Abstract: This invention relates to modifying an existing tub to form a bathtub assembly having a recessed opening in the tub apron to allow easy access to a high walled tub apron for users who are unable to step over the apron of the tub. The initial step in the method is the formation of a plug on the intact tub apron. The plug is removed and is transformed into a custom mold for the tub cap. The tub cap is formed within the mold by applying cap building material to the interior surface of the mold. The cap is allowed to cure and is then removed from the mold. A section of the tub apron is then cut out to form a rough opening upon which the tub cap is securely mounted to allow an access passage into the bathtub.

Abstract: An insert 115 is removed without damage from an airfoil 45 by at least partially filling the insert with an adhesive 140 having a haft 145 embedded therein. The insert is extracted from the airfoil by gripping the haft and pulling.

Abstract: A method of restoring a used golf ball in which a small portion of the old cover is removed and a new layer of material added, which new layer includes dimples. The new layer may be transparent with an indicia on its outer surface or on the outer surface of the remaining old cover.

Abstract: Reinforced concrete columns wherein the exterior surface of the concrete column is wrapped with a composite reinforcement layer. The composite reinforcement layer includes at least one fabric layer which is located within a resin matrix. The fabric layer has first and second parallel selvedges which extend around the circumferential outer surface of the column in a direction substantially perpendicular to the column axis. Specific weave patterns are disclosed. The composite reinforcement layer provides a quick, simple and effective means for increasing the resistance of concrete columns to failure during the application of asymmetric loads.

Abstract: A method of composite joining and repairing includes providing complementary matching and interlocking bondline surface configurations in composite materials and the material to which the composite materials are to be bonded, interlocking the two materials at their bondline, and thereafter adhering at least one patch onto both of the surfaces of the interlocked combination of materials, thereby securing the composite to the other material. Anisotropic materials can be adhered to isotropic materials by this method. The advantages of the method include increased bond strength resulting from the joining. Consequently, fiberglass vehicle parts can be repaired, to achieve the original strength of the part, or in the alternative, parts can be originally machined in the bondline configurations so as to enable easy manufacture of new vehicle components.

Abstract: A clutch plate comprises a plate body having a hub and a driven plate which is connected to the plate body through compression springs to rotate with it and extends radially beyond the plate body. A ring-shaped friction lining is secured on the driven plate by rivets, the head of which are sunk into the friction lining. The friction lining is made up of two layers of friction material, and underneath layer riveted to the driven plate and an upper layer stuck onto the lower layer of friction material to cover its whole surface.

Abstract: A method and kit for restoring the appearance of a damaged area of a patterned lens. In the method a clear thermoplastic patch is fitted to overlap the damaged area, a patterned plastic sheet is adhered to the clear plastic patch to form a patterned patch, and the patterned patch is bonded to the lens while covering the damaged area. The kit comprises a translucent thermoplastic patch, a patterned plastic sheet, and a bonding agent.

Abstract: Like-new golf balls are made from used golf balls by first reducing the diameter of the used ball, to provide an intermediate ball, and then molding a new dimpled cover on the ball. The diameter of the used ball is uniformly reduced by compression molding or by grinding.

Abstract: Parts of coatings made of plastic material on metal pipes, that have either been removed or damaged, are repaired by using one or more segments of a hollow cylinder having an inside radius equal to the outside radius of the metal pipe and an outside radius equal to the sum of the outside radius of the metal pipe plus a length from 80% to 120% of the thickness of the coating, said hollow cylinder segments being made up of a polymer composition, preferably foamed, comprising (percentages by weight):A) from 92% to 100% of a thermoplastic polymer selected from polypropylene; crystalline copolymers of propylene containing from 2% to 25% in moles of ethylene and/or C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 .alpha.-olefins; heterophasic compositions comprising said polypropylene or crystalline copolymers of propylene in combination with one or more elastomeric olefin copolymers;B) from 0% to 8% of a filler having the function of blocking UV radiation.

Abstract: A system is provided for repairing a planar sheet member which has a damaged region defined by a boundary. A generally planar repair assembly having an outer periphery initially spaced from the boundary of the damaged region is inserted into the damaged region so as to be coplanar with the sheet member. Thereupon, the repair assembly is enlarged until its outer periphery is generally adjacent to the boundary of the damaged region to be repaired. At the same time, a frangible wall in a container of the repair assembly positioned between a first compartment of liquid filler material and a second compartment of liquid hardener chemically reactive with the filler material is broken such that the filler material and hardener intermix and react to form a resultant liquid repair material.

Abstract: A kit and method of using the same to allow the repair of a compact disc case after one or both of the "ears" that form the hinges breaks off is disclosed. The kit involves a piece of flexible adhesive backed material that can be placed on the case after both the protrusions are snapped off to form a new hinge. Thus the case can still be used, albeit with a new hinge line, the snapping off of both the protrusions allowing for the members that carry them to pass over the sides of the bottom portion of the case.

Abstract: Two parts are adhesively bonded together in such a manner that after the parts have been separated, any remaining adhesive can be easily removed. This is done by placing a flexible cable-containing layer of adhesive between the two parts. The cable is arranged in a serpentine pattern and has a free end which is outside the layer.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a surface of a refractory structure which is at an elevated temperature, including projecting against the surface a comburent gas stream which is a powder stream including fuel particles carried in an oxygen-containing carrier gas the comburent gas stream impinging upon the surface at an impingement zone, whereby the fuel particles are caused or allowed to burn in a reaction zone defined generally around the impingement zone and the heat generated by the combustion of the fuel particles causes the surface or material adhered thereto to melt and provide a melted material, and projecting a scouring stream including oxygen simultaneously or alternately at the surface to scour the surface in the vicinity of the reaction zone and thereby clean the surface due to the scouring stream blowing away the melted material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing laminated material or cracked material includes preheated molds (30 and 130) which have cavities (34 and 134) shaped to generally conform to a given shape of a workpiece (20). Clamps (40, 41 and 42) apply pressure to the molds, and thereby the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the mold (30) has an auxiliary cavity (35). Adhesive may be injected into the mold cavity (134) to repair a delaminated workpiece and a patch adhesive to the mold cavity (34) to repair a crack.

Abstract: Refurbishment of an all glass laminate aircraft window is accomplished by removal of the glass face ply and machining the polymeric laminating layer to remove an outer portion while leaving an inner portion adhered to the structural glass ply. The machined polymeric surface is treated to remove machine marks while maintaining a textured surface. A new glass face ply and polymeric laminating film sufficient to fill the machined portion of the polymeric layer are relaminated to the treated surface to provide a new bonded face ply.

Abstract: A kit and method for the repair of broken plastic light bulb housings for automobiles is provided to repair through the plastic. The kit and method enables a repair to include a bead overriding the surface of the repair. The bead extends beyond the periphery of the break obscures the outline of the break and strengthens the repair. A simple mold is provided or formed from a selected gasket and cover provided.

Abstract: A method of joining conduits includes using a coupler, which includes a pliable tubing and a pair of end sleeves. The coupler is attached to the ends of a pair of conduits by flexing the tubing to cause the coupler to flex into proper alignment and connection with the conduits.

Abstract: Like-new golf balls are made from used golf balls by first reducing the diameter of the used ball, to provide an intermediate ball, and then molding a new dimpled cover on the ball. The diameter of the used ball is uniformly reduced by compression molding or by grinding.

Abstract: A method of removing a softenable cover from a golf ball having a softenable outer cover and an inner core, the method comprising the steps of:(a) heating the golf ball to a temperature above the softening point of the cover;(b) cutting a portion of the circumference of the cover through substantially its entire thickness; and,(c) forcing the core through said cut portion.There is also provided an apparatus for removing a softenable cover from a golf ball having a softenable outer cover and an inner core, the apparatus comprising:a heater for heating the cover to a temperature above the softening point of the cover;a blade for cutting a portion of the circumference of the cover through substantially its entire thickness; and,a plunger for forcing the core through said cut portion.

Abstract: A graphite panel (10) with a hole (11) having a damaged thread (12) is repaired by drilling the hole (11) to remove all of the thread and make a new hole (13) of larger diameter. A bolt (14) with a lubricated thread (17) is placed in the new hole (13) and the hole (13) is packed with graphite cement (16) to fill the hole and the thread on the bolt. The graphite cement (16) is cured, and the bolt is unscrewed therefrom to leave a thread (20) in the cement (16) which is at least as strong as that of the original thread (12).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a secondary containment system in place includes providing a support surface for bottom and side portions of the secondary containment systems and applying a thermoset resin material to the support surface.

Abstract: A process for renewing the refractory lining of a ladle for casting steel and of similar metallurgical vessels. While the ladle (10) is still hot, the slag (S) still adhering to the inner surface (26) is melted off from the remaining lining (2) with the aid of a high-temperature burner (9) operating under reducing conditions and allowed to run out of the ladle (10) in the molten condition. After cooling, the glassy surface of the remaining lining (2) is roughened. The new refractory lining (30) is then applied by casting, with the aid of a template.

Abstract: A system of reinforcing a structural support such as a utility pole in situ includes applying a coating of a curable resin and wrapping a plurality of layers of a fiberglass fabric. The fiberglass fabric is applied in the form of elongated strips having longitudinal and weft fiberglass rovings. The fabric strips are spirally wrapped around the pole while applying a biasing shift to the fabric so that the weft threads are oriented axially to the support and the longitudinal threads extend helically around the support. An electrical resistance heating wire may be included between the wrappings of fiberglass to heat and accelerate curing of the resin.

Abstract: A replaceable tip portion (20) for a helicopter rotor blade (14) is selectively swept, tapered and anhedral. The tip portion is formed of an upper and lower composite tip skin layer (35), each tip skin layer having bonded thereto a honeycomb core (38). The density of the core varies from a leading edge of the tip to a trailing edge of the tip from a high density to a lower density. A channel (recess) (40) is formed in the honeycomb for receiving a rotor spar tip end (30), and the tip portion is removably attached (60) to the rotor spar and the remainder of the rotor blade. The honeycomb core is attached to the upper and lower tip skin layers in halves, and is machined along the rotor blade chord plane (70) prior to assembly of the halves on the rotor spar, the machined core providing tight tolerance control in the construction of the blade tip portion.

Abstract: A method for mounting a semiconductor device wherein a semiconductor device on which connection electrodes are formed is connected to a circuit board on which electrodes are formed in positions corresponding to the connection electrodes of the semiconductor device, the method including steps of applying an adhesive on a connection face of the semiconductor device to the circuit board or that of the circuit board to the semiconductor device, aligning the electrodes in positions corresponding to each other with the semiconductor device opposed to the circuit board, partially curing the adhesive in portions other than the electrodes, electrically evaluating the connection of the semiconductor device to the circuit board, and curing the uncured adhesive.

Abstract: A method for of connects cut edges of a thermosensitive transfer film having a plurality of color frame units each comprising at least a yellow frame, a magenta frame and a cyan frame arranged in a straight line in the order of the yellow frame, the magenta frame, and the cyan frame where a frame includes a defective part. Each frame has a transfer starting mark. The method includes the steps of cutting the film at a position of the yellow frame precedent to the magenta frame so that the transfer starting mark of the yellow frame is broken, cutting the film at a position rearward of the cyan frame and forward of the transfer starting mark of a succeeding yellow frame so as to remove the magenta and cyan frames from the film, and connecting both cut edges of the film with each other with the transfer starting mark of the yellow frame precedent to the magenta frame maintained.

Abstract: A structure and method for repairing a damaged section in a sheetrock wall or ceiling comprising removal of the damaged section by cutting out a specifically-sized section of the wall surrounding the damaged section, providing a like-size, tight-fitting replacement section in the cutout area, providing a combination of fabric strips impregnated with an unactivated fast-setting plaster or cementitious material, providing a water-based glue, coating the edges of the replacement section and the cutout area with the water-based glue, activating the cementitious material, positioning fabric strips on the back side of the replacement patch with ends of the strips extending beyond each edge of the replacement patch, inserting the replacement section of sheetrock into the cutout area and manipulating it into flush alignment with the wall surface by manually gripping the patch assembly using the extended portions of the plaster impregnated strips, flattening the extended portions of the strips against the wall surface

Abstract: The damaged adjustor mounting tab on a headlight lens assembly is repaired by cutting away a sufficient portion of the old tab to allow an L-shaped replacement adjustor tab bracket to be installed and have the adjustor block mounted in the slot of the vertical leg of the replacement bracket. Holes are drilled into the rear housing section of the lens assembly to receive mounting bolts for connecting the horizontal leg of the replacement mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method of repairing an underground large-diameter pipe having an inner surface includes first supporting with props inside the pipe spaced inward from its inner surface a lining having a shape conforming to that of the inner surface and then injecting a hardenable mass into the space between the inner surface and the lining and substantially completely filling this space with the mass. The mass is then cured and the props are removed. Then the cycle can be repeated for the next lining section. The lining is made of a durable synthetic resin, polyvinylchloride or high-density polyethylene.

Abstract: Material is removed from a panel (10) in the region surrounding an undesired opening (12) caused by damage or incorrect forming or wear of a fastener hole. The resulting prepared opening (21) has a bearing load transmitting sidewall surface that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface (11) of the panel (10) and tapers slightly in an inward direction relative to the surface (11). The prepared opening (21) may extend all the way through the panel (10) or only part way through. A prefabricated insert (22) is positioned in the prepared opening (21) and bonded to the load transmitting surface. The bonding may be accomplished by applying an adhesive or using a fusing procedure. The insert (22) may have a constant angle of taper, preferably about two degrees, or may be concavely curved in the direction of taper. The insert (22) may be trimmed prior to and/or following the bonding procedure. A new fastener hole may be drilled through the bonded insert (22).

Abstract: A method of crack repair for building and paving material which lowers an existing surface (S) to a new working surface (W) which is low enough to effect repairs without changing the elevation or attitude of the original surface: which fills the crack (C) with grout (1) which is in turn sealed by a bridging material (2). An initial overlay material (3) is placed over the bridging material and a reinforcing strip (4) embedded in the overlay material followed by a second layer of overlay material (5) sufficient to return the repaired area to the elevation and attitude of the original surface.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material repair system is provided, which critically employs a resin comprising a catalyst of the formula I: ##STR1## with a multifunctional epoxy resin, the resin system being sealed in a water-proofed environment prior to being coated onto a fiber reinforcement. The coated fiber reinforcement is applied over the damaged area, the damaged portion having been removed, and the surrounding surface smoothed. An adhesive is applied to the remaining surface, prior to application of the patch. The resulting patch, which may further include thermoplastic toughening agents and an enhancer, can be directly cured at temperatures below 212.degree. F. to give physical properties similar to the original material.

Abstract: A valve seat for a valve used with a treater tank comprising a body having a generally cylindrical bore therethrough, the body having a first end, a second end and being made of metal, the first end having a counterbore concentric with the cylindrical bore, the body having means on the second end for mounting the valve seat in the valve and an insert carried by the body and received in the first end, the insert being comprised of an erosion-resistant synthetic polymeric material having a cylindrical passageway therethrough, the insert having a first portion defining first inner and outer concentric cylindrical surfaces, the first outer surface having a diameter greater than the diameter of the counterbore, an annular sealing surface being formed on the first portion, and a second, generally cylindrical portion, said second portion being received in the counterbore and means disposed between the body and the second portion to secure the insert to the body and effect fluid-tight sealing between said insert and

Abstract: A method for repairing voids in a finished urethane foam product having a typical backing insert or retainer wall, the method including the steps of forming a hole through the retainer wall adjacent the void; inserting a small elastomeric sheath through the hole into the void; injecting a urethane or silicone elastomer into the sheath to fill same to conform to the void; and sealing off the hole with a suitable plug which may be sanded flush with the retainer wall outer surface.

Abstract: An improved wood patch, in combination with a slot formed in a blemished wooden surface, and apparatus and method of manufacture thereof. The improved wood patch has, where the wooden surface to be repaired is horizontal, three faces: a flat horizontal exterior face, a flat vertical interior face, and an angled arcuate interior face. The patch has both a larger vertical radius of curvature and a larger angle between the flat vertical interior face and the angled arcuate interior face than the slot. Apparatus for manufacture includes a router utilizing a double router bit having a straight cutting edge oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bit and an angled cutting edge oriented at an angle to the straight cutting edge.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced resin matrix composite material repair system is provided, which critically employs a resin comprising a catalyst of the formula I: ##STR1## with a multifunctional epoxy resin, the resin system being sealed in a water-proofed environment prior to being coated onto a fiber reinforcement. The coated fiber reinforcement is applied over the damaged area, the damaged portion having been removed, and the surrounding surface smoothed. An adhesive is applied to the remaining surface, prior to application of the patch. The resulting patch, which may further include thermoplastic toughening agents and an enhancer, can be directly cured at temperatures below 212.degree. F. to give physical properties similar to the original material.

Abstract: A plug of deformable material such as wood or plastic, for tightly sealing a cylindrical recess provided in wood, in which recess a crushable ampule with a wood attack combating agent can be accommodated, said ampule being attachable in a cavity of said plug by means of spring lugs, said plug being provided with a conical drive-in surface, and at least one deformable sealing clamping means being provided on said plug; the plug, at the end facing away from the drive-in end, containing a separate clamping sealing means for engaging the inner circumference of the recess, the outer radial dimensions of the sealing means and of the plug being such that complete sealing is acquired and maintained without damaging the wood after the plug has been driven into the recess, even in the event of high pressure build up in said recess.

Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged portion of a glass layer of glass-lined steel equipment by repeated steps of applying a repair agent to a damaged area of the glass layer and then heating the repair agent for solidification and adherence to the glass by the use of a sol-gel process, until a thickness of a repair glass layer becomes almost equal to the existing glass layer adjacent thereto without generating cracks or exfoliations in the glass.

Abstract: A valve seat for a valve used with a treater tank comprising a body having a generally cylindrical bore threthrough, the body having a first end, a second end and being made of metal, the first end having a counterbore concentric with the cylindrical bore, the body having means on the second end for mounting the valve seat in the valve and an insert carried by the body and received in the first end, the insert being comprised of an erosion-resistant synthetic polymeric material having a cylindrical passageway therethrough, the insert having a first portion defining first inner and outer concentric cylindrical surfaces, the first outer surface having a diameter greater than the diameter of the counterbore, an annular sealing surface being formed on the first portion, and a second, generally cylindrical portion, said second portion being received in the counterbore and means disposed between the body and the second portion to secure the insert to the body and effect fluid-tight sealing between said insert and s

Abstract: A repair patch for damaged sections of panels made of composite materials, wherein the damaged section of the panel has been cut out by, for example, a hole cutting saw, includes a bolt which is inserted through the hole and a rigid washer on the bolt, of about the same diameter as the hole. A flexible washer, substantially larger than the hole, is pushed through the hole and the rigid washer bears against it. The flexible washer has radiating flukes, extending from a central hub region, which can bend when the flexible washer is pushed through the hole, and then spring back to about their original shape on the blind-side. One edge of the flukes is curved which causes the flukes to twist and present only one edge to the edge of the hole as the flexible washer is pushed through, to facilitate passage of the flexible washer through the hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing composite skin structures from a blind side. The method includes using an elongated patch with a compression jig to hold the patch in place while the patch is either bonded in place or fixed in place with countersunk fasteners or both. The patch, when used on composite materials, is constructed and positioned so as to have the same anisotropic load-carrying characteristics as does the material to be repaired. A blind side repair can be completely made in the field without requiring extensive facilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a knot hole in a piece of lumber includes a rod of compressible polyethylene material and an adhesive caulk. The caulk is applied to the knot hole. The rod is forcibly inserted into the knot hole being secured by a force fit and the adhesive caulk. The rod is cut flush with the surface of the wood being repaired. The surface can be stained or painted along with the remainder of the structure.

Abstract: A hole (12) in a panel (10) of composite material is cut by a router or the like to dress it into a rounded hole (12'). A cavity is routed or otherwise formed in the panel (10) to extend across the dressed hole (12') in the direction of maximum tension loads in the panel (10). An insert (16) is secured in the cavity (18). The insert (16) and the cavity (18) have matching plan forms and each has a relatively narrow central portion and enlarged end portions (42, 44). The end portions (42, 44) of the insert interlock with end portions of the cavity (18) such that tension loads will be carried by the insert (16) from a region of the wall (10) on one side of the hole (12') across the hole (12') to a region of the wall (10) on the opposite side of the hole (12').

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged sections of panels made of composite materials includes the steps of cutting the damaged section out of the panel and inserting, from the near-side, a bolt having a rigid washer, of about the same diameter as the hole to be repaired, and a flexible washer that is substantially larger than the hole, and against which the rigid washer bears. The flexible washer has radiating flukes, extending from a central hub region, which can bend when the flexible washer is pushed through the hole, and then spring back to about their original shape on the blind-side. One edge of the flukes is curved which causes the flukes to twist and present only one edge to the edge of the hole as the flexible washer is pushed through, to facilitate passage of the flexible washer through the hole.

Abstract: A process for repairing plastic laminates comprising cleaning the damaged areas and filling the same with a suitably colored patch material. Preferably the patch material comprises a mixture of an aqueous dispersion of a vinyl acetate homopolymer with an aqueous dispersion of a vinly acetate/acrylic copolymer, together with a color pigment, and a filler. Desirable additonal ingredients to the patch material include an aqueous polyurethane dispersion and a thickening agent. An initial foundation base layer comprising an epoxy material may be applied to the damaged area before the patch material is applied. After drying and smoothing, the surface of the patch may be decorated with a design to match the undamaged area, and a clear coat of polyurethane is applied to the patch.

Abstract: A process for reinforcing and repairing utility poles and the like, including the steps of placing gasket layers above and below the area to be repaired and a resin pervious layer, such as fiberglass, between the two gaskets followed by the step of wrapping the area from the lower gasket to a point near the upper gasket with a resin impervious layer, such as duct tape. Next, a liquid resin is preferably injected under pressure into the space between the utility pole and the resin impervious layer. Holes may be drilled to guide the resin into the interior of the pole, and injection tubes may be inserted into the hole to further direct the resin into the interior of the pole. The resin is then allowed to cure. Preferably, vertical grooves are formed in the exterior of the pole, and reinforcing rods are placed therein before the resin is injected.

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged carpet in homes, automobiles, boats and other vehicles. In accordance with the method of the invention, repairs can be made on either flat or curved surfaces and in areas of limited access. Individual fibers are harvested from portions surrounding the defect, are specially treated and then are bonded in place within the boundaries of the defect in a manner to closely match the color, wear characteristics and pattern of the carpet in the area of the defect.

Abstract: A novel reusable plastic drum container assembly and a process for installing a fitting-receiving member in an opening provided in a drum head wherein the opening is formed by a cylindrically-shaped neck member having an outer sloping surface including a circularly-shaped indentation portion extending perpendicularly from top surface of the drum head and wherein the fitting-receiving member in cross-section is of an inverted U-shape having an inner cylindrically-shaped portion, a circularly-shaped base portion, and an outer cylindrically-shaped leg portion defining a channel and is disposed over the neck member of the drum head with an electromagnetic bonding material fused between the outer surfaces of the neck member and the interior surfaces of the fitting-receiving member.

Abstract: A low temperature process for repairing leakage-causing defects such as cracks, fissures, etc., in a cryogenic heat exchanger used in the liquefaction of a gas such as natural gas, especially one constructed from aluminum, involves the use of a low temperature, quick-curing filler composition to at least temporarily fill the defects and prevent further leakage. Thereafter, a sealant and, optionally, a metal patch is applied to and held in place against the sealant-treated damaged site employing a relatively slow-curing adhesive composition which exhibits good long-term sealing, and bonding performance if a patch is used, at cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: A repair process for a damaged fibre-reinforced structure, such as the frame of a sports racquet, comprises the steps of making a window in the structure across the damaged area and filling the exposed cavity at the damaged area with a combination of reinforced fibres wetted out with a curable resin, and a plug. The plug is preferably a short length of solid rod, for instance of fibre-glass and polyester material, and is packed to either side in the structure with the reinforcing fibres which may be provided by Kevlar rovings. The repair is further reinforced by a curable overlay.