Mueller Co.

Lynn D Edwards

Garrett D Terrill

A pipeline stopper assembly of the expanding sleeve type for use in large diameter pipes having a transverse circular cut-out or opening therethrough. The pipeline stopper assembly cooperates with a stopper fitting secured to the pipeline so that when the assembly is inserted into the transverse opening in the pipeline and is properly oriented with the space between the split sleeve facing in the proper direction, it incapable of being rotated within the opening. The torque encountered in the expanding of the sleeve by the actuating means is transferred directly from the operating nut members to the sleeve without being transferred through the toggle arms. Stop means are provided which limit movement of the operating nut members toward each other and, thus, positively limit the amount of expansion of the sleeve and the pivotal movement of the arms to an angle no greater than 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the stopper assembly. By providing stop means coacting directly with the nut members, no unnecessary loads are transferred to the toggle arms or their pivots and this coupled with the elimination of torque from the toggle arms enables the arms and their pivots to be made of a lighter and cheaper material.

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Decatur, IL, United States of America

Lynn D Edwards