Flexible Patents (Class 138/118)
  • Patent number: 9463590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic foil tube with an intended cross-section that derives from a circular cross-section as a means for the production of fiber compound components for aviation or aerospace. It comprises the following method steps: mounting a semi-finished tube on a core tool; charging the mounted semi-finished tube with a predetermined force to press the semi-finished tube on a core cross section of the core tool, wherein while charging the mounted semi-finished tube with the force crinkles are formed in longitudinal direction of the semi-finished tube; heating the semi-finished tube to a predetermined forming temperature for a predetermined time period for the production of the plastic foil tube with the intended cross-section and stripping the plastic foil tube which is formed in such a manner and cooled down off the core tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Dorawa, Torben Jacob
  • Patent number: 9433987
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a stage tube that has a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment bordering mutually having different diameters includes: taking a metal plate that has a first segment and a second segment bordering mutually and having a first width and a second width, respectively, the first width being defined between two first paired edges, and the two second width being defined between two second paired edges; forming the first and second segments so as to define a first edge interval; rolling up the first and second segments so that the two first paired edges are jointed together and form the first tubular segment, while the second segment is formed to define a second edge interval; and rolling up the second segment so that the two second paired edges are jointed and form the second tubular segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Jui-Kun Lin
  • Patent number: 9400067
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible tubular underwater pipe (10): A leakproof tubular structure (12, 14, 16) is covered with at least one layer (18, 20) of armor wires. At least one continuous longitudinal element made of a deformable material is wound in a helix with short pitch around the layer (18, 20) of armor wires to form a holding layer 24. The at least one longitudinal element is wound under longitudinal tension T0 so as to stretch its deformable material according to a relative elongation corresponding to a tensile stress ?0 less than the elastic limit value ?E of the deformable material, and the elastic limit value ?E corresponds to a tensile stress beyond which the deformation of the material is irreversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Antoine Felix-Henry, Pascal Estrier
  • Patent number: 9366304
    Abstract: A flexible spring member includes a flexible wall that is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material. The flexible wall can have a longitudinal axis and extend peripherally about the axis and longitudinally between first and second ends. The flexible wall can also include an outside surface and an inside surface that can at least partially define a spring chamber. A radial-biasing band can be disposed along the outside surface of the flexible wall in longitudinally-spaced relation to the first and second ends. The radial-biasing band can be at least partially formed from an elastomeric material and can be operative to elastically bias at least a portion of the flexible wall in one of a radially-inward direction and a radially-outward direction in an inflated condition of the gas spring assembly. A gas spring assembly and a method of manufacture including such a flexible spring member are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jason B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9309995
    Abstract: A low profile downspout extension is formed in multiple segments including a flexible conduit, a splash block and an extension. The splash block transitions from a circular inlet into a low profile pentagon configuration with a central bead along the top surface of the low profile body portion to define an apex of the pentagon shape. The body portion is wider than the diameter of the circular inlet but has a height at the central bead that is more than half the diameter of the circular inlet. The body portion has ribbed side walls to strengthen the splash block without requiring internal reinforcement. The bottom surface of the splash block defines a flow path that extends generally linearly from the bottom of the inlet opening to the bottom of the pentagon-shaped outlet. An open configuration for the splash block provides an alternative above-ground splash pad structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Euramax International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Benjamin Bell
  • Patent number: 9283345
    Abstract: A fluid tube is disclosed herein. The breathing circuit tube has a wall which comprises a hollow geometry. The wall defines a passageway with a central longitudinal axis therethrough. The wall is expandable and contractible to adjust a diameter and a length of the passageway. The wall includes one or more corrugations that expand and contract to adjust the diameter and length of the passageway. The corrugations extend between terminal end portions of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: CAREFUSION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Garrett Austin Sheffer
  • Patent number: 9279525
    Abstract: A flexible hose having an inner tube member made from a thermoplastic elastomer material and an outer tube member made from a non-elastic polyester material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler incorporates a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Publication number: 20150121715
    Abstract: The disclosed dryer vent is a spring-loaded, expandable/retractable dryer vent assembly. The assembly houses a flexible dryer vent aluminum hose with spiral wire. The flexible aluminum dryer vent hose has a plurality of spring rings therearound allowing springs to be attached therebetween. The ends of the flexible dryer vent hose are clamped with a clamp assembly that also has mounts for additional springs. The end clamp assembly clamps the flexible dryer vent hose at each end to annular duct pieces that mount to the dryer or the household wall. The dryer vent hose freely rotates and can be expanded, retracted, or twisted without kinking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: THE ULTIMATE DRYER VENT LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Houser
  • Publication number: 20150068634
    Abstract: The invention is to provide a resin hose capable of sufficiently ensuring the flow rate of fluid flowing through the resin hose while ensuring flexibility of wiring. The resin hose includes a round portion having a round flow-passage; and a flat portion that includes a flat flow-passage and has a flow-passage cross-section area equal to or larger than a flow-passage cross-section area of a minimum inner diameter portion in the round portion, a short width of the flat flow-passage being smaller than an inner diameter of the minimum inner diameter portion and a long width of the flat flow-passage being larger than the inner diameter of the minimum inner diameter portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Kazutaka KATAYAMA, Tomoyuki FUKUYASU, Makoto SHIMOJO, Takaaki INOUE, Takahiro NISHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150053298
    Abstract: Anti-kink tubing includes a hose or tube having an inner surface and an outer surface that form an inner enclosed cavity that defines a central axis of the tube. A plurality of anti-kink projections attach to at least one of the inner and outer surfaces. The plurality of anti-kink projections may extend along at least one of the inner and outer surfaces in a direction generally parallel to the central axis of the anti-kink tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Alan Tussy, Brian Keith Leffler
  • Patent number: 8957310
    Abstract: There is provided a cable protection and guide member that requires no assembly, allows cables to be readily installed and steadily protected, and suppresses dust, flexion noise and flexion vibrations. The member can also maintain a straight position of the cable, can achieve a flexional movement of the cable smoothly with a small radius of flexion, and can block the cable from jumping out of a cable accommodating space. The member comprises the rectangular-tube like cable accommodating space composed of a belt-like inner circumferential wall portion and of a large number of arm-like holding portions that are formed integrally with both right and left edges of the belt-like inner circumferential wall portion. Side wall base end portions of the arm-like holding portions are integrally molded by two color molding by using synthetic resin softer than any of the portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kouichi Kaihotsu, Shoichiro Komiya, Masakatsu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8936046
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable pressure hose can be constructed comprising an input connector, an output connector, an elastic inner hose, an outer cover, and one or more portions of the elastic inner hose engaged with the outer cover and disposed between the first and second ends of the hose. In such a hose, the input connector and output connector can be connected to each end of elastic inner hose and outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Dean Ragner
  • Patent number: 8919388
    Abstract: Pre-treated water cooling hoses and a method for implementing pretreatment of water cooling hoses for increased reliability are provided. Pretreatment of the water cooling hoses includes attaching the water cooling hose to a water cooling system, filling the water cooling system with a high concentration corrosion inhibitor solution, and running the system for an extended time to saturate the attached hose with the high concentration corrosion inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Prabjit Singh, Jason T. Wertz, Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8915266
    Abstract: A flexible stretch hose with a wall which comprises a spirally wound profile (1; 11; 21) in a plastic material. Consecutive windings of the profile are secured to each other by means of a weld. The profile comprises, in cross-section, at least one bottom section (2; 12) and at least one rib section (4; 14; 24), wherein the rib section of the profile, relative to the bottom section, also forms a protrusion of the wall of the hose which gives the hose a predetermined hub strength. The profile comprises an unfoldable section (5; 15; 25) provided in order to be unfolded under the influence of a tensile; force in the axial direction of the hose, thereby allowing an extension of the hose, wherein the unfoldable section comprises at least two profile sections lying loosely against each other, which sections are interconnected at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Plastiflex Group
    Inventor: Domin Diels
  • Patent number: 8910667
    Abstract: An expandable hose is provided formed of a sidewall formed of a spirally wound flexible member which defines an axial passageway surrounding a center axis of the formed hose. Both side edges of the flexible member in the spirally wound position are engaged with a cap member which provides a skeletal structure to maintain the axial passageway open and to bias the hose back to a collapsed length from the extended length. A fold formed in the spirally wound flexible member allows for increased distance between the two side edges and an increased maximum extended length. A telescopic pole engaged with the formed hose provides an improved extendable vacuuming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Raul Castro
  • Publication number: 20140345737
    Abstract: This invention provides a under cabinet ducting kit comprising an under cabinet supply cover; at least two oval collars, wherein a first oval collar is connected to the under cabinet supply cover at a first end; a flexible duct hose, wherein a first end of the flexible duct hose is connected to the first oval collar at a second end, and wherein a second end of the flexible duct hose is connected to a first end of a second oval collar; a toe kick backer plate, wherein a second end of the second oval collar is connected the toe kick backer plate; and at least two metal band straps, wherein the metal band straps attach the flexible duct hose to each of the first and the second oval collars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: James BUCHANAN
  • Patent number: 8893749
    Abstract: A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to fictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Perry
  • Patent number: 8889787
    Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a polyurethane film that offers both soft texture and high strength. The present invention relates to a polyurethane film obtained by solidifying a polyurethane (A) obtained by reacting a polyol (a1) including an aliphatic polyester polyol having an anionic group (a1-1), and a polyester polyol (a1-2) other than the aliphatic polyester polyol (a1-1) with a polyisocyanate (a2), using a metal salt, in which the polyurethane (A) has an aromatic structure in the range of 500 mmol/kg to 2,000 mmol/kg with respect to the entire polyurethane (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: DIC Corporation
    Inventors: Sadamu Nagahama, Hiroki Tanaka, Mitsuru Kitada
  • Publication number: 20140305530
    Abstract: A slotted metal tube includes a wall with multiple slots cut through it wherein the slots and the bands between the slots are configured such that when an axial compression force is applied to the ends of the tube the bands expand outwards and form an overlapping flower petal pattern as the ends of the tube come closer together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Calore Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Giora Kornblau, David Maier Neustadter
  • Publication number: 20140261835
    Abstract: Example air ducts comprising pliable tubular sidewalls are provided with example internal frameworks that hold the duct in a generally expanded shape even when the duct is depressurized. The framework tensions the pliable sidewall material along the length of the ducts to keep the material taut. In some examples, the framework is restrained within the duct such that the duct's sidewall, being in tension, holds the framework in compression longitudinally. Thus, in the longitudinal direction, the duct is in tension and the framework is in compression. To prevent the framework from buckling under the compressive force, some example frameworks comprise a central longitudinal shaft with a plurality of radial spokes and rings that help hold the shaft straight. In some examples, the rings also help hold the duct radially expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Publication number: 20140261841
    Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a flexible member having a tubular wall for conveying a fluid and a circumferential structural member positioned adjacent to the tubular wall. The structural member is disposed about a central axis of the conduit so as to form a plurality of spaced segments along the wall. The segments are spaced apart relative to each other to define a gap therebetween. The gap is sized to be closed by contact between adjacent segments upon a predetermined flexure of the flexible member. A method of forming the fluid conduit includes forming a flexible member with a tubular wall and forming a groove about a central axis of the conduit in a portion of the tubular wall. The groove is formed by removing material from the tubular wall or compressing material on the tubular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Orow, Lawrence P. Heren
  • Patent number: 8829147
    Abstract: Polymerizable liquid compositions of the polyurethane type, consisting of two components (A) and (B), wherein component (A) contains at least one cyclo-aliphatic diisocyanate monomer or a mixture of one cyclo-aliphatic diisocyanate monomer and a pre-polymer obtained by reaction, in the presence of an acid phosphate ester catalyst, between said cyclo-aliphatic diisocyanate monomer and one or more polyols having two or more hydroxy 1 groups per molecule and a molecular weight ranging from 50 to 2,000 g/mole; the second component (B) contains one or more polyols having a molecular weight ranging from 50 to 2,000 g/mole and a functionality between 2 and 5; in the absence of polyalkoxylated tertiary diamines and organometallic catalysts, said components (A) and (B) being present in a weight ratio which varies from 1:1 to 2:1 and the process for the production of organic glass starting from polymerizable liquid compositions of the polyurethane type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Acomon AG
    Inventors: Willem Bos, Fiorenzo Renzi, Roberto Forestieri, Andrea Vecchione
  • Patent number: 8826943
    Abstract: A fluid tube is disclosed herein. The breathing circuit tube has a first terminal end portion, a second terminal end portion, and a wall which extends between the first terminal end portion and the second terminal end portion. The wall comprises a hollow geometry defining a passageway with a central longitudinal axis therethrough. The wall further defines one or more expandable corrugations spaced radially around and parallel to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion Corporation
    Inventor: Garrett Austin Sheffer
  • Patent number: 8826944
    Abstract: An appliance includes a machine compartment accessible from the exterior of the machine compartment. The machine compartment comprises at least a two components and a water line tube. The water line tube comprises at least three substantially straight sections and at least two formed bends in the tube. The tube is at least partially elastically rigid. The substantially straight sections and the formed bends allow the tube to move as if the tube was a linkage with the formed bends acting as constrained pivot points. The first tube end is fluidically attached to the first component. The second tube end is fluidically attached to the second component. At least one of the first component and the second component is at least partially removable from the machine compartment while the tube is fluidically connected to both the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle Edward Laine
  • Publication number: 20140238524
    Abstract: A hybrid cord formed from a plurality of component plies wherein at least one of the plies has a length that is from 1 to 50 percent longer than the other plies and a method of providing a cord with predetermined twist and component ply lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan W. Love, Brain R. France, Mark Allan Lamontia, Clifford K. Deakyne
  • Publication number: 20140231103
    Abstract: A sprinkler assembly has a sleeve covering at least a portion of a conduit connecting the sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system. The sleeve may have a color field, contrasting color patterns, symbols, indicia, or combinations of these elements and may be used to visibly indicate characteristics of the sprinkler assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas C. Savage, Lawrence W. Thau, JR.
  • Patent number: 8808075
    Abstract: In some example pliable air duct systems, inflatable ducts of various diameters and lengths are created by selectively assembling pre-existing stock pieces in different combinations. In some examples, the stock pieces include disconnectable longitudinal joints and disconnectable circumferential joints, wherein the longitudinal joints enable interconnecting multiple stock pieces to achieve a desired tube diameter, and the circumferential joints allow connecting multiple tube segments end-to-end to produce an air duct assembly of a desired length. To control the volume and/or the direction of air discharged from the duct, the duct assembly, in some examples, includes an adjustable register comprising a movable pliable sheet that overlies a discharge opening in a pliable sidewall of the duct. In some examples, the inflatable duct includes one or more cutout patterns on the duct's sidewall to provide guidance in creating a sidewall discharge opening of a proper size and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Gebke, Frank Heim, Michael Hermes, Michael A. Jacobson, Nicholas L. Kaufmann, William A. Niehaus
  • Publication number: 20140227546
    Abstract: A high-carbon steel wire has as steel composition: a carbon content ranging from 0.40 weight percent to 0.85 weight percent, a silicon content ranging from 1.0 weight percent to 2.0 weight percent, a manganese content ranging from 0.40 weight percent to 1.0 weight percent, and a chromium content ranging from 0.0 weight percent to 1.0 weight percent. The remainder is iron. This steel wire has as metallurgical structure a volume percentage of retained austenite ranging from 4 percent to 20 percent, while the remainder is tempered primary martensite and untempered secondary martensite. The steel wire is obtained by partitioning after quenching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NV BEKAERT SA
    Inventors: Christophe Mesplont, Walther Van Raemdonck
  • Publication number: 20140216590
    Abstract: A duct element for the exhaust system of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, including at least one flexible duct part, preferably a bellows. The flexible duct part is embodied at least partially from a first type of steel with a Mo-content ?4% or ?6% and with a N-content from 0.3% to 0.6% or from 0.18% to 0.25%, preferably embodied from steel of the type 1.4565 or the type 1.4547. Furthermore a decoupling element is provided for motor vehicles with an internal combustion engine and a respective use of steel embodied with a Mo-content ?4% or ?6% and a N-content from 0.3% to 0.6% or from 0.18% to 0.25%, preferably steel of the type 1.4565 or 1.4547.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Witzenmann GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Leidig, Bernd Seeger
  • Publication number: 20140202573
    Abstract: Pre-treated water cooling hoses and a method for implementing pretreatment of water cooling hoses for increased reliability are provided. Pretreatment of the water cooling hoses includes attaching the water cooling hose to a water cooling system, filling the water cooling system with a high concentration corrosion inhibitor solution, and running the system for an extended time to saturate the attached hose with the high concentration corrosion inhibitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Prabjit Singh, Jason T. Wertz, Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8783297
    Abstract: System for pipeline rehabilitation. The system includes repairing a leak in a pipe using a pair of substantially semi-cylindrical parts connected through a compliant joint. When the parts are compressed, the semi-cylindrical parts form a cylinder whose outside diameter is less than the inside diameter of a pipe with a defect thereby allowing the cylinder to be inserted into the pipe at a location of a leak. Once in place, the parts engage the inside surface of the pipe when the compression is released thereby to seal the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Muhammad A. Hawwa, Kamal Youcef-Toumi
  • Patent number: 8757213
    Abstract: A flexible hose having an inner tube member made from a thermoplastic elastomer material and an outer tube member made from a non-elastic polyester material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler incorporates a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8754330
    Abstract: A cable main includes an outer tube, a core wire, and an assisting wire. The assisting wire is less stretchable than the outer tube. Connectors provided at ends of the cable main fasten ends of the assisting wire at ends of the outer tube so as to restrain the ends of the outer tube from moving in a stretch direction of the outer tube. According to this structure, even when the outer tube is stretched, a load applied to a connecting part between the core wire and a terminal of the connector can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Kei Takahashi, Hirohisa Kubota, Tamotsu Tetsuchikawara
  • Publication number: 20140158245
    Abstract: A method of making a flexible delay line for a transducer, a flexible delay line, and a transducer are provided. The method includes providing a mold having a desired geometry, applying a flexible material to the mold, curing the flexible material in the mold, and removing the cured material from the mold. The cured material forms a flexible delay line having a geometry conforming to a face of the ultrasonic transducer. The flexible delay line for a transducer includes a flexible material having an aperture shaped to receive a face of the transducer. The flexible delay line is operable to conform to a flat or an irregular surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary Austin LAMBERTON, Michael ROWE
  • Patent number: 8689837
    Abstract: A downspout extension has a low-profile to direct rainwater away from a building. A transition adapter can be used to transition from a generally circular or square cross-section of a downspout to a low-profile cross-section of a corrugated duct of the extension. The extension can include internal supports to withstand being stepped on and can have a generally rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section with a longer width than height. The corrugated duct can also be comprised of integrated accordion corrugation sections and transverse non-collapsible ribs to give the corrugated duct extension greater flexibility. The extension can be connected to a downspout using a flexible elbow duct, a downspout connector, and a downspout adapter. The transition adapter of the extension can also be connected directly to a downspout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8678040
    Abstract: A vertically compactable fluid transfer device (10) can include a lateral fluid transfer conduit (12) to convey a fluid transfer fluid therethrough and to be supported by particles (16) packed to a first density. Additionally, the device (10) can include a riser (14) coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the lateral fluid transfer conduit (12). The riser (14) can be vertically compactable by at least 20% while maintaining structural integrity when the lateral fluid transfer conduit lowers as the supporting particles (16) pack to a second density, which is higher than the first density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc
    Inventors: James W. Patten, Hamidreza Ghorbani, Kyle Chomyn
  • Patent number: 8671993
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible short pipe having a shock absorbing function. The flexible short pipe has flexibility so as to absorb shocks generated in the longitudinal direction of a lifting pipe (or flexible pipe) and have resistance to a bending load or a torsional load when being wound around a roller. The flexible short pipe includes flanges provided at upper and lower ends thereof to be coupled to a unit lifting pipe or flexible pipe. An inner layer has a curved shape and is provided between the upper and lower flanges to allow slurry, lifted up or discharged by a lifting pump, to flow along the inner layer. An outer layer has a curved shape and surrounds the inner layer. A shock absorbing means is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer, and absorbs longitudinal force and bending force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Chi-Ho Yoon, Byung-Sik Ahn, Jong-Myung Park
  • Publication number: 20140060530
    Abstract: A multiple lumen hose includes a generally circumferential base wall. A plurality of corrugations extend radially outward from the base wall. A septum is disposed interior to the base wall such as to divide the interior of the base wall into at least a first lumen and a second lumen. A first scallop extends outward from the circumferential base wall between adjacent corrugations. A second scallop extends outward from the circumferential base wall between adjacent corrugations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mark Edward Woelfel
  • Publication number: 20140053940
    Abstract: In a bending tube including: multiple first slots for bending provided at set intervals, respectively, along a direction of a direction of a longitudinal axis O of a cylindrical bending tube body, the multiple first slots for bending extending in a circumferential direction of the bending tube body; slots for forming wire guide (a first slot for bending) paired and provided on arrangement of the multiple first slots for bending, the slots for forming wire guide extending in the circumferential direction of the bending tube body; and a wire guide formed by deforming a circumferential part of the bending tube body between the paired slots for forming wire guide, in an inner diameter direction; a width of a slot for bending adjacent to the wire guide is set relatively narrower than a width of other slots for bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Gregory S. KONSTORUM, Eijiro SATO
  • Patent number: 8640997
    Abstract: A harness clamp to hold, position and mount multiple thermocouple wire sensors in a continuous casting mold tube. The harness clamp has longitudinally spaced wire sensor openings with multiple apertured mounting tabs extending from a in use folded wire chase enclosure body member portion with overlying engagement retainment flanges to secure the wire retainment flange portion over the wire sensors positioned therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Caskey
  • Publication number: 20140007946
    Abstract: An apparatus including flexible tube having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end and the second end. The body portion of the flexible tube may have an inner cavity and a plurality of further openings leading out from the inner cavity. The apparatus may include a first connector, configured to be connected to a water source. The apparatus may further include a non-porous first outer member, having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end of the first outer member and the second end of the first outer member. The first outer member may substantially surround a portion of the flexible tube to block a first set of the plurality of further openings to inhibit liquid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140000744
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufman, William A. Niehaus
  • Publication number: 20130333787
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel flexible, substantially gas impermeable laminate material comprising starch/polymer blends, which can be used to make dispensing tubes, e.g., for toothpaste, which material is light, resilient, and inexpensive, which can be made almost entirely from renewable materials, and which can be recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Yu Shi, Todd D. Van Gordon, Jun Wang, Kai Wang
  • Patent number: 8607827
    Abstract: A low profile downspout extension is formed in multiple segments including a flexible conduit, a splash block and an extension. The splash block transitions from a circular inlet into a low profile pentagon configuration with a central bead along the top surface of the low profile body portion to define an apex of the pentagon shape. The body portion is wider than the diameter of the circular inlet but has a height at the central bead that is more than half the diameter of the circular inlet. The body portion has ribbed side walls to strengthen the splash block without requiring internal reinforcement. The bottom surface of the splash block defines a flow path that extends generally linearly from the bottom of the inlet opening to the bottom of the pentagon-shaped outlet. An open configuration for the splash block provides an alternative above-ground splash pad structure for connecting to downspouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Euramax International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Benjamin Bell
  • Patent number: 8602066
    Abstract: A low profile downspout extension is formed in multiple segments including a flexible conduit component, a splash block component and an extension component. An adapter is selectively connectable to the inlet portion of the flexible conduit component to allow mounting to a small downspout. The splash block component transitions from a circular inlet into a low profile rectangular configuration with an internal weir that prevents a back-flow of water into the circular portion. The low profile rectangular sections are formed with ribbed side walls and a crowned top surface to provide strength without requiring reinforcement. The flexible conduit portion includes a rectangular inlet, a circular outlet and a corrugated central portion that allows the selective orientation of the inlet relative to the outlet. The adapter includes a deflectable attachment tab that locks into an attachment rib on the inlet portion of the flexible conduit component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Euramax International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Bell, John J. McNichol, Joseph K. Wolf, J. Michael Connelly, Vincent Kehs, Jeffrey C. Bowling
  • Publication number: 20130313020
    Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for drilling a pit or passage extending substantially vertically into the ground, and a flexible hose therefor. The method includes providing a frame with a pressure chamber; arranging a first outer end of a flexible tube on the pressure chamber using at least one connecting device; applying a pressure in the pressure chamber with a pressure medium by way of at least one pressure device; and carrying the flexible tube into the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Bernardus Ludgerus Lubertus Hijlkema
  • Patent number: 8544504
    Abstract: An expandable hose is provided which will expand to an extended length from a collapsed length and back again. The hose has a sidewall formed of a spirally wound flexible member which defines an axial passageway surrounding a center axis of said hose. Both side edges of the flexible member in the spirally wound position are engaged to a cap member which provides a skeletal structure to maintain the axial passageway open and to bias the hose back to a collapsed length from the extended length. A fold formed in the spirally wound flexible member allows for increased distance between the two side edges and an increased maximum extended length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Raul Castro
  • Publication number: 20130220469
    Abstract: A ventilation ducting arrangement includes a flexible conduit having an inner surface defining a channel carrying a flow of air. First connectors are aligned in a length direction along a length of the inner surface of the conduit. Second connectors are aligned along the length direction. Each of the second connectors has a position along the length direction that is the same as a position of a corresponding first connector along the length direction but that is diametrically opposed to the position of the corresponding first connector relative to a circumference of the inner surface. Each of a plurality of fastening devices interconnects a respective one of the first connectors and a respective one of the second connectors such that a distance between the interconnected first connector and the interconnected second connector is limited by a length of the fastening device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ABC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Fleagle, Kevin J. Carson
  • Publication number: 20130216889
    Abstract: Hose made from an elastic material, which is designed to be fitted on a hose connection by means of a hose endpiece of the hose being pushed over the hose connection, and which is designed to be fastened on the hose connection by a hose clip to be arranged in a fitting region of the hose endpiece, wherein the hose endpiece has at least one thickened area which protrudes from the outer side of the hose, said thickeded area protruding from the outer side of the hose at least to such an extent that a hose clip suitable for fastening the hose on the hose connection is held on the hose endpiece by the thickened area, with respect to the influence of gravity when this is effective in the longitudinal direction of the hose endpiece. The invention further relates to a hose having at least two branch-off points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS HYBRID AND RECYCLING GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Joswig, Martin Wiegmann, Helge Brenner
  • Publication number: 20130206270
    Abstract: A vertically compactable fluid transfer device (10) can include a lateral fluid transfer conduit (12) to convey a fluid transfer fluid therethrough and to be supported by particles (16) packed to a first density. Additionally, the device (10) can include a riser (14) coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the lateral fluid transfer conduit (12). The riser (14) can be vertically compactable by at least 20% while maintaining structural integrity when the lateral fluid transfer conduit lowers as the supporting particles (16) pack to a second density, which is higher than the first density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: James W. Patten, Hamidreza Ghorbani, Kyle Chomyn