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Abstract

An apparatus for aiding in welding a pipe structure is provided. The apparatus includes first and second expandable spaced apart seals adapted to be positioned in the pipe structure and on opposed sides of a region subjected to a welding process. Each of the spaced apart seals has a circular exterior surface selectively expandable to contact and form a seal with an interior surface of the piping structure, and a circular inner surface. A light-transmitting tubular shield support extends between the first and second seals and mates with the circular inner surfaces to position the first and second seals in spaced relationship with each other. An optical device has a selectable field of view supported within the interior of the tubular support, and is rotatable about the major axis of the tubular support for producing an image of the portion of the inner surface of the piping structure that is within the field of view of the optical device. A pump supplies a liquid to the region between the exterior surface of the tubular support and the interior of the pipe structure.

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First Claim