Pipes and tubular conduits – Repairing – Patches
Reexamination Certificate
2011-01-04
2011-01-04
Hook, James F (Department: 3754)
Pipes and tubular conduits
Repairing
Patches
C138S093000, C166S384000, C166S101000, C166S187000, C072S370070, C072S058000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07861744
ABSTRACT:
The invention comprises a device for expanding tubular members to a controlled diameter and its method of fabrication. The device includes an expandable bladder held in a convoluted form. After the device is inserted into a cylindrical tube to be evenly expanded, the bladder is expanded by hydraulic pressure to a controlled maximum diameter. It is then deflated so the device can then be moved to another location and reused. The bladder is formed from a flexible impervious material having integral reinforcing fibers. It is initially formed in a fully expanded configuration over a convoluted mandrel and a removable cylindrical shell. When the shell is removed vacuum or external pressure draws the bladder against the mandrel. The bladder is overmolded with a resilient cover to hold it in reduced form until pressurized. The bladder cover prevents the bladder from kinking during the expansion.
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Fly Charles B.
Fly Gerald W.
Walker Kenneth W.
Expansion Technologies
Hook James F
Nutter & McClennen & Fish LLP
Powsner David J.
Stow Christopher J.
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