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US 9,927,058 B2Granted
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.
Claims42
A method for gripping to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising the steps of:
- moving a plurality of discrete gripping devices into an interior of the pipe;
- discretely and individually self-biasing each of the plurality of discrete gripping devices toward the inside radius of the pipe;
- upon insertion into the interior of the pipe with the plurality of discrete gripping devices reducing any sharp transition point by means of the plurality of discrete gripping devices each having an outer surface as a transition surface;
- and
- collectively extending-retracting the plurality of discrete gripping devices.
2 more elements
A method for gripping a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, comprising the steps of:
- not gripping an interior of the pipe;
- and then selectively gripping the interior of the pipe with a plurality of discrete gripping devices by discretely and individually self-biasing each of the plurality of discrete gripping devices and by reducing any sharp transition point by means of the plurality of discrete gripping devices each having an outer surface as a transition surface;
- and collectively extending-retracting the plurality of discrete gripping devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.