The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 24, 2001
Filed:
May. 01, 1998
Gerald P. McCann, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Eugene R. Kief, Jr., Reno, NV (US);
TMO Enterprises Limited, Dublin, IE;
Abstract
Disclosed is a slug for distributing a fluid on an inner surface of a bore of a pipeline. The slug comprises a reservoir for containing the fluid to be distributed, an outlet for distributing the fluid from the reservoir and onto the inner surface of the bore of the pipeline, and an arrangement for discharging fluid from the reservoir through the outlet. In use, the slug's reservoir is charged with fluid, placed in the pipeline bore, and urged along the length of the pipeline under pressure of a conveying medium, such as pressurized air, while fluid from the reservoir is dispensed onto the inner surface of the pipeline bore. The outer cross-sectional area of the slug or at least one portion thereof forms at least a partial blockage with, and slidably engages the inner surface of, the bore of the pipeline to facilitate movement of the slug through the pipeline under the action of a conveying medium. The reservoir may also be deformable for acting as the discharge arrangement for discharging the fluid from the reservoir. The slug may also be used for clearing blockages in a pipeline bore.