Patches Patents (Class 138/98)
  • Publication number: 20120175004
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120145271
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher McKeller, Rene Quitter
  • Publication number: 20120138184
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, JR.
  • Patent number: 8191580
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Toa Grout Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth Latimer Scott
  • Patent number: 8186385
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
  • Publication number: 20120084956
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, JR.
  • Patent number: 8151827
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitoshi Ohira, Masato Horiuchi, Hiroshi Sugahara
  • Publication number: 20120080114
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BRINKER TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Kenneth McEwan
  • Publication number: 20120073692
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ISCO INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Don McGriff, Tim Toliver
  • Publication number: 20120060957
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: PERMA-LINER INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald Scott D'Hulster, James Gould
  • Patent number: 8118063
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W Kiest, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120012217
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: INA ACQUISITION CORP.
    Inventors: Mark Hairston, Barry Paschall, Keith B. Oxner, Kyle Costa
  • Publication number: 20120007714
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Mühlin
  • Publication number: 20120006440
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120006439
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Patent number: 8092689
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michel Gosselin
  • Publication number: 20110297243
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110297265
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Kahoe, Brandon Iglesias
  • Publication number: 20110290359
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Patent number: 8066499
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Franklin Thomas Driver, Steve J. Hirtz, Richard C. Polivka, James H. Blasczyk, Neil T. Birchler, Kyle M. Costa
  • Patent number: 8061389
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Brinker Technology Limited
    Inventor: Ian Kenneth McEwan
  • Publication number: 20110277864
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110281185
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: K.R. Sridhar, Swaminathan Venkataraman, William David Lyle, Arne Watson Ballantine
  • Publication number: 20110259587
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Basil J. Joseph, Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 8038913
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Franklin Thomas Driver, Steve J. Hirtz, Richard C. Polivka, James H. Blasczyk, Neil T. Birchler, Kyle M. Costa
  • Publication number: 20110232793
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: INA ACQUISITION CORP.
    Inventors: Richard Carl Polivka, Kyle M. Costa, Keith Blaine Oxner, Stephen Bradley Heuiser, Cory Wayne Husemann, Clayton Muenchmeyer
  • Patent number: 8025461
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Fuminori Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20110220232
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: MICHELS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kelly Odell, Pat J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110203719
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110197413
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Patent number: 7987873
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7981229
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc
    Inventors: Patrick J. Hood, Sean Garrigan, Frank Auffinger
  • Patent number: 7975726
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7967029
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Baur, Thomas Winkeler, Peter Riedel
  • Publication number: 20110146826
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ECOPETROL S.A.
    Inventors: Edelmira Afanador Rey, Gerardo Santos Castañeda, Gonzalo Leal Diaz, Guillermo Latorre Cortes, Hector Danilo Ordoñez Lozano, Jairo Humberto Guzman Mejia
  • Patent number: 7954516
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbaek
  • Patent number: 7942167
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Clinton Edward Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 7938923
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Hood
  • Publication number: 20110100498
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: NUFLOW TECHNOLOGIES 2000 INC.
    Inventor: Cameron Manners
  • Patent number: 7926516
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110083766
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Richard M. Anders
  • Patent number: 7922855
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sideliner Enterprises Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David R. Harrington
  • Publication number: 20110079309
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Esq., I, Judith Ann, Mandy Elias
  • Patent number: 7905255
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
  • Patent number: 7896032
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7891381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: NOVOC Performance Resins
    Inventors: Richard M. Anders, James A. Waigright
  • Publication number: 20110030830
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Shaun McKaigue, Robert Philpott
  • Patent number: 7878221
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TDW Offshore Services AS
    Inventors: Jostein Aleksandersen, Harald Syse
  • Publication number: 20110010907
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Roger Michael Bennett
  • Patent number: 7870874
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Fiberspar Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan