Abstract: This invention provides a method for restoring at least one means defining a railroad spike hole located in a used railroad tie. In this way, the restored railroad tie can be reused in subsequent rail replacement operations. The restored railroad tie is capable of having a railroad spike penetrate and be retained within the confines of the restored railroad spike hole without substantial bending problems. The used railroad tie provided has at least one spike hole located therein. In each the means defining a railroad spike hole is formed a polymeric plug. The polymeric plug comprises a substantially non-foaming, non-cellular polymeric material. The polymeric material preferably comprises a polyurethane. The polymeric plug infiltrates and tightly bonds with the railroad spike hole to prevent moisture infiltration. Thus, substantial tie rot due to moisture is impeded, and the leaky railroad spike hole is effectively and efficiently dammed to enable complete filling thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a dowel-adhesive method for repairing ceramic matrix composites. The dowel adhesive method embodied in the present invention incorporates both adhesive and mechanical bonding of a patch to a damaged CMC surface area. The damaged area is first identified and then pre-processed. Next, a CMC patch plug is produced and adhesively and mechanically bonded to the pre-processed area. Mechanical bonding is accomplished with dowel pins and corresponding dowel pin holes in the patch plug and the panel. The dowel pins anchor the CMC patch plug to the panel. Adhesive bonding is accomplished by placing a ceramic adhesive between the patch plug and the panel. Also, the dowel pins are adhesively bonded within the dowel pin holes of the plug and the panel. The ceramic adhesive is set by a low temperature cure (if required) and a high temperature firing.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for repairing damaged portions of an exposed surface of wallboard.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shoe repair composite material having a cloth layer bonded to the bottom of a shoe with a bonding adhesive layer. The cloth layer has a thickness of approximately 0.020 inches and is impregnated with a contact cement sold under the trademark DAP WELDWOOD.TM.. The bonding adhesive layer is made of double sided specialty coated tape sold under the trademark TESAFIX.TM., type 4964 Textile Fixing and Splicing Tape, having a thickness of approximately 0.020 inches. These two layers are bonded together and then covered with peel-removable paper to protect the contact cement and the bonding adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, the cloth layer is covered with a vinyl layer having a thickness of approximately 0.020 inches to provide a tough, inelastic and scuff-resistant outer layer. This vinyl layer provides a plurality of approximately 700 embossed protrusions per square inch to provide scuff-resistance and increased traction.

Abstract: A patch is placed at one end of a repaired long crack in a windshield to prevent the repaired long crack from being overstressed and separating under load, which may be caused by flexing or differential thermal expansion. The patch spans the crack laterally and is placed adjacent an end of the crack, generally very near the edge of the windshield. The patch is bonded to the glass to reinforce the crack by carrying loads tending to separate the crack. The patch material is preferably at least as rigid as the glass and is bonded to the glass by a strong adhesive such as an epoxy resin.

Abstract: A sanitary article, particularly a sanitary fitting or plumbing fitting, having a coated surface, in which on a coating face and/or below a coating face is provided at least one print image which color-contrasts with the coating.

Abstract: The strength of composite patches is improved over conventional bolted or bonded patches by including Z-pins in the patch/parent structure interface to provide a mechanical link with small stress concentration between the patch and the parent structure. In some cases, we achieve a stronger repair removing the pins to leave holes that fill with resin from the patch during the curing or bonding operation.

Abstract: A wood substitute turning blank and method of making the same is described. The turning blank includes a body having an outer shell of relatively low tensile strength material positioned about a rotational axis of the body. An inner core of relatively high tensile strength material is positioned along the rotational axis of the body. The high tensile strength of the inner core allows this turning blank to be turned at high speed on a lathe or the like. The high tensile strength of the core enhances the overall tensile strength of the finished product.

Abstract: The strength of composite patches is improved over conventional bolted or bonded patches by including Z-pins in the patch/parent structure interface to provide a mechanical link with small stress concentration between the patch and the parent structure. In some cases, we achieve a stronger repair removing the pins to leave holes that fill with resin from the patch during the curing or bonding operation.

Abstract: A penetration seal (12) is provided including a flexible patch (14) having adhesive (20) applied to one of the patch's first and second face surfaces (16), (18). An opening (22) is formed in the patch (14) of a size predetermined to fit a particular penetration (24). The opening (22) is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the penetration (24). In addition, a method of sealing the space (28) between an aircraft penetration (24) and surrounding insulation material (26) is provided. The method includes providing a seal (12) having a patch (14) with first and second face surfaces (16), (18), an opening (22) in the patch (14), and adhesive (20) applied to the first face surface (16). The method further includes applying the patch (14) to the penetration and insulation material by passing the penetration (24) through the opening (22) at the first face and pressing the first face surface (16) to the insulation material (26).

Abstract: A elastic membrane includes a pair of parallel strips of a lamination consisting of a non-stretchable plastic film coated on both sides with a pressure sensitive adhesive, resulting in a pair of pressure sensitive adhesive bands bonded to a rear side of the membrane along each lengthwise edge of the elastic membrane, leaving an uncoated midsection of elastic membrane. The adhesive bands are covered with a release liner, with longitudinal slits cut through it to allow selective removal from one adhesive band or the other or a portion of one adhesive band as desired during installation. One side of the elastic membrane is attached to the wall surface adjacent to a crack to be covered and repaired, and the midsection of the elastic membrane is stretched across the crack and the other elastic band is pressed against the wall. The elastic membrane can be treated with spackle or dry wall mud to blend into the surrounding wall and can be painted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber band for pipe repairs that can be tightly wound about a pipe of various types at a portion where fluid is leaking to cut off the leakage. A tentative fixing means is provided on one end of the rubber band and a retaining means is provided on the other to prevent the wound rubber band from loosening. After cutting off the leakage with the rubber band, a mending tape applied with a substance that reacts with water and becomes hardened is conveniently wound over the rubber band.

Abstract: A method and product for repairing a sound attenuation structure for aircraft jet engine noise that includes a central honeycomb core having an imperforate facing sheet adhesively bonded thereto and a perforated facing sheet adhesively bonded to the opposing surface of the core with a woven wire cloth media adhesively bonded to the outer surface of the perforated sheet. The wire cloth is subject to deterioration and disbonding in service use. The method provides for the removal of the deteriorated wire cloth that has disbanded or deteriorated and, after cleaning of the perforated sheet and the associated honeycomb core area, and priming of the cleaned area of the perforated sheet replacement with a polymer film that is precoated with a pressure sensitive adhesive so that the film may be easily applied to the exposed perforated sheet area in place of the removed wire cloth.

Abstract: The concentration of an analyte in a sample liquid is determined on the basis of the optical density of a chemical analysis element spotted with the sample liquid according to a standard curve representing the relation between the concentration and the optical density of the analysis element which is obtained when the concentration is measured using an analysis element of a first lot. A plurality of first standard liquids containing the analyte in known levels are spotted onto analysis elements of a second lot, the concentrations of the analyte in the first standard liquids are determined according to the standard curve and a first calibration curve for correcting the concentrations of the analyte is prepared.

Abstract: A method of repairing a thermal barrier coating on an article designed for use in a hostile thermal environment, such as turbine, combustor and augmentor components of a gas turbine engine. The method is particularly suited for the repair of thermal barrier coatings composed of a metallic bond layer formed on the surface of the article, and a columnar ceramic layer overlaying the bond layer. The method entails the steps of cleaning the bond layer exposed by localized spallation, treating the bond layer so as to texture its exposed surface, and then depositing a ceramic material on the surface of the bond layer so as to form a ceramic repair layer that completely covers the bond layer. Deposition of the repair layer can be carried out such that its upper surface projects above the adjacent ceramic layer, followed by abrading the repair layer to a height substantially level with the ceramic layer.

Abstract: An improved roadway patching system and method is provided for repairing potholes (12) or other damaged roadway areas. The patching system of the invention includes a lower asphaltic liner (18) which is adapted for placement within a pothole (12) or the like in closely conforming and adhering relationship with the inner contour (14) thereof in order to present a substantially water-impervious barrier. A fill (34) is then placed within the pothole (12) atop the liner (18). The patch is completed by provision of an asphaltic, water-impervious, substantially non-stretch top mat (20) which is applied over the fill (34) and engaging and adhering to the liner (18) and adjacent portions (16) of the roadway (10).

Abstract: A method and product for repairing sound attenuation structure for aircraft jet engine noise that includes a central honeycomb core having an imperforate facing sheet adhesively bonded thereto and a perforated facing sheet adhesively bonded to the opposing surface of the core with a woven wire cloth media adhesively bonded to the outer surface of the perforated sheet. The wire cloth is subject to deterioration and disbonding in service use. The method provides for the removal of the deteriorated wire cloth that has disbonded or deteriorated and, after cleaning of the perforated sheet and the associated honeycomb core area, and priming of the cleaned area of the perforated sheet replacement with a polymer film that is precoated with a pressure sensitive adhesive so that the film may be easily applied to the exposed perforated sheet area in place of the removed wire cloth.

Abstract: A patch is provided for repairing articles such as bicycle tire inner tubes. The patch includes a backing; and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer having an average thickness of greater than about 0.076 mm disposed on the backing. The patch has a maximum thickness of no greater than about 0.64 mm, a T-Peel strength from an organic polymeric substrate of greater than about 0.18 kN/m after 1 hour dwell time at 22.degree. C., and a static shear strength of at least about 50 minutes from stainless steel at 70.degree. C. with a 7.6 kPa load.

Abstract: A film strip with a damaged end portion is repaired by using jig means for severing the strip at a fixed distance from a pre-existing locating hole to remove the damaged end portion and then attaching a pre-formed replacement end member in the same location by reference to the same locating hole. The replacement end member has the same edge configuration and hole features as the original film end portion and overlaps the severed film end to permit it to be adhesively bonded thereto.

Abstract: Leaks can be sealed quickly by methods employing a flexible patch applied by a resilient applicator that can be caused to exert suffieient force against the patch and the leaking surface to stop fluid flow while a leak sealant is curing.

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.

Abstract: An improved multi-layer repair patch is provided. The patch has general repair applications including uses on drywall and automobile bodies. The preferred embodiment includes a three layer patch including an inner mesh, a middle reinforcing sheet and an outer mesh. No glue or adhesive needs to be applied to the middle sheet. The inner surface of the inner mesh carries an adhesive coating and the inner surface of the outer mesh carries an adhesive coating. The inner mesh is attached to the surface under repair and the outer mesh secures the middle sheet between the two mesh structures. In the preferred embodiment, the middle sheet is perforated and the perforated middle sheet, in combination with the inner and outer mesh structures enables liquified bonding material to migrate through the patch during the repair process.

Abstract: A printed substrate having a structure to prevent breakage of the printed substrate by distributing stress which acts on a border of reinforcement patterns provided in the substrate. The printed substrate includes multiple layer conductive patterns, through-holes which pass through the conductive patterns and the printed substrate, and reinforcement patterns formed around the perimeters of the through-holes in the multiple layers of the printed substrate. The sizes and/or shapes of the reinforcement patterns in each layer differ such that stress acting on the border of the reinforcement pattern is distributed.

Abstract: A method and kit for restoring the appearance of a damaged area of a patterned lens. In the method a clear thermoplastic patch is fitted to overlap the damaged area, a patterned plastic sheet is adhered to the clear plastic patch to form a patterned patch, and the patterned patch is bonded to the lens while covering the damaged area. The kit comprises a translucent thermoplastic patch, a patterned plastic sheet, and a bonding agent.

Abstract: An article for repairing an opening in a wall surface and including at least one bracket forming a cage when installed in the opening. The bracket has a substantially "U"-shaped body with legs terminating at outwardly extending flanges. Each flange is adapted for insertion into the edge of the opening when the bracket is installed. The article also includes a support sized and shaped to substantially fill the cage. The support has at least one element to which patch material bonds when the article is placed in the opening and the patch material is introduced into the opening.

Abstract: A method of restoring carpet with a foam backing which has developed depressions from having a heavy object placed upon it. Plastic liquid foam is injected into these dented areas and cures to restore a planer surface to the carpet.

Abstract: A system is provided for repairing a planar sheet member which has a damaged region defined by a boundary. A generally planar repair assembly having an outer periphery initially spaced from the boundary of the damaged region is inserted into the damaged region so as to be coplanar with the sheet member. Thereupon, the repair assembly is enlarged until its outer periphery is generally adjacent to the boundary of the damaged region to be repaired. At the same time, a frangible wall in a container of the repair assembly positioned between a first compartment of liquid filler material and a second compartment of liquid hardener chemically reactive with the filler material is broken such that the filler material and hardener intermix and react to form a resultant liquid repair material.

Abstract: In a seal for an opening, a bead of meltable glue (3) is deposited on the top face of the peripheral flange (4), the bottom face of which lies facing the metal sheet (7) about the circumference of the opening (8), holes suitable for the glue to pass through when it melts as a result of the metal sheet being heated, being provided between the top and bottom faces of the peripheral flange, the glue, when cooling, fixing together the metal sheet and the bottom of the peripheral flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stress absorbing composite for road repair that comprises a low stiffness geotextile, a viscoelastic material disposed over the low stiffness geotextile, and a high stiffness geotextile disposed over the viscoelastic material. Also provided is a method for retarding reflective cracking in an overlay using a stress absorbing composite and a repaired road containing a stress absorbing composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a toothed wheel, especially for a windshield wiper control device, of the kind having on one face a conductive strip. The process consists of providing in the wheel face an impression having a shape complementing the shape of the conductive strip, disposing the conductive strip in said impression, and securing the conductive strip with the front face of the toothed wheel. The front face has a border running along a peripheral edge of the impression and protruding at the border of said impression.

Abstract: A corner structure of a resinous molded part includes a base portion and a pair of lever portions which are formed integrally with the base portion. The molded part is provided with cut-outs which are arranged at corners where the base portion intersects the lever portions. A thickness of a portion outside the recess is established to be larger than a thickness of another portion inside the cut-out. With the establishment of the thickness, the amount of the inward inclination of the lever portions derived from the differential shrinkage can be reduced since they are pulled outwardly due to the increased thickness of the outside portion, when the part is cooled.

Abstract: A lid for sealing a container. The lid adheres to the container by a vacuum formed within the container. The lid is formed of a substantially circular panel having a flanged perimeter and a concave depression on an upper side of the circular panel. A pressure release hole extends through the concave depression of the circular panel and sanitary coating is disposed on a lower side of the circular panel. A first adhesive material is applied to the lower side of the lid by fusion to the sanitary coating to form a thin film over the release hole, and a second adhesive material is disposed in the concave depression on the upper side of the lid to form a removable seal. The second adhesive material has the same properties as the first adhesive material.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for effecting repair to damaged, nonstressed aircraft structure is described. A sheet of material comprised of woven glass cloth impregnated with a resin cured under temperature and pressure forms the basic patch. One side of the patch has a Tedlar.RTM. overlay attached to the sheet face in the preferred embodiment. This patch material meets the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR 25.855) which is required to provide for fire resistant material on transport aircraft. A pressure sensitive film is bonded to the side opposite the Tedlar.RTM. overlay. This combination of glass sheet and pressure sensitive film is pressure bonded to the damaged structure and further held in place by mechanical fasteners which can withstand a temperature of at least 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit.One of the primary applications of this invention is in the cargo liner repair of transport aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a document sheet or a business form formed as a single sheet or part of a continuous web of interconnected sheets where an indentation is pressed into a front surface of the sheet and an object such as a card, label or coin is releasably adhered to the sheet in the indentation, whereby recessing the object in the sheet indentation enables the simultaneous printing of both the document sheet and object.

Abstract: A backstop for firearm projectiles includes a body of an ionomeric polymer disposed so as to slow and stop projectiles. The body of ionomeric material may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contourable surface repair compound matrix. Such a matrix is directed to apparatus for reinforcement and positioning of the repair compound and comprises a mesh-like structure including a plurality of deformable contour modules, preferably in the form of diamond-shaped elements, to form a sheet-like structure which is readily adaptable to be formed in a variety of stable formats. Such contourable surface repair compound matrix is configured as a sheet having at least one substantially planar surface which is adapted to receive an adhesive thereon, and further includes adhesive disposed onto such side of the sheet for securing the sheet to the surface to be repaired, in order to form a firm anchor for the support of the repair compound to be applied thereto.

Abstract: A member to be adhered is provided with a body having a bonding surface on which an adhesive is applied, and a non-bonding surface from which a grip portion is integrally formed, allowing insertion of the body into a sealed member.

Abstract: A structure and method for repairing a damaged section in a sheetrock wall or ceiling comprising removal of the damaged section by cutting out a specifically-sized section of the wall surrounding the damaged section, providing a like-size, tight-fitting replacement section in the cutout area, providing a combination of fabric strips impregnated with an unactivated fast-setting plaster or cementitious material, providing a water-based glue, coating the edges of the replacement section and the cutout area with the water-based glue, activating the cementitious material, positioning fabric strips on the back side of the replacement patch with ends of the strips extending beyond each edge of the replacement patch, inserting the replacement section of sheetrock into the cutout area and manipulating it into flush alignment with the wall surface by manually gripping the patch assembly using the extended portions of the plaster impregnated strips, flattening the extended portions of the strips against the wall surface

Abstract: A laminate cover for sealing an opening in a weatherproof roofing membrane includes a top sheet of a weather resistant material, preferably an uncured butyl rubber EPDM material, and a complementary shaped and sized lower sheet of a lightly cured butyl rubber having opposed tacky surfaces. A layer of a flowable sealing material such as an uncured butyl rubber sealing compound having a smaller dimension than that of the lower sheet, is trapped between the lower sheet and a bottom release coated carrier. Upon removal of the carrier, the cover is pressed over the opening to be sealed and an exposed peripheral tacky area of the lower sheet secures the cover to the membrane and traps the sealing compound therein. Applied or ambient heat will cause the sealing compound to flow into the opening to effectively seal the same, and will vulcanize the top sheet to provide abrasion and weather resistance for the cover.

Abstract: A member adherably mounted to a shower wall to overlie broken and discolored portions contiguous when adjacent shower stall and bathtub valves and nozzles is provided, including a central planar mounting plate formed with a perimeter flange of a "U" shaped configuration, with a mounting flange positioned about the perimeter flange to accommodate caulking and water sealing compounds thereon. The patch member accordingly provides for a securable mounting arrangement that in a modified form utilizes various peel-away layers to provide various patterns to accommodate adjacent tile structure.

Abstract: Material is removed from a panel (10) in the region surrounding an undesired opening (12) caused by damage or incorrect forming or wear of a fastener hole. The resulting prepared opening (21) has a bearing load transmitting sidewall surface that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface (11) of the panel (10) and tapers slightly in an inward direction relative to the surface (11). The prepared opening (21) may extend all the way through the panel (10) or only part way through. A prefabricated insert (22) is positioned in the prepared opening (21) and bonded to the load transmitting surface. The bonding may be accomplished by applying an adhesive or using a fusing procedure. The insert (22) may have a constant angle of taper, preferably about two degrees, or may be concavely curved in the direction of taper. The insert (22) may be trimmed prior to and/or following the bonding procedure. A new fastener hole may be drilled through the bonded insert (22).

Abstract: The invention concerns a patch or repair assembly for repairing vehicles, installations and parts. The assembly comprises at least one photocurable prepreg fabric, a UV transparent release film on top of the fabric and a UV blocking film over the release film. There is also disclosed a method of repairing using the assembly of the invention.

Abstract: A trapezoidally-shaped rubber patch for patching the sidewall of a radial-ply tire with broken or damaged cords. The rubber patch has a first layer of rubber containing radial metallic cords and at least one second layer of rubberized fabric with synthetic cords under the first layer. Beneath the second layer is at least one third layer of rubber. The patch has a knurled attachment surface for attaching it to a coresponding knurled tire attachment surface. The rubber patch also has a trapezoidally-shaped rubber plug extending outwardly from the attachment surface. The rubber plug fits into a window which is cut in the sidewall of the tire in the area of the broken or damaged cords. The first layer of rubber is raised with respect to the attachment surface. The first layer of rubber is as wide as the base of the plug in the area beneath it.

Abstract: An improved wood patch, in combination with a slot formed in a blemished wooden surface, and apparatus and method of manufacture thereof. The improved wood patch has, where the wooden surface to be repaired is horizontal, three faces: a flat horizontal exterior face, a flat vertical interior face, and an angled arcuate interior face. The patch has both a larger vertical radius of curvature and a larger angle between the flat vertical interior face and the angled arcuate interior face than the slot. Apparatus for manufacture includes a router utilizing a double router bit having a straight cutting edge oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bit and an angled cutting edge oriented at an angle to the straight cutting edge.

Abstract: Substantially self supporting composites of glass pieces are made without having to cover the edges of the glass pieces with lead or copper tape that overlaps the sides of the glass pieces. The composites can be two or three dimensional assemblies. The method of making the composites comprises arranging a plurality of individual precut glass pieces with uncovered edges in a pattern with a flexible material adhering to surfaces of adjacent glass pieces, providing gaps between the glass pieces to expose edges of adjacent glass pieces, and applying a bonding agent in the gaps to rigidly bond the edges between the adjacent glass pieces but not to overlap onto the surfaces of the adjacent glass pieces.

Abstract: A self-adhesive stocking patch for mending a nylon stocking. In its broadest aspects, the stocking patch comprises a thin resilient element of a shape and size to approximate typical tears occurring in nylon stockings. Adhesive attachment means is affixed to the element for securely attaching the element to portions of the nylon stocking adjacent to such a tear. The adhesive attachment means includes at least one piece of synthetic material of the type that adheres when pressed together with nylon (i.e. VELCRO.TM.). When applied to the stocking the patch provides an expedient means for temporary repair.

Abstract: An overlay structure is provided for resurfacing a bowling lane. The structure includes a relatively thick homogeneous laminate sheet having a print layer to simulate the appearance of a wood bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fasteners are positioned in respective recesses in the upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for securement to the lane. Plugs are force fit into the recesses to hide the mechanical fasteners. The plugs are fabricated similarly to and have the same appearance as the print layer of the sheet.

Abstract: A patch for the repair of a hole in an interior wall. This patch is easy to apply and requires no tools. The patch has a pressure sensitive adhesive layer which can be affixed to the wall surrounding the hole. Perpheral portions of the patch are thinner than that portion disposed over the hole itself and the outer surface of the patch is flat. The combination of tapering peripheral portions and a flat outer surface allows the path to be blended in with the rest of the wall so that the patch, when it is covered with paint, becomes unnoticeable. The patch is fabricated from a moldable plastic that is placed in a presss having opposing die faces which are flat and concave, respectively. The path is preferably reinforced for use on larger holes. The reinforcements can be made from a wide range of materials including metals, fiberglass and nylon. The paintability of any exposed surface of the patch may be enhanced by bonding a thin sheet of paintable material to the surface.

Abstract: An overlay structure is provided for resurfacing a bowling lane. The structure includes a relatively thick homogeneous laminate sheet having a print layer to simulate the appearance of a wood bowling lane. A plurality of mechanical fasteners are positioned in respective recesses in the upper surface of the sheet and extending through the sheet for securement to the lane. Plugs are force fit into the recesses to hide the mechanical fasteners. The plugs are fabricated similarly to and have the same appearance as the print layer of the sheet.