Patched Hole Or Depression Patents (Class 428/63)
  • Patent number: 7268182
    Abstract: A coating composition comprising a film forming binder of a. at least one polymer that has pendant groups, such as, hydroxyl, carboxyl, glycidyl, amine, amide, silane and mixtures thereof that are reactive with a crosslinking component and the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 10 to 80° C.; b. a polytrimethylene ether diol having a Mn (number average molecular weight) of 500 to 5,000; and c. a crosslinking component, such as, organic polyisocyanates, melamine formaldehydes, alkylated melamine formaldehydes, benzoquanamine formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, polyepoxides, silane resin and any mixtures thereof; wherein the coating composition can be used as a clear coating composition and can contain pigments and may be used as a pigmented top coating, a pigmented base coating, a primer or primer surfacer coating and is useful for coating automobile and truck bodies and parts, industrial equipment, appliances and exterior structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company
    Inventors: Hari Babu Sunkara, Patricia Mary Ellen Sormani, James William O'Neil, Joseph V. Kurian
  • Patent number: 7208215
    Abstract: A reusable, air-permeable packaging film formed of a layer of resilient and nontoxic material is disclosed. The packaging film includes a plurality of micro-gaps distributed within a pre-selected area on the packaging film, wherein each of the micro-gaps traverses thickness of the packaging film, and wherein, in a static state, i.e., no pressure/stress exerted on the packaging film, each of the micro-gaps comprises a split upper seam portion with edge ridges demonstrated on a top surface of the packaging film and a close lower seam portion communicating with the split upper seam portion. During microwaving, the pressure can be regulated at a relatively lower vapor transferring rate through the pre-selected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Irene Lin
  • Patent number: 7107924
    Abstract: A boat hull patch anchor adapted to be placed on the inside surface of a boat hull over and overlapping a hole in the hull. The hole in the boat hull may be tapered prior to bonding. A repair compound is applied from the outside surface of the boat hull. A method for the repair of a boat hull including tapering the profile of a hole in a boat hull, applying the patch anchor from the inside of the hull, and applying repair compound from the outside of the hull so as to fill the hole and anchor the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7044166
    Abstract: Structure, and a related method, for sealing, from the outside, a leaking puncture wound in the wall of a liquid container. This structure includes a patch body having a perimetered cavity selectively securable via a self-torque-limiting bolt to the outside of such a container in a manner whereby the cavity overlies and faces the wound, with the cavity's perimeter surrounding the wound, and a patch pellet contained and confined in the cavity and formed, at least in part, of a reaction substance which, with the patch body secured to the container, reacts to contact with liquid leaking from the container at least by imbibing such liquid and swelling to apply wound-sealing pressure, and more preferably by additionally reacting with leakage liquid to form a sticky coagulant mass for aiding in applying sealing pressure to the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: High Impact Technology LLC
    Inventors: Russell Allen Monk, Thomas Stegen Ohnstad, James Jackson Milham Henry
  • Patent number: 6988343
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are panelized wall systems and methods for their construction, wherein the wall systems have elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The walls are constructed with trough-edge building panels. The trough-edge building panels are preferably fiber cement. The front surface of each panel has a trough adjacent to an edge of the panel. Panels are fastened to a frame with the trough-edges adjacent to each other. A joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels such that the edges of the joint tape fall within the troughs of the adjacent panels. The wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Jmaes Hardie Research PTY Limited
    Inventors: James A. Gleeson, Weiling Peng
  • Patent number: 6942910
    Abstract: A structural member of the present invention includes a substrate having portions defining an inwardly extending channel and a blow molded member in contact with the substrate. The blow molded member has portions that engage the portions of the substrate that define the inwardly extending channel such that the blow molded member is secured to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Roberts, Daniel P. Reed
  • Patent number: 6919121
    Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method more particularly involves repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) that has suffered localized spallation (20) of the thermal barrier coating (16). After cleaning the surface area (22) of the component (10) exposed by the localized spallation (20), a ceramic paste (24) comprising a ceramic powder in a binder is applied to the surface area (22) of the component (10). The binder is then reacted to yield a ceramic-containing repair coating (26) that covers the surface area of the component and comprises the ceramic powder in a matrix of a material formed when the binder was reacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William R. Stowell, Robert A. Johnson, Andrew J. Skoog, Joseph Thomas Begovich, Thomas Walter Rentz, Jane Ann Murphy, Ching-Pang Lee, Dainel P. Ivkovich, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040247835
    Abstract: A high-strength, corrosion- and heat-resistant aircraft structural component such as a fastener is prepared by providing a corrosion-resistant stainless steel or heat-resistant superalloy metallic component precursor that is not in its final heat-treated state, and coating with an aluminum-containing, curable polyaromatic phenolic coating material having a non-volatile portion that is predominantly organic and is curable at about the high-strength metallic alloy component's stress equalizing tempering temperature. The coated, high-strength metallic-alloy component is then thermally treated to concurrently impart pre-determined metallurgical properties to the finished, metallic substrate, and cure the organic, aluminum-containing coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Steven G. Keener
  • Patent number: 6797354
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a patch system and method are provided that includes rigid polystyrene foam a plug material including an adhesive backing. The patch system and method can be used to patch holes in walls, ceilings and floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: James J. Fleck
  • Publication number: 20040161572
    Abstract: An unobtrusive air freshener is planar in nature and resembles a parking or membership sticker. The air freshener is composed of a fragrance carrying card surrounded by a number of layers of plastic film, one of which is in an adhesive free static cling sheet adapted to adhere to a windshield or other glass surface and be removable without leaving a residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Robert A. Juran, Craig M. Saunders, Trevor L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20040146688
    Abstract: A planar carrier for a coded card is substantially aesthetically irreversibly convertible from a substantially two-dimensional blank into a three-dimensional card enclosing gift package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tracey Treat
  • Patent number: 6758924
    Abstract: A method of repairing cracked aircraft structures is disclosed. The method includes determining the net loading of an area to be repaired and then identifying a repair patch layup including a low CTE composite layer and a high CTE metal layer that will impart a loading effect opposite thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Cornelis B. Guijt
  • Patent number: 6733857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a material for repairing damaged painted surfaces, wherein the material includes a paint layer which is capable of deformation and which is made of microcapsules held together by a binder. The paint is contained in the microcapsules in the form of paint droplets or powdered paint particles. The microcapsules and/or the binder are preferably made from a material that becomes tacky under the action of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Deotexis, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerold Tebbe
  • Patent number: 6680099
    Abstract: A means and method of enhancing the damage tolerance of adhesive bonds by introducing gaps in the adhesive to divide the adhesive layer into discrete regions. The gaps are created by placing strips of barrier material between the two adherends before the adhesive is put in place and cured. If the two adherends begin to debond along the interface between one of the adherends and the adhesive, the gap arrests the debonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Transportation
    Inventor: John C. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20030228438
    Abstract: E Z Patch fills the need for a fast, quick, easy and permanent repair to any wall, ceiling and or flooring surface. Simply find the correct size E Z Patch for the hole that has to be repaired, peel the backing off the self adhesive material, and simply insert the styrofoam plug in the center of the adhesive patch into the hole to be repaired. The self-adhesive backing attaches firmly to the surrounding surface. Then finish off the job as necessary using spackling or finishing whatever material is desired for the particular surface. E Z Patch is easily applied to the damaged area using the self-adhesive backing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: James J. Fleck, Blake A. Bohinc
  • Publication number: 20030192637
    Abstract: A board of lumber containing a defect, such as a knot, is repaired by cutting an opening between major surfaces of the board and filling the opening with a plug of adhesive filler material or a wood plug which is adhered to the wall of the opening. The opening and plug are formed to have a non-circular shape. This facilitates re-sawing of the board to form two thinner boards as the shape of the plug prevents it from being loosened by turning forces created by the saw blade which is used to effect the re-sawing operation. In some of the repair configurations, portions of the plug which remain in both of the thinner boards following re-sawing also cannot be dislodged by external forces exerted against the surfaces of the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas F. Cortese
  • Patent number: 6627292
    Abstract: A surface repair patch for closing an opening around a fixture which is adjacent to or protrudes from a surface is provided. The surface repair patch comprises a sheet having a plurality of openings which extend from the first side to the second side of the sheet. The sheet supports, positions, and reinforces a curable repair compound on a surface before the repair compound is cured. The sheet includes a removable first section which has a border defined by a first line of holes. The first line of holes is configured such that the removable first section may be removed from the sheet by applying pressure to the removable first section. The sheet of the repair patch may further include a removable second section having a border defined by a second line of holes which facilitate removal of the removable second section from the sheet. The sheet may also include a third line of holes which extend from the border of the removable first section to the periphery of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Pro Patch Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Hoffmann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6623214
    Abstract: An opening in a fabric geotextile tube is closed by clamping a backing member and friction enhancer on the inside of the geotextile tube to a friction enhancer and support on the outside of the geotextile tube. The friction enhancers reduce slippage between the fabric and the backing member on the inside of the tube and between the fabric and the support on the outside of the tube. The backing member is larger than the opening. In one embodiment, the backing member is inserted into the opening by providing a slit ring backing member, inserting the fabric through the slit and then rotating the ring and advancing the ring into the geotextile tube. In another embodiment, the backing member is inserted through the opening in segments. In another embodiment, an inlet assembly is provided by the support. In another embodiment of the invention, a connection is made to the geotextile tube for securing a UV protective cover to the geotextile tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Shiner Moseley & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald J. Hauske, James A. Shiner
  • Patent number: 6607621
    Abstract: A wall patch includes a body with a lower surface and an upper surface. An adhesive is located on the lower surface to secure the wall patch to a wall surface. The upper surface is ready-to-paint and can also be pre-textured, if desired. A center reinforcement can be a rigid plastic or metal wall patch, or a flexible plastic or fibered paper wall patch, without a textured upper surface. A method for repairing a hole in a wall includes placing a wall patch over the hole and directly painting the upper surface of the wall patch. The method can further include placing a center reinforcement over the hole before applying the wall patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Randall Eric Swanson
  • Patent number: 6592968
    Abstract: The adhesive bonding system is chosen, applied and, where appropriate, crosslinked so as to have a critical energy release rate in mode I (tension) greater than 1500 J/m2 and a critical energy release rate in mode II (shear) greater than 2000 J/m2. The composite sheet is easily drawable to form parts requiring no curing after forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Usinor
    Inventors: Francis Schmit, Michel Sanadres, Philippe Charbonnet
  • Patent number: 6547644
    Abstract: A polishing pad for polishing a surface of a work, (A) said polishing pad being made of a resin formed of a ring-opened polymer from a cycloolefin by metathesis polymerization, and (B) said resin having a heat deformation temperature of 90 to 135° C., a compression elastic modulus of 980 to 2,940 MPa and a water absorption of 0.01 to 0.25% by weight. The polishing pad of the present invention has a proper hardness, shows a low water absorption, causes no damage on a work surface and has durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Teijin-Metton Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Yamada, Hidetsugu Yoshida, Nobuo Yoshikiyo
  • Publication number: 20030044563
    Abstract: A garment sealing tape or patch may be used to waterproof seams of or repair discontinuities in a wide variety of garments or other products, such as surgeon's gowns and firefighter's turnout coats, in a simple, inexpensive and long lasting manner with minimal smoke emission. The garment sealing tape or patch may include a first layer of a dimensionally stable heat reflecting film such as a polyurethane microporous film, and a second layer bonded to the first layer. The second layer is an uncured thermosetting polyurethane or polyester adhesive having a thickness between about 0.5-12 mils. The tape or patch may also comprise a third layer which is a fabric (such as a polyester tricot having a weight between about 0.7-2.5 ounces per square yard) adhesively bonded (e.g. by hot melt adhesive) to the heat reflecting surface of the film. The tape or patch may be applied by a laundry press or iron, or using an autoclave, to apply heat sufficient to thermoset the adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Kocinec, Richard S. Simonson
  • Patent number: 6503582
    Abstract: A reusable, fluid-swellable absorbent composition is disclosed. The composition generally includes a superabsorbent polymer, a gum, a film-forming resin and gelatin. The composition may further include a colorant and/or reflective particles, and it is particularly well-suited for use with amusement devices, such as for use by children. The device includes at least one sample of the invented composition, preferably including colorant and/or glitter, a volume of water and a structure including a base and a closed perimeter extending outwardly from the base. The structure includes a plurality of discrete regions, and may collectively resemble an object, scene or other image. Then upon placement of a small quantity of the composition into a particular region and addition of water to the quantity, the composition swells, expands and generally conforms to the shape of the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Nardoza, Lawrence Mass, Susan A. Reyes, Abimael Maelo Cordova
  • Publication number: 20020182362
    Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method more particularly involves repairing a thermal barrier coating (16) on a component (10) that has suffered localized spallation (20) of the thermal barrier coating (16). After cleaning the surface area (22) of the component (10) exposed by the localized spallation (20), a ceramic paste (24) comprising a ceramic powder in a binder is applied to the surface area (22) of the component (10). The binder is then reacted to yield a ceramic-containing repair coating (26) that covers the surface area of the component and comprises the ceramic powder in a matrix of a material formed when the binder was reacted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: William R. Stowell, Robert A. Johnson, Andrew J. Skoog, Joseph Thomas Begovich, Thomas Walter Rentz, Jane Ann Murphy, Ching-Pang Lee, Dainel P. Ivkovich
  • Publication number: 20020102381
    Abstract: A patch for repairing walls, ceilings, and other structural surfaces, including a backing member and a plug secured to and protruding from the backing member. The plug is adapted to substantially conform to and fill in a generally circular hole cut out of a structural surface in an area of the structural surface that is to be repaired. The patch may be provided as part of a patch kit, which further includes a storage/guide device. The storage/guide device includes a hole within which the plug may be inserted to safely store the patch and protect it from damage during transport. The hole in the storage/guide device is also configured to serve as a guide for cutting the structural surface in an area of the structural surface that is to be repaired by application of the patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Ben B. McClurg
  • Publication number: 20020098314
    Abstract: Disclosed are a stencil sheet which can smoothly and accurately be perforated even by a small amount of energy while having a required strength and a stencil plate produced from which is easy to control the amount of an ink to be dislocated to an object to be printed and has such an advantage that setoff is small, printability and definition of printed images are excellent, jamming is not caused, and wrinkles are not formed when stencil printing is performed by using the stencil plate; a process for producing the stencil sheet; and a process for producing a stencil plate;
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20020090484
    Abstract: Disclosed are electroplating baths for enhancing copper seed layers and for subsequent metallization on the seed layers. Methods of enhancing copper seed layers and depositing metal on such seed layers are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Merricks, Denis Morrissey, Martin W. Bayes, Mark Lefebvre, James G. Shelnut, Donald R. Storjohann
  • Patent number: 6395380
    Abstract: A method for attaching fabric to a structural part. The structural part is at least partially surrounded by fabric at least on one side. The structural part, which is provided with holes, is surrounded by the fabric at least in the region of the holes on both hole-opening sides. Fabric pieces on one side are inserted through the holes and are connected to the fabric of the other side in the region of the hole openings by bonding or welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Micro Compact Car Smart GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Overberg
  • Publication number: 20020058116
    Abstract: A method for molding a molded substance to a substrate is provided. A substrate connected to a fixing portion by a connecting portion is prepared. The substrate is placed in a mold, wherein a portion of the fixing portion is protruding from the mold. The fixing portion is fixed by a fixing device outside the mold. Then, the molded substance covering the substrate is formed within the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Chien-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 6382635
    Abstract: An expandable baffle for sealing a cavity of an automobile is provided. The baffle includes a thermally expandable sealing material which has an expansion temperature similar to the temperatures achieved in specific stages of the automotive manufacturing processes (e.g., the paint bake stage). The inventive baffle further includes a support for the sealing material which maintains the material at the desired location within the cavity until thermal expansion. The support is formed of a material having a melting point higher than the thermal expansion temperature of the sealing material. In one embodiment, the support comprises a pair of solid, spaced-apart sidewalls that “bow” upon expansion of the sealing material. In an alternate embodiment, the sidewalls include a plurality of openings formed therein through which the sealing material flows during thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Sika Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald E. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 6329029
    Abstract: A vehicle interior hand grip material for mounting on an existing gear shift lever arm, on a portion of a steering wheel and other items operated by hand inside a vehicle. The hand grip material includes a plurality of flexible “string like” elastomeric members extending outwardly from an attachment member. The attachment member may be a thin wire wrapped around a portion of the elastomeric members and tightened thereon. Also, the attachment member may be a liner with one end of the elastomeric members attached to the liner. The wire attachment member can be secured around a gear shift threaded housing threaded on an end of the vehicle's gear shift lever arm. Also, the wire attachment member can be attached to other hand operated items inside the vehicle. Further, the steering wheel liner attachment member can be placed around a portion of the vehicle's steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: James F. Robins, Greg K. Mock
  • Patent number: 6322657
    Abstract: A minimum visibility seam tape and method of joining at least two substrates with the tape. The substrates joined typically are sign faces or awnings comprising a composite of thermoplastics and a woven scrim. The seam tape is a woven or nonwoven scrim embedded in or coated with a thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James A. Pontuti, Robert W. Warner, Richard F. Theissen, John A. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20010008701
    Abstract: An improved photopolymer coversheet film including no microindentations or micropitting is disclosed. One embodiment of the process for forming the improved the photopolymer coversheet film includes a modified casting (casting and coating) method. This embodiment exhibits no microindentations or micropitting in its smooth surface. Another embodiment of the process for producing the improved photopolymer coversheet film includes the use of a reheat embossing step to achieve no surface microindentations greater than 0.5 microns in depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: STUART G. PATERSON, CARL D. RAY, JAMES P. DI POTO, JAMES M. ADAMS
  • Patent number: 6261396
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions comprising a rubber-like polymer and low boiling point alkanes which can be used to provide a flexible, durable, permanent repair for snags, holes, runs or ladders in hosiery such as pantyhose and nylon stockings. In a preferred embodiment, the rubber-like polymer is a gum-like residue obtained from drying commercial rubber cement adhesive. A composition comprising 2% weight to volume of this residue in an equal volume solvent system of pentane and hexane is applied to the snag and allowed to dry. When the repair is made while the stocking is being worn, a thin, transparent shield can be inserted between the stocking and the skin of the person wearing the stocking. The shield protects the skin from the composition yet does not adhere to the skin or stocking. The shield therefore can be easily removed after the composition is dry or can be left in place between the skin and the hosiery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Ralph J. Fessenden, Patricia J. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 6258431
    Abstract: A system is provided for filling a gap between adjoining coplanar first and second sheet members mounted on an outer surface of a common substrate and having juxtaposed first and second edge surfaces. A permanent gap filler member of predetermined shape and size intended for eventual permanent reception in the gap is employed for partially filling the gap. A temporary gap filler tool which includes a substitute gap filler element having substantially the same predetermined size and shape of the permanent gap filler member, has an abutting surface for contiguous engagement with the first edge surface of the first sheet member when advanced to an attached position before the permanent gap filler member is mounted in the gap, a minor gap surface facing opposite said abutting surface, and means for releasably attaching the temporary gap filler tool to the first sheet member. A minor gap is thereby defined between the temporary gap filler element and the second edge surface of the second sheet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Carl Andrew Reis, Robert Warner Koon
  • Patent number: 6231949
    Abstract: An improved surface repair assembly for repairing a damaged portion of an exposed surface of is provided. The surface repair assembly includes a surface repair patch and a curable surface repair compound. The surface repair patch comprises a sheet which is formed from a plastically deformable inelastic polymeric material. The sheet has a plurality of openings which extend from the first side to the second side of the sheet. The openings are arranged about the sheet so that a network of strips of polymeric material is formed. Each of the strips is capable of being plastically deformed in any direction so that the sheet may be shaped to correspond to the contour of the surface being repaired. The sheet supports, positions, and reinforces the curable repair compound on the surface before the repair compound is cured. In one version of the invention, the second side of the repair patch includes an adhesive for affixing the patch to the surface to be repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Pro Patch Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Hoffmann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6162525
    Abstract: A drywall patch includes a substantially planar body having a peripheral edge. A depending skirt is spaced from the peripheral edge of the body. The depending skirt is extended into an opening in drywall to prevent lateral movement of the drywall patch during application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Ira Amy
  • Patent number: 6156142
    Abstract: A method of using repairing cracked or otherwise leaking polymer-modified asphalt-based containers for packaging asphalt. A strip of consumable adhesive tape is adhered to cover and seal the damaged portion of the container. Molten asphalt is then added to the repaired container. The molten asphalt is added to the container at a temperature that is below the melting temperature of the tape. Upon solidification of the asphalt in the repaired container, the entire asphalt package is melted prior to use in a melting apparatus, such as a gas-fired asphalt kettle melter. At the melter temperatures, the tape, container, and packaged asphalt melts or solubilizes in the melted mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge A. Marzari
  • Patent number: 6106648
    Abstract: The method is for partially or completely rebuilding a damaged lens of a vehicle lamp, particularly a lens having an interior surface with a pattern of optical dispersion elements. It allows to inexpensively rebuild a lens, such as the lens of a tail lamp or signal lamp. A thermoplastic lens obtained with the present method can also be used to replace a broken glass lens of a headlamp. In the method, a patch of a flat thermoplastic material is provided to replace the damaged section of the lens or, in some cases, the whole lens. The patch is grooved to duplicate the pattern of optical dispersion elements. In case the damaged section or lens to be replaced is not flat, the patch is heat softened and shaped with the use of a mould created from the damaged section or lens. The patch is subsequently fixed to the housing. This method is simple, inexpensive and can be carried out locally whenever necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Tahir Mahmood Butt
  • Patent number: 6071833
    Abstract: A patch for repair or finishing of surfaces, such as drywall or plaster walls and ceilings, wherein the patch includes a liquid-hardenable material (such as a water-hardenable material) coated on and/or impregnated in a substrate or carrier. The patch is wetted and then applied to the surface of the wall or ceiling and pressed against the surface. The liquid-hardenable material becomes gel-like and adheres the patch to the surface. Upon drying, it sets to a hard coating overlying a hole, crack, recess or joint in the wall or ceiling. If necessary, joint compound or the like can be applied to the edges of the patch to provide a smooth taper to the surrounding surface. The liquid-hardenable material can be a cement, plaster, resin or glass composition. The carrier can be paper, or a fabric comprised of natural or synthetic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventors: Albert D'Alisa, Scott Frey, Dana Owen, Mark Viola
  • Patent number: 6042669
    Abstract: Polyolefin auto body components and like plastic structural elements having a predetermined form and a repairable damage discontinuity having an edge margin, are repaired by and covering the discontinuity with a web of differentially fusible portions, such as interdispersed differently fusible fibers, partially fused to the edge margin to support the web in place and provide a base for repair including application of repair adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Hugh Craig
  • Patent number: 6017608
    Abstract: A decorative safety attachment for screen doors and windows for enhancing visibility and thereby preventing inadvertent walk-through, injury to persons or pets, tearing of the screen itself, or damage to other components or property. The attachment includes an array of attachment pins which can be conveniently inserted into and removed from an ordinary screen mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventors: John Richard Braun, Joyce Carol Braun
  • Patent number: 6013343
    Abstract: A patch for a ducting wall has two sealing portions, one of which may be bent to pass through a torn opening in the ducting wall. When jointed by a coupling means, the two sealing portions may pinch the ducting wall surrounding the torn opening and provide a barrier against the escape of air through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventors: Edgar Helge Fred Radke, Constantinos J. Joannou
  • Patent number: 6013352
    Abstract: A display device is provided comprising one or more masking discs being printed on a surface and a transparent area for viewing printed matter on a substrate disc such as a compact disc. A masking disc or a protective layer includes a bushing extending through a central hole of the compact disc so that each masking disc and substrate disc are rotatably mounted relative to each other. The bushing cooperates with a securing disc to maintain the masking discs and substrate disc together. A magnetic layer secured to the substrate disc comprises means for mounting the display device on a substrate independent of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Glenn Gallant
  • Patent number: 5997982
    Abstract: A screen saver (10) capable of attachment to a screen door screen (14) of a screen door. The screen saver (10) has an inner member (12A) and an outer member (12B) attached to each other through mesh of a screen door utilizing hook and loop. The inner member (12A) having an inner member front (12AA) and an inner member back (12AB). The inner member back (12AB) further comprises inner member back fastening means (12ABA) securely affixed thereon. The outer member (12B) having an outer member front (12BA) and an outer member back (12BB). The outer member back (12BB) further comprises an outer member back fastening means (12BBA) securely affixed thereon. The inner member front (12AA) and outer member front (12BA) each comprise a reflective surface thereon. The inner member front (12AA) and outer member front (12BA) are shaped at a convex angle with respect to the screen door screen (14) to create a refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Richard J. Susat
  • Patent number: 5993931
    Abstract: A method for leak testing of a hermetic package closure comprises the steps of: creating a pocket in a lid; plating the lid; placing solder in the pocket; melting the solder in the pocket; drilling a hole through the solder and the plated lid creating an unplated area on the plated lid; testing the hermetic package closure for leaks through the hole; heating the solder reflow, wherein surface tension of the solder over the hole and the unplated area enable the solder to form a hermetic closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Robert Grencavich
  • Patent number: 5976291
    Abstract: A Process for Joining Plastic Moldings Plastic moldings can be joined with one-component or two-component adhesives, the connecting joint being spanned by metal strips. The metal strips are at least partly embedded in the adhesive layer. This process is particularly suitable for repairing damaged plastic moldings, more particularly automobile parts, for example fenders. The moldings repaired by the process according to the invention are restored to their original performance properties, more particularly dimensional rigidity, impact strength and appearance. In the event of scrapping, the moldings thus repaired are fully recyclable by conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Henkel Teroson GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Schaetzle
  • Patent number: 5972141
    Abstract: A process for patching a crack or other defect in a thick-walled steel component, such as the wall of a pressure vessel, is provided. Stacked sheets of pre-impregnated carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy are bonded together and cured by interposed layers of a second resin. A structural adhesive is used to bond the stack to the steel to form the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Fernand Ellyin
  • Patent number: 5958166
    Abstract: A method for repairing a high temperature composite structure fabricated from layers of composite plies. If the composite structure contains an internal high temperature core, the core is first restored by installing a core block into the damaged region, bonding the core block in place by applying high temperature material resin and uncured foam material into the region between the core block and the damaged region, and partially curing the core block. A number of repair plies, formed from pre-impregnated composite material or formed using dry cloth manually impregnated with high temperature resin are prepared. The repair plies are sized and shaped using a series of templates corresponding to the damaged region. The installed plies are cured using high temperature localized heating of the damaged region without impairing the surrounding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin D. Walters, Gregory P. Nowak
  • Patent number: 5955113
    Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method for the repair of a break in an automobile light bulb housing. The kit and method enable an inexpensive in situ repair including lamina overriding the break. The lamina form an environmentally impervious repair matching the color of the lens and including a light diffusion pattern to diffuse light substantially similar to that of the unbroken lens. The kit includes shapable parts enclosable in a blister pack. The blister cover may include a usable diffuser pattern. The diffuse pattern maintains the environmental imperviousness of the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Gerald Jacino, Anthony Jacino