Abstract: Flexible pipe (fP) suitable for transporting hydrocarbons, said flexible pipe comprising at least one polymer layer (L) composed of a polymer composition (C) comprising at least one poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1), and at least one per(halo)fluoropolymer (P2). The poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1) and the per(halo)fluoropolymer (P2) are advantageously homogeneously distributed in the polymer composition (C). The polymer composition (C) is profitably prepared by a method comprising tumble blending the per(halo)fluoropolymer (P2) on one hand, and the poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1) or part of the poly(aryl ether ketone) (P1) on the other hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at least one location on the flexible pipe.

Abstract: An air brake connection system includes a tractor fitting (18) and a trailer fitting (5). A hose (8) has fittings (21, 11) at its opposite ends that are uncouplably connectable to the tractor fitting (18) and to the trailer fitting (5). Each tractor fitting (18, 19) may incorporate a self-sealing valve. In use, if an air hose fails, it can be simply uncoupled from both tractor and trailer and replaced with a spare hose.

Abstract: A hose made from an elastomeric material and a textile reinforcement. The textile reinforcement is made substantially of fibers selected from aliphatic polyamides having a heat shrinkage smaller than 2.5%. Also, a method for producing a hose having a textile reinforcement. The method includes extruding a hose from an elastomer material, applying a textile reinforcement to the outer circumference of the extruded hose, extruding an elastomer covering onto the textile reinforcement, and then vulcanizing the hose.

Abstract: A cord management apparatus comprises one or more magnets, configurable to be coupled to an electronic cord. The apparatus comprises one or more sheaths configured to be coupled to at least a portion of the electronic cord, wherein the one or more sheaths are configured to be magnetically attached to the magnet. A cord management device comprising one or more pliable sheaths is described also.

Abstract: A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris.

Abstract: A clip (6) of molded plastics material for fitting on a pipe or duct in particular a blow-molded automotive fluid duct, comprises an open ring of generally C-shape having facing arms (20) that are curved and with open ends that can be sprung apart and together again to resiliently fit the clip on the pipe or duct. The facing arms (20) have profiled inner surfaces that engage with complementary profiles carried by the pipe or duct, namely the facing arms (20) have a substantially T-shaped profile (23/24), that fits between pairs of complementary spaced-apart arcuate ribs and recess carried by the pipe or duct. The clip (6) is easy to fit and remove while providing firm holding power and good pull-out strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a use of a duplex steel for the production of an armouring layer of a flexible pipe comprising at least one unbonded armouring layer and at least one unbonded sealing layer wherein the duplex steel comprises in weight percent 0.01-0.05% by weight of carbon (C) at least 0.15% by weight of nitrogen (N) 20.0-23.0% by weight of chromium (Cr) up to 3.0% by weight of nickel (Ni) up to 1.0% by weight of molybdenum (Mo) 3-6% by weight of manganese (Mn) up to 1.0% by weight of copper (Cu) incidental impurities and balance being iron (Fe).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process for preparing hydrogenated nitrile rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrugated foundation drain. The drain is comprised of a plurality of segments attached in an end to end fashion. Each segment has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of one segment can be attached to the first end of an adjacent segment. The drain is corrugated. The drain has sections of corrugations separated by spacers for longitudinal stability. A web is provided within the interior of the drain segments. The web can be vertically centered. In the preferred embodiment, the web can be removed from the first end to provide clearance for receipt of the second end. The second end further can have cleats that interface with the corrugations in the first end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end hose for discharge of thick substances, particularly of liquid concrete. The end hose (12) can be connected with its entry-side end to a pressure feed line (14) of a mobile thick-matter pump, and has a discharge opening (16) for the thick substances at its exit-side end, and consists of a flexible material. In order to prevent the end hose (12) from kicking out when blockages are loosened, it has at least two hose parts (26, 28) having different bending rigidity, connected with one another at a transition point (30).

Abstract: Polyamide blend molding compound, includes a polyamide blend content and at least one impact-resistant component, characterized in that the polyamide blend content includes the following polyamides: (A) 20 to 65% by weight of at least one semi-crystalline polyamide with an enthalpy of fusion >40 J/g and with an average of at least 8 C atoms per monomeric unit; (B) 8 to 25% by weight of at least one amorphous and/or microcrystalline polyamide, with the microcrystalline polyamide having an enthalpy of fusion in the range of 4 to 40 J/g, and (C) 1 to 20% by weight of at least one polyamide with an average of a maximum of 6 C atoms per monomeric unit. The impact-resistant component includes as follows: (D) 10 to 40% by weight of a polyamide elastomer which is composed of hard segments and soft segments, with the hard segments being based on lactams and/or amino-carboxylic acids, and (E) 0 to 35% by weight of a non-polyamide elastomer.

Abstract: In a cooling system, a variable inline nozzle controls the flow of cooling fluid. The variable inline nozzle includes a composite fibrous tube through which the cooling fluid flows. Upon manipulation of the composite fibrous tube, a diameter of a portion of the composite fibrous tube is adjusted to control the flow of the cooling fluid.

Abstract: A flexible fabric tube is provided for heating, ventilation and air conditioning use having batten pockets longitudinally spaced and extending circumferentially around the tube and having flexible support members therein to maintain the tube in an open position.

Abstract: A steerable tube (100), comprising a hollow elongate tubular member (1) having a proximal end (2), distal end (3), a wall surface disposed between said proximal (2) and distal end (4), a bend-resistive zone (6) flanked by a proximal bendable zone (4) that forms a controller and a distal bendable zone (5) that forms an effector that moves responsive to movements of the controller, whereby the wall of the tubular member (1) in the bend-resistive zone (6) comprises a structure that is a plurality of longitudinal slits (7), forming a plurality of longitudinal strips (8, 8?), the wall of the tubular member (1) in the proximal bendable zone (4) and the distal bendable zone (5) comprises a structure that is a plurality of longitudinal wires (9, 9?, 10, 10?), at least one strip (8) is in connection with a wire (9) in the proximal bendable zone (4) and a wire (10) in the distal bendable zone (5), such that translation by said wire (9) in the controller is transmitted via the strip (8) to said wire (10) in the effector

Abstract: A battery assembly may include a cooling system assembly having first and second battery modules and a coolant manifold in fluid communication therewith. The first battery module may include a first coolant flow path and the second battery module may include a second coolant flow path. The coolant manifold may include first and second ports and a main body portion to provide expansion and contraction between the first and second ports. The first port may be in communication with the first flow path and the second port may be in communication with the second flow path.

Abstract: A HVAC branch line includes a boot, flexible duct, and integral connection therebetween. The boot can be configured to pre-hold fasteners to facilitate field installation. The branch line can also include one or more straps or other another structure, which are used to support the branch line, and optionally compress the duct before, during or after installation. Since the duct and boot are integrally connected, a field connection between the two is unnecessary and the duct can be easily supported during installation of the branch line.

Abstract: A tube pump includes tubes, hooks, tube receivers, three or more fingers, and a drive mechanism. The tubes each include intermediate tubes, connectors, and end tubes. The tubes are attached by engaging the connectors with the hooks provided on upper and lower sides. The intermediate tubes are provided along the tube receivers. Tube press portions of the fingers are provided between the intermediate tubes. The fingers are driven by the drive mechanism so that the tube press portions are reciprocated between a position where one of the intermediate tubes is squeezed and a position where the other of the intermediate tubes is squeezed.

Abstract: This systems and methods described herein relate to a device which enables oceanographic surface buoy mooring systems to detect and monitor underwater noise at most sea state and weather conditions. In particular, the systems and methods described herein provide mooring systems that can support a hydrophone or other underwater listening devices connected to a surface buoy located at a deep sea position. As will be more fully described below, the mooring includes an expandable tether cable/hose that reduces noise generated underwater when the buoy moves in response to wave and weather.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tube in the form of a molded article of a resin composition including a hydrogenated block copolymer (a) which includes a polymer block constituted mainly from an aromatic vinyl compound unit and a polymer block constituted mainly from a specific conjugated diene compound unit and has a glass transition temperature of from ?45 to 30° C., a hydrogenated block copolymer (b) which includes a polymer block constituted mainly from an aromatic vinyl compound unit and a polymer block constituted mainly from a specific conjugated diene compound unit and has a glass transition temperature of less than ?45° C., and a polyolefin-based resin (c), at a specific proportion, said tube being excellent in transparency, flexibility, anti-kinking property, anti-sticking property, clamp resistance, solvent adhesion property, low-temperature impact resistance and heat resistance, as well as a medical device using the tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed an umbilical assembly comprising at least one elongated umbilical element, and at least one light weight, high strength reinforcing rod.

Abstract: An end fitting 40 for a hose 10, the hose 10 comprising an inner portion 100 and an outer portion 102.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilising device for stabilising an object having a plurality of support elements on a surface, particularly objects that are moved frequently such as garden furniture or the tables or restaurant terraces. The stabilising device comprises a plurality of fluid-containing compartments which are in fluid communication with each other by way of a restricted flow mechanism such that they are each variable in height in response to the amount of fluid contained therein and are located between the support elements and the surface. The stabilising device eliminates the requirement for using a valve to control the flow of fluid by using the restricted flow mechanism comprising a plurality of interconnected narrow-bore hoses.

Abstract: A system to secure a storage unit on a supply vessel surface including a first frame module having a first attachment mechanism configured to releasably engage with a second attachment mechanism of a second frame module, and a first valve disposed on the first frame module, wherein the first valve is in fluid communication with a second valve disposed on the second frame module through a central flow pipe. The system further including a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the storage unit to at least the first frame module, and at least one flow conduit configured to provide fluid communication between the first valve and the storage unit.

Abstract: A system for transferring bulk solid biomass fuel includes a bin defining a cavity sized and shaped for receiving a quantity of biomass, a trolley configured to engage and travel along a track defining, the track configured to be horizontally mountable to a portion of the bin, a hose having a body coupled to the trolley, at least a portion of the hose configured to be in motion with the trolley, and a means of driving the trolley along the track. A method of transferring bulk solid biomass fuel from a bin, whereby a trolley coupled to a hose is driven along a track, the track being mounted within the bin, conveying the biomass material through the hose, and discharging the material out of the bin and into a receptacle.

Abstract: An expansible and collapsible tubular conduit, which is especially adapted for use in supplying pre-conditioned air to an aircraft while the aircraft is located upon the ground and is being serviced, comprises a plurality of annular fabric membranes which are connected to the opposite sides of a plurality of annular structural dividers or frame members in a continuously repetitive alternating manner. The structural combination or assembly comprising the fabric membranes and the structural dividers or frame members renders the tubular conduit readily expansible and contractible in the form of a spring or accordion so as to be capable of being easily and rapidly deployed and stowed, as well as to be capable of being stored in a relatively compact state or mode.

Abstract: A sheath useful for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of a flexible instrument, including e.g. an endoscope, received through the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogenated nitrite rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art. The present invention is also related to shaped articles containing hydrogenated nitrile rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art.

Abstract: A beverage-dispensing assembly having a cooling system includes a dispensing tower having an outer wall defining an inside first channel between a first end and a second end of the tower, wherein a second channel and a third channel are provided in the first channel. The second channel is configured to accommodate a dispensing line, and the third channel is in fluid communication with the second channel at the second end of the tower.

Abstract: An orifice test calibration device tests the functionality of protective mask testers. The orifice test calibration device has a semi-rigid tubular channel with one end for sealing the flow outlet port of the protective mask tester and a second end for sealing the vacuum inlet port of the protective mask tester. The device also includes a sealable opening within the tubular channel and an insertable orifice plug having a set diameter for insertion into the sealable opening in order to calibrate the protective mask tester.

Abstract: A hose construction adapted for efficiently conveying fluids while extended, but capable of neatly contracting to a fraction of its extended length for storage or transportation, while integrally incorporating lines for electrical requirements. Storage may be within an outer hose and may be triggered via closure of a valve within a nozzle so that negative pressure causes contraction of the folds of the hose. The contracted hose has a length that is a fraction of its normal extended length. The hose construction incorporates a wire reinforcing member which may bias the hose for self-extension and may also function as part of the electrical system. The electrical lines may comprise stranded copper wires to conduct power and/or serve as a remote activation circuit. The hose configuration may have a cover with external folds, which maximizes flow and provides a cushioning outer diameter to prevent damage to the hose.

Abstract: A device for use in a pipeline including a fluid conduit section constructed of a flexible material. The fluid conduit section has a first end, which includes a first mounting arrangement, and a second end, which includes a second mounting arrangement. The fluid conduit section also has a length defined between the first and second ends, an internal diameter, and a fluid passage therethrough to allow fluid to flow from the first to the second end. The device also includes a plurality of longitudinally extending vanes positioned within the fluid conduit section, wherein radially inner edges of the vanes are in direct contact with the radially inner edges of adjacent vanes, and radially outer edges of the vanes contact one of the first and second ends, but are separated from the internal diameter of a remainder of the fluid conduit section, such that a space is defined therebetween.

Abstract: A flexible extension device (10) for remotely operating a faucet (F). The faucet's handle (H) is removed for one end (12) of the device to be coupled to the faucet's stem (M). The handle is then attached to the other end (16) of the device. The device has a length sufficient so that when installed, the handle is readily accessible to the faucet's user. Because the extension device is flexible, it can be appropriately bent or twisted so the handle is now conveniently located for the user. The device, when installed, allows ready access for the user so they can remotely operate the faucet to open and shut it, and regulate the flow of water from the faucet.

Abstract: A hose construction adapted for efficiently conveying fluids while extended, but capable of neatly contracting to a fraction of its extended length for storage or transportation, while integrally incorporating lines for electrical requirements. Storage may be within an outer hose and may be triggered via closure of a valve within a nozzle so that negative pressure causes contraction of the folds of the hose. The contracted hose has a length that is a fraction of its normal extended length. The hose construction incorporates a wire reinforcing member which may bias the hose for self-extension and may also function as part of the electrical system. The electrical lines may comprise stranded copper wires to conduct power and/or serve as a remote activation circuit. The hose configuration may have a cover with external folds, which maximizes flow and provides a cushioning outer diameter to prevent damage to the hose.

Abstract: A rigid conduit has a hard plastic exterior surface and electrical metallic tubing as the interior surface. The hard plastic exterior forms a smooth male fitting at one end of the conduit and a smooth female fitting at the other end of the conduit. Chemical solvent adhesives join together adjacent conduit sections, the hard plastic male and female fittings fusing together. The interior surface of electrical metallic tubing protects the exterior hard plastic material from damage caused during cabling of the electrical raceways. The exterior hard plastic protects the rigid conduit from corrosive environments, such as underground installations.

Abstract: A method for forming a flare in the end of a flexible tube comprises heating the end of the flexible tube to a near-melted state, inserting the end of the flexible tube into a flare-forming die with a flare forming portion, and pressing a mandrel into the end of the flexible tube, thereby pressure forming a flare in the end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing elastomer for molding fuel system parts, which has a copolymer composition comprising 10-40% by weight of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), 80-30% by mole of vinylidene fluoride (VdF), and 10-30% by mole of hexafluoropropylene (HFP), as copolymerized in the presence of an iodine and bromine-containing compound represented by the following general formula: RBrnIm (where R is a fluorohydrocarbon group, a chlorofluorohydrocarbon group, or a hydrocarbon group, each having 1-10 carbon atoms, and n and m each are 1 or 2), and has an intrinsic viscosity of 20-180 ml/g, Mw (weight average molecular weight)/Mn (number average molecular weight) ratio of 2-20, and a molecular weight distribution of monopeak or multipeak type, and a fluorine-containing elastomer composition, which comprises the fluorine-containing elastomer, at least one of a polyol vulcanizing agent and a polyamine vulcanizing agent, an organic peroxide, and a polyfunctional unsaturated compound.

Abstract: A flexible collapsible corrugated drain pipe has a corrugation structure that permits a tight bending radius and relatively facile collapsing and expansion of corrugations, thereby permitting convenient manipulation and installation of drain pipe and packaging, display, storage and transportation of the collapsed pipe sections.

Abstract: Stamping, embossing, imprinting and casting methods and apparatus for manufacturing a garden hose having an outer surface including a plurality of irregularly textured areas extending radially from that surface so that frictional engagement with the surface is increased and the surface is physically camouflaged to be vine-like in appearance.

Abstract: A fluid-containing conduit (10,30,40,50) including at least one luminescent marker (14) whereby the fluid-containing conduit is visible in a low light condition. The marker may be in the form of one or more elongate ribs (16) containing luminescent material along interior wall surface (18), or may be elongate luminescent bands (52,54) adjacent the exterior wall (20) of the conduit, or may be indicia containing luminescent material such as ink (42).

Abstract: A collapse tolerant flexible pipe and method of manufacturing same according to which an inner tubular layer is provided within an outer tubular layer in a coaxial relationship thereto. The inner layer maintains the maximum allowable strain on the outer layer below a value that will cause damage to the outer layer when the pipe collapses.

Abstract: A retractable hose extension for a vacuum having an expandable hose within a containment structure, a first coupling at the first end of the hose and in the first end of the containment structure for connecting the hose to a vacuum, a valve at the second end of the hose, and either a door or other releasable retention device for the hose. Preferably, the valve is an iris valve. Two fixed embodiment and one portable embodiment exist. The first fixed embodiment is inserted within a wall. The second fixed embodiment is rotatably attached to a tube contained within or running below a ceiling and extending from a vacuum system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid duct (10), especially for use in motor vehicles to feed liquid in order to wipe windows or headlights of said motor vehicle. Said fluid duct (10) comprises a flexible pipe (12) with at least one corrugated pipe section (22) and at least one plain pipe section (24) that adjoins the corrugated pipe section (22), at least one pipe joint (16, 20) with a pipe connecting section (26) which is inserted into a plain pipe section (24), and a support sleeve (36) for each pipe joint (16, 20). The support sleeve (36) surrounds the plain pipe section (24) receiving the pipe connecting section (26) and presses the plain pipe section (24) against the pipe connecting section (26).

Abstract: A tube for medical applications comprises a chlorine-free material and has a layer defining an outer surface of the tube. The tube is manufactured from a polymer material having a solubility parameter within the range 9.9±1.5 (cal/cm3)1/2.

Abstract: Method for construction of piles or caissons, which consists of drilling i.e. augering a borehole, deformating are carried by means of a neoprene or rubber hose or by means of a head unit for expansion. When connected with the pressure generator (27) which generates air or water under pressure, valve (26) opens, and pressure performs plastic deformations in the borehole. The hose, which is made of neoprene or rubber at the end of which there is a vulcanized cover (13), and which is of a suitable length and width, and has different stiffnesses of its walls are being accomplished by putting on bandages i.e. rings (11), is put on over a plastic or metal pipe (12), by means of which it provides supply of appropriate medium under pressure. The head unit for expansion consisted of a supply pipe and a rubber or neoprene gland reinforcement is inserted into the borehole and it is inflated causing deformations on the walls of the borehole.

Abstract: A flexible collapsible corrugated sewer hose has a collapsible and expandable corrugated section providing durability, a tight bend radius and a relatively small collapse ratio. An expansion of the corrugations permits convenient manipulation and installation of the sewer hose having a self supporting structure and crush resistance without helical reinforcement.

Abstract: A cable assembly for a lift truck includes, in one exemplary embodiment, a transportation cable loosely housed in a self-retracting hose preformed to default to a coiled shape when no pressure is applied to elongate the self-retracting hose. The self-retracting hose has a slick external surface that is selected to prevent adherence of the surface to any portion of the lift truck. The transportation cable is used for transporting a communication signal and/or a power supply voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular element (6). The tubular element includes a body (17) having an outer periphery surface (20) with a shape in a cross section view such that adjacent parts of the periphery outer surface (20) along a circumference of the tubular element (6) forms an outer angle of at least 180° in relation to each other and a first channel (7, 9a, b) located in said body (19) adapted to transport a first fluid medium. The tubular element includes an inner space (18) located entirely inside of the outer periphery surface (20) of the body (19), wherein the inner space (18) is adapted to receive at least one conduit element (17).

Abstract: A hose used for extracting milk has an outer wall; an inner wall; at least two ribs formed on the outer wall; and at least one recess formed between said at least two ribs. A milk extraction system has a hose having an outer wall; an inner wall; a plurality of ribs formed on said outer wall, and the ribs extend beyond an outer perimeter of the outer wall.

Abstract: An assembly for the differential delivery of treated and mains water, comprising a flexible hose for the separate conveyance of treated water and mains water for connection between a spray head provided with at least two separate delivery points and a distribution unit for the separate supply of treated water and mains water. The flexible hose has, at its ends, respectively a first connection port, for connection to the distribution unit, the second port being connectable to the distribution unit so as to allow free rotation about the axis of the second port.