Patent attributes
Various embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for stopping the flow of media within a pipeline. The pipeline generally includes one or more pipes connected end-to-end, where each of the pipes has a longitudinal axis with an annular wall. The annular wall has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface defines an inner pipe diameter. In various embodiments, a hole is formed in the pipeline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the annular wall and extending through the opposing pipe wall. A resilient plug is positioned within the pipeline such that it extends between the holes and is selectively expanded in a radial direction to create a seal with the inner surface of the pipe and holes to prevent flow of the media within the pipe.
