Pipes and tubular conduits – Repairing – Patches
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-19
2001-09-18
Brinson, Patrick (Department: 3752)
Pipes and tubular conduits
Repairing
Patches
C138S097000, C285S055000, C264S269000, C156S287000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289936
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method for binding a connecting pipe to a principal pipe which has been reconstructed with a relining pipe of plastic material.
When a connecting pipe is no longer connected leak-free to a main pipe, for example due to slumping, the main pipe is reconstructed by inserting a relining pipe of plastic into the main pipe. Subsequently, the connecting pipe is reconnected to the reconstructed main pipe. To this end, it is necessary that an opening be produced in the relining pipe in the region of a tap opening located in the proximity of that end of the connecting pipe pointing toward the main pipe. In the prior art, this occurs by milling, cutting, welding or with lasers. All of the above-mentioned opening methods, however, exhibit the following disadvantages:
i) Tools that must be repeatedly reconditioned are required for forming the opening.
ii) No seepage-free connection between the main pipe and the connecting pipe is possible.
iii) The ground water is jeopardized even more by gap formations between the main pipe and the connecting pipe.
iv) Considerable damage can be caused given an incorrect measuring or, respectively, tap openings that are not 100% localized. This then requires access and, thus, causes considerable costs.
v) Only certain cross-sectional sizes can be opened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the object of providing a method for optimum binding of a connecting pipe to a principal pipe.
This object is achieved by a method of binding a connecting pipe to a principal pipe which has been reconstructed with a relining pipe of plastic material, said method comprising the steps of localizing or determining the mid-point of the opening in a principal pipe located in the proximity of the end of the connecting pipe pointing toward the principal pipe, said determining or locating being from the inside of a relining pipe; producing an opening in the relining pipe in the region of the localized mid-point by heating the plastic material of the relining pipe located in said region proceeding from the inside of the relining pipe; widening the opening by simultaneously exerting pressure on the inside of the relining pipe in the direction toward the connecting pipe and heating the region of the plastic material on which the pressure is exerted from the inside of the relining pipe toward the connecting pipe to form a projecting portion which extends into the connecting pipe; applying the projecting portion of the plastic material of the relining pipe to the inside of that end of the connecting pipe pointing toward the principle pipe; fastening the plastic material of the projecting portion to the inside of the connecting pipe and flattening the plastic material of the projecting portion as it is fastened to the inside of the connecting pipe.
In particular, it can thereby be provided that the mid-point is localized or determined either with ultrasound or sonar technology.
The heating temperature for producing an opening is preferably selected dependent on the nature of the material. Beneficially, the heating temperature for widening the opening is selected dependent on the nature of the plastic material.
It can also be provided that the opening is widened into either a round opening or an oval opening.
Advantageously, the projecting portion of the plastic material projecting into the connecting pipe is applied beginning at that end of the connecting pipe pointing toward the principal pipe. Then the material is progressively formed against the inside of the connecting pipe inward of that end.
In another particular embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the projecting portion of the plastic material is secured to the inside of the connecting pipe by applying-glue or by welding the plastic material thereto.
Beneficially, the end of the projecting portion of the plastic material extending into the connecting pipe is flattened by heating. It can also be provided that the end of the projecting portion of the plastic material can be flattened by stretching. In both cases, the flattening can cause a tapering or thinning of the material at the end of the projecting portion.
Finally, it can be provided that the shaping of the connection is monitored by a semi-electronic method or a semi-mechanical method. Included within what is to be understood as shaping is the cross-sectional shape of the connection, for example oval or round, and the angle of the projecting portion relative to the principal pipe.
The invention is based on the surprising perception that the plastic material of the relining pipe that must normally be removed for producing an opening to the connecting pipe can be employed for producing a seepage-free connection between the principal pipe and the connecting or branch pipe. This means that an optimum connection can be realized without additional material. The shape of the connection as well as the entry angle are thereby not impediments to forming the connection. Moreover, all types of plastic can be processed. Over and above this, there is no damage to the principal pipe or the carrier pipe.
Other advantages and features of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, the drawings and claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5275442 (1994-01-01), Keldany
patent: 5577776 (1996-11-01), Welch
patent: 5778937 (1998-07-01), Sundermann
patent: 5954371 (1999-09-01), Koke et al.
patent: 6148581 (2000-11-01), Separautzki
patent: 1383155 (1964-11-01), None
Brinson Patrick
F. W. Hundhausen GmbH Kunstsoffwerk
Schiff & Hardin & Waite
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