Henry E Topf

US Patent:

20050098208, May 12, 2005

Filed:

Nov 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/704864

Inventors:

Henry Topf - Wellsboro PA, US

International Classification:

F16K043/00

US Classification:

137015140

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for connecting a branch onto a pipeline assembly having a radial circumference and an axial length without stoppage of passage of flow of a fluid through the pipeline assembly. The method includes mounting a sleeve around a portion of the radial circumference of the pipeline assembly. The sleeve comprises a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, and the first sleeve portion comprises a cutting tool and the second sleeve portion comprises a branch for connection onto the pipeline assembly. The method includes securing the sleeve to the pipeline assembly. The pipeline assembly is milled to create an aperture of a length and width at the desired location by use of the milling machine; and the sleeve is rotated radially so that the second sleeve portion is aligned with the aperture. The branch is connected onto the pipeline assembly while the second sleeve portion is aligned with the aperture.

US Patent:

20060065320, Mar 30, 2006

Filed:

Sep 29, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/952657

Inventors:

Robin Borland - Smethport PA, US
Henry Topf - Wellsboro PA, US

International Classification:

F16L 55/16

US Classification:

138099000, 138097000, 285373000, 285015000, 138156000

Abstract:

A pipeline repair system includes a sleeve adapted to permanently enclose an outer surface of a longitudinal section of a pipeline having a defect. The sleeve includes two or more longitudinal segments of a cylinder joined at the longitudinal edges to form a sleeve with a first and second radial ends. The sleeve is sealed at the radial ends forming an enclosed annular space between the pipeline and the sleeve. An injection port assembly on the sleeve is adapted for temporary connection to an external source of pressurized material. The pressurized material may be a fluid, gas, or slurry. After filling the annulus with pressurized material, the port assembly is sealed. The permanent sleeve receives a majority of the tangential (hoop) stress load from the section of pipeline via the pressurized material in the annular space and may receive a portion of the longitudinal stress load from the section of pipeline. In another embodiment, the injection and evacuation ports assemblies are omitted from the sleeve and a tap assembly is disposed on the sleeve. The tap assembly is adapted to receive a tapping tool for piercing the section of pipeline encased in the sleeve and allowing pressurized material from inside the pipeline to fill the annular space inside the sleeve. The invention further encompasses a method of repairing a longitudinal section of a pipeline having a defect.

US Patent:

20060272724, Dec 7, 2006

Filed:

Apr 25, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/410606

Inventors:

Robin Borland - Smethport PA, US
Henry Topf - Wellsboro PA, US
Brian Rice - Perkiomenville PA, US

International Classification:

F16L 55/16

US Classification:

138099000, 138172000

Abstract:

A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. An outer sleeve is installed around the reinforcing material. A polymeric material is placed (e.g., poured) into the interior of the sleeve around the reinforcing material. External pressure is applied to the sleeve. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe.

US Patent:

20070107791, May 17, 2007

Filed:

Dec 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/647855

Inventors:

Brian Rice - Perkiomenville PA, US
Henry Topf - Wellsboro PA, US

International Classification:

F16L 55/16

US Classification:

138099000, 138097000

Abstract:

A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.

US Patent:

20070107792, May 17, 2007

Filed:

Dec 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/648354

Inventors:

Brian Rice - Perkiomenville PA, US
Henry Topf - Wellsboro PA, US

International Classification:

F16L 55/16

US Classification:

138099000, 138097000

Abstract:

A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. Further, the polymeric material may be subjected to pressure to facilitate contact of the resin through the reinforcing material.

US Patent:

20080017263, Jan 24, 2008

Filed:

Apr 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/787419

Inventors:

David Robinson - Washington NJ, US
Brian Rice - Perkiomenville PA, US
Henry Topf - Wellsboro PA, US

International Classification:

F16L 55/16

US Classification:

138099000, 138097000

Abstract:

A system and method of reinforcing a portion of a pipe, including applying a fiber structure to the portion of the pipe to be reinforced, and pressurizing resin through the fiber structure to the portion of the pipe to substantially saturate the fiber structure with resin, wherein the resin comprises a viscosity of less than about 10,000 cP and a surface tension of less than about 30 dynes. The resin is permitted to cure under ambient conditions at a peak exotherm of greater than about 200 F., wherein the cured resin comprises a glass transition temperature of greater than about 150 F. and a heat distortion temperature of greater than about 150 F. Pressurizing the resin may include use of a reinforcing containment and underlying pliable mold that is compressed to pressure the resin through the fiber structure to the pipe.

US Patent:

55364578, Jul 16, 1996

Filed:

Apr 21, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/427108

Inventors:

Henry E. Topf - Roachdale IN

Assignee:

Miller Pipeline Corporation - Indianapolis IN

International Classification:

B32B 3500
E04B 116

US Classification:

264 32

Abstract:

A method for installing a mold apparatus in a manhole assembly and filling the mold apparatus with a sealing material to establish a solid bond that blocks inflow of fluids at the joint between abutting components of the manhole assembly includes providing an open ring, a retaining band for urging the open ring into contact with the manhole so that the open ring defines an annular channel at the joint, and a sealing material dispenser for conveying sealing material into the annular channel. The sealing material hardens in the annular channel to provide the solid bond at the joint between the two manhole components. The manhole components may be an abutting manhole frame and manhole, or two abutting sections of manhole.

US Patent:

52016005, Apr 13, 1993

Filed:

Sep 26, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/766626

Inventors:

Henry E. Topf - Roachdale IN
Gregg A. Gillentine - Greenwood IN

Assignee:

Miller Pipeline Corporation - Indianapolis IN

International Classification:

E02D 2914

US Classification:

404 25

Abstract:

An apparatus and method is provided for providing a mold that can be filled with sealing material to establish a barrier seal on top of a manhole to block unwanted inflow of groundwater into the manhole through a space or gap between either the manhole and manhole frame or a pair of adjacent manhole sections. The apparatus includes a pair of circular channel rings that can be mounted on the top face of the manhole. The channel rings are arranged to form an annular sealing material-retaining channel therebetween. The channel rings are strong enough to support a heavy manhole frame (or another manhole section) above the manhole and in contact with the sealing material in the annular channel. The sealing material cures to establish a water-tight pliable seal bonding the manhole frame (or other manhole section) to the manhole.