By Shaping Nonglass Material To Repair Damaged Glass Patents (Class 264/36.21)
  • Patent number: 11673354
    Abstract: The present invention provides a repair resin composition for repairing breaks in a vehicle windscreen and curing units for curing the repair resin after it has been inserted into the break. The present invention also provides a method of repairing a vehicle windscreen, comprising inserting a resin into a repair zone, wherein the resin comprises a photoinitiator that activates when exposed to light of an activation wavelength, wherein the activation wavelength is between 370 nm and 425 nm, and curing the resin by emitting light including light within the activation wavelength range onto the repair zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Belron International Limited
    Inventor: Paul Syfko
  • Patent number: 11408806
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring crack propagation of a transparent rock specimen monitors a breakage process of a specimen loading process. In the system and method for monitoring crack propagation of a transparent rock specimen, under the condition of no contact with a rock specimen, intensity changes of laser light passing through the transparent rock specimen in a loading state are determined, such that a computer (5) forms, according to laser intensity change data, a three-dimensional diagram of crack propagation of the transparent rock specimen (4) in a continuously loaded state at a plurality of set time points. This is used to analyze a breakage starting point and a crack propagation path and process of the transparent rock specimen (4) in the loading state, and achieve the purpose of qualitative analysis of the rock specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Wenbin Sun, Houqian Du, Yanchao Xue, Jianli Shao, Liming Yin, Fei Zhou
  • Patent number: 10926494
    Abstract: A glass repair tool for injecting resin into defects in glass is provided, having a mount which is removably engageable to the glass and which is in a sliding ratcheted engagement with a resin injector. This ratcheted engagement allows translation of the injector quickly to a contact with the glass to position it for resin injection into the defect. Stretching suction cups and a compressible seal prevent excess force from being imparted to the glass during the contact of the injector with the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventors: Randy Mackey, Seth Schuepbach, Brad Plumb, Shiloh Spoo, Dominik Scheffler
  • Patent number: 10227965
    Abstract: A pane removal tool is disclosed for cutting through an adhesive bead with a wire. The tool comprises a suction cup, and a vacuum pump in air communication with the inside of the suction cup, and connected to the suction cup. The tool also includes a housing with a cam rotatably mounted therein for periodically operating the vacuum pump, the housing being mounted on the vacuum pump. The tool also includes a spool coaxial with and rotatable connected to the cam, and a stem connected to one of the cam and the spool, the stem being adapted to be engaged by a device to rotate the stem and the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Kent R. Mayhugh
  • Patent number: 9919338
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mobile radiation system that comprises a mobile radiation device coupled to a control unit; a radiation blocker having an adaptor opening for receiving said mobile radiation device when said mobile radiation device is in a seated position on said radiation blocker; and a mobile carrier comprising a first compartment for housing said radiation blocker, a second compartment for housing said control unit, and one or more carrier motion devices. The adaptor opening can dimensionally fit the mobile radiation device to block radiations from the mobile radiation device when said mobile radiation device is in the seated position. The mobile radiation device can produce radiation having peak radiation wavelength in a range of from 250 nm to 450 nm and can have a peak irradiation power in a range of from 0.5 W/cm2 to 10 W/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SPDI, Inc.
    Inventors: John Wilson, Robert Schenk
  • Patent number: 9589688
    Abstract: A mobile radiation system is provided. The mobile radiation system comprises a mobile radiation device coupled to a control unit; a radiation blocker having an adaptor opening for receiving said mobile radiation device when said mobile radiation device is in a seated position on said radiation blocker; and a mobile carrier comprising a first compartment for housing said radiation blocker, a second compartment for housing said control unit, and a carrier motion device. The adaptor opening can dimensionally fit the mobile radiation device to block radiations from the mobile radiation device when said mobile radiation device is in the seated position. The mobile radiation device can produce radiation having peak radiation wavelength in a range of from about 250 nm to about 450 nm and can have a peak irradiation power in a range of from about 0.5 W/cm2 to about 10 W/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SPDL INC.
    Inventors: John Wilson, Robert Schenk
  • Patent number: 8721311
    Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus includes a bridge for holding an injector adjacent to a break area of a windshield. The bridge includes a suction cup for mounting the bridge to the windshield. An articulating arm mounts to the bridge for holding equipment, such as a flashlight, a tool holder, and/or a sun blocker. The bridge includes a pivotally mounted arm which allows for pivotal movement of the injector away from the break area, and a registration system which allows for accurate replacement of the injector over the break area following pivotal movement back toward the break area. The arm also is pivotally moveable toward and away from the windshield and is controlled by a threaded adjustment mechanism. The injector is also threadably adjustable vertically relative to the windshield. The articulating arm includes a quick connect/disconnect feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: TCG International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Thomas, Keith Beveridge, David Osland
  • Patent number: 8268104
    Abstract: A method of using UV cationic epoxy to repair cracks and breaks windshields in order to eliminate oxygen inhibition and shrinkage. The method includes embodiments that employ pretreatment or priming of the of a crack or break in order to negate the moisture and PVB retardation of the UV cationic epoxy polymerization and mixing the UV cationic epoxy and a UV radical resin to create a hybrid or; adding other ingredients to the UV cationic epoxy to negate the moisture and PVB retardation; and use of the UV cationic epoxy as a cap over repair resin/epoxy and as a pit filler. Other combinations of materials and procedures are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hybrid Windshield Repair, LLC
    Inventor: Richard A. Campfield
  • Patent number: 7993121
    Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus includes a base, a pressurizing barrel, a pressurizing bar and a rotary tube. The base includes a bracket and at least one sucking disc. The sucking disc is provided with a perforation for transfixing the pressurizing barrel. An interior of the pressurizing barrel can be inserted with the pressurizing bar and when a rotary tube is screwed on the pressurizing barrel, the pressurizing bar can be squeezed down at a same time, allowing a repairing liquid in the pressurizing barrel to flow more deeply into a crevice of windshield by strong air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Chan
  • Patent number: 7381355
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg S.A.R.L.-Zug Branch
    Inventors: Philip Rawlins, Douglas Scott MacArthur, Robert Ian Lister, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • Patent number: 7358465
    Abstract: A ceramic heater for heating a semiconductor wafer under processing and has a layered structure wherein on one surface of a supporting substrate made of carbon or a carbon-based composite material, successively formed layers including an insulating layer, and electroconductive layer as an electric heating element and a dielectric layer. A first step for partly or completely removing the layer or layers having degraded properties by means of a suitable method such as sandblasting and a second step of re-forming the layer or layers having been removed in the first step. The invention allows for a substantial cost decrease as compared with the conventional way by replacing the worn-out ceramic heater with a newly manufactured one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Fujii
  • Patent number: 7354537
    Abstract: A laminated glass repair tool includes an injector body having a passage for applying a vacuum to a damaged area; a side chamber connected to the passage; and a resin reservoir movable within the side chamber between a first position in which resin provided in the resin reservoir is prevented from entering the passage in the injector body and a second position in which resin is allowed to flow into the passage in the injector body. A method for repairing laminated glass includes sealing the injector body to a damaged area of laminated glass; providing the filled resin reservoir in the side chamber; applying a vacuum to the damaged area of laminated glass through the passage while maintaining the resin reservoir in the first position; and moving the resin reservoir to the second position in to allow the resin to flow into the passage in the injector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Glass Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry A. Wanstrath
  • Patent number: 7140854
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg S.a.r.l.-Zug Branch
    Inventors: Philip Rawlins, Douglas Scott MacArthur, Robert Ian Lister, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • Patent number: 7125507
    Abstract: In windshield crack repair it is necessary to move a repair tool alongside a crack and manipulate a resin injection head to remain in close proximity to the crack at all times. A three cupped tool is disclosed which exhibits here before unavailable lateral and longitudinal stability even when one of the cups becomes unadhered to the windshield. The tool comprises an elongate frame having an upright injection head attachment means on one end; an upright frame height adjustment means on the other opposite end; and, a central portion having three suction cups, each having an upright axis, and each oriented for attachment to the windshield. In a preferred aspect of this tool the axis of a suction cup closest to the injection head generally is in alignment with an elongate axis of the elongate frame and the upright axis of the other two cups are offset similar amounts from the axis of the elongate frame. This arrangement facilitates visibility and manipulation of the injection head along a crack in a windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Tim D. Evans
  • Patent number: 7029255
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Philip Rawlins, Douglas Scott MacArthur, Robert Ian Lister, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • 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: 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: 6656541
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a crack in a vehicle windshield includes a high frequency vibration applicator and repair material. The high frequency vibration applicator includes a high frequency vibration generator, an elongate vibration delivery probe, and a handle grip for manipulation of the high frequency vibration applicator by a user. The vibration delivery probe delivers high frequency vibration from the generator to the windshield via a tip of the probe. A method of repairing a crack in a vehicle windshield includes infilling the crack with a repair material, applying to the windshield a tip of an elongate vibration delivery probe of a high frequency vibration applicator, and manipulating the high frequency vibration applicator to track the probe in a longitudinal direction of the crack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Carglass Luxembourg S.A.R.L.-Zug Branch
    Inventors: Mathew Derek Archer, Christopher Davies, Darren Bates
  • Publication number: 20030205831
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for repairing a flaw in a surface, particularly in the field of vehicle glass repair. The apparatus has a housing adapted to engage the surface to be repaired, a repair seal for sealing between the housing and around the flaw to be repaired to define a repair space over the flaw. A reservoir communicates with the repair space and, in use, contains liquid repair material. A vacuum pump communicates with the repair space and the reservoir to apply a partial vacuum to the repair space and to the reservoir without repair liquid from the reservoir being drawn into the repair space in order to degas separately the flaw and repair liquid in the reservoir. After appropriate degassing, repair liquid from the reservoir is caused to flow into the repair space to fill the repair space with repair liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Carglass Luxembourg S.A.R.L -Zug Branch
    Inventors: Philip Rawlins, Douglas Scott MacArthur, Robert Ian Lister, Graham Scott Gutsell
  • 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: 6500366
    Abstract: Despite the disadvantage of reflexing a windshield, and consuming a multiple of the time taken with a single viscosity resin repair; it is generally accepted that most windshield repairs should utilize multiple viscosity resins. The multiple injection head not only eliminates the disadvantages associated with using resins of different viscosities, but additionally produces a smoother and stronger repair. The multiple injection head for injection of resins having different viscosities into a chip/crack comprises: a) a plunger housing having two upright cylindrical openings therethrough, each opening having an upper internally threaded portion and a lower chamber portion; and, b) two generally cylindrical plungers each having an upper portion adapted to be hand turned, and an intermediate portion matingly threaded with the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy D. Evans
  • Patent number: 6485281
    Abstract: The invention relates to repair devices for repairing impact resistant glass such as windshields and vertical glass. The repair device can be used to repair many types of damage to glass including cracks, bulls-eye breaks, star breaks, and angle wing breaks. For repairing breaks, the repair device removes air from the break before the resin is applied to the air-evacuated break. For repairing cracks, the repair device pushes resin into the crack while the device is slid along the crack. The repair device has a piston assembly including a piston, a piston casing, and a piston casing receiver; a mounting bracket; and a suction unit, including a manual vacuum pump. A resin is loaded into the piston assembly and delivered to the break or crack by hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, and/or vacuum mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Curl
  • Publication number: 20020100991
    Abstract: Despite the disadvantage of reflexing a windshield, and consuming a multiple of the time taken with a single viscosity resin repair; it is generally accepted that most windshield repairs should utilize multiple viscosity resins. The multiple injection head not only eliminates the disadvantages associated with using resins of different viscosities, but additionally produces a smoother and stronger repair. The multiple injection head for injection of resins having different viscosities into a chip/crack comprises: a) a plunger housing having two upright cylindrical openings therethrough, each opening having an upper internally threaded portion and a lower chamber portion; and, b) two generally cylindrical plungers each having an upper portion adapted to be hand turned, and an intermediate portion matingly threaded with the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy D. Evans
  • Patent number: 6422849
    Abstract: The present invention employs an injector base which provides a platform for the components of the overall injector tool. Connected to the injector base is a suction cup which is used to attach the injector tool to the windshield. Mounted on the injector base are two stabilizers, which allow the base to be stabilized for movement against or relative to the windshield, and an injector shell for applying vacuum, pressure and resin to the windshield crack. The injector shell includes internal to it a bore with a notched injector rod, through which resin is applied to the crack under pressure. At the bottom of the injector shell is an injector tip which is a rubber like material which is place around the crack to be filled and at the top of the injector shell is a handle which is threaded onto the injector shell by turning the handle clockwise places the area just above the crack under pressure and by turning the handle counter-clockwise places the area above the crack under negative pressure or in a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher A. Grubb
  • Publication number: 20020043732
    Abstract: The present invention is a new resin chamber construction, a kit and method for the repair of large selection of breaks in a lens or an automobile light bulb housing and even plate glass. The kit and method enable an inexpensive in situ repair including a bead overriding the break substantially maintaining light diffusions patterns. The bead forms an environmentally impervious repair which can match the color of the housing or lens including a substantially matching light diffusion pattern to diffuse light substantially similar to that of the unbroken article. The kit includes parts enclosable in a blister pack. The blister cover may include a resin chamber construction which can be cut out from it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Gerald Jacino, Anthony Jacino
  • Patent number: 6302670
    Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus is provided which includes a bridge having a base member including an injection holder and a pivot support member pivotally connected to the base member. A suction cup is disposed for connection with the pivot support member for mounting the bridge to the windshield. A yoke extends upward from the suction cup to pivotally connect the suction cup to the pivot support member of the bridge. The yoke includes at least two side members which are adapted to receive the pivot support member of the bridge therebetween such that the bridge is permitted to pivot vertically about a pivot axis toward and away from the windshield and wherein the side members of the yoke prevent the pivot support member from rotating in a horizontal orientation substantially parallel to the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: TCG International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Thomas, Keith A. Beveridge, Paul S. Petersen, Jay L. Bickford
  • Patent number: 6187124
    Abstract: A method of repairing a crack in a windshield where the crack has an open portion in which the repair resin selected for use is at minimum specified at 200 c.p.s.; and in another embodiment has a maximum of 1,000 c.p.s. and in another embodiment has a viscosity of over 1,000 c.p.s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Richard A. Campfield