Patent Description:
Piping systems, including municipal water systems, can develop breaks in pipe walls that can cause leaking. Example 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.

<CIT> discloses a medical apparatus that is provided for insertion into a mammalian body. The apparatus includes structural stent elements, at least a portion of which are shaped so as to define (a) at least one generally circumferential band, and (b) a plurality of engagement members that are joined to and extend radially inwardly from the band. The apparatus further includes an elongated latch member which is threaded through the engagement members, thereby physically latching the engagement members. The band and the engagement members are configured such that (a) when the latch member is threaded through and thus physically latches the engagement members, the engagement members retain the band in a radially compressed state, and (b) when the latch member is removed from the engagement members, the band assumes a radially expanded state.

<CIT> discloses a deployment device for deploying an expandable endoluminal prosthesis within a body vessel that includes an elongate member extending longitudinally along at least a portion of a length of the deployment device. The deployment device may include at least one engagement member coupled to the elongate member and extending outwardly from the elongate member. The deployment device may include a circumferential trigger wire extending at least partially circumferentially around the elongate member and removably received between the engagement member and the elongate member. The circumferential trigger wire may be manipulatable from a distal end of the deployment device, whereby the circumferential trigger wire is removable from between the engagement member and the elongate member.

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.

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.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. 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.

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.

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.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. 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 stent for repairing a pipe, and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the stent can be oriented in an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. The stent can comprise a stent spring and a seal. Example aspects of the stent spring can define a tubular mesh structure comprising one or more strands. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed stent is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many.

<FIG> illustrates a first aspect of a stent <NUM> according to the present disclosure. As shown, the stent <NUM> can comprise a stent spring <NUM> and a seal <NUM> Example aspects of the stent spring <NUM> can define a spring force and can be expandable and compressible, such that the stent spring <NUM> can be oriented in an expanded stent spring configuration, as shown in <FIG>, and a compressed stent spring configuration, as shown in <FIG> As such, the stent <NUM> itself can also be oriented in an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. According to example aspects, the stent <NUM> can be expanded within a pipe (not shown) such that the seal <NUM> can engage an inner wall (not shown) of the pipe where a crack or other damage is present, in order to create a watertight seal between the stent <NUM> and the inner wall of the pipe to prevent leaking at the damage site.

As shown in <FIG>, the stent spring <NUM> can bias the stent <NUM> to the expanded configuration. In the depicted aspect, the stent spring <NUM> can be formed as a substantially tubular mesh structure defining opposing open ends (e.g. a top end <NUM> and a bottom end <NUM>). The stent spring <NUM> can further define an outer surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and an opposite inner surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> can define a void <NUM>. The void <NUM> can extend between the open top and bottom ends <NUM>,<NUM> of the stent spring <NUM>, and can allow fluid to pass therethrough when the stent <NUM> is received in the pipe. A central axis <NUM> can extend substantially through a center of the void <NUM>, as shown. According to example aspects, the stent spring <NUM> can be formed from a spring material. For example, the stent spring <NUM> can comprise a metal material, such as stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, nitinol, cobalt chromium, or any other suitable material. In other aspects, the stent spring <NUM> can be formed from a plastic material, such as, for example, nylon, POM (polyoxymethylene), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). In still another aspect, the stent spring <NUM> can be formed from a carbon fiber material. Optionally, the material 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 <NUM> can comprise a coating, such as, for example, a rubber or liquid metal coating. The coating can improve mechanical properties of the stent spring <NUM>. For example, the coating can improve the tensile strength of the stent spring <NUM> 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.

Example aspects of the seal <NUM> can be formed as a continuous, tubular sleeve structure, as shown, and can define an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. In the present aspect, the outer surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM> can define a stent diameter Di of the stent <NUM>. Example aspects of the seal <NUM> can comprise a flexible and compressible material, such as, for example, neoprene. In other aspects, the seal <NUM> can be formed from another synthetic rubber material such as EPDM rubber, natural rubber, foam, epoxy, silicone, a resin-soaked cloth, or any other suitable flexible material for providing a watertight seal between the stent <NUM> and the inner wall of the pipe. According to example aspects, the seal <NUM> can wrap around a circumference of the stent spring <NUM>, and the inner surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM> can engage the outer surface <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM>. In a particular aspect, the seal <NUM> can cover the entire outer surface <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM>, as shown. However, in other aspects, the seal <NUM> can cover only a portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM>. In still other aspects, the seal <NUM> may not wrap entirely around the circumference of the stent spring <NUM>. In the present aspect, the seal <NUM> can fit snugly on the stent spring <NUM>. In some aspects, the seal <NUM> can be coupled to the stent spring <NUM> by a fastener (not shown), such as, for example, stitching, adhesives, ties, or any other suitable fastener known in the art.

In the expanded configuration of the stent <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the spring force of the stent spring <NUM> can bias the stent spring <NUM> and the seal <NUM> radially outward relative to the central axis <NUM>, such that each of the stent spring <NUM> and seal <NUM> can define relatively concentric tubular shapes, as shown. In the expanded configuration, the stent <NUM> can define its largest possible stent diameter D<NUM>. In some aspects, in the expanded configuration, the stent diameter Di can be slightly greater than an inner pipe diameter as defined by the inner wall of the pipe to aid in retaining the stent <NUM> against the inner wall.

In the compressed configuration, a compression force (i.e., a pushing force, a pulling force, or any other suitable force) can be applied to the stent <NUM> by a compression mechanism to bias the stent <NUM>, including the stent spring <NUM> and the seal <NUM>, to the compressed configuration. Various example aspects of such the compression mechanism are described through the present application, including, for example, an internal compression disc <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The compression force can overcome the spring force, and the seal <NUM> and stent spring <NUM> can compress or fold radially inward towards the void <NUM> to define a smaller stent diameter Di and a smaller overall stent volume than in the expanded configuration. The reduced stent diameter Di and stent volume in the compressed configuration can allow for easier insertion of the stent <NUM> into the pipe or a pipeline (not shown) and easier navigation of the stent <NUM> through the pipe or pipeline. When the compression force is removed or reduced to less than the spring force, the stent spring <NUM> can bias the stent <NUM> back to the expanded configuration.

<FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> with the seal <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) removed for full visibility of the of the stent spring <NUM>. As shown, the tubular mesh structure of the stent spring <NUM> can comprise one or more strands <NUM> arranged to define a plurality of openings <NUM> therebetween. In the present aspect, as shown, a plurality of the openings 142a can define a substantially circular shape, while other openings 142b can define a shape that is substantially that of a pair of conjoined diamonds. In other aspects, the openings <NUM> can define any other suitable shape(s), some examples of which are described below. According to example aspects, the mesh structure of the stent spring <NUM> can be laser cut, chemically etched, or stamped from a sheet of material (e.g., a sheet of metal). In other aspects, the mesh structure of the stent spring <NUM> can be formed by stereolithography (e.g., 3D printing), or by any other suitable manufacturing method suitable for forming a mesh structure. In some example aspects, the stent spring <NUM> can be oriented in a rolled configuration for use, as shown, and an unrolled configuration, as shown in <FIG>. In example aspects, the stent spring <NUM> can be manufactured in the unrolled configuration, and rolled into the rolled configuration thereafter for use. <FIG> each illustrate an additional example aspect of the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration. As shown in the aspect of <FIG>, some or all of the openings <NUM> can substantially define an M-shape. As shown in the aspect of <FIG>, some of the openings 142a can substantially define a diamond shape, and some other openings 142b can substantially define a series of conjoined diamond and half-diamond shapes.

<FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> in the unrolled configuration. As shown in <FIG>, some of the openings 142a can substantially define a diamond shape, and some other openings 142b can substantially define a conjoined series of diamond and partial-diamond shapes. As shown, in the unrolled configuration, the stent spring <NUM> can be substantially flat and can define a first end <NUM> and an opposing second end <NUM>. According to example aspects, the mesh structure of the stent spring <NUM> can be manufactured in the unrolled configuration, for example, by laser cutting or sterolithography. The stent spring <NUM> can then be rolled into the rolled configuration. To retain the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, the first end <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> can be spot welded, riveted, or otherwise attached by any suitable attachment method, to the second end <NUM>. In other aspects, the first end <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> can be attached to the second end <NUM> by a fastener, such as, for example, one or more nut and bolt assemblies, adhesives, clips, snaps, ties, or any other suitable fastener or combination of fasteners know in the art. Furthermore, according to example aspects, the rolled stent spring <NUM> (or in other aspects, the unrolled stent spring <NUM>) can be heat treated to harden the stent spring <NUM>. In one example aspect, the stent spring <NUM> can be hardened to between about <NUM>-<NUM> HRC, for example and without limitationcircular.

<FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> in the unrolled configuration. Referring to <FIG>, in the present aspect, some of the openings 142a can substantially define a diamond shape, and some other openings 142b can substantially define a pair of half-diamond shapes connected by an elongated rectangular shape. <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> in the unrolled configuration. Referring to <FIG>, in the present aspect, some of the openings 142a can substantially define a diamond shape, and some other openings 142b can substantially define a series of diamond and half-diamond shapes. <FIG> illustrates still another aspect of the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, and <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> in the unrolled configuration. In the present aspect, the openings <NUM> can substantially define an elongated hexagonal shape. <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, according to a further aspect of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> in the unrolled configuration. In the present aspect, the openings <NUM> can substantially define a chevron pattern.

<FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> in the unrolled configuration. In the present aspect, the openings <NUM> can substantially define an elongated hexagonal shape. Furthermore, in the present aspect, the stent spring <NUM> can comprise a spring steel material. Example aspects can be coated with a rubber or liquid metal material, zinc-nickel material, phosphate, electrophoretic paint (e-coating), polyester, or fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), as described above. In other aspects, the stent spring <NUM> can comprise a stainless steel material, or any other suitable spring material. As shown, example aspects of the stent spring <NUM> can comprise one or more tabs <NUM>, each defining a tab opening <NUM> therethrough. The tabs <NUM> can be bent inward towards the void <NUM> and the compression mechanism can engage the tabs <NUM> to compress the stent spring <NUM> to the compressed stent spring configuration. In a first example aspects, a cable (not shown), or other fastening device, can pass through the tab opening <NUM> of each of the tabs <NUM> and can be tightened to contract the stent <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to the compressed configuration.

<FIG> illustrates still another aspect of the stent spring <NUM> the rolled configuration. In the present aspect, the openings <NUM> can substantially define an elongated hexagonal shape. Furthermore, in the present aspect, the stent spring <NUM> can comprise a carbon fiber material. As shown, the stent spring <NUM> comprises the tabs <NUM> extending radially inward towards the void <NUM>. In the present aspect, the tabs <NUM> can be formed extending inward rather than having to be bent inwards, as may be required by the aspect of <FIG>. Each of the tabs <NUM> can define one of the tab openings <NUM> therethrough. As described above, in example aspects, a cable (not shown) can pass through the tab opening <NUM> of each of the tabs <NUM> and can be tightened to contract the stent <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to the compressed configuration through tension in the cable. The cable can be cut to release the tension force on the stent <NUM> and to allow the stent spring <NUM> to return to the expanded stent spring configuration, thus biasing the stent <NUM> to the expanded configuration. In other aspects, the stent <NUM> can be compressed by another compression or contraction mechanism, such as a compression sleeve or tube, a dissolvable wire, or any other suitable mechanisms known in the art. In an aspect comprising a dissolvable wire, the wire can be dissolved by electricity, chemicals, water, or any other suitable dissolving mechanism. In still another aspect, the compression mechanism can be a hose clamp. In some aspects, the hose clamp or other compression mechanism can comprise a worm drive.

<FIG> illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration. As shown, the present stent spring <NUM> can comprise an inner stent spring <NUM> aligned and connected with an outer stent spring <NUM> to provide increased stiffness of the stent spring <NUM>, while maintaining flexibility of the stent spring <NUM>. Each of the inner stent spring <NUM> and outer stent spring <NUM> of the present aspect can be substantially similar in shape to the stent spring <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>; however, in other aspects, the inner and outer stent springs <NUM>,<NUM> can be differently shaped. In one example aspect, the inner and outer stent springs <NUM>,<NUM> can be formed from carbon fiber, and in another example aspect, the inner and outer stent springs <NUM>,<NUM> can be formed from nylon. In other aspects, the inner and outer stent springs <NUM>,<NUM> can be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, nitinol, cobalt chromium, POM (polyoxymethylene), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). According to example aspects, the inner and outer stent springs can be joined together at a plurality of upper bends <NUM> and lower bends <NUM> thereof, as shown.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrates an example aspect of the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, wherein the tabs <NUM> are formed as hollow cylindrical structures <NUM> each defining the tab opening <NUM> extending therethrough. In the present aspect, a coil spring <NUM> can extend through the tab openings <NUM>, as shown. The coil spring <NUM> can define a coil spring force. In example aspects, like the stent spring <NUM>, the coil spring <NUM> can be compressed in the compressed stent spring configuration and can be expanded in the expanded stent spring configuration. As described above, in the compressed stent spring configuration, a compression force (e.g. a pushing force, tension or pulling force, or any other suitable force) can be applied to the stent <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The compression force can overcome the spring force of the stent spring <NUM> and the coil spring force of the coil spring <NUM>, and the stent spring <NUM>, coil spring <NUM>, and seal <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can be compressed or folded radially inward towards the void <NUM>. When compressed, the stent <NUM> can define a smaller stent diameter Di (shown in <FIG>) and a smaller overall stent volume than in the expanded configuration. When the compression force is removed or reduced to less than the spring force and coil spring force, both of the stent spring <NUM> and the coil spring <NUM> can assist in biasing the stent <NUM> fully back to the expanded configuration. As such, in instances where one of the stent spring <NUM> and coil spring <NUM> may not bias the stent <NUM> fully back to the expanded configuration on its own, the other of the stent spring <NUM> and coil spring <NUM> can assist in further biasing the stent <NUM> towards the expanded configuration. Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, example aspects of the stent spring <NUM> can be formed from a Windform® material, such as, for example, a Windform® SP material. The Windform SP material is a carbon fiber reinforced composite polyamide material, which can be durable, insulating, and water resistant. <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in the unrolled configuration.

<FIG> illustrates an example aspect of the stent spring <NUM> in the rolled configuration, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. The stent spring <NUM> can be similar to the stent spring <NUM> illustrated <FIG>. However, as shown, the stent spring <NUM> of the present aspect can further comprise a wire or wires <NUM> connected to one or more of the strands <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM>. In one example aspect, the wires <NUM> can be a plurality of Nitinol super-elastic wires <NUM>, which can be configured to provide added flexibility to the stent spring <NUM>. In example aspects, each of the Nitinol super-elastic wires <NUM> can define a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and a middle section <NUM> extending therebetween. The first end <NUM> can be received within a first groove (not shown) formed within a corresponding first strand 140a, and the second end <NUM> can be received within a second groove (not shown) of an adjacent second strand 140b.

As shown in <FIG>, in some aspects, the compression mechanism can be a connecting band <NUM>. The connecting band <NUM> can engage each of the tabs <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> to retain the stent spring <NUM> in the compressed stent spring configuration while the wires <NUM> are assembled with the stent spring <NUM>. Furthermore, in the present aspect, the middle section <NUM> of each wire <NUM> can be substantially exposed. However, in other aspects, the wires <NUM> can be more fully received within the strands <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM>, such that a lesser portion of the middle section <NUM> is exposed, as depicted in <FIG>, and in still other aspects, the wires <NUM> can be completely received within the strands <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates another aspect, wherein each of the wires <NUM> can be positioned on an inner periphery <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> proximate to an upper bend <NUM> or lower bend <NUM> thereof. In one aspect, the wires <NUM> can be connected to the stent spring <NUM> by an adhesive, or other fastener, and the first and second ends <NUM>,<NUM> of the wires <NUM> do not extend into the strands <NUM>. However, in other aspects, the first and second ends <NUM>,<NUM> of each of the wires <NUM> can engage the first and second grooves (not shown) formed in a corresponding strand <NUM> to connect the wire <NUM> to the stent spring <NUM>.

Example aspects of the stent spring <NUM> can comprise a coating, such as, for example, a rubber coating. For example, as shown in the aspect of <FIG>, the stent spring <NUM> can be coated in a Plasti Dip® coating. A Plasti Dip® coating is a synthetic rubber coating that can be applied by spraying, brushing, dipping, or the like, and which can be configured to air dry. The Plasti Dip® material can be non-slip, flexible, durable, and insulating material in some aspects. In another example aspect, as shown in <FIG>, the stent spring <NUM> can be coated in a Flex Seal® coating. The Flex Seal® coating is a synthetic rubber coating similar to the Plasti Dip® coating. The Flex Seal® coating can be applied by pouring, rolling, dippy, spraying, or the like, and can be durable, flexible, insulating, and water resistant. In other aspects, the coating can be any other suitable coating known in the art. Example aspects of the coating can be flexible and can improve the flexibility of the stent spring <NUM>. In some example aspects, the coating can also be a non-slip coating that can improve the grip of the stent spring <NUM> on the seal <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), the pipe (not shown), or any other component engaged by the stent spring <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> without the Plasti Dip® coating applied.

<FIG> illustrates another example aspect of the stent spring <NUM> that can be substantially similar to the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG>. However, in the present aspect, as shown, the tabs <NUM> can define larger tab openings <NUM> than the tab openings <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The larger tab openings <NUM> can accommodate for a larger or different compression mechanism for compressing the stent <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates still another example aspect of the stent spring <NUM>, wherein the strands <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> can be a plurality of connected, substantially circular, resilient and flexible strands <NUM>, as shown. The flexibility of the strands <NUM> can allow the stent spring <NUM> to be compressed to the compressed stent spring configuration, and the resiliency of the strands <NUM> can bias the stent spring <NUM> from the compressed stent spring configuration to the expanded stent spring configuration.

According to example aspects, the stent spring <NUM> can be compressed by the compression mechanism, as described above. For example, in a particular aspect, the compression mechanism can be an internal compression disc <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. According to example aspects, the compression disc <NUM> can engage each of the tabs <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> to pull the stent spring <NUM> radially inward and to retain the stent spring <NUM> in the compressed stent spring configuration. In the present aspect, the compression disc <NUM> can comprise an upper disc <NUM> and a lower disc <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) connected to the upper disc <NUM>. Disc openings <NUM> can be formed in each of the upper and lower discs <NUM>,<NUM> to allow for fluid flow therethrough. Furthermore, one or more disc slots <NUM> can be formed at an outer side edge <NUM> of the compression disc <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the compression disc <NUM> can further comprise a plurality of connectors <NUM> generally received between the upper disc <NUM> and lower disc <NUM> and proximate to the outer side edge <NUM> of the compression disc <NUM>. A head <NUM> of each of the connectors <NUM> can be configured to extend into a corresponding one of the disc slots <NUM>. To mount the stent spring <NUM> to the compression disc <NUM> in the compressed stent spring configuration, an inner end <NUM> of each of the tabs <NUM> can be pushed past the head <NUM> of the corresponding connector <NUM> and into the corresponding disc slot <NUM>, such that the head <NUM> of each connector <NUM> extends through the tab opening <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the corresponding tab <NUM>. To move the stent spring <NUM> to the expanded stent spring configuration, the compression disc <NUM> can be slid axially relative to the central axis <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The tabs <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> can be pushed past the heads <NUM> of the corresponding connectors <NUM>, such that each of the connectors <NUM> can be disengaged from the corresponding tab opening <NUM>, and the compression disc <NUM> can be disengaged from the stent spring <NUM>. With the compression disc <NUM> disengaged from the stent spring <NUM>, the spring force of the stent spring <NUM> can bias the stent <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to the expanded configuration.

<FIG> illustrate another aspect of the stent spring <NUM> comprising the wires <NUM> (e.g., the Nitinol super-elastic wires <NUM>). The stent spring <NUM> of the present aspect can be similar to the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG>, wherein the first end <NUM> of each wire <NUM> can be received through the first groove (not shown) formed within one of the strands <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> of each wire <NUM> can be received within the second groove (not shown) formed in the same strand <NUM>. Each wire <NUM> can be oriented proximate to one of the upper bends <NUM> or lower bends <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM>, as shown. In the present aspect, the first and second ends <NUM>,<NUM> of each of the wires <NUM> can pass through the corresponding first and second grooves, respectively, and can abut the inner periphery <NUM> of the stent spring <NUM> proximate to the corresponding upper or lower bend <NUM>,<NUM>, as shown. The middle section <NUM> can be exposed.

<FIG> illustrate the stent spring <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> dipped in the rubber coating, such as, for example, the Plasti Dip® coating or the Flex Seal® coating, as described above with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

In one exemplary aspect, a stent spring for repairing a pipe can comprise a substantially tubular mesh structure defining a void, the void can define a central axis, the mesh structure can comprise one or more strands, and the one or more strands can define a plurality of openings. The stent spring can be configurable in an expanded stent spring configuration and a compressed stent spring configuration. The stent spring can further comprise a tab extending radially inward from the mesh structure into the void, and the tab can define a tab opening.

In a further exemplary aspect, the stent spring can further comprise a compression mechanism configured to engage the tab to bias the stent spring to the compressed stent spring configuration. In a further exemplary aspect, the compression mechanism can comprise a cable configured to extend through the tab opening of the tab. In a further exemplary aspect, the compression mechanism can comprise a compression disc, wherein the compression disc can define a disc slot formed in an outer side edge of the compression disc, and a connector, wherein the connector can comprise a head and the head can extend into the disc slot. In a further exemplary aspect, the tab can extend into the disc slot, and the head can extend through the tab opening. In a further exemplary aspect, the stent spring can further comprise one or more elastic wires connected to the one or more strands, wherein the one or more elastic wires can be configured to increase a flexibility of the stent spring. In a further exemplary aspect, the stent spring can further comprise a coil spring extending through the tab opening, wherein the coil spring can be configured to assist in biasing the stent spring to the expanded stent spring configuration. In a further exemplary aspect, the stent spring can further comprise a flexible coating on the one or more strands, wherein the flexible coating can comprise a synthetic rubber material. In a further exemplary aspect, the stent spring can comprise an inner stent spring connected to an outer stent spring, the inner stent spring can comprise the mesh structure and the tab, and the outer stent spring can be configured to increase a stiffness of the inner stent spring.

In another exemplary aspect, a stent spring for repairing a pipe can comprise a substantially tubular mesh structure comprising one or more strands, and the one or more strands can comprise a spring material. The stent spring can be expandable and compressible between an expanded stent spring configuration and a compressed stent spring configuration. The stent spring can further comprising an elastic wire connected to the one or more strands, wherein the elastic wire can be configured to increase a flexibility of the stent spring.

In a further exemplary aspect, the elastic wire can define a first end and a second end, the first end of the elastic wire can engage a first one of the strands, and the second end of the elastic wire can engage a second one of the strands. In a further exemplary aspect, the first one of the strands can define a first groove, the second one of the strands can define a second groove, the first end can be received within the first groove, and the second end can be received within the second groove. In a further exemplary aspect, the elastic wire can define a middle section between the first end and second end, and at least a portion of the middle section can be exposed. In a further exemplary aspect, the elastic wire can be positioned on an inner periphery of the stent spring. In a further exemplary aspect, the one or more strands can define at least one of an upper bend and a lower bend, and the elastic wire can be positioned proximate to the at least one of an upper bend and a lower bend. In a further exemplary aspect, a first end of the elastic wire can extend through a first groove of the mesh structure and abut an inner periphery of the stent spring, a second end of the elastic wire can extend through a second groove of the mesh structure and abut an inner periphery of the stent spring, and a middle section of the elastic wire can be exposed. In a further exemplary aspect, the one or more strands can define a plurality of openings. In a further exemplary aspect, the stent spring can further comprise a tab extending radially inward from the mesh structure and a compression mechanism engaging the tab to retain the stent spring in the compressed stent spring configuration.

In another exemplary aspect, a method for retaining a stent in a compressed configuration can comprise providing a stent, wherein the stent can comprise a stent spring, a seal, and a tab extending radially inward from the stent spring. The method can further comprise biasing the stent to a compressed configuration and engaging the tab with a compression mechanism to retain the stent in the compressed configuration.

In a further exemplary aspect, engaging the tab with a compression mechanism can comprise inserting the tab into a disc slot of the compression mechanism and engaging a tab opening of the tab with a connector of the compression mechanism.

Claim 1:
A stent spring (<NUM>) for repairing a pipe comprising:
a substantially tubular mesh structure defining a void (<NUM>), the void (<NUM>) defining a central axis (<NUM>), the mesh structure comprising one or more strands (<NUM>), the one or more strands defining a plurality of openings (<NUM>), wherein the stent spring (<NUM>) is configurable in an expanded stent spring configuration and a compressed stent spring configuration;
a tab (<NUM>) extending radially inward from the mesh structure into the void (<NUM>), the tab (<NUM>) defining a tab opening (<NUM>); and
a compression mechanism configured to engage the tab (<NUM>) to bias the stent spring (<NUM>) to the compressed stent spring configuration, wherein the compression mechanism comprises:
i) a compression disc (<NUM>), the compression disc (<NUM>) defining a disc slot (<NUM>) formed in an outer side edge of the compression disc (<NUM>), and
ii) a connector (<NUM>) comprising a head (<NUM>), wherein the head (<NUM>) extends into the disc slot (<NUM>).