Laterally Insertable Patents (Class 138/94)
  • Patent number: 5590676
    Abstract: The tool of the invention is used to insert and secure a stopper plug to close a hole in the wall of a pipe carrying fluid under pressure. This permits removal of a defective pipe fitting such as a tee or a valve. The stopper plug includes a toggle or anchor for engaging the inner wall of the pipe at the location of the hole to be sealed shut. After the stopper plug is secured in place, the defective fitting is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5588467
    Abstract: An orifice fitting for measurement of fluid flow therethrough. The orifice fitting includes a plate carrier having an orifice plate and carrier plate seals. The plate carrier may be moved between an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber includes a pair of opposed seal rings, each of which is independently tightenable against the plate carrier. At least one removable entry plug in the upper chamber allows access to the plate carrier, the plate and the seals without the necessity of interrupting or disabling fluid flow through said lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Crane Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dreu E. Crane
  • Patent number: 5582211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which simplifies the isolation and purging procedures in a pipeline when the vessel requires entry for hot work. The invention provides a single component purging blind with a body and purging channels which provide for simple and effective installation and removal from a pipeline with improved safety to personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Jim W. Monson
  • Patent number: 5560654
    Abstract: A conventional plastic cap is provided incorporating a longitudinally tapering, generally cylindrical hollow body having opposite large and small diameter ends with the large diameter end being open and including a first diametrically outwardly projecting flange extending circumferentially thereabout and the small diameter end being closed and including a second diametrically outwardly projecting circumferential flange of greater outside diameter than the outside diameter of the large diameter end of the body independent of the first flange supported therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Clois Cobb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5560388
    Abstract: A seal plug and installation tool for providing fluid access to a fluid distribution pipeline having an internal liner affixed therein and a bore hole formed therethrough. The seal plug includes a body having an enlarged diameter head and an elongated stem, the stem and head having a fluid transmission passage therethrough. An expandable anchoring member is axially movable on the stem having an unexpanded diameter less than the diameter of the bore hole so that the anchoring member may be passed therethrough and thereafter expanded to a diameter larger that the pipeline bore hole. The installation tool is removeably attached to the pipeline and is releasably engageable to seal plug, and is used to insert the seal plug within the pipeline. The tool then draws the expanded anchoring member towards to the head to securely connect the seal plug to the pipeline and liner. A sealant is positioned at the junction of the pipeline, liner, and seal plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas M. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 5536353
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming inspection apertures through the insulation cladding of a containment vessel by forming an opening partly through the cladding which is thereafter lined by an adhered liner. The depth of the liner is less than the thickness of the cladding, thereby precluding heat transfer thereacross. The removed plug of the insulation is then fixed by an adhesive spray about its exterior, and once cured can then be replaced into the liner to recreate substantially identical insulative qualities. On replacement, a bridging cover is adhered across the liner to maintain the weather integrity of the cladding. This cover may be removed on successive occassions to allow for repeated inspection of the vessel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Roberto Fonseca
  • Patent number: 5531250
    Abstract: An apparatus for plugging the interior of a pipe that is penetrated by an axis opening including an upright tubular plugger housing attachable at its lower end to have communication with the interior of the pipe through the opening. An elongated vertical cylindrical control bar is provided with a plugger at its lower end, the plugger being positioned through the opening into the interior of the pipe to close against further flow of fluid through the pipe. A jack is affixed to the plugger housing upper end and telescopically receives the control bar, the jack being pivotally affixed to the housing so that the control bar, having a plugger on the lower end thereof, can be pivoted relative to the housing and thereby relative to the pipe for proper positioning of the plugger in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric N. Freeman, David L. Blevins, Gene R. Ralls, Bill D. Andrew, Buddy A. Wilson, Coy D. Osburn
  • Patent number: 5524661
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Tigerholm AB
    Inventor: Lars Tigerholm
  • Patent number: 5520220
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for an access port through an insulative coating or vapor barrier wrap on tubing in cold chemical processes. The apparatus seals against entry of vapors and moisture into the access port which might accumulate there and freeze, causing ice build-up and preventing access of testing probes to the tubing. The apparatus also has an insulative effect against transfer of external ambient heat through its structure to the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: David D. Barton
  • Patent number: 5511578
    Abstract: The tool of the invention is used to insert and secure a stopper plug to close a hole in the wall of a pipe carrying fluid under pressure. This permits removal of a defective pipe fitting such as a tee or a valve. The stopper plug includes a toggle or anchor for engaging the inner wall of the pipe at the location of the hole to be sealed shut. After the stopper plug is secured in place, the defective fitting is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Dennis J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5494079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stop-gate apparatus which is used as a means of opening and enclosing a hollow container or conduit carrier. The apparatus is comprised of a coupling body and an enclosure plate. The coupling body is affixed at one end to the hollow container or conduit carrier. At the opposite end of the coupling body, there are two (2) cut-outs which allow the insertion, retention and retraction of the enclosure plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Henry Tiedemann
  • Patent number: 5483990
    Abstract: A valve adapted for insertion in a pressurized fluid flow line for blocking and sealing the flow of fluid through the line without disconnecting the line and to maintain the pressure in the upstream end of the line. The valve includes two body portions which may be clamped on the fluid flow line to form a valve body in which is adjustably mounted an elongated tubular outer shaft, and an elongated cylindrical inner shaft that is rotatably mounted through the tubular outer shaft and carries an annular hole cutter and a tubular seal. The inner shaft is rotatable for driving the annular hole cutter through the line and the outer shaft is rotatable for advancing the inner shaft and annular hole cutter and for positioning the tubular seal in the hole cut through the line to block and seal flow through the downstream portion of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Jomar International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Martin
  • Patent number: 5472011
    Abstract: The primary component of the apparatus is a full port ball valve. One port of the valve is adapted to attach to the bonnet threads of a stop valve. A tubular chamber is attached to the other port of the ball valve with the axes of the ball valve body and chamber aligned with the axis of the stop valve. A cylindrical probe fits through the chamber and open ball valve with a seal between the probe and the free end of the chamber. The inserted end of the probe is adapted to engage splines on a valve stem assembly of a stop valve. A rod extends through the probe and seals prevent leakage through the probe around the rod. The inserted end of the rod is adapted to engage the threads in the end of the stop valve stem assembly. Once the probe and rod are inserted and the splines and threads in the stop valve stem assembly are engaged, the probe is rotated to remove the stem assembly from the stop valve. The probe is then retracted so that the stem is in the chamber and the ball valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Mark D. St. Marie
  • Patent number: 5469890
    Abstract: A solid plug for insertion in the quick disconnect fitting of a hose mobile unit (a hose coiled on a hose reel) which will prevent unwanted drainage while the unit is in storage. The plug is cylindrical with a plurality of spaced annular projections designed to mate with internal surfaces within the quick disconnect fitting and with an annular elastomeric gasket at its inner end to engage with and form a seal in the end of ring or gasket the hose projecting into such quick disconnect fitting. Such plug also carries means for attaching the plug to the hose when it is not in place in such fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: James R. Carpentier
  • Patent number: 5462077
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignees: Brooklyn Union Gas Co., Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Cohen, Curtis E. Leitko, Gerard T. Pittard, Terry P. Clifton, Gerald Rockower
  • Patent number: 5443095
    Abstract: A fluid blocking device for a pipeline having a saddle fitting over an opening in the wall of the pipeline. The device includes an elongated, resilient plug passable through the pipeline opening to block passage of fluid through the pipeline. A resilient ring around the resilient plug mates with the opening in the pipeline and with the saddle fitting to form a fluid tight seal therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Raymond Glossop, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5435340
    Abstract: A pipe coupling apparatus includes a coupling case for surrounding an outer periphery of an existing pipe in a sealed state. The coupling case defines a pipe coupling opening for coupling a new pipe to the coupling case, and an executing opening for use in cutting a branching opening in the existing pipe. A lid is mounted on the coupling case for sealing the executing opening. The branching opening is formed in a way to prevent a fluid from flowing out of the executing opening. The coupling case houses a first valve operable from outside the coupling case to open and close the coupling opening, and a second valve also operable from outside the coupling case to move into the existing pipe through the branching opening for closing one of passages defined by the existing pipe and communicating with the branching opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Yano Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Tabuchi, Haruhiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5400814
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Tigerholm AB
    Inventor: Lars Tigerholm
  • Patent number: 5381815
    Abstract: A method for isolating a relief valve, the relief valve being positioned in fluid communication with a pressurized vessel by positioning a gate valve body between and in fluid communication with the relief valve and the pressurized vessel, the gate valve body including a plug and a cap positioned to sealingly close an opening in the gate valve body generally covered by a gate valve bonnet cover and yoke, removing the cap, sealingly positioning a sandwich valve over the opening in the gate valve so that when the pass-through is opened a passageway through the pass-through sandwich valve is generally co-axial with the opening in the gate valve, sealingly positioning a removable yoke over the passageway through the pass-through, the removable yoke including a stem and being adapted to movement of the stem through the removable yoke; opening the pass-through; moving the stem into engagement with the plug and removing the plug from the opening in the gate valve body; and positioning a valve gate on the stem and mo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignees: Atlantic Richfield Company, Koppl Company Incorporated
    Inventors: Leslie J. Okonek, John W. Wegner
  • Patent number: 5373869
    Abstract: A device for fit testing facepiece respirators is presented. In accordance with the present invention, a testing probe is installed in the facepiece of a respirator during fit testing. In a first embodiment, the probe of this invention is installed in the front or side port of the facepiece after the filter element, valve or breathing tube assembly has been removed. The probe comprises a threaded plug adapted for installation into the front port of a respirator and a male hose connector mounted through a hole located at about the center of the plug. In a second embodiment of this invention, a fit testing probe is installed in one of the side or front ports of the facepiece respirator after the exhalation valve or filter element assembly has been removed therefrom. In this latter embodiment, the probe comprises a spool shape plug adapted for installation into the side port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Cabot Safety Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Z. Zdrok
  • Patent number: 5365976
    Abstract: A device for stopping the flow of fluid under pressure from an open-ended pipe including a clamp adapted to grasp a pipe adjacent its open end. A stopper holder extends from the clamp and is alignable with the open end of the pipe. The stopper is adapted to be held by the stopper holder in a position aligned with the open end of the pipe, and adapted to be inserted from the aligned position into the pipe to stop the flow of fluid from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Peter Tozer
  • Patent number: 5358010
    Abstract: A dual purpose stopper having a deformable, resilient body resides in a branch, communicating with a pipe through an opening in the wall of the pipe. The stopper has a distendable rear portion which can be expanded radially to seal the branch, allowing removal of a mechanism used to actuate the stopper. When actuated, the stopper is shifted by the mechanism from the branch into the pipe, deforming the stopper and sealing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen L. Jiles
  • Patent number: 5353841
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Cherne Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Allen D. Mathison, Marc P. Bevacco, Bryan R. Benson
  • Patent number: 5351718
    Abstract: An access plug flange and sealing plug are provided for inspection ports on chemical processing vessels. The plug flanges are easily installed, while remaining firmly and securely in place; the sealing plug is also easily removable from the flange for inspection purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: David D. Barton
  • Patent number: 5333649
    Abstract: An apparatus for blocking the openings of a branched pipe (2) in a branched portion of a pipeline (1) prior to lining the inner surface of the pipeline (1) with a tubular lining material (100) for maintenance/repair or reinforcement purposes includes a spring-biased plug-housing assembly which carries a plurality of plugs for blocking the branch pipe openings. The plugs are installed one at a time into the branch pipe openings and are retained in the openings by a friction fit. The plug-housing assembly dispenses one plug at a time without the possibility of inadvertent dispensing of the remaining unused plugs. The plugs have cut-away portions in the outer periphery thereof, which cut-away portions cooperate for storage and installation purposes with struts on the plug-housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Ashimori Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Shimokawa, Katsuo Kita
  • Patent number: 5316037
    Abstract: A valve adapted for insertion in a pressurized fluid flow line for blocking and sealing the flow of fluid through the line without disconnecting the line and to maintain the pressure in the upstream end of the line. The valve includes two body portions which may be clamped on the fluid flow line to form a valve body in which is adjustably mounted a shaft carrying an annular hole cutter and a tubular seal. The shaft is rotatable for driving the annular hole cutter through the line and to position the tubular seal in the hole cut through the line to block and seal flow through the downstream portion of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Jomar International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Martin
  • Patent number: 5297581
    Abstract: Pipeline plugger has a piston (22) on its push-pull rod (16) in a cylinder (23) the lower end (25, 26) of which is sealed to the swivel member (24) in which the push-pull rod is sealingly slidable, the upper end (29) of the cyliner (23) is slidably sealed on the push-pull rod, a vent hole (30) to atmosphere is provided from the cylinder (23) adjacent the swivel seal (15), and a bleed passageway (31) is provided in the push-pull rod from adjacent the plug (18) to just above the piston (22), whereby, when the damper type valve (12) is opened, gas admitted into the chamber (14) is bled through the passageway (31) to above the piston (22), thus applying a downward load on the piston annulus to counterbalance the upward gas load on the push-pull rod (16), so that the plug (18) can then be pushed down easily into the pipe (11) through the valve (12), the branch (13) and the hole (19) in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Underpressure Engineering Co. Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey C. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 5234034
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Cherne Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: David L. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5186199
    Abstract: A conduit stopper is used for interrupting the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit stopper has a nozzle sealingly mounted on the elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture communicating with the nozzle. A deformable sealing element having opposed substantially flat sides is movably mounted in the nozzle and is engageable with the interior of the conduit to interrupt the flow of fluid through the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected to the sealing element. An actuator is connected to the carrier for moving the carrier into sealing communication with the nozzle and then to deform the sealing element into sealing engagement with the interior of the conduit while the carrier and the nozzle are in sealing communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventors: Kevin P. Murphy, Garland Y. Smith
  • Patent number: 5183364
    Abstract: A device for installing an in-line valve in a pipe through which fluids under pressure may be flowing. The device has a hollow coring bit and a boring and support housing. The hollow coring bit is housed and guided by the boring and support housing. The hollow coring bit cuts through the sidewalls of the pipe and forms an in-line valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Ronald B. Hardwig
  • Patent number: 5163480
    Abstract: An isolation diaphragm assembly designed to be installed in a standard tee, Y or coupling in a conduit to isolate one portion of the conduit from another. In its initially installed condition, the isolation diaphragm assembly provided a seal for isolating portions of conduit systems for pressure testing. Once the testing procedures are complete, the test diaphragm, being larger in diameter than the interior diameter of the conduit, is flexed into a saddle shape to permit its removal from a gasket and due to the decreased dimension, may then be drawn out of the conduit, leaving a fully unobstructed flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Donald G. Huber
  • Patent number: 5152310
    Abstract: An in-line valve for mounting within an existing fluid line to temporarily block the flow of fluid downstream from the valve without interrupting the flow of fluid upstream of the valve. Two valve half bodies create a cylindrical aperture therebetween which is complementary to the conduit when securely mounted thereon. Extending through the center of each valve half body is an aperture generally orthogonal to, and passing through, the first aperture. An annular shaft extends through the second aperture which has at least two outer diameters with a shoulder presented at the point of diametric change. Encircling at least a portion of the main shaft is an annular flexible seal with one end abutting the shoulder allowing the smaller diameter of the main shaft to extend therethrough. The cutter abuts the flexible seal such that the seal is interposed between the larger diameter of the main shaft and the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Philip J. O'Bryon
  • Patent number: 5104611
    Abstract: A nuclear steam generator 10 with economizer 32 adjacent secondary side feedwater inlets 38a and 38b includes a secondary side divider plate 36 and handholes 40 at opposing 180.degree. locations in alignment with the ends of the plate 36. Notches 42 in the ends of the plate 36 adjacent the aligned handholes 40 facilitate inspection and maintenance access on the secondary side above tubesheet 22. To prevent bypass flow from one side of the divider plate 36 to the other, a novel flow blocker 50 of cylindrical shape is provided for mounting in handholes 40 and notches 42. The flow blocker 50 is defined by telescopically assembled member 52 and 62 which are biased in opposite directions by pre-loaded spring 64 therein to insure stability against vibration and flow induced loads. The flow blocker 50 fits sungly in notch 42 and handhole 40 and is bolted to the inside of closure plate 74 of handhole 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. Woods, Michael D. Turnmire
  • Patent number: 5099868
    Abstract: A concentrically multi-shafted apparatus compresses a compressible stopper to effect a seal in a through-hole of a main utility line to permit a substantially leak-free removal and replacement of a service saddle or a service seal. Counter rotation of concentric shafts, depending upon the direction of rotation, increases or decreases an axial load on the compressible stopper. The external concentric shaft is in sealing engagement with a housing which, when coupled to a utility customer's gate valve permits a main line through-hole to be sealed by the compressible stopper without leakage of water or gas. Once the through-hole is sealed, the service saddle can easily be removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: James D. Weber
  • Patent number: 5082026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipeline plugger for mounting on a pipe which pipe has an insertion port. The pipeline plugger includes a housing adapted for mounting on the pipe adjacent to the insertion port. A rod is mounted in the housing and is axially movably transverse to the axis of the pipe. The rod has a carrier block connected to one end. A holding pin is mounted on the carrier block substantially opposed to the rod. The pipe has a pin aperture substantially opposite to the insertion port. The pin aperture is adapted to receive the pin. A plug is pivotally connected to the carrier block. The plug is adapted to be selectively positioned in the pipe to stop the flow of fluid through the pipe past the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Garland Y. Smith
  • Patent number: 5076311
    Abstract: An apparatus for installing a reopenable shut-off valve into a flowing high pressure pipe, such as the production pipe in an uncontrolled flowing well, utilizes a cylindrical outer saddle member attached around the production pipe and providing a housing for the drilling, finishing and plugging assembly. The saddle is welded directly to the pipe section or attached via an intermediate layer of epoxy to add rigidity and strength to the pipe section. A rotary drill is advanced completely through the surrounding saddle and the internal production pipe and is followed axially by a valve plug. Sealing engagement of the valve plug in the cut hole may be attained by expanding the plug with internal fluid pressure or by utilizing a tapered plug held in sealing engagement with the similarly tapered hole by the application of an axial sealing force. A method for accessing the production pipe at an underground location for attaching the pipe plugging apparatus a safe distance from the well head is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Marquip Inc.
    Inventor: Carl R. Marschke
  • Patent number: 5054512
    Abstract: A method for cutting an opening in the side of a pipe carrying gas under pressure, providing a bypass through the cut, and terminating the bypass when the pipe has been repaired, and apparatus for performing steps of the method. A branching saddle is bonded to the pipe, and a fixture is mounted on the pipe at the saddle. The fixture comprise a barrel through which various tool-insertion assemblies may be inserted.The tool-insertion assemblies tyically include a shaft carrying a tool on one of its ends, a driving hub affixed near its opposite end, and a sealing plug slidably mounted axially on the shaft between the tool and the driving hub. The tools enter into the fixture's bore through a tool inlet, into which the sealing plug of the insertion assembly is screwed for a pressure-tight fit. The tools are individually inserted, in succession, through the fixture's bore and through the wall of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen L. Jiles
  • Patent number: 5042572
    Abstract: A demountable connector assembly for a modular heat exchanger permits individual modules to be removed and replaced without replacement of the entire heat exchanger core. As applied to heat exchanger modules of conventional tube and header construction, an end chamber on each end of the module has a thin flexible wall which allows axial extension of the module when it is installed between parallel inlet and outlet header surfaces to obviate the imposition of damaging stresses on the soldered connection joints between the heat exchanger tubes and the header plates. The mounting assembly also allows the headers to be temporarily sealed while a module is removed to allow continued operation of the heat exchanger until a replacement module can be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Robert F. Dierbeck
  • Patent number: 5038818
    Abstract: A method for cutting an opening in the side of a pipe carrying gas under pressure, providing a bypass through the cut, and terminating the bypass when the pipe has been repaired, and apparatus for performing steps of the method. A branching saddle is bonded to the pipe, and a fixture is mounted on the pipe at the saddle. The fixture comprises a barrel through which various tool-insertion assemblies may be inserted.The tool-insertion assemblies typically include a shaft carrying a tool on one of its ends, a driving hub affixed near its opposite end, and a sealing plug slidably mounted axially on the shaft between the tool and the driving hub. The tools enter into the fixture's bore through a tool inlet, into which the sealing plug of the insertion assembly is screwed for a pressure-tight fit. The tools are individually inserted, in succession, through the fixture's bore and through the wall of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen L. Jiles
  • Patent number: 5035266
    Abstract: A mechanical plug device for sealing pipeline access ports having a small threaded inner surface. The mechanical plug device has opposing inner and outer circular plate members. The rigid plate members each have interiorly tapered circumferential shoulders of generally the same predetermined slope. The inner plate member has an inner surface, an outer surface, a central aperture and a central cavity extending inward from the tapered circumferential shoulder. The outer circular plate member has an inner surface, an outer surface, a central aperture and an outwardly extending structure from the tapered circumferential shoulder for movement into the central cavity of the inner plate member. The device further has an elastomeric radially expandable pre-threaded O-ring structure which has an outer circumferential threaded surface configuration. The O-ring structure has a V-shaped bottom cross-section defining inclined surfaces of a predetermined slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Cherne Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Bryan R. Benson, Marc P. Bevacco
  • Patent number: 5015371
    Abstract: A safety device for sealing a drain assembly including a plate element defining a basin with the drain assembly, a housing element depending from the plate element closed to an underground line associated with the drain assembly, and a seal element positionable between the plate element and drain assembly to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween when liquid fills the housing element interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Nsertaseal Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Webb
  • Patent number: 4883085
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a plastic fitting and a line stopping mechanism to a main includes a stopper shaft which is used to remove a completion plug in the fitting during installation, and to control the line stopper mechanism once it is installed within the fitting; a connection between the stopper shaft and an external drive shaft is provided which includes both left and righthanded threads in order to prevent the connection from loosening while it is being torqued in different directions. A method of installing the fitting which includes electric resistance fusing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Mueller Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Weller, Joseph L. Daghe
  • Patent number: 4880028
    Abstract: For use in a hot tapping system having a plug receiving flange providing communication into the interior of a pipeline, a completion machine for attachment to the flange providing means to install or retrieve a plug from within the flange, the machine being formed of an elongated cylindrical housing having a flange portion to removably sealably engage the plug receiving flange and the housing forming a hydraulic cylinder, an elongated tubular control bar reciprocally and non-rotatably received within the housing, a piston within the cylinder secured to the control bar by which the control bar is hydraulically displaced, and a rotatable retention rod telescopically received within the control bar and having a threaded end to attach to a plug, the retention rod being secured to a plug for placement of the plug into a flange or the removal therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Coy D. Osburn, James B. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4865355
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for blocking off process lines between various pieces of processing equipment, for example, storage tanks, wherein a block housing is provided having pipes on opposite faces thereof connected to the processing vessels. Means are provided for blocking the flow using an axial expansion means for insertion into seats provided on opposite faces of the block housing. During periods of time of normal operation, i.e., when blocking of the process lines is not desired, a flow-thru pipe assembly having male and female ends thereto and locking means provided thereto is provided for insertion into the block housing and for mating and joining the opposite pipes on the opposite faces of the block housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventors: Roger S. McVay, Steven R. McVay, W. E. Brooks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4693278
    Abstract: A safety closure for use in a flange in which the flange has an internal circumferential groove in the passageway therethrough, the closure being formed of a cylindrical body slidably receivable within the flange passageway, the body having a reduced diameter opening therethrough, a plurality of leaves slideably supported to the body, the outer ends of the leaf being receivable in the flange groove, an elastomeric gasket to seal the periphery of the body to the flange passageway, and a pressure relief member slidably received in the body passageway, the upper end of the pressure relief member being of enlarged diameter and received between opposed inner ends of the leaves when the leaves are outwardly positioned within the flange groove to thereby prevent the leaves from being removed from the groove, the pressure relief member being downwardly displaceable to an open position permitting fluid flow through the cylindrical body prior to permitting the leaf to be retracted thereby assuring release of pressure b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: T. D. Williamson, Inc.
    Inventors: Buddy A. Wilson, Coy D. Osborn
  • Patent number: 4682631
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sealing the pressure side opening of a gate ve body which includes a pair of plates and a device for joining the plates for lateral and pivotal movements with respect to one another. A device is associated with the outside edge of one of the plates for engaging the nonpressure side of the gate valve and another device is associated with the outside edge of the other plate for sealing the pressure side opening of the gate valve. Each plate has a top camming surface and a bottom camming surface with the top camming surfaces of the plates being angled toward one another and the bottom camming surfaces of the plates being angled toward one another. A device engages the top and bottom camming surfaces of the plates for laterally spreading the plates so that the sealing device can be forced into sealing engagement with the pressure side opening of the gate valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John F. Wilger, Stephen Orillo, Jr., Gregory S. Nakano
  • Patent number: 4648744
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing optical fibers on a leader in plastic pipe are disclosed. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment for one type of plastic pipe having transverse corrugations, a pig is set forth which has a eyelet for connection with a towed leader, the eyelet being anchored at the nose. The pig body is constructed so that the nose is deformed as loading increases with length of leader, thereby swelling. This reduces blow-by and increases thrust force acting on the pig to overcome the increase in drag with leader length. An alternate embodiment shows an outer layer incorporating graphite or Teflon.RTM. particles in the outer layer to reduce friction. The pigs of this disclosure are adapted to be used in procedures involving corrugated plastic pipe and also plastic pipe having a smooth wall and spaced welded internal beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Knapp
  • Patent number: 4648419
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an assembly of pipes, particularly but not exclusively submarine pipes, adapted to permit disconnection of a tubular member therefrom while maintaining the interior of the remainder of the assembly isolated therefrom. The assembly comprises a first pipe provided with a first tubular connection portion for coaxial connection to a second tubular connection portion of a tubular member. The tubular member is also provided with a tubular extension which is coaxial with the second connection portion and houses a closure means. The end of the tubular extension is adapted to receive the casing of a manipulator for moving the closure means from the tubular extension into the first connection portion of the first pipe to isolate the first pipe from the tubular member and permit disconnection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignees: Total Compagnie Francaise des Petroles, Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A/S
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Herve, Jean-Francois Jouanneau, Ivar G. Kristensen, Finn Haugen
  • Patent number: 4628955
    Abstract: A valve which can be applied to a water pipe while the pipe remains in service. The body of the valve is formed in two sections which can be applied to the outside surface of the water pipe and secured together in precise alignment with one another by tapered pins. A reciprocating gate which forms the valve element is bifurcated and includes a pair of gate sections carrying knife edges which cut through the pipe wall when the gate is initially moved to its closed position. This cuts away a ring from the water pipe and permits the gate to function to control water flow through the valve. The scrap ring which is cut away from the pipe is forced by the gate into a cavity disposed out of the flow line. The gate crushes the ring against a complemental convex surface of the cavity. Camming interaction between the leading ends of the gate sections and the convex surface mechanically forces the gate sections away from one another to press them firmly against the valve seats when the gate is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas D. Smith
  • Patent number: 4625766
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventors: Gerard Dohlen, Jean-Claude Le Marquis, Claude Oberlin