Patents Assigned to Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
  • Publication number: 20020079702
    Abstract: A flexible conduit element that is made out of an annular corrugated tube or an annular corrugated pipe and is provided with a connection device. The connection device 6 is located on one end of the flexible conduit element and includes a joining piece 2 that has an external threading 5 and is placed on the end of the flexible conduit element 1. A union nut 3 can be shoved onto the flexible conduit element 1 and screwed onto the outer threading 5 of the joining piece 2, and a clamping ring 4 that can be shoved onto the flexible conduit element 1, is arranged between and deformed by the joining piece 2 and the union nut 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Roland Baumann, Peter Schuttler, Franz Dorge, Bernd Michelfelder, Bernd Seeger, Manfred Mader
  • Patent number: 6386594
    Abstract: A connection element is provided and a process for connecting composite hoses is conducted in a weld-free, solder-free, as well as site-independent manner, which nonetheless leads to an outside pressure-tight interface. For this purpose, a composite hose having a spiral wound metal hose surrounded by an elastic outer casing is screwed onto a supporting sleeve having a terminal outer thread. The metal tube is then compressed axially so that the outer casing is exposed projecting beyond the end of the metal hose and is preferably fastened by pressing on a sealing surface arranged behind the outer thread. The pressing of the outer casing here does not impair the functional capacity of the wound metal hose, but nevertheless protects it from the surrounding medium, for example salt water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Peter Schüttler, Armin Winter
  • Patent number: 6354332
    Abstract: A coolant line for air-conditioning systems that are operated with carbon dioxide as a coolant, particularly air-conditioning systems of motor vehicles, can be tightly connected at both ends to connecting parts. The line has an inside, metallic, corrugated hose that is coolant-tight, a radially pressure-resistant, flexible, metallic jacket that surrounds the hose with radial spacing and provides axial support, and a compression-proof, temperature-resistant intermediate plastic layer that fills the space between at least the radially-outside corrugation crests of the metal hose and the jacket so as to prevent play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH, Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Carlo Burkhardt, Richard Bantscheff, Bernhard Heil, Kai Kowalewsky, Frank Picard, Klaus Rettkowski
  • Patent number: 6296282
    Abstract: A gas tight articulated connecting element for piping elements includes: a flexible gas tight tube element to be securely connected with the piping elements; a supporting element disposed at a distance from the tube element at an exterior region thereof and including a plurality of supporting parts, each of the supporting parts being configured to be connected at one end thereof to a piping element adjacent thereto, and at another end thereof to an adjacent other end of an adjacent one of the supporting parts; and a flexible connection device disposed between adjacent ones of the supporting parts for connecting said another end to said an adjacent other end, the flexible connection device including an intermediate part made of an elastomer and being connected with the supporting parts in a locking connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Carlo Burkhardt, Fabian Elsässer
  • Patent number: 6240969
    Abstract: The invention concerns a conduit element made of metal for uncoupling high frequency vibrations in connection with exhaust gas conduits of motor vehicle internal combustion engines. To improve the uncoupling of these high frequency vibrations, the conduit element of the invention basically comprises a screw thread-shaped or annularly undulating short corrugated sheathing hose of high rigidity inserted into the exhaust gas conduit, as well as a knitted jacket placed on the waved corrugated sheathing hose segment in a force-locking or form-locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventor: Eberhard Wildermuth
  • Patent number: 6230748
    Abstract: A flexible conduit includes a corrugated tubular metal bellows having a minimum inner diameter; cylindrical end fittings secured to the bellows; a metal hose disposed coaxially within the bellows and having a maximum outer diameter which is less than the minimum inner diameter of the bellows; and a free annular cylindrical space situated between the bellows and the metal hose. The cylindrical space has an outer diameter equaling the minimum inner diameter of the bellows and an inner diameter equaling the maximum outer diameter of the metal hose. The conduit further has a hollow cylindrical knit wire element positioned in the cylindrical space. The knit wire element radially fully occupies the cylindrical space without projecting radially therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Tom Krawietz, Fabian Elsässer
  • Patent number: 6125889
    Abstract: A flexible conveying element, in particular for the exhaust systems of automotive combustion engines, having a helically or annularly corrugated metal hose which is installed coaxially in the metal bellows. The outside diameter of the metal hose is smaller than the inside diameter of the bellows and the ends of the hose are situated inside the end fittings of the bellows. The metal hose has an interlocked profile and the bellows and the hose are in an at least indirect contact with each other in at least one additional zone between the two end fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH, Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Fabian Elsasser, Tom Krawietz, Michael Pluschke
  • Patent number: 6116287
    Abstract: A flexible tube element for an exhaust pipe of a vehicle engine includes a first end and an opposite, second end; a circumferentially corrugated metal bellows extending between the first and second ends; a first stripwound metal hose arranged coaxially with the bellows between the first and second ends; a second stripwound metal hose arranged coaxially with the bellows and the first stripwound metal hose between the first and second ends; and first and second generally cylindrical connection fittings arranged at the first and second ends, respectively, and being coaxial with the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Reinhard Gropp, Jorg Hornung, Michael Pluschke
  • Patent number: 6062266
    Abstract: A tube element, especially for the exhaust systems and exhaust gas recirculation systems of combustion engines in vehicles. The element has a single- or multi-ply tube element made of metal which is provided with cylindrical end fittings and at least two annularly corrugated bellows and a connecting pipe forming a single element, with the pipe corresponding with the bellows in diameter as well as in wall thickness, and with the inside diameter of the connecting pipe corresponding substantially with the free inside diameter of the adjacent bellows. The element has a concentric reinforcing pipe at an external radial distance to the connecting pipe, with the ends of the reinforcing pipe, whose inside diameter corresponds with the outside diameter of the bellows, being connected with the radial outward crests of the first corrugations of the bellows following the connecting pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventor: Carlo Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 6062268
    Abstract: A tube element especially for exhaust systems and exhaust recirculation systems of combustion engines in vehicles which includes at least one helically or annularly corrugated bellows provided with cylindrical end fittings on each end of the bellows; a flexible hose made of metal and situated on an interior surface of the bellows; and a braiding hose made of metal wire which coaxially encloses an exterior surface of the bellows. The braiding hose being placed on the cylindrical end fittings together with the flexible hose so that the flexible hose and the braiding hose are connected firmly and at least indirectly. The braiding hose is installed in a state of pre-setting so that the braiding hose has a reduced radial cross-section which in frictional contact with the exterior surface of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Fabian Elsasser, Tom Krawietz
  • Patent number: 5901754
    Abstract: To reduce turbulence in a fluid flow, especially exhaust gas from automotive internal combustion engines, within a flexible conduit element, a bellows (1, 40, 42) has an internal hose (6) located therein made of woven or knit metal wire. The hose is engaged against the internal corrugations of the bellows (1) and/or a connecting pipe (41) between adjacent bellows (40, 42) to guide the exhaust gases, and dampen vibrations and oscillations, which may become resonant with the corrugations of the bellows, and thereby decrease noise level during the gas flow. The hose (6) is engaged against the inner corrugations (3) of the bellows by, for example, first axially compressing the hose to result in permanent deformation of the wires to a diameter larger than the clear inner diameter of the bellows; by then forcing the hose into the bellows, the hose will resiliently compress and engage against the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Fabian Elsasser, Tom Krawietz
  • Patent number: 5865475
    Abstract: A connection between a building component in the form of a pipe, a mounting part, a housing or the like and a pipe-shaped line element of metal. The building component has an essentially radially extending, ring-shaped contact surface, against which a ring-shaped collar arranged on the line element is tensioned by fastening means that grip behind the collar. In the region between its inside and outside diameter, the collar has at least one axial thickening that extends ring-shaped around the axis for the line element, and that the thickening is produced by axially compressing at least one radially outward extending and at least one radially inward extending annular undulation, arranged adjacent in axial direction, of the wall that forms the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Wilfried Winzen, Eberhard Wildermuth
  • Patent number: 5358287
    Abstract: Jointed pipe connections are used for axial, angular and lateral oscillation decoupling of tubular pipe segments. A jointed pipe provided for connection with a first pipe segment has an annular fold, against which a pressed wire ring rests respectively on the right and left sides. The pressed wire rings are enclosed by an annular cuff which, by means of a pipe socket, forms a cuff pipe used for a connection with a second pipe segment. This prior art arrangement permits only a limited annular movement. The permitted pivot angle diminishes as pipe diameter increases. In accordance with the invention, a plurality of joint areas are provided. The jointed pipe (3) located on the inside has annular folds (4) at both ends. Annular pads (5) rest against these and are enclosed in pairs by annular cuffs (6). The cuffs (6) have pipe sockets (6a) by means of which they are connected with the pipe segments. The cuffs (6) are connected in a gas-tight manner by a sealing bellows (9, 29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventor: Wilfried Winzen
  • Patent number: 5024211
    Abstract: To connect a heat exchange arrangement (2) which moves with a movable mirror (1) in a solar heating system, in which the mirror follows the movement of the sun relative to the earth during the day, and is pivotable to a "night" position (a, FIG. 1) protected against contamination and precipitation, a flexible hose (4) is coupled to the heat exchange arrangement at one end and, at the other, is connected to a coupler element (5) which is movable radially with respect to the pivot axis about which the mirror moves. Preferably, the coupling element is attached to an elongated pivot arm (6) which forms an essentially rigid connecting pipe for the heat exchange fluid, the pivot arm (6) being movable through a limited angle (13) and carrying the coupling element (6) at its end, the coupling element moving along a radius passing through the pivot axis of the mirror, when the mirror is at least approximately in the "noon" position, or halfway through its pivoting arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventor: Wilfried Winzen
  • Patent number: 4911206
    Abstract: Cables supporting and actually limiting excursion of a flexible thin-walled tube are held in position by spacers which are formed with recesses to receive the cables. To permit easy assembly, and eliminate threading the cables on the spacers with the hose in position, the spacers are formed as half-ring elements, coupled together independently of the cables which pass through recesses. The recesses may be tangentially or radially open slits so that the half elements can be slipped over a subassembly of hose and cables, or the recesses can be formed adjacent overlapping or abutting end portions of the half elements. The recesses also may be in the form of through-bores, on which half elements are threaded, the half elements then being fitted against each other around the hose. The half elements are held together either by external rings, interlocked with the half elements, or by overlapping regions, connected together by hook-and-recess connections, welding, adhesive or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Reinhard Gropp, Peter Schanz
  • Patent number: 4880259
    Abstract: To couple two pipes for hot fluids together, a sealing membrane of temperature and corrosion-resistant material is located transversely within a ring-shaped chamber or space surrounding the end portions of the pipes, the sealing membrane being welded to the adjacent wall portions defining the ring chamber, and the at least one and preferably two sealing and support cushions or pillows being placed adjacent the sealing membrane, to permit limited angular and axial movement of the pipe ends with respect to each other while, effectively, preventing substantial torsional excursion. The membrane may be corrugated or stepped, located transversely to the pipes or at an inclination with respect thereto. Two membranes may be used, inclined towards each other (FIG. 3) and multi-pipe units can be coupled by a single membrane (FIGS. 8, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Franz Dorge, Udo Erlenmayer, Bernd Faber, Winfried Herty, Gunter Munz
  • Patent number: 4875716
    Abstract: A jointed connection for pipes, especially motor vehicle exhaust pipes (9, 10), features a flexible surrounding conduit element (3, 103, 117) and a support member (11, 12; 105, 116, 130, 145, 146, 157) which connects the pipes through support pads (13, 14; 109; 121, 133, 143, 144, 160) in a load-bearing but angularly flexible and elastically damped manner. An inner protective tube (7, 8; 104; 114; 127, 128; 141, 142; 156) is attached to the pipe not attached to the support member, and the support pads are radially confined between the support element and the inner protective tube. The support pads are also axially engaged with the inner protective tube and the support member, or with additional elements (107, 131) attached thereto. The result is a structure which is compact, yet provides flexibility and elastic damping while protecting from corrosion the elements responsible for the flexibility and elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Wilfried Winzen, Manfred Wunschmann
  • Patent number: 4856494
    Abstract: To prevent snap-over of a flexible connecting tube conducting solar-heated liquid to a mirror which follows the travel of the sun through the sky and then changes to an inverted "night" position, as shown in FIG. 1 at (a), a flexible corrugated or pleated tube or hose (6) with a braid (9) to form a multi-layered structure (6,9) is surrounded by a stiffening jacket (10) in the form of a spiral metal tube with interlocking adjacent windings. The stiffening jacket has the characteristic to dampen movement of the tube and additionally the tendency to retain the tube in straight or at least single-bend position, so that unstable double bends (FIG. 1, B, C) are avoided. This substantially increases the lifetime of the tube. A lubricant (15) may be introduced between the corrugated tube (6) or the braid (9) and the stiffening jacket (10). Preferably, the braid is a wire mesh or braid (9) surrounding the corrugated tube (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Claus Schussler, Janusz Wojcik, Rolf Hemminger
  • Patent number: 4791963
    Abstract: A flexible tube (1) has mutually parallel ring-shaped flutes, end connectors (2) and longitudinal support cables (4, 5, 102) which hold said connectors against changes in axial spacing, and are rigidly joined to the connectors in the direction of pull and/or pressure, and against which the tube is at least indirectly braced. The longitudinal cables are held on the tube by rings (104) that ensure the radial relative position between tube (1) and cables (4, 5, 102) and hold the cables while the tube (1) is guided along these rings via the cables. The rings are formed by two ring segments, each of which has a hole (109) at the respective segment end to retain the cables therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Heinz Gronert, Johann Benisch, Johann Pichler, Reinhard Gropp
  • Patent number: 4747624
    Abstract: To connect two pipes which may carry high-temperature potentially corrosive fluids, for example exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, while permitting flexing of the pipes with respect to each other in torsion or twist, bending or lateral shift, while maintaining a sealed connection, a ring chamber is formed in the region of the pipe ends, by an overlapping pipe end portion of the like, an external sleeve, or overlapping flange construction, which retains therein a sealing and support pillow of ceramic or metal materials in form of fibers, filaments or the like, felted, matted, woven, knitted and compressed together; a metal sealing foil, for example of aluminum or specialty steel, crinkled or creased and preferably formed with expansion/contraction undulations, is located within the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Bernd Faber, Reinhard Gropp