Rapper Alignment Plug

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a rapper alignment plug used in the custom alignment of one or more portions of a rapper device through the walls of a vessel, and methods for forming and using same.

1 . An alignment plug comprising:
 a body element;   at least one thread element formed on at least one surface of the body element; and   at least one passage located within the body element, wherein the at least one passage permits the insertion of at least one object through the body element of the alignment plug,   wherein the alignment plug is capable of being inserted into at least one threaded opening in a vessel wall, and the alignment plug acts to align the at least one object that is capable of being inserted therethrough.   
     
     
         2 . The alignment plug of  claim 1 , wherein the body element is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         3 . The alignment plug of  claim 1 , wherein the body element has a cylindrically shaped threaded portion that is capable of being inserted into the at least one opening in a vessel wall. 
     
     
         4 . The alignment plug of  claim 1 , wherein the body element is formed from one or more metal compounds, one or more ceramic compounds, or combinations of thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The alignment plug of  claim 4 , wherein the body element is formed from a high temperature metal alloy. 
     
     
         6 . The alignment plug of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment plug is capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 300° C. 
     
     
         7 . The alignment plug of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment plug is capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 400° C. 
     
     
         8 . The alignment plug of  claim 4 , wherein the body element is formed from one or more ceramic compounds. 
     
     
         9 . The alignment plug of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment plug is designed to act as a rapper alignment plug. 
     
     
         10 . A process for forming an alignment plug comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing an alignment plug comprising a body element capable of being inserted into at least one threaded opening in a vessel wall, wherein the body element contains thereon at least one thread element formed on at least one surface thereof;   (b) inserting the alignment plug into the at least one threaded opening in a vessel wall to a predetermined depth;   (c) removing the alignment plug a predetermined amount from the at least one threaded opening in a vessel wall, wherein the amount the alignment plug is removed is less than the insertion amount;   (d) marking the alignment plug so as to create a alignment mark; and   (e) forming at least one passage in the body element of the alignment plug, wherein the at least one passage permits the insertion of at least one object through the body element of the alignment plug.   
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 10 , comprising the step providing a substantially cylindrical body element. 
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 10 , comprising the step of providing a cylindrically shaped threaded portion on the body element that is capable of being inserted into the at least one opening in a vessel wall. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 10 , comprising the step of providing a body element formed from one or more metal compounds, one or more ceramic compounds, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 10 , comprising the step of providing a body element formed from a high temperature metal alloy. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 10 , comprising the step of providing an alignment plug is capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 300° C. 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 10 , comprising the step of providing an alignment plug is capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 400° C. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of:
 (f) reinserting the alignment plug with at least one passage located therein back into the at least one opening in a vessel wall; and   (g) securing the alignment plug to the vessel wall.   
     
     
         18 . A process for forming an alignment plate and/or cover comprising the steps of:
 (i) providing an alignment plate and/or cover comprising a body element capable of covering at least one opening in a vessel wall, wherein the body element contains thereon at least one attachment means for attaching the body element to the vessel wall;   (ii) temporarily attaching the alignment plate and/or cover to the vessel wall;   (iii) marking the alignment plate and/or cover so as to create a alignment mark; and   (iv) forming at least one passage in the body element of the alignment plate and/or cover, wherein the at least one passage permits the insertion of at least one object through the body element of the alignment plate and/or cover.   
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 18 , comprising the step of providing attachment means selected from at least one of a weldment, screw, bolt, or any combination of two or more thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 18 , comprising the step of providing the alignment plate and/or cover formed from a high temperature metal alloy.