Abstract: A device for inserting a pipe into an elongated cavity, comprising at least two pipe grippers which can be moved along a curved path and which are arranged and designed in such a way that they grip around the pipe at least in sections and, in the gripped state, they move curved at least for a portion.

Abstract: A method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes covering a defect in a pipeline section with a composite wrap, isolating the wrap from the ambient environment, and applying a compressive force on the wrap so that the pressure on the wrap is substantially equal to the pipeline pressure. Isolating the wrap involves the use of a housing having a cavity that substantially conforms to the shape of the wrapped section. The cavity may contain a pressurized gas or liquid. Because the pressure acting on the surface of the wrap is at least substantially equal to the pressure of the pipeline section, the wrap cures as if the pipeline is at zero pressure. Once the wrap has effectively cured, the compressive force may be relieved and the housing removed. The composite is now under load and is immediately sharing load with the pipeline.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for potting an electronic device. The apparatus comprises an enclosure having a first inner volume with the electronic device disposed therein; a fill control element disposed within the first inner volume, wherein a second inner volume of the fill control element is fluidly coupled to the first inner volume; and a sealant disposed within a remaining portion of the first inner volume, the remaining portion not occupied by the electronic device or the fill control element, wherein air is trapped within at least a first portion of the second inner volume.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus for covering a cylindrical roll core with an elastomeric material, the roll core having a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface for receiving the elastomeric material thereon, the apparatus comprising a pair of opposed vertically aligned rotatable chucks for receiving and securing the roll core therebetween for rotation of the roll core about its longitudinal axis, the chucks holding the roll core vertically stationary, a dispenser for helically winding a length of flexible tape around the roll core from the bottom to the top thereof in spaced apart relation to the roll core's outer surface to form a containment sheath defining an annular space between the outer surface and said tape, said tape being wound in response to rotation of the roll core by the chucks, a mixing head for discharging the elastomeric material into the annular space concurrently with the space's formation as the flexible tape is wound around the roll core, a support for the dispenser

Abstract: Method for the centralization of drill casings in a tight borehole, both vertical and deviated, comprising the following operations: Application on the casing section in question, of an adherence strip equipped with one or more housings and rapid adjustable lever closure; Insertion of suitable molds in the housings of which the strip is equipped; Injection into the molds of plastic material characterized by a high mechanical resistance, a high degree of surface adhesion and resistance to abrasion by friction, and also in-place elasticity, higher than the elasticity of the casings; Removal of the adherence strip once the hardening of the plastic material in the shape of the mold, has been completed.

Abstract: A multi-chip package comprises a double-sided circuit board having first and second surfaces. Each surface has a package area and a peripheral area. Each package area has a chip mounting area on which a chip is attached, and a bonding area with which the chip is electrically connected. The peripheral area of the first surface has a runner area on which molding compound flows, and the peripheral area of the second surface has external connection pattern with which the bonding areas are electrically connected. In particular, the circuit board has gate holes, which are co-located on each surface to result in a common hole.

Abstract: An abrasive pad having dots of abrasive material disposed thereon includes a central alignment hole. The abrasive pad is formed by slipping a backing pad having a central alignment hole onto an alignment stud that extends from a support surface through the central alignment hole. A mold having a plurality of fill holes and an alignment hole is then placed against the backing pad such that a portion of the alignment stud extends into the mold alignment hole. A mixture of abrasive material is deposited into the fill holes. Heat is applied and the mold is removed. The abrasive material is allowed to cure to create an abrasive pad having abrasive dots.

Abstract: A bricklaying tool includes a mortar guide member having a slot for reception of mortar when the tool is placed on a course of bricks when building a wall. The mortar guide member has a brick engagement panel. An upstanding mortar retaining flange is provided having a rear edge of the panel. A spirit level is mounted on the flange. The slot is open ended with a stiffening strut mounted across the open end which also forms a handle.

Abstract: A method of fitting a holding block to a semifinished ophthalmic lens blank (1) intended to have a predetermined prism, which method includes the following steps:

Abstract: A method of increasing the structural strength of a load bearing member such as a pile (12), particularly for the purpose of repairing a damaged pile, includes the steps of securing a rigid, structural sleeve (17) around the pile (12) and spaced therefrom to form an interspace (18), filling the interspace (18) with an expansive filler (19), and allowing the filler (19) to set and expand in the interspace (18) to a prestress of at least 3 MPa and impose tensile hoop stresses in the sleeve (17) and corresponding compressive hoop stresses in the pile (12) to enhance the load transfer between the pile (12) and the sleeve (17).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes: a pair of substrates; polymer walls; and a display medium interposed between the pair of substrates, including a liquid crystal region partially provided with or completely surrounded by the polymer walls. The liquid crystal region includes a liquid crystal material having a helical pitch, the helical pitch being either unchanged or reduced upon rise in temperature.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for in situ repair of damaged bearing surfaces of shafts or journals. The apparatus consists of a bracket assembly supporting a forming material axially aligned with and sized to the damaged shaft or journal. The former stock is self-sizing to the diameter of the damaged shaft or journal encountered. After cure of the repair material used with the invention, a new surface is created, which is then ready to accept a replacement bearing. The apparatus is reusable for subsequent repair needs.

Abstract: A method and assembly (20) to form a cast concrete panel (21). The assembly (20) has end beams between which tendons (23) can pass. The beams need to be able to support tensioning of the tendons. Transversely extending form members (25) cooperate with form members (27) to enclose a space to receive concrete to form the panel (21). The tendons (23) pass through the space.

Abstract: A system for filling a gap between jacket ends at a joint between two lengths of jacketed pipe is disclosed, comprising: a mold and two pairs of side straps encircling the mold. The mold comprises a sheet of material having first and second ends and opposing side edges, the sheet including a pair of slots cut into the side edges at a predetermined distance from the second end and defining a flap. One pair of straps encircles the mold but passes under the flap through the slots. The second pair of straps encircles the mold and passes over the flap. The mold is positioned around a pipe joint so as to define an annular gap and an infill material is placed in the gap.

Abstract: A molding machine includes a mold composed of lower and upper mold sections. A recess is defined in the lower mold section to receive a lead frame or other objects. The lead frame is sandwiched between the upper and lower mold sections. A mold cavity is defined in the lower mold section below the recess so as to receive a thermosetting resin or encapsulant. A gasket groove is defined adjacent to the mold cavity to receive a gasket. The gasket is subject to plastic deformation upon application of force. An oil chamber is communicated with the gasket groove and contains hydraulic oil. The hydraulic oil is pressurized to urge the gasket against the lead frame. As a result, the gasket is so deformed as to closely contact the surface of the lead frame and seal the mold cavity. The hydraulic oil is preferably mixed with thermoplastic resin in powder form.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gripping of plants located in a container is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a pushing element, which pushes the ball of the plant upwardly from underneath, until the ball is released for a substantial part above the container. Then the ball is gripped by a number of gripping arms, movable in a horizontal direction, which transports the ball including the plant to its destination. To be able to push the ball upwards the continer comprises at location of each of the cavities for the balls a guiding channel for the pushing element. This channel has a cross-section of a star-like configuration, the number of points thereof coinciding with the number of points of the pushing element.

Abstract: A cover for a storm drain collection box is formed usig falsework that includes a portion that is prefabricated and another portion that is constructed in-situ. The prefabricated portion of the falsework is used to form the throat section of the collection box inlet and can be mass produced under quality- and research-controlled conditions. The in-situ constructed portions of the falsework permit it to be modified according to the needs of the particular collection box. Alternatively, both the cover and the collection box can be precast for in-situ assembly.

Abstract: The mortar cap receives cementitious materials therewithin, such as cement, mortar, and the like, to define a footing for a manhole frame, and has a base frame with a pair of concentric, spaced-apart walls, and an ancillary frame, also with a pair of concentric, spaced-apart walls. The base frame is set within the ancillary frame, and the latter is slidably and vertically displaceable relative to the base frame. The ancillary frame has a plurality of knobs projecting from walls thereof which confront given walls of the base frame, and the given walls of the base frame has a plurality of racks of ribs which confront the knobs. With vertical displacement of the ancillary frame, or a sector of the ancillary frame, the latter is arrestingly held in the displacement due to an interference of the knobs and ribs, and an engagement of the knobs with a pair of the ribs.

Abstract: In the progressive forming and laying of an undersea pipeline the welded joints between the ends of pipes pre-coated with a corrosion protection coating and an outer concrete weighting coating are protected by a mastic coating applied by clamping a mould around the pipeline joint to form a cavity between the joint and the mould, filling the cavity with mastic by forcing into it under pressure a charge of mastic at a temperature of not more than 70.degree. C., releasing the pressure and opening and removing the mould. The mastic coating is applied up to the level of the concrete coating adjacent the joint.

Abstract: In a low pressure mold, the mold parts have surfaces for forming a mold cavity and which are covered in a thermally insulating coating with a thickness from 0.005 inches to 0.050 inches. The coating may be formed from epoxy resin or polytetrafluorethylene. Also provided is a sealing member for a low pressure mold, the sealing member having in-series edge regions around a body and each edge region is formed with a semi-circular sealing edge or arrangement of edges. The sealing edge or arrangement of edges of each edge region is different from other edge regions. When the two sealing members are mounted upon mold halves at each end of a low pressure mold, they may be changed in position to locate any associated pair of sealing edges in opposition across the mold closure line.

Abstract: This bearing ring is of the kind comprising, for contact with the semi-finished blank to be processed, a limited number of bearing areas appropriately distributed circumferentially around the axis of the assembly. The planes tangential to the ends of each of the bearing areas form between them a dihedron, the bearing surface that a bearing area of this kind provides being in practice generally convex.

Abstract: Making a gas pressurizable closure for a splice region of a telecommunications cable in which plastic ends of the closure are molded in position by locating molds for the ends in axially spaced-apart positions one at each side of the splice region. While the cable is allowed to follow its natural path through and between the molds, the molds are held fixed relative to one another and aligned with one another and the plastic ends are molded. A shroud means of the closure is then located between and sealed to the plastic ends with the cable still following its natural path.

Abstract: A column form support system and method are set forth encasing steel in concrete. Included are support members which are affixed to the steel and extend outwardly therefrom. A concrete form is exerted about the steel, the support members being adjustable to bear against, and support and align the form relative to the steel. Concrete is poured into the form to encase the steel, the support members maintaining the proper alignment of the form. After the concrete has hardened, the form is disassembled.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure for reinforced-concrete buildings, comprises a servicing portion which can be dismantled and a fixed structural portion which shall remain embedded in the concrete casting and consists of an iron latticework which is also intended to support the servicing portion. The servicing portion comprises spacer elements and sidewall elements having stiffening reinforcements and members and elements are provided to releasably latching the spacer elements and the sidewall elements to the latticework framing. Such a reinforcement structure also makes possible a novel building method.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for coating the uncovered end portions or stubs of pipe sections after they have been welded together. A belt is maintained in tension out of contact with the pipe until the pipe stubs are welded together and coating operations are to begin. The belt is then wrapped onto the pipes forming an annular cavity about the welded stubs. Chain reinforcing mesh is also applied to the exterior of the belt for support. An expanding foam which sets into a hard coating is then injected into the cavity. Once the foam hardens and fills the cavity, the belt and reinforcement are unwrapped from the coated joint and moved away from the pipe.

Abstract: A flexible wrapping is adapted to fit around a section of pipe or pipeline requiring repair. The wrapping has inner and outer skins and a plurality of tags for limiting the separation between the skins. The wrapping is sealed in position around the pipe or pipeline by means of straps. A mould forming material is introduced through a filler into the space between the skins and then allowed to solidify. A sealant is then introduced under pressure through an injector into the mound space between the inner skin and the pipe or pipeline. A pressure gauge indicates the pressure in the mould space. Gases may escape from the mould space through a vent. The invention provides a method of and apparatus for repairing a leak in a pipe or pipeline.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for forming the deck and associated coping of a pool. The pool defines and encloses a central area for receiving and retaining water and includes a substantially vertical wall; a horizontal support surface adjacent to and intersecting the pool wall to define a horizontal edge at the top of the wall; a flexible sheet of waterproof material for lining the pool, the liner having a peripheral edge; and a liner retainer secured to and extending continuously along the horizontal support surface adjacent the horizontal edge of the pool wall and having a channel extending along the length thereof contoured to receive the peripheral edge of the liner, the channel opening toward the central area of the pool. The improved apparatus includes a continuous strip of semirigid material and an elongate member for supporting the strip.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for forming the deck and associated coping of a pool. The pool defines and encloses a central area for receiving and retaining water and includes a substantially vertical wall and a generally horizontal bond surface adjacent the wall, the bond surface and pool wall intersecting at and defining a horizontal edge along the upper portion of the pool wall. The improved apparatus comprises a continuous strip of semirigid material and an elongate support member for maintaining the strip of material in position against the upper portion of the pool wall.

Abstract: An injection mold for coaxial cable joints comprises a longitudinally split inner sleeve of duralumin which is placed around the cable joint and a longitudinally split outer jacket of steel. The outer jacket has a bore closely fitting the inner sleeve. The two halves of the outer jacket are readily assembled and disassembled by the use of axially engaging dovetails. The sleeve and jacket have cooperating filling and vent holes and the outer jacket is formed with integral heating and cooling channels.

Abstract: A reusable plugging dam for bowling balls is provided for retaining suitable filling compound until set or hard in and somewhat above a finger hole of the ball to be filled such that sufficient filling compound is present to allow for shrinkage during curing or hardening, and be ground and polished to conform to the spherical shape of the ball. The dam includes a body and a suction structure for securing the body to the ball and prevent seepage of the filling compound between the ball and the dam. The body has a port therethrough so as to allow filling of the finger hole with filling compound. Dams are provided for single or multiple finger holes. In addition a dam is provided for use in conjunction with another dam and in particular for filling horizontally aligned holes, this dam having a cover to retain the filling compound in the dam.

Abstract: Disclosed is reusable form for constructing concrete cantilevered decking around a swimming pool of any shape. The form includes an anchoring member, a plurality of adjustable brackets connected to the anchoring member, and a pair of long flexible members lying between the anchoring member and the brackets. One of the flexible members has a width substantially equal to the desired overhang of the cantilevered decking while the second flexible member extends in height above the first flexible member to the desired thickness of the cantilevered decking. In operation, the form is rigidly connected via the anchoring member to the top portion of the walls of the pool. The adjustable brackets provide a means for moving the second flexible member to the desired thickness and grade of the overhang. And after the decking has hardened, the form is removed for reuse on other pools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cured polyethylene insulation about high voltage cables by applying uncured polyethylene around a core of the cable. The polyethylene is heated, cured and then cooled to room temperature in a pressurized nitrogen gas atmosphere. In one form the molding apparatus comprises first and second mold forms which define a cavity and which include means for heating the mold halves to the polyethylene curing temperature. Means is also provided to introduce the pressurized nitrogen into the cavity and for subjecting cable portions that extend beyond the mold to pressurized nitrogen until such cable portions are sufficiently cooled to prevent their deformation under pressure, to prevent the oxidation of polyethylene and/or to prevent the formation of voids or enclosures.

Abstract: A brick laying device comprises a rectangular frame which fits on a course of bricks. The central aperture in the frame defines a trough for a mortar layer to be laid on top of the bricks. At least one longitudinally extending member of the frame has a right angle section, of which one arm extends inwardly over the top of the bricks, and the other extends downwardly on the outside of the bricks to locate the frame on the bricks and to check the linearity of the course.

Abstract: A font used during the plugging of bowling ball finger holes consisting of an annular member defining a chamber placed upon the bowling ball surface about the finger hole to be plugged. The font body includes a base having a concave supporting surface corresponding to the configuration of the bowling ball, and attachment means attach the font to the ball during use. The font is formed of an easily machinable material, such as synthetic plastic, and may be simultaneously machined from the ball during machining of the plugging compound and resurfacing of the ball.

Abstract: A leaking joint in a pipeline is sealed by locating a separable mould around the joint to form in conjunction with the pipeline a mould chamber enclosing the joint. Sealant is injected into the mould chamber and the volume of the mould chamber is reduced by deforming a flexible wall of the chamber to pressurize the sealant to a pressure above that inside the pipeline until the sealant has solidified around the joint.