Reclaiming, Renewing Or Repairing Articles For Reuse Patents (Class 156/94)
  • Patent number: 6086709
    Abstract: The sealing strip comprises an elongate sealing portion formed of resiliently compressible material such as foam and an elongate attachment portion extending laterally from the sealing portion. The attachment portion is provided with adhesive to affix it to the rear side of a first body panel so that the sealing portion is located in a gap between the panel and an adjacent component so as to seal or mask the gap therebetween. The sealing portion and attachment portion are preferably integrally formed by an extrusion process. The sealing strip has particular application to the sealing of the "B" post gap of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Speedarrive Projects Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin Williams Hills
  • Patent number: 6080255
    Abstract: In a toner removing apparatus in which, after toner attached to transferring paper is heated and adheres to a peeling-off belt, transferring paper is separated from the belt and thereby toner is peeled off from transferring paper, the peeling-off belt is cooled by a cooling fan and thereafter toner is removed therefrom. The transferring paper is tightly attached to the peeling-off belt, and a cleaning fan is provided so as to oppose to the peeling-off belt passing through the pressurizing portions of upper and lower heating rollers for heating the belt and moving to the cleaning portion in the belt cleaning apparatus. The temperature of toner is lowered in order to harden toner to an extent that the condensation of the image forming substance sticking on the peeling-off belt turns out to be larger than the sticking force between the image forming substance and the peeling-off belt member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Shinkai, Tarou Terashi, Sotohiro Tsujihara, Masatoshi Saitou, Tomoaki Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6071833
    Abstract: A patch for repair or finishing of surfaces, such as drywall or plaster walls and ceilings, wherein the patch includes a liquid-hardenable material (such as a water-hardenable material) coated on and/or impregnated in a substrate or carrier. The patch is wetted and then applied to the surface of the wall or ceiling and pressed against the surface. The liquid-hardenable material becomes gel-like and adheres the patch to the surface. Upon drying, it sets to a hard coating overlying a hole, crack, recess or joint in the wall or ceiling. If necessary, joint compound or the like can be applied to the edges of the patch to provide a smooth taper to the surrounding surface. The liquid-hardenable material can be a cement, plaster, resin or glass composition. The carrier can be paper, or a fabric comprised of natural or synthetic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventors: Albert D'Alisa, Scott Frey, Dana Owen, Mark Viola
  • Patent number: 6051092
    Abstract: Winding cores for the paper industry are restored by removing the metal tips from the ends of the core, trimming the core to eliminate the crimped end portions of the core, providing complementary male and female joint ends to the core, grinding the outer surface of the core to a constant outer diameter less than the industry standard outer diameter to accommodate a finishing layer. The cores with the complementary joints are pressed end to end to form a core master prior to its being ground and then picking up the core masters one by one and bringing them into proximity of a web of liner board material having a length which corresponds to the length of the core master and a width which corresponds to the circumference of the core, contacting the glue bearing liner board web with the core and rotating the core to wrap the web of liner board about the core to provide a finished restored core. The core master is then cut into suitable length winding cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: CSI Core Specialties Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg M. Lynch, Stuart Ostroff
  • Patent number: 6042353
    Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus includes a fixture for holding an injector wherein the fixture includes plastic legs for slideably engaging a windshield during sliding movement of the fixture. A suction cup mechanism enables selective mounting of the apparatus to the windshield. The suction cup mechanism selectively positions the suction cup so as to not interfere with sliding movement of the windshield repair apparatus across the windshield, and allows for deployment of the suction cup against the windshield at the desired time. The fixture has a engagement surfaces for the user's hand during handling of the windshield repair apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: TCG International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Thomas, Paul E. Syfko
  • Patent number: 6042668
    Abstract: A pipe liner bag is provided with improved anti-peeling and anti-bursting properties by ensuring a high anti-peeling strength of the plastic film to be employed. The pipe liner bag has a tubular resin absorbent material, the outer surface of which is coated with a highly air-tight plastic film, and a hardenable resin impregnated in the tubular resin absorbent material. The tubular resin absorbent material is formed of tubular unwoven fabric subjected to the needle punching processing, where a side of the tubular unwoven fabric having stuck-out needles protruding therefrom is exposed to the outside to serve as an outer surface of the tubular resin absorbent material. The outer surface is coated with a plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6042669
    Abstract: Polyolefin auto body components and like plastic structural elements having a predetermined form and a repairable damage discontinuity having an edge margin, are repaired by and covering the discontinuity with a web of differentially fusible portions, such as interdispersed differently fusible fibers, partially fused to the edge margin to support the web in place and provide a base for repair including application of repair adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Hugh Craig
  • Patent number: 6039824
    Abstract: A method for repairing a locally damaged, dented surface of a wall, whereby the surface is provided with a relief, as well as a wall comprising a locally repaired surface, which has been repaired by using the method below. A mould comprising an impression of the relief of an undamaged part of the surface is made, the dented surface is filled with a filler, after which the impression on the mould is pressed into the filling material, as a result of which a relief corresponding with the original relief is formed in the filling material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Cooperatieve Vereniging Profile Repair, U.A.
    Inventor: Johannes Henricus Maria Van Haandel
  • Patent number: 6036464
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed using a blanket (50) which is an assembly of at least one graphite fiber element of high thermal conductivity and at least one metal sheet element such as a copper sheet element to repair an aircraft structure (10) made of composite fiber materials. The blanket (50) is placed in thermal contact with a silicone rubber heat blanket (22), having an internal heat source, and the aircraft structure, such as composite laminates (12, 14). Use of the blanket (50) increases the rate at which the temperature of the laminates can be elevated to the proper range for repair and transfers heat from hot spots to cold spots to ensure a uniform temperature throughout the laminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Maro W. Heimerdinger, Jerome J. Connolly
  • Patent number: 6033517
    Abstract: The present invention protects from excessive heating at least one component on an object during curing of paint at a localized area on the object by exposure to a heat source. The present invention circulates air including cold air near the at least one component to be protected. An air pocket is formed adjacent the at least one component to be protected. This air pocket has an inlet and an outlet. A cold air source is coupled to the inlet via a tubing that directs cold air from the cold air source into the air pocket. Heated air within the air pocket flows out through the outlet of the air pocket such that air circulates through the air pocket. In this manner, the temperature of the at least one component to be protected is maintained below a predetermined temperature when the localized area of the object is exposed to the heat source for curing of the paint at the localized area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Honda of America Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis M. Chenetski
  • Patent number: 6033507
    Abstract: A method of repairing windshields which are below room temperature, in the range from about 65.degree. F. to about 40.degree. F. repaired by using a resin whose viscosity ranges from a high end of a range of about 700 c.p.s. to about 400 c.p.s. to a low end of a range of about 150 c.p.s. Also, when the windshield is below about 40.degree. F., the method uses a first low viscosity resin of 10-100 c.p.s. and a second resin from about 150 c.p.s. to about 700 c.p.s. Also, when the crack is a floater, the resin is in the range from about 100 c.p.s. to about 90 c.p.s. and is heated prior to or during injection into the crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. Campfield
  • Patent number: 6026861
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-insulating underground steam pipe in situ includes the steps of creating at least one hole in the ground, inserting a liner into the hole, using a drill string to drill a hole in the conduit, inserting a tubing into the liner so that a first end of the tubing is positioned next to the pipe and a second end of the tubing is attached to a pumping system. The foam is then pumped through the tubing around the pipe and then the tubing is removed and the foam is allowed to cure and become rigid, thereby functioning as insulation.The plastic foam may be a polyisocyanurate or a urethane-modified polyisocyanurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Trigen Energy Corp.
    Inventors: H Timothy Mentzer, Leif Berquist
  • Patent number: 6024901
    Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus and method includes a fixture for holding an injector wherein the fixture includes plastic legs for slideably engaging a windshield during sliding movement of the fixture. A suction cup mechanism enables selective mounting of the apparatus to the windshield. The suction cup mechanism selectively positions the suction cup so as to not interfere with sliding movement of the windshield repair apparatus across the windshield, and allows for deployment of the suction cup against the windshield at the desired time. The fixture has engagement surfaces for the user's hand during handling of the windshield repair apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: TCG International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Thomas, Paul E. Syfko
  • Patent number: 6017588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reinforcing a structure comprising the steps of forming a primer layer on the surface of a structure to be reinforced; forming if necessary a putty layer on the primer layer; applying an impregnating resin on the formed primer layer provided that the putty layer in case where the putty layer is formed on the primer layer, before, after or before and after cladding with the fiber sheets, to allow the resin to penetrate into the spaces in the fiber sheets; and curing the resin,the said primer, putty and impregnating resin comprising a resin composition which can cure at a temperature not more than 5.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Watanabe, Hiroaki Katano, Tsuneo Tanaka, Joji Shibata, Mitsuhiro Yada, Takeshi Nemoto
  • Patent number: 6004412
    Abstract: A sealing system for repairing an aperture or notch of a damaged plastic pipe. The sealing system comprises a patch member and an attachment tool. The patch member includes a top side, a bottom side, and comprises, in part, a thermoplastic material. The attachment tool includes a housing, a power source associated with the housing, a base member, attachment members for attaching the base member to the patch member, and members which facilitate positioning to the power source relative to the housing. The invention further includes a method of repairing an aperture or notch of a damaged plastic pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephen Cecil Grigory, Glen William Deel, Jesse Abergo Villarreal, Rolf Glauser
  • Patent number: 6001423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for encapsulating lead paint on a surface comprises the steps of applying a glass mesh to the surface containing the lead paint and applying an encapsulating mixture in a continuous layer over the glass mesh and to the encapsulated lead paint surface. The invention completely seals and encapsulates the lead paint and has significant structural integrity to prevent exposure to lead paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Roy Johnson
  • Patent number: 5997982
    Abstract: A screen saver (10) capable of attachment to a screen door screen (14) of a screen door. The screen saver (10) has an inner member (12A) and an outer member (12B) attached to each other through mesh of a screen door utilizing hook and loop. The inner member (12A) having an inner member front (12AA) and an inner member back (12AB). The inner member back (12AB) further comprises inner member back fastening means (12ABA) securely affixed thereon. The outer member (12B) having an outer member front (12BA) and an outer member back (12BB). The outer member back (12BB) further comprises an outer member back fastening means (12BBA) securely affixed thereon. The inner member front (12AA) and outer member front (12BA) each comprise a reflective surface thereon. The inner member front (12AA) and outer member front (12BA) are shaped at a convex angle with respect to the screen door screen (14) to create a refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Richard J. Susat
  • Patent number: 5993581
    Abstract: There is provided an adhesive composition for use as an adhesive agent for bonding a flexible lining tube on to the internal surface of an existing old pipe. Such an adhesive composition comprises: a) an epoxy resin; b) a thixotropy agent mainly containing silica fine particles; c) a lubricant mainly containing spheroidal fine particles; d) a curing agent having a sufficient compatibility with the thixotropy agent, and being used in a sufficient amount to cure the epoxy resin. In particular, the above components a),b),c) together form a main agent, and the above components b) and d) together form an auxiliary agent. Before use, the main agent and the auxiliary agent are separated from each other. When in use, the main agent and the auxiliary agent are mixed together, so as to form the adhesive composition for use as an adhesive agent for bonding a flexible lining tube on to the internal surface of the existing old pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignees: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Three Bond Co., Ltd., Three Bond Unicom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Toyoda, Shuichi Yagi, Masaaki Itagaki, Yukio Sato, Kiyoshi Shinkado
  • Patent number: 5975183
    Abstract: A pressure applicator device for applying pressure to a repair patch of a variable contoured aircraft surface, the pressure applicator device is provided with an inflatable pressure bladder. The bladder is configured for applying pressure to the repair patch and is formed of a generally fluid tight elastic material. The pressure applicator device is further provided with at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm is disposed in mechanical communication with the bladder for facilitating the application of pressure by the bladder to the repair patch upon inflation of the bladder. The bladder is further provided with at least one suction device for providing suction attachment to the aircraft surface. The bladder is attachable to a respective one of the at least one variable direction adjustable arm. The arm facilitates selective attachment of the respective suction device to the variable contoured aircraft surface while maintaining the position of the bladder with respect to the repair patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Carl A. Reis, Nicholas Thomas Castellucci, John C. Del Ferraro
  • Patent number: 5976291
    Abstract: A Process for Joining Plastic Moldings Plastic moldings can be joined with one-component or two-component adhesives, the connecting joint being spanned by metal strips. The metal strips are at least partly embedded in the adhesive layer. This process is particularly suitable for repairing damaged plastic moldings, more particularly automobile parts, for example fenders. The moldings repaired by the process according to the invention are restored to their original performance properties, more particularly dimensional rigidity, impact strength and appearance. In the event of scrapping, the moldings thus repaired are fully recyclable by conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Henkel Teroson GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Schaetzle
  • Patent number: 5972140
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a plurality of multilayer structures which includes at least one recess defined by a nonplanar surface. The method including the steps of: (a) providing a resilient, compliant material on over one or more stacks of layers including the area over the recess; (b) applying sufficient pressure to the stacks to cause the resilient, compliant material to fill the recess and laminate said stacks; (c) lifting the resilient, compliant material off the stack subsequent to the application of pressure; (d) providing one or more stacks of layers that have not been subjected to step (b); and (e) repeating steps (a)-(d). In a preferred embodiment of the invention steps (a)-(d) are repeated at least ten times without the need to change the resilient compliant material. In a most preferred embodiment of the invention steps (a)-(d) are repeated at least one hundred times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Allan R. Hass, Joseph M. Dynys
  • Patent number: 5972141
    Abstract: A process for patching a crack or other defect in a thick-walled steel component, such as the wall of a pressure vessel, is provided. Stacked sheets of pre-impregnated carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy are bonded together and cured by interposed layers of a second resin. A structural adhesive is used to bond the stack to the steel to form the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Fernand Ellyin
  • Patent number: 5958166
    Abstract: A method for repairing a high temperature composite structure fabricated from layers of composite plies. If the composite structure contains an internal high temperature core, the core is first restored by installing a core block into the damaged region, bonding the core block in place by applying high temperature material resin and uncured foam material into the region between the core block and the damaged region, and partially curing the core block. A number of repair plies, formed from pre-impregnated composite material or formed using dry cloth manually impregnated with high temperature resin are prepared. The repair plies are sized and shaped using a series of templates corresponding to the damaged region. The installed plies are cured using high temperature localized heating of the damaged region without impairing the surrounding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Walters, Gregory P. Nowak
  • Patent number: 5958164
    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: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Sekisui Kaseihin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Ishiwatari, Masahiro Tsubone, Takaaki Hirai, Masahiro Shindo, Kiyoshi Yoshioka, Nobuyuki Tsujiwaki
  • Patent number: 5958506
    Abstract: A method of restoring damaged portions of paper (Japanese and machine-made) paintings and calligraphic works, which does not require a high degree of skill, retains the original thickness of the work, improves durability after restoration and ensures neutralization of the work and simplification of any further restoration. A raw restoration liquid prepared from paper stock, water and an adhesive such as a liquid extract of Hibisci radix and optionally a colorant is placed in a vat. A target paper work to be restored is laid over a cloth or paper-making sheet which is laid over a filtering sheet-like member fitted into a paper-making frame. The paper-making frame is soaked in the raw restoration liquid so that the fibers contained in the raw restoration liquid are filled into the damaged portions of the paper work. The cloth or paper-making sheet is removed from the paper-making frame while the fibers are dried to the point of dampness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Mitihiro Kihara
  • Patent number: 5954901
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing dimpled or cracked windshields is set forth. One portion of apparatus utilizes a suction cup, a laterally extending support member, three adjustable legs to level the support member approximately parallel to the windshield, and a threaded housing in inserted therethrough to bear against the windshield. The housing incorporates a plunger which operates as a syringe to inject a fluid resin for repair. On the opposite face, a set of suction cups holds a support member so that the end face of a bolt can be moved against the windshield to slightly bow the back side of the damaged area. The repair procedure includes the optional step of drilling into the dimple or crack, bowing from the back side, injection under pressure wherein the injection step is through an O-ring seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Jack Henderson
  • Patent number: 5955113
    Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method for the repair of a break in an automobile light bulb housing. The kit and method enable an inexpensive in situ repair including lamina overriding the break. The lamina form an environmentally impervious repair matching the color of the lens and including a light diffusion pattern to diffuse light substantially similar to that of the unbroken lens. The kit includes shapable parts enclosable in a blister pack. The blister cover may include a usable diffuser pattern. The diffuse pattern maintains the environmental imperviousness of the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Gerald Jacino, Anthony Jacino
  • Patent number: 5952012
    Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus includes a bridge for holding an injector adjacent to a break area of a windshield. The bridge includes a suction cup for mounting the bridge to the windshield. The bridge includes a pivotally mounted arm which allows for pivotal movement of the injector away from the break area, and a registration system which allows for accurate replacement of the injector over the break area following pivotal movement back toward the break area. A ball plunger and detent mounting arrangement between the pivotally mounted arm and a remainder of the bridge allows for registration. The suction cup includes a vacuum pump for withdrawing air from beneath the suction cup. The injector includes a clip securing a stopper to a body of the injector. The stopper includes a peripheral lip seal at a first end of the stopper which is received by the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: TCG International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Thomas, Paul E. Syfko, Mark Charles Christian
  • Patent number: 5952042
    Abstract: A method of forming a superalloy part comprises: forming a preform from tape, said tape comprising a base metal layer and a braze alloy layer, said base metal layer comprising fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene and an oxygen-sensitive superalloy base metal powder selected from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, hafnium, and chromium, and said braze alloy layer comprising fibrilated polytetrafluoroethylene and braze alloy; heating the preform in an hydrogen or vacuum environment. Another method of forming a superalloy part comprises using a tape comprising fibrilated polytetrafluoroethylene, said oxygen-sensitive superalloy base metal powder, and powdered braze alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Coating Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Rafferty, Bruce Rowe
  • Patent number: 5951818
    Abstract: The tools for the restoration of deformed lamina require a series of capable of being deformed plaques (1,5,12,13,14,18,18') provided with a central post or a stem (3,7,9,19,19') which are fixed by glues or adhesives with the use of an applicator (22,23,24), on the exterior of the deformed area of the lamina. They are therefore pulled through the post (3,7,9) and stem (19,19') towards the outside through the extractor (28,34), thus restoring the deformed plate (17). When the restoration has been completed the lamina is detached and possibly recovered for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: B. System di Balbi Gaetano
    Inventor: Balbi Gaetano
  • Patent number: 5948331
    Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus and method wherein a quick connect/disconnect bayonet mounting arrangement mounts an injector to a support apparatus which holds the injector relative to a windshield for repair. A ramp surface may be provided with respect to the bayonet mounting arrangement for selective adjustment of the position of the injector relative to the support apparatus. A rubber stopper with two passages is provided with the injector, one passage central to the stopper for receipt of a mechanical probe, and one passage offset from the central passage for receipt of pressures greater than or less than atmospheric pressure during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: TCG International Inc.
    Inventors: Adolf F. Beckert, Jonathan P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5949947
    Abstract: Repair of a damaged portion of a cable sheath may be effected with the aid of a sheath repair kit comprised of an enclosure (10) and a volume of encapsulant (36). The enclosure (10) includes first and second members (12), both having an interior axially extending channel in communication with openings (20.sub.1 and 20.sub.2) in ends of the respective member to receive the damaged cable portion in the channel. The second member is shorter than the first member and has a cross-section smaller in area than that of the channel in the first member to enable receipt of the second member in the channel of the first member. In this way, the first and second members will capture the damaged portion of the cable, as well as a volume of the encapsulant (36) added to the channel of the first member to immerse the damaged cable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: AT & T Corp
    Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman, James F. Kirkpatrick, Claywell D. Turley
  • Patent number: 5944058
    Abstract: A tubular branch pipe liner is proposed, which has a rigid collar at its end and to this collar is attached a protector consisting of a first portion which is out-spread downwardly and curved to fit on the lower face of the collar and is fixed thereto, a second portion which is roughly cylindrical and fitted into the inner peripheral face of the collar and the inner wall of a little part of the tubular branch pipe liner which is immediately continuous from the collar, and a third portion which extends downwardly and terminates in an annular end face at a location substantially lower than the joint where the first portion and the second portion meet; also proposed is a pipe lining method, which comprises the steps of preparing a branch pipe liner with a collar; and attaching the above-mentioned protective member to the collar; and lining a branch pipe with the tubular branch pipe liner; and lining the main pipe with a conventional main pipe liner; and cutting a hole through that circular portion of the main pi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 5938882
    Abstract: The method of removing an epoxy bonded microelectronic component from a substrate includes the steps of heating a removal tool comprising a blade portion. The heated blade portion engages against the cured epoxy positioned around the edge of the component, and the epoxy is removed. The blade portion is positioned between an edge of the component and an adjacent portion of the substrate to lift the component from the substrate. A screwdriver receiving tip can also be attached to the removal tool. The screwdriver receiving tip includes an orifice that receives a screwdriver shaft that is freely rotatable therein. The removal tool is heated, thereby heating the screwdriver receiving tip and screwdriver shaft so that any screw to be removed is heated and removed. A tool is also disclosed for removing the microelectronic component from a substrate. The tool includes a removal tool comprising a proximal body and a distal heating end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Terry S. Bryant, Donald J. Beck, James B. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5935360
    Abstract: A method for repairing a discrete damaged part of a strip bonded to an article surface includes applying a first removable masking member along and adjacent the damaged part of the strip and separated from the strip by a gap of at least 0.005", and applying a second removable masking member to the outer surface of the strip. A repair adhesive, which can be cured at a curing temperature less than a higher temperature which can result in damage to properties of the article or a surface coating, is applied at and beneath an edge of the damaged part of the strip. Then the repair adhesive is cured at the curing temperature. Apparatus for bonding a strip to an end portion of the article includes a body having a channel there through defined, in part, by spaced apart support surfaces for article surfaces and positioned relative one to the other at a relative spatial position substantially coinciding with the relative spatial position of the article surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Philip R. Griggs
  • Patent number: 5928448
    Abstract: The present invention is a dowel-adhesive method for repairing ceramic matrix composites. The dowel adhesive method embodied in the present invention incorporates both adhesive and mechanical bonding of a patch to a damaged CMC surface area. The damaged area is first identified and then pre-processed. Next, a CMC patch plug is produced and adhesively and mechanically bonded to the pre-processed area. Mechanical bonding is accomplished with dowel pins and corresponding dowel pin holes in the patch plug and the panel. The dowel pins anchor the CMC patch plug to the panel. Adhesive bonding is accomplished by placing a ceramic adhesive between the patch plug and the panel. Also, the dowel pins are adhesively bonded within the dowel pin holes of the plug and the panel. The ceramic adhesive is set by a low temperature cure (if required) and a high temperature firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David Eric Daws
  • Patent number: 5928447
    Abstract: A method for repair of a length of a conduit having a circumferential inner surface, by anchoring to the inner surface in a direction parallel to the length a plurality of sections of tubing of generally rectangular cross-section spaced around the conduit in the circumferential direction, each of the sections of tubing having therein a plurality of openings in a direction parallel to the circumferential direction. A plurality of strips of plastic sheeting is then anchored to the tubing on a surface opposite to a surface of the tubing anchored to the inner surface, with the strips of plastic sheeting extending circumferentially around the conduit along the length of the repair, and defining a space between the plastic sheeting and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas GianFrancisco
  • Patent number: 5928468
    Abstract: An adaptor for injecting glue under high pressure into a joint to includes a shank portion with a self tapping external thread tapering from a connecting portion having an internal connecting thread for attachment to a zerk and radially outward wings, forming fingerpieces by which the shank portion can be rotated. An internal glue passageway extends completely through the adapter. A restorer's kit includes a supply of adapters, zerks, a high pressure lever action hydraulic gun for glue, a flexible high pressure connecting hose and zerk coupling, a veneer needle and a supply of dowel form wooden plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: John Thomas Tolson
  • Patent number: 5925466
    Abstract: A process for applying a polyurethane elastomeric lining for truck beds and product produced by same, including a kit, enabling do-it yourself application by a truck owner of a protective coating of the inner surfaces which define a truck bed, which coating is effective for preserving the durational utility of the involved interior walls without the need for professional assistance or specialized equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Jorge G. Burton
  • Patent number: 5925204
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for repairing damaged portions of an exposed surface of wallboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: ProPatch Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Hoffmann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5922158
    Abstract: A propane fuel storage tank having a fuel-containing tank body with an outer printed sleeve made of linear heat-shrink plastic material heat-shrunk in tight fitting encircling relation about the tank for preventing viewing of surface imperfections in the tank beneath the sleeve. A method of making and reconditioning propane fuel tanks is disclosed which includes loosely positioning a sleeve of such linear heat-shrinkable plastic material about the tank body and exposing the plastic sleeve to a temperature above its heat-shrink temperature to cause it to contract and tightly conform about the outer perimeter of the tank. The sleeve preferably encompasses a central cylindrical side wall of the tank, portions of the upper and lower semi-spherical end walls of the tank, and the lower foot ring, which results in a like-new reconditioned tank without the necessity for complete removal of surface imperfections and prior adhesively applied labels, or the need for complete repainting of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Blue Rhino Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph T. Culp, Richard Belmont
  • Patent number: 5915420
    Abstract: In a substantially resilient conduit having fluid flowing therethrough from an upstream position to a downstream position and a breach intermediate the positions, a method of repairing the breach, the method comprising the steps of engaging the conduit at a location upstream of the breach to substantially interrupt the fluid flow through the conduit, repairing the breach, disengaging the conduit from the location to re-establish the fluid flow through the conduit, and reinforcing the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: Paul F. Dwight, Jr., Jack C. Fisk
  • Patent number: 5908522
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for repairing a worn helicopter rotor blade made of composite materials by adhesively securing a supplemental leading edge abrasion wear strip made of nickel to the leading edge of the rotor blade. The periphery of the bonding surface of the leading edge of the rotor blade is masked. The bonding surfaces of the supplemental leading edge strip and the rotor blade are cleaned with a medium-grit scrubbing pad, grit-blasted with aluminum oxide and then rinsed with DI water. A strip of a structural adhesive film is hot bonded to the bonding surface of the supplemental leading edge strip using vacuum and a high temperature oven cure. The side of the structural adhesive film bonding surface which will be secured directly to the rotor blade bonding surface is first abraded and then wiped with a solvent. An epoxy adhesive mix is applied to the bonding surfaces of the rotor blade and the structural adhesive film of the supplemental leading edge strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Composite Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sven R. Lofstrom, Troy E. Penny
  • Patent number: 5897882
    Abstract: A system for repairing damaged glass including a vacuum powered anchor for securing the damage repair system to a surface of a damaged piece of glass proximate to a flaw in the glass surface. Included is an evacuating enclosure coupled to the anchor, the couplement providing a means by which the enclosure is fixable relative to the anchor. A common vacuum source is selectively communicatable with the anchor and the enclosure so that vacuum pressure may be selectively applied in any combination to the anchor and the enclosure. A resin applicator is also included for depositing resin into the flaw. Also included is a repair device for a cracked piece of glass. The repair device includes at least one anchor for securing the device to a surface of the flawed piece of glass opposite the crack opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Juan Gonzalez, Howard W. Cargill
  • Patent number: 5897726
    Abstract: In a toner removing apparatus in which, after toner attached to transferring paper is heated and adheres to a peeling-off belt, transferring paper is separated from the belt and thereby toner is peeled off from transferring paper, the peeling-off belt is cooled by a cooling fan and thereafter toner is removed therefrom. The transferring paper is tightly attached to the peeling-off belt, and a cleaning fan is provided so as to oppose to the peeling-off belt passing through the pressurizing portions of upper and lower heating rollers for heating the belt and moving to the cleaning portion in the belt cleaning apparatus. The temperature of toner is lowered in order to harden toner to an extent that the condensation of the image forming substance sticking on the peeling-off belt turns out to be larger than the sticking force between the image forming substance and the peeling-off belt member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Shinkai, Tarou Terashi, Sotohiro Tsujihara, Masatoshi Saitou, Tomoaki Sugawara
  • Patent number: 5897725
    Abstract: A patch is placed at one end of a repaired long crack in a windshield to prevent the repaired long crack from being overstressed and separating under load, which may be caused by flexing or differential thermal expansion. The patch spans the crack laterally and is placed adjacent an end of the crack, generally very near the edge of the windshield. The patch is bonded to the glass to reinforce the crack by carrying loads tending to separate the crack. The patch material is preferably at least as rigid as the glass and is bonded to the glass by a strong adhesive such as an epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Frank D. Werner
  • Patent number: 5895301
    Abstract: Hand-tearable barrier laminates are provided which include a reinforcing layer having a first tensile strength laminated to flexible cellulosic web comprising open porosity and a second tensile strength which is less than the first tensile strength. The web is treated with a water-resistant polymeric resin for providing liquid water resistance to the web while permitting water vapor to pass through it. Inexpensive web materials can be substituted for polymer foam and microperforated plastic films currently employed by the housing industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Bay Mills, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Porter, Rosalene Brunka
  • Patent number: 5894003
    Abstract: Parallel spaced 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. Elongated reinforcing elements, such as composite rods with continuous carbon fibers, are positioned within the grooves, after a curable bonding material, such as an epoxy resin, is inserted into each groove so that the bonding material surrounds the reinforcing element. The material is formed flush with the surface and allowed to cure to bond each reinforcing element to the concrete defining the corresponding 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: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: William D. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 5876541
    Abstract: An original equipment type seal for recharged toner cartridges can be installed without splitting the cartridge itself, by screening a border of "hot-melt" type adhesive, preferably wax-based, onto a strip of polyester, the adhesive being capable of softening or melting at a temperature above the softening or coagulating point of the toner powder itself, but below the softening points of the plastic components of the cartridge. The polyester seal is inserted into the cartridge with the aid of a room temperature or even cold, metallic insertion tool, preferably made of a high magnetic permeability steel. Heating this cold tool, or subsequently inserting a hot tool, will cause the adhesive to melt and seal the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Costa G. Chitouras
  • Patent number: 5873702
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus and method for delivering a sealing material to gaps between gas turbine blade roots and the corresponding grooves of a rotor disc are disclosed. The sealing apparatus comprises a tank for housing a pressurized sealing material, a delivery tube for delivering the sealing material from the tank to the rotor disc, a control valve for controlling the flow of the sealing material, a sealing fixture for distributing the sealing material to the gaps between the blade roots and the corresponding grooves, an O-ring seal for effecting a tight seal between the sealing fixture and the rotor disc, and jack screws for maintaining the sealing fixture securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Corley, Donald P. Etchison, George Dailey