Patches Patents (Class 138/98)
  • Publication number: 20110000567
    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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
  • Patent number: 7861743
    Abstract: A sacrificial lining system for a conduit is disclosed and comprises a liner portion having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end defining a proximal opening and the distal end defining a distal opening. The lining system further comprises a flange portion positioned at and being united to the proximal end of the liner portion. The flange portion surrounds the proximal opening. The distal end of the liner portion is free of any flange structure to permit the distal end to be freely insertable into and through the lumen of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph J. Wren
  • Patent number: 7861744
    Abstract: The invention comprises a device for expanding tubular members to a controlled diameter and its method of fabrication. The device includes an expandable bladder held in a convoluted form. After the device is inserted into a cylindrical tube to be evenly expanded, the bladder is expanded by hydraulic pressure to a controlled maximum diameter. It is then deflated so the device can then be moved to another location and reused. The bladder is formed from a flexible impervious material having integral reinforcing fibers. It is initially formed in a fully expanded configuration over a convoluted mandrel and a removable cylindrical shell. When the shell is removed vacuum or external pressure draws the bladder against the mandrel. The bladder is overmolded with a resilient cover to hold it in reduced form until pressurized. The bladder cover prevents the bladder from kinking during the expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Expansion Technologies
    Inventors: Charles B. Fly, Gerald W. Fly, Kenneth W. Walker
  • Patent number: 7857932
    Abstract: A resin impregnated cured in place liner having an everted outer impermeable coating is provided. A roll of a continuous length of resin impregnable material is formed into a tube. An impermeable film or wrapping is formed into a tube about a tubular former, sealed and continuously everted about the inner tubular member travelling in an opposite direction so that the everted wrapping envelopes the inner tubular member. Alternatively, the inner tubular member may be passed into a stuffer tube having an impermeable tube thereon that is everted onto the moving tubular member to encapsulate the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member may be passed through an open resin impregnation tank to impregnate the impregnable material prior to everting the outer layer thereon. The inner tubular member may have an inner layer of impermeable material bonded thereto. It may be formed into a tube with the impermeable layer on the outside and continuously everted to place the impermeable layer on the inside of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Franklin Thomas Driver, Weiping Wang
  • Patent number: 7854449
    Abstract: The present invention is a composite laminated sheet material suitable for structures such as containment sumps. The laminated material comprises a fabric-backed thermoplastic layer upon which thermoset plastic is applied to the fabric side. The thermoplastic layer is formed by contacting a layer of fabric onto a layer of molten thermoplastic such that the liquid thermoplastic permeates a portion of the fabric layer to form a mechanical bond with the fabric layer when the thermoplastic layer cools and hardens. Thermoset plastic, such as fibreglass resin, is sprayed onto the fabric side of the thermoplastic layer to allow the liquid resin to permeate the fabric layer. Once the resin cures and hardens, the fabric layer is mechanically bonded to the cured thermoset plastic layer to effectively bond the thermoplastic layer to the thermoset plastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: ZCL Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Raymond Scragg, Ronald James Fink, Etienne Vezina
  • Patent number: 7849883
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: NuFlow Technologies 2000 Inc.
    Inventor: Cameron Manners
  • Publication number: 20100307624
    Abstract: Segments are linked in the circumferential and pipe length directions to assemble a rehabilitating pipe inside an existing pipe in order to rehabilitate the existing pipe. A plurality of nuts are secured to the segments along the circumferential direction thereof. A fastening member having a screw part is provided which is screwed into the nut to fasten a first segment to a second segment to which the nut is secured, thereby linking the first and second segments in the pipe length direction thereof. The position of the nut in the first segment is offset as viewed in the circumferential direction from the nut position of the second segment. The arrangement of the fastening members and the nuts is staggered as viewed in its entirety. This allows the connection strength of the segments in the pipe length direction to be made uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Katsuyori Miura
  • Patent number: 7845372
    Abstract: A lining apparatus and method is provided that obviates the need for a bladder to press the liner against the host pipe. The lining apparatus may include an extension tube sealed to the liner at one of its ends with an inversion mechanism attached to the other end of the liner for inverting the liner to its desired position within the pipe to be repaired. The lining apparatus can also avoid the use of an extension tube by temporarily closing the liner during the inversion process so that the liner can be inflated when pressurized by a fluid and then sealing an open end of the liner after it has been inverted into the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7841366
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for pipeline rehabilitation include deploying a tubular liner along an inside of a pipeline, deflating the tubular liner to form a trough, and injecting grout into the pipeline by injecting grout into the trough. Other embodiments include deploying a tubular liner along an inside of a pipeline, inserting a first swab into the front end of the pipeline, the first swab having a core hole, placing the tubular liner through the core hole, injecting grout into the pipeline between the tubular liner and the inside of the pipeline, and advancing a second swab through the tubular liner to distribute the grout between the tubular liner and the pipeline and to advance the first swab ahead of the second swab from the front end to the back end of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: WPW, LLC
    Inventors: Corwin J. Bryant, John A. Cain, Ralph K. Cordonnier, James D. Keigley, Dan Cohen
  • Publication number: 20100288392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose with a tubular casing formed with a resin, preferably vinyl ester or polyester, as well as a method for using same. Cut-to-length glass fiber tubes are embedded in the resin forming the hose, and the length of the glass fiber tubes on both surfaces of the hose have values which are preset and different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: JOHANN KÜBEL
  • Publication number: 20100282351
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe-lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin is sandwiched by sandwiching steel belts in order to impart elasticity and rigidity thereto. A leading steel belt for leading the pipe-lining material is fixedly attached to the distal end thereof and the sandwiching steel belts. A drawing steel belt is removably attached to the leading steel belt to draw the pipe-lining material into a pipeline to be repaired. Additionally, an auxiliary steel belt is attached to the pipe-lining material to support the insertion thereof into the pipeline. The pipe-lining material can be inserted into the pipeline by the sandwiching steel belts, the drawing steel belt and the auxiliary steel belt. Such an arrangement allows the pipe-lining material to be easily and smoothly inserted into the pipeline even where there is a plurality of sections bent at a right angle or close to a right angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Fuminori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7819435
    Abstract: A rehabilitating pipe for repairing an existing pipe has pipe units that are mutually coupled in a longitudinal direction of the existing pipe. Each of the pipe units has segments that are mutually coupled in a circumferential direction of the existing pipe. Each of the segments has an inner-surface plate and an outer-wall plate extending vertically from and around an entire perimeter of the inner-surface plate. The outer-wall plate has lateral plates extending along a longitudinal direction of the inner-surface plate and end plates connected between the respective lateral plates. Connecting members couple the segments together in the circumferential direction to assemble the pipe unit. A restraining member is attached to and encircles an outer circumference of the assembled pipe unit to restrain the pipe unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Makoto Ishida, Yoichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7819139
    Abstract: A flow liner includes a flexible conduit having a first end and a second end. A gasket has an outside diameter and an aperture. A first portion of the first end is positioned to extend through the aperture and fold around the outside diameter such that a folded over portion of the first portion is in contact with the outer surface of the flexible conduit to define a seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: PDC Facilities, Inc.
    Inventors: Elmer B. Woods, Bruce A. Bliefnick, James P. Maslowski
  • Publication number: 20100263759
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for internal repair of pipes and conduits, such as sewer pipes, pressurized water mains, water wells, and natural gas lines. The conduit repair apparatus includes a sleeve with locking mechanism to lock the sleeve in a tubular configuration. The sleeve is made of metallic or rigid plastic sheet having perforations. Some of the perforations are shaped like elongated slots and strips. A number of resilient O-rings are applied over the outer surface of the sleeve. A resilient membrane is applied over the O-rings. In one embodiment, a reinforcement band is used, and an additional layer of O-rings are included between the membrane and the reinforcement band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: LINK-PIPE, INC.
    Inventors: Lembit MAIMETS, Garry GLADSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20100243093
    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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100243091
    Abstract: Stretch-resistant liners for lining pipes, pipes lined with stretch-resistant liners, and methods for lining pipes with stretch-resistant liners. The liners are made from a lamination that includes a sealing layer, a strength layer of stretch-resistant woven material that overlies the sealing layer, a support layer of non-woven resin-impregnated material that overlies the strength layer, and a barrier layer that overlies the support layer. The lamination is rolled into a tube and inverted when inserted into a pipe so that the barrier layer is the layer that abuts the interior wall of the pipe, the support layer underlies the barrier layer, the strength layer underlies the support layer and the sealing layer underlies the strength layer is contacted by materials flowing through the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: PERMA-LINER INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gerald Scott D'Hulster
  • Patent number: 7803245
    Abstract: In a pipeline lining method, a tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin is inserted in an everted state into a pipeline and expanded and pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the pipeline. A vapor mist and water at normal temperature are sprayed toward the tubular lining material and mixed together to cool the vapor mist. The cooled vapor mist is directed onto the tubular lining material to cure the thermosetting resin impregnated in the tubular lining material to line the pipeline with the tubular lining material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100212766
    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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Patent number: 7766048
    Abstract: A process for lining an existing pipeline or conduit with a flexible resin impregnated cured in place liner by pulling in the liner and inflating a resin impregnated inflation bladder with air and curing the liner with flow-through steam without loss of pressure is provided. The liner includes a resin absorbent material in tubular form with an impermeable membrane forming an outer layer. The inflation bladder also includes a resin absorbent material in tubular form with an impermeable membrane forming an outer layer and an exhaust assembly at the trailing end and is passed through a pressurized inversion apparatus into the collapsed liner. As the bladder reaches the distal end, the exhaust assembly exits the everting bladder and is coupled to an exhaust hose. Steam is then introduced the inversion apparatus to cure the resin and is exhausted through the exhaust tube. After cure, steam is replaced with air to cool the liner and the ends are cut to restore service through the host pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Franklin Thomas Driver, Weiping Wang, Joseph M. Coyne
  • Publication number: 20100180973
    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 by a heating means 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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Akitoshi Ohira, Masato Horiuchi, Hiroshi Sugahara
  • Patent number: 7753081
    Abstract: A method of inserting a cured in-place pipe from a cleanout includes positioning a lining along a portion of a length of a bladder, wherein the lining is frangibly connected to the bladder, inserting the bladder through the cleanout, to a position wherein the lining is within the pipe and does not block the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100154187
    Abstract: The pipe-lining material includes a pipe-shaped resin absorbent material impregnated with a liquid curable resin, and a tube that covers the pipe-shaped resin absorbent material and that can be removed from the pipe-shaped resin absorbent material. The curable resin impregnated in the pipe-shaped resin absorbent material is cured in a state in which the pipe-lining material is pressed against the internal peripheral surface of the existing pipe, the tube covering the pipe-shaped resin absorbent material of the pipe-lining material is removed from the pipe-shaped resin absorbent material after the curable resin impregnated in the pipe-shaped resin absorbent material has been cured, and the surface of the pipe-shaped resin absorbent material having the cured resin is used as the internal peripheral surface of the rehabilitated existing pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Kazuaki Ogura
  • Publication number: 20100139799
    Abstract: Segments are coupled in the circumferential and lengthwise directions to assemble a rehabilitation pipe inside an existing pipe. Thereafter, a pipe-lining material impregnated with a liquid curable resin is inserted into the assembled rehabilitation pipe, and the curable resin is cured in a state in which the pipe-lining material is pressed against the internal circumferential surface of the rehabilitation pipe. This allows the internal circumferential surface of the rehabilitation pipe to be lined with the lining material. With such a configuration, a rehabilitation pipe composed of segments and a rehabilitation pipe composed of a pipe-lining material are constructed to provide a self-supporting pipe inside the existing pipe with dramatically improved strength that will incur little damage or breaking even when an earthquake occurs or another large impact is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100116372
    Abstract: A method of repairing leakage in pipelines comprising the steps of forming a first and second openings (14a, 14b) in the pipeline (10) upstream and downstream, respectively, of the leakage location, inserting through the first opening (14a) a first body (C1), filling the space arrear of the first body (C1) with a first viscose sealing material (M1), inserting through the first opening (14a) a second body (C2) arrear of the first viscose sealing material (M1) compressing the first sealing material by applying a pressure against the first and the second bodies (C1, C2) in opposite directions, causing the first and second bodies (C1, C2) and the compressed first sealing material (M1) to move in unison in the direction of the second opening (14b), and retrieving the first and second bodies (C1, C2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Samuel Perstnev, Reonald Oukhanov
  • Patent number: 7713374
    Abstract: A pipe lining material is inserted into a pipeline and expanded to press against an inner peripheral surface of the pipeline. Hot water from a first fluid source is sprayed onto the pipe lining material via a hose to cure the thermosetting resin impregnated therein and thereby cure the pipe lining material, with the sprayed hot water being accumulated in a bottom part of the pipe lining material. The hot water accumulated in the bottom part of the pipe lining material is delivered to a second fluid source separate and independent from the first fluid source, cooled in the second fluid source to provide cooling water, and supplied to the hose. The cooling water is sprayed onto the cured pipe lining material via the hose to cool the cured pipe lining material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Katsuyori Miura
  • Patent number: 7708032
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for lining sewer pipes that utilize an adjustable form configured to conform to the shape and dimensions of the interior of a man-entry sized pipe line. The adjustable form can be used to position a sheet of liner material immediately adjacent the inner sewer walls. An air cushion system is utilized to reduce friction and drag between the sheet of liner material and form so that the liner sheet can be easily adjusted prior to bonding to the inner walls of the pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: J.R. Pipeline Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Juan P. Renteria
  • Patent number: 7708033
    Abstract: A flexible tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin is folded and bound with binding members to provide a reduced width. Two elastic and rigid strip members are inserted into loop members attached to the lining material and are removably attached so as to sandwich the lining material. During pipeline lining work, the lining material to which the strip members have been attached is first inserted into a lateral pipe from a main pipe. The strip members are then removed from the lining material so that the lining material may remain inside the pipeline. The strip members are extracted from the pipeline, and the lining material is then made to expand via application of pressure from the inside. While kept in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline, the lining material is heated in order to cure the thermosetting resin thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Fuminori Tanaka, Kenji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100101674
    Abstract: A linking tool links segments for a rehabilitating pipe for rehabilitating an existing pipeline. The segment is integrally formed at least from an internal surface plate that constitutes the inner circumferential surface of the rehabilitating pipe, and side plates that have an insertion hole formed thereon and are disposed on both sides of the internal surface plate so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the rehabilitating pipe. The linking tool includes a tubular linking pin that is separable into pin halves and can be inserted into the insertion hole in the side plate of a first segment with a part of the linking pin remaining outside the first segment. The linking tool further includes a separating pin that can be inserted into the linking pin to separate the linking pin into the pin halves and press them against the first segment for anchoring thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Katsuyori Miura
  • Publication number: 20100096036
    Abstract: A fluid-crossing gate for a pipeline which is inserted into the interior of a pipeline through a hole punched at a certain portion of the pipeline for crossing the flow of a fluid, is disclosed, which comprises a cylindrical body which is engaged to the pipeline; an operation shaft which is positioned in the interior of the body and moves up and down; a joint unit which is positioned at a lower side of the operation shaft and is bent at a right angle; and a crossing unit which is engaged to a lower side of the joint unit and is inserted into the interior of a pipeline through a hole as the operation shaft moves down and is mounted in the interior of the pipeline as the joint unit is bent for thereby blocking the flow of a fluid in the interior of the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Sang Seek Bae, Seong Seol Cho, Jea Hag Kim, Young Ho Park, Ki Ho Song, Myung Sup Song
  • Patent number: 7673655
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes a pair of opposing composite wrap bands that are located on the external surface of the pipeline and positioned a predetermined horizontal distance from a defect area. A composite wrap is then applied over the bands to create a bridge that spans the bands and forms a cavity above the defect area. The bridge eliminates the need to clean the surface of the pipeline directly over the defect area. A second pair of bands located on the external surface of the bridge provides structural support. An actuator within the bridge monitors the pressure within the cavity and activates upon the presence of internal pressure, indicating a through-wall defect has occurred. A fitting may also be inserted into the bridge in order to pressurize the cavity and test the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Alan Morton
  • Patent number: 7669614
    Abstract: A method for pipeline rehabilitation grout coverage inspection according to embodiments of the present invention includes installing a tubular liner within a pipeline by filling a space between the tubular liner and the pipeline with grout, creating a heat transfer across the tubular liner, and observing an inside of the tubular liner with an infrared camera to detect an infrared signal differential between areas of the tubular liner in contact with the grout and areas of the tubular liner not in contact with the grout. Observing and inspecting the inside of the tubular liner may be accomplished simultaneously with rounding of the liner and smoothing of the grout by harnessing an infrared camera to a swab and advancing the swab with chilled compressed air to cool the liner, according to embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Dan Cohen
  • Publication number: 20100043903
    Abstract: A device and method for rehabilitating pipe connections is disclosed that simplifies the reliable transportation and positioning of a pipe lining relative to a junction region of a building service line to be lined. The device and method provides for rehabilitating the junction of a building connection from a main pipeline into the building service line. With a positioning device, a curable pipe lining may be positioned at the junction of the building service line and the main line and, with a transport device, the positioning device and the pipe lining may be transported to the junction. A detecting device may detect an extended position of the positioning device. The detecting device may include a winding box with a switch that is actuated when a cord has been pulled out of the winding box and which triggers a signaling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Mühlin
  • Patent number: 7661443
    Abstract: A repair sleeve carrier for transporting a repair liner into a conduit to the location of damage or leakage for repairing the conduit from the inside, the sleeve carrier having a segmented flex tubing and a bladder with ends attached to the flex tubing and an unattached middle portion forming a cavity between the middle portion of the bladder and the flex tubing with an air passage to the cavity, the sleeve carrier having an air supply connect or that connects to an air supply to provide pressurized air to the cavity through the passage to inflate the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gary F. Miksis
  • Publication number: 20100032045
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for replacing pipes, and an apparatus therefor. The method utilises a cable which is passed along an existing pipe. The cable is connected to a component at the end of the pipe, the component also being connected to a length of replacement pipe. The cable is pulled whereby the existing pipe is removed and the replacement pipe inserted in its place. The invention is expected to achieve its greatest utility as a method and apparatus for replacing pipes carrying water or gas to domestic and commercial properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Kobus Jacobus Hendrik Cilliers
  • Publication number: 20100018598
    Abstract: A conduit repair structure in which solid objects are less likely to accumulate on a conduit bottom and that, even if solid objects accumulate on the conduit bottom, facilitates removal of the solid objects. A hollow frame-like reinforcement body laid substantially along a cross-sectional shape of a conduit (1) is constructed using a reinforcing member (2) having fixing parts (2p) arranged at predetermined intervals on the inner side of the conduit (2). Resin inner face bars (10) are attached to the inner side of the reinforcement body, and a curable filling material is placed in the space formed by the inner face bars (10) and a conduit inner wall (1a) to form a filling material layer (3). A body section (10c) of each inner face bar (10) is formed recessed in its width direction. The recessed shape of the body sections (10c) forms riblets on the bottom of the conduit, and this reduces resistance to water flowing in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicants: Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd., Ashimori Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20100012214
    Abstract: A pipe lining material comprising an inner lining material and an outer lining material is used to rehabilitate an aged existing pipe. The inner lining material and the outer lining material are made of a tubular resin-absorbent material that is impregnated with a photo-curing resin and a thermosetting resin. The resin-absorbent material of the inner lining material has a higher density than that of the outer lining material. The photo-curing resin of the inner and outer lining materials is cured by light when the pipe lining material is irradiated with light, and the heat generated when the photo-curing resin is cured cures the thermosetting resin of the inner and outer lining materials. Since the resin-absorbent material of the inner lining material has a high density, voids are less readily formed. Even if voids are generated in the resin-absorbent material of the outer lining material, the voids will be covered by the inner lining material having fewer voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Kazuaki Ogura
  • Publication number: 20100012213
    Abstract: A rehabilitating pipe segment of the invention is comprised of first and second segment halves that are linked together to provide a variable-width segment. The first segment half has an internal surface plate, a convex plate extending parallel to the internal surface plate, and a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The second segment half has an internal surface plate, an internal plate extending parallel to the internal surface plate and forming a concavity, and a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The convex plate and a braking rubber are fitted into the concavity so as to link the first and second segment halves together to provide the variable-width segment. When tension of a specified amount or greater acts on the variable-width segment, the first and second segment halves move relative to each other in the pipe length direction against the braking force of the braking rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Katsuyori Miura
  • Patent number: 7637286
    Abstract: An absorber for a pipe or sewer structure has at least one feed connection and at least one return connection. One or more absorber channels connect a feed to a return stub. The absorber channels of the absorber are combined in an absorber channel mat to form a physical unit, and the absorber channel mat is made of a material having flexible properties, at least while it is being laid in the pipe or sewer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Joachim Schulte
  • Patent number: 7635006
    Abstract: In a method for sealing and/or reconditioning of pipes through spraying a fluid coating material towards the inner wall of the pipe at least one material piece divided in the longitudinal direction thereof held together under pretension to a pipe piece with an outer diameter being less than the inner diameter of the pipe is before the spraying introduced into the pipe to a location for a substantial hole in the pipe wall for covering the hole. The mechanisms for holding it together is then broken so that the pipe piece will bear under pretension against the inner wall of the pipe and form an auxiliary wall over the hole retaining the material sprayed inside the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Proline AB
    Inventor: Sten Edström
  • Publication number: 20090308475
    Abstract: Pipe with a liner or core pipe and a liner or core pipe which is insertable into a host pipe, the liner or core pipe including, in certain aspects, a pipe made of temperature-resistant non-metallic corrosion-resistant material; first and second strengthening wraps around the pipe; a plurality of spaced-apart axial strength members or pulling tapes on the pipe; and a protective outer wrap on the pipe. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: William D. Stringfellow, Kyle Bethel, Aron Eklund, Stephen C. Catha, Kenneth R. Charboneau
  • Patent number: 7631665
    Abstract: A device and method for rehabilitating pipe connections is disclosed that simplifies the reliable transportation and positioning of a pipe lining relative to a junction region of a building service line to be lined. The device and method provides for rehabilitating the junction of a building connection from a main pipeline into the building service line. With a positioning mechanism, a curable pipe lining may be positioned at the junction of the building service line from the main line and, with a transport mechanism, the positioning mechanism and the pipe lining may be transported to the junction. An alignment body may be arranged so that it may move the transport mechanism and which can be moved into the junction of the building service line. A drive may move the alignment body into the junction of the building service line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Trelleborg Pipe Seals Duisburg GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mühlin
  • Patent number: 7628177
    Abstract: The invention comprises a lateral interface pipe repair device containing a housing with fluid sealable flexible walls dimensioned to fit within a main pipe and further comprising a first end and a second end wherein the first end and second end are held in fixed orientation by support rods and end plates external to the flexible housing. The device also includes a bladder mounting flange fluid sealably attached to the flexible housing wall, and a heatable and inflatable elastomeric bladder dimensioned to fit within the housing when the bladder is deflated and evertable through the bladder mounting flange into a lateral pipe when inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Energy Maintenance Service I LLC
    Inventor: William Lepola
  • Publication number: 20090293979
    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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Latimer Scott
  • Patent number: 7624760
    Abstract: A structure-aided method for sealing, from the outside, a liquid-leaking puncture wound in the wall of a liquid container. This method is implemented utilizing a patch body having a perimetered cavity selectively securable to the outside of such a container with the cavity overlying and facing the wound, and the cavity's perimeter surrounding the wound, and a patch pellet confined in the cavity, and possessing a liquid-reaction substance which, with the patch body secured to the container, reacts to contact with liquid leaking from the container at least by imbibing such liquid and swelling to apply wound-sealing pressure, and more preferably by additionally reacting with leakage liquid to form a sticky coagulant mass for aiding in applying sealing pressure to the wound. The patch body may be employed directly on the outside of a container, or with an intermediate, resilient gasket which centralizes the symmetrical introduction of leakage liquid into the pellet-containing cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: Russell Allen Monk, Thomas Stegen Ohnstad, James Jackson Milham Henry
  • Publication number: 20090288726
    Abstract: A method of inserting a cured in-place pipe from a cleanout includes positioning a lining along a portion of a length of a bladder, wherein the lining is frangibly connected to the bladder, inserting the bladder through the cleanout, to a position wherein the lining is within the pipe and does not block the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090229696
    Abstract: A pipe lining composition and a method for installing the pipe lining composition into a pipeline requiring repair is provided. The lining composition is a layered lining composite formed of alternating plies of felt and carbon fiber strand reinforcing such that layers of carbon fiber reinforcing strands are trapped between layers of felt. Once the composite is laid up the composite is preferably stitched to provide stability and to maintain the layers relative to one another and then formed into a tube. In accordance with the method, the lining tube is then sequentially filled resins of increasing viscosity as it is drawn through rollers in a manner that fully wets out the carbon fiber before it is placed into the pipe to be lined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Danny Warren
  • Patent number: 7588055
    Abstract: A method of inserting a cured in-place pipe from a cleanout includes positioning a lining along a portion of a length of a bladder, wherein the lining is frangible connected to the bladder, inserting the bladder through the cleanout, to a position wherein the lining is within the pipe and does not block the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7588054
    Abstract: The method for identifying lateral pipes includes printing identifying indicia on the interior surface of a liner assembly positioned adjacent the lateral pipe. The apparatus includes the liner assembly in place with the identifying indicia visible from the interior of the pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090217500
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan
  • Publication number: 20090194184
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.