Patent ID: 6446662
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A combination drill and stopper installation tool for drilling a circular hole in a sidewall of fluid conduit and for installing a stopper plug in the hole in order to close the hole against fluid leakage, the device comprising: an externally threaded element extending above and through a radially expansible body portion of the stopper plug for holding and positioning the stopper plug during installation of the plug within the circular hole in the sidewall of the fluid conduit, said externally threaded element being configured for removable attachment to one end of an elongated shaft; said elongated shaft is configured to interchangeably carry a drill bit for drilling a hole or a stopper plug for plugging a hole; wherein the elongated shaft detachable carries the drill bit when the circular hole is being drilled in the sidewall of the fluid conduit and, after the circular hole has been drilled, the drill bit is detached from the elongated shaft and the externally threaded element and stopper plug is attached to the elongated shaft; said elongated shaft is further configured for moving the externally threaded element and stopper plug linearly and rotationally by moving said shaft and said threaded element to position and sealingly engage the stopper plug within said hole; and a generally cylindrical housing through which the elongated shaft extends axially and slidably therein, said housing having a cap at one end through which said shaft extends and attachment means at an opposite housing end for securing the housing to a cylindrical member that defines said hole.