Abstract: A method of repairing piping by inserting an inflatable plug 30 through a pressure housing 28 and valve 24, inflating the plug and then inserting a screwed sealed plug 47 into a special flange 49 which is attached to an existing pipe flange. The plug 30 has a sealing ring 36 with a tread 37 and segmented steel rings 38. After the plug is inserted the piping may be repaired or replaced and the inflatable plug deflated and removed with the screwed plug 47 by a system of rods extending through the valve and pressure housing.

Abstract: A nozzle dam 14 has an integral diaphragm 50 and peripheral seal 58 radially engaged by bladder 46 to seal against the nozzle dam surface 12. The bladder receives force from a surface 44 on a plunger member 42. The plunger member 42 moves with the nozzle dam securing pin 32 as it seats in socket 40. A manual toggle type action clamp 20 actuates the pin 32.

Abstract: A closure assembly is lowered into the leg of an offshore jacket. Its alignment within the jacket is maintained by a series of centralizers on its outer periphery surface. A grout packer surrounding the closure assembly seals between this assembly and the inside surface of the jacket. Afterwhich grout, or some other sealant, is pumped into the annulus above the grout packer, when cured, rigidly forms a plug within the jacket leg.

Abstract: The drain pipe plug device for drain testing includes an elongated elastomeric, flexible, resilient, hollow, generally cylindrical tube which has a central passageway running its length and in communication with a rear portion bearing an inlet and front portion bearing an outlet. These two portions are joined to a middle portion of the same external diameter as the front and rear portions. The inlet is fitted with a connector adapted to receive water and air hoses. The outlet is fitted with a pressure relief valve. The sidewall thickness of the device uniformly tapers down from the front portion through the middle and rear portions. The front tube portion collapses first after the device has been radially expanded under fluid pressure, so as to prevent backflow of fluid through the device. The front and rear ends of the device are tapered down externally to facilitate sliding the device through drain pipes.

Abstract: A sealing device includes a tubular central core (1, 40, 61) of generally U-shaped cross section. The central core has a degree of elasticity to deformation of its shape in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (2). A membrane (5, 41, 65) is disposed around said central core. The membrane is made of a flexible and elastic material having a much higher coefficient of elasticity than the central core. The membrane is sealed with edges of side walls (15) of the central core and at the longitudinal end of the membrane to the core to form a closed deformable chamber (8, 42, 68) of substantially crescent-shaped cross section. A fluid under pressure is admitted to the inside of the chamber (8, 42, 68).

Abstract: A device for retrieving small items which have fallen into common residential drains and have become lodged between the drain inlet and the distal end of the drain trap. The device consists of a elongate tubular portion having an inflatable pouch or balloon fixed to one end and a resilient squeezable bulb at the opposing end. Manually depressing the bulb after insertion of the pouch beyond the trap causes the pouch to inflate and engage the side walls of piping of the drain. Lifting the inflated pouch upward to the drain inlet carries any loose items in front of the pouch to the drain inlet for retrieval.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of applying a resin impregnated lining sleeve to a length of passageway surface wherein the sleeve first of all has a carrier tube everted into the sleeve from one end and out of the other end, the carrier tube is re-inverted to draw the sleeve into the carrier tube and then the assembly of carrier tube and sleeve is positioned in relation to the passageway length to be lined and the carrier tube re-everted to position the sleeve on the surface in the required position. The resin is subsequently cured and the carrier tube removed leaving a hard tubular lining shell on the passageway surface.

Abstract: A nuclear steam generator isolation dam (28) locking pin (36) is slidably mounted and spring (52) biased in an axial bore (42,44) of a body (40) press fit in a dam boss (32). The pin (36) is actuated by a lever (54) in a slot (54,58,62) for selective lock-in, lock-out and spring biased travel for seeking its keeper (27) in the wall (26) of the nozzle.

Abstract: A separable, lightweight and inflatable pipe joint sealing and testing apparatus for large diameter pipes having a multi-membered arched channel support structure having a circular configuration, and having three parallelly disposed channel members extending outward therefrom, and having outer channel members and a centrally disposed testing channel member. A unitary inner sleeve sealing member coextensive with the channel members is provided for covering the channel support structure. The pipe joint sealing and testing apparatus further has a pair of inflatable annular sealing ring members for placement in the outer channel members, a compressed air source means in communication with the pair of inflatable sealing rings, and a compressed fluid ingress and egress structure through the port of the centrally disposed channel member.

Abstract: A device for plugging a chimney flue when not in use comprises an elongate semi-rigid wand which can be manoeuvered by manual moving of one end so that the opposed end can be inserted into the chimney flue. The opposed end carries an inflatable balloon which can be inflated to grasp the inner surface of the flue by valve arrangement at the lower end.

Abstract: A system is provided for closing a conduit having a gripless inner surface, comprising a sealing wall and an annular seal disposed between the wall and the conduit. Beams connected to the wall by adjustable tie-rods, disposed bearing against the inlet end of the conduit, support and immobilize said sealing wall.

Abstract: A multi-purpose pipe and seal/alignment device is provided for sealing pipe ends against internal or external pressure while protecting the pipe end preparation from damage to facilitate a permanent pipe joining process at a remote location in an adverse environment.

Abstract: A plug coupling for providing a pressure-sealed connection to a device provided with a connecting member comprising a cylindrical housing; a piston shiftable within the housing clamping jaws connected to the piston and concentrially arranged around the longitudinal axis of the housing and radially displaceable by means of a ramp arrangement by an axial movement of the piston relative to the housing; pressure is applied to said piston for moving it in longitudinal direction of the housing thereby pressing the clamping jaws radially inwards or outwards by means of said ramp arrangement. The free ends of the clamping jaws are moved into an engaging position for engagement with said connecting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing an opening (7) defined by an edge (6), comprising a sealing element (2, 102), the dimensions of which are at least equal to those of the opening (7), means for securing the said sealing element opposite the opening, and means for ensuring fluid-tightness between the sealing element (2, 102) and the edge (6). The means for ensuring tightness between the sealing element (2, 102) and the edge (6) consists of a flexible membrane (8), means for fixing the circumference of this membrane to the sealing element (2, 102) so as to define a volume (16) between the membrane (8) and the sealing element (2, 102), and a communication hole (18, 32) provided in the sealing element so as to connect the volume (16) to a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A sewer pipe smoke blocking device for inserting into a sewer pipe to prevent smoke introduced into the pipe from leaking therepast, having a hollow cylindrical housing adapted for receipt into the sewer pipe. An inflatable bladder surrounds the outer circumference of the housing and a gate assembly is mounted at one end of the housing to selectively close the hollow of the housing to just below the level of sewer water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic pipeline testing and sealing system and method to operate the functions of an inflatable packer device from a remote location. The automatically operated packer device has inflatable end elements, an exterior sleeve member and a chemical dispensing mechanism and is in operative communication with a cable assembly, a compressed air source, a pressurized test fluid source, a sealing chemical component source, and a catalyst component source.

Abstract: A nozzle between the nuclear steam generator and nuclear reactor vessel has a dam, plug, or barrier mounted on the tapering internal wall of the conduit. A seating ring is mounted on the tapered internal surface of the nozzle through screws which will ensure release of the ring after pressure on the dam is removed, and the screws are backed away from engagement with the tapered surface.

Abstract: A hawser chain assembly and method for installation of its sealing element is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing adapted for connection in series with a hawser pipe of a marine vessel such as a semi-submersible drilling rig. The housing may be moved to an open position for installation or replacement of the sealing element, and a closed position to longitudinally surround and secure the sealing element. The sealing element has at least two semi-cylindrical elastomeric parts, each of which is adapted for placement partially about the hawser chain when the housing is in the open position. Each semi-cylindrical part has at least one inflatable bladder. A manifold is provided by which fluid pressure may be introduced to the bladders of the sealing element causing them to expand. The sealing element is restricted on its outer diameter by the closed housing causing the elastomeric material to move inwardly forming a sealing engagement with the chain.

Abstract: A sealing member in the form of a plate (15) for a connection piece or a similar connection part for a conduit for liquid or gas on a container comprises a portion with a number of sheet elements (15b-15f) having a shape resembling a U-beam and comprising a web part (15'b-15'f) and flange parts (15"b-15"f). The web part of such a sheet element is arranged to constitute part of the flat sides (18, 19) of the plate, and each flange part of such a sheet element is arranged close to a flange part of an adjoining such sheet element or close to a flange part (15"a-15"g) of another sheet element (15a, 15g) located outside said portion and otherwise comprising a part (15'a, 15'g) arranged to constitute a part of the flat sides of the plate. Flange parts arranged adjacent to each other are connected by a hinge (21) at those edges of the flange parts which are facing away from the flat sides of the plate, the plate thus being foldable.

Abstract: An expandable inflatable circular plug for sealing one of the blind bore holes which are located in a reactor vessel body flange of a nuclear reactor and which are used to fasten the reactor vessel head to the reactor vessel body by means of bolts passing through corresponding bores in a mating flange on the reactor vessel head.

Abstract: A nozzle dam for providing a fluid-tight seal across a primary fluid nozzle in the plenum of a nuclear steam generating vessel includes two fluid-impermeable seals, each comprising a circular three-section foldable seal plate covered with a flexible diaphragm and circumferentially encompassed by an inflatable seal member disposable in frictional sealing engagement with the inner surface of the nozzle. The two seal apparatuses are interconnected by a central tubular coupling coaxial with the nozzle and non-rotatably fixed to each seal, the coupling having a quick-disconnect feature operable from outside the nozzle dam. The coupling provides a conduit for inflation of one of the seals. The two seals are also interconnected by four post assemblies to maintain the seal plates parallel with each other, each post assembly including a cylindrical member pivotally movable between a release position and a supporting position, and provided with a slidable encompassing sleeve to lock it in the supporting position.

Abstract: In a nozzle dam assembly wherein a flange ring is affixed around a circular nozzle opening in a chamber wall, a support frame spans and is in non-threaded connection with the ring by releasable pins which carry under tension any load on the frame directed axially out of the nozzle into the chamber, and a circular dam with a sealing diaphragm disposed over it is attachable to the frame with its rim within the nozzle so that inflatable peripheral sealing means on the diaphragm effect the desired seal of the nozzle independent of the aforementioned axial load.

Abstract: The drain pipe plug device for drain testing includes an elongated elastomeric, flexible, resilient hollow tube which has a central passageway running its length and in communication with a rear portion bearing an inlet and front portion bearing an outlet. These two portions are joined to a narrow diameter more flexible middle portion. The inlet is fitted with a connector adapted to receive water and air hoses. The outlet is fitted with a pressure relief valve, preferably in the form of an open cage bearing a fluid-blocking transverse plate trapped in a transverse internal groove. The plate is by-passed by fluid when the front portion expands sufficiently radially under pressure. The front tube portion has thicker walls than the rear tube portion and collapses first after both have radially expanded under fluid pressure so as to prevent backflow of fluid. The middle portion also expands radially and is flexible enough to facilitate passage of the device into intersecting drain pipes.

Abstract: An inflatable hour glass shaped rubber plug is placed in blasting holes immediately after they are drilled. This plug prevents unwanted debris from entering drilled holes, during idle periods. Thus it will allow necessary space for blasting agents, resulting in a greater shattered blast, and level roadbed conditions. As a direct result, it will increase production in loading and haulage equipment, and lower maintenance cost and mining operation cost overall.

Abstract: The test plug assembly is used for pressure testing of fluid drain and vent systems. The assembly comprises an inflatable body portion or bulb connected to a rigid holder portion. The rigid holder portion includes a stem section and a plug section. The stem section is hollow and opens at one end into the inflatable body portion and at the other end receives a valve for pumping fluid pressure into the bulb. The body portion is separable from the plug section and includes a clamping edge structure extending along the entire periphery of an open mouth. The plug section has an outer structural configuration to engage the test opening of the fluid drain and vent systems. The plug section also has an inner clamping surface to engage the open mouth clamping edge structure of the body portion. A clamping mechanism is used to secure the clamping edge structure of the body portion against the inner clamping surface of the plug section.

Abstract: A pipe worm comprises radially inflatable toroids spaced along an axially inflatable tubular body. The worm inches through piping through sequential inflation and deflation of the toroids and tubular body. The worm includes a fluid supply source, pipe maintenance instrumentation and automatic, semiautomatic or manual controls which are remote, on-board or trailered, as desired. The worm is inexpensive, reliable, capable of turning 90 degree corners, and further uniquely advantageous.

Abstract: A nozzle dam for providing a fluid-tight seal across a primary fluid nozzle in the plenum of a nuclear steam generating vessel includes an elongated shaft coupled at one end thereof to an anchor assembly frictionally engageable with the inner surface of the nozzle to anchor the dam in place and a fluid-impermeable seal apparatus coupled to the shaft and closing the nozzle and frictionally engageable with the inner surface thereof to form a fluid-tight seal. The seal apparatus includes a circular plate disposable in wedging frictional engagement with a frustoconical portion of the nozzle inner surface. The shaft extends through a central aperture in the plate and is threadedly engaged with a nut which holds the plate in place. The anchor assembly includes a foldable tripod arrangement coupled to the shaft in such a way that movement of the shaft toward the seal plate effects an increase in the frictional anchoring force. The seal assembly also includes an inflatable portion.

Abstract: In an iris-stop arrangement for stopping-off a duct the secondary bag has a contact length with the duct of at least 0.7 times its diameter. The apparatus is such that the point where the inflation neck of the bag meets the remainder of the bag can adopt a position not substantially in front of the secondary bag support member. Thus the bag has improved functional grip on the duct and does not suffer severe flexing at the neck when it moves back to rest against the support member. Preferably the portion of the bag which contacts the duct in use is a single layer of fabric thick while the ends of the bag, which have to withstand the bag inflation pressure unsupported, are two layers thick. In this way the bag can have good performance characteristics while only needing a relatively small insertion hole in the side of the duct.

Abstract: An isolation and protection device is suitable for being inserted and deployed inside tubing, in order, in particular, to collect swarf and foreign bodies during work on tubing which must be kept under a controlled gas atmosphere, or to act as a flow plug or as a heat shield.

Abstract: A multi-size expansible pneumatic plug device for sealing the interior of a pipeline section. The expansible plug device has interchangeable front and rear circular rigid support members for supporting the remaining elements of the device and each rigid support member has a generally flat end portion and a body portion having parallelly disposed circumferential ridges to form first and second grooved portions. The circumferential ridges have top surfaces of an equal predetermined inclined slope. At least one of the rigid support members additionally has an air inlet means. An exteriorly smooth and interiorly corded elastomeric sleeve member is provided for expansion to seal against the interior wall of a pipeline section. The sleeve member has interiorly disposed parallel circumferential rings of a predetermined spacing inward its ends. A pair of strapping clamp members hold the sleeve member rings matingly between the parallel ridges and in the grooved portions of each rigid support member during assembly.

Abstract: The sealing device for a tube of the invention is constructed bowl-shaped and consists of a jacket, which can be pressed areally against the inner wall of a tube to be sealed. The jacket on the forward side extends into a sealing lip. There is an end partition. The sealing lip has a free end, and by means of a spreading device can be pressed, including the free end, against the inner wall of a tube. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a hydraulically or pneumatically fillable inner space.

Abstract: A casing safety device and method are disclosed for preventing tools from falling into an open well casing and for venting gases to a distance above the open mouth of the casing. An inflatable bladder is provided for placement in the casing adjacent the open mouth, and the bladder is inflated to block the casing and provide a stop against which falling tools come to rest. Damage to the bladder is prevented by a circular rubber shroud disposed between the bladder and the open mouth of the casing which reduces the velocity of falling objects before they strike the bladder. A vent is also provided for conveying downhole fluids, such as flammable gases, to a distance above the open mouth of the casing.

Abstract: The test plug is used for testing water or sewer lines for leaks. It comprises a hollow inflatable bulb attached to a handle. The bulb has an opening in fluid communication with an aperture extending through the handle. The bulb is inserted into the opening of the line and air under pressure is injected into the bulb to cause it to inflate to form a seal in the line for test purposes. After the test, the bulb is deflated and removed from the opening. The bulb has a plurality of ridges on its inside to cause the bulb to return to its original shape upon deflation. The ridges are in two sets. One set of ridges are in spaced apart lines, each of which extends from near the opening of the bulb to the opposite end thereof. The other set of ridges are in spaced apart lines each of which extends continuously around the inside of the bulb near the end opposite its opening.

Abstract: The repair of a sewer line having a fracture, and employing a liner sleeve and an elastomer sleeve extending about the line sleeve, and a filler slurry, includes:(a) installing the liner sleeve and the elastomer sleeve endwise in the sewer line to locate the two sleeves in bridging relation with the fracture, and(b) displacing slurry into a space formed between the two sleeves to cause the elastomeric sleeve to expand and seal against the sewer line in bridging relation with the fracture.

Abstract: The connector valve assembly is for insertion between a fluid inlet line assembly and an inflatable packer device having an externally disposed chemical dispensing assembly to pressure test and repair pipelines. The connector valve assembly is connectable to the fluid inlet line assembly which is comprised of a first chemical line, a second chemical line and a test media line and to the inflatable packer which has input connectors to receive the first and second chemical lines. The connector valve assembly has a first chemical conduit with an actuatable valve and connectors at opposite ends to transfer a first chemical component. A second chemical conduit with an actuatable valve and having connector means at opposite ends transfers a second chemical component. A valve actuating means is in communication with the second conduit at a location before its valve to simultaneously activate the valves of the first and second conduits.

Abstract: An inflatable plug adapted to be inserted into a pipe and inflated so as to plug the pipe and form a water tight seal. The inflatable plug is comprised of an inflatable bag of flexible sheet material forming an elongated cylinder having opposite ends. The material at the opposite ends of the cylinder is pleated or folded and wrapped around cylinders. Metal collars are placed over the folded material and swaged so as to clamp the material in fluid tight relation against the cylinders.

Abstract: A storage system with 100% secondary containment includes a rigid outer vessel, a flexible cell inner vessel and a spacer layer therebetween. The region between the outer and inner vessels is monitored for leakage through either the rigid outer vessel or the flexible inner vessel. A number of expandable positioning rings keep the inner vessel substantially inflated regardless of the amount of fluid within the inner vessel. Outlet openings are formed in the outer and inner vessels to permit the passage of fluid into and out of the inner vessel. To retrofit a rigid vessel in use, the vessel is emptied, a manhole opening is cut, the vessel is inspected and conditioned as necessary, and the inside surface is covered with a coating layer. A spacer layer is mounted to the coating layer to cover the inside surface of the outer vessel. Fluid detectors and a suction tube are mounted within channels formed in the spacer layer. The flexible inner vessel is placed into position within the rigid vessel and is inflated.

Abstract: A ballast exhaust pipe closing appliance for a ship is so designed that a closing stopper comprising an inflatable bag body is inserted in a ballast exhaust pipe. By supplying compressed air in the closing stopper, the closing stopper is inflated and closes the ballast exhaust pipe, thereby preventing liquid which leaked in the ballast exhaust pipe from flowing into the sea. Also, the closing stopper can be removed automatically and fluid which leaked in the ballast exhaust pipe can be drawn out by exhausting compressed air in the closing stopper and by raising the air pressure in the ballast exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A fluid inflatable plug for interiorly cylindrical conduits includes a rigid cylindrical mandrel having an elastomeric tubular sleeve about the outer curved surface of the mandrel. The sleeve includes reinforcements which extend in opposite sense helical paths throughout the longitudinal extent of the sleeve. The sleeve is folded back over one of its ends to form a loop region upon assembly to the mandrel. The ends of the sleeve are sealingly retained to the outer surface of the mandrel. A passage are provided for admitting and exhausting pressurized fluid between the sleeve and the outer curved surface of the mandrel. The plug may include a fluid passage therethrough independent of the passage for admitting an exhausting pressurized fluid between the sleeve and the surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: A novel inflatable plug for interrupting fluid flow in a pipe is provided which effects a stable, rigid seal while at the same time has a minimal axial length so as to be easily maneuverable. The plug is made from flexible, impermeable fabric and is provided with finely distributed, flexible inelastic connector elements or threads running in the axial direction and secured to opposed walls. When the plug is inflated, the threads prevent the opposed walls from separating a greater distance than the length of the threads. A complete plug assembly is also disclosed, comprising three such plugs in series, mounted on a bracing support frame and provided with a fail-safe inflation system.

Abstract: A lightweight, inflatable structural member, having a substantially tubular shape and sealed at both ends, includes an inner lining to maintain internal pressure upon inflation. The inner lining is covered with a filament reinforced matrix structure comprising resin impregnated filaments of high tensile strength. The uninflated structural member is stowable in a collapsed condition. Curing of the resin matrix is inhibited by storing the collapsed member at a low temperature. Prior to use, the member is inflated with a fluid and heated to enable curing of the resin matrix.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting a flexible bag into the interior of a fluid transmission line to form a plug by filling the bag with a freezable liquid. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical frame member with a flange for mounting the apparatus on a saddle member attached to the transmission line. A first telescoping tubular member is mounted on the frame member and supports second and third telescoping tubular members and provides a cavity for storing the bag in a collapsed condition. The second tubular member is connected to the bag and is operable to eject the bag from the first tubular member into the transmission line interior. The third tubular member is operable to extend into the bag interior, includes a liquid conduit for filling the bag and includes conduits for circulating cooling or heating fluid within the interior of the third tubular member to form a heat exchanger for accelerating the freezing or thawing of the liquid within the bag.

Abstract: An expansion bulb for plugging a conduit or passage which includes an expandable sleeve encircling a body and secured to the body by caps securing opposite ends of the sleeve to the body with each end of the sleeves extending into recesses in the body. Pressurized air or fluid is supplied through a passage in the body to cause radial expansion of the sleeve relative to the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a shut-off device 9 laterally into a pipe via a branch 48 which is inclined at an obtuse angle to the pipe, comprises a housing 1 for connection at one end to the branch and containing a first carriage 6 which is movable relative to the housing to a forward position projecting from the housing into the pipe and includes a receptacle for the shut-off device and a guide member 8 for guiding the shut-off device out of the receptacle, a second carriage 10 which is movable relative to the first carriage and is connected to the shut-off device by an insertion jack 13, and displacement means for first moving the first carriage to its forward position, the second carriage moving with the first carriage, and for then moving the second carriage relative to the first carriage to move the shut-off device out of its receptacle further into the pipe, the insertion jack finally being operated to move the shut-off device into position in the pipe.

Abstract: A flow stopping plug is formed in a conduit such as a fluid transmission pipeline by tapping a relatively small hole in the side of the pipe directly adjacent the desired location of the plug and inserting a flexible bag through the hole using a radially extendable bag insertion apparatus having a tube containing the bag initially in a collapsed or folded condition. The bag is connected to a conduit assembly which provides for filling the bag with water in the deployed position inside the pipe. After the bag is filled with water, a freezing process is carried out preferably using a cryogenic fluid which is circulated around the exterior of the pipe section directly adjacent to the bag. The conduit assembly connected to the bag may be placed in communication with a source of heating fluid for melting the ice plug formed within the bag after completion of the work process in connection with which the ice plug was deployed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and sealing leaks in a sewer branch pipe including a packer member which travels along the main sewer pipe by remote control. When the packer is correctly located, the main pipe region surrounding the branch entrance is sealed off. The packer is rotated until a slot in the packer is orientated to the branch. An inflatable tube in the packer is then inflated, causing the tube to elongate and enter the branch. The remote end of the tube forms a seal against the inside of the branch so that the area of the branch near the junction with the main pipe is included in the sealed off area. Fluid can be pumped into the sealed off space to detect if a leak is present; in which case a sealant fluid is pumped into the space. Afterwards, the tube can be deflated and retracted and the traveller repositioned at the next branch.

Abstract: A nozzle plug (22) for blocking a nozzle (46) in a nuclear steam generator (16) is improved by the addition of hinges (40a, 40b) which allow the nozzle plug (22) to be inserted into the steam generator (16) through an access port (52) of substantially smaller diameter than the nozzle (46). A recess (54) is provided in one of the semi-circular plates (28) allowing the plates to nest, further reducing the necessary size of the access port (46).

Abstract: A plug means for effecting a temporary blockage of a passage through which liquid is designed to flow. The subject plug means includes a frame means capable of being readily disassembled and embodying in the assembled state dimensions corresponding to the cross-sectional dimensions of the passage in which the plug means is to be employed, and inflatable means mountable on the frame means and co-operable therewith for providing a liquid tight seal in the passage. The frame means comprises a frame member including a plurality of readily interconnectable sections of plate, the latter each possessing a high strength-to-weight ratio; interconnecting means for effecting the interconnection of the plurality of plate sections; and securing means cooperable with means provided in the side walls of the passage for securing the frame means and thereby the plug means in the passage in blocking relation thereto.

Abstract: An expandible plug-like device is disclosed for insertion into a conduit for closing or sealing off the conduit. The device has a flexible and elastic hose that is reinforced by at least two reinforcement plies made of flexible metal cables. The hose is secured at least one end of the device by the reinforcement plies being locked or held by rigid closure elements. These elements include an inner support element, an outer support element and a bottom seal sealing element. The inner and outer elements have conical locking surfaces which diverge towards one end of the device and a wedge is arranged between the end edges of the reinforcement plies in order to lock the plies against the support element and the reinforcement element.

Abstract: A device for temporarily shutting off conduits comprises an elastic or resilient sleeve expansible under powerful internal pressure, and having a rubber wall comprising at least two superimposed plies defining an internal tube and an external sheath, the cords of all the plies being crossed from one ply to another while forming angles smaller than 30.degree. with respect to the generatrices.According to the invention, the pair of outer plies constitutes a resistant carcass of the sleeve while the pair of internal plies form protective plies constituted by adjacent cords having a diameter less than half that of the cords of the outer plies of the carcass and forming with the generatrices angles not greater than the angles of the cords of the carcass plies.