Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for plugging a pipeline through a side opening and arranged such that the sealing portion may be removed and a rotary brush substituted to effect initial cleaning of pipeline should that be desired. The apparatus includes a bell-type housing which is arranged for mounting over the side opening in a pipeline to form a fluid tight chamber therewith so that the cleaning and plugging operation can be carried out while fluid pressure is present in the pipeline. The apparatus includes a drive stem which extends into the chamber through a ball and socket coupling provided in the upper part of the housing which permits articulation of the drive stem. The drive stem has supported on the lower end thereof a plug assembly which is adapted for insertion into the pipeline for effecting the seal. The plug assembly includes an annular cup-shaped seal having an annular lip which is sized for easy insertion into the pipeline at a point axially adjacent to the side opening. The plug assembly includes an annular member which is arranged to deflect the lip portion of the seal radially outwardly into initial sealing engagement with the pipe upon contact of the annular member therewith. Being cup-shaped, the seal member is thereafter self-energized by fluid pressure in the pipeline. Hence, the seal may be undersized with respect to the inside diameter of the pipe so as to be readily positioned therein and yet can be urged to the sealing position by operation of the tool. The tool of this invention is easily adaptable to become a pipe-cleaning tool in that the seal can be readily removed and an annular brush mounted on the tool to accomplish cleaning of the pipe initially should that be required at the point where the sealing plug is to be installed.

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First Claim