To The Lining Of Hollow Body Patents (Class 156/287)
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Patent number: 6129119Abstract: A flexible tube for lining pipes and ducts as well as a method and an apparatus for manufacturing thereof are suggested. The flexible tube is composed of a coated fabric of high resilient warp threads as well as woof threads having lower elasticity. With the flexible tube thus suggested, strong curvatures or angles being present in the pipes can be lined without wrinkles and all-over for the first time.This is enabled in that the high resilient warp threads are stabilized by covering yarn upon straight pipe portions and hence comprise a limited linear extension such that the flexible tube can be placed inside the pipe in quality.In the curved pipe portions the high elasticity of the basic warp thread is activated by a force increase during passing through these portions by compensating the forces of the covering yarn, such that the flexible tube closely fits to the inner pipe wall, all-over and without any wrinkles in these regions.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Karl Weiss Hoch - Tief - und Rohrleitungsbau GmbH & Co.Inventors: Siegfried Schwert, Andre Rose, Andreas Huttemann, Peter Marquardt, Wolf Rabold
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Patent number: 6123109Abstract: A branch pipe lining bag wherein an annular protective member is previously fixed on a flange which is provided adjoined to an open end of a tubular bag. This tubular bag is soaked with a hardenable liquid resin and adapted to be everted under fluid pressure into a branch pipe. The protective member can be attached on the marginal periphery of the branch pipe opening to the main pipe simultaneously at the end of the branch pipe lining, irrespective of the inner diameter of the main pipe. Also, a pipe lining method wherein the annular protective member fixed on the flange is prepared previously and then the flange is connected to the part of the main pipe where the branch pipe opens. The main pipe lining bag can be bored without any damage irrespective of both the main pipe diameter and the branch pipe diameter or any connecting situations.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 6117265Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat-welding corners lengths of profiles together, for sealing gaskets, where the profiles include at least one extendible or compressible air chamber and are cut at their ends at an angle. The method includes positioning two profiles, with one of the cut ends of each profile opposite each other inside a suitable device including clamps which make the positioning possible, heating the positioned ends until the positioned ends reach a softened state, choking the profiles so as to completely occlude the air chambers along choking sections, closing the clamps in order to cause the profiles to come into mutual mating contact at the heated ends, injecting air into the air chambers by perforating the air chambers in a region between the choking sections and the heated ends so as to apply pressure to walls of the profiles in that region, pressing the walls against walls of the clamps to join the heated ends by heat-welding under pressure, and opening the occluded sections.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Industrie Ilpea S.p.A.Inventors: Paolo Cittadini, Umberto Lovison
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Patent number: 6117507Abstract: A method for lining a passageway which comprises providing a plurality of tube sections connected end to end, pulling a first tube section through the passageway in a collapsed condition and thereafter everting a second tube section into the interior of said collapsed first tube section to cause it to expand outwardly toward the interior walls of said passageway.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventor: Edward Peter Smith
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Patent number: 6105619Abstract: A pipe repair apparatus includes an outer carrier tube, an inner bladder tube within the carrier tube, and a repair sleeve within the bladder tube. The bladder tube and the carrier tube are formed by one unitary tube which is folded back upon itself. A wick extends from the repair sleeve to the rear end of the bladder tube and permits evacuation of gases from the bladder tube when the bladder tube is flattened by a vacuum during insertion of a curable resin into the bladder tube at its forward end. The bladder tube can be inverted out of the carrier tube so as to place the repair sleeve in contact with an area to be repaired within a sewer pipe. This method may also be used to repair the damaged joint between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer line.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
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Patent number: 6103052Abstract: A pipe lining method is provided for accurately cutting or punching out a pipe liner bag after being lined on an inner wall of a pipe with a good operability while preventing an operation environment from being contaminated. A fluid pressure is applied to act on a pipe liner bag introduced in a pipe to press the pipe liner bag onto the inner wall of the pipe. A thickness reducing member is brought into contact with the outer surface of the pipe liner bag to partially reduce the thickness of the pipe liner bag. A predetermined pipe lining operation with the above state maintained. Then, an external force is applied to a thickness reduced portion of the pipe liner bag to break the portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 6103046Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sealed and reinforced holes through the end of a flexible, resin-impregnable, tubular pipe liner for securing a cable thereto and for sealing the end of the liner. The liner is installed into an existing conduit either by pulling a cable secured to holes at the front end of the liner or by eversion of the liner while securing a hold-back cable to holes at the trailing end of the everting liner. Holes are cut through the liner, and resin is impregnated into the region about each hole and hardened to form an integral grommet or reinforcement. A mold for impregnating the region about the hole includes a lower mold body with a projecting spigot and a groove thereabout. An upper mold body has a central opening with a groove thereabout, the upper mold body fitting over the spigot.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventor: Edward Peter Smith
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Patent number: 6093363Abstract: A flow-through device for use during the installation of an inverted resin impregnated flexible tubular liner in a passageway permitting the flow of fluids through the liner during the curing portion of the installation process is provided. A cylindrical body has an expandable bladder interior sealingly attached to the interior of the tubular body to form a pressure chamber is attached to the trailing end of the liner. Pressurized fluid is supplied to the chamber to inflate the bladder to close the end of the liner. The bladder allows flow through the passageway during curing of the liner, when the effluent pressure exceeds the pressure in the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventor: Richard Carl Polivka
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Patent number: 6085794Abstract: A pipe lining method is provided for simply positioning a flange of a branch pipe liner bag to a branch pipe opening of a main pipe in a short period of time, and preventing the branch pipe liner bag from having a locally insufficient strength. A branch pipe liner bag is everted and inserted into a branch pipe with a fluid pressure. With the branch pipe liner bag pressed onto the inner wall of the branch pipe, a hardenable resin impregnated in the branch pipe liner bag is hardened to line the branch pipe. Then, a main pipe liner bag is everted and inserted into a main pipe with a fluid pressure. With the main pipe liner bag pressed onto the inner wall of the main pipe, a hardenable resin impregnated in the main pipe liner bag is hardened to line the main pipe. The fluid pressure acting inside the main pipe liner bag is adjusted such that a portion of the hardenable resin impregnated in the main pipe liner bag is oozed out. The oozed hardenable resin is introduced into a clearance space, and hardened therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 6082411Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing an underground junction between a lateral service line and a main pipeline from the inside-out. One embodiment provides a substantially rigid patching apparatus which may be positioned and installed with a robotic device within a main pipeline. The patching apparatus has a flange shaped to fit the internal diameter of the main pipeline and a tubular stem or sleeve which penetrates into the lateral service line. The patching apparatus contains an interconnection substrate such as felt, sponge or other similar material. The interconnection substrate may be impregnated with a bonding agent which sealingly interconnects the patching apparatus to the main pipeline and lateral service line. The seal provided by the inverted-tee patch effectively eliminates most water intrusion or the influx of plant roots and other matter which can seriously damage or obstruct the main pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Tele Environmental SystemsInventor: Robert M. Ward
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Patent number: 6068725Abstract: A method for installing and curing a cured in place lateral seal at the connection between a main pipeline and a lateral connection is provided. The method includes placing a resin impregnated lateral seal in the form of a top hat with a brim portion and short tubular portion onto a cylindrical flexible bladder cartridge having a tubular recess for receiving the tubular portion of the seal with the brim portion along the outer portion of the bladder, placing an assembly carrying the bladder to the location of the lateral and pressing the brim portion of the seal against the interior of the main pipeline and everting the tubular portion out of the tubular recess into a portion of the lateral to form the seal. Radiant energy, preferably, light is then applied to the resin to initiate the cure, the bladder is cooled and then deflated.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventors: John Tweedie, Philip M. Smith, Jeff P. Wells, Kerry D. Severs, Kevin P. Murray
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Patent number: 6056017Abstract: A pipe lining method provides for precise cutting of a main pipe liner bag along a branch pipe opening using a cutter while preventing the inner wall of a branch pipe and the cutter from damages. After a cutting protection member is attached along the periphery of a branch pipe opening of a main pipe, the main pipe is lined using a main pipe liner bag. Then, a cutter of a cutting robot introduced into the main pipe is driven to cut away a portion of the main pipe liner bag covering a branch pipe opening. Since the cutting protection member functions as a guide for the cutter when cutting the portion of the main pipe liner bag covering the branch pipe opening as well as functions as a protection member for protecting the inner wall of the branch pipe, thereby making it possible to precisely cut the main pipe liner bag along the branch pipe opening using the cutter and to prevent the inner wall of the branch pipe and the cutter from damages.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 6054180Abstract: A method for impregnating a resin-absorbable tubular liner with a hardenable liquid resin: (a) a hose is connected to a vacuum pump; (b) the hose is inserted into the liner in a manner such that the open end of the hose comes close to, but sufficiently distant from, one end of the liner; (c) the other end of the tubular liner is closed over the hose in a manner such that the hose can freely slide through the closed end of the tubular liner; (d) a predetermined amount of the hardenable liquid resin is injected into the tubular liner through the open end of the tubular liner; (d') the open end of the tubular liner is substantially closed by placing it between a pair of rollers; and (e) the vacuum pump is operated to evacuate the hose while at the same time the hose and/or the resin-absorbable tubular liner are moved in a manner such that the length of the hose inside the liner is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 6050300Abstract: It is described a method for lining a pipe or a duct through an internal lining of a plastic coated flexible fabric tube adhering to the inner wall of the pipe by means of an adhesive. This method stands for the following steps:filling a metered amount of adhesive into said flexible fabric tube in a uniform distribution over the flexible tube length,introducing said flexible fabric tube into the pipe, wherein one end of said flexible tube is fastened to the rear pipe end with respect to the moving direction, and the flexible tube using turning up is introduced into said pipe, andgenerating an internal pressure inside said introduced flexible fabric tube by means of supplied water for pressing said flexible tube against the inner wall of said pipe until the adhesive between said flexible tube and the inner wall of said pipe is cured. Here, the water is heated and cooled in controlled manner depending on the temperature values measured inside and outside the pipe for accelerating the curing operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Karl Weiss Hoch-Tief - und Rohrleitungsbau GmbH & Co.Inventors: Siegfried Schwert, Andre Rose, Andreas Huttemann, Peter Marquardt, Wolf Rabold
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Patent number: 6051088Abstract: Method of lining a pipe. An outer pipe of ferrous metal is lined with a lining pipe of crosslinked polyethylene which is initially provided as a precursor lining pipe. The precursor lining pipe is initially made of cross-linked polyethylene with an external diameter equal to the internal diameter of the outer pipe. The initial pipe is then drawn through a die to form a pipe with a smaller diameter. The material of the pipe is memory material so that when it is melted it automatically expands to the original size. The precursor pipe is inserted into the outer pipe and melted by drawing a burner through it. The burner burns fuel gas supplied with combustion air through a hose by which the burner is towed. Hot products of combustion melt the polyethylene causing the precursor lining to expand automatically into the lining pipe. This is supported by gas pressure of a desired value inside the lining pipe until the polyethylene solidifies on cooling.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: BG plcInventors: Derek Muckle, Zahid Shah
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Patent number: 6044867Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a resin impregnable flexible liner for lining a lateral pipe which leads into a main pipe having at one end a flexible collar for installation at the location where the lateral liner meets the main is provided. The seal is formed using a pipe template with an opening conforming to the lateral to be sealed. A tubular portion of liner is inserted into the opening and a ring of flexible impregnable material is bonded to the tubular portion about the opening. An expandable plug holds the elements in position during bonding.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) N.V.Inventors: John Tweedie, Philip M. Smith, Jeff Wells, Kevin P. Murray
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Patent number: 6039079Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing the junction of a sewer main line and a lateral pipe includes a generally T-shaped flexible translucent urethane inflatable bladder having a main line portion and a lateral portion. The lateral portion is inverted through the main line portion and extends out one end thereof. A liner assembly of resin absorbent material is formed, with a tubular lateral liner connected to a flat sheet main liner, at a central opening in the flat sheet liner. Each liner is coated with a polymer coating, for an airtight seal, and a polymer tape is welded to the polymer coating on the lateral liner and the junction of the lateral liner and flat sheet, to form airtight seals. The liner assembly is then installed in the bladder assembly, by threading the lateral liner into the lateral bladder until the flat sheet contacts the main line bladder. The lateral liner is then impregnated with uncured resin and the liner/bladder assembly is installed on launcher.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
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Patent number: 6030574Abstract: Process of manufacturing a golf club shaft made of composite materials, including the successive steps of fitting a tubular, flexible impermeable bladder around a rigid mandrel, dressing the mandrel with a composite structure including fibers impregnated with a synthetic resin matrix, placing the mandrel in the mold, and then carrying out a molding operation by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by feeding a fluid inside the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Marc Banchelin, Philippe Renard, Serge Solviche
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Patent number: 6024910Abstract: A method for lining an underground sewer pipe: (a) preparing a tubular liner made of a tubular fabric layer soaked with a thermosetting liquid resin and two layers of airtight film with which inner and outer walls of the fabric layer are covered; (b) inserting the liner assembly into the tubular conduit from the front end by pulling the front end with a rope; (c) inflating the tubular liner assembly after closing the front and the rear ends thereof; (d) heating the thermosetting resin to thereby harden the fabric layer of the liner assembly; and (e) removing those portions of the tubular liner assembly which do not partake in lining the tubular conduit.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get, Inc., Oar CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 6006787Abstract: A branch pipe liner bag is provided for reliably lining a branch pipe even having a curved portion. The branch pipe liner bag has a tubular resin-absorbent material having a flange formed at one end thereof, the outer surface of which is covered with a highly air-tight film. The tubular resin-absorbent material is impregnated with an unhardened hardenable resin, and a separable tube is attached to the flange. According to this invention, since the separable tube is attached to the previously hardened flange of the branch pipe liner bag, the separable tube will never be torn or cut even if the branch pipe liner bag is everted and inserted into a branch pipe having a curved portion with a high fluid pressure, or even if the film covering the branch pipe liner bag is heated and therefore softened by a heat medium or heat generated by the hardening of the thermosetting resin.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1999Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get Inc., Oar CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 6001212Abstract: An apparatus for the installation of an inverted resin impregnated flexible tubular liner in a lateral passageway from a main passageway while permitting the flow of fluids through the main passageway during the installation process is provided. A cylindrical body with an opening to coincide with and interact with the lateral passageway has an expandable bladder on its outside with an opening coincident with the body opening and an elbow portion on the inside which is firmly attached at the opening. An air supply inflates the bladder. A tubular elbow is attached to a flexible hose at its proximal end, the hose having a gland for injecting fluid into the hose for inverting and curing the liner.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1996Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventors: Richard Carl Polivka, David K. York
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Patent number: 5989371Abstract: A vacuum heat-insulating panel includes: a porous core material formed from a mixture containing plastic foam powder and a filler in the form of flakes or a porous core material formed from a mixture containing plastic foam powder and thermoplastic resin powder; and a packaging material for packaging the core material, the inside of the package material being kept in a vacuum, the core material holding its shape. Rigid polyurethane foam may be used as the plastic foam. Mica flakes, plastic films each coated with thin metal film, metal foil or the like may be used as the filler. Styrene resin may be used as the thermoplastic resin.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshio Nishimoto
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Patent number: 5976297Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent functional film comprising a transparent plastic substrate film and a hard coat layer provided thereon, wherein functional ultrafine particles are present in a highly localized form, thereby enabling the functional ultrafine particles to effectively exhibit their function and, at the same time, the hard coat layer to have a good adhesion to the functional ultrafine particle layer; and also an antireflection film and processes for producing the transparent functional film and the antireflection film.A functional ultrafine particle layer 2 is formed on a release film 1. Separately, a resin composition for a hard coat layer is coated on a transparent plastic substrate film 3.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motohiro Oka, Mitsuru Tsuchiya, Norinaga Nakamura, Kiyotaka Takematsu, Yurie Ota, Hiroko Suzuki, Natsuko Yamashita, Hiroomi Katagiri, Hiroshi Yamada, Toshio Yoshihara
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Patent number: 5971029Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes a new secondary containment pipe with a plurality of substantially uniform internal studs and a new primary containment pipe up against the studs. An annular space is formed between the pipes by the studs which provides space along the length of the conduit for installation of leak detection systems including cables or perforated conduits for removing liquids or purging the annulus. The impervious new primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation. A manhole system for connection of service laterals to the main line pipe which maintaining dual containment utilizing closure pieces for the main line coupled to a bellow fitting and service lateral riser tee is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1995Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Instituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventors: Stainton Casey Smith, Randall J. Mach
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Patent number: 5971031Abstract: An economical branch pipe liner bag is provided. The branch pipe liner bag allows for a reduction in manufacturing cost, stabilized quality, and mass-production, and does not have any portion to be wasted when used. One end of a tubular resin absorbent material impregnated with an unhardened hardenable resin is outwardly folded and pressed to form an extension which is sandwiched between separate flange forming members to form a flange at the one end of the tubular resin absorbent material, thus constructing the branch pipe liner bag. Since the branch pipe liner bag has the flange formed at one end by integrally coupling the flange forming members, which are members separate from the tubular resin absorbent material, the flange forming members can be mechanically mass-produced independently of the tubular resin absorbent material, with the result that a manufacturing cost of these flange forming members is reduced, and consequently a manufacturing cost of the branch pipe liner bag is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignees: Shona Gosei-jushi Seiksakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Co., GET INC, OAR CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 5971032Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing an underground junction between a lateral service line and a main pipeline from the inside-out. One embodiment provides a substantially rigid patching apparatus which may be positioned and installed with a robotic device within a main pipeline. The patching apparatus has a flange shaped to fit the internal diameter of the main pipeline and a tubular stem or sleeve which penetrates into the lateral service line. The patching apparatus contains an interconnection substrate such as felt, sponge or other similar material. The interconnection substrate may be impregnated with a bonding agent which sealingly interconnects the patching apparatus to the main pipeline and lateral service line. The seal provided by the inverted-tee patch effectively eliminates most water intrusion or the influx of plant roots and other matter which can seriously damage or obstruct the main pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Tele Environmental SystemsInventor: Robert M. Ward
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Patent number: 5964981Abstract: A lined tubular assembly and a method and apparatus for lining an elongated tubular article to form the assembly. The lined tubular assembly has a metal tube with a non-metallic liner bonded to the internal surface thereof by a bonding agent. A non-metallic flanged end piece is secured to each end of the metal tube and has a first portion extending into the tube between the liner and the internal surface of the tube and a second portion covering the end surface of the tube. The method for producing the assembly includes introducing simultaneously into the tubular article both a tubular liner and a bonding agent for bonding the liner to the internal surface of the tubular article. The apparatus for producing the assembly includes an elongated liner installation device that simultaneously introduces the liner and bonding agent to the interior of the tubular article.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Tuboscope Vetco International, Inc.Inventors: John M. Nelson, William L. Snider, Gary W. Bogema, David V. Person
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Patent number: 5954903Abstract: A method of re-lining a main pipeline having at least one transversely extending pipe connected thereto via a generally annular connection region includes applying an internal lining to the inner wall of a length of the main pipeline and which overlies the entrance to the transversely extending pipe. A hole is then formed in the lining so as to expose the entrance. A re-lining assembly is introduced into the pipe from an end thereof remote from the entrance, the assembly comprising a tubular web of resin-permeated material within an elastomeric membrane which is everted by application of fluid pressure to the assembly so as to introduce the assembly into the pipe and so that the now externally located tubular web projects into the main pipeline. Fluid pressure is further applied to the assembly so that the membrane causes the projecting end of the tubular web to flare or deform outwardly and thereby overlie the connection region.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventor: Nigel Leonard Rice
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Patent number: 5950682Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing the junction of a sewer main line and a lateral pipe includes a generally T-shaped inflatable bladder having a main line portion and a lateral portion with resin absorbent liner wrapped around the main line portion and lateral portions of the bladder. The liner is impregnated with uncured resin, and the lateral bladder is then inverted within the main line bladder, thereby inverting the lateral liner along with the lateral bladder. The liner/bladder assembly is positioned within a main line pipe with the lateral bladder coaxially aligned with a lateral pipe, to repair the junction between the lateral pipe and the main line pipe. Fluid is then introduced within the main line and lateral bladders to extend the lateral bladder into the lateral pipe, and to radially expand both the main line and lateral bladders to force the liners into contact with the main line pipe and lateral pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
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Patent number: 5942183Abstract: A compact apparatus for everting a liner utilizing fluid pressure after the liner has been aligned with the conduit to be lined is provided. The apparatus includes a sphincter valve with its axis aligned with the conduit to be lined and an eversion pressure chamber overlapping a portion of the sphincter valve for reducing the length of the apparatus and allowing positioning in a sewer manhole. A downtube is positioned at the input side of the sphincter valve which can extend to the top of the manhole. To install a liner, the apparatus is placed in the entrance manhole with the sphincter valve aligned with the axis of the sewer pipe, the liner is inserted into the downtube, turned to align with the sphincter valve and conduit and fluid pressure is applied to the valve to engage the flattened liner which after passing through the valve is everted by fluid pressure as it enters the sewer pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventor: Joseph A. Alexander, Jr.
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Patent number: 5941285Abstract: The present invention provides:a lining material comprising a flexible fabric tube which is a circularly knitted fabric comprising a ground and a plurality of tufts of fabric projecting from the ground on the inside thereof, and a flexible sleeve within the tube, the flexible sleeve being substantially impervious to at least one of a gas and a liquid and being capable of being inflated in use to generally radially outwardly bear on the tube to force the tube in use into general conformity with an orifice.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1995Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Richard Samuel CantInventor: Samuel Alfred Cant
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Patent number: 5927341Abstract: The invention provides a tailored assembly of a flexible resin absorbent material (22, 24, 26). It is in the form of a "T" and is of tubular cross section. The arms of the T are intended to lie on the surface of a main underground pipe which the leg of the T extends into a lateral pipe which connects with the main pipe. The whole assembly is soaked in curable synthetic resin and it is placed in position and held there whilst resin cures by means of an inflatable bag (28) which is located inside the assembly and is also tailored to T configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventor: Kevan Charles Taylor
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Patent number: 5915419Abstract: A cured in place lateral seal impregnated with a curable resin in the form of a "floppy top hat" for sealing the connection between an existing main conduit and a lateral connection is provided. The seal includes a brim portion bonded to a relatively short tubular section with the resin impregnable surfaces facing each other. The seal is formed by placing an annular ring about an opening in a template in the form of a pipe having a dimension and opening corresponding to the existing conduit and lateral, placing a tubular section of cured in place lining through the ring and the opening and bonding the tubular portion to the brim portion. The seal is impregnated with a resin by sealing the end of the tubular portion and then by placing the seal into a container with resin and drawing a vacuum to wet out the impregnable layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventors: John Tweedie, Philip M. Smith, Jeff Wells, Kevin P. Murray
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Patent number: 5916406Abstract: A branch pipe liner bag and a pipe lining method are provided for ensuring to securely joining a flange and a main pipe liner bag to provide a reliable integrated structure. The branch pipe liner bag comprises a tubular resin-absorbent material impregnated with an unhardened hardenable resin. The tubular resin-absorbent material is formed at one end thereof with a rigid flange which is formed with a plurality of bores. In the pipe lining method using the branch pipe liner bag, a portion of unhardened hardenable resin oozing from a main pipe liner bag enters the bores formed through the flange of the branch pipe liner bag and is hardened therein, so that the flange is securely joined with the main pipe liner bag, thereby preventing a gap from being formed therebetween. In addition, the bores may be arranged on concentric circles on the flange, and cords made of a resin-absorbent material may be passed through the bores along the inner or outer periphery of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho KK, Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 5915886Abstract: A liner assembly for a manhole or passage comprises a multiple-ply, generally cylindrical tube. The outermost ply includes inner and outer surfaces and is adapted for being impregnated with material for rigidifying and bonding the outer surface of the outermost ply to a manhole or passage. The innermost ply includes inner and outer surfaces and is adapted for being impregnated with a material for rigidifying the innermost ply. An impermeable ply is disposed between the innermost and outermost plies. The impermeable ply includes an impermeable membrane having fibers impregnated on the inner and outer surfaces of the impermeable ply. The fibers of the inner surface of the impermeable ply bond with the epoxy impregnated outer surface of the innermost ply. Likewise, the fibers of the outer surface of the impermeable ply bond with the epoxy impregnated inner surface of the outermost ply, so that the manhole or passage becomes structurally reinforced.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Inventor: Ronald A. McNeil
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Patent number: 5906789Abstract: A method of everting a pipe liner bag into a pipeline which enables smooth eversion of a pipe liner bag using a minimally required amount of lubricant. When a pipe liner bag including a resin absorbent material impregnated with a hardenable resin and a plastic film covering the outer surface of the resin absorbent material is everted into a pipeline using a fluid pressure, the pipe liner bag is applied with oil (lubricant) on the outer surface thereof. Since the application of oil is performed immediately before everting the pipe liner bag, the pipe liner bag can be smoothly everted into the pipeline only using a minimally required amount of oil.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
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Patent number: 5861116Abstract: A thermoplastic liner is extruded in cylindrical form and deformed at a temperature below the crystallization temperature of the polyethylene material forming the liner into a generally W-shaped configuration. The liner in that configuration has three convex lobes and two concave lobes along one side of the liner with a convex portion of the liner wall along the opposite side. The cylindrical liner is initially extruded in cylindrical form and deformed by a series of axially spaced sets of rollers progressively inclined toward a vertical position wherein the final W-shaped configuration of the liner is formed. The liner has a cross-section in any direction less than one-half of the diameter of the liner when expanded into a cylindrical configuration. The deformed liner is coiled about a reel. At an installation site, the liner is pulled from the reel through the pipe and sealed at opposite ends. Steam under pressure expands the W-shaped liner to a cylindrical configuration to line the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1996Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Plastic Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Ivan C. Mandich
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Patent number: 5855729Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a lining material into a pipeline includes an elongated carrier device having a hollow central portion which encloses a liner-bladder assembly. The liner-bladder assembly includes an elongated inflation bladder which engages an open end of the carrier device and expands under fluid pressure out of the carrier device. The pipe liner is frangibly attached to the inflation bladder such that its attachment anchors the liner with respect to the open end of the carrier device to permit accurate placement of the liner within a pipeline proximate to a compromised section of the pipeline. The frangible connection breaks when the carrier device and inflation bladder are removed from the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: LMK EnterprisesInventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
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Patent number: 5855712Abstract: A method of repairing an existing pipe includes steps of introducing at least one leading pig into the existing pipe through one open end thereof, introducing behind the leading pig a necessary amount of adhesive agent into the existing pipe through the same open end thereof, fixing one end of a liner tube at the above open end of the existing pipe, in a manner such that the liner tube may be reversed into the existing pipe, and providing a negative pressure into the existing pipe through an opposite open end thereof to cause the leading pig and the adhesive agent to move forwardly and thus cause the unfixed portions of the liner tube to be reversed into the existing pipe. The adhesive agent is caused to move through the existing pipe in the form of a plug flow, thereby coating the whole internal surface of the existing pipe with the adhesive agent, ensuring that the liner tube reversed into the pipe may adhere to the internal surface of the existing pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co. Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Toyoda, Shuichi Yagi, Masaaki Itagaki
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Patent number: 5853049Abstract: An inverting liner system is used for installing a casing in a borehole without the need for drilling mud. The liner system includes a first portion with a diameter effective for supporting walls of said borehole and a second portion having a first end fixed to the liner portion at a point of attachment and a second distal end. The second liner portion has a diameter effective for surrounding the casing and inverting the casing within the first liner portion. A third liner portion has one end attached to the point of attachment of the first and second liner portions and a second end releasably attached to the distal end of the second liner portion during installation of the casing in the borehole. When casing installation is complete, the third liner portion is released from the second liner portion and the third liner portion may be withdrawn from the borehole, thereby inverting the first and second liner portions from about the casing and from within the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Inventor: Carl E. Keller
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Patent number: 5846025Abstract: An apparatus and a method for lining an underground pipe are proposed: the pipe is plugged at a location upstream to a manhole; a three-pronged passage is installed whose first end penetrates the plug and opens in the interior of the pipe upstream to the plug and whose second end opens in the manhole at the level of the pipe, and whose third end opens in the atmosphere at a substantially high level; then the second end of the three-pronged passage is closed to cause the drain water to rise and go toward the third end of the three-pronged passage; the drain water is let to fall from the down-looking third end of the three-pronged passage into an upper end of a vertical eversion conduit provided in the manhole, thereby effecting eversion of a tubular liner into the vertical eversion conduit means; the tubular liner everting in the vertical eversion conduit is guided by a guide device such that at the lower end of the vertical eversion conduit the eversion head of the tubular liner is caused to turn orthogonallyType: GrantFiled: December 17, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho KK, Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR CompanyInventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
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Patent number: 5839475Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining a pipe with a polymer liner in which the liner is pulled through a die to reduce the liner's diameter and through the pipe and on removal of the pulling load, allowing the liner to revert to at least the minimum internal diameter of the pipe, wherein the liner has a maximum diameter before entering the die and a minimum diameter in the die. The die having an aperture which is symmetrical with respect to a central, longitudinal axis and comprising in the direction that the liner is passed an entry, a throat and an exit. The diameter of the aperture decreasing over the entry to a minimum to the throat and increasing over the exit. The entry of the die, when viewed in a sectional plane extending longitudinally of the liner and containing the axis, is convex over substantially an entire axial length between where the liner first contacts the die and the throat, wherein the liner substantially continuously engages the die over substantially the entire axial length.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: British Gas PLCInventors: Leslie Maine, Kenneth Hicks
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Patent number: 5816293Abstract: The apparatus for installing a repair liner/sleeve within a pipeline includes a rigid tube supported above a manhole or excavation leading to the entry of the pipeline to be repaired. A rigid tube is supported on a plurality of legs aligned above the manhole, with a vertical tube attached to the rigid tube and extending downwardly into the hole. A hollow tubular shoe is attached to the lower end of the vertical tube, and is curved to redirect a liner/bladder assembly from the vertical orientation within the vertical tube to a horizontal orientation aligned with the pipeline to be repaired. The tubular shoe includes a plurality of upper rollers and lower rollers between which the liner/bladder assembly will be directed for reorientation from the vertical tube to the horizontal pipeline. The rigid tube includes a pivotal lid which will seal the upper end of the rigid tube, to permit pressurization of the rigid tube, flexible tube, and shoe.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
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Patent number: 5814268Abstract: Process for manufacturing a golf club shaft made of composite materials, including the successive steps of fitting a tubular, flexible impermeable bladder around a rigid mandrel whose length is at least equal to the length of the shaft to be produced, dressing the mandrel with a composite structure comprising fibers impregnated with a synthetic resin matrix, placing the mandrel in the mold, and then carrying out a mold operation by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by feeding a fluid inside the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Marc Banchelin, Philippe Renard, Serge Solviche
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Patent number: 5810053Abstract: A thermoplastic liner is extruded in cylindrical form and deformed at a temperature below the crystallization temperature of the polyethylene material forming the liner into a generally W-shaped configuration. The liner in that configuration has three convex lobes and two concave lobes along one side of the liner with a convex portion of the liner wall along the opposite side. The cylindrical liner is initially extruded in cylindrical form and deformed by a series of axially spaced sets of rollers progressively inclined toward a vertical position wherein the final W-shaped configuration of the liner is formed. The liner has a cross-section in any direction less than one-half of the diameter of the liner when expanded into a cylindrical configuration. The deformed liner is coiled about a reel. At an installation site, the liner is pulled from the reel through the pipe and sealed at opposite ends. Steam under pressure expands the W-shaped liner to a cylindrical configuration to line the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Inventor: Ivan C. Mandich
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Patent number: 5794663Abstract: A pipe repair apparatus includes an outer carrier tube, an inner bladder tube within the carrier tube, and a repair sleeve within the bladder tube. The bladder tube and the carrier tube are formed by one unitary tube which is folded back upon itself. A wick extends from the repair sleeve to the rear end of the bladder tube and permits evacuation of gases from the bladder tube when the bladder tube is flattened by a vacuum during insertion of a curable resin into the bladder tube at its forward end. The bladder tube can be inverted out of the carrier tube so as to place the repair sleeve in contact with an area to be repaired within a sewer pipe. This method may also be used to repair the damaged joint between a lateral sewer line and a main sewer line.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: LMK EnterprisesInventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary Van Ameyde
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Patent number: 5794662Abstract: A method of relining sewer lines, waterlines or gas lines is disclosed which uses a segmented liner of reduced size relative to the pipe being relined, with the liner being heat/pressure molded to the shape of the pipe being relined. The liner segments are joined by conventional joining techniques, however, the preferred joint is achieved by fusion.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventors: Henri S. St. Onge, Bryan St. Onge
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Patent number: 5778938Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes an impervious containment pipe adapted to be installed as a primary containment pipe and a crush-resistant and flexible spacer element disposed about the entire external circumference of the primary containment pipe. The annular spacer is formed of a plurality of spaced apart and parallel substantially crush-resistant longitudinal members with a plurality of spaced apart parallel flexible connecting ribs bonded thereto. The longitudinal members form a uniform space when the containment pipe suitable for installation of leak detection systems including cables or based on measuring pressure differentials. The new impervious primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventors: Douglas K. Chick, F. Thomas Driver
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Patent number: 5778936Abstract: A system for generating a liner tube for an underground pipe while material is flowing through the pipe, incorporates a liner winding assembly, a carriage assembly connected to the liner tube being formed, a towing device for generating a pulling force on the carriage assembly and the liner tube being formed, and a liner hub assembly fixedly connected to the liner tube for operatively connecting the carriage assembly with the liner tube. The liner winding assembly includes a feeding and driving device for feeding liner material into the underground pipe, a device for forming the liner material into a liner tube, and a mounting device for fixedly mounting the feeding and driving device and the forming means in the underground pipe. The feeding and driving device generates a driving force to move the liner tube into and through the underground pipe as the liner tube is being formed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Danby of North AmericaInventor: George McAlpine
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Patent number: RE35944Abstract: In a tube eversion apparatus a first chamber in which the eversion pressure in developed is controllably sealed by a sphincter-type valve, the valve being in turn actuated by pressure developed in a preferably separately controllable and adjustable second chamber, another chamber preferably being provided above the sphincter-type valve for containing a supply of liquid and limiting turbulence from any escape of fluid past the sphincter-type valve, the other chamber also providing apparatus for supplying heated fluid to a lay-flat hose adapted to be pulled through the sphincter-type valve by the tube being .?.exerted.!. .Iadd.everted.Iaddend.. Use of the improved apparatus involves appropriate modifications of the usual eversion process involving applying and controlling the everting pressure and the pressure exerted against the sphincter-type valve by the fluid in the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1994Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.Inventors: F. Thomas Driver, Joseph A. Alexander, Lloyd G. Buchanan