Importance

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Abstract

A sealing arrangement used to quickly seal leaks in pipes and the like is of the type comprising an inflatable pad which is laid against the leaking pipe surface, a counterpressure element which presses the inflatable pad against such surface and to which holding belts or the like wrapped around the pipe or the like can be connected and tightened prior to inflation of the inflatable pad. The counterpressure element does not have the form of a conventional rigid counterpressure plate but instead is a flexible counterpressure pad, whereby the inflatable pad and the counterpressure pad can very completely conform to the leaking surface to be sealed. The counterpressure pad comprises embedded reinforcements, including transverse reinforcements at its edge regions extending transverse to the direction in which the counterpressure pad tends to be pulled when held in place by the tightened holding belts with the inflatable pad inflated, and also longitudinal reinforcements in the form of steel cords which are slung around the transverse reinforcements and extend generally perpendicular thereto. Because the counterpressure pad can conform to the surface to be sealed, the displacement performed by the inflatable pad upon inflation is relatively limited and therefore the inflatable pad can be of very sturdy construction and does not uncontrollably or locally expand upon inflation.

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First Claim