Patent Publication Number: US-2022228691-A1

Title: Deployment probe for deploying a stent

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/845,557, filed Apr. 10, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/838,073, filed Apr. 24, 2019, both of which are hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to pipe repair. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a pipe repair assembly comprising a stent and a deployment probe for deploying the stent. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Piping systems, including municipal water systems, can develop breaks in pipe walls that can cause leaking. Examples of breaks in a pipe wall can include radial cracks, axial cracks, point cracks, etc. Repairing a break in a pipe wall often requires the piping system to be shut off, which can be inconvenient for customers and costly for providers. Further, repairs can necessitate grandiose construction, including the digging up of streets, sidewalks, and the like, which can be costly and time-consuming. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description. 
     Disclosed is a deployment probe for deploying a stent, the deployment probe comprising a probe body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, and a slot extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, the inner surface defining a probe void, the probe void defining a probe axis, the slot extending in an axial direction relative to the probe axis; and a release mechanism comprising a retainer body received within the probe void and a stent retainer coupled to the retainer body, the stent retainer substantially aligned with the slot and configured to engage a stent. 
     Also disclosed is a pipe repair assembly comprising a stent moveable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration; and a deployment probe comprising a release mechanism, the release mechanism moveable between an engaged position, wherein the release mechanism is engaged with the stent and the stent is in the compressed configuration, and a disengaged position, wherein the release mechanism is disengaged from the stent and the stent is in the expanded configuration. 
     A method for repairing a pipeline is also disclosed, the method comprising providing a stent comprising a seal and a stent spring, the stent spring comprising an engagement tab; engaging the engagement tab with a release mechanism of a deployment probe to orient the stent in a compressed configuration, wherein the deployment probe and stent together define a pipe repair assembly; navigating the pipe repair assembly through a pipeline to a crack in the pipeline; disengaging the engagement tab from the release mechanism; and biasing the stent to an expanded configuration in the pipeline. 
     Additionally, disclosed is a deployment probe for deploying a stent, the deployment probe comprising a probe body defining an outer surface, the outer surface defining a recessed portion; and a release mechanism comprising a stent retainer configured to engage and retain a stent in a compressed configuration on the recessed portion of the probe body; wherein the deployment probe further defines a front shoulder formed proximate to a front end of the probe body and extending radially outward from the recessed portion; and wherein a diameter of the deployment probe at the front shoulder is greater than a diameter of the deployment probe at the recessed portion. 
     Also disclosed is a deployment probe for deploying a stent, wherein the deployment probe comprises a probe body defining a probe void therethrough and at least one slot in fluid communication with the probe void; and a release mechanism disposed within the probe void and comprising a retainer wheel and at least one stent retainer mounted to a radially outward portion of the retainer wheel, each stent retainer substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the slots. 
     Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a stent, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a pipe repair assembly, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the pipe repair assembly comprises a deployment probe and the stent of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cut-away view of the pipe repair assembly of  FIG. 2 , wherein a release mechanism of the pipe repair assembly is in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the pipe repair assembly of  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 , wherein the release mechanism of  FIG. 3  is removed for visibility of engagement tabs of the stent of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cut-away view of the pipe repair assembly of  FIG. 2 , wherein the release mechanism of  FIG. 3  is in a disengaged position. 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the pipe repair assembly of  FIG. 2  further comprising a damage detection system. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the pipe repair assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the stent, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the pipe repair assembly according to another aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the pipe repair assembly according to another aspect of the present invention, wherein the stent of  FIG. 8  is in a compressed configuration. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the pipe repair assembly of  FIG. 10 , wherein the stent of  FIG. 8  is in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the deployment probe according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the deployment probe of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cut-away view of the pipe repair assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a cut-away view of the pipe repair assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the release mechanism according to another aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a close-up top view of the release mechanism of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a side perspective view of the pipe repair assembly comprising the release mechanism of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof. 
     As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
     For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect. 
     Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods. 
     Disclosed in the present application is a pipe repair assembly and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the pipe repair assembly can comprise a stent and a deployment probe for deploying the stent within a pipe. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed pipe repair assembly is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first aspect of a stent  100 , according to the present disclosure. Example aspects of the stent  100  can comprise a stent spring  110  and a seal  130 . Example aspects of the stent spring  110  can define a spring force and can be expandable and compressible, such that the stent  100  can be oriented in a natural, expanded configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a compressed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The stent  100  can also define an overall stent diameter D 2 . According to example aspects, the stent  100  can be expanded within a pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) such that the seal  130  can engage an inner wall  372  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the pipe  370  where a crack  374  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or other damage is present in order to create a watertight seal between the stent  100  and the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370  to prevent leaking at the damage site. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the stent spring  110  can bias the stent  100  to the expanded configuration. In the depicted aspect, the stent spring  110  can be formed as a substantially tubular mesh structure  112  defining opposing open ends (e.g. a top end  114  and a bottom end  116 ). The stent spring  110  can further define an outer surface (not shown) and an opposite inner surface  118 . The inner surface  118  can generally define a stent void  120  through a center of the stent spring  110 . The stent void  120  can extend between the open top and bottom ends  114 , 116  of the stent spring  110  and can allow fluid to pass therethrough. A stent axis  122  can extend substantially through a center of the stent void  120 , as shown. Example aspects of the stent spring  110  can also define a stent spring diameter D 1 . 
     In some aspects, the stent spring  110  can comprise a metal material, such as, for example, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, nitinol, or cobalt chromium. In other aspects, the stent spring  110  can comprise a plastic material, such as, for example, nylon, POM (polyoxymethylene), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and in still other aspects, the stent spring  110  can comprise a carbon fiber material. Other aspects of the stent spring  110  can comprise any other suitable material known in the art. Optionally, the material of the stent spring  110  can be an NSF certified material that can comply with various public health safety standards. For example, in some aspects, the material can be approved as safe for use in drinking-water applications. Moreover, in some aspects, the stent spring  110  can comprise a coating, such as, for example, a rubber or liquid metal coating. The coating can improve mechanical properties of the stent spring  110 . For example, the coating can improve the tensile strength of the stent spring  110  by providing a flexible and/or springy outer layer. In some aspects, the coating can also be corrosion resistant, or a separate coating can be applied for corrosion resistance. For example, a corrosion resistant coating can comprise a zinc-nickel material, phosphate, electrophoretic paint (e-coating), polyester, fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), or any other suitable corrosion resistant material. 
     According to example aspects, the seal  130  can be formed as a hollow tubular sleeve  132  configured to receive the stent spring  110  therein. The seal  130  can define an inner surface  134  and an outer surface  136 , as shown. Example aspects of the seal  130  can comprise a flexible and stretchable material, such as, for example, neoprene. In other aspects, the seal  130  can be formed from another synthetic rubber material such as EPDM rubber, or can be formed from natural rubber, foam, epoxy, silicone, a resin-soaked cloth, or any other suitable flexible material for providing a watertight seal. In the present aspect, the seal  130  can be retained on the stent spring  110  by snugly wrapping around the stent spring  110  to create a friction fit between the seal  130  and the stent spring  110 . According to other example aspects, the seal  130  can be retained on the stent spring  110  by stitching, adhesives, ties, clips, or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners known in the art. According to example aspects, when the seal  130  is assembled with the stent spring  110 , the inner surface  134  of the seal  130  can engage the outer surface (not shown) of the stent spring  110 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a first aspect of a pipe repair assembly  200 , according to the present disclosure. Example aspects of the pipe repair assembly  200  can be sized and shaped to be easily inserted into and navigable through the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or pipeline to a location of the crack  374  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or other damage. The pipe repair assembly  200  can comprise the stent  100  and a deployment probe  210  for deploying the stent  100  within the damaged pipe  370 . Example aspects of the deployment probe  210  can comprise a substantially cylindrical probe body  212 , as shown. The stent  100  of the present aspect can be configured to wrap around a circumference of the probe body  212  and to engage an outer surface  214  thereof, as shown. An inner surface  315  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the probe body  212  can define an interior probe void  310  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), and a probe axis  222  can extend through a center of the probe void  310 . Example aspects of the probe axis  222  and stent axis  122  can be substantially co-linear when the stent  100  is mounted on the deployment probe  210 . The probe body  212  can also define a front end  224  and a rear end  226 . As shown, a probe head  230  can be connected to or monolithically formed with the probe body  212  at the front end  224 . Example aspects of the probe head  230  can define one or more front openings  232  formed therethrough, wherein the front openings  232  can be in fluid communication with the probe void  310 . The probe body  212  can also define one or more rear openings  342  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) formed at the rear end  226 , such that fluid in the pipe  370  can flow through the front openings  232 , into the probe void  310 , and out of the rear openings  342 , or in the opposite direction. As such, fluid in the pipe  370  can continue to flow substantially uninterrupted as the pipe repair assembly  200  is navigated through the pipe  370  or pipeline. In some aspects, the deployment probe  210  can comprise front ball bearings  240  positioned around an outer circumference  241  of the probe head  230 , as shown, and/or at the front end  224  of the probe body  212 . In the present aspect, rear ball bearings  242  are also positioned around the outer circumference of the probe body  212  at the rear end  226 . The front and rear ball bearings  240 , 242  can facilitate the navigation of the deployment probe  210  through the pipe  370  and/or a pipeline. 
     Example aspects of the deployment probe  210  can comprise a navigation stem  250  extending from the rear end  226  of the probe body  212 . The navigation stem  250  can aid in driving and steering the pipe repair assembly  200  through the pipe  370  or pipeline. In example aspects, the navigation stem  250  can be formed from plastic, while in other aspects, the navigation stem  250  can be formed from another suitable resilient material, such as a rubber material. In some aspects, a flexible damper  252  can surround the navigation stem  250  at the joint between the navigation stem  250  and the probe body  212  to allow for improved flexibility of the navigation stem  250  as it bends during navigation through a non-linear pipe or pipeline. For example, in some aspects, the damper  252  can be formed from a rubber material or any other suitably flexible material. Example aspects of the deployment probe  210  can also comprise a release cable  254  extending within the navigation stem  250 , as illustrated. Example aspects of the release cable  254  can be formed from a metal material, such as, for example, steel. Other aspects of the release cable  254  can be formed from another suitable material, such, for example, a plastic material. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cutaway view of the pipe repair assembly  200 , such that the probe void  310  of the deployment probe  210  is visible. As shown, the deployment probe  210  can define a plurality of slots  312  formed in the probe body  212  and extending in the axial direction relative to the probe axis  222 . Each of the slots  312  can extend from the outer surface  214  of the cylindrical probe body  212  to the inner surface  315  of the cylindrical probe body  212 . Furthermore, the stent spring  110  of the stent  100  can comprise one or more engagement tabs  350  extending radially inward relative to the probe axis  222 . Each engagement tab  350  can be received through a corresponding one of the slots  312 , such that a distal portion  352  of each engagement tab  350  can extend into the probe void  310  of the deployment probe  210 . In the present aspect, each of the engagement tabs  350  can generally comprise a looped structure  354  defining a tab opening  356  therethrough. 
     Example aspects of the deployment probe  210  can comprise a release mechanism  320  positioned within the probe void  310  defined by the probe body  212 , as shown. According to example aspects, the release mechanism  320  can comprise a retainer body, such as a retainer wheel  322 , and a plurality of stent retainers, such as retainer clips  330 . The retainer clips  330  can be mounted to the retainer wheel  322 . The retainer wheel  322  can comprise a plurality of spokes  324 , which can define retainer wheel openings  326  therebetween to allow for the flow of fluid therethrough. The retainer wheel  322  can be operatively connected to the release cable  254 , and the release cable  254  can be operated (for example, by a remote operator) to move the retainer wheel  322  axially within the probe void  310 . In some aspects, a crimped, threaded connector  360  can be attached to the release cable  254  and can be threadably connected to the retainer wheel  322 . The retainer clips  330  can be mounted to the retainer wheel  322  such that axial movement of the retainer wheel  322  can result in axial movement of the retainer clips  330 . Example aspects of the release mechanism  320  can be movable by the release cable  254  between an engaged position, as shown, wherein each retainer clip  330  can releasably engage a corresponding one of the engagement tabs  350  of the stent  100 , and a disengaged position (shown in  FIG. 5 ), wherein each retainer clip  330  can be disengaged from the corresponding engagement tab  350 . In the engaged position, the stent  100  can be retained in the compressed configuration, as shown, and in the disengaged position, the stent  100  can be allowed to move to the expanded configuration. 
     As shown, in the present aspect, each of the retainer clips  330  can substantially define an X-shape and can define a first end  332  and a second end  334 . Each retainer clip  330  can comprise a first spring leg  336  and a second spring leg  338  bent towards one another in a generally V-shape to define a pinched middle section  340 , as shown. In some aspects, a narrow clip passage (not shown) can be defined at the pinched middle section  340  between the corresponding first spring leg  336  and second spring leg  338 . In other aspects, the first spring leg  336  and second spring leg  338  can be touching at the pinched middle section  340  but can be pushed apart by a force to define the clip passage. Example aspects of the clip passages can each define a width that can be less than a width of the looped structure  354  of the corresponding engagement tab  350  when the corresponding first and second spring legs  336 , 338  are in their natural, unbiased orientation. To engage each retainer clip  330  with the corresponding engagement tab  350 , the engagement tab  350  be positioned between the first and second spring legs  336 , 338  at the first end  332  of the retainer clip  330  and can be slid axially towards the pinched middle section  340 . A first side  355  of the looped structure  354  of the engagement tab  350  can be pushed through the narrow clip passage, biasing the first and second spring legs  336 , 338  outward. When the first side  355  of the looped structure  354  has passed through the clip passage, the first and second spring legs  336 , 338  can be naturally biased back towards one another, and the pinched middle section  340  of the retainer clip  330  can be received within the tab opening  356 . The engagement tab  350  can be prevented from disengaging the retainer clip  330  by the positioning of the pinched middle section  340  within the tab opening  356 , until a sufficient force is applied to bias the first and second spring legs  336 , 338  apart and push the looped structure  354  back through the clip passage of the retainer clip  330 . 
     With the release mechanism  320  in the engaged position and the retainer clips  330  engaged with the corresponding engagement tabs  350 , the stent  100  can be pulled radially inward relative to the stent axis  122  to the compressed configuration. In the compressed configuration, the diameter D 1  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the stent spring  110  can be reduced. The reduced diameter D 1  of the stent spring  110  can result in a reduced overall stent diameter D 2  of the stent  100 , along with a reduced overall stent volume of the stent  100 . The reduced overall stent diameter D 2  can allow for easier insertion and navigation of the pipe repair assembly  200  into and through the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or pipeline. The size and shape of the deployment probe  210  and the front and rear ball bearings  240 , 242  can also facilitate the insertion and navigation of the pipe repair assembly  200  through the pipe  370 . In the present aspect, the overall stent diameter D 2  in the compressed configuration can be less than a maximum diameter D 3  of the deployment probe  210 , as shown. In other aspects, the overall stent diameter D 2  can be about equal to or greater than the maximum diameter D 3  of the deployment probe  210 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates pipe repair assembly  200  with the release mechanism  320  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) removed, such that the engagement tabs  350  of the stent spring  110  can be clearly viewed extending through the corresponding slots  312  in the probe body  212 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , to move the release mechanism  320  from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the release cable  254  can be operated (for example, by the remote operator) to move the retainer wheel  322  axially towards the rear end  226  of the probe body  212 , thus axially moving the retainer clips  330  towards the rear end  226  of the probe body  212 . As the retainer clips  330  move towards the rear end  226 , the pinched middle section  340  of each retainer clip  330  can be pushed against the first side  355  of the looped structure  354  of the corresponding engagement tab  350 , which can bias the first and second spring legs  336 , 338  apart and allow the first side  355  of the looped structure  354  to pass through the clip passage. Once the retainer clips  330  are disengaged from the engagement tabs  350  of the stent spring  110 , the spring force of the stent spring  110  can bias the stent  100  radially outward to the expanded configuration. The diameter D 1  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the stent spring  110  can increase as the stent  100  expands, disengaging the engagement tabs  350  from the slots  312  of the probe body  212 . As the diameter D 1  of the stent spring  110  increases, the stent spring  110  can bias the seal  130  radially outward into engagement with the inner wall  372  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). With the stent  100  expanded and disengaged from the deployment probe  210 , the deployment probe  210  can be removed from the pipe  370  or pipeline, and fluid can flow freely through the expanded stent  100 . In other aspects, the retainer wheel  322  may be moved axially towards the front end  224  of the probe body  212  to disengage the retainer clips  330  from the engagement tabs  350 . 
     In use, the pipe repair assembly  200  can be inserted into the pipe  370  or pipeline and the stent  100  can be aligned with the crack  374  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or other damage. One aligned, the stent  100  can be expanded within the pipe  370 , such that the seal  130  can engage the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370  where the crack  374  is present, in order to create a watertight seal between the stent  100  and the inner wall  372  to prevent leaking at the damage site. The stent  100  can be expanded by moving the release mechanism  320  towards the rear end  226  (or front end  224  in some aspects) of the probe body  212  from the engaged position to the disengaged position. Each retainer clip  330  can disengage the corresponding engagement tab  350  of the stent spring  110  as the release mechanism  320  moves towards the disengaged position. The spring force of the stent spring  110  can then bias the stent  100  to the expanded configuration, increasing the diameter D 1  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the stent spring  110  and the overall stent diameter D 2  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The stent spring  110  can define its largest diameter in the expanded configuration. The increased diameter D 1  of the stent spring  110  can bias the seal  130  radially outward relative to the stent axis  122 , such that the seal  130  can move towards and press against the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370 . In some aspects, in the fully expanded configuration, the overall stent diameter D 2  can be slightly greater than a diameter of the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370 , such that the stent  100  can apply a force in the radial direction, relative to the stent axis  122 , against the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370 . 
     As such, a method for repairing the pipe  370  can comprise engaging the engagement tabs  350  of the stent  100  with the corresponding retainer clips  330  of the release mechanism  320  in order to orient the stent  100  in the compressed configuration. The method can further comprise inserting the pipe repair assembly  200  into the pipe  370  and orienting the pipe repair assembly  200  proximate to a crack  374  or other damage in the pipe  370 . The method can then comprise disengaging the engagement tabs  350  from the retainer clips  330  to allow the spring force of the stent spring  110  to bias the stent  100  to the expanded configuration. Example aspects of the method can also comprise engaging the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370  at the crack  374  (or other damage) with the seal  130  of the stent  100  to create a watertight seal between the stent  100  and the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another example aspect of the pipe repair assembly  200  further comprising a damage detection system  600  attached thereto. In the present aspect, the damage detection system  600  can be coupled to the navigation stem  250  proximate to the rear end  226  of the probe body  212 . Other aspects of the damage detection system  600  can be attached elsewhere to the pipe repair assembly  200 . The damage detection system  600  can comprise an image sensor, such as a camera  602 , for visually identifying the damaged region of the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In some aspects, the damage detection system  600  can stream video or photographic data collected via the camera  602  to a remote operator in order to manually identify the damaged region based on the visibility of damage to the pipe  370 . As shown, the camera  602  or other image sensor can be disposed within a protective housing  604 . In some aspects, a second flexible damper  606  can surround the navigation stem  250  at the joint between the navigation stem  250  and the protective housing  604  to allow for improved flexibility of the navigation stem  250  as it bends during navigation through a non-linear pipe or pipeline. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another aspect of the pipe repair assembly  200 , wherein the stent  100  can be an inflatable stent  700 . In some aspects, the inflatable stent  700  can comprise a rigid support cylinder (not shown) encompassed by a substantially cylindrical bladder  710 . However, in the present aspect, the inflatable stent  700  comprises the bladder  710  only. Example aspects of the bladder  710  can comprise a flexible and stretchable material, such as, for example, silicone. In other aspects, the bladder  710  can be formed from neoprene, EPDM rubber, natural rubber, foam, epoxy, or any other suitable flexible material for providing a watertight seal. The bladder  710  can configurable in an inflated configuration and a deflated configuration (shown in the present  FIG. 7 ). The bladder  710  can be mounted to the probe body  212  of the deployment probe  210  in the deflated configuration, and can be inserted into the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or pipeline and navigated to the location of the crack  374  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or other damage. Once aligned with the crack  374  or other damage, the bladder  710  can be inflated to increase the overall stent diameter D 2  and to engage the bladder  710  with the inner wall  372  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the pipe  370 . A fluid such as a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid can be pumped into the bladder  710  to inflate the bladder  710 . In some aspects, the gas or liquid can be pumped into the bladder  710  through a channel  752  in the navigation stem  250 . In other aspects, an onboard pump (not shown) mounted to the deployment probe  210  can be provided for inflating the bladder  710 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another example aspect of the stent  100  comprising the stent spring  110  and the seal  130 . In the present aspect, the engagement tabs  350  of the stent spring  110  are formed as hollow cylindrical structures  850  defining the tab opening  356  extending therethrough. In the present aspect, a coil spring  810  can extend through the tab openings  356 , as shown. The coil spring  810  can define a coil spring force. In example aspects, like the stent spring  110 , the coil spring  810  can be compressed in the compressed configuration and can be expanded in the expanded configuration. As described above, in the compressed configuration, a compression force, tension force, or other suitable force can be applied to the stent  100 . For example, in the present aspect, a tension force can be applied by a cable  820 . As shown, in the present aspect, the cable  820  can be configured to extend through a center of the coil spring  810 . The cable  820  can be tightened such that a tension force of the cable  820  can overcome the spring force of the stent spring  110  and the coil spring force of the coil spring  810 , such that the stent spring  110 , coil spring  810 , and seal  130  can be compressed or folded radially inward towards the stent void  120 . When compressed, the stent  100  can define a smaller stent diameter D 1  and a smaller overall stent volume than in the expanded configuration. When the tension force is removed or reduced to less than the spring force and coil spring force, both of the stent spring  110  and the coil spring  810  can assist in biasing the stent  100  fully back to the expanded configuration. As such, in instances where one of the stent spring  110  and coil spring  810  may not bias the stent  100  fully back to the expanded configuration on its own, the other of the stent spring  110  and coil spring  810  can assist in further biasing the stent  100  towards the expanded configuration. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another example aspect of the pipe repair assembly  200 . The pipe repair assembly  200  can comprise the stent  100  and the deployment probe  210 , according to another aspect of the disclosure. As shown, the deployment probe  210  can be similar in size, shape, and structure to the deployment probe  210  of  FIGS. 2-6 . However, as shown in the present aspect, the deployment probe  210  may not define the slots  312  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) formed in the probe body  212 , and instead can define an annular groove  912  formed at about a center  914  of the probe body  212 . The position of the annular groove  912  can correspond to the position of the engagement tabs  350  of the stent spring  110 , such that the engagement tabs  350  can be received in the annular groove  912  when the stent spring  110  is mounted to the deployment probe  210  and the stent  100  is compressed. The stent spring  110  can be similar to the stent spring  110  of  FIG. 8 ; however, in the present aspect, as shown, each of the engagement tabs  350  of the stent spring  110  can further define a loop  950  extending generally radially inward therefrom. Each of the loops  950  can define a loophole  952 . According to example aspects, the cable  820  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) can be configured to extend through the loopholes  952 , instead of through the center of the coil spring  810  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). When the cable  820  is tightened, the tension can draw the loops  950  radially inward, thus drawing the stent  100  inward to the compressed configuration. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the stent  100  of  FIG. 8  mounted to the deployment probe  210  in the compressed configuration. As shown, with the cable  820  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) tightened, the stent  100  can be drawn radially inward to towards the deployment probe  210 , such that the stent spring  110  can engage the outer surface  214  of the probe body  212 . Furthermore, as shown, in the compressed configuration, the seal  130  can define a plurality of folds  1032 . Optionally, the seal  130  can be configured such that a maximum diameter D 4  of the seal  130  in the compressed configuration can be about equal to or less than the maximum diameter D 3  of the deployment probe  210 , to allow for easier passage of the pipe repair assembly  200  through the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and/or a pipeline. However, in other aspects, the maximum diameter D 4  of the seal  130  in the compressed configuration can be greater than the maximum diameter D 3  of the deployment probe  210 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the stent  100  of  FIG. 8  in the expanded configuration within the pipe  370  and with the deployment probe  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) removed from the pipe  370 . According to example aspects, the stent  100  can be expanded within the pipe  370  such that the seal  130  can engage the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370  where a crack  374  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) or other damage is present. The seal  130  can create a watertight seal between the stent  100  and the inner wall  372  of the pipe  370  to prevent leaking at the damage site. The stent  100  can be expanded by loosening the cable  820  to reduce or remove the tension force applied to the stent  100 . With the tension force reduced, the spring force of the stent spring  110  and the coil spring force of the coil spring  810  can bias the stent  100  radially outward to the expanded configuration. The deployment probe  210  can be removed from the pipe  370  to allow fluid to flow freely through the stent void  120  of the stent  100 . In some aspects, the cable  820  can be removed along with the deployment probe  210 , while in other aspects, the cable  820  can remain connected to the stent  100 , as shown. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a front perspective view of the deployment probe  210  according to another example aspect of the disclosure. Similar to the deployment probe  210  of  FIG. 9 , the deployment probe  210  of the present aspect can define the annular groove  912  formed at about the center  914  of the probe body  212 . As described above, the annular groove  912  can be configured to receive the engagement tabs  350  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the stent spring  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The deployment probe  210  can comprise the probe head  230  connected to the probe body  212  at the front end  224 . In other aspects, the probe head  230  can be monolithically formed with the probe body  212 . The one or more front openings  232  can be formed through the probe head  230  to allow fluid within the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to flow through the probe void  310  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The probe head  230  can also comprise the front ball bearings  240 . In the present aspect, the front ball bearings  240  can be positioned on a front face  1212  of the probe head  230 . For example, as shown, in one aspect, a plurality of outer front ball bearings  1242  can be positioned in a substantially circular pattern proximate an outer edge  1214  of the front face  1212 , and an inner front ball bearing  1244  can be positioned substantially at a center  1216  of the front face  1212 . As shown, the front openings  232  can be positioned in a substantially circular pattern on the front face  1212  between the outer front ball bearings  1242  and the inner front ball bearing  1244 . In other aspects, the front ball bearings  240  and/or the front openings  232  can be positioned in any other suitable arrangement on the probe head  230 . As described above, according to example aspects, the front ball bearings  240  can facilitate navigation of the pipe repair assembly  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) through the pipe  370  or pipeline. For example, if one or more of the front ball bearings  240  contacts the inner wall  372  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the pipe  370 , the front ball bearing(s)  240  can roll along the inner wall  372 , allowing the deployment probe  210  to move forward or rearward within the pipe  370 . 
       FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the deployment probe  210  of  FIG. 12 . As shown, in the present aspect, the deployment probe  210  can define a rear cap  1310  connected to or monolithically formed with the probe body  212  at the rear end  226  thereof, opposite the probe head  230 . A singular rear opening  342  can be formed through the rear cap  1310  to allow fluid within the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to flow all the way through the probe void  310  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). As such, fluid in the pipe  370  can flow through the front openings  232  (shown in  FIG. 12 ), into the probe void  310 , and out of the rear opening  342 , or vice versa. Other aspects can include additional rear openings  342 . As shown, the rear cap  1310  can comprise the rear ball bearings  242 . The rear ball bearings  242  can be positioned on a rear face  1312  of the rear cap  1310 . For example, as shown, in one aspect, a plurality of the rear ball bearings  242  can be positioned in a substantially circular patter proximate an outer edge  1314  of the rear face  1312 . Furthermore, the singular rear opening  342  can be formed at a center  1316  of the rear face  1312 . In other aspects, the rear ball bearings  242  and/or the rear opening(s)  342  can be positioned in any other suitable arrangement on the rear cap  1310 . Like the front ball bearings  240 , the rear ball bearings  242  can also serve to facilitate navigation of the deployment probe  210  through the pipe  370  or pipeline. 
     In some aspects, the deployment probe  210  can comprise further navigation aiding devices (not shown). For example, in one aspect, one or more deflectors (not shown) can be positioned at or near the outer edge  1214  of the front face  1212  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the probe head  230  and/or the outer circumference  241  of the probe head  230 . One or more deflectors can also be positioned at or near the outer edge  1314  of the rear face  1312  of the rear cap  1310  and/or an outer circumference  1318  of the rear cap  1310 . According to one example aspect, the deflectors can be formed as a flexible, resilient arch. During navigation, in instances wherein one or more of the deflectors engage the inner wall  372  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the pipe  370  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), the deflectors can be deformed upon contact with the inner wall  372 . The resiliency of the deflectors can bias the deflector back to its original shape, pushing the deployment probe  210  away from inner wall  372  and allowing for easier navigation around bends and turns in the pipeline. In other aspects, the navigation aiding devices (not shown) can define any suitable configuration for facilitating navigation of the deployment probe  210  through the pipeline. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another aspect of the pipe repair assembly  200  deployed in the pipe  370 . The pipe repair assembly  200  can comprise the deployment probe  210  and the stent  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the present aspect, the pipe repair assembly  200  can further comprise a tank system  1400 . The tank system  1400  can comprise a tank  1410  and a valve  1420 , as shown, situated outside of the pressurized pipeline, and as such, an interior  1412  of the tank  1410  can be at atmospheric pressure. The tank  1410  can be connected to the deployment probe  210  by the navigation stem  250 , which can define a fluid passageway  1430  formed therein. A front end  1432  of the fluid passageway  1430  can be oriented within the probe void  310  proximate the front openings  232  formed in the probe head  230 , and a rear end  1434  of the fluid passageway  1430  can be oriented at the tank  1410 . Example aspects of the valve  1420  can be selectively configured in a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the valve  1420  can block the fluid passageway  1430 , such that fluid cannot flow through the fluid passageway  1430  past the valve  1420 . In the open position, the valve  1420  can unblock the fluid passageway  1430 , such that a fluid (such as water) from inside the pipeline can flow into the fluid passageway  1430  through the front end  1432  thereof, past the valve  1420 , and out of the rear end  1434  into the tank  1410 . Because the tank  1410  is at atmospheric pressure and the fluid within the pipeline is pressurized, the fluid in the pipeline can be naturally drawn into and through the fluid passageway  1430  towards the tank  1410 . As fluid is drawn through the front openings  232  in the probe head  230  and into the fluid passageway  1430 , the pressure in the pipeline proximate the probe head  230  can drop. The reduced pressure at the probe head  230  can allow the deployment probe  210  to move forward through the pipe  370  with less resistance, which can be particularly useful in instances wherein the deployment probe  210  is moving forward against the fluid flow. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates another aspect of the pipe repair assembly  200  deployed in the pipe  370 . In the present aspect, the pipe repair assembly  200  can comprise a pump system  1500 . The pump system  1500  can comprise an engine or motor (not shown), a pump  1510 , and a valve  1520 . The motor, the pump  1510 , and the valve  1520  can be situated outside of the pressurized pipeline, as shown. The pump  1510  can be connected to the deployment probe  210  by an inlet passageway  1530  and a return passageway  1540 , which in some instances, can be formed or partially formed within the navigation stem  250 . A first end  1532  of the inlet passageway  1530  can be oriented within the probe void  310  proximate the front openings  232  formed in the probe head  230 , and a second end  1534  of the inlet passageway  1530  can be oriented at the pump  1510 . A first end  1542  of the return passageway  1540  can be oriented at the pump  1510 , and a second end  1544  of the return passageway  1540  can be oriented proximate the rear openings  342  formed at the rear end  226  of the probe body  212  or in the rear cap  1310 . Example aspects of the valve  1520  can be selectively configured in a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the valve  1520  can block the inlet passageway  1530 , such that fluid cannot flow through the inlet passageway  1530  past the valve  1520  and into the pump  1510 . In the open position, the valve  1520  can unblock the inlet passageway  1530 , such that a fluid (such as water) from inside the pipeline can flow into the inlet passageway  1530  through the first end  1532  thereof, past the valve  1520 , and out of the second end  1534  into the pump  1510 . The pump  1510  can then pump the fluid into the return passageway  1540  at the first end  1542  thereof, past the valve  1520 , and out of the second end  1544 . The fluid exiting the second end  1544  of the return passageway  1540  can be pushed out of the deployment probe  210  through the rear openings  342 . Drawing the fluid into the inlet passageway  1530  proximate the probe head  230  can reduce the pressure in the pipeline proximate to the probe head  230 , and pushing the fluid out of the return passageway  1540  proximate the rear openings  342  can increase the pressure in the pipeline proximate the rear cap  1310 . The reduced pressure at the probe head  230  and increased pressure at the rear cap  1310  can allow the deployment probe  210  to move forward through the pipe  370  with less resistance, which can be particularly useful in instances wherein the deployment probe  210  is moving forward against the fluid flow. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate the stent spring  110  engaged with the release mechanism  320  according to another aspect. The release mechanism  320  can comprise the retainer body, such as the retainer wheel  322 , as shown. The retainer wheel  322  can comprise the plurality of spokes  324 , which can define the retainer wheel openings  326  therebetween to allow for the flow of fluid therethrough. Furthermore, one or more slots  1620  can be formed at an outer side edge  1622  of the retainer wheel  322 . The retainer wheel  322 , when mounted to the probe body  212  (as shown in  FIG. 18 ), can be operatively connected to the release cable  254  (shown in  FIG. 18 ). According to example aspects, the release mechanism  320  can be configured to engage each of the engagement tabs  350  of the stent spring  110  to pull the stent spring  110  radially inward and to retain the stent  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) in the compressed configuration. The release mechanism  320  can comprise a plurality of the stent retainers, such as connectors  1624 , positioned proximate to the outer side edge  1622  of the retainer wheel  322 . A head  1626  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) of each of the connectors  1624  can be configured to extend into a corresponding one of the slots  1620 . To mount the stent spring  110  to the release mechanism  320  in the compressed configuration, the distal portion  352  of each of the engagement tabs  350  can be pushed radially inward past the head  1626  of the corresponding connector  1624  and into the corresponding slot  1620 , such that the head  1626  of each connector  1624  extends through the tab opening  356  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the corresponding engagement tab  350 . With the head  1626  of each connector  1624  engaging a corresponding one of the engagement tabs  350 , the stent spring  110  can be retained on the release mechanism  320  to orient the stent  100  in the compressed configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in the present aspect, once the stent  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is mounted to the release mechanism  320  by the connection of the stent spring  110  to the connectors  1624  (shown in  FIG. 16 ), the stent  100  and the release mechanism  320  can be mounted together to the deployment probe  210 . In other aspects, the release mechanism  320  may be mounted to the deployment probe  210  prior to mounting the stent  100  onto the release mechanism  320 . Each of the engagement tabs  350  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the stent spring  110  can be slid through a corresponding one of the slots  312 , with the release mechanism  320  positioned within the probe void  310  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and the seal  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the stent  100  generally wrapping around the outer surface  214  of the probe body  212 . To move the stent  100  to the expanded configuration, the release mechanism  320  can be slid axially relative to the probe axis  222  by the release cable  254 , as described above. The distal portion  352  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of each engagement tab  350  can be pushed past the heads  1626  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) of the corresponding connectors  1624 , such that each of the connectors  1624  can be disengaged from the corresponding tab opening  356  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), and the release mechanism  320  can be disengaged from the stent spring  110 . With the release mechanism  320  disengaged from the stent spring  110 , the spring force of the stent spring  110  can bias the stent  100  to the expanded configuration. 
     One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or sections of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.