Patches Patents (Class 138/98)
  • Patent number: 6401815
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a main casing section to a lateral casing section using thermoset plastic molding. The apparatus is used to set a flexible sock made of a hardenable material at a location adjacent to an intersection between the main and lateral casing sections. The sock is inflated so that it conforms to the inner surfaces of the main and lateral casing sections. Heat is applied to the hardenable material so that the sock is cured in the inflated, operating position. Heat may be applied by releasing chemicals which provide an exothermic reaction and/or by using a heater positioned within the sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Gary T. Keene
  • Patent number: 6401759
    Abstract: A liner bag for a manhole can have an improved durability after hardening with a fluid pressure barrier film left on the inner wall of a lined manhole, and a method of lining a manhole using the liner bag is capable of realizing a reduction in the number of steps involved in a manhole lining process to reduce a working time and a working cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get Inc., Oar Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6390795
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in installing a liner in a conduit as part of a repair procedure, including a sealing inlet port for passage of the tubular liner into an enclosed zone where an increased pressure is maintained to move the tubular liner into the conduit and to evert it as it moves along the conduit. A clamp holds one end of the liner to the outlet side of an everter box. The sealing inlet port includes a pair of lips to press against the opposite sides of a flattened liner. Support members may be used to keep the lips from being forced back out toward the outside of the pressurized everter box, and to control friction between the lips and the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: rePipe Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Waring, Steven R. Leffler
  • Patent number: 6382876
    Abstract: A method of repairing or reinforcing worn-out underground buried drainpipes by a resin transfer molding process using both flexible tubes and bagging films is disclosed. In the method of this invention, a reinforcement is primarily inserted into a desired position within a target worn-out drainpipe buried underground. The reinforcement consists of a fiber preform internally having a flexible tube, such as a silicon tube, axially extending along the central axis of the preform and wrapped with an adhesive-coated flexible film as a bagging film to provide protection from sewage or underground water. The flexible tube is, thereafter, expanded to bring the fiber preform into close contact with the interior surface of the target drainpipe. The opposite ends of the reinforcement are sealed with two lids. Thereafter, thermosetting resin is transferred into the fiber preform, thus allowing the fiber preform to be impregnated with the thermosetting resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Dai Gil Lee, Jae Wook Kwon, Woo Seok Chin, Ae Kwon Yoo
  • Patent number: 6374862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tubing arrangement for lining pipes, to a method for producing the same and to a method for lining pipes. The invention especially relates to superpressure pipes with an internal working pressure of greater than 16 bar. In order to prevent the pipe tubing from being damaged in the case of accidents or when the pipes are placed out of service, the tubing (1) has a barrier layer (1b) which has a gas permeation of less than 1 ml/(bar d m2) for nonpolar gases and of less than 0.1 ml/(bar d m2) for polar gases. Preferably, the gas permeation ranges from 0.0001 ml/(bar d m2) to 0.01 ml/(bar d m2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Siegfried Schwert
  • Patent number: 6367508
    Abstract: A thread protector for protecting threads on the end of a pipe includes a base portion, a threaded portion extending axially from a first end of the base portion and threadably engageable with the pipe and an elongated annular bumper extending axially from a second end of the base portion. The elongated bumper has an average length and width such that the ratio of the length to the width is at least 2. The base and elongated bumper have a total length of at least two inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Drilltec Patents & Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Richards, Colin Rush, William Thornton, Henry Campbell King, Vincent Danko Grbic, Edgar Von Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 6360780
    Abstract: A reinforcement liner and methods of manufacturing the liner are disclosed. The liner includes a fabric material having first and second support layers. Each of the layers includes reinforcing fibers. The first and second support layers are oriented in different directions to provide support to the liner in those directions. The liner includes a stitching material that is used to couple the first and second support layers together. The stitching material is preferably an elastic yarn. One of the support layers includes long, chopped strands that are oriented parallel to each other. The long, chopped strands are directed so that they are in the peripheral direction of the finished reinforcement liner. The long, chopped fibers can be distributed continuously or only along portions of the width of the fabric. The disclosed methods of manufacturing a liner include alternative processes by which the liner can be made. The fabric is manufactured in the form of a continuous roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Adolphs, Claude M. J. G. L. Renaud
  • Patent number: 6358584
    Abstract: A tube reinforcement assembly is designed to reinforce complex tube structures, such as those having bends or varying inner diameters. The assembly includes a carrier and a plurality of spring-biased, deflecting wings around the carrier. The wings have structural foam layers on both surfaces that expand when heated. In one application, the wings of the assembly are compressed so that the assembly can fit around bends and narrow areas within the tube. Once the assembly is in its desired position, the structural foam is expanded and cured so that one expanded foam layer presses against the inner wall of the tube structure and the other expanded foam layer presses against the carrier of the reinforcement assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: L&L Products
    Inventor: Michael J. Czaplicki
  • Patent number: 6354330
    Abstract: A method of lining an existing pipeline or passageway with a lining tube of a resin absorbent material impregnated with a curable synthetic resin is provided. A lining tube inserted into the pipeline and urged by pressure against the pipeline or passageway surface and heat is applied is stages to lengths of the lining tube by isolating a length of the uncured flexible lining from the remainder of the lining tube by expanding an expansible and contractible member inside the lining. A heated fluid medium is supplied to the isolated length so that the heat cures the resin within the isolated length. The contractible member is contracted and displaced along the length to isolate a new section of the lining tube which is then cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Wood
  • Publication number: 20020020453
    Abstract: A pipe liner bag everting nozzle is provided for allowing an operator to freely access a manhole during a lining operation. A pipe liner bag everting nozzle comprises a guide tube fixing end for fixing one end of a guide tube, and a pipe liner bag fixing end for fixing a folded end of an uneverted pipe liner bag passed through the guide tube, wherein the guide tube fixing end has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the pipe liner bag fixing end. Since a guide tube having a smaller diameter than that of a pipe line to be repaired (or the pipe liner bag) can be used, a sufficient gap is formed between the guide tube and the manhole, thereby allowing the operator to freely access the manhole during the lining operation for inspection and confirmation of a lining situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Publication number: 20020020454
    Abstract: To prevent the sudden explosion of a casing containing a combustible material such as propergol in the event of fire in the vicinity, with the violent outburst of big splinters, the invention provides for relatively embrittled zones in the casing, in the form of holes plugged by plugs made of a material that melts more easily than the material of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: PROTAC
    Inventor: Olivier Dassis
  • Patent number: 6343412
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a clearance between a host pipe and a liner pipe. The liner pipe is fed into the host pipe and includes a tubular element forming a leading end of the liner pipe. It also includes a compressible seal which is adapted when compressed longitudinally to expand radially and is mounted on the tubular element when in use. The seal moves freely with the element in the direction of feeding of the liner pipe. But when the liner pipe is retracted counter to the direction of feeding, the seal movement is arrested and the seal compressed longitudinally by the element so that the seal expands radially to engage the internal wall of the host pipe and seal the clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Transco plc
    Inventor: Adam John Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6337114
    Abstract: A flexible liner resin impregnable for lining a lateral pipe which leads into a main pipe having at one end a flexible collar for installation at the location where the lateral liner meets the main, wherein after installation the collar extends along the interior of the main seating against the opening of the lateral. The flexible liner is installed by everting the liner through the opening in the collar by means of fluid under pressure supplied to a launching device which is held in position by an inflatable bladder and seals the collar at the lateral main pipe junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Wood
  • Publication number: 20010043839
    Abstract: One or more electric and/or data transmitting cables are confined in an elongated strip-shaped body containing a hardenable resin or the like, and the body is placed against a portion of the internal surface of an underground sewage, water or other pipe. An expandible tubular liner is thereupon introduced into the pipe and is expanded to press the body against the pipe. The body is caused to set, by conveying a hot fluid through the liner and/or by electrically heating the cable or cables, and to adhere to the internal surface of the pipe. The liner can remain in the pipe and can be bonded to the strip-shaped body and/or to the remaining portion of the internal surface of the pipe. Alternatively, the liner is caused to collapse and is withdrawn from the pipe once the strip-shaped body is bonded to the internal surface of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Martin Prusak
  • Publication number: 20010039711
    Abstract: A scrolled resilient sheet is installed against the inner surface of a fluid conduit using a carrier tool from which a resilient sheet having an average thickness more than 2 mm and an elastic or pseudoelastic recoverable strain of at least 0.6% is released so-that the sheet expands with an expansion force which is sufficiently high to allow the sheet to press itself into place alongside the inner surface of the conduit and to remain in place after installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Martin Donnelly, Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck, Robert Bruce Stewart
  • Patent number: 6311730
    Abstract: Flexible liners for relining fluid transport pipelines contain at least one integral conduit which has no fluid communication with either the interior of the lining of the relined pipeline, or with the inside wall of the pipeline itself. The integral but substantially fluid-isolated conduit may serve to carry telecommunications or other cables, thus providing an economical means of introducing telecommunications through existing pipeline infrastructure without necessitating abandonment of the fluid transport capabilities of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 6296021
    Abstract: A leak repair device composed of an elastomeric seal having an outer toroidal portion radially of a central axis and a continuous membrane portion integral with and peripherally enclosed by the toroidal portion. The elastomeric seal is held by a semi-rigid flexible cover member which has a plurality of parallel slots extending across the surface of the cover member. As the cover member is compressed radially against a rigid pipe, the slots permit the cover member to bend to the contour of the pipe. The toroidal portion of the elastomeric seal is compressed against the pipe to seal the leak and the membrane portion encapsulates the leak region to further seal the escape of fluid through the leak repair device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sachwin Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wing G. Lew
  • Patent number: 6296729
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pipe liner bag is provided for reliably sealing a seam of a resin absorbent material with simple operations without forming pin holes through the resin absorbent material. The pipe liner bag comprises a tubular resin absorbent material having an outer surface covered with a highly air-tight plastic film and a hardenable resin impregnated in the tubular resin absorbent material. A plastic film is welded on a surface of a strip-like resin absorbent material. The plastic film has a width smaller than the resin absorbent material which has sewing margins in both end portions in a width direction. The resin absorbent material is folded such that the plastic film is exposed. Both edges of the resin absorbent material in the width direction are laid one on top of the other. The overlapping portions of the resin absorbent material is lock sewed to form a tubular resin absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6296006
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for sealing leaks in electrical insulators and other equipment without the need for depressurizing that equipment. The system and method may be readily adapted to seal any joint, regardless of its configuration. In addition, while the system and method provide an effective and sure seal, the seal may be readily removed in order to change out the leaking component at a future date. A tubular seal is maneuvered into position to encircle the leaking joint. A reinforcing layer is applied over the seal. The seal is then filled with sealant under pressure. The seal isolates the sealant and its direct hydraulic pressure from the operating components to prevent the sealant from contacting those components, while simultaneously providing sufficient force against the leaking joint to stop the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Koppl Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Wegner
  • Patent number: 6294042
    Abstract: A lined tubular assembly and a method and apparatus for lining an elongated tubular article to form the assembly. The lined tubular assembly has a metal tube with a non-metallic liner bonded to the internal surface thereof by a bonding agent. A non-metallic flanged end piece is secured to each end of the metal tube and has a first portion extending into the tube between the liner and the internal surface of the tube and a second portion covering the end surface of the tube. The method for producing the assembly includes introducing simultaneously into the tubular article both a tubular liner and a bonding agent for bonding the liner to the internal surface of the tubular article. The apparatus for producing the assembly includes an elongated liner installation device that simultaneously introduces the liner and bonding agent to the interior of the tubular article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Varco International, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Nelson, William L. Snider, Gary W. Bogema, David V. Person
  • Patent number: 6289936
    Abstract: A method for binding a connecting pipe to a principal pipe which has been reconstructed with a relining pipe of plastic material comprises determining the mid-point of the opening in the principal pipe located in the proximity of that end of the connecting pipe pointing toward the principal pipe, producing an opening in the relining pipe in the region of the mid-point by heating the plastic material from the interior of the relining pipe and proceeding toward the exterior, widening the produced opening by simultaneously exerting pressure on the inside of the relining pipe in the direction toward the connecting pipe and heating the region of the plastic material on which pressure is being applied to form a collar around the widened opening, applying the plastic material of the collar projecting into the connecting pipe to the inside of the end of the connecting pipe adjacent the principal pipe, fastening the collar of the plastic material to the inside of the connecting pipe and then further flattening and fas
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: F. W. Hundhausen GmbH Kunstsoffwerk
    Inventor: Immo-Claudius Berg
  • Publication number: 20010017163
    Abstract: Flexible liners for relining fluid transport pipelines contain at least one integral conduit which has no fluid communication with either the interior of the lining of the relined pipeline, or with the inside wall of the pipeline itself. The integral but substantially fluid-isolated conduit may serve to carry telecommuncations or other cables, thus providing an economical means of introducing telecommuncations through existing pipeline infrastructure without necessitating abandonment of the fluid transport capabilities of the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 6276398
    Abstract: Novel packers for repairing ruptures in straight-line conduit systems as well as lateral conduit lines are described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick M. Lange
  • Patent number: 6273644
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting a new service pipe into an existing high pressure service pipe that contains a leak, without the necessity of excavation or separately shutting off the supply of the high pressure gas upstream of the effected pipe section. A nosecone coupled with a unique stopper assembly allows a temporary sealing of the high pressure pipe between the main and the leak point, and insertion flow of a sealer through the nosecone, such that the sealer fills the annular space between the new pipe and the old pipe, providing a gas tight permanent seal. The end of the stopper assembly has temporary stop plug that must be drilled open to reestablish the communication of high pressure gas into the new pipe without the chance of flow entering the old pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory M. Konwinski, Dennis D. Price, Robert E Barrett, Thomas V. Gobin
  • Patent number: 6270289
    Abstract: A process and device for rehabilitating old pipelines laid in the ground is described. The extent of above-ground prefabrication of a hose-shaped lining for the old pipeline is increased and a closed system for guiding a heatable pressure medium is described. Above-ground, a calibration hose (4) is inverted into the flat-lying lining hose (6) or a lining hose (6) is inverted into a tubular film using compressed air. The lining hose (6), which is provided with the calibration hose (4) and with the tubular foil, is drawn through a shaft into the old pipeline and by means of a heatable pressure medium, which circulates in a closed system, is pressed against the interior wall of the old pipeline and is kept in this position until the resin of the lining hose has hardened. With the process, underground sewer pipes are rehabilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: KMG Kanal-Muller-Gruppe International GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Einhaus, Herbert Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6240965
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Link-Pipe (H.K.), Ltd.
    Inventor: Lembits Maimets
  • Patent number: 6237640
    Abstract: An expandable repair fitting for sealing and reinforcing polyethylene pipe includes a single or multiple middle section(s) that receives two end sections. The three sections are split into halves in order for the fitting to encapsulate the entire pipe to be repaired. Electrical heating elements in the form of wires are embedded within each section. The specific location of the wires causes the jointed halves to melt together when an electrical source is supplied to the wires, as well as causing a portion of each end piece to melt about the outer pipe diameter, thereby forming a sealed repair fitting. A portal is provided on the middle section to allow pressure testing of the integrity of the fitting. In a second embodiment, the repair fitting does not encapsulate the entire pipe circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Nicor Technologies
    Inventor: Keith Wayne Vanderlee
  • Publication number: 20010000874
    Abstract: A method and composition for grouting a water-flooded cavity. Water and portland cement are combined to form a fluid cement slurry, the slurry being substantially free of sand or other aggregate material, and the slurry is then colloidally mixed so as to achieve an ultra-fine mixing thereof. An anti-washout admixture is mixed with the slurry in a predetermined amount, and a superplasticizing agent is also preferably included, both the anti-washout admixture and the superplasticizer agent being substantially free of defoaming agents. Finished foam is then mixed with the slurry to form a stable foamed cement grout which is injected into the water-flooded cavity. The anti-washout admixture is preferably a modified cellulose ether solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6227764
    Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a lining hose containing curable resin from a main pipeline, e.g. a sewer mains, into a lateral connection, e.g. a service pipe for a property, includes a shield having an arcuate configuration and complementing an inner contour of the main pipeline in an area of an inlet port of the lateral connection. The shield has an outlet opening destined for alignment with the inlet port of the lateral connection and is defined by a cross section which corresponds to a cross section of the inlet port of the lateral connection. A pipe having one end extends from the outlet opening inwardly into the main pipeline, and a conduit is connected to the other end of the pipe and provided for conducting a pressure fluid for everting a lining hose and an associated calibration hose in the lateral connection, with the calibration hose being secured adjacent the outlet opening of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: KMG Kanal—Muller—Gruppe International GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Einhaus, Herbert Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6206049
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing an underground junction between a lateral service line and a main pipeline from the inside-out. One embodiment provides a substantially rigid patching apparatus which may be positioned and installed with a robotic device within a main pipeline. The patching apparatus has a flange shaped to fit the internal diameter of the main pipeline and a tubular stem or sleeve which penetrates into the lateral service line. The patching apparatus contains an interconnection substrate such as felt, sponge or other similar material. The interconnection substrate may be impregnated with a bonding agent which sealingly interconnects the patching apparatus to the main pipeline and lateral service line, and may be heated by utilizing a heating element within a support cage, thus reducing the time required for curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Tele Environmental Systems
    Inventor: Robert M. Ward
  • Patent number: 6199591
    Abstract: A pipe repair apparatus includes an outer carrier tube, an inner bladder tube within the carrier tube, and a repair sleeve within the bladder tube. The bladder tube and the carrier tube are formed by one unitary tube which is folded back upon itself. A wick extends from the repair sleeve to the rear end of the bladder tube and permits evacuation of gases from the bladder tube when the bladder tube is flattened by a vacuum during insertion of a curable resin into the bladder tube at its forward end. The bladder tube can be inverted out of the carrier tube so as to place the repair sleeve in contact with an area to be repaired within a sewer pipe. This method may also be used to repair the damaged joint between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
  • Patent number: 6196271
    Abstract: A liner hose for use in the reconstruction of damaged buried conduits or pipelines, in particular sewers, comprises inner and outer layers of liquid-tight plastic film material and a number of substantially uniform intermediate layers composed at least partially of a fibrous material impregnated with a curable resin. Each intermediate layer is formed from a strip, which is substantially unstretchable in any direction and has a width such as to enable folding of the strip into a closed hose structure with unbonded seamless overlapping. The overlap sections of all intermediate layers are located with mutual separation in the same side of the liner in its folded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Braun, Bent Jorgen Rump
  • Patent number: 6170531
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible tubular lining material which comprises a seamless plush textile tube and a plastic film layer arranged coaxially and freely around it as well as a method for the production of conduit and/or pipe linings which comprises impregnation of the flexible tubular lining material with a curable resin composition, the introduction of the impregnated material into an inversion tube, the subsequent pressing of this arrangement into the conduit or pipe section to be lined and the curing of the resin under maintenance of applied pressure in the inversion tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Karl Otto Braun KG
    Inventors: Harald Jung, Hans Bunschi, Heinz Scheib
  • Patent number: 6167912
    Abstract: A method and composition for grouting a water-flooded cavity. Water and portland cement are combined to form a fluid cement slurry, the slurry being substantially free of sand or other aggregate material, and the slurry is then colloidally mixed so as to achieve an ultra-fine mixing thereof. An anti-washout admixture is mixed with the slurry in a predetermined amount, and a superplasticizing agent is also preferably included, both the anti-washout admixture and the superplasticizer agent being substantially free of defoaming agents. Finished foam is then mixed with the slurry to form a stable foamed cement grout which is injected into the water-flooded cavity. The anti-washout admixture is preferably a modified cellulose ether solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6167913
    Abstract: A method for lining, rehabilitating, repairing, and rejuvenating pipelines and passageways is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of hauling a tubular liner into a section of pipeline to be repaired, disposing a reforming member within the liner at one end proximate one end of the pipeline, depositing a cement slug in the host pipeline proximate the said one end, and expanding the liner within the pipeline against the inner surface of the said pipeline by urging the reforming member along within the liner under pressure. The outer surface of the liner is provided with a plurality of protrusions in the form of grout anchor hooks which penetrate the cement along the length of the said liner thus ensuring a mechanical bond between said liner and said cement. The cement also adheres to the inner surface of the pipeline and thus a rigid, secure, water impermeable lining construction is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Cempipe Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Trevor William Wood, Michael Leopold Erictschudi Broadwood, Geoffrey David Hopkins, Edward John Cirket
  • Patent number: 6161587
    Abstract: A tubular shield for exposing underground electrical power lines (especially high voltage power lines), telecommunication lines, cable television lines, fiber optic lines and the like, housed within tubular conduits, has an external diameter less than the internal diameter of the tubular conduits with which the shield is to be used and, for most applications, is provided with a longitudinally extending slot that extends for the entire length of the shield and provides an opening greater in width than the diameter of the line(s) housed within the tubular conduit. To expose a power, telecommunication, cable TV, fiber optic line or the like, that is housed within a conduit, a longitudinally extending slot is cut into the tubular conduit. The tubular shield is then inserted into the tubular conduit through the slot and underneath the line(s) within the tubular conduit to provide a shield between the line(s) and the tubular conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Roland G. Durham
  • Patent number: 6161588
    Abstract: The invention provides that a layer of hardened material is created on the surface of an underground passageway, in particular a sewer so as to restore its utility and the method used is to place a first lining tube in the sewer along its length, and then to evert a second tube of smaller diameter, along the sewer into the first tube. The method is to insert into the first tube a fluent mass against which the second tube is everted and the fluent mass comprises a hardenable material, typically a synthetic resin and a solid particulate material, typically even diameter beads, which serves to limit the thickness to which the mass can be compressed between the tubes whereby an even thickness layer of the fluent mass lying circumferentially of the sewer forms between the tubes, and this layer is held and is hardened either by force or naturally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Norman West Bellamy, Sheila Bellamy
  • Patent number: 6158473
    Abstract: A branch pipe liner bag immune to damage caused by a cutter is provided. In the branch pipe liner bag having a flange formed at an end of a hardenable resin impregnated bag which comprises a tubular resin-absorbent material impregnated with an unhardened liquid hardenable resin, a cylindrical anti-piercing protector 3 is embedded adjacent to the flange. According to a pipe lining method implemented using the branch pipe liner bag according to the present invention, the branch pipe liner bag adjacent to the flange is, after a branch pipe is lined, protected by the anti-piercing protector, and therefore, in a piercing work thereafter of a main pipe liner bag, the branch pipe liner bag is immune from damage caused by a cutter, thereby eliminating a problem such as infiltration of the underground water into the main pipe from a damaged portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET INC., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6152184
    Abstract: A branch pipe lining method is provided for maintaining a favorable surface state on the inner surface of a lined branch pipe. The branch pipe lining method utilizes a branch pipe liner bag composed of a tubular resin-absorbent material having a flange formed at one end thereof, wherein the outer surface of the tubular resin-absorbent material is covered with a highly air-tight film, and the tubular resin-absorbent material is impregnated with an unhardened hardenable resin, and a cylindrical fluid pressure sealing member attached to the inner surface of the flange. A cylindrical front end nozzle attached to an opening at one end of a pressure bag is inserting into the fluid pressure sealing member of the branch pipe liner bag, and the front end nozzle and the fluid pressure sealing member are sealed by an elastic member interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get Inc., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6142187
    Abstract: A device for repairing a pipe internally includes a body and a drill assembly mounted on the body. The drill assembly has upper and lower arms, pivotable between a closed position in which the arms occupy a radial area not substantially greater than a diameter of the body and an open position in which the arms bear against substantially opposing points of the pipe wall to stabilize the drill assembly within the pipe. In the preferred embodiment for repairing pipe joints a hydraulic drill head bears against the pipe wall when the arms are in the open position and drills a hole for a sealant nozzle mechanism mounted on the upper arm, which swings into position in front of the drill head to inject a sealant into the pipe joint through the drill hole and seal the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: The Consumers' Gas Company Ltd., Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Goldenberg, Pawel Kuzan, Jacek Wiercienski
  • Patent number: 6138718
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Link-Pipe (H. K.), Ltd.
    Inventor: Lembit Maimets
  • Patent number: 6135157
    Abstract: A process of filling an underground natural gas pipeline and similar pipelines with an inert foam to render the pipeline unusable. Pipelines which are no longer in service must be properly be abandoned in a manner acceptable to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The pipeline is cut at periodic intervals to create a shorter pipe and small sections of pipe are removed. An electrical or plumber's snake or similar device is passed through the pipe between the cuts to ensure that a clear path exists. A dual hose is then pulled through the pipe from a first opening to a second opening and a mixing device having a mixing head and a static mixing tube is then attached to the hoses. The chemicals needed to produce the foam are then pumped through the hoses. The hoses are then pulled back to the first opening as the mixed chemicals are pumped through the mixing head. The mixed chemicals react with each other to create an inert foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Ira D. Conklin, III
  • Patent number: 6129119
    Abstract: A flexible tube for lining pipes and ducts as well as a method and an apparatus for manufacturing thereof are suggested. The flexible tube is composed of a coated fabric of high resilient warp threads as well as woof threads having lower elasticity. With the flexible tube thus suggested, strong curvatures or angles being present in the pipes can be lined without wrinkles and all-over for the first time.This is enabled in that the high resilient warp threads are stabilized by covering yarn upon straight pipe portions and hence comprise a limited linear extension such that the flexible tube can be placed inside the pipe in quality.In the curved pipe portions the high elasticity of the basic warp thread is activated by a force increase during passing through these portions by compensating the forces of the covering yarn, such that the flexible tube closely fits to the inner pipe wall, all-over and without any wrinkles in these regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Karl Weiss Hoch - Tief - und Rohrleitungsbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Siegfried Schwert, Andre Rose, Andreas Huttemann, Peter Marquardt, Wolf Rabold
  • Patent number: 6123109
    Abstract: A branch pipe lining bag wherein an annular protective member is previously fixed on a flange which is provided adjoined to an open end of a tubular bag. This tubular bag is soaked with a hardenable liquid resin and adapted to be everted under fluid pressure into a branch pipe. The protective member can be attached on the marginal periphery of the branch pipe opening to the main pipe simultaneously at the end of the branch pipe lining, irrespective of the inner diameter of the main pipe. Also, a pipe lining method wherein the annular protective member fixed on the flange is prepared previously and then the flange is connected to the part of the main pipe where the branch pipe opens. The main pipe lining bag can be bored without any damage irrespective of both the main pipe diameter and the branch pipe diameter or any connecting situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6123110
    Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes a new secondary containment pipe with a plurality of substantially uniform internal studs and a new primary containment pipe up against the studs. An annular space is formed between the pipes by the studs which provides space along the length of the conduit for installation of leak detection systems including cables or perforated conduits for removing liquids or purging the annulus. The impervious new primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation. A manhole system for connection of service laterals to the main line pipe which maintaining dual containment utilizing closure pieces for the main line coupled to a bellow fitting and service lateral riser tee is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Stainton Casey Smith, Randall J. Mach
  • Patent number: 6105619
    Abstract: A pipe repair apparatus includes an outer carrier tube, an inner bladder tube within the carrier tube, and a repair sleeve within the bladder tube. The bladder tube and the carrier tube are formed by one unitary tube which is folded back upon itself. A wick extends from the repair sleeve to the rear end of the bladder tube and permits evacuation of gases from the bladder tube when the bladder tube is flattened by a vacuum during insertion of a curable resin into the bladder tube at its forward end. The bladder tube can be inverted out of the carrier tube so as to place the repair sleeve in contact with an area to be repaired within a sewer pipe. This method may also be used to repair the damaged joint between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6103046
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sealed and reinforced holes through the end of a flexible, resin-impregnable, tubular pipe liner for securing a cable thereto and for sealing the end of the liner. The liner is installed into an existing conduit either by pulling a cable secured to holes at the front end of the liner or by eversion of the liner while securing a hold-back cable to holes at the trailing end of the everting liner. Holes are cut through the liner, and resin is impregnated into the region about each hole and hardened to form an integral grommet or reinforcement. A mold for impregnating the region about the hole includes a lower mold body with a projecting spigot and a groove thereabout. An upper mold body has a central opening with a groove thereabout, the upper mold body fitting over the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Edward Peter Smith
  • Patent number: 6103052
    Abstract: A pipe lining method is provided for accurately cutting or punching out a pipe liner bag after being lined on an inner wall of a pipe with a good operability while preventing an operation environment from being contaminated. A fluid pressure is applied to act on a pipe liner bag introduced in a pipe to press the pipe liner bag onto the inner wall of the pipe. A thickness reducing member is brought into contact with the outer surface of the pipe liner bag to partially reduce the thickness of the pipe liner bag. A predetermined pipe lining operation with the above state maintained. Then, an external force is applied to a thickness reduced portion of the pipe liner bag to break the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6102641
    Abstract: A hole plug and method of installing the hole plug to seal and repair a hole in a wall of a pipeline, tank or other physical structure is provided. The hole plug has a bolt with a bolt head and a threaded shank, where two or more adjacent notched washers, one or more sealing washers and an exterior washer are secured about the threaded shank and between the bolt head and a threaded nut. The present invention includes an internal sealing washer and/or an external sealing washer. The sealing washers and the exterior washer are selected to provide a surface area larger than the hole. The hole is prepared by establishing a solid, clean edge. The bolt head, a length of the threaded shank, the notched washers and an optional internal sealing washer, are passed from the exterior side of the wall and through the hole. Insertion of the notched washers is accomplished by tipping the washers at an angle to the wall and rotating the washer through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: David J. Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: RE36859
    Abstract: A method for lining a pipe or main comprising heating a length of synthetic-resin liner pipe 20 of external diameter substantially equal to or greater than the internal diameter of the pipe or main 40 to be lined, mechanically deforming the heated liner pipe 20 to reduce its external diameter to less than the internal diameter of the pipe or main 40 to be lined, causing the liner pipe 20 to enter the pipe or main 40 to be lined and pressurizing the internal wall of the liner pipe 20 to cause it to expand into engagement with the internal wall of the pipe or main 40 to be lined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: BG plc
    Inventor: Brian Walter Storah, deceased