F16L41/00

Methods, systems, and apparatus for use in main pipes connected to branch conduit

A pipe rehabilitation system and/or robot can be used inside a pipe to measure characteristics of branch conduits, install plugs into branch conduits before the pipe is lined with a liner, remove portions of plugs and liners after lining to restore fluid communication between the pipe and branch conduits, and/or install fittings into the branch conduits to connect the liner to the branch conduits. A probe can measure characteristics of a branch conduit. A tool can install plugs and/or fittings into the branch conduits. A linkage can connect a tool to a robotic tractor so that the connected elements can navigate through a main pipe. A visualization system can aid in aligning a robot with a branch conduit. Height-adjustable braces can support robotic tools in a pipe. A plug can include integrated locating features and/or movable parts that enable expanding the plug to seal with the branch conduit.

PLUMBING WITH INTERNAL FLOW GUIDES
20220275758 · 2022-09-01 · ·

A conduit assembly may comprise: a pipe; a plurality of hollow passages disposed through the pipe; and a plurality of flow guides disposed in the pipe, each flow guide in the plurality of flow guides at least partially defining a respective hollow passage in the plurality of hollow passages. The conduit assembly may act as a heat exchanger.

PLUMBING WITH INTERNAL FLOW GUIDES
20210332757 · 2021-10-28 · ·

A conduit assembly may comprise: a pipe; a plurality of hollow passages disposed through the pipe; and a plurality of flow guides disposed in the pipe, each flow guide in the plurality of flow guides at least partially defining a respective hollow passage in the plurality of hollow passages. The conduit assembly may act as a heat exchanger.

Hollow polymer micro-truss structures containing pressurized fluids

An ordered, 3-dimensional, micro-scale, open-cellular truss structure including interconnected hollow polymer tubes. The hollow micro-truss structure separates two fluid volumes which can be independently pressurized or depressurized to control flow, or materials properties, or both. Applications for this invention include deployable structures, inflatable structures, flow control, and vented padding.

Fluid connection apparatus
11143344 · 2021-10-12 ·

A fluid connection apparatus, in which a carrier body and washer configuration are overmolded together, is configured for use in a fluid transfer assembly. The carrier body may be generally U-shaped, having two substantially parallel portions connected by a bridging portion. Each substantially parallel portion of the fluid connection apparatus includes a washer configuration including one or more washers. The fluid connection apparatus may be used to connect a fluid line fitting to an apparatus intended to provide or receive fluid through the fluid line, using a connector having a fluid passage formed therein. The fluid line fitting is placed between the two substantially parallel portions, and a connector having a fluid passage formed therein is inserted through one side of the fluid connection apparatus, through the fluid line fitting, and through the other side of the fluid connection apparatus. The fluid connection apparatus may include stabilizing features, such as ribs in the bridging portion or enlarged radii, to protect against distortion and breakage.

CALIBRATED GAUGE TOOL FOR CHECKING PRESSURES ON INSTALLED INERT SYSTEMS PER NFPA
20210270422 · 2021-09-02 ·

A method of checking a pressure of an agent cylinder that includes coupling a gauge assembly to an outlet of a gauge tool, the gauge assembly having a pressure gauge and a vent valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The method further includes moving the vent valve towards the closed position; attaching a fill adapter defining an inlet of the gauge tool to a valve port of an agent cylinder; and actuating a drive member of the gauge tool in a first direction to move a valve member of the gauge tool from a first position towards a second position to facilitate a fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the gauge tool.

Snap Fitting For Plumbing
20210222811 · 2021-07-22 ·

A snap fitting for use in plumbing is provided. The snap fitting includes a main body formed of plastic and shaped to extend partially around a cylindrical pipe to snap over the pipe and an inset for extending from an interior side of the main body into a hole in the cylindrical pipe.

ROTATING SNAP CONNECTION ASSEMBLY
20210207748 · 2021-07-08 ·

A connector providing a rotating snap connection for connecting tubes, hoses and/or other conduits where the rotatable portion of the connector snap fits with the remaining portion of the connector is described. A first connector can include a body defining a first internal passage, a connecting end defining a second internal passage, and a connecting mechanism rotatably connecting the connecting end to the body such that the second internal passage of the connecting end is fluidly connected with the first internal passage. A second connector can include a first body, a second body rotatably connected to the first body via a connecting structure, and a connecting structure.

Directed Jet Impulse Pig Launching System and Method of its Use
20210172558 · 2021-06-10 ·

A pig trap of this disclosure may include one or more injectors or nozzles located along a sidewall of the barrel and oriented to deliver a jet of fluid toward a back side of a vertical member of a pig or tool. The nozzle may be part of an assembly that includes a longitudinally extending pipe having a flat-profile flange at an inlet end, a curved-profile flange at the nozzle end, and a bend in between the two ends. When the assembly is installed in a sidewall opening of a pig trap, the nozzle delivers a jet of fluid toward the back side of a vertical member of the pig. A leak path may be provided through flanges or formed between the sidewall opening and a periphery of the curved-profile flange. Launch forces of more than 10 to 15 times that of a conventional launcher may be achieved.

INTERFACE FOR CONNECTING A FLUID MEASUREMENT POINT AND A MODULAR FLUID MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

An interface adapted for connecting a fluid measurement point includes a body including at least two connection locations, wherein the body has fluid ducts, each of which has a connection location, wherein the fluid ducts have at their connection locations first duct axes, wherein the connection locations are especially coplanar, wherein the connection locations are adapted for connecting process connectors from a connection direction for sealed communication with the fluid ducts, wherein the fluid ducts are adapted via the process connectors to supply, and drain, a medium, respectively, to and from the fluid measurement point, wherein the interface has at least one holding element for releasably securing at least one process connector to the body, wherein the holding element has at least one process connector seat, wherein the holding element is adapted to be moved into an end position (EP) effecting the securement.