By Insertion Or Application Of A Preform Patents (Class 264/516)
  • Patent number: 6021815
    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: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
  • Patent number: 6015513
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and a vacuum is applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to draw lipstick wax material therefrom and into the interior of the spindle. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Charles Chang
    Inventors: Robert J. Sheffler, Charles Chang
  • Patent number: 6001212
    Abstract: An apparatus for the installation of an inverted resin impregnated flexible tubular liner in a lateral passageway from a main passageway while permitting the flow of fluids through the main passageway during the installation process is provided. A cylindrical body with an opening to coincide with and interact with the lateral passageway has an expandable bladder on its outside with an opening coincident with the body opening and an elbow portion on the inside which is firmly attached at the opening. An air supply inflates the bladder. A tubular elbow is attached to a flexible hose at its proximal end, the hose having a gland for injecting fluid into the hose for inverting and curing the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Richard Carl Polivka, David K. York
  • Patent number: 5989473
    Abstract: A molding process in which a material with an open cell, porous structure 10 is placed, aligned or supported inside a suitable enclosed holding device. Another molding material 20 is subsequently injected into the said holding device while gas and/or pressure is sequentially applied to the said holding device, causing a synergistic interaction and joining between the said materials to take place. During the processing phase, gas is evenly dispersed throughout the porous core, effectively equalizing cavity pressure and permitting an even flow pattern to exist, encapsulating or sandwiching the said porous structure, thus forming a composite material with physical properties which are substantially greater than the individual components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: David G. Haverty
    Inventor: David G. Haverty
  • Patent number: 5976451
    Abstract: A process for making a cushioning component from a pair of sheets of flexible thermoplastic resin in which the sheets are placed against a pair of molds having hemispherical protrusions for forming opposing hemispherical indentations in the sheets. The indentations in the first sheet abut those of the second sheet when the sheets are joined to complete the cushioning component. During the process, inserts may be positioned on the protrusions before the sheets are placed in the molds, and the inserts then may be adhered to the indentations during molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Retama Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Skaja, Martyn R. Shorten
  • Patent number: 5964249
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a pipeline includes an elongated flexible tube with one end inverted upon itself to create an outer inverted portion and an inner non-inverted portion connected at an inversion end. An elongated sleeve-shaped liner impregnated with rosin is fitted within the non-inverted portion of the tube member in contact with the interior surface thereof. A plurality of attachment strips are frangible connected at one end to the liner, and permanently affixed to the tube inner surface, such that inversion of the tube member will cause the attachment strips to invert to the exterior of the inverted portion, and thereby also invert the liner to the exterior surface of the inverted portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5964981
    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: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Tuboscope Vetco International, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Nelson, William L. Snider, Gary W. Bogema, David V. Person
  • Patent number: 5961764
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for reverse building complex-shaped vehicle fuel tanks using complementary female mold half sections which, when joined together about their mating peripheral edges, exactly duplicate the fuel cavity framework of the vehicle into which the completed tanks are to be mounted. Whereas previous reverse building processes employed light weight, air-curable, non-tear fabric such as nylon fabric reinforcement to both halves of the female molds, such fabric is applied only to the mold for the top half of the fuel tank of the present invention. Self-sealing, autoclave curable materials are used in the bottom half of the fuel tank, thereby providing improved ballistic protection to the lower portion of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Engineered Fabrics Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Sydow, Randall D. Fotinakes
  • Patent number: 5950682
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing the junction of a sewer main line and a lateral pipe includes a generally T-shaped inflatable bladder having a main line portion and a lateral portion with resin absorbent liner wrapped around the main line portion and lateral portions of the bladder. The liner is impregnated with uncured resin, and the lateral bladder is then inverted within the main line bladder, thereby inverting the lateral liner along with the lateral bladder. The liner/bladder assembly is positioned within a main line pipe with the lateral bladder coaxially aligned with a lateral pipe, to repair the junction between the lateral pipe and the main line pipe. Fluid is then introduced within the main line and lateral bladders to extend the lateral bladder into the lateral pipe, and to radially expand both the main line and lateral bladders to force the liners into contact with the main line pipe and lateral pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5942183
    Abstract: A compact apparatus for everting a liner utilizing fluid pressure after the liner has been aligned with the conduit to be lined is provided. The apparatus includes a sphincter valve with its axis aligned with the conduit to be lined and an eversion pressure chamber overlapping a portion of the sphincter valve for reducing the length of the apparatus and allowing positioning in a sewer manhole. A downtube is positioned at the input side of the sphincter valve which can extend to the top of the manhole. To install a liner, the apparatus is placed in the entrance manhole with the sphincter valve aligned with the axis of the sewer pipe, the liner is inserted into the downtube, turned to align with the sphincter valve and conduit and fluid pressure is applied to the valve to engage the flattened liner which after passing through the valve is everted by fluid pressure as it enters the sewer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Alexander, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5927341
    Abstract: The invention provides a tailored assembly of a flexible resin absorbent material (22, 24, 26). It is in the form of a "T" and is of tubular cross section. The arms of the T are intended to lie on the surface of a main underground pipe which the leg of the T extends into a lateral pipe which connects with the main pipe. The whole assembly is soaked in curable synthetic resin and it is placed in position and held there whilst resin cures by means of an inflatable bag (28) which is located inside the assembly and is also tailored to T configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Kevan Charles Taylor
  • Patent number: 5928599
    Abstract: A method of forming an article of manufacture which includes an undercut therein comprises the steps of providing a tool, removably positioning at least one consumable form adjacent to the tool, providing settable material from which to mold a finished part, molding the material onto the tool and on the form so as to encapsulate the form within the material to thereby form an undercut therein, allowing the material to set to form the finished part and separating the tool from the finished part and the encapsulated form. A method is also provided for forming articles of manufacture of various configurations utilizing a single generic tool by repeating the steps with differently shaped forms removably affixed to the single generic tool in different locations to produce a plurality of finished parts of varying configurations with the single generic tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Laphan, Ilija Rojdev
  • Patent number: 5924455
    Abstract: Provided is a pipe and pipe liner composition including PVC, a PVC-hydrogen bonding modifier and a PVC-polar bonding modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Byeong H. Jo, Joong Y. Kim
  • Patent number: 5921416
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of molding a double-wall bottle consisting of an outer bottle (12) and an inner bottle (14). A outer bottle (12) is first formed from a first preform by biaxial Stretch blow molding. After this molding step, a plurality of air vent holes (24) are formed in a biaxially orientated region of the outer bottle (12). Next, a second preform (70) and the outer bottle (12) are set together within a first blow cavity mold (100). Subsequently, the inner bottle (24) is formed by biaxial stretch blow molding from the second preform (70) while the air within the outer bottler (12) is expelled through the air vent holes (24). Circumferential concave ribs (22) are formed around the entire circumference of the outer bottle (12), and at least one of the air vent holes (24) is formed in a region either inside or outside the region in which the circumferential concave ribs are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Nissei ASB Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Uehara
  • Patent number: 5916406
    Abstract: A branch pipe liner bag and a pipe lining method are provided for ensuring to securely joining a flange and a main pipe liner bag to provide a reliable integrated structure. The branch pipe liner bag comprises a tubular resin-absorbent material impregnated with an unhardened hardenable resin. The tubular resin-absorbent material is formed at one end thereof with a rigid flange which is formed with a plurality of bores. In the pipe lining method using the branch pipe liner bag, a portion of unhardened hardenable resin oozing from a main pipe liner bag enters the bores formed through the flange of the branch pipe liner bag and is hardened therein, so that the flange is securely joined with the main pipe liner bag, thereby preventing a gap from being formed therebetween. In addition, the bores may be arranged on concentric circles on the flange, and cords made of a resin-absorbent material may be passed through the bores along the inner or outer periphery of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho KK, Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 5911943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of thermoforming a sheet material around an insert to make a thermoformed article. The sheet material may include poly(methyl) methacrylate and other thermoplastic sheet material. The inserts become an integrated part of the thermoformed product, and are characterized by having at least one removable portion or plug. The plug(s) are removed during the thermoforming process, and allow the thermoformed sheet material to shrink without creating undesirable levels of stress in the sheet material. This prevents cracking or other failure of the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventors: Ettore Minghetti, Harry W. Cheesman
  • Patent number: 5908124
    Abstract: A plastic tube with an integral finish and a twist off tab are blow molded. The twist off tab is connected to the finish of the tube by an annular groove forming a line of weakness. The tab is formed by the closing of mold halves about an extruded parison to form a flat twist off tab connected by a thin membrane to the exterior of the finish. The tab is then blow molded to form the tube. After the mold halves are opened, the twist-off tab is trimmed to provide the finished tube. The tab is formed by a conventional blow molding process without the need of a secondary operation. A plurality of blow molded corrugations are provided between annular blow molded ribs on the finish and provide added strength to the finish to facilitate removal of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christian W. Klauke, Rolf C. Myers, Luz Rios
  • Patent number: 5906789
    Abstract: A method of everting a pipe liner bag into a pipeline which enables smooth eversion of a pipe liner bag using a minimally required amount of lubricant. When a pipe liner bag including a resin absorbent material impregnated with a hardenable resin and a plastic film covering the outer surface of the resin absorbent material is everted into a pipeline using a fluid pressure, the pipe liner bag is applied with oil (lubricant) on the outer surface thereof. Since the application of oil is performed immediately before everting the pipe liner bag, the pipe liner bag can be smoothly everted into the pipeline only using a minimally required amount of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5900311
    Abstract: Fiber-reinforced thermosetting polyester composites containing in excess of 30 wt %, based on the weight of the composite, reinforcing fiber, are made by a vacuum-assisted transfer molding technique from a 1-phase composite matrix precursor comprising a polyester, a reactive monomer, and a low-profile additive. The polyester has a molecular weight/double bond factor of between about 150 and 190, styrene is a preferred reactive monomer, and a preferred low-profile additive is a thermoplastic polymer with a weight average molecular weight in excess of 3,000 and which is miscible in the polyester and reactive monomer. The polyester composite is formed by coating the surface of a mold with a gel coat; applying a skin laminate over the partially cured gel coat; applying a fiber reinforcement to the skin laminate; closing the mold; and injecting the 1-phase matrix precursor while the mold is under vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Cook Composites and Polymers Co.
    Inventors: David A. Campanella, Chih-Pin G. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5891385
    Abstract: A process for securing a component inside a hollow body essentially made of thermoplastic material includes positioning the component in the hollow body during its manufacture by means of a support. The component is secured by being hot-plated between two opposed faces of the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Lionel Cerbelle, Serge Percebois, Charles Cuvelliez, Xavier Jacquet
  • Patent number: 5885515
    Abstract: A process which combines the technologies of extrusion blow molding to form a shaped article and subsequently forming and attaching a textile to the contoured outer surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick E. Hudkins
  • Patent number: 5861116
    Abstract: A thermoplastic liner is extruded in cylindrical form and deformed at a temperature below the crystallization temperature of the polyethylene material forming the liner into a generally W-shaped configuration. The liner in that configuration has three convex lobes and two concave lobes along one side of the liner with a convex portion of the liner wall along the opposite side. The cylindrical liner is initially extruded in cylindrical form and deformed by a series of axially spaced sets of rollers progressively inclined toward a vertical position wherein the final W-shaped configuration of the liner is formed. The liner has a cross-section in any direction less than one-half of the diameter of the liner when expanded into a cylindrical configuration. The deformed liner is coiled about a reel. At an installation site, the liner is pulled from the reel through the pipe and sealed at opposite ends. Steam under pressure expands the W-shaped liner to a cylindrical configuration to line the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Plastic Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan C. Mandich
  • Patent number: 5855729
    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: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
  • Patent number: 5853651
    Abstract: A method of fabricating complex hollow composite structures from laminates of fiber reinforced synthetic resins. The structures are fully monocoque tubes with no seams. The tubes are manufactured by wrapping a hollow semi-rigid inner mandrel made of thermoplastic material such as polystyrene or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene co-polymer) with layers of composite sheets. The sheets are made from high-strength fibers impregnated with thermosetting or thermoplastic resins.The laminated mandrel is placed in a mold, heated and inflated to a predetermined pressure. The pressure can range from 20-200 psig and even higher, while the curing temperature can range from 200.degree.-600.degree. F. The pressure generated by the expanding core produces a highly consolidated composite structure that has fewer voids, a more uniform thickness, and an increased fiber content compared to hollow composites made by other fabrication methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Simula, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard A. Lindsay, Jeffrey A. Mears, Robert F. Monks, Steven M. Motoyama, Christopher K. DeLap
  • Patent number: 5839475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining a pipe with a polymer liner in which the liner is pulled through a die to reduce the liner's diameter and through the pipe and on removal of the pulling load, allowing the liner to revert to at least the minimum internal diameter of the pipe, wherein the liner has a maximum diameter before entering the die and a minimum diameter in the die. The die having an aperture which is symmetrical with respect to a central, longitudinal axis and comprising in the direction that the liner is passed an entry, a throat and an exit. The diameter of the aperture decreasing over the entry to a minimum to the throat and increasing over the exit. The entry of the die, when viewed in a sectional plane extending longitudinally of the liner and containing the axis, is convex over substantially an entire axial length between where the liner first contacts the die and the throat, wherein the liner substantially continuously engages the die over substantially the entire axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: British Gas PLC
    Inventors: Leslie Maine, Kenneth Hicks
  • Patent number: 5830406
    Abstract: A method of forming a socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity including forming a molded cast into which an amputated extremity conforms, the molded cast having a closed distal end for positioning adjacent one end of the amputated extremity and an open proximal end for surrounding the amputated extremity, forming a vacuum assembly by connecting an attachment device for receiving a vacuum tube to the distal end of the mold cast and attaching a first end of the vacuum tube to the attachment device. Subsequently, wrapping a formable plastic layer around a portion of the vacuum tube, the attachment device and at least the distal end of the molded socket. The plastic layer is sealed around the vacuum tube and at least the distal end of the molded cast such that trapped air between the plastic layer and the vacuum assembly can be drawn through the vacuum tube, thus conforming the formal plastic layer to at least the distal end of mold cast and the attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Rothschild's Orthopedics
    Inventors: Vernon R. Rothschild, John R. Fox, Russell J. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 5824173
    Abstract: A method of making an intravascular balloon catheter that has an elongated shaft defining an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen, as well as a balloon disposed near the distal end of the shaft. The method may include forming an inner shaft by coextruding a flexible plastic tube by bringing a molten outer plastic layer into contact with a molten inner plastic layer, thereby bonding the plastic layers together during the coextrusion process. The inner plastic layer may be more lubricious than the outer plastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos A. Fontirroche, Stephen J. Querns
  • Patent number: 5816293
    Abstract: The apparatus for installing a repair liner/sleeve within a pipeline includes a rigid tube supported above a manhole or excavation leading to the entry of the pipeline to be repaired. A rigid tube is supported on a plurality of legs aligned above the manhole, with a vertical tube attached to the rigid tube and extending downwardly into the hole. A hollow tubular shoe is attached to the lower end of the vertical tube, and is curved to redirect a liner/bladder assembly from the vertical orientation within the vertical tube to a horizontal orientation aligned with the pipeline to be repaired. The tubular shoe includes a plurality of upper rollers and lower rollers between which the liner/bladder assembly will be directed for reorientation from the vertical tube to the horizontal pipeline. The rigid tube includes a pivotal lid which will seal the upper end of the rigid tube, to permit pressurization of the rigid tube, flexible tube, and shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5816345
    Abstract: A bore hole support system is formed from a flexible liner that is readily everted within a bore hole and forms a bore hole support system to install a casing in the bore hole while supporting the bore hole walls. After a pilot hole is drilled, the pilot hole is traversed with a reamer to form the pilot hole diameter to a larger diameter for the final bore hole. The flexible liner with the attached casing is everted and pressurized behind the reamer as the reamer traverses the pilot hole to support walls defining the bore hole while pulling the casing into the bore hole. The liner is simply removed from a storage and everting canister and remains with the casing in the bore hole. In certain circumstances, the liner may be coated with a water soluble material so that the casing may be in fluid communication with the bore hole walls when the coating has dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Patent number: 5814268
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing a golf club shaft made of composite materials, including the successive steps of fitting a tubular, flexible impermeable bladder around a rigid mandrel whose length is at least equal to the length of the shaft to be produced, dressing the mandrel with a composite structure comprising fibers impregnated with a synthetic resin matrix, placing the mandrel in the mold, and then carrying out a mold operation by applying at least one internal pressure exerted by feeding a fluid inside the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Banchelin, Philippe Renard, Serge Solviche
  • Patent number: 5810053
    Abstract: A thermoplastic liner is extruded in cylindrical form and deformed at a temperature below the crystallization temperature of the polyethylene material forming the liner into a generally W-shaped configuration. The liner in that configuration has three convex lobes and two concave lobes along one side of the liner with a convex portion of the liner wall along the opposite side. The cylindrical liner is initially extruded in cylindrical form and deformed by a series of axially spaced sets of rollers progressively inclined toward a vertical position wherein the final W-shaped configuration of the liner is formed. The liner has a cross-section in any direction less than one-half of the diameter of the liner when expanded into a cylindrical configuration. The deformed liner is coiled about a reel. At an installation site, the liner is pulled from the reel through the pipe and sealed at opposite ends. Steam under pressure expands the W-shaped liner to a cylindrical configuration to line the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Ivan C. Mandich
  • Patent number: 5804127
    Abstract: A laminating blow molding method for making a hollow article includes the steps of forming 1 to 500 fine, holes per an area of 100 cm.sup.2 in a resin sheet by punching to thereby form projections as burrs on one side of the resin sheet, the diameter of the holes being between 0.1 mm and 1 mm; disposing the resin sheet between an outer surface of a parison extruded from a die and a mold so that the one side with the projections faces a cavity face of the mold; closing the mold so that the resin sheet is held between the cavity face of the mold and the outer surface of the parison; and heating the mold to a temperature exceeding a softening temperature of the resin sheet and simultaneously blowing the parison to perform blow molding. Thereafter, the mold is cooled and a molded article is taken out. In the method, the molded article with smooth outer surface can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takatori, Toyoyuki Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 5804128
    Abstract: A cylindrical filter formed of stacked microfine, conjugate fibers consisting of a higher melting point component and a lower melting point component, the fiber diameter of the conjugate fibers being varied into a smaller one in the thickness direction of the filter and along with the passing direction of a fluid to be filtered, and the contact points of the conjugate fibers being melt-adhered by the lower melting point component is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Chisso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ogata, Yoshimi Tsujiyama
  • Patent number: 5794663
    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 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: LMK Enterprises
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary Van Ameyde
  • Patent number: 5794662
    Abstract: A method of relining sewer lines, waterlines or gas lines is disclosed which uses a segmented liner of reduced size relative to the pipe being relined, with the liner being heat/pressure molded to the shape of the pipe being relined. The liner segments are joined by conventional joining techniques, however, the preferred joint is achieved by fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Henri S. St. Onge, Bryan St. Onge
  • Patent number: 5788794
    Abstract: A method for producing a partitioned container of the present invention includes the steps of providing a preform having an interior surface; separately forming an inner wall for insertion into the preform; inserting the inner wall into the preform; preparing for molding and molding the preform and inner wall into the partitioned container; and activating a manner for securing the inner wall to the interior surface of the preform during the step of preparing. A system for forming a partitioned container in accordance with the present invention includes a preform including an interior surface surrounding a cavity; an inner wall formed separately from the preform, the inner wall including a manner for securing to the preform upon the application of heat thereto, and a molding device for molding the preform into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 5785905
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and gas pressure applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to blow off excess lipstick wax material therefrom. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Charles Chang
    Inventors: Robert J. Sheffler, Charles Chang
  • Patent number: 5778936
    Abstract: A system for generating a liner tube for an underground pipe while material is flowing through the pipe, incorporates a liner winding assembly, a carriage assembly connected to the liner tube being formed, a towing device for generating a pulling force on the carriage assembly and the liner tube being formed, and a liner hub assembly fixedly connected to the liner tube for operatively connecting the carriage assembly with the liner tube. The liner winding assembly includes a feeding and driving device for feeding liner material into the underground pipe, a device for forming the liner material into a liner tube, and a mounting device for fixedly mounting the feeding and driving device and the forming means in the underground pipe. The feeding and driving device generates a driving force to move the liner tube into and through the underground pipe as the liner tube is being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Danby of North America
    Inventor: George McAlpine
  • Patent number: 5779968
    Abstract: A sports ball bladder and method of manufacture which produces a sports ball in which a valve element (48) is fused to the bladder and is disposed away from a parting line (40) of a mold (34). The bladder is made by extruding a parison (64) and closing a mold cavity (42) in surrounding relation thereof. A blow needle (46) supports the valve element thereon and delivers fluid pressure to an interior area (68) of the parison. The expanding parison fills the mold cavity and impinges on the valve element. The expanded parison is cooled to solidify the thermoplastic material. The pressure in the interior area is then relieved through the blow needle and the mold is opened. To avoid thinning of the bladder adjacent to the parting line, thermoplastic material is pushed inwardly into the mold cavity from a pinch pocket (80) as the mold is closed. After the ball bladder is formed, a valve member (72) is inserted into the valve element to enable holding of the bladder in an inflated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: John Robert Richwine, Ostin H.C. Tan, Purushottam Das Agrawal, Tiong Boon Seet, Kevin Mark Gase
  • Patent number: 5765597
    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: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Larry W. Kiest, Jr., Gary VanAmeyde
  • Patent number: 5766711
    Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew Barmakian
  • Patent number: 5762858
    Abstract: A process for producing a muffler hose having opposite ends, an intermediate portion having a noise-reducing communication hole, and a noise-reducing expansion chamber. The process includes the steps of fitting a protector at the opposite ends of the hose, and disposing the hose and the protectors in a separable blow-molding mold having a jaw; extruding a tubular parison around the hose and the protectors, closing the blow-molding mold, reducing the parison diametrically at two axially-apart positions by the jaw, clamping the parison around the hose at two axially-opposite positions of the hose, the two axially-opposite positions being intervened by the communication hole, and placing the opposite ends of the parison around the protectors; and blowing air into the parison through one of the protectors, and the communication hole of the hose to expand the parison, thereby forming the expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ituro Maeda, Joji Kasugai, Hidetoshi Ishihara, Masaru Hattori
  • Patent number: 5758565
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly has a center disk in which use of a metal member is not required. The center disk comprises first and second center disk members, made of resin, embracing a resin diaphragm between them. The first center disk member has an inwardly directed inner flange on an inner peripheral wall defining a resin charging space, and the second center disk member comprises a resin-molded body, formed by charging a resin, and has an outwardly directed outer flange. A portion of the diaphragm is clamped between the inner flange and the outer flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Yamada T.S. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Yamada
  • Patent number: 5755915
    Abstract: A cover unit is constituted such that a conductive member is provided on the entirety of the inner wall of a hollow cover, and the periphery of the conductive member is fixed to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5753173
    Abstract: A novel integral cardiotomy/venous blood reservoir, blood oxygenator and heat exchanging device, method of making a blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device and an extracorporeal circulatory support circuit. The reservoir includes a novel blood defoaming and filtering chamber closely receiving filtering and defoaming media. The blood oxygenating and heat exchanging device includes thermal formed housing portions, and a heat exchanging barrier, blood oxygenating medium and/or filtering medium, which are sealed by potting compound at one time. The oxygenating medium comprises a hollow fiber type medium, with its ends left open to be sealingly mounted in a gas path by a novel mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ronald J. Leonard, Erin J. Lindsay, David B. Maurer, Daniel W. Viitala
  • Patent number: 5750067
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding articles having a circumferential sidewall terminating in a closed top in which at least one preformed solid hoop is partially fused to the circumferential wall of the article and projecting axially above at least a portion of said top end. The entire outer peripheral edge portion of each reinforcing hoop is concentrically placed underneath the extrusion head with a suitable fitting. Thereafter, a tube of soft thermoplastic material is extruded through the totally open central portion of the hoops until the end of the tube overlies the pneumatic nozzles. Each mold half consists of a center sections and intermediate sections that are relatively movable in a direction lengthwise of the mold to enable both engaging the hoops and loosening the blow molded article of the mold. End mold sections slide on an incline to fully close the mold. The semi-cylindrical mold central halves close to radially position the hoops and form a cylindrical mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Luiz Henrique Hellbrugge
  • Patent number: 5736166
    Abstract: A flow-through device for use during the installation of an inverted resin impregnated flexible tubular liner in a passageway permitting the flow of fluids through the liner during the curing portion of the installation process is provided. A cylindrical body has an expandable bladder interior sealingly attached to the interior of the tubular body to form a pressure chamber is attached to the trailing end of the liner. Pressurized fluid is supplied to the chamber to inflate the bladder to close the end of the liner. The bladder allows flow through the passageway during curing of the liner, when the effluent pressure exceeds the pressure in the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Richard Carl Polivka
  • Patent number: 5711636
    Abstract: A rehabilitation system has been developed for cleaning, testing and slip lining pipe particularly sewer lines while in service. The system includes the use of equipment adapted for use on mobile vehicles to increase efficiency and mobility of the system. The cleaning system utilizes a specialized cleaning bucket that can be pulled from excavations and existing manholes. The testing and lining systems also utilize specialized test mandrels and pulling mandrels for the pipe liner that can be used with equipment operating, in part, from existing manholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Boyer, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 5711907
    Abstract: A method for producing a weather strip having a molded end portion joined to an end of an extruded weather strip having a base portion and a tubular seal portion. The method includes the steps of cutting-off a portion of the tubular seal portion from the end of the extruded weather strip with the base portion thereof remaining uncut, placing the uncut base portion of the end of the extruded weather strip in a cavity of a mold, placing a core along the uncut base portion, injecting a molding material into the cavity to mold a tubular part having a configuration conforming to the cut off tubular seal portion integrally with a fin-like end part extending from the tubular part, opening the mold, and removing the core from the tubular part along a reverse face of the fin-like end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Nozaki, Tatsuhiko Nagata
  • Patent number: RE35944
    Abstract: In a tube eversion apparatus a first chamber in which the eversion pressure in developed is controllably sealed by a sphincter-type valve, the valve being in turn actuated by pressure developed in a preferably separately controllable and adjustable second chamber, another chamber preferably being provided above the sphincter-type valve for containing a supply of liquid and limiting turbulence from any escape of fluid past the sphincter-type valve, the other chamber also providing apparatus for supplying heated fluid to a lay-flat hose adapted to be pulled through the sphincter-type valve by the tube being .?.exerted.!. .Iadd.everted.Iaddend.. Use of the improved apparatus involves appropriate modifications of the usual eversion process involving applying and controlling the everting pressure and the pressure exerted against the sphincter-type valve by the fluid in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: F. Thomas Driver, Joseph A. Alexander, Lloyd G. Buchanan