With Sealing Feature Patents (Class 405/152)
  • Patent number: 11867060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel lining segment of reinforced concrete, wherein the tunnel lining segment has a load transfer area for a longitudinal joint, with at least one steel bar with an end face being installed in the tunnel lining segment, the steel bar being arranged in the tunnel lining segment in such a way that a tangent to a centroidal axis of the steel bar encloses an angle of between 0° and 45° in the end face with a normal to the load transfer area, and wherein the end face is arranged at a distance (a) from the load transfer area which is between 0 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 0 mm and 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT WIEN
    Inventors: Johann Kollegger, Clemens Proksch-Weilguni, Hannes Wolfger
  • Patent number: 11834950
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel lining composed of at least two concrete elements (10) each having at least one protective element (20) connected to the concrete element, wherein the protective element (20) has a protective portion which has a first side which faces the concrete element (10) and on which there is provided at least one connecting element (17) for producing a retaining connection between the protective portion and the concrete element (10), wherein the protective portion consists of at least one plastic, wherein the protective element (20) has at least one protective element seal (30) which is connected to the protective portion (20), wherein the connection to the protective portion (20) is gas-tight and liquid-tight, wherein a joint (40) is present between the at least two concrete elements (10) arranged to form the tunnel lining (300), wherein the joint (40) is sealed in a gas-tight and liquid-tight manner with respect to the tunnel interior (100) by at least one protective element seal (30
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Herrenknecht AG
    Inventor: Jorg Riechers
  • Patent number: 11619529
    Abstract: A compact ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring flowrate and other fluid related data of a fluid includes a flow tube with a flow bore for passage of the fluid between an inlet and an outlet, a flowmeter housing, a printed circuit board arranged in the flowmeter housing and including a processor for controlling operations of the flowmeter, a meter circuit including ultrasonic transducers provided on the printed circuit board and configured for operating the ultrasonic transducers to transmit and receive ultrasonic wave packets through the fluid, a display mounted on the printed circuit board and configured for displaying a measured flowrate and the other fluid related data, one or more battery packs for powering flowmeter operations, and two or more backing devices arranged to provide a holding force to the ultrasonic transducers, forcing a lower side of the ultrasonic transducers against transducer areas provided on the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Kamstrup A/S
    Inventors: Lasse Pilegaard, Anders Hedegaard, Kaspar Raahede Aarøe
  • Patent number: 11401810
    Abstract: A gasket for concrete structures such as tunnel segments includes a gasket body having a bottom face configured to be positioned against a surface of an associated tunnel segment. The bottom face may include a set of spaced indentations. First and second anchor members protrude from opposed side edges of the gasket adjacent the bottom face of the gasket. The anchor members are configured to attach the gasket to the tunnel segment during casting of a precast concrete member. The gasket body forms a groove in the concrete member and the anchor members form side channels in the groove. A respective fin can be provided on opposed side faces of the gasket. Should a defect be found in the original gasket, the gasket body can be removed from the groove of the concrete member relatively easily, even in the field, and a replacement gasket having corresponding anchor members, fins and indentations, can be snapped into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Vertex, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Andrick, Richard J. Bowers, Troy Davidson, James A. Westhoff, George M. Stamper
  • Patent number: 11021955
    Abstract: A tunnel reinforcement system having a plurality of structural supports positioned at spaced intervals along the length of a tunnel. Each structural support has a plurality of structural segments connected in an end to end relationship. Each structural segment has a plurality of bars connected to a first end and a second end, in which the first end comprises a first butt plate having one or more apertures, and the second end comprises a second butt plate having one or more apertures. The one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment are coaxially aligned with the one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. The first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment is attachable to the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. Each structural support defines a geometric supporting framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: DSI TUNNELING LLC
    Inventors: John M. Mulvoy, Andrew J. King
  • Patent number: 10731462
    Abstract: A tunnel system includes at least two adjacent tunnel lining systems and a sealing system. Moreover, the tunnel lining systems can include plural tunnel lining segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Bauer
  • Patent number: 9957686
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a customizable, modular foundation system using blocks and post-tensioning for improved structural integrity of the foundation. In some embodiments, the improved foundation system is provided by post-tensioning a plurality of blocks together such that cables or bars used for tensioning run in different directions than any of the joint lines between adjacent blocks. In this way, there are no bendable joints between adjacent blocks. Moreover, in some embodiments the blocks are hexagonal, such that each block has six sides and post-tensioning cables can run in at least three different directions. Structures or apparatuses may be secured to the foundation comprised of multiple blocks, with the foundation being rigid, customizable, and both assembled and usable in any desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PRE-CON PRODUCTS, LTD.
    Inventor: David Zarraonandia
  • Patent number: 9869090
    Abstract: A corrugated metal plate comprises a plate configured to define a series of crests and troughs, where the plate has longitudinal edges extending parallel to longitudinal axes of the crests and the troughs and transverse edges extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axes of the crests and the troughs. The corrugated metal plate further comprises at least one of: at least one longitudinal flange extending from each longitudinal edge, and at least one transverse flange extending from each transverse edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Atlantic Industries Limited
    Inventor: Michael W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9388691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective element (20) for connecting to a concrete element (10) of a tunnel lining, to the concrete element (10) and to the method for producing the concrete element (10). It is an object of the invention to provide a protective element (20) for a tunnel lining, or the associated concrete element, which ensures that the protective casing of the tunnel lining is better safeguarded against corrosive gases or liquids. The solution of the invention provides that the protective element (20) is produced from an injection-moldable plastics material, that a protective portion (21, 22, 23) is connected in a single piece to a seal (30), wherein the connection is gas-tight and liquid-tight, that the protective portion (21, 22, 23) is connected in a single piece to a connecting element (24, 25, 26, 27, 28), and that the single-piece connection is produced by injection molding of the plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Herrenknecht AG
    Inventor: Marc Peters
  • Patent number: 9242715
    Abstract: A joint between a pair of aircraft components comprising a first component; a second component bonded to the first component over a bonded area, the bonded area terminating at an edge; a non-bonded area located between the edge of the bonded area and an edge of the second component, the components not being bonded over the non-bonded area; and one or more fasteners passing through the non-bonded area and fastening the first component to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: Enzo Cosentino
  • Publication number: 20150125215
    Abstract: A method and a structural element for the construction of a directionally flexible and watertight tunnel lining (1) or tunnel course (1), the method using pre-fabricated elements of concrete or sandwich structure (3, 4, 5; 73;73?). Interspace between such elements and extending transversely of the direction of the tunnel course or tunnel lining receives an interspace cast (14) using an outer flexible formwork (2) in the form of skirts (2?, 2?) attached to the outside of the elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?), and which through interconnection (11) thereof form a flexible, “bag-like” formwork (2) on the outside of the elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?). Together with conventional formwork (12) on the inside of the elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?) there is formed a defined cavity (13) which can be filled with injectable mass of concrete. After the concrete has hardened it will provide support to the installed elements (3, 4, 5; 73, 73?) as well as providing support relative to exposed surface portion of rock surface (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Stabinor AS
    Inventor: Torbjørn Dalegården
  • Patent number: 9011043
    Abstract: A method for designing and fabricating a mine seal includes determining an initial thickness for a mine seal based on a predetermined underground opening, developing and solving a numerical model for response of the mine seal upon application of a blasting pressure, and determining whether the mine seal meets predetermined design criteria. A mine seal having a minimum seal thickness may be fabricated after determining the mine seal meets the predetermined design criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: FCI Holdings Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Stankus, Jinrong Ma, Lumin Ma
  • Patent number: 8979434
    Abstract: A tubbing lining for a tunnel or shaft is formed from tubbing rings having annular end surfaces, with successively tubbing rings are aligned with each other at annular end surfaces forming an annular joint. Each tubbing ring is composed of successive circumferentially arranged tubbing segments which are butt-joined. A deformable flexible element having an outer cross-sectional contour is arranged in at least one butt joint, with the cross-sectional contour parallel to the butt joint matching outer contours of the end faces such that the flexible element completely covers at least one abutting end face. The tubbing segments in conjunction with the flexible element form a prefabricated element formed of a steel reinforcing framework encased in concrete to which the flexible element is connected in a force-locked manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bochumer Eisenhütte Heintzmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rudi Podjadtke
  • Publication number: 20140356072
    Abstract: A liner plate structure, system and method is provided for lining of mine shaft bores, tunnels and the like. The liner plate structure includes a primary plate portion and at least one flange disposed at a side edge of the primary plate portion. A polymer seal element extends along a recess within an exterior surface of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Darrell J. Sanders, Vernon B. Cameron, Mark J. Swarny
  • Patent number: 8795777
    Abstract: A liner plate structure, system and method is provided for lining of mine shaft bores, tunnels and the like. The liner plate structure includes a primary plate portion and at least one flange disposed at a side edge of the primary plate portion. A polymer seal element extends along a recess within an exterior surface of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Darrell J. Sanders, Vernon B. Cameron, Mark J. Swarny
  • Publication number: 20140193204
    Abstract: For a tubbing made of concrete for lining a tunnel, such as a traffic tunnel, the tubbing can have a convexly curved outer surface and a concavely curved inner surface opposite the outer surface. The tubbing can be provided with a thermoplastic sealing layer on the outer surface of the concrete tubbing. The thermoplastic sealing layer can also be arranged on all sides of the outside surfaces facing the outer surface. The tubbing can, for example, have a recess that extends around the outer surface in a frame shape, and the sealing layer engages in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Ulrich K. WEBER, Klaus MEYER
  • Publication number: 20140086686
    Abstract: A liner plate system for lining shafts or tunnels is provided. The system includes a plurality of curved liner plate units and a plurality of line lock plates. Each curved liner plate unit includes a radially outer side and a radially inner side, the radially inner side including a peripherally extending seal recess having a seal material thereon. Each liner lock plate has an inner side and an outer side, the outer side including a seal recess formed therein, the seal recess having a seal material thereon. The curved liner plate units and the liner lock plates arranged to form a curved wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Darrell J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8342776
    Abstract: An explosive-resistant mine seal, which includes a pair of block walls. An adhesive is provided between adjoining surfaces of the blocks where the adhesive has greater strength properties than the blocks themselves. A core member is provided between the two walls and is bound thereto. The adhesive may be coated over the walls to increase the strength of the mine seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Micon
    Inventors: George Anthony Watson, David A. Hussey, Stephen Gerard Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20120328369
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for shaft and tunnel constructions. The sealing of gaps between components of shaft and tunnel constructions is improved, in particular if the components are misaligned. For this purpose a) the sealing arrangement (1) comprises at least two components (2), which lie against each other at butt sides (3) so as to form a gap (4), b) the components (2) have an elastic sealing profile (5) on each butt side (3), and c) the sealing profiles (5) of the butt sides (3) that lie against each other lie against each other on a contact plane (6) and bridge the gap (4) in a sealing manner. The sealing profiles (5) have areas (7, 8) of different hardness arranged in alternation in the transverse direction (9) perpendicular to the respective profile longitudinal plane (10), the sealing profiles (5) of butt sides (3) that lie against each other differing from each other in the arrangement of the areas (7, 8) of different hardness in the transverse direction (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: PHOENIX Dichtungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Hoeft, Holger Gutschmidt, Andreas Diener, Andreas Artus, Mark Fischer, Matthias Klug
  • Publication number: 20120301224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective element (20) for connecting to a concrete element (10) of a tunnel lining, to the concrete element (10) and to the method for producing the concrete element (10). It is an object of the invention to provide a protective element (20) for a tunnel lining, or the associated concrete element, which ensures that the protective casing of the tunnel lining is better safeguarded against corrosive gases or liquids. The solution of the invention provides that the protective element (20) is produced from an injection-moldable plastics material, that a protective portion (21, 22, 23) is connected in a single piece to a seal (30), wherein the connection is gas-tight and liquid-tight, that the protective portion (21, 22, 23) is connected in a single piece to a connecting element (24, 25, 26, 27, 28), and that the single-piece connection is produced by injection molding of the plastics material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Marc Peters
  • Publication number: 20120237300
    Abstract: A tubbing lining for a tunnel or shaft is formed from tubbing rings having annular end surfaces, with successively tubbing rings are aligned with each other at annular end surfaces forming an annular joint. Each tubbing ring is composed of successive circumferentially arranged tubbing segments which are butt-joined. A deformable flexible element having an outer cross-sectional contour is arranged in at least one butt joint, with the cross-sectional contour parallel to the butt joint matching outer contours of the end faces such that the flexible element completely covers at least one abutting end face. The tubbing segments in conjunction with the flexible element form a prefabricated element formed of a steel reinforcing framework encased in concrete to which the flexible element is connected in a force-locked manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Bochumer Eisenhütte Heintzmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rudi Podjadtke
  • Publication number: 20120213590
    Abstract: A liner plate structure, system and method is provided for lining of mine shaft bores, tunnels and the like. The liner plate structure includes a primary plate portion and at least one flange disposed at a side edge of the primary plate portion. A polymer seal element extends along a recess within an exterior surface of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Darrell J. Sanders, Vernon B. Cameron, Mark J. Swarny
  • Patent number: 8191580
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining a pre-existing pipe or passage having at least one curved section or bend along its length with a pipe assembly (10) is disclosed. An assembly is formed from a plurality of pipe sections (11), having axial ends (15,16) which are inclined at non-orthogonal angles (x) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sections, and having interengagement means, placed end-to-end and engaged together. The pipe assembly is advanced into the passage or pre-existing pipe, pipe sections being vibrated such that the relevant pipe sections rotate relative to one another towards a relative orientation in which the axes of adjacent pipe sections within a curved section of pre-existing pipe or passage lie inclined at an angle to one another such that the pipe assembly can be advanced through the pre-existing pipe or passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Toa Grout Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth Latimer Scott
  • Publication number: 20120121338
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for shaft and tunnel construction. The elastic tension forces that arise when the sealing systems are pressed against each other by reducing the joint clearance, after the systems have been brought into contact with each other, are reduced or completely avoided relative to prior art, and the required surface contact pressure is achieved by means of a self-sealing force effect of the media pressure. In order to achieve the force effect, the geometry of the sealing elements of the sealing system is designed such that the elements comprise pressure surfaces relative to a vacuum or atmosphere after contacting each other. A differential pressure acts on the pressure surfaces, resulting in the force ensuring the required surface contact pressure on the surface, by means of which the sealing elements contact one another at the contact plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: PHOENIX DICHTUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Hentschel, Heiko Hoeft
  • Publication number: 20110188939
    Abstract: A liner plate structure, system and method is provided for lining of mine shaft bores, tunnels and the like. The liner plate structure includes a primary plate portion and at least one flange disposed at a side edge of the primary plate portion. A thermoplastic fusion element extends along an exterior surface of the flange. A liner structure within a shaft or tunnel includes at least first and second liner plate members assembled together, the liner plate members formed of metal plate material having respective metal surfaces in contact with each other along a plate joint. A thermoplastic fusion seal arrangement is located along the plate joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Darrell J. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20110129300
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steel segment assembly for lining a tunnel. The segment assembly has a frame to which is attached a steel panel, the frame and panel being a segment of a cylinder dimensioned to the desired tunnel diameter. The frame is preferably square, rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and is constructed of suitably dimensioned members having a square or rectangular cross section welded together. The frame has two curved spaced apart side members to form the long sides of the frame, the curved spaced apart side members being joined together at either end by end members to form the short sides of the frame. At least one intermediate member is provided between the two end members to bridge the two curved spaced apart side members to provide transverse structural support to the steel segment assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Dimillo
  • Patent number: 7828496
    Abstract: The invention is a watertight joint seal for precast concrete box modules used to form underground enclosures to control the discharge of water runoff from roads and parking areas. The modules become sections of a tunnel structure, and the joint seal of the invention is constructed by forming the end of the walls of each module with mating offset inside and outside edge surfaces that are joined by an intermediate surface, applying sealing strips to the inside and outside edge surfaces of one end wall, compressing the modules against each other, and injecting an expansive grout into the cavity formed by the sealing strips and the modules' end surfaces. After the grout cures under the pressure resulting from its own expansion, the joint is watertight and does not suffer from leakage through cracks caused by the creep and relaxation characteristics which generally occur in joints formed with conventional grout or only rubber gaskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Terre Hill Silo Co., Inc
    Inventor: Everett Nelson Martin
  • Publication number: 20100139799
    Abstract: Segments are coupled in the circumferential and lengthwise directions to assemble a rehabilitation pipe inside an existing pipe. Thereafter, a pipe-lining material impregnated with a liquid curable resin is inserted into the assembled rehabilitation pipe, and the curable resin is cured in a state in which the pipe-lining material is pressed against the internal circumferential surface of the rehabilitation pipe. This allows the internal circumferential surface of the rehabilitation pipe to be lined with the lining material. With such a configuration, a rehabilitation pipe composed of segments and a rehabilitation pipe composed of a pipe-lining material are constructed to provide a self-supporting pipe inside the existing pipe with dramatically improved strength that will incur little damage or breaking even when an earthquake occurs or another large impact is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100018598
    Abstract: A conduit repair structure in which solid objects are less likely to accumulate on a conduit bottom and that, even if solid objects accumulate on the conduit bottom, facilitates removal of the solid objects. A hollow frame-like reinforcement body laid substantially along a cross-sectional shape of a conduit (1) is constructed using a reinforcing member (2) having fixing parts (2p) arranged at predetermined intervals on the inner side of the conduit (2). Resin inner face bars (10) are attached to the inner side of the reinforcement body, and a curable filling material is placed in the space formed by the inner face bars (10) and a conduit inner wall (1a) to form a filling material layer (3). A body section (10c) of each inner face bar (10) is formed recessed in its width direction. The recessed shape of the body sections (10c) forms riblets on the bottom of the conduit, and this reduces resistance to water flowing in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicants: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd., Ashimori Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 7156124
    Abstract: A segment for rehabilitating an existing pipe has an integral structure comprised of an inner plate having an inner circumferential surface that is planar or curved with a prescribed curvature, two side plates provided upright on each side edge of the inner plate, and two end plates provided upright on each end edge of the inner plate. At least one rehabilitating plate comprising a resin sheet covers one of an outer circumferential part of the segment facing the existing pipe and the inner circumferential surface of the inner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii
  • Patent number: 6893188
    Abstract: Continuous method of realization of underground tunnels, including the steps of making a plurality of guided perforations of small cross-section around a periphery of an underground tunnel to be realized and extending at least a majority of length of the underground tunnel to be realized, by perforation equipment with a movable perforation head, filling each guided perforation through at least one of reinforcements and aggregating materials to consolidate the tunnel with a resistant arrangement according to precise static conditions, and excavating the tunnel within the filled perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Ferrari de Nobili S.R. L.
    Inventor: Franco Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6612585
    Abstract: An elastomeric strand-shaped sealing profile including at least one continuous transverse beam located in a region between the base and rear side surfaces of the profile and having two sidewise projecting cantilever arms, two sealing lips provided on the respective lateral side surfaces of the profile adjacent to the regions of the corners between the base surface and the respective lateral side surfaces and extending sidewise of the base body, two webs extending from corners formed by the rear side surface and respective lateral side surface and toward each other, and forming, together with a rear side surface-forming web, a triangular structure, and a further web extending from a tip of the triangular structure and toward the base surface and forming with the two webs a Y-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Däwyler AG Schweizerische Kabel - Gummi-und Kunststoffwerke
    Inventor: Werner Grabe
  • Patent number: 6592296
    Abstract: A sealing assembly comprising two abutting components and a sealing profile produced from an elastomeric material, which bridges the gap between the two components to form a seal. The components are configured in particular as sections which are assembled into a tubular tunnel thus forming transverse and longitudinal joints. There is also a sealing profile being located in turn in each recess, thus forming a cornered sealing framework. There is also a lubricant for the contact surfaces between each component and the sealing profile, in particular for the contact surfaces between two sealing profiles. The sealing assembly has at least one sealing profile that has at least two protrusions in the vicinity of the contact surfaces. The protrusions form a sealed chamber, in which the lubricant is contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Phoenix
    Inventors: Holger Gutschmidt, Heiko Höft, Dieter Kassel
  • Patent number: 6575664
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement which comprises at least two abutting components that form a gap therebetween and a seal that sealingly bridges the gap. The inventive sealing arrangement is characterized in that the seal entirely consists of a matrix or is provided with a matrix representing a composite system. The matrix is combined with a base body and is a pasty mixture comprising a water-soluble material. A lubricant and a swelling agent which can be activated by means of water as well as optionally additional additives are mixed into the material. In an advantageous embodiment, the matrix is introduced into the chamber. The wall of the chamber is configured in the form of a web that can be torn out. The web is removed before assembly. The base body consisting of an elastomeric material is provided with channels and grooves which extend in an extruded-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Phoenix AG
    Inventors: Dieter Kassel, Werner Degel, Holger Gutschmidt
  • Patent number: 6554536
    Abstract: During manufacture of a sewer or tunnel lining section, sand-resin material is deposited over a mould, to define a central part of the section. Sand-resin material is removed using a wire arranged to lie a predetermined radial distance from the surface of the mould. The wire is passed around the surface of the sand-resin layer whilst maintaining the predetermined radial distance, the predetermined radial distance comprising, or being slightly greater than a preset minimum thickness. The use of a wire to remove excess sand-resin material has been found to be particularly effective, and surprisingly the excess material does not re-adhere to the underlying surface after the wire has passed. This is despite the required tackiness of the sand-resin mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Channeline Sewer Systems Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey Lewis Florence
  • Patent number: 6540438
    Abstract: The apparatus is an underground structure liner based upon an inflatable liner structure. An acid resistant layer is the innermost layer of an inflatable liner, and the liner is coated with epoxy resin on its outermost surface, the surface which contacts the existing walls of the underground structure. The outermost coated surface of the liner is constructed with a fibrous fleece layer for retention of the epoxy and adhesion of the epoxy to the walls of the underground structure. An added feature of the liner is a structure which also seals the liner to pipes entering the underground structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Terre Hill Silo Company
    Inventors: Hans De Bruijn, Michael D. Zeiber
  • Publication number: 20020164211
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing assembly consisting of at least: two abutting components and a sealing provile produced from an elastomeric material, which bridges the gap between the two components to form a seal; the components are configured in particular as sections which are assembled into a tubular tunnel thus forming transverse and longitudinal joints, and a sealing profile being located in turn in each recess, thus forming a cornered sealing framework; a lubricant for the contact surfaces between each component and the sealing profile, in particular for the contact surfaces between two sealing profiles. The inventive sealing assembly is characterised in that at least one sealing profile is provided with at least two protrusions in the vicinity of the contact surfaces. The protrusions form a sealed chamber, in which the lubricant is contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Holger Gutschmidt, Heiko Hoft, Dieter Kassel
  • Patent number: 6402611
    Abstract: The hinged mine stopping has at least two panels joined by a hinge defining a wall adapted for forming an air tight seal in a mine passageway to improve mine ventilation. Each panel has a lower section defined by a sheet of gas impermeable material mounted on a tubular, rectangular frame, and an upper section defined by a sheet of gas impermeable material mounted on a tubular, inverted U-shaped frame. The side members of the upper section frame telescope into the side members of the lower section frame for height adjustment of the panels. Preferably the hinged mine stopping is disposed between the ribs of a mine in a V-shape, with the apex directed towards the high pressure side to reduce the load on the stopping, the perimeter of the stopping being sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: David J Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: 6328501
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tunnel (10) or shaft lining or pipeline of segments (12), wherein each segment (12) comprises a concrete body (11) having an extrados (13) surface, an intrados (14) surface and first and second ends (15, 16) and first and second sides (17, 18), the ends (15, 16) and sides (17, 18) providing edge portions, the segments (12) being adapted to be connected to further similar segments (12) with edge portions adjacent edge portions of adjacent segments (12), the method being characterized in that the method includes enveloping the ends (15, 16) or sides (17, 18) of at least a pair of segments (12) in a reinforcing material as the concrete is cast, and once the concrete has cured, connecting the segments (12) together with one of each of their enveloped ends (15, 16) or sides (17, 18) adjacent, and sealing between the enveloped ends or sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Tarmac Heavy Building Materials UK Limited
    Inventor: Alan William Gimbert
  • Patent number: 6267536
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement (1) has two abutting construction elements made of concrete, steel, reinforced concrete, cast iron or other materials, as well as a sealing section made of an elastomer material which sealingly bridges the gap between the two construction elements. The construction elements are in particular segments (2, 2″) which are assembled into a tubular tunnel with transverse and longitudinal joints (3). Each segment is preferably provided with a continuous groove on all its abutting sides. An elongated sealing profile (5) is located in each groove, forming a sealing frame with frame corners. The sealing section has elongated open and/or closed flutes arranged on the section base side and elongated ducts arranged between the flutes and the section front side. The sealing section (5) also has at least two groups (A, B) of ducts of which the first (A) is located directly above the flutes while the other (B) is laterally offset with respect to the flutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Phoenix Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Junn Adachi, Siegfried Glang, Dieter Kassel
  • Patent number: 6220787
    Abstract: A ship type floating oil production system for access to subsea wells through installation of surface wellheads on a ship type surface vessel on the sea comprises a cylindrical turret moored to a seabed is located within a moon pool formed in the ship type surface vessel such that the ship type surface vessel is freely rotatable about the cylindrical turret. A plurality of riser pipes have a rigid structure and extend downward to subsea wells through the cylindrical turret, and each riser pipe is provided at its top portion with a surface wellhead including valves of the riser pipe. Accordingly, workover operations can be facilitated as needed by running workover tools through the surface wellhead of the corresponding riser pipe through use of a work-over-rig installed on the ship type surface vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Japan National Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Tanabe, John Randolph Paulling
  • Patent number: 6164871
    Abstract: A mine stopping comprising a wall extending across a passageway in a mine to close the passageway. The wall has an opening therein. A door is hinged adjacent the opening for swinging between a closed position in which the door closes the opening to inhibit the passage of air therethrough, a first open position in which the door is moved in one direction away from the closed position, and a second open position in which the door is swung in an opposite direction away from the closed position. The door is movable to either of the first and second open positions when the door is subjected to substantial concussive air pressure thereby to permit concussive air to pass through the opening in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Jack Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6129485
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal between a side face of a first part (11) and an application face (10), the seal being made of a compressible profiled lining (1) and being comprised of an internal portion (2) sealingly fixed to the first part (11) and an external portion (3) bearing on the application face (10). According to the invention, in its original condition prior to setting the seal on the first part (11), the external portion (3) of the liner (1) is provided with at least one profile tongue (4) housed inside at least one longitudinal groove (5) provided in said external portion (3) and opening on the side of the application face (10), said tongue (4) being fixed to the internal face (50) of said groove (5) in an easily detachable way so as to be able to suppress and eventually replace the tongue (4) at least on a portion of the length of the liner (1) in order to vary the compressibility degree of the liner on the corresponding length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Phoenix Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Grabe, Siegfried Glang, Holger Gutschmitd, Simon Bernard, Bruno Haye, Pierre Pallot
  • Patent number: 5938375
    Abstract: A method and device for sealing the joint formed by the connection of adjacent sheet piling sections. Prior to installation in the ground, a housing having an open side is attached near the edge of a sheet piling section. A barrier is inserted between the open side of the housing and the sheet piling section and a sealant material is added to the housing. After the sheet piling section and the attached housing are installed in the ground, the barrier is removed and the sealant material contacts the joint to form a watertight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Sevonson Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mason G. Wheeler, Jr., Russell W. Harris
  • Patent number: 5888023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal arrangement consisting of two abutting structures of concrete, steel, reinforced concrete, cast iron or other materials and a sealing section of elastomeric material which bridges and seals the gap between the two structures, in which the structures are especially segments assembled to form a tubular tunnel with the formation of transverse and longitudinal seams, where each segment preferably has at least one peripheral recess covering all the mating sides of the segments and there is in each recess a stranded sealing section which especially has strand-shaped grooves on the base side of the sealing section and/or strand-shaped channels, forming a sealing frame with corners, and the back of the sealing section has at least one strand-shaped groove to accept an emergency seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Phoenix Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Grabe, Siegfried Glang, Holger Gutschmidt, Bruno Haye
  • Patent number: 5870871
    Abstract: This invention includes repair of an existing underground sump without the need for costly and time consuming excavation. A plurality of liner-forming pieces are placed inside the underground sump to create a liner preferably substantially conforming to the interior dimensions of the sump. The pieces are joined together to form a unitary containment shell by first taping and then using fiberglass cloth and fiberglass resin. A layer of gel-coat is applied to the surface of the shell to create a fluidtight containment chamber within the sump. Some of the liner-forming pieces can have openings formed therein to accommodate the pipe entries corresponding to those in the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Total Containment, Inc.
    Inventor: David Stewart
  • Patent number: 5660912
    Abstract: A plastic profiled strip (10) is provided for producing helically wound tubes or pipes, the strip (10) having female and male joint formations (13, 14) extending along opposite longitudinal margins thereof and arranged so that upon spirally winding the strip into a tubular form, the joint formations (13, 14) can be interlocked to thereby lock adjacent windings of the strip together, the male joint formation (14) comprising a hinged flap (15) which is flexibly connected to the strip (10) for hinging movement between a disengaged or unlocked position displaced from the plane of the strip (10) and a locking position wherein it interlocks with the female joint formation (13) of an adjacent winding of the strip (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Rib Loc Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stanley William Otto Menzel
  • Patent number: 5660501
    Abstract: A corner area has a corner piece which is inserted between two ends of the sealing profile strip of a sealing structure and is joined thereto. To facilitate the deformability of the corner piece when the sealing structure is pressed together under pressure, the structure has recesses. These recesses are disposed at an angle to cavities in the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Datwyler AG Schweizerische Kabel-, Gummi-und Kunstatoffwerke
    Inventor: Norbert Herwegh
  • Patent number: 5634312
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for joining structural units. A structural unit, such as a precast concrete section of pipe, decking, bridge structure, building structure, or pavement, includes a plurality of spaced, longitudinally aligned tubular members. The ends of each structural unit are flush, and the ends of the tubular members are flush with the ends of the structural units. When two of such units are to be joined together, a guide member is inserted in one end of each of the first tubular members in the first structural unit, while an internally threaded insert member is inserted into a corresponding end of each tubular member in the second structural unit. The guide members and insert members have axial apertures with the aperture in the insert member being internally threaded. The two structural units are brought together so that each guide member on the first structural unit enters into the corresponding end of the tubular members containing the inserts in the second structural unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Independent Concrete Pipe
    Inventors: Wilbur E. Tolliver, Larry R. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 5613806
    Abstract: A method and article for sealing a manhole riser a catch basin, and a pipe juncture. The method is an economical process whereby elastomeric bands are placed around and inside a manhole riser, a catch basin, or a pipe juncture and effectively seals the manhole riser, catch basin, or pipe juncture from loss of water or infiltration of water and other contaminants such as gases and salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Infi-Shield, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. House, William K. House