Apparatus and method for repairing the junction of a sewer main line and lateral
US5950682A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C63/34
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for repairing the junction of a sewer main line and a lateral pipe includes a generally T-shaped inflatable bladder having a main line portion and a lateral portion with resin absorbent liner wrapped around the main line portion and lateral portions of the bladder. The liner is impregnated with uncured resin, and the lateral bladder is then inverted within the main line bladder, thereby inverting the lateral liner along with the lateral bladder. The liner/bladder assembly is positioned within a main line pipe with the lateral bladder coaxially aligned with a lateral pipe, to repair the junction between the lateral pipe and the main line pipe. Fluid is then introduced within the main line and lateral bladders to extend the lateral bladder into the lateral pipe, and to radially expand both the main line and lateral bladders to force the liners into contact with the main line pipe and lateral pipe. Once the resin is cured, the bladders are deflated, the lateral bladder is inverted back into the main line bladder, and the bladders are then removed from the main line pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.