Gripping apparatus and devices for plugging of pipes, orifices or connecting
AssigneeUSA Industries, Inc.
InventorsTracy Sue, Casey Sue, Richard Sallee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, or restraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. The gripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface defines a transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transition surface or curve has a radius less than or equal to the inside radius of the pipe.
Claims30
A gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising:
- a plurality of discrete gripping devices mounted in a body;
- an outer surface on each the plurality of discrete gripping devices;
- wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point;
- and
- a plurality of actuation-retraction mechanisms connected to the body and one each individually connected to each of the plurality of discrete gripping devices.
A method for gripping to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising the steps of:
- moving a plurality of gripping devices into an interior of the pipe;
- biasing toward the inside radius of the pipe;
- and
- upon insertion into the interior of the pipe with the plurality of gripping devices reducing any sharp transition point by means of the plurality of gripping devices each having an outer surface as a transition surface.
A method for gripping a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising the steps of:
- not gripping an interior of a pipe;
- and then selectively gripping the interior of the pipe with a plurality of gripping devices for preventing further movement into the pipe and by reducing any sharp transition point by means of the plurality of gripping devices each have an outer surface as a transition surface.
A gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising:
- a plurality of gripping devices mounted in a body;
- an outer surface on each the plurality of gripping devices;
- wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point;
- and
- an actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the body and to the plurality of gripping devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.