Reclaiming, Renewing Or Repairing Articles For Reuse Patents (Class 156/94)
  • Patent number: 6607621
    Abstract: A wall patch includes a body with a lower surface and an upper surface. An adhesive is located on the lower surface to secure the wall patch to a wall surface. The upper surface is ready-to-paint and can also be pre-textured, if desired. A center reinforcement can be a rigid plastic or metal wall patch, or a flexible plastic or fibered paper wall patch, without a textured upper surface. A method for repairing a hole in a wall includes placing a wall patch over the hole and directly painting the upper surface of the wall patch. The method can further include placing a center reinforcement over the hole before applying the wall patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Randall Eric Swanson
  • Patent number: 6596376
    Abstract: A masking material comprises an elongate strip at least partially coated with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, die strip having a curved surface which is convex when the strip is viewed in cross-section and is positioned such that when the strip is adhered to a substrate by the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive a portion of the curved surface overhangs the substrate. The masking material comprises a removable edge portion comprising said portion of the curved surface detachably secured to a remainder of the strip and which may be removed to expose a second curved surface on the remainder of the strip which is convex when viewed in cross-section and which is positioned to overhang the substrate. The removable portion and remainder of the strip have different dimensions. Methods for making such masking material are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Phillip J. Bouic, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 6596110
    Abstract: A method for preparing a toner cartridge for reconditioning and resealing with a replacement seal includes providing a used toner cartridge whose seal has been removed and the toner essentially consumed with the cartridge substantially otherwise intact. The interior of the cartridge is partially separated or penetrated so as to remove, modify or by-pass any impediments present which would or could interfere with the resealing of the cartridge. A new seal is secured to the toner cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Costa G. Chitouras
  • Patent number: 6582655
    Abstract: A thermoformed PVC, modified PVC, CPVC, metal or coated metal cover, covering system and method is provided for covering assemblies of pipe and pipe insulation, hangers, support rods and mechanical assemblies wherein the assembly is biocide treated, covered by and completely enclosed by the cover, the cover is sealed in order to prevent bacteria growth within the cover while allowing a smooth outside surface for biocide application. The cover can be modified to facilitate the application of biocide after the assembly is covered by providing resealable openings in said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Christos J. Botsolas, Jeff Rebholz
  • Patent number: 6562426
    Abstract: A pipe liner bag includes a tubular resin absorbent material formed from a sheet of such material. Opposing ends of the sheet is seamed together to form the tubular shape. A hardenable resin is impregnated in the resin absorbent material. A seam protection tape covers an outer surface of the seamed portion. An air-tight plastic film covers the remainder of the outer surface. A sealing ribbon tape, which is larger than the seam protection tape, is affixed over the seam protection tape to air-tightly seal the seamed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6561247
    Abstract: A method for repairing a discrete damaged portion of an article surface, for example of a laminated composite material, includes applying an uncured repair material at the damaged portion and then subjecting the repair material and the discrete damaged portion to a vacuum to remove air entrapped in the repair material and the discrete damaged portion. One form of the invention uses a vacuum tool comprising an outer wall including an opening there through having a peripheral edge shaped to conform generally with a portion of the article surface about the damaged portion, and gas evacuation means. The tool is combined with a releasable gas seal generally shaped to interface between the peripheral edge and the article surface and release from the article surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chen-Yu J. Chou, Philip R. Griggs, Larry D. Cline
  • Patent number: 6561778
    Abstract: An improved repair bridge for windshield repair which is easier to drag along in proper position, a repair bridge which inherently applies a balanced force on opposite sides of the chip/crack, a bridge which requires substantially less adjustment bolt force, and which is provided with an adjustment bolt force gauge so that even a novice will be able to apply optimum crack spreading force without enlarging the crack. The generally U shaped bridge comprises: a left arm portion, a right arm portion, and a middle portion extending between and connecting the arm portions. Two upright finger bolts are each matingly threaded through an unconnected end portion of one of the arms; and, two plastic suction cups are each carried by a central portion of one of the arms. An upright resin injection head is adjustably screwed through the middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy D. Evans
  • Patent number: 6560414
    Abstract: In a photoreceptor for an image forming apparatus including a charging device, a relationship between a thickness “A” of a surface portion of a photosensitive layer abraded by image forming operations, a thickness “B” of a portion of the photosensitive layer ground by an operation of grinding the abraded surface of the photosensitive layer, a number of times “n” the operation of grinding the abraded surface of the photosensitive layer has been executed, and an original photosensitive layer thickness “C” of the photoreceptor is set such that a thickness “D” of a remaining portion of the photosensitive layer after having been ground which is obtained by equation: D=C−[(A+B)×n+A], is equal to or greater than a thickness of the photosensitive layer in which leakage from the charging device to the photoreceptor does not occur, so that the photoreceptor may be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Suda, Takeshi Saitou, Masaki Narita, Shinji Nagatsuna, Kenichi Shishido
  • Publication number: 20030079821
    Abstract: The tape is free from any slack and separation even when it is applied and bonded to a metal joint portion while being bent. The tape, made of an unvulcanized material containing an unvulcanized rubber-base material, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-oxidizing agent, a pigment and a bulk filler, is formed into an elongated shape having an upper and a lower surface and a predetermined thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface or flat bottom surface 1. The upper surface forms a circularly-curved surface 2 in cross section. Since the tape is in an unvulcanized state, it is capable of being free bent when applied to the metal joint portion. After application of the tape to the metal joint portion, a paint is applied to the tape, which is followed by a heating process in which the tape is heated, and, therefore vulcanized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Kitoshi Meguro
  • Publication number: 20030075259
    Abstract: A method of repairing a composite component (1) having a damaged area including: laying a composite lay-up (7) over the damaged area; locating at least one pressure chamber (3, 4) over the damaged area, the pressure chamber including a displaceable abutment face (5, 6); circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through the pressure chamber (3, 4) to thereby compress the lay-up (7) between the abutment face of the pressure chamber and the composite and elevate the temperature thereof to effect curing of the lay-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Neil Graham
  • Publication number: 20030056873
    Abstract: A process for producing fibreboards by recycling waste composite wood products through a conventional dry fibreboard continuous process in which modification is effected in the pre-heater and/or refining steps which provides recycled fibres constituting at least 20% by weight of the final fibre content of the resultant fibreboards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Panagiotis Nakos, Eleftheria Athanassiadou, Joao Manuel Aires Coutinho
  • Patent number: 6537404
    Abstract: A thermoplastic polyester resin is fed into a twin extruder, wherein a resin is heated for melting, thereby removing moisture in the resin by evacuating and sucking from a vent port thereof, injecting a foaming agent into the resin to which is pushed out as a foaming sheet and, after that, forming the foaming sheet which is divided into a forming body and a trimming loss, whereby the trimming loss is crushed to obtain crushed materials which are provided so as to put the materials into the twin extruder as collection materials and recycle them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sekisui Kaseihin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Ishiwatari, Masahiro Tsubone, Takaaki Hirai, Masahiro Shindo, Kiyoshi Yoshioka, Nobuyuki Tsujiwaki
  • Patent number: 6537676
    Abstract: A waterproofing material free of loose particulate material comprising a waterproofing sheet formed by extrusion under vacuum from a substantially homogeneous, deformable mass consisting of a mixture of particulate smectite clay and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Rawell Group Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Bryan N. Flynn, Glyn C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20030047268
    Abstract: A method for repairing fuel tanks having detected leaks comprises (1) filling the detected leaks by applying an adhesive over the detected leaks and allowing the adhesive to cure to seal the detected leaks or (2) providing a fuel tank having a surface with detected leaks, providing a patch having a surface to be attached to the fuel tank surface having detected leaks, coating one or both surfaces with an adhesive, applying the patch over the detected leak(s) such that the adhesive is interposed between the patch surface and the tank surface, pressing the patch against the tank and allowing the adhesive to cure to bond the two surfaces together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory J. Korchnak, Kenneth J. Ritzema, Steven B. Swartzmiller
  • Publication number: 20030044561
    Abstract: A dust control mat having a pile surface and a backing layer disposed beneath the pile surface. The pile surface includes segmented portions of pile-forming material salvaged from previously used mat structures and adhered to the backing layer in a predefined arrangement to define a contact surface of recycled material for use in removing dirt from the shoes of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Seiin Kobayashi, Thomas D. Nord, Akihito Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030021958
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a laminated wing skin (10) for an aircraft. The method comprises laying-up a plurality of fibers to form the laminated wing skin (10). A composite reinforcement member (14) is positioned on a surface (16) of the laminated skin (10) and one or more further layers are laid up so as to enclose the composite reinforcing member (14) at a position adjacent one surface of the laminated skin (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew P Godbehere, Stephen Williams
  • Publication number: 20030010426
    Abstract: An improved method of structurally upgrading existing steel monopole or lattice tower structures insitu consists of bonding fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials to the existing steel member or component surfaces. A structural adhesive is used to bond the composite material directly to steel and transfers the load between the two materials in shear. Steel includes galvanized steel, steel alloy, cortan steel and other painted or unpainted structural steel. Tower includes a monopole tower or a utility or transmission tower made of plate steel or a lattice of structural members or components. The result is a synthesized tower structure that is stronger and stiffer than the original steel tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: James D. Lockwood
  • Publication number: 20030005995
    Abstract: A method to repair an automotive body panel is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Miller
  • Patent number: 6500366
    Abstract: Despite the disadvantage of reflexing a windshield, and consuming a multiple of the time taken with a single viscosity resin repair; it is generally accepted that most windshield repairs should utilize multiple viscosity resins. The multiple injection head not only eliminates the disadvantages associated with using resins of different viscosities, but additionally produces a smoother and stronger repair. The multiple injection head for injection of resins having different viscosities into a chip/crack comprises: a) a plunger housing having two upright cylindrical openings therethrough, each opening having an upper internally threaded portion and a lower chamber portion; and, b) two generally cylindrical plungers each having an upper portion adapted to be hand turned, and an intermediate portion matingly threaded with the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy D. Evans
  • Patent number: 6494978
    Abstract: A method for protecting and for restoring structural strength and substance to a concrete, fluid containing or conducting structure deteriorated to the condition of removal of substance of the concrete by sulfuric acids and like corrosive material in contact therewith is described by positioning a relatively thin thermoplastic layer of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, injecting a substratum of epoxy foam, polyurethane foam, or a combination thereof between the thermoplastic layer and the deteriorated concrete, and welding the foam to the thermoplastic layer. The product of the process is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Bertram
  • Patent number: 6485281
    Abstract: The invention relates to repair devices for repairing impact resistant glass such as windshields and vertical glass. The repair device can be used to repair many types of damage to glass including cracks, bulls-eye breaks, star breaks, and angle wing breaks. For repairing breaks, the repair device removes air from the break before the resin is applied to the air-evacuated break. For repairing cracks, the repair device pushes resin into the crack while the device is slid along the crack. The repair device has a piston assembly including a piston, a piston casing, and a piston casing receiver; a mounting bracket; and a suction unit, including a manual vacuum pump. A resin is loaded into the piston assembly and delivered to the break or crack by hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, and/or vacuum mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Curl
  • Publication number: 20020170651
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for reinforcing a cementitious structure by contacting the structure with a fiber reinforced patch, wrapping, or insert contacting a heat-curable adhesive layer, then heat curing the adhesive. The patch or wrapping contains a fiber reinforcing layer affixed to a curable adhesive layer and the insert is typically an elongated fiber-reinforced composite surrounded by the heat curable resin and impregnating aligned fibers that extend longitudinally through the length of the composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher M. Edwards, David Vanderpool
  • Publication number: 20020172760
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the repair of the protective coating on converted can ends comprises a repair agent application station for the selective application of a radiation-curable repair agent onto at least a portion of the converted can ends, a repair agent curing station for the curing of the repair agent applied to the converted can ends, and a transport system for conveying the converted can ends from the repair agent application station to the repair agent curing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Shu An, Gregory Howard Butcher
  • Patent number: 6478910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for renovating doors, especially doors with at least one cut-out such as a cut-out for light. Fittings, lock and other salient detachable objects are removed before renovation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Horst Jung
  • Patent number: 6468372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to on-site repairs of a composite structure (10) such as an aircraft structure in which a concave recess (14) is machined in the damaged zone, a non-polymerized composite part (16) is set into said recess and part (16) is polymerized under pressure using tooling (18) comprising a stack of plates (32) that increase the pressure applied to the composite part. The present invention thus obtains invisible repairs with mechanical characteristics that are similar to those of the initial structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Fabienne Kociemba, Daniel Soro
  • Patent number: 6458230
    Abstract: A process for preparing recyclable fiber composites, comprising bonding fibers with a polymeric bonding agent applied as an aqueous polymer dispersion to said fibers, the polymeric bonding agent comprising at least one addition polymer which, in the state of an aqueous dispersion, has a film forming capability at the temperature at which the addition polymer is combined with said fibers, and said aqueous polymer dispersion, when subjected to a change in pH, is converted into an aqueous solution of the addition polymer. The aqueous addition polymer of the addition polymer dispersion can contain protic acid groups, and the state of the dispersion can be converted to an aqueous addition polymer solution by raising the pH of the aqueous medium. Alternatively, the addition polymer may contain basic groups, in particular, amino groups, and its state as a dispersion can be converted into an aqueous addition polymer resolution by lowering the pH of the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Rupaner, Karl-Heinz Schumacher, Werner Kirchner, Bradley Ronald Morrison, Roland Offner, Hermann Seyffer
  • Patent number: 6454889
    Abstract: A structural member for reinforcement of asphalt and concrete roadways and other products, and which comprises a gridwork of warp strands and weft strands which are disposed at right angles to each other and so as to define an open structure. In one embodiment, the gridwork is impregnated with a thermosettable B-stage resin so as to interlock the strands at their crossover points and maintain the gridwork in a semi-flexible state, and after being applied to the product to be reinforced, the resin is heated to convert the same into a fully cured composite to thereby rigidize the gridwork and reinforce the product. In cases where the product to be reinforced is heated, such as asphalt paving, the heat of the product provides the heat necessary to fully cure the resin in situ. In another embodiment, the resin is fully cured to rigidize the gridwork prior to its being applied to the structure to be reinforced. A method of producing the resin impregnated gridwork is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Hexcel CS Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Hendrix, Gordon L. Brown, Jr., Mansfield H. Creech, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6440245
    Abstract: Method for the implementation in situ of the three-layer coating with thermoplastic materials for the anticorrosive protection of welding joints of coated metal pipes, and/or of damaged coating areas, by wrapping up a ready-to use sheathing/band or tape, made of thermoplastic materials. The application of the sheathing/band or of the tape onto the joint is carried out mechanically by means of a suitable roll, e.g. in silicone rubber, said roll, carried by a suitable device placed on the pipe in the area to be coated, turning around the pipe wrapping and pressing with the desired pressure the sheathing/band/tape onto the pipe itself and ensuring a strong adherence to the support/pipe and the absence of air bubbles entrapped between the sheathing/tape and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Socotherm S.r.L.
    Inventors: Fernando Culzoni, Enrico Berti
  • Patent number: 6435242
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pressure applicator device for applying pressure to a repair patch of a repair surface. The pressure applicator device is provided with a generally annular suction member for providing suction attachment to the repair composite surface about the repair patch. The pressure applicator device is further provided with a cover member which is disposable above and across the suction member. The cover member is attached to the suction member. The pressure applicator device is further provided with a flexible pressure bladder formed of a generally fluid tight elastic material which is disposed beneath the cover member and interior to the suction member. The pressure bladder defines upper and lower chambers. The upper chamber is disposed between the cover member and the pressure bladder. The lower chamber is disposable between the pressure bladder and the repair surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Carl Andrew Reis, Thomas James Ambrose
  • Publication number: 20020104604
    Abstract: In order to regenerate a brake lining preferably for a railway vehicle a friction lining (3) is worked by machining, startling from its worn surface (6) and provided with a three dimensional surface profile (7). The profiled surface (7) is then coated with an agglutmant and a fresh friction lining substance is pressed on. The worn surface is preferably worked by profile grinding or profile milling, such that a profiled surface structure (7) is produced having a teeth-like, trapezoidal or meander-shaped profile that is vertical to the surface, whereby the profile depth of the surface structure lies in the region of approx. 1-30 mm. preferably 5-20 mm. The profile is preferably oriented in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: BERNHARD BAUMEISTER
  • Publication number: 20020100537
    Abstract: An improved repair bridge for windshield repair which is easier to drag along in proper position, a repair bridge which inherently applies a balanced force on opposite sides of the chip/crack, a bridge which requires substantially less adjustment bolt force, and which is provided with an adjustment bolt force gauge so that even a novice will be able to apply optimum crack spreading force without enlarging the crack. The generally U shaped bridge comprises: a left arm portion, a right arm portion, and a middle portion extending between and connecting the arm portions. Two upright finger bolts are each matingly threaded through an unconnected end portion of one of the arms; and, two plastic suction cups are each carried by a central portion of one of the arms. An upright resin injection head is adjustably screwed through the middle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy D. Evans
  • Publication number: 20020096243
    Abstract: A method for encasing a ceiling tile. The back surface of the ceiling tile is positioned adjacent to a vacuum table and a facing is placed over the front surface of the ceiling tile so that the facing overlaps each edge about the perimeter of the ceiling tile. In one embodiment, the facing is covered with an air-impermeable cover and a support frame can be placed surrounding the perimeter of the ceiling tile. The facing is drawn onto the ceiling tile by a vacuum applied through the vacuum table. The ceiling tile is then reversed so that the front surface of the ceiling tile is positioned adjacent to the vacuum table. An air-impermeable backing is placed over the ceiling tile so that the backing overlaps each edge about the perimeter of the ceiling tile. The backing is drawn onto the ceiling tile by the vacuum applied through the vacuum table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Donald W. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6416693
    Abstract: Parallel spaced shallow grooves are cut within the surface of an existing reinforced concrete member in the direction of bending and at locations where existing tensile reinforcing is inadequate. A curable polymer adhesive resin, such as an epoxy resin, is inserted into each groove and an elongated fiber reinforcing element, such as a composite rod with continuous carbon fibers, is positioned within each groove, substantially filling the groove, so that the minimum volume adhesive resin surrounds the reinforcing element. The adhesive resin within each groove is formed flush with the surface and allowed to cure to bond each reinforcing element to the concrete defining the groove. The grooves and reinforcing elements extend within the top surface of a concrete slab across a beam or support for the slab, extend within the bottom surface of the slab at least fifty percent of the distance between adjacent supports for the slab, or within a vertical surface of a concrete or masonry wall or column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: William D. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6416692
    Abstract: A method of repairing leaking underground pipes, particularly gravity-flow sewer pipes, without excavation, by using a flexible liner tube containing a fluid under sufficient pressure to exclude groundwater, while forcing a fluid sealant material into leaking defects in a pipe wall, and through openings in the pipe wall into voids outside the pipe. The flexible liner tube is everted into the pipe to keep the sealant material in place and also to continue to exclude groundwater for a period of time long enough for the sealant material to cure in place to effect sealing repair of the defects in the pipe wall and also at least partially fill voids outside the pipe. Fluid is kept under great enough pressure in the liner tube to exclude groundwater and may be heated or chilled to assist in preparing the pipe for sealant or to cure the sealant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
  • Patent number: 6413335
    Abstract: In circumstances where flooring may have a high moisture content, for example some types of concrete floors, at least one moisture sealing coating is applied to the floor to substantially preclude moisture migration from the floor, and then a first adhesive is applied over the moisture sealing coating and a scrim is applied to the first adhesive and held in place by the first adhesive. The scrim may be a layer of non-woven material that provides a surface substantially impervious to moisture. A second, carpet installation, adhesive is applied over the scrim, and commercial carpeting is laid on the second adhesive. Usually the scrim and carpeting will have seams, and the carpet installation is practiced so that the seams of the carpeting are substantially perpendicular to, or spaced at least about 6 inches from, the scrim seams. When worn the carpeting, scrim, and adhesive layers can be taken up, and the method repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Burlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Drake, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020074075
    Abstract: Reproducing, recoloring and/or recycling of used carpet tiles is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, used carpet tiles, which are recovered, are subjected to a choosing step according to the degree of stains, etc. The chosen carpet tiles are washed with a high-pressure fluid, and entangling of piles is removed and piles raised. The resultant carpet tiles are subjected to a choosing step once again according to the degree of stains, etc. The chosen carpet tiles are treated with such a design and color for recycling as to make less visible the stains or non-uniformity in color remaining after the washing, using a design computer, etc. Thus, reproduced carpet tiles are produced and subjected a choosing step once again, and the chosen ones are shipped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Robert S. Brown, William D. Blackstock, Kazufumi Yamada, E. Wayne Hunter, Nobuki Katayama
  • Publication number: 20020074076
    Abstract: A patch system repairs breaks in lenses and housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Gerald Jacino, Anthony Jacino
  • Patent number: 6401759
    Abstract: A liner bag for a manhole can have an improved durability after hardening with a fluid pressure barrier film left on the inner wall of a lined manhole, and a method of lining a manhole using the liner bag is capable of realizing a reduction in the number of steps involved in a manhole lining process to reduce a working time and a working cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get Inc., Oar Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Publication number: 20020058121
    Abstract: A tubular liner and a method for the rehabilitation of damaged conduits are disclosed. This tubular liner has unbound concentric outer and inner tubular jackets made of a flexible material capable of being impregnated with a curable adhesive resin. The tubular liner also has an impermeable film made of a material impermeable to liquid, bonded to an inner surface of the inner jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: SANEXEN Environmental Services Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Mercier
  • Patent number: 6385836
    Abstract: A method for repairing a composite material having an internal void includes identifying the location of the internal void and forming a single channel extending from a surface of the composite material to the internal void. The method further includes pulling a vacuum in the internal void and inserting a repair material through the channel into the internal void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Coltrin
  • Patent number: 6387479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a repair and reinforcement method for preexisting structures such as buildings or the like, and in particular, relates to a repair and reinforcement method for concrete structures, and to an anisotropic textile employed in this method. The present invention provides a method which permits execution even in low temperature conditions, and which moreover exhibits superior repair and reinforcement effects in a short period of time; during the impregnation of a resin into a sheet material comprising reinforcement fibers and the curing of this resin to form a fiber-reinforced resin layer which is used in the repair and reinforcement of preexisting structures, a reactive mixture having a gelling period of 15 minutes or more at a temperature of 20° C. and which polymerizes even at 5° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigetsugu Hayashi, Masahiro Sugimori, Tomowo Sano, Tadashi Yokochi, Masayuki Fukumoto, Yasushi Suzumura, Hideo Konishi, Toshikazu Aoki, Mikio Takasu
  • Patent number: 6375426
    Abstract: An edge member for use on a composite flexure having an exposed edge surface. The edge member includes an innermost composite ply attached to the edge surface, an outermost composite ply attached to the innermost composite ply, and at least one interior composite ply disposed between the innermost composite ply and the outermost composite ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Arnold Brack, Ernest Alfred Powell, Dharam Jithender Reddy, Ronald Dean Rice, Patrick Ryan Tisdale
  • Patent number: 6364979
    Abstract: A carpet seam repair tool, and a method, for repairing a seam in installed carpet wherein a first carpet portion is separated from a second carpet portion along a seam rift and the seam overlies an adhesive tape. The repair tool includes a pair of legs joined by a pin at and end thereof for enabling coplanar movement of the legs about the pin. In use, the tool is inserted in the seam rift and a setscrew fixes the legs in a selected spaced relationship, thereby holding the carpet portions apart. The repair tool includes a wheel, rotatably attached at an end of each leg, opposite the pin. During a repair operation, the tool is drawn along the seam rift while the wheels hold the carpet portions away from the underlying tape. By holding the carpet portions away from each other, and by separating them from the tape, the repair tool enables convenient deposition of adhesive along the tape, while reducing the likelihood of getting the adhesive on the carpet portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Michael C. Grato
  • Patent number: 6355203
    Abstract: A process for reconstituting or reconstructing a composite object having a defect which affects at least its surface includes: (a) placing at least one added piece or material, the shape and dimensions of which are matched to those of the defect, in or on the defect, the piece or material including mechanically strong, continuous or staple fibers; (b) placing a polymer material in or on the defect to obtain a plastic matrix in which the fibers are distributed; (c) placing a gas-drain for draining the gases given off by the plastic matrix and a cover for extracting the gases, in succession and one on top of the other, on the added piece, which together with the rest of the object form an enclosure which is sealed with respect to the external atmosphere and circumscribes the defect and the added piece; and (d) while evacuating the sealed enclosure, heating the added piece using a radiant source, the emission from which includes infrared radiation, and placing the source with respect to the defect so as to irrad
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sunkiss Aeronautique
    Inventors: Michel Charmes, Bruno Comoglio
  • Publication number: 20020023704
    Abstract: A method of treating a rock chip in a vehicular windshield consists of the step of inscribing in the glass of the vehicular windshield a circular crack barrier that surrounds the rock chip. Any cracks emanating from the rock chip tend to remain confined within the circular crack barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Edward John Chomay
  • Patent number: 6344100
    Abstract: A method of resurfacing a traction roll to provide a friction surface to replace a worn surface. A supply reel of metal strip material is continuously unwound from a supply reel and rewound on a take-up reel. Between the reels, the unwound strip passes through a treating station at which a surface of the strip is prepared for coating and is then coated by one or two sprays of various types of thermal spray equipment as the applicator, with a polymer coating sometimes applied as a top coating. The take-up reel with the coated strip is then transported to a facility where the traction roll is located. The traction roll is then prepared for winding of the strip thereonto. The strip is wound helically onto the traction roll and secured thereto by doublesided adhesive tape disposed between and attached to the roll surface and the metal strip. In a modification, the strip is fed through the treating location in contact with an arcuate surface of a mandrel to impart curvature to the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Hipskind
  • Publication number: 20020011301
    Abstract: The tape is free from any slack and separation even when it is applied and bonded to a metal joint portion while being bent. The tape, made of an unvulcanized material containing an unvulcanized rubber-base material, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-oxidizing agent, a pigment and a bulk filler, is formed into an elongated shape having an upper and a lower surface and a predetermined thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface or flat bottom surface 1. The upper surface forms a circularly-curved surface 2 in cross section. Since the tape is in an unvulcanized state, it is capable of being free bent when applied to the metal joint portion. After application of the tape to the metal joint portion, a paint is applied to the tape, which is followed by a heating process in which the tape is heated, and, therefore vulcanized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: KITOSHI MEGURO
  • Patent number: 6338619
    Abstract: There is disclosed a glass repair fixture including a mount, a leg, and a chamber, such that the leg is rotatable around the mount that decreases set up time and manufacturing cost, and improves a resulting glass repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Auto Glass Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradd R. Rusch
  • Patent number: 6336983
    Abstract: Reinforcing bands of high tensile strength filaments in a cured resin matrix are in the shape of a coil having a plurality of elastic convolutions for reinforcing a weakened pipe. Areas of depressions on the exterior surface of the pipe are filled with a load transfer filler material and the bands are coiled around the pipe with adhesive holding an innermost convolution of the coil to the pipe and subsequent convolutions of the coil to adjacent convolutions. A plurality of the bands are placed in abutment with one another to cover the entire weakened area of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Norman C. Fawley
  • Publication number: 20010054473
    Abstract: A method for repairing a discrete damaged portion of an article surface, for example of a laminated composite material, includes applying an uncured repair material at the damaged portion and then subjecting the repair material and the discrete damaged portion to a vacuum to remove air entrapped in the repair material and the discrete damaged portion. One form of the invention uses a vacuum tool comprising an outer wall including an opening there through having a peripheral edge shaped to conform generally with a portion of the article surface about the damaged portion, and gas evacuation means. The tool is combined with a releasable gas seal generally shaped to interface between the peripheral edge and the article surface and release from the article surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Chen-Yu J. Chou, Philip R. Griggs, Larry D. Cline