Abstract: A pressure vessel for transporting compressed gas at very high pressure without failing includes an inverted neck at the head so that pressure from compressed gas is applied to the neck in a converging manner. A plug valve is inserted into the opening defined by the neck to seal the pressure vessel. As pressure from the compressed gas enclosed in the pressure vessel increases, engagement between the neck and the plug also increases. Therefore, the pressure vessel can withstand higher levels of pressure from compressed gas before failing during hydro and burst testing.

Abstract: An induction heater is used to heat composite reinforced pipe (CRP) prior to a bending operation. By heating the composite reinforcement to approximately 90° F.-110° F., the incidence of circumferential stress cracks in the resin is significantly reduced. Resin cracking is also reduced by incorporating longitudinal fibers in the composite reinforcement during manufacture of CRP.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting compressed gases or similar materials. The apparatus includes an exterior housing dimensioned for intermodal transportation that contains a rack that holds pressure vessels. The apparatus may be loaded with pressure vessels and the vessels filled within the apparatus. The apparatus may be transferred between modes of transportation along a delivery route without unloading the vessels from the apparatus.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for transporting compressed gas at very high pressure without failing is disclosed. The pressure vessel includes an inverted neck at the head so that pressure from compressed gas is applied to the neck in a converging manner. A plug valve is inserted into the opening defined by the neck to seal the pressure vessel. As pressure from the compressed gas enclosed in the pressure vessel increases, engagement between the neck and the plug also increases. Therefore, the pressure vessel can withstand higher levels of pressure from compressed gas before failing during hydro and burst testing.

Abstract: A composite reinforced line pipe is manufactured by aligning first and second pipe segments each having a composite reinforcement wrapped circumferentially about a core, attaching the line pipes at a cut-back portion of their exposed core, wrapping a joint tape circumferentially about the cut-back portion, wrapping a resin reinforcement tape circumferentially about the joint tape, and curing the joint tape and resin reinforcement tape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting compressed gases or similar materials. The apparatus includes an exterior housing dimensioned for intermodal transportation that contains a rack that holds pressure vessels. The apparatus may be loaded with pressure vessels and the vessels filled within the apparatus. The apparatus may be transferred between modes of transportation along a delivery route without unloading the vessels from the apparatus.

Abstract: A composite reinforced line pipe is manufactured by aligning first and second pipe segments each having a composite reinforcement wrapped circumferentially about a core, attaching the line pipes at a cut-back portion of their exposed core, wrapping a joint tape circumferentially about the cut-back portion, wrapping a resin reinforcement tape circumferentially about the joint tape, and curing the joint tape and resin reinforcement tape.

Abstract: A composite reinforced line pipe is manufactured by aligning first and second pipe segments each having a composite reinforcement wrapped circumferentially about a core, attaching the line pipes at a cut-back portion of their exposed core, wrapping a joint tape circumferentially about the cut-back portion, wrapping a resin reinforcement tape circumferentially about the joint tape, and curing the joint tape and resin reinforcement tape.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the manufacture and use of a composite reinforced gas transport module (“GTM”). A metal shell of the system is wrapped circumferentially with a composite reinforcement, the composite reinforcement is post cured and the metal shell is then pressurized beyond the yield point of its material to load the composite reinforcement. The system is then brought to ambient temperature. The expansion deformation of the metal shell due to pressurization beyond the yield point results in a loading of the metal shell by the cured composite reinforcement at ambient temperature. Thus, a negative hoop stress condition is created in the metal shell at ambient to reduce the hoop stresses created during subsequent pressured operation.

Abstract: A composite reinforced line pipe is manufactured by aligning first and second pipe segments each having a composite reinforcement wrapped circumferentially about a core, attaching the line pipes at a cut-back portion of their exposed core, wrapping a joint tape circumferentially about the cut-back portion, wrapping a resin reinforcement tape circumferentially about the joint tape, and curing the joint tape and resin reinforcement tape.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing a load supporting structure including placing a first layer of at least one distinct pre-cured composite piece around the structure, applying adhesive between the piece and the structure, exerting pressure until the adhesive cures, wherein the piece is performed with a shape complementary to the structure, placing at least one additional layer of at least one distinct pre-cured composite piece around the structure and the first layer, and applying an adhesive between the layers.

Abstract: A wood pole having a wood body defined by a stripped tree trunk is reinforced by strips of composite reinforcement wrapped helically around the wood body, wherein the reinforcement comprises parallel high strength filaments in a resin matrix. The thickness and/or number of layers of reinforcement can be varied along the length of the pole to best suit the loading to which the pole is to be subjected. The reinforcement also performs the functions of the prevention of rot, insect infestation and water absorption, which are conventionally performed by harmful materials such as creosote. An electrical conductor can extend the length of the pole, protected under the reinforcement, which is transparent to electromagnetic signals, to act as an antenna or as a ground wire. No-maintenance color, fire retardant and/or reflective elements can be mixed in with the resin during the reinforcing of the pole.

Abstract: Reinforcing bands of high tensile strength filaments in a cured resin matrix are in the shape of a coil having a plurality of elastic convolutions for reinforcing a weakened pipe. Areas of depressions on the exterior surface of the pipe are filled with a load transfer filler material and the bands are coiled around the pipe with adhesive holding an innermost convolution of the coil to the pipe and subsequent convolutions of the coil to adjacent convolutions. A plurality of the bands are placed in abutment with one another to cover the entire weakened area of the pipe.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for reinforcing concrete and other structural members, a plurality of cylindrical jackets are preformed. Each jacket terminates in lateral edges defining a discontinuity in the jacket, the jackets being made of high elongation high tensile strength filaments having a maximum elongation without failing of more than 8% and preferably at least about 20%. The jackets are fixed to the structural member by an adhesive, with the discontinuity of each jacket lying along a line spaced from the lines along which the discontinuities of adjacent jackets lie.

Abstract: Axially extending structures having internal forces directed radially outward therefrom may be reinforced by installing bands around the structures. The bands consist of a plurality of elastic convolutions of a composite material which assume a coiled configuration in a relaxed condition. The composite material includes a multiplicity of continuous, high tensile strength filaments encapsulated in a resin matrix and extending codirectionally with one another through the resin matrix. The band is installed around the structure by deflecting portions of the band to an uncoiled configuration and then wrapping these portions of the band around the structure. Adhesive may be used to secure the band tightly around the structure. Particularly useful applications for the composite bands are for reinforcing gas and liquid transmission pipelines and concrete bridge support columns.

Abstract: Spiral bands having a plurality of convolutions of a high tensile strength composite material are formed by feeding a plurality of continuous high tensile strength fibers through an uncured resin to form a web, depositing the web on a release web having at least one substantially flat surface to form a laminate, winding the laminate around the mandrel to form a plurality of overlapping convolutions, curing the resin in the composite web to set the convolutions in a spiral configuration, and then removing the release web from the composite web. The convolutions of the spiral bands in accordance with this process have substantially flat surfaces and an elastic memory. These bands can be used to reinforce axially extending structures having internal forces directed radially outward therefrom by wrapping the band around the structure with a layer of adhesive applied to hold the convolutions in place.

Abstract: In a method for reinforcing defective portions of a pipeline, the defective portions are identified by conventional techniques, soil is excavated from around the pipeline to expose the deteriorated portions, any corrosion protection material is removed and the surface of the pipeline is cleaned. Gouges, dents and corrosion pitting are filled with an uncured filler material and, while the filler material is in an uncured workable state, a plurality of convolutions of a high tensile strength material are wrapped around the defective portion of the pipeline with a layer of a curable adhesive applied between adjacent convolutions. The adhesive then cures to a strongly adhesive state and the filler material cures to a rigid state capable of transferring the fluid pressure load within the pipeline almost instantaneously to the reinforcement band.

Abstract: A transportable assembly of composite reinforcing sleeves for reinforcing a support column includes a plurality of sleeves defining a discontinuity at lateral edges, wherein each sleeve comprises a plurality of first high tensile strength filaments extending parallel to one another, a plurality of second high tensile strength filaments extending parallel to one another at an angle to the first filaments, and a matrix of fully cured resin in which the first and second filaments are embedded. The sleeves are arranged concentrically and held together by the matrix, with a release film interposed between adjacent sleeves. Each sleeve terminates in edges which are spaced from one another to define a gap in said sleeve, the gaps of said sleeves being in alignment with one another.

Abstract: Spiral bands having a plurality of convolutions of a high tensile strength composite material are formed by feeding a plurality of continuous high tensile strength fibers through an uncured resin to form a web, depositing the web on a release web having at least one substantially planar surface to form a laminate, winding the laminate around the mandrel to form a plurality of overlapping convolutions, curing the resin in the composite web to set the convolutions in a spiral configuration, and then removing the release web from the composite web. The convolutions of the spiral bands in accordance with this process have substantially planar surfaces and an elastic memory. These bands can be used to reinforce axially extending structures having internal forces directed radially outward therefrom by wrapping the band around the structure with a layer of adhesive applied to hold the convolutions in place.

Abstract: A fluid storage tank made of a plurality of steel plates welded together is reinforced by winding a plurality of continuous, high tensile strength, non-metallic filaments around and in contact with the plates and applying a resin to the filaments to define a composite material of the filaments in a resin matrix. In one embodiment, substantially the entire exterior surface of the shell is covered by the composite material to form a reinforcing jacket. In another embodiment, the composite material is formed into a plurality of spaced reinforcing bands extending around the shell.