Seamless pipeline sphere and method of manufacture

Abstract

The invention is generally directed to a pipeline sphere, and more specifically a seamless pipeline sphere wherein said sphere presents a flexible, seamless outer layer surrounding an inflatable inner bladder portion which itself defines a hollow chamber. The outer layer and the inner bladder portion contain apertures which are aligned to form a channel connecting the hollow chamber to the outside environment. A weighted material may be added to the pipeline sphere, if desired.

1 . A method for manufacturing a pipeline sphere assembly comprising: 
 forming an inflatable inner bladder structure including a generally spherical peripheral wall defining a hollow chamber and presenting a generally spherical outer surface and an access opening extending through said wall; and    covering said outer surface of said wall with a seamless, flexible outer layer, said outer layer including an access aperture aligned with said opening.    
   
   
       2 . The method for manufacturing a pipeline sphere assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said generally spherical peripheral wall is formed by first forming two hemispherical portions and joining said portions together.  
   
   
       3 . The method for manufacturing a pipeline sphere assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of causing a weighted material to be embedded in said inflatable inner bladder structure.  
   
   
       4 . The method for manufacturing a pipeline sphere assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of forming said opening around an elongated fill valve element.  
   
   
       5 . A method of manufacturing a pipeline sphere assembly comprising the steps of: 
 forming an inflatable inner bladder structure including a generally spherical peripheral wall by first forming two hemispherical portions and joining said portions together, defining a hollow chamber and presenting a generally spherical outer surface and an access opening extending through said wall;    forming said opening around an elongated fill valve element; and    covering said outer surface of the wall with a seamless, flexible outer layer, said outer layer including an access aperture aligned with said opening.    
   
   
       6 . A method of manufacturing a pipeline sphere assembly comprising the steps of: 
 forming an inflatable inner bladder structure including a generally spherical peripheral wall by first forming two hemispherical portions and joining said portions together, defining a hollow chamber and presenting a generally spherical outer surface and an access opening extending through said wall;    forming said opening around an elongated fill valve element;    covering said outer surface of the wall with a seamless, flexible outer layer, said outer layer including an access aperture aligned with said opening; and    causing a weighted material to be embedded in said inflatable inner bladder structure.