Cavity Lining Type Patents (Class 264/269)
  • Patent number: 6586355
    Abstract: An improved submerged entry nozzle is provided which is useful in the casting of aluminum killed molten steel. The nozzle has an improved slagline sleeve or collar which surrounds the outer portion of the nozzle to protect it from corrosion during the casting process. The slagline sleeve is made from resin bonded zirconia/graphite which has been formulated so that upon curing of the resin to form resite, there is a reduction in the contractile tendency which results in a reduction in stress fracturing. The reduction of the contractile tendency and the resulting resistance to stress fracturing is achieved by adding an effective amount of calcium oxide to the resin-zirconia-graphite mixture which is used to form the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Refractories
    Inventors: Donald B. Hoover, Franklin A. Renda, Donald J. Griffin, Colin Richmond
  • Publication number: 20030106601
    Abstract: A liner for a branch pipe of an old repaired pipe lined with a polyethylene liner, the liner comprising: a branch pipe portion made of a tubular body, the branch pipe portion being insertable into an existing branch pipe branching from the old repaired pipe; a welding plate provided at a first end of the branch pipe portion, the welding plate having a top surface to be welded to an inner surface of the polyethylene liner and being formed to have a curvature corresponding the an inner surface of the old repaired pipe; at least one O-ring attached tightly to an outer circumferential surface of a second end of the branch pipe portion; an expandable pressing ring for pressing against an inner surface portion of the second end of the branch pipe portion adjacent to the O-ring to force the O-ring to form a watertight seal against the existing branch pipe; an expanding key for holding the pressing ring in an expanded position to maintain the pressure of the pressing ring against the second end of the branch pipe por
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Tae-Joo Kweon
  • Patent number: 6540438
    Abstract: The apparatus is an underground structure liner based upon an inflatable liner structure. An acid resistant layer is the innermost layer of an inflatable liner, and the liner is coated with epoxy resin on its outermost surface, the surface which contacts the existing walls of the underground structure. The outermost coated surface of the liner is constructed with a fibrous fleece layer for retention of the epoxy and adhesion of the epoxy to the walls of the underground structure. An added feature of the liner is a structure which also seals the liner to pipes entering the underground structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Terre Hill Silo Company
    Inventors: Hans De Bruijn, Michael D. Zeiber
  • Publication number: 20030038403
    Abstract: A machine and method for providing a folded liner for insertion into a pipe, comprises an upper section and a lower section. A flattened heated thermoplastic liner is fed downwardly through the upper section to the lower section, where it is redirected and fed substantially horizontally from the lower section. The flattened liner introduced to the upper section is broadly indented at one side of the liner and is then folded to provide loops disposed side-by-side in a substantially horizontal direction. A stabilizing assembly constrains the loops to maintain a desired orientation of the folded liner. The lower section redirects the liner so that the loops are stacked side-by-side in a substantially vertical direction. The liner is cooled as its leaves the lower section to maintain its cross-sectional configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: American Pipe & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6516506
    Abstract: A scrolled resilient sheet is installed against the inner surface of a fluid conduit using a carrier tool from which a resilient sheet having an average thickness more than 2 mm and an elastic or pseudoelastic recoverable strain of at least 0.6% is released so that the sheet expands with an expansion force which is sufficiently high to allow the sheet to press itself into place alongside the inner surface of the conduit and to remain in place after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Martin Donnelly, Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck, Robert Bruce Stewart
  • Patent number: 6494978
    Abstract: A method for protecting and for restoring structural strength and substance to a concrete, fluid containing or conducting structure deteriorated to the condition of removal of substance of the concrete by sulfuric acids and like corrosive material in contact therewith is described by positioning a relatively thin thermoplastic layer of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, injecting a substratum of epoxy foam, polyurethane foam, or a combination thereof between the thermoplastic layer and the deteriorated concrete, and welding the foam to the thermoplastic layer. The product of the process is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Bertram
  • Patent number: 6484757
    Abstract: An assembly for introducing a pipe liner into a branch line includes a launcher defining a passageway through which a resin impregnated pipe liner and bladder tube assembly passes. An inflatable member mounted to the launcher assembly is actuatable between an inflatable condition and a deflated condition. The pipe liner and bladder tube are secured in place by expanding the inflatable member outward against the inner surface of the branch line. Air pressure drives the bladder tube and pipe liner into the branch line. The bladder tube remains in place until the pipe liner hardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Liqui-Force Sewer Services Inc.
    Inventor: Darcy Warren
  • Publication number: 20020157784
    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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest
  • Patent number: 6446670
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liner comprising a flexible material (1) with means adapted to increase the surface area thereof, and adhesive/sealant (2) and a release tape (3) with reinforcing strips (4). An example of a means of adapting the surface, whereby strips of adhesive/sealant (5) are applied to the release tape and then the flexible material (1) applied and compacted to form the profile. The liner is then formed into a tube. It may be folded into a cruciform shape. An end elevational view of a folded liner in a pipe (6) prior to application of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Thames Water Utilities Limited
    Inventors: Clive Anthony Woodward, Trevor George Sanders, Kirsten Elizabeth Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20020121338
    Abstract: In a method of lining a pipe (3) a lining pipe (1) of thermoplastics material is inserted into the pipe (3) to be lined. The lining pipe (1) is of smaller diameter than the pipe (3) to be lined, and the thermoplastics material incorporates a cross-linking agent. The lining pipe (1) is then caused to expand into contact with the pipe (3) to be lined, and the thermoplastics material is cross-linked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: NIGEL WRIGHT, COLIN BURLEY
  • Patent number: 6438841
    Abstract: There is described a method for manufacturing fixing rollers and a roller body holding device utilized for manufacturing fixing rollers. The method includes steps of press-fitting flanges into a roller body, shaped in a hollow cylinder, from each of both end openings of the roller body with putting an elastic material between each of the flanges and the roller body; installing the roller body in a shaping mold so that the roller body is supported by the flanges and the elastic material at a predetermined position in the shaping mold; injecting a melted rubber into a space between the roller body and the shaping mold from an injection opening; and curing the melted rubber injected into the space. The roller body holding device for holding a roller body is shaped in a hollow cylinder and includes a flange, which is press-fitted into the roller body from each of end openings of the roller body; and an elastic material disposed between the flange and the roller body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fuma, Shuta Hamada, Masahiro Onodera
  • Patent number: 6415824
    Abstract: A method and composition for grouting a water-flooded cavity. Water and portland cement are combined to form a fluid cement slurry, the slurry being substantially free of sand or other aggregate material, and the slurry is then colloidally mixed so as to achieve an ultra-fine mixing thereof. An anti-washout admixture is mixed with the slurry in a predetermined amount, and a superplasticizing agent is also preferably included, both the anti-washout admixture and the superplasticizer agent being substantially free of defoaming agents. Finished foam is then mixed with the slurry to form a stable foamed cement grout which is injected into the water-flooded cavity. The anti-washout admixture is preferably a modified cellulose ether solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6416692
    Abstract: A method of repairing leaking underground pipes, particularly gravity-flow sewer pipes, without excavation, by using a flexible liner tube containing a fluid under sufficient pressure to exclude groundwater, while forcing a fluid sealant material into leaking defects in a pipe wall, and through openings in the pipe wall into voids outside the pipe. The flexible liner tube is everted into the pipe to keep the sealant material in place and also to continue to exclude groundwater for a period of time long enough for the sealant material to cure in place to effect sealing repair of the defects in the pipe wall and also at least partially fill voids outside the pipe. Fluid is kept under great enough pressure in the liner tube to exclude groundwater and may be heated or chilled to assist in preparing the pipe for sealant or to cure the sealant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Iwasaki-Higbee
  • Patent number: 6410469
    Abstract: An improved submerged entry nozzle is provided which is useful in the casting of aluminum killed molten steel. The nozzle has an improved slagline sleeve or collar which surrounds the outer portion of the nozzle to protect it from corrosion during the casting process. The slagline sleeve is made from resin bonded zirconia/graphite which has been formulated so that upon curing of the resin to form resite, there is a reduction in the contractile tendency which results in a reduction in stress fracturing. The reduction of the contractile tendency and the resulting resistance to stress fracturing is achieved by adding an effective amount of calcium oxide to the resin-zirconia-graphite mixture which is used to form the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Baker Refractories, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald B. Hoover, Franklin A. Renda, Donald J. Griffin, Colin Richmond
  • Patent number: 6401759
    Abstract: A liner bag for a manhole can have an improved durability after hardening with a fluid pressure barrier film left on the inner wall of a lined manhole, and a method of lining a manhole using the liner bag is capable of realizing a reduction in the number of steps involved in a manhole lining process to reduce a working time and a working cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, Get Inc., Oar Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Publication number: 20020033554
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing a liner material into a host conduit such as, e.g., a sewer pipe, hydrocarbon pipeline, gas line, water line, industrial chemical pipe, or a saltwater line. The liner material may include a compression liner and/or a preliner that is attached to the inner wall of the host conduit to repair or reinforce the host conduit or separate the host conduit from materials transported within the new liner formed from the liner material. Curable resin, slurry, or cement can be placed between the liner material and the host conduit to affix the liner material into place. Before and during curing, a fluid such as air or water can be used to inflate the compression liner outwardly toward the host conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard T. Heagy, Cynthia D. Heagy, Tom R. Menger, John Simonis
  • Patent number: 6357802
    Abstract: An air-pressure joint 1 comprising a pipe main body 2 made of a rigid thermoplastic resin and a release ring 3 made of a rigid thermoplastic resin inserted from one opening of the pipe main body, wherein the release ring includes a slip-off preventing protrusion 13 on an outer circumferential surface of its insertion site; and the pipe main body 2 includes a ring-shaped sealing portion 9 made of an elastic resin and integrally formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, an insertion mouth pipe portion 7 made of a rigid rigid resin, coaxially disposed to abut one opening side portion of the pipe main body 2 and forming a recess groove 10 on an inner circumferential surface of an abutting portion thereof for stopping the slip-off preventing protrusion 13 of the release ring 3, and a ring-shaped connecting portion 8 made of a rigid synthetic resin and integrally molded to an outer circumferential surface of the abutting portion of this mouth pipe for connecting the insertion mouth pipe portion 7 to the p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignees: Mikuni Plastics Co., Ltd., Daicel-Hüls, Ltd., Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Nozato, Atsushi Inagaki, Shinichi Matsumoto, Hajime Komada, Mitsuteru Mutsuda, Masanori Hiraishi
  • Patent number: 6354330
    Abstract: A method of lining an existing pipeline or passageway with a lining tube of a resin absorbent material impregnated with a curable synthetic resin is provided. A lining tube inserted into the pipeline and urged by pressure against the pipeline or passageway surface and heat is applied is stages to lengths of the lining tube by isolating a length of the uncured flexible lining from the remainder of the lining tube by expanding an expansible and contractible member inside the lining. A heated fluid medium is supplied to the isolated length so that the heat cures the resin within the isolated length. The contractible member is contracted and displaced along the length to isolate a new section of the lining tube which is then cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Wood
  • Patent number: 6340442
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing tubular molded products from molding material includes a mold casing and a mold core having a common longitudinal central axis which is vertically disposed. The mold casing and mold core are spaced from one another to define a molding space therebetween. A supply device supplies molding material from above the molding space into the molding space. Treatment apparatus is disposed at treatment zones on the mold core for treating the molding material in the molding space, the treatment including treating the molding material by shaking the molding material or treating the molding material by heating the molding material, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: iloma Automatisierungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Brokmann
  • Patent number: 6311730
    Abstract: Flexible liners for relining fluid transport pipelines contain at least one integral conduit which has no fluid communication with either the interior of the lining of the relined pipeline, or with the inside wall of the pipeline itself. The integral but substantially fluid-isolated conduit may serve to carry telecommunications or other cables, thus providing an economical means of introducing telecommunications through existing pipeline infrastructure without necessitating abandonment of the fluid transport capabilities of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 6299803
    Abstract: A method for producing temporarily deformed pipe liners from a continuously extruded thermoplastic round pipe, or thermoplastic round pipe extruded in segments of 20 to 50 feet in length and butt-fused together to obtain a pipe liner segment of a length greater than the conduit to be lined; annealing the pipe liner before deformation in a stress release chamber to relieve stresses induced in the extrusion process; collapsing the pipe liner to a flattened shape by means of internal vacuum and subsequently bending deformable portions of the flattened shape toward a back-up portion thereof, and without elongation, maintaining diameter and wall thickness; applying a sealant material on the outer pipe liner surface to seal the gap between the pipe liner and conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick Ledoux
  • Patent number: 6294042
    Abstract: A lined tubular assembly and a method and apparatus for lining an elongated tubular article to form the assembly. The lined tubular assembly has a metal tube with a non-metallic liner bonded to the internal surface thereof by a bonding agent. A non-metallic flanged end piece is secured to each end of the metal tube and has a first portion extending into the tube between the liner and the internal surface of the tube and a second portion covering the end surface of the tube. The method for producing the assembly includes introducing simultaneously into the tubular article both a tubular liner and a bonding agent for bonding the liner to the internal surface of the tubular article. The apparatus for producing the assembly includes an elongated liner installation device that simultaneously introduces the liner and bonding agent to the interior of the tubular article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Varco International, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Nelson, William L. Snider, Gary W. Bogema, David V. Person
  • Patent number: 6289936
    Abstract: A method for binding a connecting pipe to a principal pipe which has been reconstructed with a relining pipe of plastic material comprises determining the mid-point of the opening in the principal pipe located in the proximity of that end of the connecting pipe pointing toward the principal pipe, producing an opening in the relining pipe in the region of the mid-point by heating the plastic material from the interior of the relining pipe and proceeding toward the exterior, widening the produced opening by simultaneously exerting pressure on the inside of the relining pipe in the direction toward the connecting pipe and heating the region of the plastic material on which pressure is being applied to form a collar around the widened opening, applying the plastic material of the collar projecting into the connecting pipe to the inside of the end of the connecting pipe adjacent the principal pipe, fastening the collar of the plastic material to the inside of the connecting pipe and then further flattening and fas
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: F. W. Hundhausen GmbH Kunstsoffwerk
    Inventor: Immo-Claudius Berg
  • Publication number: 20010017163
    Abstract: Flexible liners for relining fluid transport pipelines contain at least one integral conduit which has no fluid communication with either the interior of the lining of the relined pipeline, or with the inside wall of the pipeline itself. The integral but substantially fluid-isolated conduit may serve to carry telecommuncations or other cables, thus providing an economical means of introducing telecommuncations through existing pipeline infrastructure without necessitating abandonment of the fluid transport capabilities of the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: G. Gregory Penza
  • Patent number: 6276398
    Abstract: Novel packers for repairing ruptures in straight-line conduit systems as well as lateral conduit lines are described and illustrated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Frederick M. Lange
  • Patent number: 6273644
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting a new service pipe into an existing high pressure service pipe that contains a leak, without the necessity of excavation or separately shutting off the supply of the high pressure gas upstream of the effected pipe section. A nosecone coupled with a unique stopper assembly allows a temporary sealing of the high pressure pipe between the main and the leak point, and insertion flow of a sealer through the nosecone, such that the sealer fills the annular space between the new pipe and the old pipe, providing a gas tight permanent seal. The end of the stopper assembly has temporary stop plug that must be drilled open to reestablish the communication of high pressure gas into the new pipe without the chance of flow entering the old pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Gregory M. Konwinski, Dennis D. Price, Robert E Barrett, Thomas V. Gobin
  • Patent number: 6268037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a shielded automobile component and the shielded automobile component itself. The component includes a composite formed of a metal sheet which includes protrusions which extend from a surface of the metal sheet and a blow-molded thermoplastic layer formed around the protrusions which fixes the blow-molded layer to the metal sheet during the molding process. The protrusions on the metal sheet define plain polygonal areas which are free of protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Acoust-A-Fiber Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Butler, Hiten T. Shah
  • Patent number: 6241924
    Abstract: A method for inverting the convex configuration of a liquid-product storage-tank bottom is described for providing greater efficiency in the removal of undesirable materials that normally accumulate on the tank bottom. A layer of material having plastic properties is placed over the conventional tank bottom except for at least one section from the center of the tank base to the edge. The material with plastic properties hardens over time, thus producing a new bottom having a center at a level below the level of the edge. The part over which the material having plastic properties was not placed forms a flow gutter which leads the liquids and sediments which have to be drained off to the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Aldyr Witter, Luis Adolfo Velloso Pradel
  • Patent number: 6241925
    Abstract: A method of lining a channel can be provided which includes the steps of: installing at a work site a roll having wound thereon a rigid or semirigid plastic pipe shaped initially in the form of an approximately round tube and deformed from the initial form to a flat tubular form, paying off the pipe as softened by heating from the roll installed at the work site toward an inlet of the channel to be lined, and folding the paid-off flat pipe in two to a U shape at a position between the roll and the channel inlet. The U-shaped pipe is hardened by forced cooling from outside immediately after the folding step while being restricted in shape, then inserted into the channel while being thus hardened and thereafter restored to the initial form by being inflated with heat and pressure applied from inside, whereby a lining of improved quality can be formed with an improved work efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignees: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Osaka Bosui Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Hayashi, Mitsunori Komori, Masato Koseki, Yuichi Banrai, Tomoyuki Minami, Seiji Mizukami, Yasuo Miyazaki, Akira Kamide, Hirohisa Tanimuro, Takeshi Uchida
  • Publication number: 20010000937
    Abstract: The present invention involves a unitary composite article and method of making same. The unitary composite article comprises a one-piece, plastic body and a stiffening material. The one-piece plastic body includes a collapsible first portion having an inner cavity defined by an outer wall formed by an injection molding process. The plastic of the outer wall has a thickness which makes the outer wall susceptible to collapse into the inner cavity during normal usage of the article. The stiffening material substantially fills the inner cavity by an injection process. The stiffening material provides rigidity to the article to prevent collapse of the outer wall into the inner cavity when the plastic body experiences substantial external forces at the first portion during normal usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Applicant: Patent Holding Company
    Inventors: Larry J. Winget, Darius J. Preisler
  • Publication number: 20010000874
    Abstract: A method and composition for grouting a water-flooded cavity. Water and portland cement are combined to form a fluid cement slurry, the slurry being substantially free of sand or other aggregate material, and the slurry is then colloidally mixed so as to achieve an ultra-fine mixing thereof. An anti-washout admixture is mixed with the slurry in a predetermined amount, and a superplasticizing agent is also preferably included, both the anti-washout admixture and the superplasticizer agent being substantially free of defoaming agents. Finished foam is then mixed with the slurry to form a stable foamed cement grout which is injected into the water-flooded cavity. The anti-washout admixture is preferably a modified cellulose ether solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6228312
    Abstract: A pipe (4) is rehabilitated by means of a tubular liner (5) which is introduced into the pipe in a contracted form, expanded into contact with the pipe wall, and hardened to retain its form. The liner (5) comprises composite material formed by knitting, braiding or weaving tows of intermingled filaments of thermoplastic and reinforcing fiber, the liner being heated during application to the pipe in order to melt the thermoplastic. The composite material may be created as a sleeve. Alternatively, a sheet of the material may be calendered and rolled up into a tubular form, overlapping edge margins of the sheet being bonded together after expansion of the tube into contact with the pipe wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignees: Severn Trent Water Limited, Anglian Water Services Limited, Yorkshire Water Services Limited, Euro-Projects (LTTC) Limited
    Inventor: Gerard Stephen Boyce
  • Patent number: 6206049
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing an underground junction between a lateral service line and a main pipeline from the inside-out. One embodiment provides a substantially rigid patching apparatus which may be positioned and installed with a robotic device within a main pipeline. The patching apparatus has a flange shaped to fit the internal diameter of the main pipeline and a tubular stem or sleeve which penetrates into the lateral service line. The patching apparatus contains an interconnection substrate such as felt, sponge or other similar material. The interconnection substrate may be impregnated with a bonding agent which sealingly interconnects the patching apparatus to the main pipeline and lateral service line, and may be heated by utilizing a heating element within a support cage, thus reducing the time required for curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Tele Environmental Systems
    Inventor: Robert M. Ward
  • Patent number: 6206993
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a lining material into a pipeline includes an elongated carrier device having a hollow central portion which encloses a liner-bladder assembly. The liner-bladder assembly includes an elongated inflation bladder which engages an open end of the carrier device and expands under fluid pressure out of the carrier device. The pipe liner is frangibly attached to the inflation bladder such that its attachment anchors the liner with respect to the open end of the carrier device to permit accurate placement of the liner within a pipeline proximate to a compromised section of the pipeline. The frangible connection breaks when the carrier device and inflation bladder are removed from the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
  • Patent number: 6199591
    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: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
  • Patent number: 6187235
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for processing lined caps. The method includes the step of molding at an elevated temperature a liner having a raised sealing ring inside the cap, and advancing a stream of lined caps from a first position to a second position, while supplying cooling air to the lined caps to cool the liner and form a skin at least on an upper surface of the sealing ring. The method may further include the step of applying a vacuum to remove undesirable gases from the liner. The vacuum can also be applied within the raised sealing ring to create suction to lift properly formed lined caps from the advancing stream. The cooling, gas removal, and inspection steps can occur at the cap processing rate. The present invention further provides an apparatus for processing a bottle cap. The apparatus includes a plurality of rotary turntables for sequentially cooling, inspecting, and removing the bottle caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Zapata Technologies Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Shapcott
  • Patent number: 6177034
    Abstract: Methods for reproducing a 3D object surface are provided. A preferred method according to this invention includes (1) identifying a real object surface, (2) acquiring at least a 3D data set with a 3D surface imaging device, (3) acquiring at least a 2D data set using a 2D surface imaging device with a surface resolution of at least about 0.1 mm2, (4) synthesizing a 3D composite data set by orienting a first virtual image of the first data set and a second virtual image of the second data set to form a composite virtual image that corresponds to the composite data set, and (5) making a reproduction of the object surface with the composite data set. Orientation of the virtual images is relative to each other and without substantial loss of surface resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: A-Pear Biometric Replications Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ferrone
  • Patent number: 6168742
    Abstract: A paint film laminate is co-molded over a desired plastic substrate to produce an automobile bumper member, chin spoiler or rocker panel part. Along a desired surface of the part, such as, for example, a border between a part surface having one segment covered by paint film and a second segment comprising the exposed substrate, the edge of the paint film is embedded in the plastic substrate along a surface discontinuity such as a recess or ridge so that an aesthetically pleasing sight edge having a desired contour exists along this surface portion. The sight edge is formed during the co-molding process via the provision of an incline or ramp along a desired mold cavity surface. When the co-molded part is installed in its intended application, the paint film edge is substantially hidden from view by the surface discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Green Tokai, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6167913
    Abstract: A method for lining, rehabilitating, repairing, and rejuvenating pipelines and passageways is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of hauling a tubular liner into a section of pipeline to be repaired, disposing a reforming member within the liner at one end proximate one end of the pipeline, depositing a cement slug in the host pipeline proximate the said one end, and expanding the liner within the pipeline against the inner surface of the said pipeline by urging the reforming member along within the liner under pressure. The outer surface of the liner is provided with a plurality of protrusions in the form of grout anchor hooks which penetrate the cement along the length of the said liner thus ensuring a mechanical bond between said liner and said cement. The cement also adheres to the inner surface of the pipeline and thus a rigid, secure, water impermeable lining construction is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Cempipe Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Trevor William Wood, Michael Leopold Erictschudi Broadwood, Geoffrey David Hopkins, Edward John Cirket
  • Patent number: 6167912
    Abstract: A method and composition for grouting a water-flooded cavity. Water and portland cement are combined to form a fluid cement slurry, the slurry being substantially free of sand or other aggregate material, and the slurry is then colloidally mixed so as to achieve an ultra-fine mixing thereof. An anti-washout admixture is mixed with the slurry in a predetermined amount, and a superplasticizing agent is also preferably included, both the anti-washout admixture and the superplasticizer agent being substantially free of defoaming agents. Finished foam is then mixed with the slurry to form a stable foamed cement grout which is injected into the water-flooded cavity. The anti-washout admixture is preferably a modified cellulose ether solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Patrick J. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6158473
    Abstract: A branch pipe liner bag immune to damage caused by a cutter is provided. In the branch pipe liner bag having a flange formed at an end of a hardenable resin impregnated bag which comprises a tubular resin-absorbent material impregnated with an unhardened liquid hardenable resin, a cylindrical anti-piercing protector 3 is embedded adjacent to the flange. According to a pipe lining method implemented using the branch pipe liner bag according to the present invention, the branch pipe liner bag adjacent to the flange is, after a branch pipe is lined, protected by the anti-piercing protector, and therefore, in a piercing work thereafter of a main pipe liner bag, the branch pipe liner bag is immune from damage caused by a cutter, thereby eliminating a problem such as infiltration of the underground water into the main pipe from a damaged portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 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: 6146491
    Abstract: The lining of lateral pipelines is effected from the service end by inserting a resin impregnated lining tube into the lateral using a push rod. The leading end of the push rod is attached to the liner by a relaeasble device so that once the liner is in place, and the rod pulled back, the liner detaches and remains in the lateral. The liner is held in folded state by straps which are broken as the rod is pulled back in that a rope attached to the leading end of the rod is trapped under the straps and breaks them one by one as the rod is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Insituform
    Inventors: Eric Wood, deceased, by Miranda Jane Bull, legal representative, by William A. Martin, legal representative
  • Patent number: 6138718
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for repairing pipes and conduits, particularly high-pressure pipes and conduits, such as natural gas lines, water lines, and steam lines. The conduit repair apparatus includes a sleeve having an outer surface. outwardly flared end portions, a pair of longitudinal edges and a locking structure to lock the sleeve into a tubular configuration within an inner surface of a host pipe to be repaired. A resilient, compressible gasket is adapted to be applied over the outer surface of the sleeve, and a sealing membrane is adapted to be applied over the outer surface of the resilient, compressible gasket. A curable sealant is adapted to be applied over the sealing membrane, and the sealant is pressed by the resilient, compressible gasket between the outer surface of the sleeve and the inner surface of the host pipe while the sealant is cured. The resilient, compressible gasket may be formed as a layer of closed cell polyethylene or polyurethane foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Link-Pipe (H. K.), Ltd.
    Inventor: Lembit Maimets
  • Patent number: 6136135
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of readily manufacturing a multi-layer pipe liner bag with a good workability. A guiding tube is inserted into an outer layer composed of a tubular resin absorbent material and a plastic film coated over the outer periphery of the tubular resin absorbent material. An inner layer composed of another tubular resin absorbent material is inserted into the guiding tube, and the guiding tube is extracted with the outer layer and the inner layer being fixed. The tubular resin absorbent materials of the outer layer and the inner layer are with thermosetting resin to complete the pipe liner bag. Since the outer layer and the inner layer are manufactured separately, the manufacturing of the respective layers can be performed with a good workability. Also advantageously, the plastic film covering the outer surface of the outer layer can be prevented from scratches and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 24, 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: 6129119
    Abstract: A flexible tube for lining pipes and ducts as well as a method and an apparatus for manufacturing thereof are suggested. The flexible tube is composed of a coated fabric of high resilient warp threads as well as woof threads having lower elasticity. With the flexible tube thus suggested, strong curvatures or angles being present in the pipes can be lined without wrinkles and all-over for the first time.This is enabled in that the high resilient warp threads are stabilized by covering yarn upon straight pipe portions and hence comprise a limited linear extension such that the flexible tube can be placed inside the pipe in quality.In the curved pipe portions the high elasticity of the basic warp thread is activated by a force increase during passing through these portions by compensating the forces of the covering yarn, such that the flexible tube closely fits to the inner pipe wall, all-over and without any wrinkles in these regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Karl Weiss Hoch - Tief - und Rohrleitungsbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Siegfried Schwert, Andre Rose, Andreas Huttemann, Peter Marquardt, Wolf Rabold
  • Patent number: 6123109
    Abstract: A branch pipe lining bag wherein an annular protective member is previously fixed on a flange which is provided adjoined to an open end of a tubular bag. This tubular bag is soaked with a hardenable liquid resin and adapted to be everted under fluid pressure into a branch pipe. The protective member can be attached on the marginal periphery of the branch pipe opening to the main pipe simultaneously at the end of the branch pipe lining, irrespective of the inner diameter of the main pipe. Also, a pipe lining method wherein the annular protective member fixed on the flange is prepared previously and then the flange is connected to the part of the main pipe where the branch pipe opens. The main pipe lining bag can be bored without any damage irrespective of both the main pipe diameter and the branch pipe diameter or any connecting situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 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: 6117381
    Abstract: A gapless order change in a continuous running corrugated web is provided by utilizing a partial web sever extending transversely across the web upstream of a web selector device. The partial web sever allows the output web selector device to be readjusted downstream of the slitter-scorer to redirect the output webs between upper and lower cut-off knives as required. The partial web sever allows the order change to be effected with a continuous unbroken web containing the outs for the cut-off knife level handling the output web portions opposite the partial sever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Marquip, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6105619
    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: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6103052
    Abstract: A pipe lining method is provided for accurately cutting or punching out a pipe liner bag after being lined on an inner wall of a pipe with a good operability while preventing an operation environment from being contaminated. A fluid pressure is applied to act on a pipe liner bag introduced in a pipe to press the pipe liner bag onto the inner wall of the pipe. A thickness reducing member is brought into contact with the outer surface of the pipe liner bag to partially reduce the thickness of the pipe liner bag. A predetermined pipe lining operation with the above state maintained. Then, an external force is applied to a thickness reduced portion of the pipe liner bag to break the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6103171
    Abstract: A gapless order change in a continuous running corrugated paperboard web, created by using a partial transverse web sever upstream of the web selector device, utilizes selector fork orientation and operation that allows a redirected web portion to be diverted from one slider table to the other with no gap at the transverse slit. The improved apparatus is particularly effective in providing web transition at order change from the lower slider table to the upper slider table where the total width of the output web portions going to the upper level is increased and requires an upward diversion of a redirected web portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Marquip, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Cummings