By Attaching Repair Preform, E.g., Remaking, Restoring, Or Patching Patents (Class 29/402.09)
  • Patent number: 6591470
    Abstract: A framework of magnet pods and beams or strongbacks can be quickly and easily assembled to plug a leak in a ferromagnetic container wall. The magnet pods are located on either side of the leak. One or more beams extend between the magnet pods. Each magnet pod has a yoke with plural holes therethrough. The yoke loosely receives the beam. Each beam has lines of holes therethrough all along the beam length. The plurality of holes in the yokes and beams simplifies the alignment of at least one set of holes between the yoke and beam, wherein a pin is inserted to couple the beam to the magnet pod. A clamp is pinned to the beam so as to be adjacent to the leak. The clamp is tightened to exert removable pressure on a patch over the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Trident Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Buren T. Palmer, II
  • Patent number: 6584664
    Abstract: A sliding door repair apparatus to facilitate horizontal sliding movement of a preinstalled sliding door having one or more defectively sliding wheel(s) being supported on a lower track. The repair apparatus includes at least one vertically adjustable rigid bracket attached to the sliding door and at least one repair roller attached to the bracket such that the repair roller is situated in moveable contact with and atop the lower track and supports at least a portion of the weight of the sliding door thereby transferring the weight from the defective wheel(s) within the door thereby facilitating the sliding of the door along the lower track without the necessity of removing or disassembly of the sliding door and without having to remove, replace or repair the defective wheel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Kelly C. Hostetler, Thomas H. Battelene
  • Patent number: 6581285
    Abstract: A replacement method facilitates replacing of a portion of a nuggeted combustor liner within a gas turbine engine combustor in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The combustor includes a combustion zone that is defined by an inner and an outer liner. The inner and outer liners each include a series of panels and a plurality of nuggets formed by adjacent panels. The method includes the steps of cutting between an outer surface and an inner surface of at least one liner panel through at least one nugget, removing at least one panel that is adjacent the area of the liner that was cut, and installing a replacement panel into the combustor for each panel that was removed from the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Edward John Emilianowicz
  • Patent number: 6560870
    Abstract: A method for applying diffusion aluminide coating on a selective area of a turbine engine component and the coating produced by that method is disclosed. A quartz infrared lamp heats only substantially the localized area of the component to be coated, rather than the complete part. Either halide activated or non-activated tape is applied on the area to be coated and is held in place during coating using a high temperature dimensionally stable tape holder manufactured from graphite or ceramic. The quartz infrared lamp is used to heat only the desired area to a coating temperature of about 1800° F. to about 2000° F. under an inert atmosphere for about 3 to about 8 hours to achieve the desired aluminide coating thickness. No powder masking of the machined surface area is required. Due to the localized heating, aluminum vapor generated from the tape will only deposit aluminide coating on the taped area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nripendra Nath Das, Raymond William Heidorn, Walter Michael Gmerek, Jr., David Andrew Jablonka
  • Patent number: 6539602
    Abstract: Repairing a chamber coke oven by heat-insulating a repair space in the oven, dividing a brick wall in a portion to be repaired into a plurality of layers stacked one above another, dismantling and removing the brick wall in the repaired portion, and carrying refractory assemblies into the oven one by one, each of the refractory assemblies being manufactured outside the oven by combining a plurality of bricks together correspond in shape to each of the stacked layers in one-to-one relation, thereby building the brick wall in the repaired portion with the refractory assemblies. A damaged combustion chamber brick wall of the coke oven near an oven opening can be repaired with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignees: Kawasaki Steel Corporation, Otto Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ozawa, Nozomu Tamura, Tetsuro Uchida, Nobuya Kamide, Yuzuru Osaki, Yoshiharu Sato
  • Publication number: 20030056370
    Abstract: There is provided a method for repairing a leak in a pipe joint. At the joint of the two pipes there is a gasket. The method requires a passage to be formed through the wall of the first pipe. A space is then formed in the gasket communicating with the passage. After this, a sealant is injected through the passage into the space thus allowing the fluid to repair the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Michael David Wild
  • Publication number: 20030047268
    Abstract: A method for repairing fuel tanks having detected leaks comprises (1) filling the detected leaks by applying an adhesive over the detected leaks and allowing the adhesive to cure to seal the detected leaks or (2) providing a fuel tank having a surface with detected leaks, providing a patch having a surface to be attached to the fuel tank surface having detected leaks, coating one or both surfaces with an adhesive, applying the patch over the detected leak(s) such that the adhesive is interposed between the patch surface and the tank surface, pressing the patch against the tank and allowing the adhesive to cure to bond the two surfaces together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory J. Korchnak, Kenneth J. Ritzema, Steven B. Swartzmiller
  • Patent number: 6530626
    Abstract: The device (10) is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged rubber-band track (50) of a vehicle and allow the vehicle to proceed on its own to the nearest maintenance site or to a convenient location where replacement or permanent repair of the track (50) can be undertaken. A method for temporarily repairing a damaged rubber-band track (50) is also disclosed. The device (10) comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel support members (12), each being transversely disposed on the exterior side (50a) of the track (50). A plurality of linking members (18) is extending between corresponding ends of two adjacent support members (12) and are pivotally connected to each adjacent linking member (18). A plurality of track retention members (30) maintain the device (10) on the track (50). Damaged portions of the track (50) are also positively secured to the device (10) by fasteners or the like to prevent them from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Soucy International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Benoît, Mark Delisle, Stéphane Gauthier, Gilles Soucy
  • Patent number: 6519854
    Abstract: An expansible reinforcer for reinforcing a hollow structural member of an automobile, aircraft, boat, etc. is provided. The reinforcer is flexible/bendable and comprises a synthetic, resin-based expansible reinforcing material secured thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcer comprises a plurality of supports pivotally connected to one another in a train-like arrangement. The reinforcing material is formed of a thermally expansible composition which preferably has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of a particular manufacturing process (e.g., such as the temperature at which the paint bake or powder bake stage is carried out in the automobile manufacturing process). The inventive reinforcer is capable of being fed into the opening of a tight cavity on a structural member so as to provide uniform reinforcement of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sika Corporation
    Inventor: Norman E. Blank
  • Patent number: 6516506
    Abstract: A scrolled resilient sheet is installed against the inner surface of a fluid conduit using a carrier tool from which a resilient sheet having an average thickness more than 2 mm and an elastic or pseudoelastic recoverable strain of at least 0.6% is released so that the sheet expands with an expansion force which is sufficiently high to allow the sheet to press itself into place alongside the inner surface of the conduit and to remain in place after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Martin Donnelly, Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck, Robert Bruce Stewart
  • Publication number: 20030014853
    Abstract: A sliding door repair apparatus to facilitate horizontal sliding movement of a preinstalled sliding door having one or more defectively sliding wheel(s) being supported on a lower track. The repair apparatus includes at least one vertically adjustable rigid bracket attached to the sliding door and at least one repair roller attached to the bracket such that the repair roller is situated in moveable contact with and atop the lower track and supports at least a portion of the weight of the sliding door thereby transferring the weight from the defective wheel(s) within the door thereby facilitating the sliding of the door along the lower track without the necessity of removing or disassembly of the sliding door and without having to remove, replace or repair the defective wheel(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Kelly C. Hostetler, Thomas H. Battelene
  • Publication number: 20030015246
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing perforations, holes, cracks or the like in a tube or pipe and particularly in an oil well casing. The apparatus including a delivery tool for delivery of a coiled patch composed of spring-like material to the location of a damaged portion within a pipe. The patch consisting of a flat sheet of spring-like material where the length and width of the patch are comparatively large with respect to the thickness of the patch. The delivery tool comprising a hydraulicly activated plunger assembly and barrel. Prior to use, the patch is wound into the form of a coiled cylinder by means of a rolling tool and is loaded into the barrel of the delivery tool. To deploy the patch, hydraulic pressure is applied to the plunger assembly causing the plunger to move downwardly within the barrel and push the patch out of the barrel. Upon deployment, the patch unwinds within the pipe or tube and seals the damaged area against the infiltration or exfiltration of fluids or gasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: James Hardin
  • Patent number: 6508040
    Abstract: A hole patching device including mechanism for covering an opening on an interior surface of a wall, the covering mechanism being formed of a generally rigid material and being at least two inches in diameter; mechanism for guiding the covering mechanism through the opening, which may include a slit cut from a center of the covering mechanism to an outer edge of the covering mechanism; mechanism for securing the covering mechanism to the interior surface of the wall to define a pocket; an insert for filling the pocket; and a hardenable material spread over the insert and pocket smoothable with the wall and a method of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Monte G. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20020166220
    Abstract: A method for repairing structures uses an accurate measurement of the part to be repaired and the structure into which it fits. The method allows for a digital measurement of features of the part and the structure, and eliminates tedious and inaccurate hand-measurement methods previously used. The method is primarily applicable to one-of a-kind parts requiring exact measurements, because of the unique shape that a part may assume when it is subject to stress and strain over time and many cycles of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: United Air Lines, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Imundo, John R. Dailidonis
  • Patent number: 6434825
    Abstract: A method of diminishing the size of the cross section of an opening of a first hollow device located in an undersea flow pipe through which passes a fluid flow uses a second hollow device to be inserted into the undersea flow pipe, the second hollow device being provided with a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion being of a smaller external diameter than the trailing portion, the second hollow device being provided with a passage extending longitudinally theretrough. Next a foam pig is inserted immediately after the second hollow device. Urged by the fluid flow, the foam pig displaces the second hollow device along said undersea flow pipe, until the second hollow device encounters the first hollow device. The leading portion of the second hollow device is then inserted into an opening of the first device, thereby diminishing the size of a cross section of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventor: Alcino Resende De Almeida
  • Publication number: 20020059725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for expanding the ends of a sleeve that has previously been installed into a defective section of inaccessibly located soft metal heat exchanger tubing. The sleeve ends are expanded using an apparatus of a plastic bladder connected to a series of connectable sections of sufficient length to reach the ends of the installed sleeve. The expansion is performed by locating the plastic bladder inside the sleeve at one end and hydraulically compressing the plastic bladder and forcing it to expand in diameter as a function of Poisson's ratio to thus expand the sleeve end into the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce W. Schafer
  • Patent number: 6378188
    Abstract: A method for preparing a fuel tank for repairs and verifying the repair work using an apparatus is presented. The apparatus is connected to the fuel tank. The fuel tank is purged of oxygen to a certain level using a gas provided by the apparatus until a level of the oxygen in the fuel tank reaches that level. Openings on the fuel tank are closed to the environment. The fuel tank is repaired while the level of oxygen is maintained in the fuel tank. The gas provided by the apparatus pressurizes the fuel tank to a certain pressure level. The pressure level is maintained for a specified period of time. An inspection of the repaired area of the fuel tank is then performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: CSX Transportation, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Biess
  • Patent number: 6370752
    Abstract: A method for repositioning or repairing holes in metal substrates such as metal components used in jet engines and the like. The hole to be repositioned or repaired is enlarged and a recess is formed at each end of the enlarged hole. A deformable metal insert is then inserted within the enlarged hole and then subjected to physical forces so as to cause it to deform and frictionally engage the walls of the recesses and the enlarged hole so that the insert becomes axially fixed therein. A new, repositioned hole can then be formed in the fixed insert that extends completely therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William C. Anderson, Dewey D. Dunkman, Gerald R. Geverdt, Ronald D. Stapperfenne
  • Patent number: 6363612
    Abstract: A method of reducing the formation of burrs during machining of turbine bucket covers of a turbine assembly includes the steps of inserting a filler material in a gap formed between adjacent bucket covers of a turbine assembly, machining the bucket covers to produce a desired profile for the bucket covers, and removing the filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis William Roberts, David Alan Caruso, Joseph Michael Pelech, Kiernan Francis Ryan, John Clifton Williams
  • Patent number: 6327766
    Abstract: A cover for a transmission torque connector having loosened or otherwise damaged bolts is repaired for reuse. One method includes removing a loosened bolt, and plugging and countersinking the bolt hole. The countersunk area on the exterior of the cover provides an area to form a welding bead to permanently seal the whole. The surface is then prepared for welding a stud onto it to complete the repair. In the case where the original bolt is damaged but has not been loosened, the top part of the bolt can be cut off so that the bolt can serve as the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Portland Transmission Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Cardente
  • Patent number: 6317952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to assist in filling a hole in a sheet or plate of any material, with a filler compatible with the material, the device comprising a flexible plate adapted to be inserted through the hole in the sheet or plate; a detachable attachment member adapted to extend generally perpendicularly from a surface of the flexible plate and including a connection to locate at least one locking member thereto; the locking member being detachably attachable to the attachment member so as to apply a tensile load on the attachment member thereby causing the flexible plate to bear on and be held adjacent to the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: David John Vogt
  • Patent number: 6306781
    Abstract: An expansion joint patch apparatus for repairing failed or torn expansion joint belting having a substantially flat, woven substrate material, and a cured solution of suspended elastomer, coating the substrate material. The substrate material is selected from the group consisting of aramid, fiberglass, corrosion resistant alloy wire, polyester, ceramic and kevlar fabrics. The elastomer material is selected from the group consisting of chloroprene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene propylene, chloronated isobutylene isoprene, fluoroelastomers and silicone rubbers. The invention further includes a method for forming a fluoroelastomer patch for repairing fabric expansion joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Senior Investments AG
    Inventor: David F. McGrath
  • Patent number: 6272725
    Abstract: A repair kit for a motor vehicle friction clutch, for example a motorcycle friction clutch, that is economical, simple to install, and which can extend the life of the original outer clutch hub, and a method for repairing the friction clutch. The kit can include an insert for insertion into the clutch. Additionally the kit can provide for the hardening of gear teeth in the clutch without the use of an insert. Additionally, a method for repairing a motorcycle friction clutch using a motorcycle clutch repair kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Norman D. Stout, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010009056
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a casting in a cold metal repair process includes a plurality of drilling fixtures which facilitate the creation of one or more lock receiving recesses positioned generally transverse to the casting crack. The lock receiving recesses are formed of a single sized circular bore combination having alternating double and single circular portions to maximize strength. A plurality of correspondingly configured metal locks are inserted into the lock receiving recesses to provide transverse metal locks drawing the casting portions on each side of the crack together. A plurality of threaded bores are formed along the remainder of the casting crack in overlapping spacing which receive a corresponding plurality of stitching pins. The stitching pins each define threaded shaft portions having pointed ends and undersized major pitch diameter threads adjacent the pointed ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Jack Reed
  • Patent number: 6244133
    Abstract: A cam and follower system for use with an automatic doffing system of a rotor spinning machine. The system includes a cover member for covering the cam lobes of a cam gear found in the automatic doffing system of a rotor spinning machine. The system also includes a cam follower for connection to the automatic doffing system. The cover member has cam surfaces which are complimentary to and which act to renew the original cam surfaces of the cam gear's cam lobes. The cam follower is adapted to engage and ride upon the cover member's cam surfaces during operation of the automatic doffing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Bryson W. Donald, Timothy Henry
  • Patent number: 6240612
    Abstract: A method of lining installed pipework which includes the steps of taking a length of liner pipe made from a memory retaining plastics material of external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the pipework to be lined, drawing the liner pipe through a swaging die which is attached directly or indirectly to the pipe to be lined using pulling means under tension attached to the leading end of the liner pipe and threaded through the pipework to reduce the external diameter of the liner pipe by up to 15%, the tension applied by the pulling means being such as partially to restrain the radial expansion of the outer surface of the liner pipe after its emergence from the die, drawing the liner pipe after its emergence from the die, drawing the liner pipe through the installed pipework with its outer diameter reduced to and/or maintained at a dimension less than that of the inner diameter of the pipework and thereafter allowing the liner pipe to expand within the pipework by relaxation of the said tension fo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventor: Brian Edward McGuire
  • Patent number: 6240965
    Abstract: A conduit repair apparatus includes a carriage configured for movement within a conduit, the carriage including a carrying frame and a drive member. An expansion and brake mechanism is provided on the carriage, and includes at least one radially movable engagement member to apply a radially outwardly directed force. A mechanical force applicator mechanism is provided on the carriage and includes at least one force applicator configured to apply radially outwardly directed pressure and for rotation about an axis of rotation. A power source is connected to the force applicator mechanism to rotatably drive the force applicator about the axis of rotation, whereby the force applicator mechanism can be actuated and simultaneously rotated to thereby apply radially outwardly directed pressure uniformly to an inner wall of a repair sleeve positioned within the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Link-Pipe (H.K.), Ltd.
    Inventor: Lembits Maimets
  • Patent number: 6233826
    Abstract: A method for reinforcing a selected portion of a structural part utilizes a flexible tube having a unexpanded, preferably thermally expandable resin sheath. The sheath may be limited to a selected region along the length of the flexible tube. The flexible tube is inserted through a curved passage and conforms to the geometry of the part to be reinforced. After the portion of the tube having the sheath reaches the desired location, the tube is secured in place. Upon heating, the resin expands to several times its original volume and fills the structural cavity only at that region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph S Wycech
  • Patent number: 6212750
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a casting in a cold metal repair process includes a plurality of drilling fixtures which facilitate the creation of one or more lock receiving recesses positioned generally transverse to the casting crack. The lock receiving recesses are formed of a single sized circular bore combination having alternating double and single circular portions to maximize strength. A plurality of correspondingly configured metal locks are inserted into the lock receiving recesses to provide transverse metal locks drawing the casting portions on each side of the crack together. A plurality of threaded bores are formed along the remainder of the casting crack in overlapping spacing which receive a corresponding plurality of stitching pins. The stitching pins each define threaded shaft portions having pointed ends and undersized major pitch diameter threads adjacent the pointed ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Jack Reed
  • Patent number: 6205634
    Abstract: An improved floor for a recovery boiler furnace having a flat floor has a number of tubes in the floor immediately adjacent each of the sidewalls of the furnace oriented at an oblique angle to horizontal. A method of replacing the floor is provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Jerry D. Blue, James D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6199277
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bake carbon flue straightener for straightening a flue wall of an anode baking surface from a deformed or bowed position to a straight or normal position. The flue straightener includes a plurality of remotely controlled and independently actuated hydraulic cylinders mounted on a plurality of elevations space apart at equal distances from each other, a steel frame for supporting hydraulic cylinders, such that each of the elevations of the hydraulic cylinders are coupled to a continuous length of extendable solid push plates for extending the push plates to the deformed or bowed flue wall so as to push or straighten with equally distributed forces the deformed or bowed flue wall back to the straight or normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Century Aluminum of West Virginia, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Massile
  • Patent number: 6167608
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of upgrading a tank or a method which involves the assembly of an inner tank within an existing outer tank. In the method of the present invention, rolled panel sections are inserted through a hole of an existing outer tank. The rolled panel sections are adjacently positioned within the existing outer tank and expanded so as to conform to the shape of the existing outer tank. End cap sections either flat or domed depending on the shape of the outer tank are also installed through the hole. All of the seams (axial and transverse) are sealed so as to provide for an inner tank within the outer tank that can rate as a stand-alone tank. Circumferential ribs are installed and attached along a length of the inner tank so as to provide for a structural rigidity of the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Burwell, Robin L. Berg, Sr., John M. Clark