Patent ID: 9163769
Filing Date: 2015-10-20
Classification: B23P,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of plugging a tube, comprising: inserting an expandable plug into a tubular bore, a plug comprising: a shaft member; one or more cylindrical compressible seals slideably disposed around the shaft member, wherein the shaft member passes axially through the one or more cylindrical seals; one or more cylindrical sleeves having one or more conical ends slideably disposed around the shaft member and adjacent to the one or more cylindrical seals, wherein the one or more conical ends increase compression of the seal along the shaft member closer to the shaft member; a flange attached at or near a distal end of the shaft member, wherein the flange retains the cylindrical sleeves and cylindrical seals on the shaft member; a pulling mechanism disposed at or near a proximal end of the shaft member; and compressing the one or more cylindrical seals, wherein the seal is positioned between the flange and the one or more cylindrical sleeves such that compression of the seal causes it to expand away from the shaft member to seal the tubular bore.