Plural Duct Patents (Class 138/111)
  • Patent number: 7952027
    Abstract: A device for managing a plurality of cables in a multi-cable environment includes a stationary member having a plurality of stationary channel portions. At least one movable member is movably secured to the stationary member. The at least one movable member has a plurality of movable channel portions corresponding in number and general configuration to the plurality of stationary channel portions. A plurality of indicia-bearing areas are provided, corresponding in number, and adjacent, to the plurality of stationary channel portions. The at least one moveable member is moveable between a cable placement position in which cables can be placed in the respective stationary channel portions, and a cable retaining position in which the cables are secured in channels formed by the cooperation of the stationary channel portions and the movable channel portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Grelck
  • Publication number: 20110113704
    Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Carl J.S. Lenox
  • Publication number: 20110056580
    Abstract: The invention relates to a climate tube (10), in particular for aircraft, having an inner layer (12) and an outer layer (16) of fiber composite plastic material. To achieve a high stiffness combined with a low weight and to achieve good thermal insulation properties, disposed between the inner layer (12) and the outer layer (16) is an at least almost completely circumferential honeycomb core (14), which is firmly connected to the inner layer (12) and the outer layer (16) and the radial extent of which is large compared to the radial extent of the inner layer (12) and the outer layer (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Roland Hoefle, Markus Roy, Hubert Stuetzle, Michael Straubing
  • Publication number: 20110041942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of concrete pipes, particularly for wastewater lines, having a plastic inner pipe, wherein the concrete part is manufactured in a horizontal position in order to simplify the production process and reduce the costs thereof, and wherein the plastic inner pipe is maintained in a horizontal position in a trough, wherein the trough is further filled with flowable concrete to above the plastic pipe, and wherein the plastic pipe serves as an inner tray and remains in the concrete pipe after the concrete has cured, and to a concrete pipe system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Johann Bartlechner KG
    Inventors: Johann Bartlechner, Franz Bartlechner
  • Patent number: 7866022
    Abstract: Cable is installed into a duct, by increasing cross-sectional areas of subducting provided in the duct, so as to allow the cable to be received into the subducting, and then decreasing the cross-sectional area of the subducting containing the cable so as to reduce the volume occupied by the subducting in the duct. Cables may be inserted into the subducting, for example, by forcing compressed gas through the subducting, which simultaneously inflates the subducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: British Telecommunications Public
    Inventors: Philip A Barker, Christopher Fisk, Andrew J Mayhew, Simon I Fisher
  • Patent number: 7861745
    Abstract: A flexible hose construction adapted for separately conveying two or more fluids therethrough. The construction includes a core tube, a second tube helically disposed about the core tube, and a tubular jacket surrounding the core tube. The second tube may be substantially concentric with the core tube. The tubular jacket may be substantially cylindrical so as to have a substantially smooth outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Wallace Adamson, Kelley J. Boone, Kevin J. Wojciechowski, Victor J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100320291
    Abstract: A system for transporting water from a water reservoir in lower position to planters for watering plants therein includes a conduit having one end immersed in the water reservoir and the other end closed or connected to a pressured water source, the conduit running through undersides of the planters; and a plurality of capillary tubes each having one end in communication with water flowing in the conduit, and the other end in communication with medium within each planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Guang-Yau Stanley Chen
  • Publication number: 20100296870
    Abstract: A subirrigation system 10 includes a water-impervious member 16, and keeps water content in soil of a cultivated land 200 in a proper state for growing a plant. The water-impervious member 16 is formed into an upper opening vessel shape, and has a water reserving function. Water is fed to an inner portion of the water-impervious member 16 from a water tank 12 via a feed water pipe 14, whereby a soil portion 26 in a gravitational water state is formed. A water level 28 of the gravitational water within the water-impervious member 16 is properly controlled to a desired water level by a water level controller 18 provided in the feed water pipe 14. The gravitational water within the water-impervious member 16 controlled to the desired water level is appropriately sucked up to the soil in an upper layer in accordance with a capillary phenomenon. Accordingly, a soil portion 30 in a capillary water state having proper water content is formed in the cultivated land 200.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicants: KUBOTA-C.I. CO., LTD., PADDY RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Ono, Hiroaki Sakamoto, Kazuhiro Hirao, Toshinobu Kakita, Yasushi Wada, Yoshihito Fujii, Tsuneo Onodera
  • Patent number: 7802445
    Abstract: An insulated and refrigerated beverage transport line provides enhanced temperature control of one or more beverages conveyed through the transport line. A plurality of coolant lines carrying a re-circulated coolant makes contact with the one or more product lines. One or more empty lines, referred to as packers, may be placed between the coolant lines and the product lines to provide a dimensionally stable and tight group of lines that are bundled together. An external insulation is provided over the bundle of lines to further enhance insulation for the beverage being transported through the product lines. At least one dedicated coolant return line may be placed remote from the other lines. The dedicated coolant return line carries the highest temperature coolant found in a beverage transport system. Independent and separate insulation of this dedicated coolant return line prevents inadvertent heat transfer to the one or more product lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Millercoors, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Winters
  • Patent number: 7770602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a double wall pipe with an inner high pressure pipe (1) having an inner flow space for harmful and/or flammable liquids, particularly fuel to be infected or hydraulic oil, and with an outer protection pipe (2) coaxially arranged around the inner pipe, having an enter flow space between inner pipe and outer pipe, for possibly leaking or spilling liquid from the inner pipe, wherein the protection pipe (2) has several substantially longitudinal arranged grooves (23) throughout its inner surface (21); the inner high pressure pipe (1) is fitted tightly into the protection pipe (2); and after bending the double wall pipe (100), the double wall pipe (100) is unified by surface pressure due to deformation of bending process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Gall & Seitz Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Buschhoff
  • Publication number: 20100170590
    Abstract: A piping element (1) comprises at least one flow pipe (4), an insulator (3) arranged outside it and a corrugated outer sheath (2) arranged outside the insulator (3) in such a way that the piping element (1) is bendable in its entirety. The outer diameter of the insulator (3) is reduced before conducting it to a corrugator (13) inside the outer sheath (2). In the corrugator (13), the insulator (3) reverts towards its larger outer diameter. The free outer diameter of the insulator layer is formed larger than the smallest inner diameter of the outer sheath (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: UPONOR INNOVATION AB
    Inventor: Rauno Juuti
  • Publication number: 20100116212
    Abstract: A tube arrangement arrangement includes a first tubular element (18) having an inner channel (19) adapted to transport milk and a second tubular element (20) having two inner channels (21a, b) adapted to transport air with a pulsating vacuum pressure. A peripheral surface of the first tubular element (18) has an area (24a) with a substantially complementary shape to an area (25a) of the peripheral surface of the second tubular element (20). The complementary areas (24a, 25a) include fastening elements adapted to releasably connect the complementary shaped areas (24a, 25a) of the first tubular element (18) and the second tubular element (20) to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING AB
    Inventor: Jan Kassibrahim
  • Publication number: 20100095474
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a hose and wand assembly, onto which a floor tool may be attached. Power and signals are transmitted down electrical conductors in the hose. In order to permit free movement of the hose, the hose is divided into portions having a joint therebetween. Conductors of one hose portion terminate in contact anus in the joint. The contact arms are in sliding intimate contact with slip rings. The slip rings are connected to conductors of the other hose portion. Thus, the hose portions may rotate relative to one another without causing damage to the electrical connection along the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Neil Andrew Stewart
  • Patent number: 7687713
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a metal raceway system. The metal raceway system includes a metal raceway and a coupling fitting. The metal raceway snaps onto the coupling fitting to mount the metal raceway to the fitting. The metal raceway has a channel defined by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall. The side walls include curved protrusions that extend below the channel. The coupling fitting has a base with at least one retention flange having a curved profile that engages the metal raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Charles F. VanderVelde, Rodney G. Rouleau, Randall T. Woods
  • Publication number: 20100043904
    Abstract: A conduit array configured to route in-floor tubing includes a plurality of elbow conduits. A webbing is positioned between each of the elbow conduits in the plurality of elbow conduits to connect the plurality of elbow conduits. The webbing is configured to allow for separation of at least one of the plurality of elbow conduits from the conduit array, thus allowing for the conduit array to be scaleable or sizeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory T. Carew, Matthew J. Kusz
  • Publication number: 20100006545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus utilized in forming weld joint is described. In the method, a strength weld between two members is formed by a first welding process and a first weld metal. Then, one or more strain welds are formed by depositing a second weld metal adjacent to the strength weld using a second welding process. The strain welds are configured to form a weld joint having a specific minimum height and width to handle tensile strain to a specific strain capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Mario L. Macia, Karel Minnaar, Scott D. Papka, Wlliam J. Sisak
  • Patent number: 7631668
    Abstract: A piping element having at least two longitudinal components, such as flow pipes (4), outside of which there is an insulator (3), outside of which there is a corrugated outer sheath (2). The piping element is bendable. Fastening means are arranged to the longitudinal components to prevent the longitudinal movement of the longitudinal components in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventor: Janne Rantalainen
  • Patent number: 7623940
    Abstract: A method for forming a duct interconnect generally includes providing a digital model of a first duct structure and a second duct structure, the first duct structure including a first duct section having a passage for conveying a substance and an interconnect component moveably and captively coupled to the duct section. The second duct structure includes a second duct structure and a second interconnect component. The process includes forming, via a direct manufacturing procedure (e.g., stereolithography), a physical model of the first duct and second structures in accordance with the digital models, wherein the interconnect component has a locked and unlocked state, and wherein the unlocked state corresponds to a predetermined compressive force between the first duct structure and a second duct structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chris Huskamp, Tracy L. Bagwill
  • Patent number: 7597120
    Abstract: A liquid-conducting python has a plurality of liquid-conducting tubes surrounded by foam insulation. At least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulation is patterned to form a segmented surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Valpar Industrial limited
    Inventor: Robert Prentice Beckett
  • Publication number: 20090223584
    Abstract: A pressure-relieving safety assembly, comprising a sleeve and collar, protects against human injury and loss of life by blocking flow of fluid from a ruptured high pressure conduit and provides pressure relief for escaping fluid. This pressure-relieving assembly includes a sleeve that encircles the high-pressure line and is secured to, at one or both ends of the line, a coupling. The sleeve is secured to the coupling(s) by a collar having raised portions that provides a path for fluid that has escaped from the conduit at a burst or pin-hole failure location, to flow towards the ends of the conduit, indicating to the user that a conduit failure has occurred. The sleeve lowers the fluid velocity while the path provided by the collar prevents the fluid pressure from building up behind the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Yelena Gray
  • Patent number: 7510395
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mixing and/or introducing gases and/or liquids into a hot reaction space, said device comprising a metal tube and not being equipped with water cooling means. The metal tube is surrounded by a heat insulation made of refractory material to enable the device to be used even at high reaction space temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Tautz Hanno
  • Publication number: 20090050225
    Abstract: What is disclosed is an improved system for gas piping under roadways using polyethylene pipe (2) as a casing pipe around an inner carrier pipe (1), along with a method for testing airtightness. A conduit (10) for the tracer wire (9) is included, along with an accompanying procedure for bypassing the flow of gas through the tracer wire conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Dave Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080308169
    Abstract: A method for producing a fluid line (2) and a corresponding fluid line (2) are specified, wherein a number of tubes are wound in parallel along a helical line in each case, a connecting element (6, 7) is fastened to at least one end and the tubes are embedded in a plastic material. It is wished to make production simple. For this purpose, it is envisaged to use a liquid silicone rubber (12) as the plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: PIFLEX P/S
    Inventors: Claus A. Nielsen, Christian B. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080264508
    Abstract: A flexible hose construction adapted for separately conveying two or more fluids therethrough. The construction includes a core tube, a second tube helically disposed about the core tube, and a tubular jacket surrounding the core tube. The second tube may be substantially concentric with the core tube. The tubular jacket may be substantially cylindrical so as to have a substantially smooth outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Wallace Adamson, Kelley J. Boone, Kevin J. Wojciechowski, Victor J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7431053
    Abstract: An inner-space-sectioned tube wherein, in manufacturing the tube having four or more independent fluid channels formed inside thereof, while at least two lengths of inner tubes are set to inscribe an outer tube, cold working is applied, which is a simple manufacturing process, thereby enabling to reduce the number of cold drawing passes and allowing the inner space of the tube, even if the outer tube is small in size, to effectively be allocated for four independent fluid channels. Further, this inner-space-sectioned tube adopts a simple tube structure wherein the number of constituting members is reduced, thereby enabling to reduce weight while ensuring tube strength and to achieve further reduction of manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignees: Mikkaichi Steel Tube Works, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Kobayashi Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Suzuki, Toru Nishikado, Kazuhide Kumagai, Kazutoshi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7415992
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of conduits and outlet ports that are capable of providing improved distribution of fluids. One or more conduits are arranged within a single conduit, which provides a compact and inexpensive assembly for conveying the fluids to each conduit's outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: James W. Kilroy
  • Publication number: 20080196941
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a metal raceway system. The metal raceway system includes a metal raceway and a coupling fitting. The metal raceway snaps onto the coupling fitting to mount the metal raceway to the fitting. The metal raceway has a channel defined by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall. The side walls include curved protrusions that extend below the channel. The coupling fitting has a base with at least one retention flange having a curved profile that engages the metal raceway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Charles F. VanderVelde, Rodney G. Rouleau, Randall T. Woods
  • Patent number: 7375281
    Abstract: A power-supplying apparatus for a sliding structure including: a wiring harness arranged between a vehicle body and a sliding structure slidably mounted on the vehicle body; a protector mounted on the sliding structure for receiving the wiring harness; a holder attached to the wiring harness for moving in the protector together with the wiring harness; a first resilient member mounted on the holder along the wiring harness from the holder toward a harness outlet of the protector for urging upward the wiring harness opposed to a harness slack; and a second resilient member mounted on the holder to bend the wiring harness in a loop shape in response to a movement of the holder owing to a slide of the sliding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Kogure, Hironori Ochiai
  • Patent number: 7375280
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a metal raceway system. The metal raceway system includes a metal raceway and a coupling fitting. The metal raceway snaps onto the coupling fitting to mount the metal raceway to the fitting. The metal raceway has a channel defined by a top wall, side walls and a bottom wall. The side walls include curved protrusions that extend below the channel. The coupling fitting has a base with at least one retention flange having a curved profile that engages the metal raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Charles F. VanderVelde, Rodney G Rouleau, Randall T. Woods
  • Patent number: 7275565
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of conduits and outlet ports that are capable of providing improved distribution of fluids. One or more conduits are arranged within a single conduit, which provides a compact and inexpensive assembly for conveying the fluids to each conduit's outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: James W. Kilroy
  • Patent number: 7174074
    Abstract: A flexible innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: David Drew Morris
  • Patent number: 7085455
    Abstract: A flexible innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: David Drew Morris
  • Patent number: 7077165
    Abstract: A double pipe has an outer pipe and an inner pipe that is formed in a spiral or wavy configuration and is held by an inner circumferential face of the outer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromi Takasaki, Yoshikazu Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 7014392
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for pneumatic or hydraulic conveying of dusty, powdery or granular bulk material. The device includes a conveyor line, an inner pipe in the conveyor line that is parallel to the axis and preferably eccentric. The inner pipe has openings at intervals and flow resistors within itself, which have an upstream side plane and a downstream side plane in the region of the openings. As a result, outlet openings into the conveyor line and entrance openings into the inner pipe are formed for the conveying medium, characterized in that the upstream side plane forms an angle (?)<90° with the axis (14) of the inner pipe (2) and deflects the striking conveying stream towards the outlet opening (20, 20a, 20b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: MOLLER Materials Handling GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Duwe, Klaus Von Geldern
  • Patent number: 7010906
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) includes a first fire zone (Zone 3) in the region of a core of the engine and a second fire zone (Zone 1) in the region of a fan case of the engine, the first and second fire zones being separated by fire walls. The first fire zone is located generally radially inwardly of the second fire zone but includes a bifurcation part which extends radially outwardly of the remainder of the zone for limited circumferential extent. The engine further includes a disconnect panel (52) mounted on the fan case (32) to extend radially outwardly therefrom, the disconnect panel (52) forming a fire wall and providing means for pipes and harnesses (44) to be routed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Olivier J-F Cazenave, Robert E. Sherlock, Tim A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7008366
    Abstract: A centrifuge (10) including a first rotatable mechanism (60) having a rotation axis with a fluid retentive housing (20) being coaxially mounted on the first rotatable mechanism for co-rotation therewith; a second rotatable mechanism (90) having a rotation axis with the first and second rotatable mechanisms being coaxially interconnected for co-rotation around a common axis; and fluid tubing (70) connected to the axis of the fluid retentive housing and having a distal length that extends axially outwardly from the fluid retentive housing. A support arm (50) is mounted to the second rotatable mechanism, a support tube (80) receives therethrough at least a part of the distal length of the fluid tubing, and a bearing member (82) rotatably supports the support tube in the support arm, whereby upon rotation of the first and second rotatable mechanisms, the fluid tubing is free to one of rotate with and rotate relative to the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: ZymeQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: William Aitkenhead, Glen Jorgensen, Robert L. Standley
  • Patent number: 7003951
    Abstract: In a hydraulic system (1) for motor vehicles in particular, comprising a master cylinder (4), a slave cylinder (5) and a hydraulic medium line (15) connecting the two, the flexibility and hydraulic rigidity are improved by the fact that the hydraulic medium line (15) includes at least two sections (16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30) having different wall thicknesses. A feeder line or hydraulic medium line with an inert inner material layer and a transfer device with two interconnected pipes running in parallel are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thomas Rammhofer, Udo Popp, Matthias Zink
  • Patent number: 6979776
    Abstract: A pipe conduit bundle for installation into a wellbore using horizontal drilling techniques is disclosed. The pipe conduit does not require an outer casing for construction. The pipe bundle configuration is formed by pipes of varying sizes in a particular configuration, with bindings interspaced along the length of the pipes such that the pipe bundle deflects as a single unit during installation. A pulling head is attached to the bundle, which is hollow to allow liquid entering one pipe to be distributed to other pipes. Liquids such as water may be used to fill the pipes to reduce buoyancy, and thereby reduce drag, during installation of the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Entergy Louisiana, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6876797
    Abstract: A flexible fire resistant innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: David Drew Morris
  • Patent number: 6849172
    Abstract: A method of operating a cell for electrowinning of copper, the cell including a plurality of anodes and cathodes therein, the method including the steps of introducing fresh electrolyte and sparging gas to a manifold system in the cell, controlling flow of fresh electrolyte and sparging gas in the manifold system and providing outlet openings in the manifold system such that streams of fresh electrolyte and sparging gas from the outlet openings are directed relatively uniformly across the cathodes in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory David Rigby, Alan David Stuart, Philip Ernest Grazier
  • Patent number: 6845789
    Abstract: An inner duct operable for routing a transmission cable therein includes a duct tube. The duct tube having an inner surface and an outer surface and at least one passageway disposed generally between said inner and outer surfaces of the duct tube. The at least one passageway being operable for receiving optical fibers therein. Alternative embodiments of the inner duct include at least one tube stranded therearound. The at least one tube includes at least one optical fiber therein and an outer sheath can generally surround the at least one tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Field
  • Patent number: 6832981
    Abstract: A multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of a sliding seal, the tube arrangement having at least two individual tubes which are rotated around one another around their longitudinal and/or their parallel axes. The rotation of the tubes takes place in this connection in opposite directions starting from a support position disposed approximately centrally in order to compensate the torques applied to the tube arrangement. A method for manufacturing such a tube arrangement is also decribed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius HemoCare GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Witthaus, Wolfram Weber
  • Patent number: 6823899
    Abstract: The insulated pipe arrangement comprises at least two pipe bodies, each of which has a flexible inner fluid-guiding pipe, which is enclosed by an insulating layer made of elastomeric or thermoplastic foam, a protective film made of a thermoplastic, elastomer, or duromer of high-density being arranged around the insulating layer. The pipe bodies are bonded on opposing peripheral parts of their protective film by a layer of an adhesive which allows detachment of the adhesive bond without the protective film being damaged and which produces a renewed adhesive bond after detachment of the adhesive bond when the peripheral parts of the previous adhesive bond are brought into contact again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Armacell Enterprise, GmbH
    Inventors: Jürg P. Weibel, Valentin Galliker, Urs Flück
  • Patent number: 6719018
    Abstract: An underground beverage chase system is provided for receiving a plurality of tubing installed therethrough for delivering food and beverage material from at least one location to at least another location through the underground chase system. The chase system includes various conduits including straight portions and those having enlarged radial bends which are fused together to form a leak-free system. The conduits are made from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Colombo, Bernard Michael Licata
  • Patent number: 6718100
    Abstract: A flexible fire resistant innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: David Drew Morris
  • Patent number: 6702517
    Abstract: The present invention includes a pipe assembly for collecting water runoff. The pipe assembly includes a plurality of elongated primary pipes disposed in adjacent contact along their lengths. Each pair of adjacent elongated primary pipes define upper and lower elongated voids between adjacent pipe haunches and upper and lower imaginary planes tangential thereto. An elongated secondary pipe is disposed in each void in tangential contact along its length with the two adjacent elongated primary pipes defining the void. A material transversely encompasses the plurality of elongated primary pipes and elongated secondary pipes. The pipe assembly may be used in a water storage system and methods for installing such a system. The pipe assembly may also be used in a method for collecting surface water. The pipe assembly may be used in a system for use in a water flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Goddard
  • Patent number: 6702782
    Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. It is highly preferable that the balloon or inflatable member be situated in a recess in the outer wall of the inventive catheter. Additionally, the distal end of the catheter past the balloon is preferably tapered. The catheter has a very low profile as compared to other catheters of the neurovascular balloon catheter genre. It may include other features such as variable stiffness along the axis of the device and anti-kinking components. The balloon is preferably compliant in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Concentric Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Miller, Martin Dieck, Maria Aboytes, Ryan Pierce
  • Publication number: 20030185527
    Abstract: A flexible fire resistant innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: David Drew Morris
  • Publication number: 20030116212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid conduit, and to a multi-conduit umbilical for use in the transportation of chemicals with small molecular size and shape e.g. methanol ethanol and other hydrocarbon fluids used in the oil industry. The conduit comprises a flexible fluid hose encapsulated by at least one metallized layer which is formed and arranged to minimise permeation of a fluid being transported in the fluid hose. In use in a multi-conduit umbilical the metallized layer minimises permeation into adjacent fluid hoses containing chemicals. The invention is characterized in that the fluid hose(s) have differing levels of encapsulation and thereby permeation, along a given length according to the operational requirements of the fluid conduit/umbilical. Typically such fluid conduits/umbilicals will have lengths in excess of 100 km.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Fraser Hynd Thomson
  • Patent number: 6571794
    Abstract: A respirator hose for connection between a ventilator and a breathing appliance during respiratory therapy includes a tubular body defining a first lumen for conveying a breathing gas from the ventilator, and a helical reinforcement member with a hollow core coiled around the tubular body to define a second lumen for conveying a second fluid in support of the respiratory therapy. The helical reinforcement member has a configuration to resist kinking and crushing of the tubular body that would close-off flow of the breathing gas. A fitting at one end of the hose can be keyed to simplify connections between the lumens and fluid communication ports of the ventilator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Hansen