Patches Patents (Class 138/98)
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Publication number: 20120175004Abstract: An apparatus and method of making a cured-in-place pipe repair to a lateral pipe having an area in need of repair. The method and apparatus use a liner assembly comprising a bladder tube and a liner tube. The liner tube comprises at least one layer of non-stretching material, which includes strands of non-stretching material oriented in the longitudinal direction of the liner tube. The strands allow radial stretching but ensure that the liner tube does not stretch longitudinally, which prevents the liner tube from stretching into a main pipe or past the area in need of repair during use. The liner tube may also comprise second and third layers of a resin impregnable material, such as felt, which surround the layer of non-stretching material such that the liner tube may be impregnated with a resinous material to repair a pipe having an area in need of repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Publication number: 20120145271Abstract: A curable liner tube, once inserted into a pipe and cured, can withstand relatively high internal pressures as well as relatively high external pressures, and can also resist destructive effects from liquids and gases with which the pipe and liner tube come in contact. The liner tube is sufficiently pliable in an uncured condition to lie substantially flat and to be substantially circular in cross section in an expanded state, and comprises an outer strengthening system that is configured for placement in a pipe interior and that changes from a pliable condition to a hardened condition upon curing, and a membrane system disposed inwardly relative to the outer strengthening system when placed in the pipe interior, comprising an impermeable sealing film having a facing surface that faces the interior of the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Christopher McKeller, Rene Quitter
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Publication number: 20120138184Abstract: A kit, apparatus, and method for sealing a junction between a manhole and a pipe within a sewer system are provided. In a first embodiment, the end of a pipe adjacent a manhole is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material. In a second embodiment, a majority of the area surrounding a junction of a pipe and a manhole is sealed by the use of a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material including a flange portion, a pipe liner, and a manhole liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, JR.
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Patent number: 8191580Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining a pre-existing pipe or passage having at least one curved section or bend along its length with a pipe assembly (10) is disclosed. An assembly is formed from a plurality of pipe sections (11), having axial ends (15,16) which are inclined at non-orthogonal angles (x) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sections, and having interengagement means, placed end-to-end and engaged together. The pipe assembly is advanced into the passage or pre-existing pipe, pipe sections being vibrated such that the relevant pipe sections rotate relative to one another towards a relative orientation in which the axes of adjacent pipe sections within a curved section of pre-existing pipe or passage lie inclined at an angle to one another such that the pipe assembly can be advanced through the pre-existing pipe or passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignees: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Toa Grout Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenneth Latimer Scott
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Patent number: 8186385Abstract: A flexible inflatable packer for use in installation of a sealant such as grout in joints and defects in a conduit such as a sewer pipe, and a method for sealing defects in a conduit by use of such a packer. The packer can collapse to a slender configuration for movement through a small conduit to a location along the length of the conduit where repair is needed. The packer can be inflated to place a sealing portion adjacent each end of the packer into sealing contact with the interior of the conduit, while a centrally located portion of the packer defines space into which a fluid sealant can be installed to repair cracks or holes in the conduit. The centrally located portion of the packer supports the sealant material during a process of curing.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
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Publication number: 20120084956Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and assembly for repairing a pipe or the junction of two pipes, such as sewer pipes. The assembly includes a launcher device having a launcher device body, a launcher device opening disposed on the launcher device body, and a main bladder substantially surrounding the launcher device body. The main bladder includes an opening that substantially aligns with the launcher device opening. The assembly further includes an absorbent liner and a lateral bladder having a tubular lateral bladder body portion and a flange portion. The flange portion of the lateral bladder is attached to the exterior of the launcher device body. A method of using the assembly includes impregnating the liner with resinous material; inserting at least a portion of the liner into the lateral bladder; inflating the bladders; pressing the liner against the pipe; and allowing the resinous material to cure and harden.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, JR.
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Patent number: 8151827Abstract: In an existing pipe rehabilitating method according to an embodiment, a profile strip (2) for lining an existing pipe (10) is shaped using a thermoplastic resin, joint portions (21) are provided at both end portions in a width direction of the profile strip, and the profile strip (2) is inserted into the existing pipe (10) and is helically wound in the existing pipe (10). The joint portions (21) of adjacent windings of the profile strip (2) are interlocked with each other, thereby forming a rehabilitating pipe (20). Also, the profile strip (2) of the rehabilitating pipe (20) is deformed by a heating step in which the profile strip (2) is subjected to a heating process so as to conform a shape of a curved portion (13) of the existing pipe (10), thereby integrating the profile strip (2) with an inner peripheral surface of the curved portion (13) of the existing pipe (10).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akitoshi Ohira, Masato Horiuchi, Hiroshi Sugahara
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Publication number: 20120080114Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for duct leakage control wherein a sealing element is introduced into the duct and is automatically drawn or otherwise guided to the locality of a leak, the element being caused, by reason of a pressure differential attributable to the leak, to move into and stem or seal the leak. The sealing element may comprise a plurality of individual members of differing buoyancy, each capable of being carried along at a predetermined level in the duct by the flow of fluid therein. The sealing element may carry a tagging device which can be used to assist in locating the leakage site.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: BRINKER TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: Ian Kenneth McEwan
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Publication number: 20120073692Abstract: A pipe, such as a liner for repairing a failing culvert, comprises a continuous wall defining an inner wall surface and an exterior wall surface. The pipe further defines a central fluid passageway extending from an inlet end to an outlet end. The inner wall surface of the pipe defines a waveform-like geometry near the inlet end, said waveform-like geometry including an initial curvature beginning at the inlet end of the pipe and continuing until reaching a predetermined location where an inner diameter of the pipe is minimized, the curvature then continuing with the inner diameter increasing again to a second predetermined location, before the inner diameter again decreases to a third predetermined location and then remains substantially constant along the remaining length of the pipe, thus creating an annular recess in the inner wall surface of the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: ISCO INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Don McGriff, Tim Toliver
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Publication number: 20120060957Abstract: An apparatus and method that accelerates curing of resin in a liner for a buried pipe includes an air inversion unit connected to an air compressor. The apparatus include a curing cap having an inflation port, a curing port and a drainage port. A remote source of pressurized fluid is placed in fluid communication with the inflation port. The apparatus also includes a manifold having an outlet, a first inlet in valved fluid communication with a heated fluid source, a second inlet in valved fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and a third inlet in valved fluid communication with the drainage port. A flexible tube is slidably received by the curing port while maintaining a substantially fluid-tight seal. The flexible tube has a first end in fluid communication with the outlet of the manifold and the second end has a substantially spherical guide thereon. The second end of the flexible tube also includes a plurality of perforations to allow fluids to pass there through.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: PERMA-LINER INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Gerald Scott D'Hulster, James Gould
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Patent number: 8118063Abstract: A new apparatus for repairing a damaged portion of a pipe includes a liner having a tubular sleeve of resin absorbent material that is capable of being stretched circumferentially and a plastic film laminated to an exterior surface of the sleeve. The plastic film contains resinous material in the liner until the liner is stretched circumferentially to thereby breech the integrity of the plastic film and expose the resinous material to a damaged section of pipe in need of repair. A method of lining a damaged section of pipe using the liner is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Larry W Kiest, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120012217Abstract: A cured in place liner system and associated connections and methods are disclosed. The cured in place pipe system forms a completely rehabilitated, stand-alone, fluid-tight flow path between upstream and downstream portions of an existing pipe system. The rehabilitated flow path is stand-alone in that the liner system does not rely on structure of the portion of the pipe system through which the liner system is installed to define the fluid-tight flow path. The flow path between upstream and downstream portions of the liner system is defined by and made fluid-tight solely by components of the rehabilitation system such as cured in place liners and couplers. The portion of the pipe system through which the rehabilitation system is installed merely provides a path (e.g., through the ground) through which the cured in place liner system can be inserted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: INA ACQUISITION CORP.Inventors: Mark Hairston, Barry Paschall, Keith B. Oxner, Kyle Costa
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Publication number: 20120007714Abstract: A repair liner for repairing a lateral/main pipe junction and method of using the same to identify a lateral sewer pipe are disclosed. The repair liner includes a radio-frequency identification transponder capable of transmitting an identification signal that is unique to the repair liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventor: Michael Mühlin
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Publication number: 20120006440Abstract: A liner assembly is provided for repairing a pipe junction. The liner assembly includes a first and second camera and a containment bladder all operably connected to a launcher device, and which are used in combination by a user in a remote location to position and align the liner assembly in a main pipe, adjacent a lateral pipe, wherein no external access to the lateral pipe is available. The user will use images from the cameras to send control information to a positioning device, which positions and aligns a liner assembly with a lateral pipe. The liner assembly is then used to repair damage to the lateral pipe and the juncture between the main and lateral pipes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Publication number: 20120006439Abstract: A new liner and method of forming a liner for use in lining the junction between a main pipe and a lateral pipe are provided. A liner tube is joined about one end to a liner member about an aperture in the liner member. A liquid thermoset adhesive is applied around a junction formed between the liner tube and the liner member on a resin impermeable coated side of the liner tube and the liner member. The thermoset adhesive is not affected by temperature changes present during an exothermic reaction when the resin impregnated liner tube and liner member are cured and hardened.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Patent number: 8092689Abstract: A method of reducing styrene emissions in aqueous cured-in-place pipe closed molding processes and other aqueous environments using a styrene reduction agent. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. Capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventor: Michel Gosselin
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Publication number: 20110297243Abstract: An apparatus and a method for using a bladder in combination with a curable material capable of curing and hardening is disclosed. A curable material capable of curing and hardening is dispensed about an interior wall of a damaged section of a pipe ahead of an inverting end of a bladder. The bladder inverts to push a plate attached to a dispensing unit, pushing the assembly through the pipe, while also compressing the curable material against the interior wall of the pipe. The material is pressed into fractures and the bladder remains inflated until the material cures and hardens, leaving a newly lined pipe. An assembly for forming the lining in the pipe includes a dispensing hose, a dispensing unit, and a bladder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Publication number: 20110297265Abstract: An electromagnetic chemical adhesive pipe plugging system is provided, including an elongated hollow injection quill, said quill having a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnetic jaws, a plurality of circumferentially spaced shoes, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnetic heads, wherein the magnetic jaws, shoes, and magnetic heads are capable of being pushed radially outward into gripping engagement with the inner diameter of a pipe assisted by chemical adhesive bonds against the pressure forces acting thereon, and the magnetic heads are capable of creating an intense magnetic field. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling, and operating the system are also provided and include insertion through the BOP primary exit line or choke and kill lines within a BOP device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Joseph Kahoe, Brandon Iglesias
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Publication number: 20110290359Abstract: A method of providing a seal between pipe liners in a pipe, or at the juncture between a main and lateral pipe is provided. A first liner, which has been impregnated or otherwise coated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening, is positioned in a pipe about an area in need of repair. A second liner, also including the resinous material, is place in the same pipe, with a portion of the second liner overlapping a portion of the first liner. A sealing member, such as a hydrophilic or hydrophobic band or material, is placed between the two liners at the overlap to seal the connection of the two liners.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Patent number: 8066499Abstract: Installation of a flexible cured in place liner by inverting the liner with air and curing the liner with steam introduced through a perforated lay flat hose without deflating the liner between the inversion and cure. The installation is performed with an apparatus having two independently operable glands with at least one fluid inlet port installed on the line downstream of the second gland liner. As the liner reaches the distal end of the conduit to be lined, it enters a sample and porting pipe with an exhaust pipe gland and exhaust pipe and it is pierced by a rigid porting tool. Steam is then introduced into the lay flat hose to cure the resin and is exhausted through an exhaust hose connected to a controllable exhaust pipe. After curing steam is replaced with air to cool the liner, the ends are cut to restore service through the host pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Franklin Thomas Driver, Steve J. Hirtz, Richard C. Polivka, James H. Blasczyk, Neil T. Birchler, Kyle M. Costa
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Patent number: 8061389Abstract: The invention relates to the control of leakage from ducts, such as fluid-carrying pipework, without necessarily requiring direct access to the leakage site itself; since leakage sites are often difficult to locate with the necessary degree of precision to permit access to reliably be made thereto, and moreover, even if a site can be located, it is not always convenient or economically possible to secure access thereto. The invention provides an apparatus and methods for duct leakage control wherein a sealing element (1) is introduced into the duct and is automatically drawn or otherwise guided to the locality of a leak; the element being caused, by reason of a pressure differential attributable to the leak, to move into and stem or seal the leak. The sealing element may comprise a plurality of individual members of differing buoyancy, each capable of being carried along at a predetermined level in the duct by the flow of fluid therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Brinker Technology LimitedInventor: Ian Kenneth McEwan
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Publication number: 20110277864Abstract: A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Publication number: 20110281185Abstract: A fuel cell stack module includes a base, a cover dome removably positioned on the base, and a plurality of fuel cell stacks removably positioned on the base below the cover dome. A modular fuel cell system includes a plurality of the fuel cell stack modules, where each fuel cell stack module may be electrically disconnected, removed from the fuel cell system, repaired or serviced without stopping an operation of the other fuel cell stack modules in the fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2007Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: K.R. Sridhar, Swaminathan Venkataraman, William David Lyle, Arne Watson Ballantine
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Publication number: 20110259587Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a borehole in an earth formation includes: a carrier configured to be deployed in the borehole; and a shape memory device disposed at the carrier, the shape memory device including a shape memory material having a glass transition temperature, the shape memory material configured to modify the glass transition temperature to a temperature lower than a borehole temperature in response to a trigger, and change from a glass state to a rubber state in response to the borehole temperature to prevent fluid flowing through the shape memory device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Basil J. Joseph, Michael Johnson
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Patent number: 8038913Abstract: Installation of a flexible cured in place liner by inverting the liner with air and curing the liner with steam introduced through a perforated lay flat hose without deflating the liner between the inversion and cure. The installation is performed with an apparatus having two independently operable glands with at least one fluid inlet port installed on the line downstream of the second gland liner. As the liner reaches the distal end of the conduit to be lined, it enters a sample and porting pipe with an exhaust pipe gland and exhaust pipe and it is pierced by a rigid porting tool. Steam is then introduced into the lay flat hose to cure the resin and is exhausted through an exhaust hose connected to a controllable exhaust pipe. After curing steam is replaced with air to cool the liner, the ends are cut to restore service through the host pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.Inventors: Franklin Thomas Driver, Steve J. Hirtz, Richard C. Polivka, James H. Blasczyk, Neil T. Birchler, Kyle M. Costa
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Publication number: 20110232793Abstract: A plug for temporarily plugging a lateral line from lateral opening in a main pipeline. A distal end of the plug is inserted in the lateral line from the main pipeline. The plug includes a fitting tube and a wedge constructed for deforming a deformable portion of the fitting tube outward to plug the lateral opening. Axial movement of the wedge with respect to the fitting tube toward a flow area of the main pipeline causes deformation of the deformable portion. A gripping member may be positioned on an outer surface of the fitting tube. A tool such as a ratchet assembly is mounted on a robot sized and configured for navigating the main pipeline for installing the plug. The plug may include a fitting on the fitting tube to facilitate gripping of the plug by the tool. A cutting and brushing assembly may be used to remove the plug from the lateral line. Methods of installing and removing lateral plugs are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: INA ACQUISITION CORP.Inventors: Richard Carl Polivka, Kyle M. Costa, Keith Blaine Oxner, Stephen Bradley Heuiser, Cory Wayne Husemann, Clayton Muenchmeyer
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Patent number: 8025461Abstract: A lining material has a flexible tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin and having first and second sides. A first elastic and rigid strip member is removably attached to the first side of the flexible tubular lining material so as to extend along a substantially entire length of the flexible tubular lining material. A second elastic and rigid strip member is removably attached to the second side of the flexible tubular lining material so as to extend along the substantially entire length of the flexible tubular lining material. A third elastic and rigid strip member is attached to one end of the flexible tubular lining material and to the first and second elastic and rigid strip members.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Fuminori Tanaka
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Publication number: 20110220232Abstract: An apparatus for lining a pipe, comprising a support structure, a liner secured to the support structure and having a non-everted portion and an everted portion, and a pressure connector secured to the everted portion of the liner. The pressure connector includes a connector stud positioned in an opening of the everted portion of the liner, an inner pinch plate positioned inside the liner adjacent the opening, an outer pinch plate positioned outside the liner adjacent the opening and in opposing relation to the inner pinch plate, and a compression mechanism forcing the outer pinch plate toward the inner pinch plate. Preferably, the connector stud includes splines, and the outer pinch plate includes grooves receiving the splines. The compression mechanism can include a reaction plate coupled to the connector stud and including a threaded hole engaged with a threaded member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: MICHELS CORPORATIONInventors: Kelly Odell, Pat J. Anderson
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Publication number: 20110203719Abstract: A liner assembly and method for lining a damaged pipe junction between a main and lateral pipe is provided. The liner assembly includes a main liner member and a lateral liner tube. A collar disposed near the juncture between the main liner member and lateral liner tube is impregnated with a liquid hydrophobic or hydrophilic material capable of curing in a flexible or rigid state with the material expanding in the presence of water. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic material can also be applied without the use of the collar. When the liner assembly is pressed against the main and lateral pipes, a portion of the hydrophilic or hydrophobic material is forced into the damaged pipe junction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Publication number: 20110197413Abstract: A new apparatus for repairing a damaged portion of a pipe includes a liner having a tubular sleeve of resin absorbent material that includes a plastic film laminated to an exterior surface of the sleeve. The plastic film contains resinous material in the liner, and is modified to breech the integrity of the plastic film and expose the resinous material to a junction of a main and lateral pipe. A method of lining a junction of a main and lateral pipe using the liner is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Patent number: 7987873Abstract: The present invention relates to a new liner for repairing a damaged portion of a pipe. A lining tube formed from a non-resin absorbent material has an exterior surface adapted to receive a curable resin and contact an interior wall of the pipe. The present invention also includes a main/lateral liner assembly for repairing the junction between main and lateral pipes using a non-resin absorbent liner for at least a portion of the lining.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
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Patent number: 7981229Abstract: Patches consisting of transparent or translucent shape memory material can be manufactured so as to affect repair of transparent or translucent parts that have been damaged. These patches can be used to cover cracks and holes or provide additional structural support for the damaged parts. The patches can vary greatly in size and properties depending on the desired application.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, IncInventors: Patrick J. Hood, Sean Garrigan, Frank Auffinger
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Patent number: 7975726Abstract: A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
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Patent number: 7967029Abstract: In a device for conveying liquids or moist gases through a closed duct in a vehicle fuel cell power systems, freezing of the duct is prevented by providing a part of its internal wall flow passages or flow chambers with a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material absorbs liquid in disperse form at low temperatures through its capillary action and inhibits premature ice formation.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Thomas Baur, Thomas Winkeler, Peter Riedel
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Publication number: 20110146826Abstract: A device and a process reduce losses of fluid in transport conduits, caused by the installation of branches connected directly to conduits. The process includes injecting in the current of the fluid geometric elements of diverse materials and forms, in particular spheres, with densities similar to that of the fluid, by a special doser. The elements are circulated through the fluid, and because of hydraulic effects, the obstruction of the branches prevents or hinders extraction of the product. Recovery of the geometric elements at the end of the conduit uses a filter as a trap.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: ECOPETROL S.A.Inventors: Edelmira Afanador Rey, Gerardo Santos Castañeda, Gonzalo Leal Diaz, Guillermo Latorre Cortes, Hector Danilo Ordoñez Lozano, Jairo Humberto Guzman Mejia
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Patent number: 7954516Abstract: A cladding method for sealing a leak in a casing, a pipeline, a borehole, or a well downhole using a liner having a tube with a first diameter, a plurality of circumferential grooves, and a plurality of seals in the grooves extending beyond the first diameter. The cladding method has at least the steps of fastening the liner in a fastening mechanism of an expansion tool, inserting the liner having a first part and a second part into the casing outside the leak, positioning an expansion mechanism of the expansion tool at the first part of the liner, expanding the first part of the liner until the seals in the grooves of the first part of the liner are pressed against the casing and fasten the first part to the casing, releasing the liner so that the liner is free of the tool and the liner is held in place by the seals in the first part of the liner, and expanding all the way through the liner by expanding also the second part of the liner to abut the casing for sealing the leak.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbaek
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Patent number: 7942167Abstract: An expandable pipe (20) for restoring a damaged conduit (22) includes a liner (24) formed of polypropylene material. The liner (24) presents exterior surface (26) defining a plurality of grooves (28) and surrounding a center opening (32). The grooves (28) contain a grout material (30) and provide for controlled placement of the grout material (30). The grooves (28) maintain the placement of the grout material (30) when sliding the expandable pipe (20) into the conduit (22). The grout material (30) includes urethane and recycled fibers (36), and expands in volume upon contact with moisture. The grout material (30) expands to fill cracks in the conduit (22). The grooves (28) also render the expandable pipe (20) bendable in width (W) at the groves for folding and transporting the expandable pipe (20) and for maneuvering around bends of the conduit (22).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Inventor: Clinton Edward Llewellyn
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Patent number: 7938923Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.Inventor: Patrick J. Hood
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Publication number: 20110100498Abstract: A liner assembly for pipeline repair and methods of installing same. The liner assembly generally comprises an outer tubular liner, an inner malleable inflatable bladder positioned longitudinally within said liner, and a generally non-stretchable strap positioned longitudinally within the malleable inflatable bladder. The generally non-stretchable strap restricts longitudinal over-expansion during positioning and inflation of the liner assembly within a pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: NUFLOW TECHNOLOGIES 2000 INC.Inventor: Cameron Manners
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Patent number: 7926516Abstract: A repair device and method for its use includes plugs that pressure isolate an internally damaged pipeline section and an hermetically sealed housing that contains a length of composite material and a means for controllably releasing the composite material. In a preferred embodiment, the composite material is a pre-cured composite plank and the releasing means is a rotatable carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes pairs of rollers that maintain the composite material in its coiled state and provide for its controlled release onto the interior wall of the pipeline. The carriage assembly also includes a nozzle for injecting an adhesive into a roller. The roller applies the adhesive onto the interior wall surface and then presses the composite material into the adhesive as the carriage assembly rotates and the composite material uncoils. A pneumatic or electric motor may be used to power the carriage assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey M. Wilson
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Publication number: 20110083766Abstract: A cured-in-place liner system for pipe rehabilitation includes an end sealing assembly coupled to an end of a pipe and the cured-in-place liner to prevent water from penetrating the area between the cured-in-place liner and the pipe. A sealing member is provided for sealing off a tap of a lateral pipe from the main pipe to prevent the penetration of resin and other materials into the lateral pipes during the curing process. The sealing member includes a central portion that is placed over an end of the tap and removable after completion of the curing process so that fluids may freely flow between the main pipe and the lateral pipe. A tool assembly for coupling the sealing member and/or a connector between to a lateral pipe is also provided. The tool includes a coupling member attachable to a robotic device and a fixture tool having means for coupling to the sealing member and/or connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Richard M. Anders
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Patent number: 7922855Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding an everting form employed to carry formed-in-situ repair material into a pipe or conduit comprising passing a guiding means through the interior and along the full length of the everting form in its un-everted state; fixing a first end of the guiding means to a substantially closed end of the everting form; attaching the guiding means in a readily detachable way to the interior surfaces of the everting form and the repair material substantially throughout the length of the everting form; and, during eversion of the everting form, applying tension to the guiding means to assist in guiding the transition of the zone of eversion through directional changes and discontinuities in the pipe or conduit and prevent localised axial differential movement between the everting form and the repair material immediately upstream of the zone of eversion.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Sideliner Enterprises Pty Ltd.Inventor: David R. Harrington
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Publication number: 20110079309Abstract: A patch that would bond to a surface as a retaining barrier having a preferred gum chemical adhesive bond coating continuous over the patch to prevent bond failure, water, fluid, material or air from venting into an aperture, surface, crack, protruding object and surface or area with a protective seal. A patch sleeve portion may be formed to fit around protruding object(s) independent of patch or attached to the patch portions that may be formed and fused together, each with or without an adhesive coating element applied during manufacturing or during application. The patch and sleeve portions may be formed separately and fused together in a press, injection mold, mold or formed to be independent. The process of injection molding, molding or other means can be used to form the patch and/or sleeve portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: Michael Thomas Esq., I, Judith Ann, Mandy Elias
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Patent number: 7905255Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in repairing an underground conduit, such as a sewer pipe. A tubular bladder is filled within a selected portion of the length a conduit to occupy a large part of the interior while a sealant material in a fluid state is forced into the conduit to flow along the bladder to plug and seal defects in the conduit and at least partially fill voids in adjacent soil. A slender object such as a smaller tubular bladder extends along the bladder to provide a passageway for flow of sealant to defects in the conduit. A special plug may be used to direct the sealant into a selected portion of the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
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Patent number: 7896032Abstract: The present invention is a new liner assembly for use in pipes constructed from a flexible liner formed from a resin absorbent material. A compressible material, such as stitch-bond or foam, is attached to one or more sides of the liner for forming a taper along the compressible material when the liner is cured in place in the pipe using a curable resin and an expandable bladder to shape the liner to match the inside shape of the pipe. A taper is formed along the compressible material from the inside of the liner down to the inside of the pipe in which the liner is placed. As a result, a taper prevents accumulation of solid materials at the location of the pipe repair and thus prevents future clogging of the pipe at the repair.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
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Patent number: 7891381Abstract: A material composition and method for making flexible inversion liners having glass fibers added for strength is disclosed. The liner combines a first layer of polyester felt, an open-faced knit of fabric from ECR glass and PET strands, glass fibers, and a second layer of polyester felt. These components are needle-punched together into essentially a single composite mat, or substrate, using standard needle-punching machinery. The liner is then formed into a tube preferably through a butt joint and prayer stitch covered with a urethane tape. A coating or foil is placed on the outside (prior to inversion) of the liner that is then impregnated with a resin. The resin can have low levels of volatile organic compounds, and can be thermosetting or UV-curable. The liner is then installed in a pipe through an inversion technique using, e.g., either air or water, and cured with UV radiation, steam, or hot water.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: NOVOC Performance ResinsInventors: Richard M. Anders, James A. Waigright
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Publication number: 20110030830Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of structural pipe lining for conduit rehabilitation and more specifically, to methods for rehabilitating conduits using structural liners. There is provided a method for rehabilitating a tubular conduit having an inner conduit space and at least one service connection tied into the tubular conduit. A portion of the at least one service connection protrudes into the inner conduit space. A liner is provided for covering the inner surface of the tubular conduit. The liner is made of a flexible material capable of being impregnated with a first curable adhesive resin and has a film made of a material impermeable to liquid bonded onto the inner surface of the liner. Also provided, is a flexible sealing member made of a second curable adhesive resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Shaun McKaigue, Robert Philpott
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Patent number: 7878221Abstract: The invention regards a device for movement within a pipeline which device comprises at least one centralizing means (20) comprising at least two centralizing elements (21) arranged around the circumference of a body (8) of the device. The centralizing elements (21) are arranged to move from a retracted position to an extended position in contact with an inner wall (2) of a pipeline (1) to centralize the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: TDW Offshore Services ASInventors: Jostein Aleksandersen, Harald Syse
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Publication number: 20110010907Abstract: A system and method for repairing the damaged portion of a flow-line of a Corrugated Metal Pipe is disclosed. A containment mold is created on the interior surface of the CMP using a series of overlapping rigid sheets that are attached to the CMP along the damaged flow-line. This mold is provided with injection ports through which a hydro-insensitive expanding polymer may be injected. External pressure is applied to the rigid sheet during injection and hardening of the polymer. The result is a single monolithic structure forming a patch over the damaged CMP flow-line.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: Roger Michael Bennett
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Patent number: 7870874Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Fiberspar CorporationInventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan