Combined Patents (Class 138/103)
  • Publication number: 20090321701
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a first support member and a second support member. The fence system may include a rail coupled to the first and second support members such that the rail extends across the first and second support members. The first post and the second post are oriented in a first plane, and the rail is oriented in a second plane. The second plane is different than the first plane. The fence system may include a rollable infill material coupled to the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Payne Fence Products, LLC
    Inventor: John F. Payne
  • Publication number: 20090314373
    Abstract: A duct system comprises a duct region to be monitored and an aircraft leakage monitoring element (2). The aircraft leakage monitoring element comprises a sensor wire which is designed, at least in one section, in the shape of a coil with a plurality of windings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Norbert Rostek, Juergen Rehbock
  • Publication number: 20090277524
    Abstract: A damping device (1), particularly for a dual mass flywheel, comprising a first component (2) and a second component and a friction device (4) arranged therebetween, wherein the second component has two distanced surfaces (5, 6) and the first component is arranged between the surfaces, also comprising a third component (8) which is also arranged between the surfaces. When the third component and first component move towards each other, they are braced in such a way that surfaces of the first and third component are pressed against surfaces of the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Benz, Christian Stirm, Dietmar Fügel
  • Patent number: 7581700
    Abstract: Adjustable fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fluid conduit carried by an aircraft and a housing fixedly attached to the fluid conduit. The housing can include a first attachment feature having one of a projection extending outwardly from the housing or an aperture extending at least partially through the housing. The system further includes a support member having an attachment portion positioned proximate to the attachment feature. The attachment portion includes a support member aperture positioned over at least a portion of the first attachment feature. An adjustable fitting couples the support member to the housing. The adjustable fitting can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an engagement portion at the second side positioned within at least a portion of the support member aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Carns, Theron L. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly, Benjamin P. Van Kampen
  • Patent number: 7571744
    Abstract: An improved tubing device, preferably for use in the medical industry is provided. The tubing device provides a seamless transport path by using the tubing itself as the transport means without any other internally wetted parts, or connections, to provide a substantial reduction in the number of fluid contact components, and eliminate the need for cutting tubes into segments to be later bonded via tubing connectors. This can reduce the risk of contamination of the transported materials and can also reduce the use of chemicals such as adhesives and bonding agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Hemerus Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Majid Zia, Anthony J. Angelo, Craig M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7537183
    Abstract: The invention is a mounting bracket having a generally rectangular, flat body with an outside edge, a front and a back. A first support guide for a first pipe is positioned proximate to and within the boundary of the outside edge, the first support guide having a substantially complete enclosure. A handle is formed within the boundary of and proximate to the outside edge of the body, for lifting the mounting bracket. A base is coupled to and extends outwardly from the outside edge of the body and further provides support to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: John C. Karamanos
  • Publication number: 20090107558
    Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for heating a fluid and transporting the fluid at an elevated temperature. The system includes a fiber reinforced spoolable pipe. This spoolable pipe may include an inner layer, at least one reinforcing layer, at least one heating element, and at least one insulation layer. The heating element may be located external to the inner layer. The invention also includes methods of deploying and rehabilitating a spoolable pipe for transporting a fluid at elevated temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan
  • Publication number: 20090092941
    Abstract: The subject invention provides devices and methods for heating pipes, tubing or similar equipment. More specifically, the subject invention pertains to devices and methods for heating pipes, tubing or similar equipment to melt-out blockages, such as for example, bitumen blockages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Warren Keith Perry, Alicia Kemper
  • Patent number: 7487828
    Abstract: A drilling system comprises a tubular member disposed in a wellbore having a downhole assembly disposed therein. At least one electrical device is disposed in the downhole assembly. A fuel cell is disposed in the downhole assembly and operatively coupled to the electrical device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of its fuel supply from the flowing drilling fluid downhole. In another aspect, a pipeline system comprises a pipeline having a fluid flowing therein. An electrically powered device is disposed in the pipeline. A fuel cell is operatively coupled to the electrically powered device for providing electrical power thereto. The fuel cell extracts at least a portion of a fuel supply from a fluid flowing in the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Fincher, Larry Watkins, Peter Aronstam
  • Patent number: 7464728
    Abstract: A two-part housing grips and surrounds a portion of a pipe, with ports at first and second ends of the housing through which the pipe extends. An annular end seal of elastomeric material at each end of the housing provides a seal between the pipe and housing. The end seals each have one slit for allowing the seals to be engaged transversely over the pipe. Each port has an annular recess for enclosing the respective end seals. The cross-sectional area of each end seal in a relaxed condition is greater than the cross sectional area defined between the outer surface of the pipe and the annular recess in the housing when the housing is closed around the pipe, so that the end seals are squeezed between the opposing surfaces of the pipe and housing when the two parts of the housing are secured around the pipe. Face seals extend between the end seals on opposite sides of the housing to seal the intersection between the two housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: James L. Cairns
  • Publication number: 20080283137
    Abstract: A safety line hose to which a worker can be attached and which includes a passageway for communicating an air compressor with a pneumatic tool. The safety line hose can include an elongated flexible pneumatic hose, an elongated flexible tubing enveloping the pneumatic hose, and an elongated, flexible, wear resistant sheath enveloping the tubing. A compressor air hose connector or other suitable attachment is attached to the end of the pneumatic hose located at the first end of the safety line hose, and can be adapted to be connected to the outlet of an air compressor hose or other source of air such as the air compressor itself. A pneumatic tool connector can be attached to the end of the pneumatic hose located adjacent the second end of the safety line hose, and can be adapted to be connected to a pneumatic tool. A fastening member can be attached to the first end of the safety line hose and can be adapted to be releasably fastened to a safety line attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Willie M. Davis, JR., Geneva M. Franks, Scotty R. Randall
  • Publication number: 20080216389
    Abstract: A subsurface pest detection and pesticide injection system in combination with a structure having a foundation including a tubular conduit disposed adjacent the foundation of the structure. The tubular conduit has a plurality of pores extending through the sidewall of the tubular conduit. The tubular conduit is constructed of an elastomeric material such that upon applying a negative internal pressure to the tubular conduit the pores of the tubular conduit are caused to open to permit the drawing of gas into the tubular conduit, and upon removal of the negative internal pressure the pores are caused to close so that the pores remain substantially clog free. A means for applying a negative internal pressure is in gas communication with the tubular conduit to cause the pores of the tubular conduit to open and cause gas to be drawn into the tubular conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Tom Hoshall
  • Patent number: 7421754
    Abstract: A buoyant hose lifter which selectively attaches to a portion of an existing hose of an underwater pool cleaning device, wherein the buoyancy of the hose lifter may be selectively varied by a user, thereby enabling the hose lifter and the underwater pool cleaning device attached thereunto to float at different vertical levels within the water of a swimming pool, thereby enabling the cleaning device to clean vertically elevated portions of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ray Elliott
  • Publication number: 20080201876
    Abstract: A pipe maintenance method and device is particularly suited for maintaining a pipe of a gas-insulated high-voltage line with a particle trap system extending along the pipe. The novel method enables poorly accessible sections to be reached. To this end, a maintenance unit is displaced along the particle trap system, and it is guided thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Hermann Koch
  • Publication number: 20080128040
    Abstract: A leadthrough for passing conduits through constructional components includes a thread-forming thread (13) provided on an outer circumference (12) of a jacket tube (11) and extending from a first axial end region (15) toward a second axial end region (16), and a centering section (24) provided in the first axial end region (15) between the thread (13) and an end (25) of the jacket tube (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Manfred Klein, Herbert Muenzenberger
  • Patent number: 6878873
    Abstract: A damped sleeve having a damping layer attached to a backing layer is disclosed. The damping layer is formed from a non-woven energy absorbing felt and is attached to the backing layer by lines of attachment which define pockets between the layers. The layers are positioned coaxially around an axis and define a central space for receiving elongated items to be protected from vibration. Resilient filamentary support members are arranged between the damping and backing layers to support the layers radially in spaced relation relative to the axis. The support members may be helically wrapped around the axis, circumferentially positioned or arranged in a zig-zag pattern transversely to the axis. A slit in the layers provides access to the central space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel B. Fryberger, Jr., Brian M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6848464
    Abstract: A fluid vent (26) for venting fluid from the annulus between the inner surface of a rigid conduit (20) and the outer surface of a conduit liner (10). The fluid vent (26) consists of a length of rigid conduit (34) containing a multiplicity of apertures (32) extending through the wall of the conduit and arranged in an annular pattern around the circumference of conduit (34). The fluid vent (26) further comprises means defining a closed annular volume (36) extending around the exterior circumference of the conduit (34) and interconnecting the outer ends of the apertures (32) with at least one fluid outlet passage (40) located on the exterior of the conduit (34) and communicating with said annular volume (36). The fluid vent can be used to expel water or other liquids from the annular space when retro-fitting a liner to a conduit, venting gas which has permeated through the lining into the annulus, or for assisting in the movement of fluid through the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignees: Coflexip SA, Coflexip Stena Offshore Limited
    Inventor: Alan Ransom
  • Publication number: 20040086339
    Abstract: A pipe assembly comprises a flexible insulating material (16) in contact with the outer surface of the pipe (10) and a plurality of discrete spaced apart buoyant bodies (14) embedded in the flexible insulating material around the pipe. The flexible insulating material preferably forms a continuous layer in contact with the pipe and the buoyant bodies preferably comprise tubular bodies regularly spaced along the length of the pipe assembly. The provision of discrete buoyant bodies embedded within the insulating material allows relative movement between the bodies and enables the pipe to flexible without damaging the buoyant bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Ratcliffe Tyrer, Robert Gibson, Richard Hepworth
  • Publication number: 20040076476
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (1) for heat-insulating at least one sub-marine pipe (4) comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond Hallot, Xavier Rocher, Xuan Chi Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6671162
    Abstract: A composite hose includes a conductive fiber media extending contiguously from one end of the hose to the other. The conductive fiber media is covered by silver plating, and in one described embodiment comprises a silver-plated nylon fiber. The nylon fiber provides a flexible medium not readily prone to breakage, while the silver plating provides relatively low electrical resistance, due to its relatively high electrical conductivity, for avoiding potentially lethal effects of static electricity. In one described embodiment, the hose includes an inner layer of an insulation material, such as rubber. An electrically conductive fiber strand is applied over the inner layer in a spiral pattern, and an outer cover material is an extruded over the inner layer of the hose and the fiber strand. In another embodiment, the hose includes a textile braided yam layer positioned directly above the strand over the inner layer, immediately beneath the outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Crouse
  • Patent number: 6649069
    Abstract: Active acoustic piping that allows treatment of material flowing in a piping system is disclosed. Treatment of waste water and other fluids is enabled, where acoustic radiation operates on the flow material. An inner pipe has a plurality of transducer elements disposed on its external perimeter. A buffer zone around the transducer elements provides an acoustic impedance mismatch, which concentrates the acoustic energy into the flow material traveling in the inner pipe. Processes such as decontamination, flow unclogging, fluid and particulate mixing, particulate size reduction, and particulate separation are enabled. No pressure compensation scheme is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc
    Inventor: Matthew M. DeAngelis
  • Patent number: 6634391
    Abstract: An integrated fluid conduction system or hose assembly comprising a hose, a clamp, and a coupling device wherein the hose includes an external surface and a projection, with an orifice, extending from the external surface. The clamp includes an opening to receive the projection. The coupling device includes a compression section and a leg for coupling, fixing and positioning the projection orifices so that the compression section engages the clamp external surface so as to retain and stabilize the clamp to the hose. The invention is further directed to a coupling device as generally described above as well as to a method for coupling a clamp to a hose with the coupling device including the steps of positioning the clamp on the hose by disposing the projections into the clamp opening and attaching the coupling device to the hose, including placing the legs of the coupling device into the projection orifices, to couple the clamp to the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sabo Sistemas Automotivos Ltda.
    Inventors: Péricles Marchini, Celso Geraldo Longhi
  • Patent number: 6604549
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixing a tubular element in a cavity, which device is made up of hoops made of an elastically flexible material disposed in cross-sectional planes of said cavity, and means for retaining said element, said device being characterized in that, along the longitudinal axis of said cavity, said hoops are secured together by a flexible longitudinal support and are interconnected by a flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Philippe Gauthier, Bernard Wurier, Peter Friedrich Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20030127146
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reinforcing duct work is provided. In one embodiment, a reinforcement comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end. A pair of plugs is insertable into the first and second ends of the conduit. Each of the plugs has a groove extending along the circumference of the plug, and the plugs are crimped inside the conduit along the grooves. Each of the plugs may have a threaded end extending out of the plug and being retractable into said plug. Alternatively, each of the plugs may have an internally threaded opening extending at least partially through the plug. In this embodiment, the conduit can be secured to duct work by aligning the conduit with holes in the duct work, and inserting a bolt through the holes and into the internally threaded openings of the plugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Donald H. Siiter
  • Publication number: 20030056844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fixing a tubular element in a cavity, which device is made up of hoops made of an elastically flexible material disposed in cross-sectional planes of said cavity, and means for retaining said element, said device being characterized in that, along the longitudinal axis of said cavity, said hoops are secured together by a flexible longitudinal support and are interconnected by a flexible membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Philippe Gauthier, Bernard Wurier, Peter Friedrich Herrmann
  • Patent number: 6523352
    Abstract: Piping support of a gas turbine steam cooled combustor is improved such that even when the piping support is damaged by combustion vibration, dropping of the piping support from the piping is prevented, so as to avoid intrusion of fractions of the piping support into turbine portion. An outer fitting member is fixed to a wall surface of a tail tube by welds. A ring is pinched inside the outer fitting member to be fixed by welds. The ring having an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of steam piping is fitted around the steam piping to be fixed by welds at three places. The steam piping is fixed to the ring, the ring is fixed to the outer fitting member and the outer fitting member is fixed to the tail tube. Thus, the steam piping is supported to the tail tube and even when the welds are detached by combustion vibration, no case of the outer fitting member dropping from the steam piping occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignees: Tohoku Electric Power Company, Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Syuichi Takahashi, Yoshiaki Nishimura, Hiroyuki Fujita, Hiroyuki Ogasawara, Noboru Yamada, Ikuo Ando, Haruhiko Kondo, Kazunori Chiba, Yoichi Iwasaki, Masayuki Takahama, Koichiro Yanou
  • Patent number: 6507686
    Abstract: A cable network with a light waveguide cable which is introduced in the pipeline of an existing pipeline system. The light waveguide cable is arranged along a line, preferably at the vertex of the pipeline, and is provided with a protective layer so that a smooth transition exists between the wall surfaces of the pipeline and the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar Heinz, Thomas Mueller, Helmut Nowsch, Joachim Schaefer, Ernst Mayr
  • Patent number: 6460570
    Abstract: A faucet assembly having a spray nozzle connected to a spray hose. A weight attached to the spray hose provides a downward force to nest the spray nozzle. The weight includes an open channel extending longitudinally across a length of the weight and two members having external threads extending from the weight and positioned on opposing sides of the open channel. A hex nut including internal threads engages the external threads of the two members, such that the fastener extends over the open channel to secure the weight onto the spray hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Jones, Kurt Thomas
  • Patent number: 6323420
    Abstract: A coiled tubing system includes a length of coiled tubing, a cable and an inner tube. The inner tube and the cable are installed in the coiled tubing, and then either the coiled tubing or the inner tube or both are deformed along most of the length of the system so that the cable is secured between the inner surface of the coiled tubing and the outer surface of the inner tube. The coiled tubing and the inner tube may be coaxial, with the cable situated in the annulus between the coiled tubing and the inner tube. The deformation may be produced by a swaging die introduced into the inner tube, the application of a high pressure fluid or gas, crimping the outer surface of the coiled tubing, or using an inner tube reversibly deformable through the application of tension. Similarly, a conducting member may be secured in a system with a length of coiled tubing and an inner tube. Also, a cable or a conducting member may be installed upon an inner tube which may then be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Publication number: 20010043839
    Abstract: One or more electric and/or data transmitting cables are confined in an elongated strip-shaped body containing a hardenable resin or the like, and the body is placed against a portion of the internal surface of an underground sewage, water or other pipe. An expandible tubular liner is thereupon introduced into the pipe and is expanded to press the body against the pipe. The body is caused to set, by conveying a hot fluid through the liner and/or by electrically heating the cable or cables, and to adhere to the internal surface of the pipe. The liner can remain in the pipe and can be bonded to the strip-shaped body and/or to the remaining portion of the internal surface of the pipe. Alternatively, the liner is caused to collapse and is withdrawn from the pipe once the strip-shaped body is bonded to the internal surface of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Martin Prusak
  • Patent number: 6279661
    Abstract: The pad eye hole for the pin of a lifting bail, or clevis, has two different radii producing hole profiles that overlap to provide one larger hole. One radius is the same as the radius of the pin and arranged to wrap almost half of the pin circumference when it is thrust against the hole wall for lifting. An alternate form of the pin hole is egg shaped with the smaller radius equal to that of the pin but wrapping somewhat less of the pin circumference. The resulting hole will accept a somewhat misaligned pin but win closely engage the pin load bearing surface while lifting loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Lee Matherne, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010007846
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a circular-shaped metal structure, includes the steps of (a) rotating a pipe around an axis thereof, the pipe being composed of a plastic-workable metal, and (b) applying drawing to an outer wall of the pipe with the pipe being kept rotated, to reduce a wall thickness of the pipe and lengthen a wall of the pipe. A resultant circular-shaped metal structure fabricated by the method could have a thickness equal to or smaller than 0.09 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Applicant: DYMCO LIMITED and K.K. ENDO SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Masaru Sakuma, Youji Ito
  • Patent number: 6250338
    Abstract: A hose weight includes two identical and interchangeable interlocking bodies. Each body includes a hose receiving chamber and portions of an interlock for use with another like body. The interlock of each body includes a recess positioned on one side of a hose receiving chamber and a projection on the opposite side of the hose receiving chamber. The interlock may also include one or more pairs of openings and posts to assist in guiding the bodies together to form an interlock. The two bodies join together around a hose without the use of tools to form a single hose weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: James F. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 6213833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a float (2) for buoyant hoses comprising at least one multi-layer foam body which surrounds the buoyant hose (1), whereby the foam body is composed of individual foam sheets (3, 4, 5). Inside a layer, a radial connection (6) is produced which adheringly joins two adjacent foam sheets (3, 4) to one another. In addition, the float comprises an axial connection (7) which also adheringly joins two adjacent foam sheets (3, 5) to one another from sheet to sheet. According to variant A, the radial connection (6) is exclusively produced by a layer made of a polymer material which expands when heated and occupies a large volume. According to variant B, both the radial connection (6) as well as the axial connection (7) are produced by a layer made of a non-expandable polymer material, whereby the individual layers are joined to one another for the radial and axial connection in such a way that each foam sheet (3, 4, 5) is completely single chambered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Phoenix Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Friederich, Uwe Maass
  • Patent number: 6152185
    Abstract: A hose band for reducing friction between a hose and a surface along which the hose is moved, having a flexible strip which has a series of contact ribs and flexible webs, and a fastening element holding the strip in position about the circumference of the hose. The flexible webs allow the strip to be wrapped around the circumference of the hose, and the ribs hold the hose above the surface along which the hose is moved. The fastening elements can be clips, bands or ties and may engage a circumferential channel on the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: National Valve & Engineering Company Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Clifford Douglas Tucker
  • Patent number: 6105620
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible tube device, which is repeatedly reshapable by action of reshaping forces comprising bending forces and which has the capability of substantially maintaining its shape received by the reshaping as the forces are released. This device is characterized in that the device (1) comprises a flexible part comprising a flexible inner hose (3) and/or a flexible outer hose, which may surround the flexible inner hose (3) and be provided along substantially the entire flexible part and preferably inside the outer hose, outside the inner hose or between the outer hose and the inner hose, a bend stiffening member (4) which is plastically deformable at the reshaping of the tube device and which after the removal of the reshaping forces substantially retains the shape received by the plastic deformation and thereby substantially determines the shape of the tube device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Johann Haberl
  • Patent number: 6044869
    Abstract: An injection hose (1) for concrete construction joints has a substantially liquid-tight base body (2) made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastics that encloses a passage (3). The outer surface (4) of the base body (2) is provided with at least one groove-shaped recess (5) that extends over its whole length. Radial outlets (6) for the liquid injected through the passage (3) are distributed over the length of the recess (5). A strip made of a material that may be compressed under the inner pressure of the injection liquid is received in the recess (5) and covers the outlets (6). A liquid-permeable sheath (8) surrounds the base body (2) and the strip, in the manner of a hose. A single recess (5) extends with a predetermined pitch along a spiral path around the outer surface (4) of the base body (2) or extends parallel to the axis of the passage (3) but has an opening angle of more than 90.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: BBZ Injektions- und Abdichtungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Kunibert Koob
  • Patent number: 6021818
    Abstract: A garden hose assembly is provided and comprises holding means comprising at least a portion of such hose assembly with the holding means and portion being adapted to be coiled around an associated support for holding the portion at a desired position to enable use of the hose assembly in a hands-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard D. Horst, Kevin C. Assenheimer
  • Patent number: 5934331
    Abstract: A floor drain adapter comprises a floor drain cover having an opening communicated to the floor drain and an elbow disposed on the cover and terminating in an open end. A rubber collar is provided about the open end in a manner to define an opening to receive one or more rubber sheathed drain hoses and in which one or more drain hoses are maintained in position by frictional engagement with the collar and with one another when more than one drain hose is present, even when a fluid, such as water, is drained through the hose(s) at high rates. The drain cover typically includes drain slots to drain a fluid on the floor and may include a vent opening above the cover as may be required by building code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel L. Earl
  • Patent number: 5927342
    Abstract: A fire hose (100) includes one or more conductors (107) acting as a feed line that is integrally woven into the fire hose side wall (109) and extending at least partially along a predetermined length of hose. One or more slots (113) expose the conductor (107) for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) energy. The RF energy is transmitted and received bi-directionally along into the conductor (107) along the length of the fire hose. This provides stations positioned along the fire hose to have enhanced two-way radio communication without the disadvantage of signal degradation due to a firefighter's location within a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry A. Bogut, Louis F. Abramczyk, Lawrence A. Myers
  • Patent number: 5922423
    Abstract: In a core assembly, a stretchable sleeve capable of recovering toward an initial unstretched configuration is supported on a hollow core. The core includes a plurality of structural elements connected by a plurality of linking elements that extend transversely of the structural elements. A mechanism is provided and connected to the distal end of the core whereby the core can be withdrawn from the sleeve in its axial direction by manipulating the mechanism allowing the sleeve to return to the initial unstretched configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel L. Jeremko
  • Patent number: 5896610
    Abstract: A steering device is attached to a submersible swimming pool cleaner for aiding in turning the cleaner away pool side wall engaging positions and thus allowing the cleaner to move across pool surfaces for performing its cleaning function. The steering device includes elongated rods extending from a connector fitting attached to the pool cleaner hose connector. Driven gears of the pool cleaner connector drive the steering device and cause rod ends engaging a pool side wall to lift and push the cleaner away from the side wall. The fitting and thus the rods are freely rotatable through a limited arc about an axis of rotation of the connector, defined by movement of a gear tooth between stop prongs. The ability of the rods to rotate freely within this arc overcomes a problem of excess drag to the cleaner by the steering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Pavel Sebor, Brian H. Phillipson
  • Patent number: 5894866
    Abstract: A garden hose assembly is provided and comprises holding means comprising at least a portion of such hose assembly with the holding means and portion being adapted to be coiled around an associated support for holding the portion at a desired position to enable use of the hose assembly in a hands-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard D. Horst, Kevin C. Assenheimer
  • Patent number: 5853030
    Abstract: A pipe coupling includes first and second coupling shells, each of which shells define a semicircular cross-section, and first and second longitudinal flanges, and wherein the shells are hingedly coupled together about the respective first longitudinal flanges. Fasteners secure together the second longitudinal flanges to enclose two longitudinally-spaced sections of pipe with a generally cylindrical housing. The first coupling shell further defines a port extending radially therefrom into which a grommet is preferably disposed. The grommet defines a normally-closed aperture for passing a needle therethrough for injecting a chemical, such as a disinfectant, into fluid, such as water, in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Walding
  • Patent number: 5787538
    Abstract: This invention provides an accessory for an automatic pool cleaner, to increase the randomness of movement of a suction head of the pool cleaner, and a method therefor. The method comprises looping a section of the cleaner hose and allowing the hose sections leading up to the loop to vary in length. Particularly, the hose section leading from the pump to the loop is varied. The accessory comprises two connection parts, one for connection to each respective section of hose to form the necessary hose loop. Preferably one of the parts is slidable along the hose length to enable the hose to vary its length. The sliding action of the hose occurs between two stops in the length of the hose, and a pawl mechanism is provided to enable the slide to occur in one direction towards a stop. Contact with the stop causes the pawl mechanism to switch over and slide the hose in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Baracuda International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Edward Moore, Hendrikus Johannes Van der Meyden
  • Patent number: 5771934
    Abstract: A collar weight for securing hand held spray faucet hoses therethrough is provided, wherein the collar weight is made of a composition including a zinc-based alloy to replace the use of lead in the collar weight, to prevent leaching of lead from the collar weight. To maintain the hose in an untangled position beneath the surface of a sink, the collar weight is strategically placed along an arcuate surface of the hose to weigh down the hose at approximately the midpoint of the hose. The collar weight includes a top half collar portion and a lower half collar portion, which are joinable at respective inner edges thereof by fastening means, such as screws, to provide a generally hollow longitudinally extending bore for insertion of the hose therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: IW Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Warshawsky
  • Patent number: 5749398
    Abstract: A flexible conduit which utilizes internal spacers and form wires to maintain dimensional integrity during contouring. Once formed into the desired configuration, the system can be made rigid by the injection of pressure into one or more internal elastomeric tubes which expand to solidify the structure. The "fixed" form can then be removed and measurements made for fabricating conforming production pipes and tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Goro Kambara
  • Patent number: 5743300
    Abstract: A flexible plastic water tube which can be stored on a roll has a flexible but substantially inextensible line member attached to it and can include a number of pre-attached drippers. The tube can be stretched between spaced apart supports with the line member preventing undesirable sagging. The tube can therefor be made from inexpensive thin walled plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: PPI Corporation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Anthony McNeill
  • Patent number: 5733614
    Abstract: An arrangement for tightly enclosing a substrate with a heat-shrinking plastic sleeve (1), which has thickened sections (2, 3) along its longitudinal edges, has at least two rails (4, 5) pushed on the sleeve (1) after it has been placed around the substrate. The rails hold the longitudinal edges of the sleeve (1) together before, during and after the heat-shrinking. The two rails (4, 5) form a junction area and S-shaped profiles (6, 7) are placed in the junction area on both sides of the thickened edge sections (2, 3) and are enclosed by both of the rails (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Alcatel Kabel AG & Co.
    Inventor: Werner Stieb
  • Patent number: 5718266
    Abstract: The tubular member for telescopic propeller shafts has a cross-sectional profile with four projections 1, 1 and 3, 3 and respective longitudinal channels 5, 5 and 7, 7; each of the projections has symmetrical outwardly converging walls; and the plane of symmetry X--X of two opposing projections 1, 1 forms an angle of 85.degree. and an angle of 95.degree. with the plane of symmetry Y--Y of the other two opposing projections 3, 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Edi Bondioli