Patents by Inventor Henry E. Topf, Jr.
Henry E. Topf, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11378220Abstract: A system (10) for reinforcing a pipeline (90) or pressure vessel includes a dispenser (12), a quantity of fabric (14), and a resin (16). The dispenser (12) has a first end (39), a second end (32), and a slot (46) formed in a wall (48), and is pressurizable via a fluid input (74) to a pressurized state. The dispenser (12) has a seal (56) configured to permit the quantity of fabric (14) to pass through the slot (46) and retain pressure within the dispenser (12). The dispenser (12) is configured to dispense the quantity of fabric (14) through the slot (46). The quantity of fabric (14) has a first width (24).Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: THAT'S A WRAP LLCInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Publication number: 20200386360Abstract: A system (10) for reinforcing a pipeline (90) or pressure vessel includes a dispenser (12), a quantity of fabric (14), and a resin (16). The dispenser (12) has a first end (39), a second end (32), and a slot (46) formed in a wall (48), and is pressurizable via a fluid input (74) to a pressurized state. The dispenser (12) has a seal (56) configured to permit the quantity of fabric (14) to pass through the slot (46) and retain pressure within the dispenser (12). The dispenser (12) is configured to dispense the quantity of fabric (14) through the slot (46). The quantity of fabric (14) has a first width (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2018Publication date: December 10, 2020Applicant: That's A Wrap LLCInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 7500494Abstract: A system and method of reinforcing a portion of a pipe, including applying a fiber structure to the portion of the pipe to be reinforced, and pressurizing resin through the fiber structure to the portion of the pipe to substantially saturate the fiber structure with resin, wherein the resin comprises a viscosity of less than about 10,000 cP and a surface tension of less than about 30 dynes. The resin is permitted to cure under ambient conditions at a peak exotherm of greater than about 200° F., wherein the cured resin comprises a glass transition temperature of greater than about 150° F. and a heat distortion temperature of greater than about 150° F. Pressurizing the resin may include use of a reinforcing containment and underlying pliable mold that is compressed to pressure the resin through the fiber structure to the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: David P. Robinson, Brian L. Rice, Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 7387138Abstract: A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. Further, the polymeric material may be subjected to pressure to facilitate contact of the resin through the reinforcing material.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Brian L. Rice, Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 7367362Abstract: A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Brian L. Rice, Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 7165579Abstract: A pipeline repair system includes a sleeve adapted to permanently enclose an outer surface of a longitudinal section of a pipeline having a defect. The sleeve includes two or more longitudinal segments of a cylinder joined at the longitudinal edges to form a sleeve with a first and second radial ends. The sleeve is sealed at the radial ends forming an enclosed annular space between the pipeline and the sleeve. An injection port assembly on the sleeve is adapted for temporary connection to an external source of pressurized material. The pressurized material may be a fluid, gas, or slurry. After filling the annulus with pressurized material, the port assembly is sealed. The permanent sleeve receives a majority of the tangential (hoop) stress load from the section of pipeline via the pressurized material in the annular space and may receive a portion of the longitudinal stress load from the section of pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventors: Robin Neil Borland, Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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Patent number: 6692039Abstract: A sealing installation mountable in the interior of a conduit. The installation includes a resilient connector sleeve having connector sealing assemblies at opposite ends of the sleeve. A first seal sleeve has seal sleeve sealing assemblies on opposite ends thereof has one seal sleeve sealing assembly engaging one of the connector sealing assemblies and the other seal sleeve sealing assembly in sealing contact with the interior of the conduit. A second seal sleeve has second seal sleeve sealing assemblies on opposite ends. One second seal sleeve sealing assembly engages a connector sealing assembly and the other seal sleeve sealing assembly is in sealing contact with the interior of the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Hunting HTI Rehab, Inc., LLCInventor: Henry E. Topf, Jr.
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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: 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