Reclaiming, Renewing Or Repairing Articles For Reuse Patents (Class 156/94)
  • Patent number: 6814826
    Abstract: The amount of waste carpeting that is landfilled or otherwise disposed of is significantly reduced, as is the need for the mining mineral fillers, by utilizing specially processed waste carpeting as a filler in the production of new hot melt carpet backcoating, roofing materials, or other similar products. Waste carpeting (post-consumer and/or waste from new carpet manufacture) is collected and size-reduced, typically in a first coarse size-reduction, and then after densification to a finer size-reduction. The size-reduced waste carpeting is added as filler to at least one other material, such as polymers in standard latex, EVA, or PVC carpet backcoatings, to provide a hot melt composite used in the manufacture of a useful product (like carpet backcoating), and then the composite material is used to make the useful product (such as carpet backcoating, which is used as a primary or secondary backcoating in the manufacture of new carpeting).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mohawk Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Bell
  • Patent number: 6811628
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of finishing a wood surface for exterior exposure of the wood using a finishing film material in the form of a sheet. The finishing film comprises a flexible polymeric sheet material having a first major surface and a second major surface and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer covering at least a portion of the first major surface of the sheet material. The finishing film is adhered to the surface to the wood surface by the adhesive layer. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for the finishing of brightwork on boats, for example, teak or mahogany brightwork. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for finishing curved and/or compound curved surfaces due to the flexibility and elongation of the finishing film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Reid, Jeffrey R. Janssen
  • Publication number: 20040211507
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing damaged vinyl or leather wherein polyurethane film covers the damaged area and is heated. Plastisol is inserted in the damaged area and a layer of grain paper is applied thereon. Heat is again applied at a temperature to sufficiently cure the plastisol but to not damage the material surrounding the damaged area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Leatherize, A Division of Longevity Corporation of America
    Inventor: Lawrence Speer
  • Patent number: 6802321
    Abstract: The foreign matter adhered to the data bearing surface of a master medium is removed by use of a dry, non-contact removal process, so as to facilitate the performance of a high transfer quality magnetic transfer. Before performing a magnetic transfer or forming an optical disk, a magnetic transfer master medium or an optical disk master medium is placed in a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is evacuated by an evacuating means, and a reactive gas is introduced thereto by a gas introducing means. In the state in which the chamber has been evacuated and the reactive gas has been introduced thereto, a discharging means applies a discharge voltage in the chamber, causing a plasma discharge to be generated between the master medium and an electrode. The plasma etching action of the plasma discharge burns off the foreign matter adhered to the surface of the master medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akito Kamatani, Masakazu Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20040182492
    Abstract: In a method for filling pores between two adjacent layers of a laminate for a component with high demands upon strength and comprising several layers of fibre composite having within each layer substantially parallel fibres embedded in a matrix, a connection path is created, through which a medium may move inside the laminate, between the exterior of the laminate and the pore by exerting the laminate at least in the region of the pore for forces making slots to propagate substantially in the matrix through each laminate layer along the fibre direction of the layer. A flowing, curable material is after that applied at an outer surface of the laminate and this is brought to fill the pore through the connection path. Finally, the material filling the pore is brought to cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Max Krogager, Jan Vaara
  • Publication number: 20040149369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of production of regenerated leather with leather waste material. The process is characterized in comprising the following steps: (1) peeling off and producing fibers; (2) adding and mixing auxiliary materials; (3) layering by netting; (4) presetting by needle punching; (5) hot-melt adhering; (6) pressing and cooling. Compared with the conventional wet method, the process of the present invention has advantages of no pollution, low energy consumption, saving water and improved quality of the leather product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Shiyin Han
  • Publication number: 20040140041
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repair, protection, reinforcement, modification, construction or preventative maintenance of geotextile tubes by applying a reinforcing material is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Glick
  • Publication number: 20040134552
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for lining sewer pipes that utilize an adjustable form configured to conform to the shape and dimensions of the interior of a man-entry sized pipe line. The adjustable form can be used to position a sheet of liner material immediately adjacent the inner sewer walls. An air cushion system is utilized to reduce friction and drag between the sheet of liner material and form so that the liner sheet can be easily adjusted prior to bonding to the inner walls of the pipe line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Juan P. Renteria
  • Patent number: 6761783
    Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged area, referred to as the repair area, of a composite structure comprises steps of: making alignment markings on the repair area; fabricating a pair of alignment templates; preparing the repair area for a hot bonded, vacuum bagged repair; assembling a repair patch; consolidating the repair patch; heating the repair patch; transferring and aligning the repair patch to the repair area; vacuum bagging, heating, and cooling the repair patch for a partial cure at the repair area; heating and cooling the repair patch in an oven; and bonding the repair patch to the repair area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell L. Keller, Wesley S. Owen
  • Publication number: 20040129372
    Abstract: A separating method for recycling foil-laminated material basically uses an acid solution containing nitric acid as a stripping agent to soak foil-laminated material. The stripping agent permeates into the foil-laminated material to dissolve alumina at interfaces to separate a foil layer and a plastic layer or a paper layer. Whereby, useful materials of the foil layer, the plastic layer, and the paper layer in the foil-laminated material are separated completely for a subsequent recycling process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Chao-Kuo Huang, Chung-Hsing Shao
  • Publication number: 20040129373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a permanent method of repairing leaking, damaged or weakened pipe by grit blasting the pipe (10), followed by wrapping it with a fibre reinforced composite material (12), then installing two half oversized steel sleeves (14). After that the non-gaseous matter is removed by fresh water and compressed air or inert gas. An epoxy or cementitious grout or a combination of both is finally injected into annular chamber (20) of the sleeves through pre-installed inlet port (16) and outlet port (18). The epoxy or cementitious is then allowed to cure. The means to seal the terminal end of steel sleeves includes a pair end flanges (32) matingly securable to a pair of terminator bodies (45).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Nagendran A/L C. Nadarajah, Renata Anita De Raj, Leong Kok Hoong
  • Patent number: 6758924
    Abstract: A method of repairing cracked aircraft structures is disclosed. The method includes determining the net loading of an area to be repaired and then identifying a repair patch layup including a low CTE composite layer and a high CTE metal layer that will impart a loading effect opposite thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Cornelis B. Guijt
  • Publication number: 20040123935
    Abstract: A floor covering repair technique and tool includes placement of a spacer between a patch and a damaged floor covering piece before cutting through both layers. This way, the replacement patch is elevated slightly above the damaged piece and this slight elevation allows for a slight increase in the perimeter/total area of the patch, which offsets the slight retraction/contraction of the edges of the patch and/or the edges of the original flooring after the cut. This results in a more exact fit between the patch and the surrounding, original undamaged when the patch is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Tracy P. Roesler, Glen L. Durrant
  • Publication number: 20040103512
    Abstract: The present invention springs from the discovery that mild acids could be utilized to shear undesired metals away from desired precious metals that have been plated onto circuit board runners or contacts. This shearing action occurs at a high rate when metal scrap segments are immersed in mild acid and excited by application of an electromagnetic field at specific frequencies and power levels. These frequencies and power levels are based on the end metal desired and the metals contained in the scrap and the acid utilized. When mild acid saturated with copper sulfate and loaded with scrap metals is subjected to an electromagnetic field at the appropriate frequency and power levels copper and nickel molecules are sheared rapidly and absorbed into solution, leaving only the desired metal, such as gold, in a 99.5% pure flake which can be skimmed off the surface of the solution or filtered from the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Michael K. Fitch
  • Patent number: 6737000
    Abstract: A method of separately storing, mixing, combining and dispensing reactive two component materials by employing the use of a rotary stop cock that is formed so that in a first selected position it can separate a plurality of compartments, in a second selected position can allow for the flow of material from one or more upstream compartments into a downstream compartment, while also allowing air to vent from the downstream compartment through the stop cock and out to the atmosphere, and in another selected position can allow for the flow of material from what was the downstream compartment to what was the one or more upstream components without venting any of the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Hagel, Scott Retterer
  • Publication number: 20040055706
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for joining solid-state compositions comprising adhering two or more solid-state composition together with an asphaltenes-containing adhesive which comprises in the range of from 100 to 10% by weight of an asphaltenes-containing binder having a penetration of less than 15 dmm and in the range of from 0 to 90% by weight of solid particles, based on total weight of asphaltenes-containing adhesive, with the proviso that the solid particles are not solely petroleum coke particles; an asphaltenes-containing adhesive; a process for re-cycling solid-state compositions and a process of crack-repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Christian Hovenkamp, Joannes Cornelis Jozef Emmanuel Majoor, Guy Lode Magda Maria Verbist
  • Patent number: 6706133
    Abstract: A method for end-to end joining of paper rolls into a continuous core master is provided. The primary goal of the method is to produce usable paper roll cores from those returned for recycling after use. According to the aforementioned method, the ends of core sections are reworked into complementary shapes required for mating a joint, glue is applied to the complementary mating surfaces of the joint, the ends of the core sections are pushed in an axial direction abutting each other and the glue is set. The cross section of the cores is trued circular at least over the area of the joined core sections by applying a radial, compressive trueing force on the joint. The trueing force is also used for braking axial travel of the core sections during the joining of the core sections. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: A.P.E.-Trading Oy
    Inventor: Matti Erkkilä
  • Patent number: 6706132
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating laminations to form structural elements of predetermined shapes (120, 220, 420, 520, 620) are provided. Laminations include parts (22, 24) fabricated from the tread portion (42) of discarded rubber tires. The parts are typically arranged in layers with various relationships therebetween. The parts are pressed to remove all voids therebetween causing dynamic tension which creates rigidity and then bonded with methods including vulcanization, chemical vulcanization, epoxy and adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tire Recycling Development Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph H. Coffin
  • Patent number: 6692599
    Abstract: A method of repairing or refurbishing a filter screen is described. The type of screen is defined in the specification. The repair or refurbishment is effected by stripping worn or damaged wirecloth from the surface of the frame and placing fresh cloth over the frame and tensioning it as appropriate. Heat is then applied so as to soften surfaces of the frame over which wirecloth is stretched, so that the latter can penetrate softened plastics material in the surfaces and become embedded therein. The frame and its associated fresh cloth is allowed to cool, after which the applied tensioning is removed. Exposed edges of the wirecloth can be trimmed back to the surrounding flange. Plastics material may be applied to the surface of the frame which is to receive the new wirecloth, before the latter is fitted, to provide additional plastics material for bonding the wirecloth to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: United Wire Limited
    Inventors: Gordon James Cook, Andrew Hughes, Arthur Robert Bailey, George Charles Hartnup, Dugald Stewart
  • Publication number: 20040026028
    Abstract: Process for heating a substrate, which contains, relative to the total weight of the substrate, 0.1 to 70 wt. % of metallic, magnetic, ferrimagnetic, ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic or superparamagnetic particles having an average particle size of between 1 and 5000 nm, wherein the substrate is exposed to electromagnetic radiation, characterized in that the electromagnetic radiation comprises microwave radiation with a frequency in the range from 1 to 300 GHz and the substrate is simultaneously exposed to a direct-current magnetic field, the field strength of which is at least twice the strength of the earth's magnetic field; use of the process for producing or detaching adhesive bonds; device for the simultaneous production of microwave radiation with a frequency within the range from 1 to 300 GHz and a direct-current magnetic field, the field strength of which is at least twice the strength of the earth's magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Christian Kirsten, Marcel Roth, Olaf Lammerschop, Hans-Martin Sauer
  • Patent number: 6689443
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Seiin Kobayashi, Thomas D. Nord, Akihito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6685784
    Abstract: A kit for repairing a windshield break utilizing a light activated resin includes a light impervious pedestal and resin chamber with the pedestal being placed in airtight engagement about a windshield break. The kit also includes a syringe which is couplable to an opening in the chamber. The light activated resin is carried in a light impervious container having a neck dimensioned to deposit the resin directly into the chamber before the syringe is coupled to the chamber. The kit additionally includes a light transmissive film to cover the resin filled break during curing of the resin and a light impervious patch for covering the opposite face of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald Jacino, Anthony Jacino
  • Patent number: 6682691
    Abstract: A method for consolidating blocks of natural stone or recomposed material includes placing the block on a platform over a liquid and gas impermeable base sheet with spacers. Liquid and gas impermeable lateral sheets with spacers are glued to the side walls and extend beyond the top of the block. The block is inserted into an autoclave and a vacuum is applied. A fluid resin is dripped on the top of the block to cover it and to flow into the interstices between the block and the sheets. The vacuum is removed from the autoclave so that the resin penetrates into fractures and cavities in the block and the resin is allowed or induced to harden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Taltos SpA
    Inventor: Giuseppe Marocco
  • Patent number: 6680099
    Abstract: A means and method of enhancing the damage tolerance of adhesive bonds by introducing gaps in the adhesive to divide the adhesive layer into discrete regions. The gaps are created by placing strips of barrier material between the two adherends before the adhesive is put in place and cured. If the two adherends begin to debond along the interface between one of the adherends and the adhesive, the gap arrests the debonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Transportation
    Inventor: John C. Brewer
  • Patent number: 6680097
    Abstract: A self-adhesive film label, in particular for reusable bottles, is proposed which can be readily detached in conventional washing equipment. This is achieved by means of a self-adhesive label with a stretched film layer, which shrinks back at elevated temperature in the washing device. Since the adhesive of the label loses its adhesive force at this temperature, the label is rapidly and readily detached, supported by the surrounding washing liquid of the washing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Steinbeis PPL GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Amberger, Christian Link, Helmut Schönfelder
  • Publication number: 20040003884
    Abstract: A method is provided for preserving a perishable product contained in a sealed package. The package is adapted for being opened by a consumer to access the product and subsequently re-closed by the consumer for further storage of unused product remaining in the package. The method includes the step of, using a handheld applicator, applying a releasable contact adhesive to an area of the package adjacent to an opening therein formed by the consumer. The package is then folded at the opening such that a portion of the package contacts the adhesive to temporarily re-close the opening, thereby preserving the unused product inside the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Locke White
  • Publication number: 20030230375
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a metal panel or pipe of an existing structure comprising the steps of attaching a reinforcing metal layer to said metal panel or pipe in spaced apart relation to thereby form at least one cavity between inner surfaces of said metal panel and said reinforcing metal layer, injecting an intermediate layer comprised of an uncured plastics material into said at least one cavity, and curing said plastics material so that it adheres to said inner surfaces of said metal panel or pipe and said reinforcing metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Intelligent Engineering (Bahamas) Limited
    Inventor: Stephen J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6663371
    Abstract: An assembly held down with suction cups repairs damage to an automobile windshield and the like. The rod of an extrusion assembly pushes liquefied resin through the interior of a tube and out the end thereof into the damaged area. The tube, jacketed by a vacuum container supplied by a vacuum pump, may be advanced to tightly contact a compression grommet shaped to seal off part of the vacuum created therein. Once that is done, partial withdrawal of the extrusion rod strengthens the vacuum. Certain obstructions, or stops, are situated to prevent damage to the windshield which might otherwise occur if the assembly were advanced too tightly against the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Jeffrey Curl
  • Patent number: 6652690
    Abstract: A “chemical heater” in the form of a cartridge containing an exothermic agent such as sodium hydroxide (caustic) soda, or the like, which, when infused into water, releases heat in the form of an exothermic reaction. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cartridge is provided which contains the exothermic material. Water or the like is then directed through said cartridge so that the exothermic material dissolves, providing a solution of water infused with the exothermic material. The solution is heated by virtue of the exothermic reaction, said solution passing out of the cartridge and into a bladder located in a pipe, filling same. Situated about the bladder is a patch or sleeve of material including heat cured resin, which is urged to line the pipe by virtue of the bladder inflating, while simultaneously heated to cure same by virtue of the heated solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dwayne Rovira
  • Publication number: 20030213556
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing the juncture or intersection of a first conduit and a second conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body for transporting and positioning a repair material impregnated with a heat curable resin system or matrix. An inflation device and caul plates carried by the main body position and compress the repair material against the intersection. This includes a portion of the interior of the second conduit and flange portion in the first conduit. The inflation device and caul plates include conductive fibers that are electrically resistively heated to effect curing of the resin in the repair material. Additionally, a method and liner apparatus for the in-situ repair of conduits having large diameters is disclosed. The liner comprising a plurality of discrete heating zones, where each zone impregnated with a curable resin. Each zone further having a fiber architecture, where the fiber architecture has a plurality of conductive fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Richard D. Blackmore, Mark T. Sloan, William M. Lepola
  • Publication number: 20030205311
    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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Costa G. Chitouras
  • Patent number: 6641687
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
  • Publication number: 20030201056
    Abstract: The invention is a method for application of a special low viscosity cyanoacrylate adhesive which is used for the manufacture and repair of wooden furniture. The cyanoacrylate adhesive quickly penetrates and bonds wood to wood. The wooden furniture that results from the process of this invention are cohesive in structure and are ready for immediate use. This special wood grade cyanoacrylate adhesive provided by this invention permits those in the furniture repair or furniture manufacture industries with a method of repairing or assembling wooden furniture in an easy and quick manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: David Dewitt
  • Publication number: 20030196691
    Abstract: In a method of repairing a solar panel having a defective solar cell or cells, a replacement cell (or cells) is glued onto a defective solar cell or cells of the solar panel, and is electrically integrated in the solar panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Reiner Gerson
  • Patent number: 6634185
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Edward John Chomay
  • Patent number: 6634828
    Abstract: There is described a method and a liner for in situ renovation of a sewer manhole, e.g., a transition well, where inside the well there is inserted a prefabricated liner in the shape of a glass fiber reinforced stocking of thermosetting polyester or epoxy formed by winding, weaving or braiding externally of a unilaterally suspended mold with a diameter allowing the mold to be lowered through a manhole curb or cone, the rubber coating consisting of a detachable rubber bag that is fastened to a flange to be displaced externally on the mold, the polyester or epoxy liner being wound, woven or braided in such a way that the length/diameter ratio of the liner may subsequently be changed by changing the length/diameter ratio of the liner as the polyester or epoxy impregnated glass fibers are connected with the flange by the winding, weaving or braiding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Tunetanken A/S
    Inventor: Karl Erik Hovad
  • Patent number: 6632306
    Abstract: A method of splicing together the ends of two lengths of drip irrigation tape is disclosed in which a tubular insert having an inner layer of high melting point material and an outer layer of bonding material is placed into the end of a first length of drip irrigation tape so that a portion of the insert projects outwardly from the end of the tape. The end of a second length of drip irrigation tape is then placed over the projecting end of the tubular insert so that the two tape ends are butted up against one another or close to one another. Both lengths of tape are then sealed to the outer bonding layer of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Roberts Group Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Roberts, Jack Butler
  • Publication number: 20030188821
    Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged area, referred to as the repair area, of a composite structure comprises steps of: making alignment markings on the repair area; fabricating a pair of alignment templates; preparing the repair area for a hot bonded, vacuum bagged repair; assembling a repair patch; consolidating the repair patch; heating the repair patch; transferring and aligning the repair patch to the repair area; vacuum bagging, heating, and cooling the repair patch for a partial cure at the repair area; heating and cooling the repair patch in an oven; and bonding the repair patch to the repair area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell L. Keller, Wesley S. Owen
  • Patent number: 6630048
    Abstract: The present invention describes a die to manufacture pieces of plastic materials, molded by injection, projection or blowing processes that does not need end finishing during its construction, and that does not need to employ additional demolding agents during its whole useful life to release the objects molded. Said die is specially useful to obtain pieces of plastic materials that must be painted or must be dealt superficially with the purpose of being employed in various industries, such as the automobile industry, electro-domestic accessories manufacturing, communications, computers, or decoration, etc. This die is also specially useful to obtain pieces that must be adhered in an efficient and substantially permanent way to others as are the soles for the industrial manufacturing of shoes and of sports shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Julio Eduardo Pertusio, Jorge Alberto Escudero
  • Patent number: 6630227
    Abstract: An unfoamed, flexible, elongate shaped article having at least partially fibrous structure, intended for masking a substrate and having a thickness of more than 3 mm, which article under a load of 5 N/cm has an elongation of at least 10%; is at least partially self-adhesive; is compressible by at least 10% in thickness; and has a flexural stiffness in the longitudinal direction of less than 200 N×cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: tesa AG
    Inventors: Peter Himmelsbach, Dorothee Drewes, Klaus Külper, Joachim Nick, Oliver Nickel, Stefanie Walter
  • Publication number: 20030183320
    Abstract: A method and vehicle damage repair kit is disclosed; the method including the steps of restoring the contours of a damaged vehicle surface, encircling the restored surface with a foam masking tape, adhering the foam masking to the vehicle surface, adhering a sheet of translucent paper over the foam masking tape, cutting out a portion of the sheet so that a hole is left within the encircled surface area, priming the exposed area, sanding the primed area, and painting the sanded area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Wilford D. Nienberg
  • Patent number: 6627292
    Abstract: A surface repair patch for closing an opening around a fixture which is adjacent to or protrudes from a surface is provided. The surface repair patch comprises a sheet having a plurality of openings which extend from the first side to the second side of the sheet. The sheet supports, positions, and reinforces a curable repair compound on a surface before the repair compound is cured. The sheet includes a removable first section which has a border defined by a first line of holes. The first line of holes is configured such that the removable first section may be removed from the sheet by applying pressure to the removable first section. The sheet of the repair patch may further include a removable second section having a border defined by a second line of holes which facilitate removal of the removable second section from the sheet. The sheet may also include a third line of holes which extend from the border of the removable first section to the periphery of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Pro Patch Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Hoffmann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6627259
    Abstract: There is disclosed a masking foam tape adapted for use in spraying automobile doors and like openings to prevent penetration of spray through the unsealed gap between the door and the door surround. In one embodiment, the masking foam tape includes an elongate substantially rectangular section having a major dimension at least twice but not more than four times its minor dimension and having at one end of its elongate section adhesive for attachment at the opening. At the opposite end, the elongate section can be tapered and free of adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Oliver Jevons
  • Publication number: 20030180570
    Abstract: A method for making a repair to a repair site of a structure made from at least a first tube and a second tube which are joined together with welds. The method includes cleaning and preparing the at least first tube and second tube tubes at the repair site for bonding with composite repair materials. Next, fiber-reinforced polymer composite repair materials are applied to the repair site. These composite materials include at least one elongate, composite tendon strip which is placed on the at least a first tube and a second tube such that the composite tendon strip bridges at least the first tube and a second tube, and a composite strip which is wrapped around and overlays the tendon strip with additional composite strips. The invention also provides a metal structure reinforced with a composite material repair site according to the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Cercone, John W. Wegner, Franz Worth, Steve R. Bazinet
  • Patent number: 6623581
    Abstract: In order to regenerate a brake lining, preferably for a railway vehicle, a friction lining is worked by machining, starting from its worn surface, and provided with a three-dimensional surface profile. The profiled surface is then coated with an agglutinant, 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 is produced having a teeth-like, trapezoidal or meander-shaped profile that is vertical to the surface, wherein 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, crosswise to the main strain of the friction lining during braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rütgers Automotive Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernhard Baumeister
  • Patent number: 6619360
    Abstract: The present invention is a floor vinyl repair technique and tool. According to the present invention, the prior art repair technique is practiced, except a special domed-disc spacer is placed between the patch and the damaged piece to be removed before the cut through both layers with the knife. This way, the replacement patch is elevated slightly above the damaged piece. This slight elevation allows for a slight increase in the perimeter of the patch, and offsets the slight stretching of the patch during the cut, thereby resulting in a more exact fit between the patch and the surrounding, original undamaged vinyl when the patch is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Tracy P. Roesler, Glen L. Durrant
  • Patent number: 6619886
    Abstract: A method of installing a formed-in-situ repair in a pipe 40 comprising locating a sleeve of reinforcement material impregnated with a settable resin within a tube 36 of soft, impervious sheet material; everting the tube into said pipe such that the sleeve is carried into a desired zone and brought into intimate contact with its inner surface; guiding the point of eversion 43 of said tube through directional changes in the pipe with guiding means 21; maintaining the inflation of the everted tube while passing a heated fluid medium through its interior to accelerate curing of the settable resin; and, when the settable resin is cured, de-everting the tube with withdrawal means 19 and withdrawing it from the pipe, leaving the sleeve of reinforcement material in place within it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sideliner Enterprises Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David R. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6620274
    Abstract: A partly damaged aluminum heat exchanger such as an aluminum radiator is repaired by closing a hole in the damaged portion with an acrylic resin adhesive material. A certain area around the damaged portion is pressed down to form a cup-shaped depressed portion. The adhesive material is supplied to the depressed portion so that it is retained therein. Then, the adhesive material is hardened by curing it under the room temperature. The hardened adhesive material completely closes the hole with a sufficient thickness and strength because it is retained in the depressed portion. The adhesive material is cured in a relatively short time because the acrylic resin is used as the adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Nagaya, Sunao Fukuda, Yoshifumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6613183
    Abstract: The invention is a method for application of a special low viscosity cyanoacrylate adhesive which is used for the manufacture and repair of wooden furniture. The cyanoacrylate adhesive quickly penetrates and bonds wood to wood. The wooden furniture that results from the process of this invention are cohesive in structure and are ready for immediate use. This special wood grade cyanoacrylate adhesive provided by this invention permits those in the furniture repair or furniture manufacture industries with a method of repairing or assembling wooden furniture in an easy and quick manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Wonderlokking Corp.
    Inventor: David Dewitt
  • Patent number: 6610160
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Donald W. Harrison