Patents Assigned to Miller Pipeline Corporation
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Patent number: 6435566Abstract: The present invention provides an internal conduit seal for conduits and pipes having an elongated elastomeric seal with first and second seal segments adjacent to the edges of the seal. The sealing segments are made up of a plurality of sealing ribs and restraining members placed externally of the ribs in each segment. The seal includes grooves positioned over each segment for expansion bands used to compress the seal against the inside of a conduit. The invention also includes an expansion band having a radiused contacting surface which in combination with a locking member of the invention positioned between an outer restraining member and an adjacent rib providing substantially improved sealing.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 6126206Abstract: The present invention provides an internal conduit seal for conduits and pipes having an elongated elastomeric seal with first and second seal segments adjacent to the edges of the seal. The sealing segments are made up of a plurality of sealing ribs and restraining members placed externally of the ribs in each segment. The seal includes grooves positioned over each segment for expansion bands used to compress the seal against the inside of a conduit. The invention also includes an expansion band having a radiused contacting surface which in combination with a locking member of the invention positioned between an outer restraining member and an adjacent rib providing substantially improved sealing.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 5549334Abstract: A retaining band assembly is provided for use in retaining a seal inside a pipe. The retaining band assembly includes a retaining band having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the retaining band has a flat surface and a first edge and the second end portion of the retaining band has a second edge. An expansion block is mounted on the flat surface of the retaining band in spaced-apart relation from the first edge to define a receiving surface on the flat surface. The expansion block includes an upright face extending in a direction generally normal to the flat surface. The second end portion is arranged to engage the receiving surface so that the upright face of the expansion block is positioned to lie in spaced-apart confronting relation to the second edge of the second end portion. A clip engages the second end portion and the first end portion adjacent to the receiving surface. The second edge is disposed between the expansion block and the clip.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventors: Kurt E. Zeisler, Ralph E. Miller
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Patent number: 5536457Abstract: A method for installing a mold apparatus in a manhole assembly and filling the mold apparatus with a sealing material to establish a solid bond that blocks inflow of fluids at the joint between abutting components of the manhole assembly includes providing an open ring, a retaining band for urging the open ring into contact with the manhole so that the open ring defines an annular channel at the joint, and a sealing material dispenser for conveying sealing material into the annular channel. The sealing material hardens in the annular channel to provide the solid bond at the joint between the two manhole components. The manhole components may be an abutting manhole frame and manhole, or two abutting sections of manhole.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 5431553Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installation in a manhole assembly. The mold apparatus is filled with a sealing material to establish a solid bond that blocks inflow of fluids at the joint between abutting components of the manhole assembly. The apparatus includes an open ring, a retaining band for urging the open ring into contact with the manhole so that the open ring defines an annular channel at the joint, and a sealing material dispenser for conveying sealing material into the annular channel. The sealing material hardens in the annular channel to provide the solid bond at the joint between the two manhole components. The manhole components may be an abutting manhole frame and manhole, or two abutting sections of manhole.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1993Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 5385431Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conveying flow across a traffic way between a first flow conduit and a second flow conduit. The apparatus includes a ramp member defining an interior region, a first coupling attachment coupling to the first flow conduit for delivering flow to the interior region, a second coupling attachment coupling to the second flow conduit to deliver flow from the interior region to the second flow conduit, and connectors for connecting both coupling attachments to opposite ends of the ramp member. A kit having components to allow assembly of such an apparatus in the field is also provided. A method for conveying flow across a traffic way between a first flow conduit and a second flow conduit is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1993Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 5201600Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for providing a mold that can be filled with sealing material to establish a barrier seal on top of a manhole to block unwanted inflow of groundwater into the manhole through a space or gap between either the manhole and manhole frame or a pair of adjacent manhole sections. The apparatus includes a pair of circular channel rings that can be mounted on the top face of the manhole. The channel rings are arranged to form an annular sealing material-retaining channel therebetween. The channel rings are strong enough to support a heavy manhole frame (or another manhole section) above the manhole and in contact with the sealing material in the annular channel. The sealing material cures to establish a water-tight pliable seal bonding the manhole frame (or other manhole section) to the manhole.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1991Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventors: Henry E. Topf, Jr., Gregg A. Gillentine
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Patent number: 5048793Abstract: An apparatus is provided for handling a pipe to be used in a pipeline replacement operation or the like. The apparatus includes upper and lower semicircular pipe-gripping sections slidably received on a base and drive pistons connected to the lower pipe-gripping section for moving the pipe-gripping sections from a pipe-releasing position to a pipe-gripping position and then to extended positions in which the gripped pipe has been moved axially with respect to the base. The apparatus also includes a collar affixed to the base for receiving a pipe from the pipe-gripping sections. The collar includes offset cams movable between a first position allowing axial movement of the pipe in an axially forward direction and an axially rearward direction and a second position allowing movement only in the axially forward direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Miller Pipeline CorporationInventors: John B. Mefford, Bob G. Scott, Jesse W. Cotherman