By Polymerizing, Cross-linking, Or Curing (e.g., Hardening, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/36.22)
  • Patent number: 10160005
    Abstract: During an example coating method, a metallic substrate is provided. A foundation coat precursor is applied on the metallic substrate. The foundation coat precursor includes a matrix and a plurality of capsules present in the matrix. Each capsule includes a shell and a healing agent surrounded by the shell. A basecoat precursor is applied, and a clearcoat precursor is applied. The metallic substrate, the foundation coat precursor, the basecoat precursor, and the clearcoat precursor are heated i) after each respective application or ii) simultaneously, in order to cure the foundation coat, basecoat, and clearcoat precursors and respectively form a foundation coat, a basecoat, and a clearcoat. The foundation coat is ultraviolet (UV) stable and bonds the metallic substrate to the basecoat and the clearcoat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Hua-tzu Fan, Jorge F. Arinez, Alejandro Hernan Plazas Torres
  • Patent number: 9011618
    Abstract: A method for adhesive application in vehicle construction during joining of joining partners which are subject to tolerances comprises the following steps: detecting the geometric data of the joining partners in an automated manner, detecting the joint gap dimensions of the joining partners from the detected geometric data, joining the joining partners in the joining position thereof, and applying the adhesive in the joint gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Niermann, Holger Frauen
  • Patent number: 8858747
    Abstract: A method for preventive maintenance of a boat hull to restore the integrity of a fiberglass boat hull and prevent new water infiltration damage to a boat hull. The wet area repair guidelines using a surface moisture meter. Any balsa cored area reading 15% or above is considered a wet area. Any wood cored area reading 20% or above is considered a wet area. The preventive maintenance steps involve removing all through-hull fittings or hardware. Wet core areas are then dried out using heat lamps, lights or heaters, hot-vac systems, or octopus vacuum with grid system. If necessary, any area not drying out is de-cored and repaired accordingly. After repairs are finished, all through-hull fillings or hardware is reinstalled using new sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Stephan DeTurris
  • Patent number: 8747592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing a fiber composite solid member having a locally deteriorated surface area, such as having cracks or creases. The solid member may e.g. be a mold for the manufacturing of wind turbine blades or such blades. The method comprises machining a surface section comprising the locally deteriorated surface area in order to obtain a recess having a predefined depth and circumferential shape, placing a repair patch having a predefined thickness and circumferential shape matching the recess in the recess, and fastening the repair patch to the solid member by use of a binder material. At least some of the elastic and thermal properties of the repair patch and the binder material are so that after fastening, the repair patch and the binder material in combination have elastic and thermal properties which are substantially the same as the corresponding properties of the surface section before machining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Knud Nielsen Stenbaek, Alex Olesen, Henning Schröder
  • Patent number: 8728376
    Abstract: A method for restoring and reusing railroad ties and the resulting product are disclosed. According to the method, otherwise spent wooden ties are sorted as to their apparent suitability for providing a core for reuse. Those found unsuitable are discarded, while those found to be suitable are milled or trimmed about their dimensions to define a suitable core. That core is banded about a transverse perimeter and then submitted to a reaction injection molding process by which urethane or other suitable polymers impregnate the various voids, holes and cracks in the core, bond with the bands, and define a finish unit having the overall size and configuration of previously known railroad ties. The encapsulated product is then capped or plugged at the ends to ensure that the resulting product is impervious to penetration by the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: TJ Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Torben Djerf, John D. Eisenhut
  • Patent number: 8623253
    Abstract: Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Scott T. Jolley, Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Clyde F. Parrish, Steven L. Parks
  • Patent number: 8551383
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the localized working of a structural component that comprises a foam material reinforced by at least one strut at a working location. Firstly, the foam material is selectively removed, while leaving the at least one strut, within a strut connecting zone in the region of the working location. Subsequently, the strut connecting zone is filled with a filling material and the at least one strut is connected to the filling material in the strut connecting zone. From a further aspect, a sandwich component which comprises a foam core is provided. An embedding part is at least partially embedded in the foam core and at least partially surrounded by a layer of filling material. At least one strut is incorporated in the foam material, fastened at one end to the surface of the foam core and integrated at another end in the layer of filling material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Weber, Gregor Christian Endres
  • Publication number: 20130140726
    Abstract: A system for encapsulating a cable 12 for the purpose of splice closures, breakout closures, jacket repair closures or end capping, in which a casing is fitted around a part of the cable to be sealed, defining within it a cavity surrounding the cable, and a sealant material in the form of a two part acrylic structural adhesive material is injected to fill the cavity and cured in situ. The two part adhesive has a base resin including a methacrylate monomer and a minor part including an oligomeric synthetic rubber and a curative for the monomer, preferably an organoborane accelerator such as an organoborane amine complex, which may be carried by a polyfunctional aziridine. The two parts are preferably mixed at a volume ratio of 2:1 to 15:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS UK LTD
    Inventor: Tyco Electronics UK Ltd
  • Patent number: 8277705
    Abstract: A method for restoring a damaged rail seat located on a concrete rail tie. The method comprises applying a polymeric material comprising a poly(urethane-urea) material to the damaged rail seat located on the concrete rail tie; and restoring the damaged rail seat by curing the polymeric material under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. The polymeric material is substantially sag resistant and maintains its shape without substantial runoff from the concrete rail tie during the restoring of the damage rail seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Willamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Craig B. Stolarczyk, Robert M. Loomis, Paul D. Rogers, Omar Tiba
  • Patent number: 8268104
    Abstract: A method of using UV cationic epoxy to repair cracks and breaks windshields in order to eliminate oxygen inhibition and shrinkage. The method includes embodiments that employ pretreatment or priming of the of a crack or break in order to negate the moisture and PVB retardation of the UV cationic epoxy polymerization and mixing the UV cationic epoxy and a UV radical resin to create a hybrid or; adding other ingredients to the UV cationic epoxy to negate the moisture and PVB retardation; and use of the UV cationic epoxy as a cap over repair resin/epoxy and as a pit filler. Other combinations of materials and procedures are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hybrid Windshield Repair, LLC
    Inventor: Richard A. Campfield
  • Publication number: 20120187204
    Abstract: A method for restoring and reusing railroad ties and the resulting product are disclosed. According to the method, otherwise spent wooden ties are sorted as to their apparent suitability for providing a core for reuse. Those found unsuitable are discarded, while those found to be suitable are milled or trimmed about their dimensions to define a suitable core. That core is banded about a transverse perimeter and then submitted to a reaction injection molding process by which urethane or other suitable polymers impregnate the various voids, holes and cracks in the core, bond with the bands, and define a finish unit having the overall size and configuration of previously known railroad ties. The encapsulated product is then capped or plugged at the ends to ensure that the resulting product is impervious to penetration by the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Torben Djerf, John D. Eisenhut
  • Patent number: 8197623
    Abstract: A thermal and vacuum assessment method includes providing a composite part having a repair area, installing a vacuum bag over the repair area, drawing a vacuum on the vacuum bag, testing for air leaks in the vacuum bag, heating the vacuum bag and obtaining a thermal image of the repair area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Everett A. Westerman
  • Publication number: 20120093659
    Abstract: A rotor blade or rotor blade element for a wind power installation is provided having a surface film and a hardenable resin, wherein the surface film has been reacted with the resin to form an integral portion of the rotor blade or rotor blade element. Production and repair processes for the rotor blade or the rotor blade element are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Sven Muschke, Torsten Link
  • Publication number: 20120003463
    Abstract: A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Carolyn Dry
  • Patent number: 8088237
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for the forming or curing of polymer composites, the method including the step of: forming or curing the polymer composite in the presence of water vapor at about atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Composites Engineering Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Alex Michael Haywood
  • Patent number: 7968021
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the incorporation of a substructure into tooling for constructing composite structures in order to control thermal expansion of the tooling during aerospace manufacturing processes. Substructure, such as headers and/or gussets is added to the tooling to constrain the growth of the laminate expansion and/or control the diametric growth of the tool during the curing cycle. The thickness of the face-sheet of the tooling also may be reduced in order to further reduce the effective coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Russell Cleary, Jr., Casey Grant Litaker, Todd Leland Newkirk, Joshua Joseph Doyon
  • Patent number: 7935200
    Abstract: A protocol for determining process parameters for debulking composite laminates is established using a standardized double vacuum debulk (DVD) process. This allows for the development of a rapid fabrication process for thick laminates of toughened carbon/epoxy composite materials. The protocol provides for obtaining cure and current consolidation information of a composite material system as a preliminary baseline. A test matrix is prepared for varying time/temp profiles to pursue better results or find process limits and the testing defined by the matrix is run with variations of time/temp DVD profiles to confirm data values. Results for the process variations in the test matrix are then assessed. An optimum consolidation is determined and process points are defined at which quality drops off. The protocol results are then applied to part preparation for the material tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell L. Keller, John F. Spalding
  • Patent number: 7927449
    Abstract: A cured sandwiched article may be used to enhance a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a cured sandwiched article may include a core sandwiched between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers cured to conform to a surface of a vehicle. A cured sandwiched article may be made by steps including shaping a core, positioning the core between one or more backing layers and one or more top layers to form the sandwiched article, and curing the sandwiched article. A cured sandwiched article may be connected to a surface of a vehicle by providing adhesive to a bottom surface of the cured sandwiched article, positioning the cured sandwiched article on a surface of the vehicle, and curing the adhesive. In some embodiments, the cured sandwiched article may include a plurality of fiber-optic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Eclipse Investment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Dehn, Tadao Kodate
  • Publication number: 20110057340
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-encapsulated self-repairing polymerizable composition that comprises at least one selected polymerizable compound to be integrated into organic, inorganic or composite materials for the self-repairing of damages incurred in the use conditions thereof, characterised in that micro-encapsulated polymerizable composition is integrated alone into said materials and, after the release of the microcapsule and in the absence of a catalyst, spontaneously polymerises in the presence of a polymerisation-triggering agent that is absent in said materials but naturally occurs during the use thereof, thus repairing said damages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Catalyse
    Inventors: Alain Perichaud, Mickael Devassine
  • Patent number: 7857925
    Abstract: A protocol for determining process parameters for debulking composite laminates is established using a standardized a double vacuum debulk (DVD) process. This allows for the development of a rapid fabrication process for thick laminates of toughened carbon/epoxy composite materials. For rework, a single piece multilayer patch is made available for bonding with an adhesive layer to a prepared structural area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell L. Keller, John F. Spalding
  • Patent number: 7707673
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hardening portions of ballet pointe shoes include applying quantities of a mixed two-part epoxy resin to broken-down or softer-than-desired portions of the shoes. In some embodiments, epoxy resin is applied to interior surfaces of the toe box and/or shank portions of the shoe. In some embodiments, epoxy resin can also be applied to select exterior portions of the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Tanya Durbin
  • Patent number: 7632557
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for restoring at least one means defining a railroad spike hole located in a used railroad tie. In this way, the restored railroad tie can be reused in subsequent rail replacement operations. The restored railroad tie is capable of having a railroad spike penetrate and be retained within the confines of the restored railroad spike hole without substantial bending problems. The used railroad tie provided has at least one spike hole located therein. In each the means defining a railroad spike hole is formed a polymeric plug. The polymeric plug comprises a polymeric plug formed of a polymeric material including a plurality of flexible, readily deformable micro-inclusions which allow the formation of spike insertion pathways that track the insertion forces of the railroad spike as it is driven into a material thereby facilitating introduction of the railroad spike into said polymeric plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Williamette Valley Company
    Inventors: Craig B. Stolarczyk, Paul D. Rogers, Philip N. Cote
  • Publication number: 20090278271
    Abstract: A method for thermally revitalizing a damaged polymer-containing material, consisting essentially of applying heat from an external heat source to the surface of the object to temporarily raise the surface temperature of the object above the softening point of the polymer is disclosed. A device for performing thermal revitalization on a polymer-containing material is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jason L. Wolfe, Phillip Kleinlauth
  • Publication number: 20090212452
    Abstract: A method for restoring a worn rail clip shoulder located on a concrete rail tie. The method comprises applying a polymeric material to the worn rail clip shoulder located on the concrete rail tie; and restoring the worn rail clip shoulder by curing the polymeric material. The polymeric material is substantially sag resistant and maintains its shape without substantial runoff from the concrete rail tie during the restoring of the worn rail clip shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: WILLAMETTE VALLEY COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig B. Stolarczyk, Paul D. Rogers, Alan Pagni
  • Publication number: 20080237937
    Abstract: A process for enhancing a gripping area of an object, providing a frictionally enhanced, moisture repellent, sure-grip gripping surface, achieved by less than one second ultraviolet radiation curing of an ultraviolet-curable coating applied over polymeric fibers enveloping the gripping surface of the object. This inexpensive three step process uses commonly available, low-cost materials, minimal energy, is environmentally friendly, does not require repeated steps, thermosetting, vulcanization, caustic chemicals, molds, molding techniques, and gluing a molded cover onto a surface. Also, metallicized objects where metallicizing imparts superior strength to objects reducing or eliminating breakage and/or splintering when impacted, by a ball if object is a bat reducing or eliminating potential lethal hazards often imparted to a ball when hit by aluminum bats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Ben Aaron
  • Patent number: 7381355
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg S.A.R.L.-Zug Branch
    Inventors: Philip Rawlins, Douglas Scott MacArthur, Robert Ian Lister, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • Patent number: 7368073
    Abstract: In a method for filling pores between two adjacent layers of a laminate for a component with high demands upon strength and comprising several layers of fibre composite having within each layer substantially parallel fibres embedded in a matrix, a connection path is created, through which a medium may move inside the laminate, between the exterior of the laminate and the pore by exerting the laminate at least in the region of the pore for forces making slots to propagate substantially in the matrix through each laminate layer along the fibre direction of the layer. A flowing, curable material is after that applied at an outer surface of the laminate and this is brought to fill the pore through the connection path. Finally, the material filling the pore is brought to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: SAAB
    Inventors: Max Krogager, Jan Vaara
  • Patent number: 7279056
    Abstract: When two structural components are to be joined, for example, when an aircraft skin section is to be secured to a stringer by an adhesive bonding, it is important that the joining surface areas are well-fitted to each other to avoid the formation of air inclusions in the joint because air inclusions weaken the mechanical strength of the joint. Thus, a surface topography that is not smooth or well-fitted must be smoothed out prior to the joining. For this purpose the surface areas to be joined are optically scanned to provide topographical information for each surface area that needs to be smoothed out. The topographical information is processed to ascertain the configuration and volume of the surface topography that needs to be filled with a filler material to produce a smooth surface without hills and dales. A respective control signal is produced and fed to a dosing equipment which supplies the exact volume of filler material required for smoothing the surface topography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Tilmann Weisser
  • Patent number: 7276134
    Abstract: A method includes blasting the interior surfaces of the fitting to stator bar strand joint with CO2 pellets to remove loose copper oxide which otherwise would interfere with proper sealing between an epoxy and the copper surfaces of the joint. After cleaning the surfaces and applying air under pressure to remove particulate material, epoxy is applied to the brazed joints followed by an evacuation of the fitting to strand joint. Subsequent release of the vacuum ensures that the epoxy fills in all crevices or cracks at the joint surfaces and minimizes or eliminates any tendency of the epoxy to delaminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Raymond Grant Rowe
  • Patent number: 7252727
    Abstract: A method to repair moisture damaged wood core boat hulls remotely identifies and repairs all wet core hull areas and optionally performs preventive maintenance on dry hull areas to restore the integrity of a fiberglass boat hull and prevent new water infiltration damage to a boat hull. The wet area repair guidelines using a surface moisture mete Any balsa cored area reading 15% or above is considered a wet area. Any wood cored area reading 20% or above is considered a wet area. The repair steps involves removing all through-hull fittings or hardware. Wet core areas are then dried out using heat lamps, lights or heaters, hot-vac systems, or octopus vacuum with grid system. If necessary, any area not drying out is de-cored and repaired accordingly. After repairs are finished, all through-hull fillings or hardware is reinstalled using new sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Stephan DeTurris
  • Patent number: 7208057
    Abstract: When two structural components are to be joined, for example, when an aircraft skin section is to be secured to a stringer by an adhesive bonding, it is important that the joining surface areas are plane to avoid the formation of air inclusions in the joint because air inclusions weaken the mechanical strength of the joint. Thus, a surface topography that is not plane must be smoothed out prior to the joining. For this purpose the surface areas to be joined are optically scanned to provide topographical information for each surface area that needs to be smoothed out for providing a plane joining surface. The topographical information is processed to ascertain the configuration and volume of the surface topography that needs to be filled with a filler material to produce a plane surface or at least a smooth surface without hills and dales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Tilmann Weisser
  • Patent number: 7204901
    Abstract: Liquid laminating resin systems are used to attribute hurricane resistant properties to insulated glass window units. The activated resin system is then deposited on a single piece of float glass with the containment insulating unit or the resin can be injected between the air space of an existing insulated unit. In the first case, the second piece of glass completes the insulating unit. In both cases, the resin is allowed to cure 3–4 hours. The finished insulated and impact-resistant glass unit can then be installed into the window frame structure. Preferred resins include multiple component polyurethanes and special low shrinkage polyester systems with Argon gas between the glass layers after the resin has cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Zicron Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Edward Bayha, James Lunde
  • Patent number: 7140854
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg S.a.r.l.-Zug Branch
    Inventors: Philip Rawlins, Douglas Scott MacArthur, Robert Ian Lister, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • Patent number: 7029255
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Philip Rawlins, Douglas Scott MacArthur, Robert Ian Lister, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • Patent number: 6919038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing thick-walled brushes, in particular toothbrushes, with a grip piece and a brush head supporting bristle filaments. In order to increase the productivity, the method mentioned at the start is further developed by the present invention in that a core produced in a first injection molding cycle is coated with a plastic component in at least one subsequent injection molding cycle so as to form a multi-layered grip piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: M + C Schiffer GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Meyer, Andreas Walgenbach, Armin Seifert
  • Patent number: 6884373
    Abstract: A method for securing a branch assembly to a “live” pipeline. An upper part of the assembly incorporating the branch is positioned on the pipeline over a containment ring located on the pipeline and within which is an annular seal surrounding an area from which the branch is to extend. A lower part of the assembly is positioned on the pipeline beneath the upper part and the two parts are secured together so that the seal is compressed and an annular space is left between the two parts and the external surface of the pipeline. Grout is injected into the annular space and cures to bond the two parts forming the branch assembly in position on the pipeline. The use of grout avoids having to use welding techniques on a “live” pipeline. A coupon can be cut out of the pipeline, via the access through the branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property Limited
    Inventors: Leigh Martin Johnson, Christopher Hughes, Dan Quoc Vu
  • Publication number: 20040182492
    Abstract: In a method for filling pores between two adjacent layers of a laminate for a component with high demands upon strength and comprising several layers of fibre composite having within each layer substantially parallel fibres embedded in a matrix, a connection path is created, through which a medium may move inside the laminate, between the exterior of the laminate and the pore by exerting the laminate at least in the region of the pore for forces making slots to propagate substantially in the matrix through each laminate layer along the fibre direction of the layer. A flowing, curable material is after that applied at an outer surface of the laminate and this is brought to fill the pore through the connection path. Finally, the material filling the pore is brought to cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Max Krogager, Jan Vaara
  • Patent number: 6783709
    Abstract: Self-healing copolymeric materials comprising a plurality of intermediate strength crosslinks are provided. The copolymeric materials comprise a silicon component and a plurality of crosslinking components. The crosslinking components comprise a polymeric structure forming a structure held together by ionic and/or hydrogen bonding with a net intermediate strength. The plurality of intermediate strength crosslinks provide toughness to the material, and allow for rehealing by allowing reforming of the crosslinks after a disruptive stress incidence. The material is also suited for recasting, and can be used as an active matrix by incorporating additional substances. Articles of manufacture incorporating such materials, and methods of recasting such materials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: John H. Harreld, Michael S. Wong, Paul K. Hansma, Daniel E. Morse, Galen D. Stucky
  • Publication number: 20040065972
    Abstract: Preparing a form of a vehicle body part conforming to a corresponding damaged body part. Usually the form is prepared from a mold and a gasket is applied to an inner edge of the form. Drilling at least one vacuum port and at least one weep hole in the form. Applying a body putty to the damaged area of the body part and covering it with the form while exerting a vacuum to adhere the form to the body part while excess body putty exits from the weep hole. Removing the form after the body putty has hardened and painting the repaired body part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: David T. Palazzo
  • Patent number: 6682691
    Abstract: A method for consolidating blocks of natural stone or recomposed material includes placing the block on a platform over a liquid and gas impermeable base sheet with spacers. Liquid and gas impermeable lateral sheets with spacers are glued to the side walls and extend beyond the top of the block. The block is inserted into an autoclave and a vacuum is applied. A fluid resin is dripped on the top of the block to cover it and to flow into the interstices between the block and the sheets. The vacuum is removed from the autoclave so that the resin penetrates into fractures and cavities in the block and the resin is allowed or induced to harden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Taltos SpA
    Inventor: Giuseppe Marocco
  • Patent number: 6673280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a board product with fiber scrap materials, including the steps of adding a binder powder to the fiber scrap materials, processing the scrap fiber into pieces and mixing the fiber scrap materials with the binder powder, distributing the fiber and binder combination across the width of a forming conveyor, and melting the combination to fix the fiber with the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Alain Yang, Gary Tripp, Mark Trabbold
  • Patent number: 6634185
    Abstract: A method of treating a rock chip in a vehicular windshield consists of the step of inscribing in the glass of the vehicular windshield a circular crack barrier that surrounds the rock chip. Any cracks emanating from the rock chip tend to remain confined within the circular crack barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Edward John Chomay
  • Patent number: 6500366
    Abstract: Despite the disadvantage of reflexing a windshield, and consuming a multiple of the time taken with a single viscosity resin repair; it is generally accepted that most windshield repairs should utilize multiple viscosity resins. The multiple injection head not only eliminates the disadvantages associated with using resins of different viscosities, but additionally produces a smoother and stronger repair. The multiple injection head for injection of resins having different viscosities into a chip/crack comprises: a) a plunger housing having two upright cylindrical openings therethrough, each opening having an upper internally threaded portion and a lower chamber portion; and, b) two generally cylindrical plungers each having an upper portion adapted to be hand turned, and an intermediate portion matingly threaded with the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy D. Evans
  • Patent number: 6494978
    Abstract: A method for protecting and for restoring structural strength and substance to a concrete, fluid containing or conducting structure deteriorated to the condition of removal of substance of the concrete by sulfuric acids and like corrosive material in contact therewith is described by positioning a relatively thin thermoplastic layer of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, injecting a substratum of epoxy foam, polyurethane foam, or a combination thereof between the thermoplastic layer and the deteriorated concrete, and welding the foam to the thermoplastic layer. The product of the process is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Bertram
  • Patent number: 6432331
    Abstract: A process for restoring the damaged bottom of a storage tank. The process is initiated by preparing a slurry containing unconsolidated solids and a gelation solution. The gelation solution includes an aqueous liquid solvent, a crosslinkable polymer, and a crosslinking agent. The slurry is placed on the internal bottom surface of the storage tank in a sufficient volume to fully cover the surface. The gelation solution is then gelled substantially to completion in the storage tank to form a gel that binds the unconsolidated solids and converts the slurry into a hardened conglomeration. The hardened conglomeration provides a coat over the internal bottom surface of the storage tank to prevent further damage to the bottom of the tank and leakage therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Becky L. Ogden, Bradley D. Hutchison, George P. Southwell
  • Patent number: 6416692
    Abstract: A method of repairing leaking underground pipes, particularly gravity-flow sewer pipes, without excavation, by using a flexible liner tube containing a fluid under sufficient pressure to exclude groundwater, while forcing a fluid sealant material into leaking defects in a pipe wall, and through openings in the pipe wall into voids outside the pipe. The flexible liner tube is everted into the pipe to keep the sealant material in place and also to continue to exclude groundwater for a period of time long enough for the sealant material to cure in place to effect sealing repair of the defects in the pipe wall and also at least partially fill voids outside the pipe. Fluid is kept under great enough pressure in the liner tube to exclude groundwater and may be heated or chilled to assist in preparing the pipe for sealant or to cure the sealant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
  • Patent number: 6355203
    Abstract: A process for reconstituting or reconstructing a composite object having a defect which affects at least its surface includes: (a) placing at least one added piece or material, the shape and dimensions of which are matched to those of the defect, in or on the defect, the piece or material including mechanically strong, continuous or staple fibers; (b) placing a polymer material in or on the defect to obtain a plastic matrix in which the fibers are distributed; (c) placing a gas-drain for draining the gases given off by the plastic matrix and a cover for extracting the gases, in succession and one on top of the other, on the added piece, which together with the rest of the object form an enclosure which is sealed with respect to the external atmosphere and circumscribes the defect and the added piece; and (d) while evacuating the sealed enclosure, heating the added piece using a radiant source, the emission from which includes infrared radiation, and placing the source with respect to the defect so as to irrad
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sunkiss Aeronautique
    Inventors: Michel Charmes, Bruno Comoglio
  • Patent number: 6322730
    Abstract: A method of repairing metal surfaces, in particular hydraulic cylinder interior walls and pistons, which are damaged by scoring, denting, grooving, etc. A catalytically hardened synthetic resin, preferably an epoxy, is mixed with a selected metal powder to form a mixture which, when hardened has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to that of the metal surface. A hardener is mixed with the filled resin and the damaged areas are filled with the mixture. The resin is cured, then dressed so that the damaged areas conform to adjacent undamaged surfaces. The repair area (and other surface areas, if desired) is then electroplated with a hoard, tough, wear-resistant metal, preferably by brush plating. The plated areas are then polished and the repaired article is ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: William R. Wachtler
  • Patent number: 6309493
    Abstract: A method for filling cracks in concrete surfaces using a one-component, hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer without the addition of any granular impregnating agents The prepolymer is provided in a hand-held aerosol container and is injected into the cracks through hollow injection ports that are adhered in place on the surfaces over the cracks and subsequently closed off when filled. The crack is filled from the bottom up to prevent the formation of air pockets in the crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Flexible Products Company
    Inventors: Robert Braun, Diana Dobrez-Florez, Jess Garcia, Deborah Schutter
  • Patent number: 6287405
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and composition for cosmetically repairing a surface void in polyolefin objects. The method involves inserting a repair composition into the void and then applying heat thereto to fuse the repair composition with a surrounding portion of the polyolefin object. The repair composition is a physical mixture of a thermoplastic powder, a resin binder, and a solvent, having a paste-like consistency. The repair composition may be neutral in color, or may contain a colorant to closely match the underlying object. The heating step can be performed with an open flame or with a heat gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventors: Michael J. Stevenson, Robert A. Reeves, Matthew Stevenson