US3940942A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Submarine pipelines
Assignee: Nabalco Engineering Pty Ltd
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Filing: 1974-08-19
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Granted: 1976-03-02
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Expires: 1994-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A structure for propelling a pipeline as it is continuously formed at a construction site, wherein the formed pipeline is cap sealed at its leading end and is sealed adjacent its other end by a piston on which the pipeline slides as it is formed. The pipeline is propelled by admitting pressurized fluid through the piston from a delivery tube communicating through the piston with the interior of the seal pipeline and a stop or stops are provided to engage the delivery tube whereby thrust is applied to the cap sealed end of the pipeline.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon Shields Gower
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:52
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L1/00; F16L1/12; F16L1/16; F16L1/165; F16L1/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
Propelling means for a pipeline as it is formed at a site to any desired length as a continuous pipeline and then directing the interconnected unitary pipeline to a site location for ultimate use adapted for passing fluids from end to end of the interconnected unitary pipeline, said propelling means comprising; a first sealing means mounted on the preformed pipeline and sealing one leading end thereof; a second sealing means slidably mounted in the preformed pipeline and spaced from said first sealing means; tube means connected to a source of pressurized fluid supply and mounted in the pipeline to deliver pressurized fluid into the pipeline between the first and second sealing means; and stop means on the tube means to prevent movement of the tube means and the second sealing means as said pipeline slides upon said second sealing means as a result of said pressurized fluid acting upon the first sealing means to move the leading end of the pipeline away from said second sealing means due to engagement of the pressurized fluid with the first sealing means to move the movable pipeline away from the stationary stop means and tube as long as additional pressurized fluid is being supplied and thereafter until the volume between the first and second sealing means increases sufficiently to dissipate the fluid pressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
Propelling means for a pipeline as it is formed at a site to any desired length as a continuous pipeline and then directing the interconnected unitary pipeline to a site location for ultimate use adapted for passing fluids from end to end of the interconnected unitary pipeline, said propelling means comprising; a first sealing means mounted on the preformed pipeline and sealing one leading end thereof; a second sealing means slidably mounted in the preformed pipeline and spaced from said first sealing means; tube means connected to a source of pressurized fluid supply and mounted in the pipeline to deliver pressurized fluid into the pipeline between the first and second sealing means; and stop means on the tube means to prevent movement of the tube means and the second sealing means as said pipeline slides upon said second sealing means as a result of said pressurized fluid acting upon the first sealing means to move the leading end of the pipeline away from said second sealing means due to engagement of the pressurized fluid with the first sealing means to move the movable pipeline away from the stationary stop means and tube as long as additional pressurized fluid is being supplied and thereafter until the volume between the first and second sealing means increases sufficiently to dissipate the fluid pressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
96 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first sealing means is a closure fixed over the leading end of the pipeline, the second sealing means being a piston having at least one seal thereon slidingly and sealingly engaging the inner wall of the pipeline, the tube means being a rigid tube, the piston being mounted on one end of the rigid tube, the one end of the tube communicating through the piston with the interior of the pipeline, and the other end of the tube releasably connected to the source of pressurized fluid supply.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein the tube has a second tube selectively releasably connected to the other end thereof and the second tube is connected to the source of pressurized fluid supply, the stop means comprising a pair of spaced apart stops each of the stops being selectively, releasably engageable with one of the tubes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-02 | 1979-09-01 | 1980-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-02 | 1983-09-01 | 1984-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-02 | 1987-09-01 | 1988-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |