Patents by Inventor Stephen V. Gearhart

Stephen V. Gearhart has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230235846
    Abstract: A fabric tube liner for underground conduits, passageways, and pipelines, wherein such liner shrinks minimally upon curing and wherein any gaps between the liner and the host pipe are sealed with a hydrophilic coating. The liner may be used in conjunction with the known processes of lining underground conduits, passageways, and pipelines by either the eversion process or a pull-in liner using a winch and cable. The liner may be impregnated with a resin or resin may be applied after the liner has been installed in the underground host pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: VORTEX TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen V. GEARHART
  • Patent number: 8328969
    Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 8327899
    Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20110293767
    Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen V. GEARHART
  • Publication number: 20110094654
    Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen V. GEARHART
  • Patent number: 7094308
    Abstract: A method for providing a seal in an annular space between a rehabilitative pipe liner and a conduit wall is provided. Areas on the surface of a section of a conduit wall surrounding lateral connections are provided with an expandable sealing agent, preferably during an investigative and/or cleaning inspection of the conduit section and preferably without repeated withdrawal and insertion of equipment between the provision of the agent at successive lateral connections. The rehabilitative pipe liner is then installed in the conduit section and a curing agent or agents such as heat, visible light, ultraviolet light, chemical agents, sonic energy or other radiant energy means is applied to cure or form the rehabilitative pipe liner and to cause the expandable sealing agent to expand and fill at least a portion of the annular space that may exist between the rehabilitative pipe liner and the conduit wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 6641688
    Abstract: A method for providing a seal in an annular space between a rehabilitative pipe liner and a conduit wall is provided. Areas on the surface of a section of a conduit wall surrounding lateral connections are provided with an expandable sealing agent, preferably during an investigative and/or cleaning inspection of the conduit section and preferably without repeated withdrawal and insertion of equipment between the provision of the agent at successive lateral connections. The rehabilitative pipe liner is then installed in the conduit section and a curing agent or agents such as heat, visible light, ultraviolet light, chemical agents, sonic energy or other radiant energy means is applied to cure or form the rehabilitative pipe liner and to cause the expandable sealing agent to expand and fill at least a portion of the annular space that may exist between the rehabilitative pipe liner and the conduit wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 6565284
    Abstract: A system for maintaining a surcharge on a sanitary sewer collection system to minimize the pressure differential across pipe walls carrying the waste and to offset the buoyant effects of hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the pipe. Pinch valves or other remotely controllable pipe closing devices are employed in combination with a system of monitors and a centralized control system to maintain and periodically release fluid from the surcharged system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20020071721
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for maintaining a surcharge on a sanitary sewer collection system to minimize the pressure differential across conduit walls and to offset the buoyant effects of hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the pipe. Pinch valves or other remotely controllable pipe closing means are employed in combination with a system of monitors and a centralized control system to maintain and periodically release fluid from the surcharged system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Patent number: 6386797
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved cutting device and method for cutting openings in rehabilitative sewer pipe liners and other surfaces in confined spaces. The present invention utilizes a stream of ultra-high pressured fluid as a cutting medium to reduce mechanical vibration, reduce the need for the withdrawal of equipment from a confined space for repair or bit replacement, and provide a cleaning medium that allows the cleaning of remote sensing equipment at the remote location without the need for withdrawal of the equipment. The device of the present invention is a generally cylindrical or oblong body and sled having a cutting head extendible therefrom for positioning and aiming a cutting stream of ultra-high pressured fluid towards a surface to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart