A computer readable barcode on a surface of a corrodible material, and method of forming. A surface depression of an inverse bar code pattern is etched or engraved within the surface and around the code elements. A corrosion-resistant material is cured within the surface depression formed by the engraving. The corrosion-resistant material is lightly colored to frame the formed barcode lines.
A computer readable barcode on a surface of a corrodible material, and method of forming. A surface depression of an inverse bar code pattern is etched or engraved within the surface and around the code elements. A corrosion-resistant material is cured within the surface depression formed by the engraving. The corrosion-resistant material is lightly colored to frame the formed barcode lines.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
B05D 7/14 - Processes, other than flocking, specially adapted for applying liquids or other fluent materials to particular surfaces or for applying particular liquids or other fluent materials to metal, e.g. car bodies
A method and system for pipeline purging with reduced environmental impact. A vacuum and/or compressor system purges air or other gases from at least a section of the pipeline to create a vacuum in the pipeline. The vacuum can then be replaced with a fuel gas, avoiding a mixing of fuel and oxidant in the pipeline. The vacuum and/or compressor system can include a fuel gas monitoring leak-detection system to monitor for fuel presence in the purging air.
A method and system for pipeline purging with reduced environmental impact. A vacuum and/or compressor system purges air or other gases from at least a section of the pipeline to create a vacuum in the pipeline. The vacuum can then be replaced with a fuel gas, avoiding a mixing of fuel and oxidant in the pipeline. The vacuum and/or compressor system can include a fuel gas monitoring leak-detection system to monitor for fuel presence in the purging air.
B08B 5/04 - Cleaning by suction, with or without auxiliary action
B08B 9/035 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing by suction
F16L 45/00 - Pipe units with cleaning aperture and closure therefor
F16L 55/07 - Arrangement or mounting of devices, e.g. valves, for venting or aerating or draining
F17D 3/10 - Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations for taking out the product in the line
G01L 19/00 - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
G01L 21/02 - Vacuum gauges having a compression chamber in which gas, whose pressure is to be measured, is compressed
A system for stopping flow in a pipe with a plug positioned in the pipe to allow for repairs of the pipe. The plug comprises a body with an inflatable or compressible member, and a cap and connector valve on the body. An inflation line with a coupling connects to the valve for blocking off and sealing a damaged area of the pipe. An inflation line is used to deposit and retrieve the plug within the pipe before and after a repair is made.
A system, device, and method for leak detection and monitoring. The system includes a plurality of gas sensors with wireless connectivity adapted to be distributed over an area of interest that contains a suspected gas leak. An aggregator aggregates leak detection data obtained from the plurality of gas sensors. At web-based user interface allow viewing of the data on any of various non-specific electronic devices. The user interface is simultaneously accessible on a plurality of wireless mobile devices. A wireless local area network, such as a mesh network with the sensors as nodes, interconnects each of the plurality of gas sensors and the aggregator.
A system, device, and method for leak detection and monitoring. The system includes a plurality of gas sensors with wireless connectivity adapted to be distributed over an area of interest that contains a suspected gas leak. An aggregator aggregates leak detection data obtained from the plurality of gas sensors. At web-based user interface allow viewing of the data on any of various non-specific electronic devices. The user interface is simultaneously accessible on a plurality of wireless mobile devices. A wireless local area network, such as a mesh network with the sensors as nodes, interconnects each of the plurality of gas sensors and the aggregator.
G01M 3/16 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means
G01N 1/22 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
A safety plug for a pipe formed of two engageable plug halves each having a mateable face to seal together around a cable. An outer surface includes a plurality of steps corresponding with different pipe sizes for engagement within the pipe. The outer surface is threaded or includes a locking mechanism which moves a portion of the two engageable plug halves into physical engagement with threads of the pipe. The locking mechanism can include locking pins at each of the outer steps, and which are extended outward by a manual push button upon the plug being placed in a pipe.
F16L 55/12 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ
F16L 55/124 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced radially into the pipe or hose
F16L 55/128 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose
F16L 55/13 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by plastic deformation
F16L 55/132 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
F16L 55/134 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing by means of an inflatable packing
F16L 55/136 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially expanding or deforming a split ring, hooks or the like
F16L 55/16 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
F16L 55/162 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe
F16L 55/163 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a ring, a band or a sleeve being pressed against the inner surface of the pipe
A safety plug for a pipe formed of two engageable plug halves each having a mateable face to seal together around a cable. An outer surface includes a plurality of steps corresponding with different pipe sizes for engagement within the pipe. The outer surface is threaded or includes a locking mechanism which moves a portion of the two engageable plug halves into physical engagement with threads of the pipe. The locking mechanism can include locking pins at each of the outer steps, and which are extended outward by a manual push button upon the plug being placed in a pipe.
F16L 55/132 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
F16L 55/18 - Appliances for use in repairing pipes
B08B 9/04 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
F16J 13/12 - Detachable closure membersMeans for tightening closures attached by wedging action by means of screw-thread, interrupted screw-thread, bayonet closure, or the like
F16J 15/06 - Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
F16L 5/10 - Sealing by using sealing rings or sleeves only
10.
Detachable system to shut off pressure flow in pipes
Systems and methods for shutting off or stopping fluid flow through a pipe are provided. An inflatable bag stopper assembly is inserted through an opening into the pipe. The assembly includes one or more inflatable bags with each inflatable bag having a check valve positioned at an inlet. In inflatable bag stopper assemblies of two or more inflatable bags, the inflatable bags are connected in series. The inflatable bag stopper assembly is inflated such that the inflatable bag or bags act or serve to obstruct, block, close, or otherwise effectively foreclose passage of the fluid through the pipe.
F16L 55/134 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing by means of an inflatable packing
F16L 55/124 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced radially into the pipe or hose
F16K 7/10 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with inflatable member
F16L 55/10 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses
G01F 15/18 - Supports or connecting means for meters
G01F 15/00 - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
11.
Integrated system and method to determine activity of excavation machinery
A system and method for monitoring and alerting of a working equipment proximity to a utility system. The invention provides a device on the working equipment with sensors and GPS location capabilities to determine location and/or movement event data of the equipment. The invention further includes the establishment of an imaginary buffer boundary established around the utility components to use in combination with the event data to provide a reference for alerts to be triggered. Alerts are automatically provided by the system and method at the working equipment and/or a remote operator dashboard.
G01S 19/49 - Determining position by combining or switching between position solutions derived from the satellite radio beacon positioning system and position solutions derived from a further system whereby the further system is an inertial position system, e.g. loosely-coupled
G01S 19/14 - Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
Devices and methods for sewer system cleanouts such as provide increased cross bore safeguard during sewer system cleanouts. A sewer system cleanout safety device includes a housing for placement at a sewer cleanout opening to prevent passage of gas out through the sewer cleanout opening during the sewer system cleanout. The housing includes opposed inner and outer cleanout opening surfaces, and a peripheral surface extending between said inner and outer cleanout opening surfaces. The housing includes a cavity extending between the inner and outer cleanout opening surfaces to permit passage of a sewer system cleanout implement therethrough. The housing further includes a cavity lining surface to seal with the sewer system cleanout implement passing therethrough.
E03F 9/00 - Arrangements or fixed installations for cleaning sewer pipes, e.g. by flushing
B08B 9/04 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
B08B 9/043 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
B08B 9/045 - Cleaning the internal surfacesRemoval of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes the cleaning devices being rotated while moved
A breakaway coupling includes a body and a valve assembly inside the body. The body includes a fluid conduit and a shear groove between first and second portions. The shear groove is designed to crack, break, or separate under certain conditions. The valve assembly is designed to shut off fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the shear groove cracks, breaks, or separates. The valve assembly includes a valve seat, a sealing element, one or more pins, and a biasing member. The one or more pins hold the sealing element in an open position while the shear groove is in tack, and allow the sealing element to move to a closed position (with the help of the biasing member) in the event the shear groove cracks, breaks, or separates.
B60S 5/02 - Supplying fuel to vehiclesGeneral disposition of plant in filling stations
B67D 7/04 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
B67D 7/34 - Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
F16K 17/36 - Safety valvesEqualising valves actuated in consequence of extraneous circumstances, e.g. shock, change of position
F16K 17/40 - Safety valvesEqualising valves with fracturing member, e.g. fracturing diaphragm, fusible joint
F16K 21/04 - Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation
F16L 37/28 - Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means
A breakaway coupling includes a body and a valve assembly inside the body. The body includes a fluid conduit and a shear groove between first and second portions. The shear groove is designed to crack, break, or separate under certain conditions. The valve assembly is designed to shut off fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the shear groove cracks, breaks, or separates. The valve assembly includes a valve seat, a sealing element, one or more pins, and a biasing member. The one or more pins hold the sealing element in an open position while the shear groove is in tack, and allow the sealing element to move to a closed position (with the help of the biasing member) in the event the shear groove cracks, breaks, or separates.
F16K 17/36 - Safety valvesEqualising valves actuated in consequence of extraneous circumstances, e.g. shock, change of position
B60S 5/02 - Supplying fuel to vehiclesGeneral disposition of plant in filling stations
B67D 7/04 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
B67D 7/34 - Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
F16K 17/40 - Safety valvesEqualising valves with fracturing member, e.g. fracturing diaphragm, fusible joint
F16K 21/04 - Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation
F16L 37/28 - Couplings of the quick-acting type with fluid cut-off means
A method for creating GIS features and populating a GIS feature attribute with information obtained from a bar code or similar identifier, for example but not limited to pipelines. The method of this invention includes scanning a code on a component to be installed or repaired, converting the code into attributes which describe the component, obtaining additional characteristics of the components, associating the component with a location of installation and placing the geometric feature onto the GIS map.
A device and method for inserting a tool into a pipeline transporting a fluid. The device includes a housing that is attachable to a vertical fitting applied on the pipeline, and a launch tube supported by the housing and including a tool passageway through which a tool is fed. The launch tube moves relative to the housing to raise and lower a shoe at an end of the launch tube into the pipeline. The shoe is and adapted to insert a tool into the pipeline at an angle to the launch tube.
F16L 41/06 - Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluidsFittings therefor making use of attaching means embracing the pipe
F16L 41/16 - Joining pipes to walls or pipes, the joined pipe axis being perpendicular to the plane of a wall or to the axis of another pipe the branch pipe comprising fluid cut-off means
F16L 55/46 - Launching or retrieval of pigs or moles
F16L 55/134 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing by means of an inflatable packing
17.
System and method for detecting underground cross-bores
A system for detecting an underground cross-bore includes a mechanical sensing device attached to an underground travel element to form a combination adapted for underground travel. The mechanical sensing device senses at least a first underground condition wherein the combination is ensconced in an underground bore and a second underground condition wherein the sensing device senses entry into a pipe cavity. The mechanical sensing device desirably can provide a signal identifying entry into a pipe cavity.
An apparatus for generating a saddle-shaped trajectory for intersection of two cylindrical conduits. The apparatus includes an encoder module, a motorized axial module connected with the encoder module and movable only in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of an intersecting cylindrical conduit and a motorized rotatable module connected with the motorized axial module and rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the intersecting cylindrical conduit. Control software provided in one of the modules includes an algorithm providing control of the modules for generation of the saddle-shaped trajectory on the two cylindrical conduits. The algorithm requires input of only a radius of each of the cylindrical conduits.
G05B 19/04 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
H01L 21/677 - Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereofApparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components for conveying, e.g. between different work stations
A method for determining a presence of live 3-phase electrical lines inside a buried pipe or conduit from outside the pipe or conduit and preferably from an above ground location. A sensor suitable for detecting vibratory signals is placed on the ground proximate the location of the buried pipe. The sensor is then used to determine the presence of a current frequency signal and a current harmonic frequency signal, whereby presence of the current frequency signal and/or the current harmonic frequency signal corresponds to a presence of a live 3-phase electrical line within the buried pipe or conduit. Although intended primarily for use in connection with buried pipes, the method may also be employed on exposed pipes and conduits.
A low pressure directional stop bypass device including a saddle fitting having an axially extending tubular connection element having a connection element wall forming a lateral bypass port, a valve assembly connected with the axially extending tubular connection element having a first valve port in fluid communication with the lateral bypass port and having a second valve port, and a stuffing box connected with the second valve port. A launch tube assembly is inserted through the stuffing box and the valve assembly into the axially extending tubular connection element. The launch tube element includes an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member disposed within the outer tubular member, and a stopper supply tube having a leading end and a trailing end and disposed within the inner tubular member. A flexible inflatable stopper plug connected with the leading end of the stopper supply tube. Connected with the outlet end of the outer tubular member is at least one guidance pin which ensures insertion of the flexible inflatable stopper plug into a pipe fitted with the saddle fitting in a predetermined direction.
A low pressure directional stop bypass device including a saddle fitting having an axially extending tubular connection element having a connection element wall forming a lateral bypass port, a valve assembly connected with the axially extending tubular connection element having a first valve port in fluid communication with the lateral bypass port and having a second valve port, and a stuffing box connected with the second valve port. A launch tube assembly is inserted through the stuffing box and the valve assembly into the axially extending tubular connection element. The launch tube element includes an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member disposed within the outer tubular member, and a stopper supply tube having a leading end and a trailing end and disposed within the inner tubular member. A flexible inflatable stopper plug connected with the leading end of the stopper supply tube. Connected with the outlet end of the outer tubular member is at least one guidance pin which ensures insertion of the flexible inflatable stopper plug into a pipe fitted with the saddle fitting in a predetermined direction.
A method for inspecting joined material interfaces, such as butt fusion pipe joints of plastic pipes, using ultrasonic waveforms to discriminate between acceptable and unacceptable interfaces. The waveforms (amplitude vs time) having been transmitted to a material interface of interest are divided into a number of time zones and the amplitudes of the waveforms within the time zones compared against waveform amplitudes obtained from known acceptable joined material interfaces to determine the quality of the material interface of interest.
A method and apparatus in which a first absorption measurement is made over a first frequency interval or set of frequency intervals including one or more absorptions from a spectral band of interest. The first absorption measurement is ideally selected to be near the frequency of a peak in the absorption spectrum, providing high sensitivity at low gas concentrations. A second absorption measurement is made over a second frequency interval. The second absorption measurement is made to include a contribution from the broadening of the absorption spectrum at higher concentrations. The second absorption measurement provides sensitivity at higher concentrations. The two absorption measurements are then combined to deduce the target sample concentration as the absorption line spectrum changes shape with concentration.
G01J 5/58 - Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry using absorptionRadiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry using extinction effect
patents
