By Insertion Or Application Of A Preform Patents (Class 264/516)
  • Patent number: 5709504
    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 20, 1998
    Assignee: Boyer, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 5705109
    Abstract: In the manufacture of composite paperboard/polymer packages, the adhesion between the polymer component and paperboard component can be enhanced by treating the polymer film with a surface treatment, for example, ozone, before the two components are brought together. The present invention is particularly applicable to a blow molding process employing one or more paperboard blanks and a blow molded polymer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Parks
  • Patent number: 5676175
    Abstract: A plastic liner having a second, deformed shape, and having a memory of a first, undeformed memory shape, the deformation in the deformed shape comprising one or more deformations, at least one of which is a twist deformation consisting of alternate left-right twists along the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Golan Plastic Products
    Inventors: Yosef Bar, Gideon Pinto
  • Patent number: 5671778
    Abstract: The present invention provides a repairing tube to be used in pipe lines such as gas conduits, water supply lines and sewer lines, chiefly those buried in the ground, for the purpose of repairing the pipe lines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a repairing tube including a rigid pipe formed of thermoplastic resin and a tubular woven fabric and a method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe line with the repairing tube. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for removing the repairing tube in its collapsed form out of the pipe line, for example when the repairing tube installed in the pipe line has become superannuated or it has been collapsed for some reason or other to impair the function of the pipe line and hence it is desired to reline the pipe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Ashimori Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sakuragi, Masahiro Seshimo, Futoshi Makimoto, Shinichi Takebe, Takuji Sokawa, Hitoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 5671840
    Abstract: A method for fabricating protective seals or "boots" for electric switches, such as push button and toggle switches, is described. In place of traditional rubber molding techniques, the seals are made by thermoforming a plastic film, preferably polyurethane, over a mold containing the nut portion of the seal and pins configured for a suitable shape for toggle or push button switches. Inexpensive stamped, threaded nuts can be employed, and this, together with reduced tooling costs and the efficiency of the method, produce extremely economical electric switch seals. The seals themselves offer unique benefits in that the thin, yet tough, plastic film does not interfere with the functioning of the switches, while providing prolonged service life under difficult conditions. Utilizing clear urethane film, the resultant seals provide clear viewing of the functioning of the switch within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Multi-Flex Seals, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton Glicksman
  • Patent number: 5664605
    Abstract: Lining tube material including a curable latent resin system for lining underground pipelines and passageways is prepared as a large supply. Measured lengths are taken from the supply as needed by measuring the length (for a particular length of passageway to be lined) followed by curing the resin of the material along a short section between the length and the remainder of the supply, and by cutting through the cured section to sever the length from the remainder of the supply leaving a cured and sealing end portion on said length by which the insertion of the length in the pipeline or passageway can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Sound Pipe, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Burnett Chandler
  • Patent number: 5660662
    Abstract: Apparatus for joining cohesive coated plastic sheets in a closed peripheral pattern with bulging of at least one sheet within the closed peripheral pattern to provide a sealed compartment containing only a gas such as air, or foam, under superatmospheric pressure. A method for forming a sealed bulging compartment containing substantially only a gas at superatmospheric pressure comprises joining two cohesive material coated sheets by engagement of said portions of said cohesive material coating at a closed periphery while causing at least one of the sheets to be bulged by gas at superatmospheric pressure. A bulging sealed cushion formed of two sheets each coated on one side with cohesive, air impervious material, at least one of the sheets being bulged outward, and containing substantially only a gas at superatmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Testone Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony O. Testone
  • Patent number: 5656719
    Abstract: A process for producing bottle preforms from the melt of polyethylene terephthalate and/or its copolyesters, includes selectively introducing an inert gas into the continuous flow or partial flow of the polyester melt from a poly-condensation having an intrinsic viscosity between 0.5 and 0.75 dl/g, subsequently bringing the melt to an acetaldehyde content below 10 ppm in a melt after-condensation reactor and to an intrinsic viscosity of 0.75 to 0.95 dl/g and thereafter guiding the melt into an injection molding tool and processing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: EMS-Inventa AG
    Inventors: Werner Stibal, Werner Kaegi, Joachim Ensinger, Klaus Nothhelfer
  • Patent number: 5653555
    Abstract: A method of lining a pipe conduit to provide superior corrosion resistance. A flexible lining hose, having a resin absorbent layer which has been introduced with a volume of high strength resin, is first positioned inside of the conduit. The lining hose is then expanded into contact with the inner diameter of the conduit by inverting a calibration hose. The calibration hose has an impermeable membrane and a layer of resin absorbent material that has been introduced with a volume of corrosion resistant resin. The calibration hose is inverted by use of fluid pressure inside the lining hose, the fluid pressure being exerted against the impermeable membrane of the calibration hose. The resin layers are then cured by the application of a heated fluid until the lining hose and the calibration hose form a unitary rigid self supporting liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Inliner, U.S.A.
    Inventor: Giulio Catallo
  • Patent number: 5653935
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a thermoplasic pipe a pipe-shaped blank having larger wall thickness and less diameter than the completed thermoplastic pipe is positioned in a cylindrical chamber. The blank is formed by being softened and expanded into engagement with the inner surface of the chamber. A sealing ring is then mounted in an end portion of the plastic pipe by positioning the sealing ring in the expanded blank and shrinking the blank around the sealing ring by heating the pipe end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Forsheda AB
    Inventor: Goran H.ang.llstedt
  • Patent number: 5637167
    Abstract: A method for post-mold attachment of a handle to a strain-oriented plastic container body. The method utilizes thermal shrinkage of the oriented container body to engage the handle; for example, a highly-oriented recess is molded in the container body and then shrunk to engage a complimentary-shaped lug on the handle. The method is useful for both hot-fillable and pasteurizable containers, and is particularly useful for making larger-sized containers, wherein the weight of the product and size of the container make handling and pouring difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Suppayan M. Krishnakumar, Wayne N. Collette, David Piccioli
  • Patent number: 5632952
    Abstract: A generally U-shaped lateral liner having a radially outwardly directed flange at its proximal end is drawn through a main pipe into a lateral pipe to be lined. A generally U-shaped main pipe liner is drawn through the main pipe to be lined, with a side wall portion overlying the radial flange of the lateral liner. Steam is supplied to reform the main liner into a generally cylindrical configuration into conformance with the interior walls of the main pipe. A pair of packers are disposed in the lined main pipe on opposite sides of the lateral pipe and a ball-like member with surface grooves is provided between the packers. Upon application of steam to the region between the packers, the steam raptures the side wall portion of the main liner, causing the ball to seat in the opening. Steam flow along the grooves at high velocity causes heat transfer to the abutting main and lateral liners to fuse the liners one to the other. Steam supplied through the grooves also reforms the lateral liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Ivan C. Mandich
  • Patent number: 5624629
    Abstract: A liner for a lateral pipe which leads into a main pipe having at one end a collar for installation at the location where the lateral liner meets the main, the collar extending along the interior of the main seating against the opening of the lateral. The liner mounted in a launching device is installed by everting the liner through an opening in the collar by means of fluid under pressure supplied through a pressure pipe in the launching device, the launcher held in position by an inflatable bladder which is inflated by said fluid, and against the collar for sealing the lateral/main pipe junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Wood
  • Patent number: 5601776
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a mould for forming an expansion, such as a socket, in a plastic pipe, and a plastic pipe. According to the method, the heated end of the pipe is placed in an external mould (2) and pressed against the mould surface (6) to form a socket. Two grooves (8, 9) can be formed in the socket by a simple method, using a mould ring (12) which is separate from the other parts (3, 4) of the mould and by means of which the grooves of the socket are formed. The ring is simultaneously locked into the socket (7), thereby functioning as a reinforcement ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventor: Ari Tuominen
  • Patent number: 5597353
    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: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Alexander, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5589131
    Abstract: A thermoplastic pipe for installation in an existing conduit is manufactured in folded form and spooled for storage. The pipe is then reheated to make it pliable for installation and pulled into the conduit for lateral periods. Steam under pressure is used to round the installed pipe. The leading end of the replacement pipe may be restricted by an end clamp which enables hot fluid to pass completely through the pipe and heat the full length, or by an inflatable plug which is displaced to the leading end of the replacement pipe after installation. Methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of the pipe include extruding heated thermoplastic pipe material through a die to form a tubular shape, shaping the resulting hot tubular plastic material in the molten state to the folded form and cooling to provide a pipe with a memory for the folded form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: NuPipe, Inc.
    Inventor: Campbell H. Steketee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5589016
    Abstract: A planar composite panel is constructed from two resin-impregnated fiber face sheet covering and bonded to the two sides of a honeycomb core element and a surrounding border element made of rigid foam board. The two planar faces of the rigid foam board are embossed with a pattern of indentations in the form of interlinked equilateral triangles which are sufficiently deep and close together to provide escape paths for volatiles generated inside the panel during curing of the resin in the face sheets by which the face sheets are bonded to the honeycomb core element and the foam board, to prevent the development of excessive pressure between the face sheets that otherwise would interfere with the bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neil L. Hoopingarner, Barry D. Matin
  • Patent number: 5587126
    Abstract: A thermoplastic liner for installation in an existing conduit is manufactured in folded form and spooled for storage. The liner is then reheated to make it pliable for installation and pulled into the conduit. Steam under pressure is used to round the installed pipe. The leading end of the liner may be restricted by an end clamp which enables hot fluid to pass completely through the pipe and heat the full length, or by an inflatable plug which is displaced to the leading end of the liner after installation. Methods and apparatus for the manufacturing of the liner include extruding heated thermoplastic pipe material through a die to form a tubular shape, shaping the extruded tubular plastic material to the folded form and cooling to provide a liner with a memory for the folded form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: NuPipe, Inc.
    Inventor: Campbell H. Steketee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5580514
    Abstract: A laminated composite material with improved interlaminar strength and damage tolerance having short rods distributed evenly throughout the composite material perpendicular to the laminae. Each rod is shorter than the thickness of the finished laminate, but several times as long as the thickness of each lamina. The laminate is made by inserting short rods in layers of prepreg material, and then stacking and curing prepreg material with rods inserted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Gary L. Farley
  • Patent number: 5575969
    Abstract: A method of attaching a clip to a tubular blow molded article and the clip, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a clip including a clip body and a clip base which is provided at a base portion of the clip body and has a hollow and a number of through-holes communicating with the hollow; inserting the clip body of the clip into a cavity formed on a molding surface of the mold such that the clip base projects from the molding surface; setting softened synthetic resin to the mold; and bringing the synthetic resin into close contact with the molding surface of the mold at a blow pressure so as to deliver the synthetic resin to the hollow and the through-holes of the clip base such that the synthetic resin is filled into the hollow and the through-holes of the clip base, whereby the synthetic resin is molded to the blow molded article having the clip projecting from its outer peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamori, Yasuhiko Onishi
  • Patent number: 5562878
    Abstract: A process for producing a skin material-laminated hollow molded article of thermoplastic resin, using a mold having, in any one or both of its fixed and movable parts, at least one fluid-ejecting pin which can be slid in a clamping direction and which has a fluid-ejecting hole at its pointed end. The process consists of fixing two sheets of a skin material having a tensile modulus at ambient temperature of 50-1,000 kg/cm.sup.2 and a tensile modulus at 80.degree. C. of 5 to 100 kg/cm.sup.2 on the parting surfaces of both the mold parts which are in the open state. A molten thermoplastic resin is fed between the skin materials in an amount of 5 to 50% by volume of the cavity volume. The fluid-ejecting pin is thrusted so that its pointed end penetrates one of the skin material sheets and comes between the skin material sheets. The mold parts are closed to wrap the molten thermoplastic resin in between the skin material sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Masahito Matsumoto, Takeo Kitayama, Satoru Funakoshi, Shigeyoshi Matubara
  • Patent number: 5556591
    Abstract: A process for potting hollow fibers within a body is disclosed wherein a bundle of hollow fibers is formed within a hollowed portion of the body such that the fibers are substantially aligned and uniformly spaced. A molten thermoplastic composition is dispensed into the body at a contact temperature below the melting point of the hollow fibers. The bundle and the body are both at a temperature which is sufficiently low enough to cause solidification of the molten composition substantially upon contact with the bundle. A pressure differential is applied to the body to assist the flow of the thermoplastic composition around each of the hollow fiber elements such that the bundle and the interior of the hollowed portion of the body are encapsulated by the thermoplastic composition thereby assuring reliable sealing between the hollow fiber elements and the interior of the hollowed portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Millipore S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Jallerat, Jean Lemonnier
  • Patent number: 5549856
    Abstract: A resin injection method and a pipeline repair method are provided for smoothly and rapidly performing setting of an open liner and for completing works such as eversion and insertion of the open liner even for a steeply inclined pipeline. An end portion of an open liner is everted such that the end is attached to one end of a pipe liner bag which has been introduced into a pipeline to be repaired. A resin is injected into the open liner from the other end thereof while the pipe liner bag is evacuated, thus injecting the resin into the pipe liner bag through the open liner. After the resin has been injected into the pipe liner bag 1 in the above-mentioned method, the open liner is everted by fluid pressure to be inserted into the pipe liner bag, whereby the resin is impregnated into the pipe liner bag. Then, the pipe liner bag is pressed against the inner wall of the pipeline 4, in which state the resin impregnated in the pipe liner bag is cured to repair the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei - Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5538680
    Abstract: A method for securing a boss to a thermoplastic liner of a pressure vessel are disclosed. A preferred method of forming the vessel includes inserting a thermoplastic projection of the liner into a mounting aperture located in the boss. The projection, which is rigidly attached to the liner, mechanically prevents rotation of the boss about a pressure chamber orifice relative to the liner. The method further includes melting and compressing the thermoplastic projection to conform it to a locking chamber in the mounting aperture. A composite case is then constructed over the thermoplastic projection, the liner, and the boss, using the liner as a mandrel. The thermoplastic liner and projection are integrally formed by blow-molding thermoplastic material into a die without any substantial use of injection-molding. A vessel constructed according to the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventor: Mark L Enders
  • Patent number: 5535901
    Abstract: In a bottle made of synthetic resin of the present invention, a handle is combined to a bottle body so that the bottle can be easily handled for carrying it and pouring the content. When the joint of the handle to the bottle body is unstable, it is difficult to handle the bottle and it will occur an accident when the handle comes off the bottle body. Therefore, in the present invention, a reinforcing structure is provided to necessary portions not to deform the joining portion of the handle to the bottle body and further a coming off-preventing mechanism is provided so that the handle does not comes off the bottle. The coming off-preventing mechanism is accomplished by a supporting projection and/or a supplementary engaging protruding portion and a supplementary engaging recess portion. To ensure the coming off-preventing mechanism, the bottle body is formed by biaxial oriented blow molding with assembly beams of the handle as an insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroichi Ishii, Takao Iizuka, Takamitsu Nozawa, Fujio Shioiri, Shinji Shimada
  • Patent number: 5534217
    Abstract: A method of making tooth belts by formation thereof about the outer peripheral surface of a building drum having a generally cylindrical configuration and a surface defining a series of parallel, tooth-shaped grooves. The belts are formed by wrapping a fabric circumferentially around the building drum and winding a cord of tensile material helically about the fabric. A layer of thermoplastic material is formed about the cord of tensile material, and a cord of shrink material is wrapped helically about the layer of thermoplastic material. The shrink material has a higher softening temperature than the thermoplastic material and will shrink at a temperature below its softening temperature. Pressurized steam is applied to the shrink material at a temperature below its softening temperature and between the softening temperature and the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny L. Thomas, Clinton L. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5533881
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a blow-molded container from a strain-hardenable polymer, the container having deep recesses for secure "post mold" attachment of a handle. The container is formed in a modified blow mold having retractable blades. The blades are partially extended for blow molding partial recesses, and then further extended for mechanically forming the deep handle recesses. The mechanical forming operation overcomes the stretch limits imposed by strain-hardening of the plastic material during blow molding, and the "post-mold" attachment of the handle provides a reduced cycle time and lower level of defects compared to the known "in-mold" handle forming operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Continental PET Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne N. Collette, Suppayan M. Krishnakumar
  • Patent number: 5534218
    Abstract: In a process for the production of a hollow body of thermoplastic material which is to include an additional portion, by expansion of a preform in a blow molding mold, the additional portion is connected to the hollow body upon expansion of the preform to form the hollow body. To form the connection between the hollow body and the additional portion, the latter is heated by a heating element which is brought into contact with at least the surface of the additional portion that is to involve the welded connection to the hollow body, prior to expansion of the preform. The heating element is brought into contact with the additional portion when already disposed in the blow molding mold in order in that way to heat at least the appropriate surface of the additional portion to a temperature which premotes the production of an adhesive join to the hollow body. The region of the additional portion that is to be heated is at least substantially covered relative to the outside atmosphere by the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Krupp Kautex Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Daubenbuchel, Alfred Jira
  • Patent number: 5520876
    Abstract: A process and a device for injection moulding plastic cups having a label-shaped enveloping sheet integrated therein according to the inmould labelling method and comprising the steps of coaxially moving a male mould and a female mould into one another for establishing thus a closed injection mould and injecting then molten plastic through an opening into said injection mould. During the opening and closing movements of the injection mould, a suction holding mandrel is adapted to be moved to a position at which it extends coaxially with the male mould and the female mould, whereupon the whole female mould is divided into a base member maintaining its instantaneous position and an advancable part, which is moved so as to cover part of the suction holding mandrel for picking up the enveloping sheet and holding, it in position by means of a suction force applied through a suction gap and which is then moved back to the base member with which it will recombine so as to establish the complete female mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Systec Engineering Knauer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Dobler
  • Patent number: 5518682
    Abstract: A composite molded wheel assembly and method of construction wherein a separately formed injection molded tread is flow melt bonded to a blow molded rim. The tread may comprise multiple tread pieces which are spaced over a tread surface. Bond enhancing grooves and/or projections may be provided on inner surfaces of the tread pieces and/or rim. The tread pieces flow melt bond to the rim during the molding of the rim. The rim includes an axle bore containing hub, a tread support wheel box and a plurality of connecting spokes and intervening web pieces. The method includes the steps of preparing and retaining the tread within the rim forming mold, introducing a parison of rim material having a melt temperature greater than the tread material, injecting pressurized air or gas to conform the rim material to the mold and tread pieces and controlling the molding cycle temperature, pressure and time parameters to promote bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventors: Floyd F. Markling, Tracy A. Markling, Robert A. Harlow
  • Patent number: 5514323
    Abstract: A method for making a fuel tank containing an internal gas removal system by introducing a breathing and/or a venting system into a blow mold for a fuel tank and subsequently blow-molding the fuel tank around these systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Solvay Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Ramioulle
  • Patent number: 5510078
    Abstract: A lining process for a pipeline or passageway employs a resin impregnated lining tube which is everted into a collapsed preliner tube in the passageway to be lined. A constraining element allows the preliner tube to expand only in the vicinity of the everting face so that a pool of resin is formed between the everting face and the preliner tuber adjacent to the constraining element. In this manner, air is prevented from communicating with the everting face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Edward P. Smith, Graham F. Towers
  • Patent number: 5510067
    Abstract: A method of producing a plastic pin, including a bowling pin, having a cellular and/or porous core that is surrounded by a solid-walled, noncellular and nonporous shell. The shell is initially produced as a whole body in a mold. While the material of the shell is not yet hardened and is still deformable, an insert is introduced into the narrowed neck portion of the shell, in a direction axial relative thereto, in such a way that the insert displaces an inner layer of the shell, dividing the hollow interior of the shell into an upper and a lower chamber and producing a fixed connection with the material of the shell. Material for the core, with such material being provided with an expanding agent, is then introduced into the shell, and after the shell and the core have set, the mold is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventors: Arnold Jager, Andreas Jager, Sebastian Jager
  • Patent number: 5500179
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire harness protector (2), which can reduce the manufacturing cost with excellent productivity. A resin material is employed to form a hollow compact (1) by numerically controlled (NC) blow molding. Then, the as-formed hollow compact (1) is cut with a laser beam to remove unnecessary portions, thereby manufacturing a solid wire harness protector (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Onishi, Takashi Yamamori, Youzou Yamashita, Ichiro Suzuki, Toshiya Aoyama
  • Patent number: 5498389
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining a branch pipe is provided which can directly achieve an air-tight connection between a pressure bag and a branch pipe liner bag in a simple structure without employing a conventionally required sealed tube. An open end of the pressure bag is attached to a set nozzle made of a magnetic material coupled to a work robot which is movably installed in a main pipe. A branch pipe liner bag, impregnated with a thermosetting resin, is placed inside the pressure bag. The liner bag has a flange which includes a magnetic plate so as to be magnetically connected to the set nozzle by a magnetic force of a magnet provided for the work robot. With the flange being closely contacted to the inner wall of the main pipe around a branch pipe opening, compressed air is supplied into the pressure bag to evert and insert the branch pipe liner bag into a branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh
  • Patent number: 5490964
    Abstract: A method for repairing a tubular conduit by lining the inner wall of the tubular conduit with a tubular liner bag impregnated with thermosetting liquid resin, having the steps of: (a) everting the tubular liner bag in the tubular conduit; (b) closing the open end of the tubular liner bag with a stationary lid thereby forming a closed space inside the tubular liner bag and the lid; (c) inserting a heat-resistive hose into the closed space through the lid; (d) inflating the tubular liner bag by charging a pressurized fluid into the closed space; and (e) supplying hot water via the heat-resistive hose to thereby heat and harden the liner bag; wherein the heat-resistive hose is slidably inserted through the lid, and is connected to the lid via a flexible inflatable sealing device such that when the pressurized fluid is charged into the closed space the sealing device is pressed to inflate externally from the lid thereby forcing the heat-resistive hose to slide externally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET, Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh
  • Patent number: 5486332
    Abstract: A tubular liner bag is everted into a pipe to line the same, by first attaching an air hose end to the uneverted liner bag and then everting the tubular liner bag by water pressure provided into the manhole to the pipe. The head of the tubular liner bag is turned toward the pipe entrance when the head of the liner bag hits the inner wall of the pipe, and the tubular liner bag is everted into the pipe. The eversion is then stopped and the everted tubular liner bag is deformed to a J-shape with its head portion corresponding to the toe of the J-shape. Compressed air at a pressure not substantially greater than the pressure required to force the tubular liner bag to evert then exists in the toe section of the tubular liner bag but does not exist in the long-leg section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusyo K.K., Yokoshima & Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5474823
    Abstract: A pipe liner bag is provided for reliably lining a pipe into which water may penetrate. The pipe liner bag has a double layer structure including an inner layer of a tubular nonwoven fabric made of fine yarn of three deniers or less and an outer layer of a tubular nonwoven fabric made of fat yarn of 3-15 deniers. The tubular nonwoven fabric constituting the inner layer is impregnated with highly viscous and thixotropic hardenable resin mixed with granule fillers of a small diameter, while the tubular nonwoven fabric constituting the outer layer is impregnated with hardenable resin mixed with granule filler of a large diameter. After the pipe liner bag is everted and inserted into a pipe to be repaired by fluid pressure, the hardenable resin impregnated in the pipe liner bag is cured while maintaining the internal pressure thereof constant. When this pipe liner bag is used to repair a pipe from which a branch pipe is branched off, it can be integrated with a branch pipe liner bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5466093
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from the interior or a duct by the introduction within the duct of a tube having a coating of a curable, strippable resin using an everting/inverting membrane assembly. The coated tube is contained within the inverted membrane assembly and urged against the walls of the duct as the membrane is everted. The coated tube extends through an open end of the duct and is secured to the duct to retain the tube within the duct. The membrane is again inverted for the resin to cure and adhere contaminants to the tube. Another membrane assembly is then everted with the tube, the tube is secured to the membrane assembly, and withdrawn within the membrane as the membrane is inverted from within the duct. The contaminants are contained with the inverted membrane for analysis or disposal. In one embodiment, a towing membrane assembly is inserted through a second open end of the duct and attached to the tube-carrying membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Patent number: 5456787
    Abstract: A method for making a hydropneumatic accumulator with a replaceable bladder for an active vehicle suspension comprising the steps chemically treating a resilient single layer bladder with a gas to provide imperviousness of a compressible gas through the bladder, bonding a spherical bumper to a closed end of the bladder, engaging an inward facing seal portion extending around an "open mouth" portion of the bladder with an external groove extending around a cylindrical cap to close off the "open mouth" portion, slideably mounting the cap and said bladder in the interior of an accumulator housing to divide the housing into a first sealed chamber for a hydraulic liquid and a second sealed chamber for a compressible gas; and engaging a detachable ring with a groove in the interior of the accumulator housing to retain the cover and the bladder in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: J. E. Miles, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Edgar Myles
  • Patent number: 5454997
    Abstract: An appliance door particularly suited for use as a refrigerator or freezer door includes a hollow, blow molded door slab, and a food storage shell or casing projecting from one wall of the slab. The parts forming the shell are prepared in a first step, e.g., by blow molding, and then are removably mounted as inserts in registering recesses formed in the bottom of the cavity of one of two plates or sections forming the mold for the door slab. The two mold sections are then closed over a tubular, plastic parison which is then inflated to form in the mold the hollow door slab, portions of one wall of which mold over and around a series of male projections which extend into the mold cavity from the mold inserts, thus causing the shell to be molded to and to project from the slab upon subsequent opening of the mold sections and removal of the slab therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventors: James Karlin, David G. Bank
  • Patent number: 5451351
    Abstract: A lining and method for in situ rehabilitation of a pipe. The lining includes a tubular shaped resin impregnated composite having a conductive layer surrounding an inflatable bladder. The method includes the steps of positioning the lining within a pipe section, inflating the bladder until the lining is in contiguous contact with the interior of the pipe and inducing an electric current through the conductive layer to resistively heat the lining and cure the impregnated resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Composite Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Blackmore
  • Patent number: 5445783
    Abstract: A method of securing a member to the interior of a blow-molded article including the steps of extruding a pliable tubular parison having interior and exterior surfaces; positioning the member within the parison; and contacting the member with the interior parison surface. A movable blow-pin urges the member against the parison wall. The member has a recessed attaching surface that interlocks with the parison wall to form a secure attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Truly R. Irish, Daniel J. Kmiecik
  • Patent number: 5443784
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for simultaneously molding separate portions of an article which may be subsequently assembled to form the complete separable article. Apparatus for carrying out the method includes separate mold portions which, when assembled, define a molding cavity in which each of the mold portions has an outwardly extending flange. The mold portions are fastened together such that the flanges are spaced apart a distance at least twice as great ad the thickness of the article to be molded. The mold portions extend along a longitudinal axis and each defines a molding surfaces which extends around the axis less than 360.degree.. When the mold portions are assembled, the molding surfaces extend completely around the longitudinal axis. The mold also includes silicone bead elements extending along the longitudinal axis in the space between the spaced apart flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs D'Aviation (S.N.E.C.A.)
    Inventors: Eric P. G. Celerier, Philippe Henrio
  • Patent number: 5443767
    Abstract: An injection molding process for making a multiple layer, plastic structure. A plastic sleeve is placed and then enclosed in a mold cavity. A flowing heated plastic is conducted into the mold cavity, radially inside the sleeve, and forced radially outward against the sleeve. The flowing plastic forces the sleeve outward and forms, with the sleeve, an integrally bonded laminated structure. The mold is opened and the plastic structure is removed, and this structure may then be reformed to form a container particularly suitable for containing beverages, foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: PepsiCo., Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Cahill
  • Patent number: 5407630
    Abstract: A method for lining a passageway which includes providing a plurality of tube sections connected end to end, pulling a first tube section through the passageway in a collapsed condition and thereafter everting a second tube section into the interior of said collapsed first tube section to cause it to expand outwardly toward the interior walls of said passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) BV
    Inventor: Edward P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5407610
    Abstract: In a method for molding a sheet which includes thermosetting resin materials reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber, the sheet includes a covering film always existing in a side which is not in contact with a mold face and, when the sheet and covering film are shaped along a mold face and the sheet is thermally cured, apparatus for dealing with an accidental breakage of the covering film is arranged on the side of the sheet which is covered by said covering film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippon Shokubai Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Kohama, Hiromi Tanaka, Ryoichi Yugami, Tomohisa Abe, Daisuke Atobe, Hidemitsu Takizawa, Kenichi Ueda, Yuji Inagaki
  • Patent number: 5399301
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding a replacement thermoplastic pipe installed within an existing conduit is provided. A pipe expansion apparatus having a flexible substantially cylindrical bladder and a relief valve to inflate the bladder to a predetermined gauge pressure and allow fluid to exit the expansion apparatus and fill and pressurize the area behind the apparatus is inserted within the collapsed pipe. Fluid, such as cold water, is introduced into the apparatus to inflate the inflatable section to conform substantially to the interior diameter and configuration of the existing conduit. As the area behind the expander fills with pressurized fluid, the expansion apparatus is pushed forward, thereby pushing and expanding the replacement pipe up against the interior of the existing conduit. Steam is injected ahead of the apparatus to maintain the replacement pipe in a heated flexible condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventors: Hernan R. Menendez, Douglas K. Chick, Joseph Alexander
  • Patent number: 5395472
    Abstract: A method for installing plastic liners in pipes includes the steps of providing a plurality of cylindrical tubular liners of plastic material of predetermined diameters. Ribs extend radially between the liners. The liners are deformed or collapsed to reduced overall diameters. The liners are introduced into the pipe. The cylindrical shapes of the liners in the pipe are then restored with the ribs spacing the liners one from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Ivan C. Mandich
  • Patent number: 5393481
    Abstract: The lining of a lateral pipe which leads into a main pipe is achieved by everting a resin impregnated tubular lining through an elbow in the main pipe, eversion being accomplished by a fluid under pressure supplied through a pressure pipe, the elbow being held in position by an inflatable bag which is inflated by said fluid, the bag sealing the lateral/main pipe junction, and the bag being such that at least one additional pressure pipe may extend past the seal arrangement so that at the same time that the first mentioned lateral lining is curing a second lateral may be similarly lined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) BV
    Inventor: Eric Wood