Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for easily and cost-effectively repairing and/or reinforcing damaged and/or underwater structures. In these methods, special FRP panels with protruding profiles are fabricated and additional reinforcement elements, in various desired orientations, are attached to the panels by special universal attachment devices. The reinforced panels are placed at a distance from the damaged structure, and the annular space between the structure and the panels is filled with curable materials such as concrete, grout, epoxy-grout, etc.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for constructing, reinforcing, and repairing various structural elements such as columns, piles and the like using formworks that are reusable. The reusable articles of manufacture employed in the disclosed methods are or, if desired, may be permanently left in place. Same or similar methods and articles of manufacture may be employed to easily construct pipes of any desired diameter in a very short time.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for constructing, reinforcing, and repairing various structural elements such as columns, piles and the like using formworks that are reusable. The reusable articles of manufacture employed in the disclosed methods are or, if desired, may be permanently left in place. Same or similar methods and articles of manufacture may be employed to easily construct pipes of any desired diameter in a very short time.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures with only partially accessible circumference, such as columns closely adjacent to or protruding out of a wall or beams holding a ceiling. Some of these structures may be partly or completely submerged in water, such as retaining walls on the sides of rivers and water-ways. In some embodiments a prefabricated shell will fully or partly cover the exposed and reachable part of the structure and will be secured in place by various means. The shell may hug the structure tightly or loosely and the space between the shell and the structure may be filled with such curable materials as glue, epoxy, grout, concrete and the like. In various embodiments additional reinforcement such as rebar may be placed in the space between the shell and the structure.

Abstract: Mining methods and systems are disclosed for In-Situ Leaching (ISL) of the mineral ores. ISL extraction is conducted by injecting a suitable leach solution into the ore zone below the water table; oxidizing, complexing and mobilizing the minerals; recovering the pregnant (loaded) solutions through production wells (extraction wells or recovery wells); and, finally, pumping the minerals bearing solution to the surface for further processing. In these methods strips of fabrics saturated with resin are helically or non-helically wrapped around desired shape vertical mandrels, located over the wells, and the partially cured pipes are lowered into the wells to line the wells. These onsite manufactured pipes/linings are used to pump chemical solutions into the ores and subsequently to recover the pregnant (loaded) solutions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transporting cool water from the deep regions of the oceans to the shallow waters of the shoreline by a network of, for example, onsite manufactured FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) pipes and pumps. This water displacement lowers the temperature of the shallow water region to a desired level. To implement this method, a long pipe is laid over the seabed, extending from the shallow regions to a desired depth of the ocean where the water is cooler and cleaner than the shallow waters. A mechanical and/or an electrical water pump is then attached to either end of the pipe. The water pump, preferably energized by the water surface waves, will constantly pump the cooler and cleaner water from the depth of the ocean to the shallow waters, reducing the temperature and contamination of shallow waters.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for on-site construction of continuous concrete pipes. In some embodiments a tunnel is bored in the ground instead of traditional excavation of a ditch for the pipe. At least one layer of concrete or other similar materials is sprayed/applied on the wall of the tunnel. Optionally a mesh of reinforcement material is laid over the concrete layer(s). Subsequently additional layer(s) of concrete is sprayed on the previous layers. The spraying process in these methods may be manual or mechanized. In other embodiments the soil removed from the tunnel may be used to mix the concrete. Utilizing the disclosed methods, new continuous pipes may be formed within old pipes or damaged pipes.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures, such as pipes, piles, walls, tanks, silos, chimneys, and the like, constructed from various materials including steel, concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and the like. Some of the various structures may be used to transport water, gas, oil, and the like. One or multiple layers of various material sheets, each sheet having substantially the same or different properties, may be impregnated with resin and wrapped around or attached to the surface of a structure to be reinforced or to the surface of a spacer shell surrounding the structure and subjected to heat to cure the resin and to bond the reinforcement sheets to the structure or the spacer shell. The multiple layers together constitute a heat-cured structure reinforcement wrap (HRW) to reinforce the structure against external and internal loads, such as weight, impact load, blast load, internal pressure, ballistic load, and the like.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures, such as pipes, piles, walls, tanks, silos, chimneys, and the like, constructed from various materials including steel, concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and the like. Some of the various structures may be used to transport water, gas, oil, and the like. One or multiple layers of various material sheets, each sheet having substantially the same or different properties, may be impregnated with resin and wrapped around or attached to the surface of a structure to be reinforced or to the surface of a spacer shell surrounding the structure and subjected to heat to cure the resin and to bond the reinforcement sheets to the structure or the spacer shell. The multiple layers together constitute a heat-cured structure reinforcement wrap (HRW) to reinforce the structure against external and internal loads, such as weight, impact load, blast load, internal pressure, ballistic load, and the like.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures, such as pipes, piles, walls, tanks, silos, chimneys, and the like, constructed from various materials including steel, concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and the like. Some of the various structures may be used to transport water, gas, oil, and the like. Multiple layers of various material sheets, each sheet having substantially the same or different properties, may be impregnated with resin and wrapped around or attached to the surface of a structure to be reinforced or to the surface of a spacer shell surrounding the structure and subjected to heat to cure the resin and to bond the reinforcement sheets to the structure or the spacer shell. The multiple layers together constitute a heat-cured structure reinforcement wrap (HRW) to reinforce the structure against external and internal loads, such as weight, impact load, blast load, internal pressure, ballistic load, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for strengthening a vertical column, such as piles under piers and docks and for columns in bridges and buildings. A coiled FRP laminate is provided and wrapped in a helical fashion around the column, with the laminate overlapping itself. An epoxy resin coating is applied between the overlapping portions. The epoxy resin will then cure to form a substantially water tight shell. A plurality of spacers may be fixed to the column and adapted to hold the laminate a set distance away from the column. A plurality of sealing means is provided to seal the space between the shell and the column. A filler material may be pressurized to fill the space, penetrate cracks in the column, and displace water. Also, a plurality of rigid strengthening rods may be added between the column and the shell to further strengthen the column.

Abstract: Method and article of manufacture are disclosed for on-site manufacturing of any length, any shape, size, and any thickness pipe. Sheets of materials fulfilling the requirements of the inner surface of the pipe is first wrapped around a mandrel of a desired size and cross-section to form a pipe-liner. As described, the pipe-liner can also be manufactured by spraying fast-setting materials on the mandrel or injecting desired materials into a form surrounding the mandrel. Afterwards, fabrics saturated with resin are wrapped around the manufactured pipe-liner. Completed pipe section is partially pushed off the mandrel and another similar partial pipe is manufactured around the mandrel as a continuation of the previous partial pipe section. This process is repeated to manufacture a seamless pipe of any desired length. Disclosed pipes eliminate almost all weaknesses of plastic, metal, and concrete pipes and noticeably reduce costs of transportation and manufacturing.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures, such as pipes, piles, walls, tanks, silos, chimneys, and the like, constructed from various materials including steel, concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and the like. Some of the various structures may be used to transport water, gas, oil, and the like. One or multiple layers of various material sheets, each sheet having substantially the same or different properties, may be impregnated with resin and wrapped around or attached to the surface of a structure to be reinforced or to the surface of a spacer shell surrounding the structure and subjected to heat to cure the resin and to bond the reinforcement sheets to the structure or the spacer shell. The multiple layers together constitute a heat-cured structure reinforcement wrap (HRW) to reinforce the structure against external and internal loads, such as weight, impact load, blast load, internal pressure, ballistic load, and the like.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures, such as pipes, piles, walls, tanks, silos, chimneys, and the like, constructed from various materials including steel, concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, and the like. Some of the various structures may be used to transport water, gas, oil, and the like. Multiple layers of various material sheets, each sheet having substantially the same or different properties, may be impregnated with resin and wrapped around or attached to the surface of a structure to be reinforced or to the surface of a spacer shell surrounding the structure and subjected to heat to cure the resin and to bond the reinforcement sheets to the structure or the spacer shell. The multiple layers together constitute a heat-cured structure reinforcement wrap (HRW) to reinforce the structure against external and internal loads, such as weight, impact load, blast load, internal pressure, ballistic load, and the like.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for making a load bearing structural container with a reinforced wrap, substantially without using additional structural reinforcements. In various embodiments, a fiber reinforced polymer sheet may be used as the reinforced wrap to make the reinforced wrap container having detailed patterns and complex shapes embedded therein using a molding technique. Once the wrap is set and cured, the container holds its shape permanently. The container may include burial caskets and coffins, various shaped boxes, and cases for musical instrument, jewelry technical or medical equipment, guns, camera equipment, and the like. The Container may also be used as shipping packaging for the same types of equipment enumerated above.

Abstract: Methods and systems of repairing and/or extending wood piles and columns are disclosed. In these methods and systems a portion of the wood pile is removed and replaced by a preferable timber section. To strengthen the pile after addition of the new section, strips or sheets of reinforcing material is attached along the length of the new section of the pile such that the reinforcing material extends over the old part(s) of the pile and crosses over the joint or interface of the old and new parts of the pile. Subsequently a shell is provided around the new section of the pile and its attached reinforcing material and the annular space between the shell and the pile is filled with resin or similar materials.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for reinforcing various structures with only partially accessible circumference, such as columns closely adjacent to or protruding out of a wall or beams holding a ceiling. Some of these structures may be partly or completely submerged in water, such as retaining walls on the sides of rivers and water-ways. In some embodiments a prefabricated shell will fully or partly cover the exposed and reachable part of the structure and will be secured in place by various means. The shell may hug the structure tightly or loosely and the space between the shell and the structure may be filled with such curable materials as glue, epoxy, grout, concrete and the like. In various embodiments additional reinforcement such as rebar may be placed in the space between the shell and the structure.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams, pipes and the like, constructed from various materials. Multiple sheets laminated together with resin and grout constitutes a structure reinforcement wrap (SRW) for the formation of an external reinforcement shell. The multiple layers include a spacer sheet, a reinforcement sheet, such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) saturated with resin. The spacer sheet creates a small, substantially planar space between the spacer sheet and the solid structure, which space may be filled with concrete, grout, epoxy, or other similar reinforcing material. In various embodiments, a surface groove is created in the solid structure and a reinforcing bar (rebar) is embedded in the groove to further structurally bond the solid structure to the reinforcing material poured in the planar space created by the spacer sheet.

Abstract: Method and article of manufacture are disclosed for onsite-manufacturing of any length, any shape, size, and any thickness pipe. Sheets of fabrics saturated with resin may be wrapped around desired shape mandrels, cured, and removed to form such pipes onsite. Cured laminated sheets of resin-saturated fabrics may be wrapped around to also form onsite manufactured pipes. Disclosed pipes eliminate almost all weaknesses of plastic, metal and concrete pipes and noticeably reduce costs of transportation as well as manufacturing. One of the advantages of the disclosed pipes is that they have few joints, limiting the leakage and other problems associated with joints in ordinary pipes.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams, pipes and the like, constructed from various materials. Multiple sheets laminated together with resin and grout constitutes a structure reinforcement wrap (SRW) for the formation of an external reinforcement shell. The multiple layers include a spacer sheet, a reinforcement sheet, such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) saturated with resin. The spacer sheet creates a small, substantially planar space between the spacer sheet and the solid structure, which space may be filled with concrete, grout, epoxy, or other similar reinforcing material. In various embodiments, a surface groove is created in the solid structure and a reinforcing bar (rebar) is embedded in the groove to further structurally bond the solid structure to the reinforcing material poured in the planar space created by the spacer sheet.