Patent attributes
A pipe-clamping tool (100) comprises a tool body (102) and first and second tool jaws (104, 106). The tool further comprises a bar (110) in threaded engagement with a portion of the tool body. One end of the bar engages with a boss (108) on a side of the first tool jaw opposite the curved surface thereof. The tool jaws may be closed and opened by rotation of a handwheel (112). The first tool jaw has projections (111A, 111B) which engage respective grooves (101A, 101B) on opposite sides of the tool body; together with the bar and boss, these inhibit rotation of the first tool jaw with respect to the tool body. The pipe-clamping tool may be used to stop a leak in a pipe by applying a layer of deformable material around the pipe and clamping it in place using the tool. The tool enables a substantially complete (360°) azimuthal seal around a pipe with only a single operation on the tool (i.e. rotation of the handwheel to close the tool jaws). The tool jaws remain mutually aligned as they are opened and closed. The tool may be used on pipes having various external diameters.
