passage of the expandable body through the channel and hole into the pipe.

Abstract: A method and kit is provided for temporarily blocking the bore of a pipe through which a fluid flows, the kit including an expansible flexible bag seal which is inserted through a hole provided in the wall of the pipe 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 is injected into the bag seal. 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 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: A repair device for the in situ repair of a pipe comprises an assembly of at least four short cylindrical, inflatable members 1, 2, 3, 4, which are interconnected by articulated rods 5 which are each articulated by means of a cardan joint 6. When in the pipe, the inflatable members define a cavity 10 for receiving a filler material 7'. Ducts 8 are provided for individually connecting the inflatable members to a source of compressed inflating fluid, and a duct 22 is provided for conveying the filler material to the cavity 10. The outermost inflatable members are provided with attachments for securing a cable or chain 9 thereto. This construction permits the complete and continuous repair of the pipe during advancement of the assembly of inflatable members, even in the region of shoulders 12, internal projections 13, connections with lateral pipelines 14, or bends 12', while ensuring that the injection chamber 10 remains filled with filler material 7'.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder valve including an inflatable bladder for sealing large diameter piping ducts. The sealing element is an inflatable membrane, surrounded by a high strength fabric restraint. Prior to deployment, the inflatable bladder is in a folded deflated state, and stowed in a stowing receptacle external to the piping duct. An aperture in the piping duct wall leads to the stowage receptacle. This aperture is blocked by a plug. One end of a gas pressure actuator is received through the base of the stowage receptacle where the inflatable bladder is stowed. When the actuator is actuated, the release of the gas pushes the plug out of the aperture causing the inflatable bladder to immediately inflate and seal the piping duct. The inflatable bladder is self-aligning by virtue of a spherical duct housing which serves to restrain movement of the inflatable bladder caused by upstream pressure.

Abstract: A pump down tool for facilitating the servicing of a refrigeration system. The tool utilizes a pump down head having an inflatable balloon member for blocking the liquid line of the refrigeration system, thereby isolating the system refrigerant within the condenser of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A pneumatic test plug for clean-out tees having an elastomeric inflatable body, a closed top, an inwardly tapered side wall and an open bottom end with a peripheral shoulder having a downwardly extending peripheral ridge. A molded end cap with a cylindrical wall having exteriorly disposed threads and an inwardly disposed circular retention channel or area receives a retention collar for placement within the molded end cap and between the cylindrical wall and the inflatable body bottom end. The retention collar fixes the peripheral shoulder and downwardly extending peripheral ridge in the circular retention channel or area of the end cap and compressingly holds the peripheral shoulder of the inflatable body into the end cap.

Abstract: An inflatable plug adapted to be inserted into a pipe and inflated to plug the pipe and create therein a watertight seal. The inflatable plug includes a cylinder surrounded by a sleeve formed by layers of elastomeric material wrapped around the cylinder. The opposite ends of the sleeve are clamped to the cylinder ends. The inflatable plug also includes a fluid passage for supplying pressurized fluid between the cylinder and the elastomeric sleeve for inflating the elastomeric sleeve.

Abstract: The new, remote-controlled installation of sheathing into inaccessible manifolds and junctions from subsidiary into main piping makes it possible to repair damaged intersections cheaply, rapidly and reliably, without the intersection having to be exposed by excavation. An application device (1), which is installed on a pipe-repairing machine, makes insertion of a lost sheathing (4) into the subsidiary piping (8) possible. The cavity (12) which comes about in this way between the sheathing (4) and the damaged part is subsequently sprayed with specially suited sealing mass by means of a high-pressure nozzle (13).

Abstract: An inflatable bladder type valve that is used to restrict the flow of water passing through an irrigation pipe is described for insertion through a standard size opening or through an enlarged opening in an irrigation pipe. Means to convey a fluid, such as air, under pressure to the bladder type valve and an air release valve for limiting the air pressure are described. Means to secure the bladder type valve in position include a reinforced hook attached to a hose, a tapered wedge attached to a hose, and a high friction surface on the valve. A covering is placed over the bladder to restrict the dimensions of the bladder when it is inflated. A taped plug is described for restricting the flow of water through the enlarged opening when the valve is removed.

Abstract: An elongated pneumatic plug is provided for sealing pipelines. The pneumatic plug has a body structure with a first end cap element, a second end cap element and an expandable elastomeric sleeve with a fixed outer diameter. A fluid ingress and egress valve is located in the first end element which is positioned adjacent the first segment of the sleeve structure. The elastomeric sleeve structure has a specified length and varying wall thicknesses at specified segments along its length. The segmented lengths comprise a middle segment having a predetermined wall thickness, a first segment having a thickness in a range of approximately 50-65% of the middle segment thickness and a second segment having a thickness in a range of approximately 65-80% of the middle segment thickness. The segmented sleeve structure provides an ordered and staged inflation and deflation of the pneumatic plug body.

Abstract: A tool for use in the repair of fluid conduits or pipes prevents fluid flow along the interior surface of the pipe, while allowing flow through a central bypass tube. The tube also serves to support an expandable plug which is axially compressed by a concentric compression tube surrounding the bypass tube. As the compression tube axially compresses the plug, the plug is forced to expand radially due to the flexible nature of the center section wall and the air entrapped therein. As no great amount of pressure is trapped behind the plug due to the communication of the pipe with the outside environment through the bypass tube, relatively low forces may be used in the actuation of the tool. Moreover, the thin wall or membrane of the center section of the plug permits a relatively wide range of expansion, allowing a single plug to be used in a wide variety of pipe sizes. The tool is particularly suited to use with copper water pipes, but is adaptable to virtually any type of fluid conduit or pipe.

Abstract: An inflatable, expansible, multisize plug device which seals and locks the interior of a pipeline section. The plug device comprises a cylindrical body structure and includes a central member and removable inner and outer disc members attached thereto. The outer disc member further has a raised screw mounting structure longitudinally formed thereon. An inflatable elastomeric sealing ring is disposed annularly about the body structure, and forms an inner cavity between the sealing ring and the body structure. The sealing ring further has a generally rectangular, open bottomed cross-section with an outer contact wall of a predetermined longitudinal width and a pair of depending radial walls. Each radial wall terminates in an end portion and the end portions sealingly connect the body structure via spacially parallel, annular channel structures which are axially disposed in the body structure and which have generally T-shaped cross-sectional configurations with respect to the overall body structure.

Abstract: A diaphragm with an inflatable torus-shaped perimeter is used to seal at least one end of a stack so that debris that might be hazardous will not be released during removal of the stack. A diaphragm is inserted and inflated in the lower portion of a stack just above where the stack is to be cut such that the perimeter of the diaphragm expands and forms a seal against the interior surface of the stack.

Abstract: A conduit is lined by pressing a liner into contact with the conduit and making it self-supporting. It is transported to the working site (at which its two ends are not at manholes or excavations entering the conduit) on a core with an inflator bag. The core can be made flexible to assist entry to the conduit and rigid to provide transport along the conduit. The bag is inflated at the site to press the liner into contact with the conduit. The liner is made self-supporting by curing an impregnating resin or by sticking it to the conduit. The bag is deflated and the core is removed. The bag may have a limited response to inflation pressure so it does not balloon into voids in the conduit wall. It may have a progressive response to inflation pressure so that it expands from its mid-point towards its ends.

Abstract: A flow control bladder for controlling flow through a conduit such as an HVAC duct comprises a flexible walled body having a hollow interior and an inflation stem for passing an inflation fluid in and out of the hollow interior thereby transforming the body between an inflated condition for restricted flow through a conduit and a deflated condition for relatively unrestricted flow through a conduit. The body includes first and second panel walls, which normally are generally parallel when the body is in its deflated condition, and opposite side walls connected to the first and second panel walls at respective peripheral side folds. In addition, each side wall includes an inner fold which opens in a direction opposite the peripheral side folds when the body is in its deflated condition. The side walls are preferably folded between the panel walls although they may also be folded over one of the panel walls.

Abstract: A pipe sealing apparatus is provided to include an outer arcuate support shell defining an arc equal to or less than one hundred eighty degrees securing an inflatable pneumatic bladder to a concave surface thereof, with the bladder including a flexible polymeric sealing plate mounted thereon in confrontation and in with continuous communication with an associated pipe to be sealed. The apparatus includes an inflation chamber to direct inflation into the bladder as required.

Abstract: An insulating covering for pipes with an air inflatible flexible envelope having an inner and an outer skin, the inner skin adapted to fit loosely over the outer diameter of a pipe to be insulated and including respective male and female end portions adapted to respectively engage a female and male end portion of another envelope to form a continuous insulating cover for the pipe and an air valve mounted in the outer skin for the ingress and egress of air into the envelope thereby inflating the same to provide a substantially firm, self-supporting envelope not requiring any means of support when inflated other than the air encased within the envelope and surrounding the pipe and insulating the same from the ambient.

Abstract: An apparatus for blocking the flow of fluid through a conduit such as a sewer inlet or the like is provided. The flow-blocking apparatus includes an expandable bladder, a compressed-gas source for supplying compressed gas to effect expansion of the bladder, and a handle device for supporting the compressed-gas source while the bladder is positioned in the conduit to be blocked. The handle device is configured to permit an operator to actuate the flow of compressed gas to the bladder while continuing to support the compressed-gas source. The handle device preferably includes a base portion, a movable portion pivotable relative to the base portion and an actuating member movable in response to pivoting of the movable piston for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the compressed-gas source to the bladder. The apparatus also includes a burst protection plate which deflects compressed gas escaping from the bladder to thereby prevent any injury to an operator.

Abstract: Normally closed valve for controlling flow of fluid material through a straight, non-tapered conduit has resilient elastomeric seal attached to the perimeters of two axially aligned rigid end plates. Elasticity of elastomeric seal draws end plates together while radially expanding so as to engage and seal against the inner wall of conduit. Valve may be opened by axially separating the two opposing end plates using a locally actuated displacer mechanism attached to one of the end plates, causing the elastomeric seal to radially contract and the valve to open.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure relief valve for use in a fluid pressurized system. The pressure relief valve has a valve body with a passage that terminates at inlet and outlet ends. The passage includes a valve chamber, a valve seat at the inlet end, and a valve base adjustably secured proximate the outlet end. A valve head sealingly engages the valve seat by a spring that is interposed between the valve head and the valve base. The valve body is constructed and arranged for use as an end cap in a flexible pressurized system, such as a pneumatic pipeline plug.

Abstract: A pipe joint pressurizing unit for testing pipe joints and grouting pipe joints with grout, the pressurizing unit having a rigid cylindrical core member with an expandable rubber sleeve mounted on the outside of the core member with a telescoping component for delivering a fluid such as air or grout to the outside of the expandable sleeve, the telescoping conduit including an outlet pipe slidably installed in a guide tube, the outlet pipe having a distal end connected to the expandable sleeve and slidable in the guide tube on expansion of the sleeve, with an o-ring seal sealing between the guide tube and the outlet pipe while permitting the outlet pipe to slide in the guide tube on expansion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for sealing elongated hollow cavities (2), such as circular-cylindrical pipes, tubes, drill holes or the like, in which a body (1) is placed in the cavity in sealing contact with the inner surface (4) of the cavity. The method has at least one essentially annular, elastic sealing element (3) sealingly mounted in a radially and circumferentially extending gap present in the body (1) and which is caused to be urged radially outwards into sealing abutment with the inner surface (4) of the cavity (2), by means of pressure (p) applied internally of the body. There is also a device for carrying out the mehtod.

Abstract: A multisectioned nozzle dam (30) for use in a steam generator (24) with an integral bolt ring (32) has a body structure of general circular shape. Redundant seals including at least three separate inflatable peripheral seals (48, 50 and 52) with an alarm (A) for indicating a pressure increase between the second and third seals (50 and 52) is provided. Redundant supports including a plurality of independent bars (60, 62, 64 and 66) bolted to the integral bolt ring (36) secure the dam (30) within the nozzle (26) to the appropriate axial position.

Abstract: A flood stopper system is used to prevent movement of fluid from a floor drain system out onto a floor that is being cleared by that drain system. The flood stopper system includes a balloon-like inflatable element that is automatically inflated to occlude the drain system in the event of a flood situation. The stopper system is located in the drain in a stand-by configuration and includes a float that covers a fluid-sensor and is only moved when a potential flood situation is present. Movement of the float permits fluid to contact the sensor and upon such contact, the sensor generates a signal that is used to fluidically connect a source of pressurized gas to the inflatable element to occlude the drain system.

Abstract: The device for pressure-sealed obturation comprises a flexible tubular casing (22) having an open end along the perimeter of which the casing constitutes an inflatable toric seal (30) and a base (22a) in the form of a glove finger on which there is fixed the end of a shaft (21) disposed at the central part of the casing (22). The shaft (21) passes through the base (22a) of the casing (22) in a sealed manner. The device also comprises a plate (38) for retaining the casing (22) comprising at least two parts articulated to one another as well as retention plate (41) for fixing the retaining plate (38) under the base (22a). Ring shaped elements (43) are retained against the toric seal (30) by an articulated spacing device (47).

Abstract: In a nozzle dam assembly wherein a circular dam faces into a nozzle adjacent its opening and a support frame abuts the backside of the dam and is removably affixed across a ring encircling the opening, apparatus for selectively locating the dam at its optimum sealing position within the nozzle notwithstanding the particular longitudinal profile of the nozzle or eccentricity of the ring-relative to the nozzle opening comprising apparatus for adjusting the dam relative to the frame along the nozzle axis and also vertically and horizontally perpendicular to the nozzle axis.

Abstract: A tubular all-rubber member has one end closed and an end through which air may be pumped into it. A tubular end portion of the member has a series of plug body portions alternating with a series of pairs of flexible inclined ribs that are thin at their outer ends and join a plug body portion at a thicker inner end portion. Between each pair of ribs lies a concave expandable ring that normally lies radially within the plug body. Each rib lies at about 10.degree. to its adjoining body portion so that it faces away from the concave ring, so that when the plug is installed into a sewer pipe, it is freely movable inside the pipe to a desired position and can then be pneumatically expanded so that the concave rings expand and grip the pipe wall surfaces and the thin angular ribs move to grip both the plug and the pipe.

Abstract: A disk of joined segments, having a water resistant sheet over the seams of joining, is mounted on a ring around the nozzle, and water tightly sealed against the ring by expandable rings. A circular portion of the disk that is concentric with the central axis of the nozzle is thinner than the central portion of the disk at the central axis of the nozzle, measured in solid cross section. The thinner circular portion is contoured for resistance to stress from pressure of fluid against the disk. The contour includes a concave annular outer surface of the disk, rising toward the center of the disk. At least one segment includes a beam oriented longitudinally with the segment, traversing and clearing the concave annular surface, and attached at each end to the segment. A plurality of bolt fasteners hold the disk to the segment. The bolt is threaded at the front end for screwing into the ring, and threaded at the back end for receiving a hold-down finger knob.

Abstract: Method and device for mounting a body in a conduit containing fluid. An installation unit is mounted on the fluid at that place, where the mounting of said body is desired, whereby sealing is established against the environment around an area, where a hole is going to be made in the surface of the conduit. The hole is made in the conduit in said area maintaining sealing against the environment. A body is inserted through the hole, so that the body will be placed in the conduit.

Abstract: Device with valve function which can be brought into and out of a pipeline and parked in the same. The device comprises a channel for throughflowing fluid, a valve (2) which is medium controlled and/or remote-controlled, a parking brake/packer seal unit (9) which with limited force can be brought to bear against the wall of the pipeline, a cylindrical wire anchor (1) with an external diameter which is slightly lesser than the internal diameter of the pipeline and can be brought into pressure contact with the pipeline.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated nozzle dam or the like for placement internally of a passageway, enabling the passageway to be sealed off upon inflation of a pneumatically inflatable ring. The apparatus includes an elastomeric diaphragm provided with sidewalls projecting in a downstream direction and joined with sealing flaps surrounding the sidewall and projecting back in an upstream direction. An inflatable pneumatic element is positioned between the sidewall and sealing flap and connected to only one of them. Upon inflation, the sealing flap is forced against the walls of the passageway to provide a seal. If depressurization of the inflatable element occurs, the sealing flap is retained in operative position by pressure of the retained body of liquid on the upstream side of the seal. The new arrangement eliminates the need for redundancy of the pneumatic element and, at the same time, provides for greater safety.

Abstract: Device with flexible hose, particularly for an expandable packer, wherein hose is reinforced by armature layers made of flexible cables disposed helically and is attached at least at one end by compression of said layers against rigid pieces, characterized by the supporting elements and gripping elements, which are coaxial, having nonadhesive conical compression surfaces which diverge toward the end and by at least one wedge provided with slits being driven between reinforcing layers to ensure compression.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing for the presence of leaks in sections of pipe is intended primarily for the testing of household connections. The apparatus has a front pipe sealing pad (20) to the rear wall of which (24) is attached (a) a hose so that the sealing pad can be inflated and (b) a connection (42) for a distancing rod (44). The device also incorporates a rear pipe sealing pad (22) through which are passed, properly sealed, the hose (26), tubing for expelling air (52) and a connection for filling (51). The rear pipe sealing pad can also be joined to the distancing rod (44) and is, furthermore, connected with its internal area (46) to a connection (48) so that filling and emptying can be carried out.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the control of the movement of slip liners in grouting operations through the use of inflatable grouting bags and to the control of bulkhead sealing in slip liner grouting operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for towing of a fluid containing tubular conduit above a sea bed floor and within a body of water, such as an ocean or river. First and second inflatable sealing elements are placed within the interior of the conduit with each of the sealing elements being movable from an unexpanded to an expanded position to effect a sealed interior section of the conduit. A movable pig is placed within the section and between the sealing elements and is activatable to displace fluid within the section when the sealing elements are in sealed relation to the conduit. A valve means is provided for discharge of the fluid out of the section during movement of the pig.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for testing the gas-tightness of joints between hollow bodies, for example, pipes. With the apparatus, a test space with two concentric chambers of variable sizes is formed. The outer one is filled with a gaseous test medium and the inner one with an incompressible pressurized medium. It is thereby possible to reduce substantially the quantity of the gaseous test medium. The safety of the entire apparatus is improved extraordinarily.

Abstract: The shut-off device is a hollow cylinder upon which is disposed a brake for fixing the position of the device in the pipeline and a seal which seals the area between the hollow cylinder and the wall of the pipeline. A valve is positioned in the hollow cylinder which allows flow of the pipeline fluid through the hollow cylinder when open but can be closed to stop the flow of pipeline fluid through the cylinder. The device is movable through the pipeline.

Abstract: A sealing device is to be introduced through a manhole into a steam generator connected through a mouth of a connector to a pipeline with a restriction in the vicinity of the connector. The sealing device includes a plurality of serially disposed rubber hose seals defining an intermediate space therebetween to be pressure monitored. The rubber hose seals are subjected to to a pressure medium. Feed rollers guide the sealing device. A bracing device has radially outwardly movable clamping blocks and clamping angles. The clamping blocks may be moved outward. The clamping elbow may be axially fixed against the mouth of the connector for bracing the moved out clamping blocks against the restriction.