By Attaching Repair Preform, E.g., Remaking, Restoring, Or Patching Patents (Class 29/402.09)
  • Patent number: 8240046
    Abstract: Methods for making near net shape airfoil metal leading edge protective strips including providing a high temperature additive manufacturing device; providing a tooling system having a mandrel; a metallic cladding applied to the mandrel; and at least one cooling channel associated with the mandrel applying a metallic deposit to the mandrel having the metallic cladding using the high temperature additive manufacturing device; and concurrently removing heat from the mandrel using the at least one cooling channel to produce the near net shape airfoil metal leading edge protective strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Peretti, Timothy Trapp
  • Patent number: 8234765
    Abstract: A method of repairing the surface of a formwork panel made of plastic. The invention provides for a surface coating of the formwork panel to be removed by machining, for example by a milling cutter, and for the formwork panel to be recoated with the same thickness as the removed surface coating. For the repair, the formwork panel can remain in its frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Alkus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Dingler
  • Publication number: 20120180651
    Abstract: A transmission system and method of repair having a transmission servo rod received within a transmission housing bore, the rod having an aperture disposed along an exterior surface of the rod, configured to receive transmission fluid from a port within the transmission housing bore, a first recessed groove in the exterior surface of the rod disposed above the aperture; a second recessed groove in the exterior surface of the rod disposed below the aperture; and a first and second resilient sealing member received within the first and second recessed grooves, respectively, the resilient sealing members configured to engage an inner surface of the transmission housing bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew J. Wanie
  • Patent number: 8220124
    Abstract: A restoration process for restoring surface porosity defects on a component surface. The areas of a component surface having surface porosity defects are identified for restoration. The restoration surface is subsequently sprayed with a restoration spray to restore the surface porosity defects. The component surface is then finished to create a final component substantially free of surface porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Morasch, Douglas M. Woehlke, Kevin R. Anderson, Raymond J. Donahue
  • Publication number: 20120167365
    Abstract: The invention features an encapsulating device and system to contain a fluid or substance spilled during a blowout of a pipe at subsea level. The system features a semi-circular housing that fits underneath the flange of a pipe. A heater is provided inside the housing. The system features a tri-flange system having flanges on the top and sides of the housing. The side flanges are closed and sealed and then the top flange is closed. Side flanges divert pressure in the system. The system discloses arms and sealants to aid in sealing the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Rimi
  • Publication number: 20120159760
    Abstract: A novel reinforcement system for maximizing tensile strength and modulus of elasticity per ply for composite systems has one or more pockets with a first pocket edge, a second pocket edge, a pocket front surface, and a pocket rear surface. The pocket front surface and the pocket rear surface each have a pocket cross-stitch that perpendicularly traverses the pocket. The pocket traverses the fabric parallel and adjacent to the first fabric edge and the second fabric edge in a warp, or 0 degree, or x-axis direction. The pockets contain one or more fiber tows with a plurality of filaments in a stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: James J. Butler
  • Patent number: 8177310
    Abstract: The field-repair assembly is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged elastomeric track mounted on a vehicle and generally allows the vehicle to proceed, preferably on its own, to a maintenance site located nearby where replacement or permanent repair of the track can be undertaken. The assembly comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel support members, each of which being generally transversely disposed on the ground engaging outer surface of the track. The transverse members are secured to each side of the track via retention brackets. The transverse members are further linked together via flexible cables which are fixedly mounted to retention brackets. The assembly further comprises a bridging element generally mounted to a subset of the transverse members. The bridging element is generally located over the damaged area of the track and on the outer surface thereof for providing continuity and support to the damaged track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Rémi Breton, Robert Bessette
  • Publication number: 20120115673
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a fast way to adjust endplay on output shaft without removing entire output shaft gear train assembly. One embodiment of the present invention is to place the shims in new location between the outer most ring gear hub and the ring gear stop on the output shaft. The new shims will have spines so they can be placed between the output stop and the ring rear hub. Another embodiment of the present invention, a preferred method to adjust endplay is to use a @ Torrington thrust bearing between the transmission case and output shaft. This will prevent reoccurring endplay adjustments from wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Luther Preston Deans
  • Patent number: 8156649
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine hot gas component repair method for defects that do not extend through the thickness of the component is provided. First defects are removed by machining a cavity in the surface of a component. Coupons, fittable within the cavities are manufactured, are for example coated with brazing medium on an inner surface and then joined to the component by joining means such as laser metal forming. The joint holds the coupon during later heat treatment, thereby eliminating a need for holding aids. Before heat treatment, a further brazing medium can be applied to the surface of the coupon overlapping onto the component. A single heat treatment, brazing the coupon to the component and, brazing the brazing medium to the outer surface of the coupon can, then be used to complete the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Simone Hövel, Alexander Stankowski, Günter Ambrosy, Matthias Hoebel, Alexander Schnell, Hans Bissig, Rainer Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20120084956
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and assembly for repairing a pipe or the junction of two pipes, such as sewer pipes. The assembly includes a launcher device having a launcher device body, a launcher device opening disposed on the launcher device body, and a main bladder substantially surrounding the launcher device body. The main bladder includes an opening that substantially aligns with the launcher device opening. The assembly further includes an absorbent liner and a lateral bladder having a tubular lateral bladder body portion and a flange portion. The flange portion of the lateral bladder is attached to the exterior of the launcher device body. A method of using the assembly includes impregnating the liner with resinous material; inserting at least a portion of the liner into the lateral bladder; inflating the bladders; pressing the liner against the pipe; and allowing the resinous material to cure and harden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Larry W. Kiest, JR.
  • Patent number: 8141239
    Abstract: A system for changing sleeves that can be pushed onto ink transfer roller cores of a printing machine includes at least one magazine, at least one travel device, and a drive. The magazine includes at least one sleeve mounting device that is movable relative to a frame of the magazine. The travel device is connectable to the magazine so that the magazine is movable in the vertical and/or horizontal direction. The drive, which is a component of the travel device, provides a drive force or drive torque to move the sleeve mounting device relative to the frame of the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher KG
    Inventor: Guenter Rogge
  • Patent number: 8127419
    Abstract: An environmentally responsible system and method of reusing discarded guardrail materials to provide affordable, high-strength barriers and fencing. Discarded guardrails, guardrail posts, and guardrail blockouts are resized and reconfigured to provide barriers for use in alternative applications, such as agrifencing, where the high-strength, durability, and low cost of these formerly DOT-approved guardrail materials provide superior performance to wood and thin metal barriers. The invention also greatly increases the return on investment of state DOTs by providing an aftermarket for used guardrail materials, thereby allowing state DOTs to recover much of the initial costs, which can then be used to offset future costs in order facilitate more highway improvement projects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Cecil Calton, Terry Francis Jordan
  • Patent number: 8127442
    Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine engine component is provided. The method broadly comprises the steps of providing a turbine engine component having an airfoil portion, applying a coating to the airfoil portion, and restoring a tip portion, a chord, and surfaces of the airfoil portion to original dimensions in a single operation. A system for repairing the turbine engine component is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Mullooly, William M. Rose, David R. Malley, Monika D. Kinstler
  • Patent number: 8117724
    Abstract: A method for joining fluid carrying steel pipes together including the following steps. Identifying a subject pipe section to be replaced and intercepting the fluid flow by fastening stoppers inside of pipe portions upstream and downstream from the subject pipe section. Removing the subject pipe section, leaving in place upstream and downstream pipe portions. Inserting along each of the first and second pipe portions a protective stopper and chamfering the edges of those pipe portions and then mounting first and second sliding sleeves with sealing rings thereover. Removing the protective stoppers from the pipe portions and positioning between those pipe portions a new connection piece. Displacing the first and second sliding sleeves onto the connection piece so that sealing rings are arranged on the connection piece and fixing the sliding sleeves to the pipe portions and to the connection piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hera S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Volta, Diego Gallerani
  • Patent number: 8112888
    Abstract: A support clamp assembly for mechanically securing a thermal sleeve to an elbow conduit in a jet pump of a nuclear reactor vessel, the support clamp assembly including: a tension shaft having a first end extendable through an opening in a sidewall of the elbow conduit and an opposite end with a head; a cruciform assembly having a base with an opening to receive the tension shaft and to abut the head of the shaft, wherein the cruciform assembly seats in the thermal sleeve; a boss slidable over the first end of the tension shaft and having a curved surface seating an outside surface of the elbow conduit, and a coupling device engaging the first end of the tension shaft and abutting the boss, wherein the coupling device places the tension shaft under tension to secure the cruciform assembly to the thermal sleeve and the boss to the elbow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventor: Grant Clark Jensen
  • Patent number: 8108979
    Abstract: A method of repairing a part, which has a first side, a second side opposite of the first side, and an aperture that makes the part susceptible to cracking, includes the steps of forming a slot in the first side of the part near the aperture, inserting a stiffener into the slot, and attaching at least one repair ply onto the first side of the part to cover the stiffener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel M. Stadtlander, William F. Bogue, Michael J. Madel, Jr., Brian K. Holland
  • Publication number: 20120014634
    Abstract: Repairs of clocks with worn wheel pivots may be made with a ball bearing pivot wheel support system. The system may utilize a standard sized ball bearing and a bushing in frictional engagement with an inner race of the ball bearing. The bushing may be bored to provide frictional engagement with the pivot wheel so that the pivot wheel may rotate without relative motion between the wheel pivot and the bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: MARK BUTTERWORTH
  • Patent number: 8091229
    Abstract: A procedure for repairing subsurface defects in a shell member laminate of a wind turbine blade includes detecting the location and boundary of the subsurface defect and drilling a fill hole from an external surface of the laminate into the defect proximate to a boundary of the defect. A vent hole is drilled from the external surface of the laminate into the defect proximate to an opposite boundary from the fill hole. A flowable bonding material is injected into the fill hole until the bonding material flows from the vent hole. The repair zone is reinforced with at least one mechanical fastener defined through the laminate either within the boundary of the defect or outboard of the boundary of the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Deak, Scott Gabell Riddell
  • Publication number: 20110305409
    Abstract: A self-supporting bladder that can be installed into existing storage tanks, particularly into underground storage tanks and a method of forming a double walled tank using the same. This self-supporting bladder serves as the inner wall, utilizing the existing tank as the outer wall of a double wall system, or can provide a double wall system such as through the use of an insert placed in the bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: David D. Russell
  • Patent number: 8074333
    Abstract: A method to avoid discarding a worn non-adjusting clutch cover by converting the worn non-adjusting clutch cover to an adjusting clutch cover for re-use. First, the convex portion of the non-adjusting cover is adapted to receive an adjusting ring having the embodiments of the adjusting rings known in the art. The convex portion is cleaned by taking about 0.20-0.030 of one inch depth from an inner surface of the convex portion. A threaded wall is defined in the inner surface such that the adjusting ring having an externally threaded surface can be threadably coupled to the internally threaded surface of the inner surface of the convex portion. An adjuster aperture is drilled through the cover to receive a ring adjuster that engages the adjusting ring for positional adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Scott A. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20110283502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sealing means made of a plastically deformable material for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses (2) of elastic material by means of an appliance having at least two jaws, at least one of which is movable towards and away from the other and which, when moving towards each other, crimp the sealing means against the hose (2) for contamination-tight sealing of the same, the sealing means (20) comprises at least one sealing member (4, 4?; 44, 44?; 64, 64?; 74, 74?; 84), which has two opposite ends and an opening (40, 40?) that extends between said ends to allow the at least one sealing member to be slipped onto the hose (2) to be sealed. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a sealing means and an appliance for sealing of hollow hoses and to a method for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Alf Lofving, Jan Davidsson, Anders Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8056204
    Abstract: An extraction apparatus (40) for the removal of a riveted fastener (12) from a structure (10) includes a shaft (42) and a cutting element (62). The cutting element (62) is mechanically coupled to the shaft (42) and is configured to cut a portion of the riveted fastener (12). The shaft (42) and the cutting element (62) are configured for insertion through an inner channel (24) of the riveted fastener (12). A method of replacing the riveted fastener (12) from the structure (10) includes inserting the extraction apparatus (40) through the inner channel (24). The extraction apparatus (40) is rotated. A portion of the riveted fastener (12) that extends through the structure (10) is removed. A head (20) of the riveted fastener (12) is also removed from the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John F. Suarez, Bradley G. Weiskittel
  • Patent number: 8056202
    Abstract: A system is provided for refitting a tire system on a compact tractor which typically comes equipped with a set of industrial tires mounted on standard industrial size wheels. A set of replacement agricultural tires or turf tires is provided. The replacement tires are sized to fit on the standard industrial size wheels while having rolling circumferences substantially equal to rolling circumferences of standard agricultural tires or turf tires, respectively, for the compact tractor in question. The industrial tires are replaced with the replacement agricultural tires or turf tires without changing at least the front wheels on the compact tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Allen, Jeffery L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8051544
    Abstract: A method of replacing an electrical insulator on a conductor-supporting tower includes the steps of providing an elongate beam spanning the tower between a work site and a helicopter accessible site, a trolley movable on the beam between the sites and an insulator cradle detachably supported by the trolley for supporting the insulator during transport between the sites and to and from the tower via helicopter. The cradle is a partially peripherally enclosed, open-topped structure having a floor, an upstanding rear wall, peripheral walls sloping downwardly from the rear wall to a front wall, an opening in the front wall, an elongate slot in the floor extending rearwardly from the opening, the slot having a width greater than the diameter of an insulator shank but less than the diameter of an insulator skirt, the dimensions of the floor allowing an insulator skirt to lie flat thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Haverfield International Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Graham
  • Patent number: 8020270
    Abstract: The apparatus requires a replacement board capable of replacing the existing bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Elwell
  • Patent number: 8015695
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for internally reinstating a connection in a lined conduit is provided. The connection may be a branch pipe or corporation stop that may or may not protrude into the conduit. It may be milled prior to lining. The process includes the step of locating the connection visually or with a probe, such as all eddy current probe. forming at an opening in the lining at the connection and then installing a T-nut with a sealing gasket facing the liner to hold the liner in place and form a seal between the T-nut and liner and the connection. The apparatus includes a motor coupled to a turntable with drive to install the T-nut and a supply of T-nuts mounted on a slide for loading the T-nuts onto the drive for installation of the T-nuts without having to remove the assembly between each installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: INA Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: Richard C. Polivka, Keith B. Oxner, Stephen B. Heuiser
  • Patent number: 8011077
    Abstract: A method of retrofitting a steering knuckle of an amphibious vehicle to make the knuckle and axle assembly water-tight includes the steps of providing a neoprene rubber boot; attaching a flange to an axle of the vehicle; clamping one end of the boot to the flange; clamping the other end of the boot to the steering knuckle; and attaching a steering stop to either the axle or the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ride the Ducks International, LLC
    Inventor: Robert McDowell
  • Patent number: 8006380
    Abstract: A method of replacing a damaged blade (12A) of an integrally bladed rotor assembly (10) including a disc (14) and a plurality of blades (12) extending outwardly from the disc (14) includes the steps of; removing the damaged blade (12A) to leave a blade stub (16) projecting from the disc (14); depositing a collar (22) of metal around the blade stub (16) at a position physically separated from the disc (14); attaching a replacement blade (12B) to the stub (16) by linear friction welding; and removing the collar (22). A body (20) of a material may be deposited between the disc (14) and the collar (22) to protect the disc (14) from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Martin Rawson, Andrew T Webster
  • Publication number: 20110197413
    Abstract: A new apparatus for repairing a damaged portion of a pipe includes a liner having a tubular sleeve of resin absorbent material that includes a plastic film laminated to an exterior surface of the sleeve. The plastic film contains resinous material in the liner, and is modified to breech the integrity of the plastic film and expose the resinous material to a junction of a main and lateral pipe. A method of lining a junction of a main and lateral pipe using the liner is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110177309
    Abstract: A patch for a structure has a rework area with an inconsistency formed therein. The patch comprises a patch body having at least two regions including a fail-safe region and a safe-life region encompassing the fail-safe region. The safe-life region has a mode I interlaminar fracture toughness that is less than the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of the fail-safe region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Eugene Dan-Jumbo, Russell Lee Keller, Everett A. Westerman
  • Patent number: 7971330
    Abstract: A method of repairing a vessel bottom head penetration of a nuclear reactor is presented, said penetration comprising a tube fastened to the internal wall of the vessel bottom head by an internal weld bead and emerging outside the vessel bottom head, forming a groove. The method consists inter alia in preparing a mock-up representative of the vessel bottom head penetration to be repaired and in depositing this mock-up on site in an irradiation-free zone, in fastening two half-inserts to this mock-up in the groove, each half-insert having a profile corresponding to the half-profile of the groove, in forming, again on this mock-up, automatically and by remote control, a weld bead in the groove, in carrying out a dimensional check and, after validation of this weld bead, in carrying out the steps of fastening the two half-inserts and forming a weld bead automatically, directly in the groove of the vessel bottom head penetration to be repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Areva NP
    Inventors: Michel Cullafroz, Pierre Croutaz
  • Patent number: 7966707
    Abstract: A method for forming or remanufacturing a component to have an internal space. A refractory metal blocking element is formed, in situ, with at least a portion to be within the internal space. A material is added by at least one of welding, laser cladding, and diffusion brazing, the blocking element at least partially blocking entry of the material to the internal space. The blocking element is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward R. Szela, Norman Pietruska
  • Patent number: 7963014
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a piece of equipment having a flexible track assembly is disclosed and may include disassembling an existing idler shaft from an idler gear and from at least one bearing block attached to the piece of equipment. The method may also include attaching a sleeve within the opening of the idler gear. A new idler shaft may then be positioned within an opening of at least one of the bearing blocks and within an opening in the sleeve. The new idler shaft and idler gear being configured such that the new idler shaft, idler gear, and sleeve rotate together. The method may then include placing at least one bushing liner within the opening of at least one bearing block and attaching a retaining device to at least one end of the new idler shaft to retain the new idler shaft axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Bradberry, Chris Peralta, Leeland Boday
  • Publication number: 20110138574
    Abstract: A hinge arm having a hinge pin hole having a worn bore, for example a hinge arm of a hinge assembly of an access door on a gas turbine engine, is repaired by forming in the worn hinge arm a new hole with a keyway extending outwardly from the new hole. A keyed bushing is provided having a cylindrical body having a central bore extending axially therethrough and a key extending outwardly from the cylindrical hole. The keyed bushing is inserted into the new hole and keyway formed in the hinge arm thereby preventing rotation of the bushing relative to the hinge arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William Bogue, Michael J. Madel
  • Patent number: 7934315
    Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged notch fillet radius of a turbine blade shroud includes a replacement notch fillet radius and a hardface nugget. The damaged notch fillet radius is blended out and a hardface structure positioned proximate the damaged notch fillet radius is removed. A replacement notch fillet radius is formed with weld filler and the hardface nugget is welded to at least a portion of the replacement notch fillet radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Milleville
  • Patent number: 7934303
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump can be remanufactured to save the investment in its components that are not seriously worn or failed. Some of the worn components, such as the pump barrel and yoke, can be salvaged by replacing or rebuilding the worn features. In particular, a worn internal spline on the pump barrel can be replaced by a spline insert that is threaded to the pump barrel and includes a new internal spline. A worn actuation tab on a yoke for contacting an actuating piston can be replaced by adding a new tab wear button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Usama Y. Awwad, Trent A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7921533
    Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GE Energy (USA) LLC
    Inventors: John Corwyn Groen, John D. Winter
  • Patent number: 7913369
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of compacted powder elements. More specifically, the improvement of tooling for powder compaction equipment, and the processes for making such tooling. The improvement comprises the use of a ceramic tip or similar component in high wear areas of the tooling, particularly center pins. Moreover, the use of such ceramic components enables reworking and replacement of the worn tool components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Blue Sky Vision Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Luka Gakovic
  • Publication number: 20110063851
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide retrofit light fixture assemblies that can be added to existing light fixtures, thereby providing many of the advantages of the newer lighting technology without the time consumption or expense of completely swapping out existing light fixtures while also minimizing the amount of materials to be disposed of. In a first aspect, the invention includes a light fixture assembly having a reflector, a lamp holder, a ballast, and lamp-socket-ballast electrical connectors. The reflector can be adapted to couple to a light fixture housing. The reflector can include an exposed side and a non-exposed side, a downward-reflecting section, and a first lamp-socket aperture in the downward-reflecting section. The lamp holder can be physically attached to the non-exposed side of the reflector. The lamp holder can include a first lamp socket that is configured to receive a first lamp through the first lamp-socket aperture of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: SHER LIGHTING LLC
    Inventor: Sherry Yager
  • Patent number: 7874053
    Abstract: An assembly of a frame and doors with a lifting device to position the assembly in an open end of a storage container for conversion to access from opposing ends, the frame including side plates and end plates that abut respective side walls and end edges of end of the storage container from which an end panel is removed, and the lifting device attached to the assembly to hold the assembly in the end while rigidly connecting the assembly to the storage container. A method of converting a storage container for dual opposing access is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: John Stangel
  • Publication number: 20110010907
    Abstract: A system and method for repairing the damaged portion of a flow-line of a Corrugated Metal Pipe is disclosed. A containment mold is created on the interior surface of the CMP using a series of overlapping rigid sheets that are attached to the CMP along the damaged flow-line. This mold is provided with injection ports through which a hydro-insensitive expanding polymer may be injected. External pressure is applied to the rigid sheet during injection and hardening of the polymer. The result is a single monolithic structure forming a patch over the damaged CMP flow-line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Roger Michael Bennett
  • Patent number: 7866020
    Abstract: A method for repairing a crack in an electromechanical rotor (10), including forming a plurality of slots (12) on a periphery of a core portion (11) of an electromechanical rotor (10) along an axial direction thereof; inserting coils into the slots (12), respectively; forming a plurality of wedges for maintaining the coils in the slots (12), respectively; and forming a cut hole (20) at the core portion (11) from an outer surface of the core portion (11) so as to remove at least a deeper area of a crack created at the core portion (11) at a contacting surface between the corresponding wedge and the corresponding slot (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koji Matsuyama, Hideki Chiba, Hiromichi Ito, Yomei Yoshioka, Kazuhiro Saito, Yasuo Kabata, Ryoji Nagano, Hiroaki Koinuma, Kaname Hirai, Toshio Kitajima
  • Patent number: 7827689
    Abstract: A new, faster and more efficient process to replace heating walls and ceilings in coke oven batteries. Thus, when replaced, at least one heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large size modular cast modules from end to end and the ceiling adjacent the heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large modular cast blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Vanocur Refractories, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James D. Crane, Robert A. Bloom
  • Patent number: 7810237
    Abstract: A method is for repairing and/or modifying component parts of a gas turbine. First, at least one, particularly damaged section of the component part that is to be repaired is cut out of the component part. In addition, if it does not exist, a data record is generated for a replacement part that is to be produced. The replacement part is subsequently produced with the aid of a rapid manufacturing process. Subsequently, the replacement part produced is integrated into the component part that is to be repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Anja Lange, Jens Lange, Uwe Schulze
  • Publication number: 20100213290
    Abstract: A method repair for reducing fretting of a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine, including attaching at least one stiffening element to an outer surface of a portion of a stem member of the fuel nozzle, with a size and shape of the at least one stiffening element being selected such that a first natural frequency of the fuel nozzle with the at least one stiffening element attached thereto is outside the engine running frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Saeid OSKOOEI, Nicholas Hope
  • Patent number: 7779539
    Abstract: A method for preventing broken circuits of an FPC is provided, which is to attach a film to a surface of the FPC so as to enhance the strength of the FPC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Hui-Ping Chen, Chien-Chung Chen, Yu-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 7774925
    Abstract: A method is provided for filling a hollow structure with metal foam. A mixture is made of a metal powder and a foaming agent. An electric resistance heating wire is provided and the mixture is consolidated into a solid preformed charge with the wire embedded in the charge and extending from the ends thereof. The preformed charge is placed into the hollow structure and electric current is applied to the resistance heating wire so that the metal powder is melted and the foaming agent foams the melted metal to fill the hollow structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Asim Tewari, Anil K. Sachdev, Srinivas Subbarao
  • Patent number: 7770291
    Abstract: Disclosed is an internal combustion engine component (1) which is made of an aluminum alloy and comprises at least one area (2) that is subjected to a great thermal load during operation of the internal combustion engine. Said area (2) that is subjected to a great thermal load is small compared to the entire component (1) and is provided with an alloy composition which is modified in relation to the entire component (1) in such a way that the area (2) that is subjected to a great thermal load has a greater breaking elongation than the entire component (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Claus, Roberto De Zolt, Reiner Heigl, Wolf Saeltzer
  • Patent number: 7761989
    Abstract: A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes the steps of repairing one of a suction side or a pressure side of the component; repairing internal geometry of the component after one of the suction side or the pressure side of the component is repaired; and repairing the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component after the internal geometry of the component is repaired, wherein a backing material is utilized to preserve the internal geometry of the component when the other of the suction side and the pressure side of the component is being repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew J. Lutz, John Finn
  • Patent number: 7761966
    Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged probe from a probe card comprising the steps of removing the damaged probe from the probe card, separating one a plurality of replacement probes from a substrate and installing the one probe separated from the plurality of replacement probes where the damaged probe was removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Touchdown Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lakshmikanth Namburi, Raffi Garabedian