Lawrence J Irwin

US Patent:

46793780, Jul 14, 1987

Filed:

Aug 15, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/897181

Inventors:

Paul T. Anderson - Lancaster OH
Lawrence Irwin - Lancaster OH
John C. Matthews - Lancaster OH
Charles E. Paugh - Winchester OH

Assignee:

The Babcock & Wilcox Company - New Orleans LA

International Classification:

B65B 3102

US Classification:

53405

Abstract:

A vacuum sealing device includes a plug which is thrust into the port of an insulated steam injection tubing for closing an annular space of the tubing which confines a vacuum. The plug is mounted for movement within a first mounting element and for movement within a bellows having an end connected to the first mounting element. A second mounting element is connected to the opposite end of the bellows and carries a rod which is fixed to the plug. By moving the two mounting elements together, the bellows is compressed and the plug is thrust by movement of the rod. The first mounting element is connected to an upper clamping section which cooperates with a lower clamping section to engage around a tubular to be plugged. The upper section can be correctly centered with its plug over the port of the tubular by momentarily compressing the bellows to extend the plug. The plug is provided with a shank portion and a breakable tab for breaking the plug away from the shank portion.

US Patent:

46946349, Sep 22, 1987

Filed:

Sep 16, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/776254

Inventors:

Paul T. Anderson - Lancaster OH
Lawrence Irwin - Lancaster OH
John C. Matthews - Lancaster OH
Charles E. Paugh - Canal Winchester OH

Assignee:

The Babcock & Wilcox Company - New Orleans LA

International Classification:

B65B 100

US Classification:

53 88

Abstract:

A vacuum sealing device includes a plug which is thrust into the port of an insulated steam injection tubing for closing an annular space of the tubing which confines a vacuum. The plug is mounted for movement within a first mounting element and for movement within a bellows having an end connected to the first mounting element. A second mounting element is connected to the opposite end of the bellows and carries a rod which is fixed to the plug. By moving the two mounting elements together, the bellows is compressed and the plug is thrust by movement of the rod. The first mounting element is connected to an upper clamping section which cooperates with a lower clamping section to engage around a tubular to be plugged. The upper section can be correctly centered with its plug over the port of the tubular by momentarily compressing the bellows to extend the plug. The plug is provided with a shank portion and a breakable tab for breaking the plug away from the shank portion.