Abstract: A trenchless mechanical lining apparatus for continuous repair of underground pipes and culverts, and a method of installation. The apparatus includes a plurality of core elements, each having a first end and a second end, the second end being an enlarged receiving end configured to receive a first end of a successive one of the core elements; a sealant to secure a first end of a first core element to a second end of a second core element; the core elements having lengths configured to span a length of a repair site; and a system for applying longitudinal pressure to secure the first core element to the second core element, the system including a cable and securing device, the latter configured to be attached to an end of an enlarged receiving end, and a pressure-applying device for forcing the first and second core elements together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a damaged host pipe, such as a culvert or other conduit. A trough is positioned over the invert of the host pipe and a longitudinally successive series of ribs are positioned and expanded against the interior of the damaged host pipe and against the trough, the rib having one or more segments and a pair of circumferentially successive flaps hinged together. With a hydraulic jack or other appropriate pushing device, a pushing force is applied against the hinged flaps until the hinged flaps are locked in an installation position. Grout, such as a cementitious grout is then installed in spaces between the trough and the host pipe. Alternatively, the ribs extend transversely beneath the trough, but not beyond the longitudinal edges of the trough, and the trough is anchored to the host pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote detection and assessment of progressing deformation of utility pipes and culverts. The apparatus includes a sensing device configured to acquire information quantifying deformation of a utility pipe or culvert; a communication device connected to the sensing device configured to relay the information of the sensing device to a monitoring station; a plurality of sensor targets in operational communication with the sensing device in a powered-up state of the apparatus, the targets being configured to be fixed in relation to the utility pipe or culvert; and the sensing device being configured to detect a change in a condition or a displacement of at least one of the sensor targets to generate the sensor information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a damaged host pipe, such as a culvert or other conduit and for installing one or more sensors to monitor one or more parameters within the host pipe. The method includes repairing the damaged host pipe by positioning one or more expandable ribs or sleeves within the damaged host pipe; expanding the one or more ribs or sleeves to move the one or more ribs or sleeves to an installation within the host pipe; installing sealant in spaces between the host pipe and the one or more ribs or sleeves; and attaching the one or more sensors to an inner wall of the host pipe or rib or sleeve or embedding the one or more sensors within the host pipe or rib or sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a damaged host pipe, such as a culvert or other conduit. A trough is positioned over the invert of the host pipe and a longitudinally successive series of ribs are positioned and expanded against the interior of the damaged host pipe and against the trough, the rib having one or more segments and a pair of circumferentially successive flaps hinged together. With a hydraulic jack or other appropriate pushing device, a pushing force is applied against the hinged flaps until the hinged flaps are locked in an installation position. Grout, such as a cementitious grout is then installed in spaces between the trough and the host pipe. Alternatively, the ribs extend transversely beneath the trough, but not beyond the longitudinal edges of the trough, and the trough is anchored to the host pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for internal repair of pipes and conduits, such as sewer pipes, pressurized water mains, water wells, and natural gas lines. The conduit repair apparatus includes a sleeve with locking mechanism to lock the sleeve in a tubular configuration. The sleeve is made of metallic or rigid plastic sheet having perforations. Some of the perforations are shaped like elongated slots and strips. A number of resilient O-rings are applied over the outer surface of the sleeve. A resilient membrane is applied over the O-rings. In one embodiment, a reinforcement band is used, and an additional layer of O-rings are included between the membrane and the reinforcement band.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses for rehabilitating pipes, conduits, tunnels, culverts, and other such conveyances, particularly for repairing and/or for reinforcing such pipes. A metal or plastic core collapsed around a longitudinal axis adapted to be expanded within the conduit at a site of repair. A cement grout or other suitable material is used to fill the annulus between the expanded apparatuses and the host pipe to form a composite repair/reinforcing structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for internal repair of pipes and conduits, such as sewer pipes, pressurized water mains, water wells, and natural gas lines. The conduit repair apparatus includes a sleeve with locking mechanism to lock the sleeve in a tubular configuration. The sleeve is made of metallic or rigid plastic sheet having perforations. Some of the perforations are shaped like elongated slots and strips. A number of resilient O-rings are applied over the outer surface of the sleeve. A resilient membrane is applied over the O-rings. In one embodiment, a reinforcement band is used, and an additional layer of O-rings are included between the membrane and the reinforcement band.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the forming of corrugations in cylindrical objects or plain sheets, which include but no limited to two or more rotating spline or keyed shafts with internally grooved sliding wheels. Springs or collars with elastic properties are located between sliding wheels to allow them to keep predetermined distance which varies under axial forces.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for repairing underground conduits, such as well casings, particularly for repairing internal casings of deep wells. More particularly, the invention relates to a filter-sleeve and a method of conduit repair using such sleeve, without complete removal of the conduit or casing and without abandoning the well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for patient care and cleaning. Included are semi-disposable pants, a mattress, a care materials inflow preparation unit, a waste fluid container, a control unit, and a remote control device. The body area to be washed is covered with pants, providing a soft container having fittings connecting it to a wash liquid supply and effluent disposal hoses. The waist and femoral regions of the pants are provided with sealing rings for sealing of the space inside the pants during waste handling cycles of the patient care, and unsealing when this cycle is completed. Sensors are located in the pants for remote control of all materials handling functions in the patient care process. The mattress is provided with inflatable chambers that facilitate positioning of the patient's body and creation of a hollow space for bath water, thereby facilitating in-bed bathing of the entire body.

Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion of treatment devices and materials into an in-service main pipe, which includes four main features. These features include the following: a casing hermetically mounted on the main pipe; a structure to seal access and exit compartments of the casing from the inside; access and exit containers hermetically attached to the casing; and a structure to transfer treatment devices and materials into and within the main pipe. The access container is provided with the magazine for the supply of boxes with repair sleeves. Provided with the main pipe is a smooth covering for casing sealing ability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for patient care and cleaning. Included are semi-disposable pants, a mattress, a care materials inflow preparation unit, a waste fluid container, a control unit, and a remote control device. The body area to be washed is covered with pants, providing a soft container having fittings connecting it to a wash liquid supply and effluent disposal hoses. The pants provide hollow spaces that contain absorbent material in the region that may otherwise be smeared with excrement on the path to the outflow port. The waist and femoral regions of the pants are provided with sealing rings for sealing of the space inside the pants during waste handling cycles of the patient care, and unsealing when this cycle is completed. The pants are provided with vibrators for creating a scrubbing action during the washing cycle. Air supply into the pants during washing is added to enhance scrubbing.

Abstract: A conduit repair apparatus includes a carriage configured for movement within a conduit, the carriage including a carrying frame and a drive member. An expansion and brake mechanism is provided on the carriage, and includes at least one radially movable engagement member to apply a radially outwardly directed force. A mechanical force applicator mechanism is provided on the carriage and includes at least one force applicator configured to apply radially outwardly directed pressure and for rotation about an axis of rotation. A power source is connected to the force applicator mechanism to rotatably drive the force applicator about the axis of rotation, whereby the force applicator mechanism can be actuated and simultaneously rotated to thereby apply radially outwardly directed pressure uniformly to an inner wall of a repair sleeve positioned within the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for repairing pipes and conduits, particularly high-pressure pipes and conduits, such as natural gas lines, water lines, and steam lines. The conduit repair apparatus includes a sleeve having an outer surface. outwardly flared end portions, a pair of longitudinal edges and a locking structure to lock the sleeve into a tubular configuration within an inner surface of a host pipe to be repaired. A resilient, compressible gasket is adapted to be applied over the outer surface of the sleeve, and a sealing membrane is adapted to be applied over the outer surface of the resilient, compressible gasket. A curable sealant is adapted to be applied over the sealing membrane, and the sealant is pressed by the resilient, compressible gasket between the outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the host pipe while the sealant is cured. The resilient, compressible gasket may be formed as a layer of closed cell polyethylene or polyurethane foam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method primarily intended for repairing pipes and conduits, particularly high-pressure pipes and conduits, such as a watermain. To prevent the creation of a gap between a repair sleeve and the inside of a host pipe, when an epoxy or other curable sealant is used, due to the slight rebound that occurs during the locking of the edges of the sleeve, a bubble gasket or a quantity of loose bubbles is used. During such rebound and locking of the edges of the repair sleeve, the bubbles maintain a force against the sealant as the sealant cures. Although conduit repair is an intended specific application of the invention, the apparatus and method of the invention has broader applicability and are contemplated to encompass the securing of a curable sealant to a surface and the general bonding of two surfaces together.

Abstract: A conduit lining system and a method for lining conduits, particularly conduits in need of repair. The system includes a longitudinally extending liner, initially transversely curled in a pre-installation position but being capable of becoming uncurled in an installation position to form a longitudinally extending generally cylindrically shaped liner for placement adjacent an interior surface of a conduit to be lined or repaired. The liner has longitudinally extending locking edges which become mutually engaged as a torpedo-shaped member is inserted within the liner, while in the curled pre-installation position, and the member is moved longitudinally therethrough.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for internal repair of conduit system. An inner sleeve is employed which is configured to avoid undue pressure being applied to the inner surface of a damaged conduit section as it is expanded into position. A grouting area is defined between the outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the conduit section or sections being repaired. In one embodiment, a layer of open-celled material is placed around the coiled sleeve, which is thereafter impregnated with a quantity of grout. In this embodiment of the invention, each longitudinal end of the sleeve is flared outwardly for contacting the inner surface of the damaged conduit section and for retaining the grout as it is squeezed out of the gasket upon the expansion of the inner sleeve to its expanded and locked position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling an enclosure, in which the assembly includes a coil of material adapted to be uncoiled to an assembling position. The material can be prestressed to become at least transversely curved in the uncoiled assembling position. In a particular embodiment, the material is also prestressed to curve longitudinally, as the coil is unwound to form a toroidal shape. Further, the assembly can include a plurality of elements positioned within the coil, the elements having a size and shape enabling them to be adapted to be affixed to respective parts of the assembly within the enclosure in respective positions along the length of the material in the uncoiled assembling position to constitute an internal structure for the enclosure. The plurality of elements are coiled with the coil of material for permitting access to the elements for assembling them after the material is uncoiled.

Abstract: A pipe repair sleeve and liner with interlocking elements in a form of a coiled sheet which is covered with compressive gasket. An air bag is inserted into the coiled sleeve and moved to the location of the damaged pipe. Once in place, the air bag is inflated. As a result of the inflation, the repair sleeve uncoils and the surrounding gasket is compressed against the damaged pipe. When the air bag is deflated, the sleeve begins to coil and forces a male end of the sleeve into the female end forming a male and female interlocking continuous sleeve inside the pipe. After the repair sleeve is installed in the pipe, the air bag is removed from the sleeve.