Importance

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Abstract

A sliding plug for working on and testing pipes is presented. The sliding plug includes a center portion and a gasket disposed about the central portion. When towed through the pipe, the sliding plug maintains a substantial seal against water flowing through the pipe. In some embodiments, a flexible gasket can be utilized to allow for substantial sealing while the sliding plug is traversing obstacles in the pipe. The sliding plug according to the present invention can be utilized in pipes where conventional plugs are inconvenient. For example, in FELL testing a sewage line, a sliding plug can be attached to a sonde cable and the testing can proceed without plugging and surcharging the section of pipe to be tested. In some embodiments, the sonde can include a pressure transducer which may be monitored to indicate that there is a sufficient water level at the sonde and, in some embodiments, to indicate a leak in the pipe by a drop in the water pressure.

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First Claim