External Patents (Class 138/99)
  • Patent number: 9855732
    Abstract: An adhesive-applying method is disclosed herein. The method comprises: providing a film comprising pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a major surface thereof; heating the film to a softening point of the film; and pressing the film against a substrate with an application device, the application device comprising a film-contacting portion, the film-contacting portion comprising a foam material and having a thermal conductivity of less than 1.8 BTU in/(hr ft2° F.); wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive on the major surface of the film adheres to the substrate. Application devices and kits that may be used in conjunction with the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John R. David
  • Patent number: 9851043
    Abstract: A crack arrestor apparatus and method for making same by applying layers of a composite material of non-metallic fibers and resin around a length of pipe; the fibers generally aligned with the pipe circumference. The applied layers have a thicker portion in the middle and a thinner portion on the ends. Part of the pipe covered by the thicker portion is then yielded by application of radial force past the elastic limit of the pipe, thereby creating circumferential tension on the composite. At least a portion of the composite remains in circumferential tension upon release of the radial force. The residual stresses in the yielded metal pipe assist to arrest crack propagation. Thereby, the process to arrest a crack in a metal pipe includes maintaining circumferential tension in a composite residing around the pipe while maintaining compressive circumferential residual stress on the metal pipe covered by the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Biel
  • Patent number: 9835262
    Abstract: In some implementations, an apparatus includes a container having an exterior surface, having an interior surface and having a defect, a gasket positioned over the defect in the container, the gasket having a length, a width and a depth, a rigid patch positioned over the gasket, a plurality of pairs of studs and nuts positioned near the outer perimeter of the rigid patch, the studs being friction welded to the exterior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Forgetech Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Miller, Daniel J. Rybicki, Mathew A. Rybicki, Lawrence J. Povse, Kenneth R. Vejr, Andre S. Todd, John M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 9803791
    Abstract: A method of repairing a polyolefin structure at a damaged area thereof containing applying a filler material as necessary to fill the damaged area, overlaying the filled damaged area with a transitional film having a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins, bonding the transitional film to the polyolefin structure, and applying a reinforcement system over the transitional film. The bonding of the transitional film to the polyolefin structure comprises applying heat to the transitional film. A repair system for repairing a polyolefin structure containing optionally a filler material on the polyolefin structure, a transitional film applied over and bonded to the polyolefin structure having a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins, and a reinforcement system, applied over the transitional film. The reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane system bonded to the second side of the transitional film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Patent number: 9797540
    Abstract: A repair system for repairing a polyolefin pipe containing a transitional film applied over and bonded to the pipe and a reinforcement system, applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane system bonded to the second side of the transitional film. A system two polyolefin tubular members joined end-to-end containing two tubular members arranged such that their respective ends are adjacent, thereby defining a circumferential joint, a transitional film applied and bonded to the circumferential joint and at least a portion of the two tubular members, and a reinforcement system applied over the transitional film. The transitional film has a first side adapted to bond to polyolefins and the reinforcement system contains a fiber-reinforced polyurethane or a fiber-reinforced epoxy system bonded to the second side of the transitional film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Milliken Infrastructure Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Patent number: 9784401
    Abstract: Provided are articles useful for rapidly and easily stopping leaks of material contained in conduits, such as water pipes under pressure. Articles according to this disclosure include a band, a lock and a lever. The band is wrapped around the conduit or pipe, and the lever is configured to engage with an end of the band and the lock that rides on the band. Manually, pulling the remaining end of the band and then actuating the lever, or vice versa, cinches the band around the outer circumference of the conduit, effectively sealing the conduit wall and preventing the contents of the conduit from leaking into the ambient surroundings. Elements of the invention cooperate to permit easy removal of the articles for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew S. Edwards, Peter J. E. Edwards
  • Patent number: 9759366
    Abstract: A repair tool for use in repairing a break in a water main pipe comprises a saddle member which includes a downward facing pipe-engaging surface that is configured to conform to an outer diameter surface of the pipe, a sealing member which is attached to the pipe-engaging surface and is configured to seal between the saddle member and the pipe, a brace member which is connected to the saddle member and includes first and second end portions, first and second arm members, each of which is pivotally connected to a corresponding end portion and each of which comprises an upper end portion that extends upwardly from the brace member and a lower end portion that extends downwardly from the brace member and inwardly toward the other arm member, and a clamping arrangement connected between the upper end portions for moving the upper end portions toward and away from each other to thereby move the lower end portions away and toward each other, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: John N. Long
  • Patent number: 9745925
    Abstract: A joint in a system for conducting a fluid has a first duct and a second duct that is coupled together via fasteners. Typically, the fasteners are placed into tabs that are affixed to the ducts and shafts of the fasteners run in the same direction as the duct. When the ducts are plastic and the fasteners are metal, the plastic can creep more than the metal such that the joint fails to seal properly after a period of time. To avoid such a situation, a joint that has fasteners installed at an angle with respect to the ducts is disclosed. The tabs are also angled with respect to the ducts: tabs that form an obtuse angle with one of the ducts mate with tabs on the other duct that form a complementary acute angle. In one embodiment, shafts of pairs of fasteners are roughly perpendicular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Nola
  • Patent number: 9605789
    Abstract: Provided are magneto-cryogenic valves, methods and systems that extract thermal energy from a fluid within a conduit such that the temperature of at least a portion of the fluid is reduced to a temperature below which at least a portion of the fluid becomes a solid thereby forming a frozen plug of fluid and magnetically susceptible particles that reversibly plugs the conduit, preventing flow of fluid past the plug. Also provided are methods and systems for temporarily preventing the flow of fluid in a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BIOFILM IP, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel X. Wray, Reed Nicholas Liu, Ericson C. Ceniceros
  • Patent number: 9581279
    Abstract: A conduit repair liner includes at least two sheets of planar material that are connected to each other as pages of a book and coated with silica resin then closed against one another to form the conduit repair liner for wrapping around a carrier. The conduit repair liner includes a feature for removably affixing the conduit repair liner to the carrier during positioning within a failed conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: William G. Higman
  • Patent number: 9581477
    Abstract: A measuring head clamp-on device for ultrasonic flow measuring heads includes a guide element for receiving at least one measuring head protective housing for at least one measuring head and includes at least one clamping unit connected to the guide element, and thereto connected clamping device for detachably fastening the guide element to the measuring tube, wherein the guide element is non-positively or positively connected to at least one apparatus for centering and clamping the same on the measuring tube, so that the guide element is oriented and fastened parallel and with a defined distance to the apex of the measuring tube irrespective of the tube diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FLEXIM FLEXIBLE INDUSTRIEMESSTECHNIK GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Frederik Scharnitzky
  • Patent number: 9568126
    Abstract: A threaded joint for a steel pipe includes a pin and a box each of which is provided with a contact surface that includes an unthreaded metal contact portion having a seal portion and a threaded portion. This threaded joint includes an ultraviolet ray-curable resin coating film that is formed on the contact surface of at least one of the pin and the box; and an acrylic silicone resin coating film that is formed on at least a portion of a surface of the ultraviolet ray-curable resin coating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION, VALLOUREC OIL AND GAS FRANCE
    Inventors: Masayoshi Sasaki, Katsutoshi Sumitani, Kunio Goto
  • Patent number: 9556358
    Abstract: A method for coating of a metallic article is provided. According to the method, the metal surface is coated with a composition which comprises a polymer or comprises a two-component system that reacts to form a polymer following application to the metal surface. The composition comprises 70-2700 meq/kg olefinic double bonds which leads to stronger adhesion and to increased corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Berger, Klaus Gahlmann, Harald Haeger, Markus Hartmann, Jasmin Nitsche
  • Patent number: 9540972
    Abstract: An article manufactured from a polymeric material filled with fibers has an exterior surface having an impact portion with an arcuate configuration to impart impact resistance to the article. The article also includes a plurality of ribs orientated and configured in a unique manner to also impart impact resistance to the article. The ribs extend from the exterior surface of the article. A fillet having a fillet radius interconnects the ribs and the exterior surface. The fibers of the polymeric material are aligned within the article parallel to a flow of the polymeric material when injected into a mold during a molding process. The ribs are oriented in a pattern relative to the fibers to maximize the impact resistance of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Stephen Hanley, Chul S. Lee, Richard J. Lair, Marianne S. Morgan, Randy Fleck
  • Patent number: 9528780
    Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems for controlled removal of thermal energy from a fluid within a thermally conducting metal conduit. The system allows for the in situ formation of a reversible plug that can stop the flow of fluid through the conduit, particularly without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit. The devices and systems include a thermal transfer device that can be adapted to be in thermal communication with a thermal conducting metal conduit containing a fluid, particularly a flowing fluid. The devices and systems allows for controlled re-heating of the conduit without inducing thermally induced stress fractures or breaches in the conduit to restore fluid flow through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BIOFILM IP, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel X. Wray, Robert J. Wray
  • Patent number: 9486969
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method to repair flexible flow lines used in the petroleum industry. This method provides a means for quick and permanent repairs of birdcage-type failures (BC) in flexible ducts while they are in operation, without interrupting production flows. The technology proposed, because of its simple characteristics, eliminates the need for replacing the affected section and for allocating special vessels to perform the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS
    Inventor: Heraldo Raimundo Pinto Pamplona
  • Patent number: 9476522
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus suitable for use as a subsea repair clamp includes a sealing membrane with first and second portions for engaging an outer surface of a pipe. Retaining members are located in opposing relationship to each other about the sealing membrane and are secured to each other by a closure member. The retaining members retain sealing engagement between the sealing membrane and the pipe. Each of the retaining members can include axially spaced plates arranged generally transversely to a longitudinal axis of the sealing membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: STATS (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Angus George Bowie
  • Patent number: 9371768
    Abstract: An exhaust system member having an upstream-side opening into which exhaust gas flows and a downstream-side opening from which exhaust gas flows includes: first and second members. The first member includes first facing portions each having a distal end portion bulged radially outward in the exhaust system member, a notch is provided at a boundary between the distal end portion and a proximal end portion radially inward of the distal end portion at each end portion of each first facing portion, adjacent to the corresponding opening. The second member includes second facing portions, each arranged on the radially inner side of the corresponding distal end portion, each second facing portion is welded at a portion overlapped with the corresponding first facing portion, and a distal end face of each second facing portion facing a proximal end-side notch face of the notch in the corresponding first facing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SANGO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamanari, Ryoji Tachibana, Keisuke Hatamura, Masayuki Kuno
  • Patent number: 9353901
    Abstract: A closure means for containing fluid leaking from a ruptured pipe. The closure means fits over a ruptured pipe to contain any fluid that may be leaking from the pipe. The closure means forms an enclosed cavity around the rupture in the pipe, the enclosed cavity being defined by a housing of the pipe and the pipe itself. The closure means may comprise a single housing, or may comprise two housing members. Where a single housing is used, the closure means may be applied as a patch to cover a rupture. In this embodiment, a fastening means holds the housing in sealed engagement with the pipe. Where two housing members are used, the closure means may also comprise a hinged link between the two housing members. In this embodiment, the fastening means holds the two housing members together in sealed engagement around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Ross Dickinson
  • Patent number: 9316339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing polyolefin structures such as polyethylene piping. The repair method involves a bi-material co-extruded film that homogenously attaches to the poly olefin pipe surface and enables bonding of either epoxy or polyurethane composite material to the overall structure. The method involves surface cleaning with a solvent, attaching the co-extruded film, and applying a heat-activated shrink tape. The surface is heated to activate the bonding process of the film to the PE surface and to create a compressive force via the shrink tape. Once accomplished, the shrink tape may be removed and either a fiber reinforced polyurethane system or a fiber-reinforced epoxy system is applied and allowed to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Lawrence Cercone
  • Patent number: 9279532
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved diverter assemblies (10) designed for installation on liquid-conveying conduit sections (12) having one or more joints susceptible to leakage of liquid. The assemblies (10) include a plurality of mating housing sections (34, 36) which are releasably interconnected and in surrounding relationship to the conduit sections (12) on opposite sides of the conduit joint(s) to form an overall housing (35) defining anon-sealed enclosure. The housing (35) is equipped with a sump (72) which gravitationally collects escaped liquid. The sump (72) includes a drain outlet (74) for conveying the collected liquid away from the conduit sections (12) for collection or reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Andax Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick F. McAtarian, Mark McAtarian
  • Patent number: 9267634
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inexpensive wrap-around irrigation tube patch composed of a thin, flexible polymer film and having a closure mechanism for quickly and effectively wrapping and sealing the patch around a damaged section of irrigation tubing. In addition, the present disclosure provides a method for sealing water leaks in irrigation tubing, the method including wrapping a wrap-around irrigation tube patch around a damaged section of irrigation tubing and sealing said patch around the irrigation tubing via a closure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Jimmie Lynn Baker
  • Patent number: 9261217
    Abstract: A pipeline point-repair device, comprising a generally cylindrical body portion, having a locking mechanism mounted on an exterior surface thereof, the generally cylindrical body portion being expandable by application of pressure to an inner surface thereof and an external layer including a resin, the external layer surrounding the exterior surface of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SMART LOCK PTY LTD
    Inventor: Gary Jackson
  • Patent number: 9255501
    Abstract: A threadless oil plug is provided for threadlessly sealing a drain hole of an oil pan. The plug has a disc-shaped magnet and a cylindrical stem that projects outwardly from the magnet. A gasket is fastened around the stem in juxtaposition with a planar surface of the magnet. The stem is adapted for insertion into the drain hole of an oil pan, thereby centering the magnet and magnetically sealing the gasket around the drain hole. A removal tool has a hand grip with a splash guard. The hand grip and the splash guard are attached to a magnet. To remove the plug, the magnet of the removal tool is magnetically fastened to the magnet of the plug so that the plug may be safely removed from the drain hole in one motion. The plug is reinstalled in the drain hole in one motion, without the use of any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Esposito
  • Patent number: 9234620
    Abstract: A pipe attachment for sealing a leak, the attachment comprising a frame formed by a pair of opposed jaws which when closed define a substantially cylindrical cavity, and a stretchable waterproof membrane secured to the frame; wherein each jaw has a distal end and the frame comprises an intermediate portion located between said opposed distal ends, said jaws having a closed configuration in which said distal ends of the jaws are adjacent to each other, and an open configuration in which said distal ends of the jaws are spaced apart from each other; the frame including a securing means for resisting the opening of the jaws in said closed configuration; and wherein the stretchable waterproof membrane includes opposed end portions, each of said membrane end portions being secured to the distal end portion of a respective jaw and said stretchable waterproof membrane being secured to the frame only via said end portions; the stretchable waterproof membrane having an unstretched configuration when the cavity is empt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Julian Sheard
  • Patent number: 9206935
    Abstract: A quick acting, adjustable pipe repair apparatus, comprises, a first shell portion having an inner and outer surface, a second shell portion having an inner and outer surface, a hinge connecting the first shell portion and the second shell portion, and two or more adjustable latch assemblies on the outer surface of the first and second shell portions. A gasket may be included covering substantially the entire inner surface of the first and second shell portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Miller Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward W. Senter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9194528
    Abstract: In a pipe rehabilitation method, segments are linked in the circumferential and pipe-length directions to install a rehabilitation pipe inside an existing pipe. Nuts are secured to the segments along the circumferential direction thereof. Linking members each configured to be screwed into one of the secured nuts are inserted into each segment. Each linking member is temporarily locked to the segment to prevent the inserted linking member from falling out of the segment. The segment into which the linking members are inserted and temporarily locked and one of the segments to which the nuts are secured are aligned relative one another, and the linking members are screwed into the respective nuts to fasten both segments together and link them in the pipe-length direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: SHONAN GOSEI-JUSHI SEISAKUSHO K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Makoto Ishida, Takeshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9175799
    Abstract: A modular pipe repair enclosure system includes first and second enclosure portions, and an enclosure attachment device. The first and second enclosure portions create an enclosure around the pipe for covering leaks. The enclosure has three openings for accommodating the pipe. The first and second openings are arranged at an angle of 180 degrees with respect to each other, and at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the third opening, such that a straight line section of pipe may be accommodated by the first and second openings, an elbow section of pipe by the first and third openings, and a T-section of pipe by the first, second, and third openings. The system may further include a blank, for closing one of the openings, for use with a straight or elbow section, and a sleeve, for reducing the inner diameter of an opening, for accommodating pipes of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Colt Services, LP
    Inventors: John W. Clark, Jerry Robb
  • Patent number: 9109739
    Abstract: An assembly for repairing a damaged portion of a fusion bonded epoxy coating on a steel body of a pipe at least partially surrounded by an undamaged portion of the coating. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity therein and having an opening in communication with the cavity, the housing being attachable to the pipe to locate the cavity in communication with an epoxy patch positioned on the steel body to replace at least the damaged portion. The assembly also includes a heat source positioned for directing heated air heated thereby into the cavity, for curing the epoxy patch. The opening is at least partially defined by a perimeter, and the assembly includes an insulation strip positioned on the perimeter for impeding heat transfer from the housing to the undamaged portion of the coating when the housing is attached to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Voisin
  • Patent number: 9096020
    Abstract: Methods are provided for strengthening (e.g., repairing, structurally reinforcing, etc.) a fluid-system component by installing, as a circumferential wrap or a patch, a radiation-curable composite laminate. Kits including composite repair materials and equipment for implementing the methods are also provided. Examples of fluid-system components that may be strengthened include pipework, pipelines, transmission pipelines, distribution pipelines, gathering lines, oil risers, gas risers, process piping, girth welds on pipelines or vessels, tanks, vessels, elbows, tees, flanges, and high-pressure injection lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Neptune Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lazzara, Jozef Bicerano
  • Patent number: 9057473
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe reinforcement structure and method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe, pipeline or other tubular member containing one or more cracks or joints on its outer circumferential surface comprising the steps of: identifying a pipe repair zone along a longitudinal section of the outer surface of the tubular member where cracks or joints are located; installing one or more compression straps around the outer circumferential surface of the tubular member in the pipe repair zone, the one or more compression straps comprising outer edges and being secured in place with a buckle; optionally applying a high compression putty over the edges of the straps and buckles and in the cracks; applying a corrosion resistant coating over the installed compression straps and tubular member surface in the pipe repair zone; and applying a composite wrap material over the applied corrosion resistant coating in the pipe repair zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: MILLIKEN & COMPANY
    Inventor: James M. Souza
  • Patent number: 9027605
    Abstract: An assembly and a method for reinforcing or repairing one or more segments of an existing pipeline, without taking the pipeline out of service and without the need for disassembling the existing pipeline segments that are to be repaired. The assembly incorporates a metallic reinforcement pipe, a front seal ring, a rear seal ring, a front seal ring retention assembly, a rear seal ring retention assembly, and a self-hardening medium receiver. The reinforcement pipe and the seal rings create an annular space between the respective ends of the reinforcement pipe and the external surface of the existing pipeline. The seal rings, seal ring retention assemblies, and the flexible reinforcement pipe, accommodate out-of-round and joint angular displacement conditions of the existing pipeline. A self-hardening medium is injected into the annular space and pressure is maintained on the medium until the medium has set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: B. Nash Williams
  • Patent number: 9027604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sealing means made of a plastically deformable material for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses (2) of elastic material by means of an appliance having at least two jaws, at least one of which is movable towards and away from the other and which, when moving towards each other, crimp the sealing means against the hose (2) for contamination-tight sealing of the same, the sealing means (20) comprises at least one sealing member (4, 4?; 44, 44?; 64, 64?; 74, 74?; 84), which has two opposite ends and an opening (40, 40?) that extends between said ends to allow the at least one sealing member to be slipped onto the hose (2) to be sealed. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a sealing means and an appliance for sealing of hollow hoses and to a method for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Alf Lofving, Jan Davidsson, Anders Karlsson
  • Patent number: 9016324
    Abstract: A method to form a pipe system which meets level II fire endurance standard according to IMO A 18/Res.753 fire testing protocol, for use in oil, gas, exploration, refining and petrochemical applications is provided. In the pipe system, each pipe section comprises a plurality of layers, an inner layer in contact with the corrosive petroleum product comprising a thermoplastic material, a structural layer comprising a composite material, and an outer layer comprising a fire resistive material. The method comprises applying energy to join the corrosion resistant layers of the separate pipe sections together forming a joint, applying an external wrap around the joint and at least a portion of the composite structural layers of the at least two pipe sections, and bonding the external wrap to the joint and the composite structural layers by chemical curing, thermal treatment, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin H. Niccolls, Andrew O'Connor, Grzegorz Jan Jusinski
  • Patent number: 8978709
    Abstract: A device for sealing a leak in a pipe (10) having at least one hole or crack (12), including an elastomer plate (14) applied to the leak site by a force distributor (16), and a tightening strap (20, 22) arranged around the pipe in order to apply a force onto the force distributor. The force distributor includes a support grid and separate force modules, each of the modules being placed so as to be slidable in one of the units of the grid and arranged perpendicular to the pipe so as to apply shear forces to the elastomer plate at the leak site, forcing the elastomer to deform so as to closely match the concave or convex shape of the pipe at the leak site and thus to seal the hole or crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: 3X Engineering
    Inventor: Stanislas Boulet D'Auria
  • Publication number: 20150068633
    Abstract: A composite system for reinforcing a section of a curved metallic structure configured to contain fluids comprises a fabric carrier configured to be saturated with a uniformly dispersed reactive precursor. The reactive precursor chemically configured to activate and harden after removal of the reactive precursor from a protective packaging. The reactive precursor includes a radiopaque substance within a range of about 3 percent to about 50 percent by weight of the reactive precursor. The fabric carrier is adapted to be applied in overlapping layers to a surface of a curved metallic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lazzara, Richard J. Lazzara, Venkatachala S. Minnikanti, Davie Peguero, James R. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20150053296
    Abstract: An assembly for repairing a damaged portion of a fusion bonded epoxy coating on a steel body of a pipe at least partially surrounded by an undamaged portion of the coating. The assembly includes a housing defining a cavity therein and having an opening in communication with the cavity, the housing being attachable to the pipe to locate the cavity in communication with an epoxy patch positioned on the steel body to replace at least the damaged portion. The assembly also includes a heat source positioned for directing heated air heated thereby into the cavity, for curing the epoxy patch. The opening is at least partially defined by a perimeter, and the assembly includes an insulation strip positioned on the perimeter for impeding heat transfer from the housing to the undamaged portion of the coating when the housing is attached to the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Voisin
  • Patent number: 8961017
    Abstract: A sleeve for use in repairing a shaft having an unworn diameter and a worn diameter, the sleeve providing a fresh bearing surface for a split roller bearing, comprising: two halves which, when joined, define a cylinder having a diameter adapted to firmly engage a portion of unworn diameter shaft at each end; bolts holes adapted to releasably affix the halves together, and bolts adapted to attach the halves thereby; joiner pin holes defined in at least one intersection between the halves, the joiner holes adapted to receive joiner pins therein and adapted to serve as a stable joinder point for the halves, and joiner pins adapted to be firmly engaged therein; a smooth bearing surface defined on an external surface of the sleeve; and a split roller bearing adapted to engage the bearing surface. A method for field manufacture of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Mike Muilenburg
  • Patent number: 8944092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable drain device for containing seepage from a pipe-joint coupling as the coupling is broken open. The drain device has a wrap member made of a sheet material sufficiently pliant to be wrapped around the circumference of the pipe-joint coupling and resistant to the seepage composition. A drain means is disposed on the wrap member, having a drain port passing through the surfaces of the wrap member and a drain neck. The drain neck is disposed to direct seepage out of the installed wrap member. After use, the drain device can be disposed of as solid waste, rather than needing to be cleaned if the seepage was a hazardous material. The drain device being “disposable” allows the avoidance of creating an additional hazardous waste stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Danny Earp
  • Publication number: 20150013816
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high compression pipe clamp which in one embodiment has an inner housing and an outer housing. The hollow rigid inner housing may have a first end, an outer diameter, and a first strap bracket. The hollow rigid outer housing may have a first end, and inner diameter and a second strap bracket wherein the inner diameter of the outer housing is larger than the outer diameter of the inner housing to fit thereover. A tensioning device such as for example threaded rod is also disclosed, the threaded rod passing through the inner housing and outer housing and a threaded nut engaging the threads on the threaded rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Carl Brooks, Larry Mehlenbacher
  • Publication number: 20140373958
    Abstract: A pipe repair device (1) is provided for repairing damaged sections of pipe. The device is shaped so as to snugly clip around a major part of the circumference of a damaged pipe (6) so as to cover the damaged area of the pipe. The device (1) has on its inner surface a recessed portion (3) within which a reservoir of solder (5) is retained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Bradley Burkert
  • Patent number: 8887749
    Abstract: An apparatus including flexible tube having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end and the second end. The body portion of the flexible tube may have an inner cavity and a plurality of further openings leading out from the inner cavity. The apparatus may include a first connector, configured to be connected to a water source. The apparatus may further include a non-porous first outer member, having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end of the first outer member and the second end of the first outer member. The first outer member may substantially surround a portion of the flexible tube to block a first set of the plurality of further openings to inhibit liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8882154
    Abstract: A pipe coupling has an outer shell with a flexible inner liner therein. The liner is secured to the shell by a clamping arrangement, which uses inner rings at the ends of the shell. The inner rings are hydraulically expanded out to the shell to form a seal between the shell and the liner. In use, compressed fluid is provided to a cavity between the liner and the shell to force the liner to seal against a pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Clean Blast Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Howell
  • Publication number: 20140290780
    Abstract: A pipe attachment for sealing a leak, the attachment comprising a frame formed by a pair of opposed jaws which when closed define a substantially cylindrical cavity, and a stretchable waterproof membrane secured to the frame; wherein each jaw has a distal end and the frame comprises an intermediate portion located between said opposed distal ends, said jaws having a closed configuration in which said distal ends of the jaws are adjacent to each other, and an open configuration in which said distal ends of the jaws are spaced apart from each other; the frame including a securing means for resisting the opening of the jaws in said closed configuration; and wherein the stretchable waterproof membrane includes opposed end portions, each of said membrane end portions being secured to the distal end portion of a respective jaw and said stretchable waterproof membrane being secured to the frame only via said end portions; the stretchable waterproof membrane having an unstretched configuration when the cavity is empt
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Julian Sheard
  • Patent number: 8833399
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high compression pipe clamp which in one embodiment has a hollow rigid inner housing and a hollow rigid outer housing. The hollow rigid inner housing may have a first end, an outer diameter, and a first strap bracket. The hollow rigid outer housing may have a first end, and inner diameter and a second strap bracket wherein the inner diameter of the outer housing is larger than the outer diameter of the inner housing to fit thereover. A threaded rod is also disclosed, the threaded rod passing through the inner housing and outer housing and a threaded nut engaging the threads on the threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Brooks, Larry Mehlenbacher
  • Patent number: 8808479
    Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Hood
  • Publication number: 20140182729
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sealing a conduit. The apparatus includes a housing, a tube for reciprocably extending through the housing bore, a rod reciprocably extending through the tube, a seal assembly associated with the tube and the rod, wherein the seal assembly includes at least one seal element which expands radially in response to an axial setting force, a proximal collar associated with the tube for engaging with a proximal end of the seal assembly, and a distal collar associated with the rod for engaging with a distal end of the seal assembly, wherein moving the rod axially relative to the tube in a proximal direction results in the axial setting force being applied to the seal assembly. The method includes using the apparatus to perform maintenance or repair on the conduit or its associated fittings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TREADSTONE OILFIELD SERVICES LTD.
    Inventor: Colin Bourne
  • Patent number: 8721822
    Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Hood
  • Patent number: 8720490
    Abstract: A tubular assembly to engage a leaking pipe under water includes an insert, a triangular shaped front guide, an outer annular sleeve, and a fluid supply assembly. The insert is hallow, tubular in shape and construction, and includes a first end, second end and an exterior surface containing a plurality of inflatable bladders and flanges. The front guide attaches to the first end of the insert, and includes a retarder tube to collect fluid from the leaking pipe. The outer annular sleeve is sized to surround both the insert and the leaking pipe, and includes retaining bolts capable of engaging the leaking pipe. The fluid supply assembly fills each inflatable bladder and includes a supply line, a distribution tube, a plurality of feed lines that communicates with each inflatable bladder via an injector, and check valves placed between each inflatable bladder and each feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: James Burns
  • Publication number: 20140124043
    Abstract: A pipe jack including a sprocket head having radial projections, a hydraulic jack having a ram plunger at a top end and a base at a bottom end, a base plate and a roller chain sized to engage with the radial projections in various embodiments. In one embodiment, arc sprockets are provided in parallel on the sprocket head with each sprocket having a chord, connecting the arc ends, defining a flat surface across the arc sprocket. The chain engages with the arc sprockets and are adjacent and axially offset. The sprocket head having a support plate with a top and bottom surface, the top surface fixedly engaged with the arc sprockets. A receiving tube can be axially centered on and fixedly engaged with the support plate bottom surface. The pipe jack can be used to lift and position a half sole repair sleeve along a pipe to be repaired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph R. Helmin, Jessica A. Lobello