An inflatable stent for use in the repair and maintenance of pipes such as water or gas supply pipes, or for use as a medical device comprises an inflatable portion having an inner and outer membrane. When inflated, the inner and outer membranes are radially spaced apart to define an annular space there between. The inner membrane defines a passage between a first and second end and the outer membrane defines a first diameter (D1) of the stent. The inner and outer membranes are connected by a plurality of connecting members in the annular space. End caps are disposed on the first and second ends of the stent which connect the inner and outer membranes. The inflatable portion further comprises an inflatable pipe or lumen engaging portion that defines a second, larger diameter (D2) of the stent, when inflated.
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 55/16 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
F16L 55/165 - Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe being inserted in the damaged section
A61F 2/94 - Stents retaining their form, i.e. not being deformable, after placement in the predetermined place
An inflatable stent (1) for use in the repair and maintenance of pipes such as water or gas supply pipes, or for use as a medical device comprises an inflatable portion (9) having an inner and outer membrane (2, 10). When inflated, the inner and outer membranes (2, 10) are radially spaced apart to define an annular space (20) there between. The inner membrane (2) defines a passage (8) between a first (4) and second (6) end and the outer membrane (10) defines a first diameter (D1) of the stent (1). The inner and outer membranes (2, 10) are connected by a plurality of connecting members (22) in the annular space (20). End caps (16, 18) are disposed on the first (4) and second (6) ends of the stent (1) which connect the inner and outer membranes (2, 10). The inflatable portion (9) further comprises an inflatable pipe or lumen engaging portion (32) that defines a second, larger diameter (D2) of the stent (1), when inflated.
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
F16K 7/10 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with inflatable member
A61F 2/82 - Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
22 - Rope, netting, tents, awnings, sails and sacks; padding and stuffing materials
Goods & Services
Mechanical pipe stoppers. Inflatable pipeline stoppers; inflatable bags and devices
for use in sealing and stopping the flow of fluids and
liquids in pipelines; parts and fittings (included in this
class) for use with the aforesaid goods. Sacks, bags, tarpaulins all being inflatable; parts and
fittings (included in this class) for use with the aforesaid
goods.
An apparatus for sealing a pipe near a junction includes: at least one inflatable bag (20) attached to deployment means such as an elongate member (22). The deployment means (22) is formed and arranged to deploy the inflatable bag (20) along a pipe. The apparatus includes means for inflating the inflatable bag when deployed in a pipe; and a pipe engaging anchor (28), operable to engage with pipe work, typically a junction in pipe work, forward of the inflatable bag (20). The pipe engaging anchor (28) may include one or more limbs (30) for engaging a pipe. The limbs may be deployed with the assistance of control members pivotally connected to the limbs (30). Pipe engaging anchors and methods for sealing a pipe are also described.
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 55/12 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ
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
