Abstract: A method of controlling the cure of concrete structures using intralaminar heat generated by applying electrical energy to electrically conductive members disposed within the structures. These conductive members include carbon fibers. The method further incorporates the electrically conductive, members as internal reinforcement in the cured, finished structure reducing or obviating the need for reinforcing steel. The electrically conductive, members are provided in various forms including but not limited to, pliable forms impregnated with a polymer resin matrix capable of being rigidified and completely rigidified forms. The invention may be used in conjunction with heat responsive agents to activate curing. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is a controlled (expedited or heat activated) cure of a concrete structure. Concrete structures containing the electrical heating capability taught herein are also included within the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing the juncture or intersection of a first conduit and a second conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body for transporting and positioning a repair material impregnated with at heat curable resin system or matrix. An inflation device carried within the main body positions and compresses the repair material against the intersection. This includes a portion of the interior of the second conduit and flange portion in the first conduit. The inflation device includes conductive fibers that are electrically conductively heated to effect curing of the resin in the repair material.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is generally characterized by a heating/inflation module having pressurizable interior and an attached heat curable pre-preg. In particular, an elastomeric, seamless composite is provided that includes a heating element disposed within a thermoset resin matrix. The composite adapted to maintain a consistent temperature profile and an internal air pressure. A first end piece is attached to a first end of the composite and has an air port for communication with a compressed air source, a vacuum port for communication with a vacuum supply source and at least one electrical cable port for communication with a power supply source. A second end piece attached to a second end of the composite. The apparatus further includes a pre-preg removably attached to an outer surface of the composite. The pre-preg includes a structural fiber matrix supporting a heat curable resin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing the juncture or intersection of a first conduit and a second conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body for transporting and positioning a repair material impregnated with a heat curable resin system or matrix. An inflation device and caul plates carried by the main body position and compress the repair material against the intersection. This includes a portion of the interior of the second conduit and flange portion in the first conduit. The inflation device and caul plates include conductive fibers that are electrically resistively heated to effect curing of the resin in the repair material. Additionally, a method and liner apparatus for the in-situ repair of conduits having large diameters is disclosed. The liner comprising a plurality of discrete heating zones, where each zone impregnated with a curable resin. Each zone further having a fiber architecture, where the fiber architecture has a plurality of conductive fibers.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: A method and lining for rehabilitating a pipe or conduit. The method comprising providing a heat curable resin impregnated lining with first and second conductive strips extending lengthwise through the lining from a first end to a second end and separated circumferentially by non-conductive material. Connecting the conductive strips together at said second end and causing a current to flow through said first conductive layer from said first end to said second end of said lining, and through said second conductive lining from said second end to said first end. The lining having a plurality of conductive strips extending lengthwise through the lining.

Abstract: A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.

Abstract: A lining and method for in situ rehabilitation of a pipe. The lining includes a tubular shaped resin impregnated composite having a conductive layer surrounding an inflatable bladder. The method includes the steps of positioning the lining within a pipe section, inflating the bladder until the lining is in contiguous contact with the interior of the pipe and inducing an electric current through the conductive layer to resistively heat the lining and cure the impregnated resin.

Abstract: A tubular member having a liner adhesively affixed to an inner surface thereof. The liner comprises a porous material formed from a plurality of needle-punched unwoven fibers so as to have a pair of oppositely facing surfaces. The liner also includes a first mat of finespun woven filaments of glass defining an inner surface thereof and a second mat of finespun woven filaments of glass defining an outer surface thereof. The inner and outer surfaces of the liner, formed by the first and second mats, are generally coextensive with the porous material. The liner also includes the first mat being secured to an inwardly facing surface of the porous material and the second mat being secured to an outwardly facing surface of the porous material. The liner is adhesively impregnated so as to adhesively bond the outer surface of the liner to the inner surface of the tubular member. Further, a method of lining a tubular member by adhesively bonding a liner to the tubular member is disclosed.