Patches Patents (Class 138/98)
  • Patent number: 5911246
    Abstract: Conduit liners and methods for their construction and use are provided. The liners include a first flexible layer mechanically bonded to at least one glass-containing layer and folded to form a tubular laminate. The laminate can be penetrable by resinous liquid capable of setting the form of substantially continuous matrix within the laminate following the expansion of the laminate within a conduit. In preferred versions of the liner, multiple glass layers are provided on the inner and outer diameter of the construction with a polyester core so as to meet minimum thickness requirements for vibration resistance under American in situ pipe vibration resistance codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Bay Mills, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Kittson, Steve Kulawic
  • Patent number: 5887627
    Abstract: A method for reconstructing corroded pipes is disclosed in which a long, new pipe can be inserted smoothly and without excessive force, into an older pipe. The method involves the insertion of a new pipe into an old pipe using a dolly to transfer the reaction force. The tail end of the new pipe is attached to the dolly, and the front end of the new pipe is sealed off. A plug is inserted into the dolly from the tail end of the new pipe, which is filled with pressurized water. The dolly is then moved in the direction of the old pipe to insert the new pipe into the old pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Taisei Corporation
    Inventor: Kouhei Ueda
  • Patent number: 5873391
    Abstract: Conduit liners and methods for their construction and use are provided. The liners include a first flexible layer mechanically bonded to at least one glass-containing layer and folded to form a tubular laminate. The laminate can be penetrable by resinous liquid capable of setting the form of substantially continuous matrix within the laminate following the expansion of the laminate within a conduit. In preferred versions of the liner, multiple glass layers are provided on the inner and outer diameter of the construction with a polyester core so as to meet minimum thickness requirements for vibration resistance under American in situ pipe vibration resistance codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Bay Mills Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Kittson, Steve Kulawic
  • Patent number: 5873390
    Abstract: There is provided a method of lining the internal surface of a pipe involving a larger diameter portion, said method comprising the steps of inserting a first pig into the pipe from an open end thereof, said first pig being a spherical body made of a resilient material having a diameter larger than the pipe inner diameter and having a number of grooves formed on the surface thereof for permitting air escape, injecting behind the first pig a necessary amount of resin into the pipe, inserting behind the resin a second pig into the pipe, said second pig having a diameter smaller than the pipe inner diameter such that a resin lining layer having a desired thickness may be formed on the internal surface of the pipe, providing a positive pressure and applying the positive pressure behind the second pig in the pipe, and causing the first pig, the resin and the second pig to move through the pipe along the entire length thereof by the positive pressure, so as to form a resin lining layer on the internal surface of th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Satake, Tadao Yahata, Takashi Shigefuji, Shigeru Toyoda, Shuichi Yagi, Masaaki Itagaki
  • Patent number: 5868169
    Abstract: An improved tubular lining hose for use in softlining pipe rehabilitation which includes the novel use of a layer of reinforcing fibers to reinforce the lining hose. In a preferred embodiment, a layer of reinforcing fibers, such as fiberglass, is encapsulated between layers of resin absorbing material saturated with resin. The saturated resin absorbing layers form a protective veil around the reinforcing fibers and protect the reinforcing fibers from water and other corrosive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Giulio Catallo
  • Patent number: 5857494
    Abstract: A pipeline structure with a lining material wherein a hermetic outer tube is disposed at the inner surface of a pipeline, and an inner lining material is disposed at the inner surface of the outer tube, said inner lining being made of a rigid fiber-reinforced plastic wherein a thermosetting resin is reinforced by a fiber reinforcement material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignees: Tokyo Gas Kabushiki Kaisha, Ashimori Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Tsukamoto, Shigeru Toyoda, Sofumi Sato, Masakatsu Hyodo, Kiyoshi Uegaki, Masatoshi Ishikawa, Hitoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 5839475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining a pipe with a polymer liner in which the liner is pulled through a die to reduce the liner's diameter and through the pipe and on removal of the pulling load, allowing the liner to revert to at least the minimum internal diameter of the pipe, wherein the liner has a maximum diameter before entering the die and a minimum diameter in the die. The die having an aperture which is symmetrical with respect to a central, longitudinal axis and comprising in the direction that the liner is passed an entry, a throat and an exit. The diameter of the aperture decreasing over the entry to a minimum to the throat and increasing over the exit. The entry of the die, when viewed in a sectional plane extending longitudinally of the liner and containing the axis, is convex over substantially an entire axial length between where the liner first contacts the die and the throat, wherein the liner substantially continuously engages the die over substantially the entire axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: British Gas PLC
    Inventors: Leslie Maine, Kenneth Hicks
  • Patent number: 5836357
    Abstract: Conduit liners and methods for their construction and use are provided. The liners include a first flexible layer mechanically bonded to at least one glass-containing layer and folded to form a tubular laminate. The laminate can be penetrable by resinous liquid capable of setting the form of substantially continuous matrix within the laminate following the expansion of the laminate within a conduit. In preferred versions of the liner, multiple glass layers are provided on the inner and outer diameter of the construction with a polyester core so as to meet minimum thickness requirements for vibration resistance under American in situ pipe vibration resistance codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Bay Mills Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Kittson, Steve Kulawic
  • Patent number: 5817200
    Abstract: A flexible liner is formed from a resilient material and includes a back side surface having a number of outwardly projecting members that extend a distance away from the liner. The flexible liner is in sheet form for rehabilitating surface sections, and is not in the form of a tube to cover an entire surface diameter. The outwardly projecting members each have a head enlarged profile configured to provide a strong mechanical lock with a carrier that is injected within an annular space disposed between the liner back side surface and the underlying substrate surface in need of surfacing or rehabilitation. The liner is positioned adjacent the structure surface by use of a collapsible, expandable form, and a carrier is injected within the annular space disposed therebetween so that the liner outwardly projecting members are completely enveloped by the carrier. The carrier is cured to form a mechanical lock between the outwardly projecting members and the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Ameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. O'ffill
  • Patent number: 5816745
    Abstract: The apparatus and technique of the invention constitutes a hydraulic jack system for pushing sections of new pipe which, in turn, pushes a sleeve-cone expander arrangement to break up the old pipe and define a straight path for the new pipe. Apparatus is employed to determine the skin friction and the penetration friction, and to dispense a lubricant to reduce such frictional forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Albert A. Tenbusch, II
  • Patent number: 5816293
    Abstract: The apparatus for installing a repair liner/sleeve within a pipeline includes a rigid tube supported above a manhole or excavation leading to the entry of the pipeline to be repaired. A rigid tube is supported on a plurality of legs aligned above the manhole, with a vertical tube attached to the rigid tube and extending downwardly into the hole. A hollow tubular shoe is attached to the lower end of the vertical tube, and is curved to redirect a liner/bladder assembly from the vertical orientation within the vertical tube to a horizontal orientation aligned with the pipeline to be repaired. The tubular shoe includes a plurality of upper rollers and lower rollers between which the liner/bladder assembly will be directed for reorientation from the vertical tube to the horizontal pipeline. The rigid tube includes a pivotal lid which will seal the upper end of the rigid tube, to permit pressurization of the rigid tube, flexible tube, and shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5814387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber band for pipe repairs that can be tightly wound about a pipe of various types at a portion where fluid is leaking to cut off the leakage. A tentative fixing means is provided on one end of the rubber band and a retaining means is provided on the other to prevent the wound rubber band from loosening. After cutting off the leakage with the rubber band, a mending tape applied with a substance that reacts with water and becomes hardened is conveniently wound over the rubber band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Orihara Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Orihara, Yoshiji Orihara
  • Patent number: 5810053
    Abstract: A thermoplastic liner is extruded in cylindrical form and deformed at a temperature below the crystallization temperature of the polyethylene material forming the liner into a generally W-shaped configuration. The liner in that configuration has three convex lobes and two concave lobes along one side of the liner with a convex portion of the liner wall along the opposite side. The cylindrical liner is initially extruded in cylindrical form and deformed by a series of axially spaced sets of rollers progressively inclined toward a vertical position wherein the final W-shaped configuration of the liner is formed. The liner has a cross-section in any direction less than one-half of the diameter of the liner when expanded into a cylindrical configuration. The deformed liner is coiled about a reel. At an installation site, the liner is pulled from the reel through the pipe and sealed at opposite ends. Steam under pressure expands the W-shaped liner to a cylindrical configuration to line the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Ivan C. Mandich
  • Patent number: 5807025
    Abstract: A method of lining a sewer in which an inner pipe is introduced into an eting sewer, and the space between the outer surface of the inner pipe and the inner surface of the sewer is filled with a filler. To introduce the filler into the space, at least one supply duct which preferably is provided with a delivery nozzle is introduced into the sewer until the at least one supply duct extends over the entire longitudinal length of the inner pipe. Subsequently, the at least one supply duct is removed by a withdrawal movement. During the removal of the at least one supply duct, the filler is delivered into the space through the duct or through the delivery nozzle preferably provided on the duct in an amount sufficient to completely fill the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Klug Kanal-, Leitungs- und Umweltsanierungs-Gesellschaft M.B.H
    Inventor: Franz Sundermann
  • Patent number: 5803665
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous production of a quick-setting foamed cement grout, in which the individual constituents of the grout are proportionally adjustable. Finished foam and cement slurry are mixed at metered rates to form a foamed cement grout which is pumped to a wye connection proximate a remote injection site. Sodium silicate solution is added at the wye connection at a metered rate, using a second metering pump. The sodium silicate solution mixes with the foamed cement grout to greatly accelerate the setting time thereof, and compressed air may also be added to accelerate the passage of the material through the injection hose and nozzle. The quick-setting material is particularly suited for use with a tunnel boring machine (TBM), to grout the annular cavity between the tunnel bore and the segmented liner which is installed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5799701
    Abstract: Pipelines are lined by inserting a lining pipe R out of a long profile beltlike member to be supplied and wound involutely within the pipeline. A jointing mechanism and a guide roller block are arranged around a mounting frame. The lining pipe R is produced while it rotates on its axis in response to rotary drive by the jointing roller block. An additional lining pipe is formed out of a belt like member to be supplied anew and ahead of the already formed pipe, which is left behind. A rigid mounting frame enables lining pipes of a specific diameter to be formed. Also, a flexible mounting frame helps to cope with a pipeline which is rectangular in cross-section. In addition, the already formed lining pipe can be large in diameter by feeding the belt like member at a higher level than the jointing mechanism which is traveling and sliding the joints of adjoining portions of the already formed beltlike member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignees: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Adachi Construction Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kitahashi, Yasushi Kitayama, Eiki Akimoto, Hamao Yamashiro
  • Patent number: 5794663
    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 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary Van Ameyde
  • Patent number: 5794662
    Abstract: A method of relining sewer lines, waterlines or gas lines is disclosed which uses a segmented liner of reduced size relative to the pipe being relined, with the liner being heat/pressure molded to the shape of the pipe being relined. The liner segments are joined by conventional joining techniques, however, the preferred joint is achieved by fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Henri S. St. Onge, Bryan St. Onge
  • Patent number: 5791378
    Abstract: A pumpable cement grout and method for use thereof for grouting liner pipes. The pumpable cement grout is a mixture of a hydraulic cement, water in an amount sufficient so that the water-to-cement ratio of the grout is from about 0.60 to about 1.00 by weight, and pregenerated aqueous foam in an amount sufficient to adjust the wet density of the grout to a value of from about 48 to about 72 pounds per cubic foot. The pressure at which the grout is injected into the cavity is maintained at or below a predetermined maximum pressure, so as to avoid collapsing the liner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5791380
    Abstract: Methods of forming highly insulated pipeline bundles made up of one or more flow lines positioned within a continuous larger diameter outer sleeve are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of filling the space between the outside of the flow lines and the inside of the outer sleeve with a foamed cement composition comprised of hydraulic cement, water, a gas and a foaming agent, allowing the hydration reaction between the hydraulic cement and the water in the cement composition to take place, and then heating the hydrated cement composition to evaporate and remove excess water in the cement composition and thereby increase the insulating properties of the cement composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: David D. Onan, Ronald J. Crook
  • Patent number: 5787933
    Abstract: A method of obtaining a leakproof connection between a metallic tube having a leak and a metallic sleeve extending over the leak, includes expanding the sleeve being formed of a material having given strength values against an inner wall surface of the tube being formed of a material having strength values greater than the given values. In order to bridge a gap due to spring-back without the aid of an additional component of a shape memory alloy, a sleeve material having strength values lower than those of the material of the tube is used. A leakproof connection is obtained as the result of the greater spring-back of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Reaktor GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Russ, Abdullah-El-Baqui Majumdar
  • Patent number: 5778936
    Abstract: A system for generating a liner tube for an underground pipe while material is flowing through the pipe, incorporates a liner winding assembly, a carriage assembly connected to the liner tube being formed, a towing device for generating a pulling force on the carriage assembly and the liner tube being formed, and a liner hub assembly fixedly connected to the liner tube for operatively connecting the carriage assembly with the liner tube. The liner winding assembly includes a feeding and driving device for feeding liner material into the underground pipe, a device for forming the liner material into a liner tube, and a mounting device for fixedly mounting the feeding and driving device and the forming means in the underground pipe. The feeding and driving device generates a driving force to move the liner tube into and through the underground pipe as the liner tube is being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Danby of North America
    Inventor: George McAlpine
  • Patent number: 5778937
    Abstract: A method for producing leak-proof sites of entry for domestic connection pipes and other feed pipes into sewers. The method includes the steps of widening the site of entry of the feed pipe into the sewer, providing a barrier towards the interior of the sewer at the site of entry, providing a barrier within the feed pipe at a predetermined distance from the site of entry, introducing an expanding solidifying sealing mass into the space between the barriers so as to fill the space and any openings, fissures, or cracks found therein, clearing a path of flow from the feed pipe through the sealing mass and into the sewer, and optionally lining the flow path with a solidifying, insoluble, corrosion-resistant and non-ageing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Klug Kanal-, Leitungs-und Umweltsanierungs- G.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Franz Sundermann
  • Patent number: 5780123
    Abstract: A tubular liner, for lining the inner wall of a pipe, comprises a plurality of composite liner tubes, each liner type contains an inner layer of a resin-absorbable sheet and an outer layer of hermetic plastic film. The composite liner tubes are joined by spirally stitched abutting ends. In an embodiment, the inner resin-absorbable sheets are joined. An adhesive can be applied to the inner and outer walls of the resin-absorbable sheet along the stitched spiral seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Yokoshima & Company, Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5778938
    Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes an impervious containment pipe adapted to be installed as a primary containment pipe and a crush-resistant and flexible spacer element disposed about the entire external circumference of the primary containment pipe. The annular spacer is formed of a plurality of spaced apart and parallel substantially crush-resistant longitudinal members with a plurality of spaced apart parallel flexible connecting ribs bonded thereto. The longitudinal members form a uniform space when the containment pipe suitable for installation of leak detection systems including cables or based on measuring pressure differentials. The new impervious primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Douglas K. Chick, F. Thomas Driver
  • Patent number: 5743299
    Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes an impervious containment pipe adapted to be installed as a primary containment pipe and a crush-resistant and flexible spacer element disposed about the entire external circumference of the primary containment pipe. The spacer is formed of a plurality of spaced apart and parallel substantially crush-resistant longitudinal members with a plurality of spaced apart parallel flexible connecting ribs bonded thereto. The longitudinal members form a uniform space when the containment pipe suitable for installation of leak detection systems including cables or based on measuring pressure differentials. The new impervious primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherland) B.V.
    Inventors: Douglas K. Chick, F. Thomas Driver
  • Patent number: 5740838
    Abstract: There is provided a method of lining an existing underground main pipe involving a branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Satake, Tadao Yahata, Takashi Shigefuji, Shigeru Toyoda, Shuichi Yagi, Masaaki Itagaki
  • Patent number: 5727597
    Abstract: A repair system for repairing faults in a conduit. A protective skirt protects the leading edge of a repair sleeve on an inflatable mandrel. One or more straps hold the repair sleeve in position as the mandrel is inserted into the conduit. A release liner facilitates the removal of the mandrel from the repair sleeve after the resin in the repair sleeve has been cured. A calibrated hose within the mandrel provides a substantially constant temperature along the length of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: American Pipeline Supply, Corp.
    Inventor: Benjamin T. Fisco
  • Patent number: 5725026
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Link-Pipe, Inc.
    Inventor: Lembit Maimets
  • Patent number: 5711351
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming an opening in a pipe from the interior thereof comprises a hydraulic ram having a cylinder within which slides a piston rod. A sharpened wedge-shaped tool is mounted in the free end of the piston rod, and the end of the cylinder remote from the tool has a rounded profile similar to that of the pipe to be cut. The cylinder is affixed to a carrier tube with the axis of the tube at right-angles to that of the tube. Using the tool, it is possible to cut an opening through a pipe extending within a tank which may contain combustible or explosive liquids or vapors, without risk of heat, sparks or the generation of swarf. As such, a replacement fill-pipe containing an anti-over-fill valve may be fitted to an existing fill-pipe of a petrol tank without the need to open the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas John Wheatley
  • Patent number: 5706861
    Abstract: An assembly which can be inserted into a pipeline or passageway on which a curable resin impregnated flexible lining is placed about an inflatable bladder is provided. The bladder is mounted to one end of a core pipe and folded over on itself. Medium flowing in the pipeliner passageway can pass through the core pipe during a lining operation. The core pipe is of sufficiently rigid nature to withstand inflation pressure to move the lining tube into the pipeliner passageway surface by inflation of the bladder, but yet is sufficiently flexible and bendable so as to bend enabling it follow curbs and falls in the pipeliner passageway into which it is inserted. Temporary holding means restrain the liner during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Eric Wood, deceased, Miranda J. Bull, administrator
  • Patent number: 5706862
    Abstract: A pipe repair device (10) includes a slotted strap (18) having a first end (20) and a second end (22). The second end (22) of the strap (18) is connected to an adjusting mechanism (24) that is operable to engage the slots in the strap (18) to increase or decrease the diameter of the loop formed when the first end (20) of the strap (18) engages the adjusting mechanism (24). A sealing member (14) having a pair of spaced, substantially parallel slots (50) is slidably carried by the strap (18) through the engagement of the strap (18) with both slots (50). A body portion (52) of the sealing member (14) that is disposed between both slots (50) is disposed radially inward of the strap (18). A backing plate (60) is carried by the sealing member (14) between the sealing member (14) and the strap (18). The backing plate (60) has two tabs (64) that are inserted in the slots (50) causing the backing plate (60) to be retentively carried by the sealing member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Wesley C. Meinerding, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5698056
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liner bag used for lining used underground pipes: (i) a long tube of a rectangular resin absorbent sheet, whose outer face is hermetically coated with a plastic film, is formed with a long cavity along the entire length of its seam by attaching a first reinforcer cover strip to the inner face of the resin absorbent sheet tube across the seam by welding only the lateral long side portions thereof; (ii) a second reinforcer strip is fixed in the long cavity by welding it to the resin absorbent sheet and the first reinforcer strip in a manner such that the second reinforcer strip is trapped between the resin absorbent sheet and the first reinforcer strip at a location underneath the seam; (iii) then, a first adhesive tape is applied to the surface of the plastic film in a manner so as to cover up the entire length of the seam and a wider second adhesive tape is applied to the surface of the plastic film over the first adhesive tape, the back of the first adhesive tape having a releasi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignees: Yokoshima & Company, Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5692543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for lining a lateral pipe branching off of a main pipe with a flexible resin absorbent tubular lining portion having an integral sealing end which includes a flexible resin absorbent end collar portion and a preformed sealing collar having a body portion with an aperture and a rim. The body portion being located against a portion of the main pipe with the resin absorbent collar portion therebetween and the rim being located in a portion of the lateral pipe wherein the preformed sealing collar seals the region where the lateral pipe meets the main pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Wood, deceased
  • Patent number: 5680885
    Abstract: An improved method of rehabilitating a conduit which is in a damaged or deteriorated state. A lining hose, having a resin absorbing inner layer which is soaked with an excess volume of resin, is expanded and shaped to conformingly line a conduit by inverting a calibration hose under fluid pressure inside the lining hose. The calibration hose is comprised of a resin-absorbent layer and an impermeable layer that outwardly adjoins and surrounds the resin-absorbent layer. After inversion, the resin absorbent layer of the calibration hose contacts and adheres to the resin impregnated inner layer of the lining hose and is impregnated in situ with a portion of the excess volume of resin from the lining hose. Upon curing, the calibration hose becomes an integral part of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Giulio Catallo
  • Patent number: 5676175
    Abstract: A plastic liner having a second, deformed shape, and having a memory of a first, undeformed memory shape, the deformation in the deformed shape comprising one or more deformations, at least one of which is a twist deformation consisting of alternate left-right twists along the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Golan Plastic Products
    Inventors: Yosef Bar, Gideon Pinto
  • Patent number: 5645375
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling cavities in underground excavations. Sodium silicate and aqueous foam are mixed with cement slurry to produce a quick-setting foamed cement grout having a meringue-like consistency. The high viscosity of the grout combines with the very fast initial set time to minimize the problem of grout flowing out of the cavity following injection. The method and apparatus are particularly suited to grouting of the annular cavity which is formed between the tail shield of a tunnel boring machine and a segmental tunnel liner which is assembled therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 5634743
    Abstract: The lining of pipelines and passageways is effected by everting a flexible lining tube containing curable synthetic resin into and along the pipeline or passageway. The resin is of the latent type and requires the application of energy to initiate the cure, after which the cure continues. The cure is initiated by applying energy, e.g. ultrasonic, to the everting face via a device which travels in the pipeline or passageway ahead of the everting face. The device is kept centralised and focuses energy on the center of the everting face. As the respective lengths of the lining pass the everting face and lie on the pipeline or passageway surface they cure to hard condition. The process is dynamic and quick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Sound Pipe, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian B. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5628345
    Abstract: A repair system for repairing faults in a conduit. A protective skirt protects the leading edge of a repair sleeve on an inflatable mandrel. One or more straps hold the repair sleeve in position as the mandrel is inserted into the conduit. A release liner facilitates the removal of the mandrel from the repair sleeve after the resin in the repair sleeve has been cured. A calibrated hose within the mandrel provides a substantially constant temperature along the length of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: American Pipeline Supply, Corp.
    Inventor: Benjamin T. Fisco
  • Patent number: 5609186
    Abstract: There is provided a method of lining an existing underground main pipe involving a branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Satake, Tadao Yahata, Takashi Shigefuji, Shigeru Toyoda, Shuichi Yagi, Masaaki Itagaki
  • Patent number: 5606997
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Advance Trenchless Rehabilitation Systems
    Inventors: Richard D. Blackmore, Mark T. Sloan
  • Patent number: 5598873
    Abstract: A branch pipe lining method is provided which can directly achieve an air-tight connection between a pressure bag and a branch pipe liner bag in a simple structure without employing a conventional sealed tube. An open end of the pressure bag is attached to a set nozzle attached to a work robot which is movably installed in a main pipe. A branch pipe liner bag, impregnated with a thermosetting resin, is placed inside the pressure bag. The liner bag has a flange which is removably attached to the set nozzle by fitting a protrusion formed on a surface of the flange into a concave groove formed in the set nozzle. With the flange being closely contacted to the inner wall of the main pipe around a branch pipe opening, compressed air is supplied into the pressure bag to evert and insert the branch pipe liner bag into a branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh
  • Patent number: 5590689
    Abstract: There is provided a method for lining the internal surface of a pipe having a first open end and a second open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignees: Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd., Hakko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Toyoda, Shuichi Yagi, Masaaki Itagaki, Nobukatsu Ike, Kenji Ohshima
  • Patent number: 5586580
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing joints and leaks in pipes is provided. The apparatus is particularly useful for sealing leaking at joints in underground gas mains. A sealant applicator in the form of a push snake is provided which may be inserted into the pipe through a standard tap fitting. Thick or viscous sealant is pumped down through the snake and is thereafter applied radially outward to the inside surfaces of the pipe by a spinning applicator tip. Flaps may be attached to the spinning applicator tip so that the thick sealant is trowelled into place. The applicator tip may be rotated with compressed gas which may be compressed methane gas drawn from the gas main. A centralizer is preferably employed to centralize the applicator head in place during application of the sealant. The flaps may also be used to clean the pipe prior to the application of the sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Allan T. Fisk, David I. Freed
  • Patent number: 5580406
    Abstract: A flexible liner is formed from a resilient material and includes a back side surface having a number of ribs that project outwardly a distance away from the liner. The ribs each have an enlarged profile configured to provide a strong mechanical lock with an intermediate adhesion layer or carrier that is applied to a surface portion of the underlying substrate needing surfacing or rehabilitation. The liner is installed to surface or rehabilitate a structure by applying a thickness of the carrier to the wall section of the underlying substrate, positioning a back side surface of the liner adjacent the carrier, pressing the liner against the carrier so that the ribs are inserted and completely covered by the carrier, and forming a mechanical lock between the ribs and the carrier. The carrier is formed from a resinous material that has good adhesion properties and that displays good chemical and/or corrosion resistance when cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Ameron, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. O'ffill
  • Patent number: 5566719
    Abstract: A method is proposed for lining a branch pipe from the main pipe; in particular a special sealing mechanism is adopted in attaching the collar of a liner bag onto the flange of a fluid pressure sealing nozzle: stopper tacks are embedded in the collar at appropriate locations, each of the stopper tacks having its bottom end exposed from the back face of the collar and connected with a string; the back face of the collar of the branch pipe liner bag is faced with the upper face of the flange of the fluid pressure sealing nozzle, which comprises a hollow cylindrical part, the flange extending perpendicularly from the side of the cylindrical part, at least one endless sealant laid on the upper face of the flange, and a string puller provided in the flange; the strings are engaged with the string puller; the string puller pulls the strings so that the collar and the flange are moved toward each other until sufficient sealing effect is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5564863
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for making point-repairs in sewer and other utility lines. The method involves positioning a section of polyolefin, preferably polyethylene, pipe by drawing or pulling it into and through the undamaged portion of the damaged sewer line requiring repair and fixing or securing from the surface the section of polyolefin pipe into place. The present invention is also directed to point-repair collapsible heads and a point-repair insertion tool for assisting in the positioning of the section of polyolefin pipe into the damaged sewer line requiring repair by pulling the point-repair insertion tool which includes the section through the line to the place where repair is required and collapsing the heads and removing them by cable from the section and the damaged sewer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: TTI Trenchless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Cleve C. Reber
  • Patent number: 5560395
    Abstract: An insert system for repairing defects in underground conduits in situ comprises a tubular inner liner of stiff material having a generally smooth inner surface and a plurality of integral outer circumscribing ribs defining a plurality of valleys between the ribs. An outer sleeve circumscribes the inner liner and is formed of an elastomeric material. A mid-layer of reinforcing woven material is wrapped about the inner liner within the outer sleeve. A hardenable resin saturates the mid-layer and fills the valleys. The resin bonds to the inner liner to form a structural insert, and the outer sleeve provides a deformable seal against an inner surface of a conduit when the insert system is operatively positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventors: Roger A. Bissonnette, Jean F. L. Bissonnette
  • Patent number: 5558130
    Abstract: A pipe stopper capable of moving along a pipe to block the pipe at a point remote from an access point. The pipe stopper comprises an elongate resilient body member provided with a resilient reinforcing member. A plurality of circumferential sealing members are spaced along the length of the body member and seals the pipe stopper to the pipe. A guide member extends from the front or leading end of the pipe stopper and guides the pipe stopper around a bend and/or elbow in the pipe. The pipe stopper may be part of a pipe stopper system for placing the pipe stopper at a point remote from an access point and for subsequently retrieving the pipe stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Synthotech Marine Limited
    Inventors: Martin B. McCabe, Anthony C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5549856
    Abstract: A resin injection method and a pipeline repair method are provided for smoothly and rapidly performing setting of an open liner and for completing works such as eversion and insertion of the open liner even for a steeply inclined pipeline. An end portion of an open liner is everted such that the end is attached to one end of a pipe liner bag which has been introduced into a pipeline to be repaired. A resin is injected into the open liner from the other end thereof while the pipe liner bag is evacuated, thus injecting the resin into the pipe liner bag through the open liner. After the resin has been injected into the pipe liner bag 1 in the above-mentioned method, the open liner is everted by fluid pressure to be inserted into the pipe liner bag, whereby the resin is impregnated into the pipe liner bag. Then, the pipe liner bag is pressed against the inner wall of the pipeline 4, in which state the resin impregnated in the pipe liner bag is cured to repair the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei - Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yokoshima