Method and device for internally locating and sealing pipeline leaks

Claim 1

A pipeline inspection and sealing device comprising a rigid open-ended cylindrical shell, an elastically stretchable sleeve covering the exterior of said shell and hermetically sealed thereto at both ends, the outer end margins of said sleeve being smooth-surfaced and the remainder of the outer surface of said sleeve being covered with protuberances, the outer diameter of said sleeve-covered shell (when the sleeve is deflated) being capable of easily passing through the pipeline being tested even if said line has moderate discontinuities, said sleeve being capable of expanding to cause its smooth margins and the tops of said protuberances to contact the interior of said pipe, first conduit means providing access from within said shell to the space between said shell and said sleeve for carrying inflating fluid to and from said space, second and third conduit means providing access from within said shell to the protuberant outer surface of said sleeve for carrying test liquid and repair liquid respectively under pressure to said surface, said second and third conduit means each being provided with a one-way valve.