Abstract: An abrasion resistant sleeve for flat substrates, for example ribbon cable and the like, which includes a hollow flexible sleeve made from a fabric of engineering plastic that has been flattened to define two edges, each of which has a top and a bottom layer. The layers of each edge are bonded together permanently while the sleeve is in the flattened condition to maintain the sleeve in said condition. Preferrably the sleeve is axially compressible and radially expansible.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved drill string member having at least one spiral groove formed in its outside surface and incorporating a combination of engineering considerations and criteria such that the invention member will have an extraordinarily high performance capacity in directional drilling. The invention member can make bends in the well on radii as short as 25-50 feet and is particularly suitable for operation together with downhole motor driven bits.

Abstract: A valve for use in a fluid fillable device includes a main body portion movable from a fluid position to a curled fluid sealing position. The main body portion includes a sealing section made of an elastomeric material and having a passage portion defining a passage for receiving a fill tube. The passage portion is flanked on opposing sides by first and second portions of elastomeric material. The passage portion is in a stretched state relative to the first and second portions, such that the passage portion curls along the passage when the fill tube is removed.

Abstract: An adjustable gas intake assembly for a barbecue grill which can be utilized with various types of gas barbecue grill burners. A venturi tube and a supply tube are connected by a flexible section which will provide horizontal or vertical adjustment of the supply tube. In one embodiment the supply tube has a flexible section which will afford axial compression and expansion for vertical adjustment of the supply tube. In another embodiment the supply tube has a flexible section and a telescoping section is provided in the venturi portion or the supply tube portion. This telescoping section is represented by at least one separate tubular member communicating with the flexible section.

Abstract: A flexible tube or hose, particularly to carry cables, tubes and the like between a fixed and a removable end position. The tube or hose is of rectangular cross-section, and has separate, ring-shaped links that intermesh at a joint or separating line by means of locking-and-closing elements, arranged to bend only in one direction. The tube links have the joint or separating line on the internal or external side of the bend. The axially parallel portions of the links are connected by interengagement, or by material engagement, e.g. soldering, welding or adhesion. At least every second locking-and-closing element is of such a width that, starting from extended or buckled position of the tube, it blocks the mutual movement of neighboring or adjoining tube links.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises an operating body and an inserting portion extending therefrom. A distal end section of the inserting portion is formed into a bendable section. An angularly movable member is mounted within the operating body for angular movement around a predetermined axis. The bendable section is operatively connected to the angularly movable member through a pair of operating wires or wire sections. A hydraulic actuator is operatively connected to the angularly movable member. An operating member located exteriorly of the operating body is operatively connected to the angularly movable member.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises an operating body and an inserting portion extending therefrom. A distal end section of the inserting portion is formed into a resiliently bendable section. An angularly movable member is mounted within the operating body for angular movement around a center of rotation. The bendable section is operatively connected to the angularly movable member through a pair of operating wire sections. An operating member located exteriorly of the operating body is operatively connected to the angularly movable member. A biasing mechanism is associated with the operating body and includes a spring spirally wound within a casing. One end of the spring drawn out of the casing applies a spring force to a point of action on the angularly movable member spaced from the center of rotation thereof.

Abstract: Flexible tubing suitable for medical use is disclosed having a set of relatively stiff sections intercalated with a set of relatively flexible sections, each flexible section having a length no greater than twice the diameter of the tubing.

Abstract: A medical-surgical catheter comprising an extruded tube of flexible material including a plastic material transparent to X-ray radiation and defining the entire interior and exterior surfaces of the tube to provide smooth surfaces of low coefficient of friction and a integrally extruded radiopaque layer completely embedded within and surrounded by the plastic material and extending along the tube between the ends thereof. The radiopaque layer comprises a blended mixture of radiopaque material and the plastic material with the blended mixture of the layer completely surrounded by a pure composition of the plastic material. The radiopaque layer may comprise an annular tube with an outer annular layer of the plastic material and an inner annular layer of the plastic material or the radiopaque layer may comprise a pair of diametrically opposed strips or the radiopaque layer may comprise a plurality of circumferentially spaced strips extending in a helical path along the tube.

Abstract: Flexible and expansible hose for use with recreational vehicles for waste disposal and the like is provided with an easily applied and removable protective sleeve which is coextensive therewith.

Abstract: A mixture of virgin crumb rubber sized to between 30 mesh and 100 mesh containing less than 5%+100 fines and thermoplastic binder, such as carbon black filled polyethylene containing a coating promoter, such as a citrate salt and lubricant, such as a calcium stearate, is mixed in a vented Banburg mixer heated to at least 350.degree. F. to remove volatiles through vent before extrusion. The mixture is formed into sheet in the nip of a two roll assembly and cooled in air before diced into pellets by a dicer.The pellets are formed into porous pipe by extrusion in a pipe extruder having the feeding, transition and metering zones separately heated to temperatures from 320.degree. F. to 400.degree. F. (T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3). The die has a separate jacket receiving heat exchange fluid for heating the die to a temperature from 290.degree. F. to 380.degree. F. to form a porous pipe having more uniformly spaced and sized pores and a smoother inner wall surface.

Abstract: Polyamide plastic fuel lines which are dimensionally stable and resistant to fuels, alcoholic fuels and alcohols as fuels are prepared from aliphatic high molecular weight polyamides. The fuel lines are prepared by extruding a hot melt of the polyamide, sizing through a die having a diameter in excess of the given diameter of the fuel line, cooling the fuel line in a cooling bath, removing the fuel line from the bath and sizing the fuel line adiabatically through a disk having a diameter less than the given diameter.

Abstract: A hose assembly for use to regulate flow from a dispensing device that provides a generally constant pressure on a liquid to be dispersed. The hose assembly includes a length of capillary tubing through which the liquid must pass as it is dispersed which has a length of at least 45 centimeters and a volume of less than about 0.25 cubic centimeters so that the assembly can provide a slow steady predetermined flow rate while containing a small amount of the liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus is provided which comprises a liquid-pulse generator, and hydraulic motor connected to said generator by a flexible pipe. The motor is driven by liquid pulses provided by the generator via the pipe. The pulses form standing waves within the pipes with a certain wavelength. In order to insure an efficient energy transfer, the length of the pipe is an odd multiple of the quarter-wavelength.

Abstract: Medical instruments unsuited for gas sterilization, such as blood bag, transfusion bag, blood circuit or the like, are sterilized together with tubes connected thereto by autoclave sterilization. The medical instrument subjected to autoclave sterilization is made of a material such as a resin of vinylchloride group, ethylene-acetate vinyl resin or the like which exhibits a high tendency for blocking. According to the invention, the tubes for medical instruments which are destined for autoclave sterilization are provided on their peripheral surfaces with longitudinal ribs of specific dimensions to diminish the tendency of blocking during the autoclave sterilization and to facilitate the separation of tubes even if any blocking has taken place.

Abstract: A manifold for sequentially dispensing a plurality of solutions through an intravenous supply catheter. The manifold includes a disposable tubing manifold that is connected to each of the solutions to be administered. Flow of solution through the branches of the tubing manifold can be stopped by valves which engage each branch. The quantity of solution dispensed is metered by a volumetric infusion pump and controlled by sequentially opening and closing the valves individually.

Abstract: A cold water pipe (11) for an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system comprises a tubular membrane (12) made of a fabric such as a canvas, which is substantially impervious to flowing water. A proximal end of the pipe (11) is secured to a surface structure such as a ship (10), and a distal end of the pipe (11) is extendible from the surface structure to a selected ocean depth. The pipe (11) functions as a conduit through which cold water from the selected ocean depth can be drawn to the surface structure for use in a thermodynamic process of the OTEC system. The distal end of the pipe (11) can be quickly retracted to the surface structure when it becomes desirable to move the surface structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible article comprising rubberlike body having a surface hard film, e.g., a hose, a handrail, a belt or a diaphragm, wherein a fiber layer comprising non-woven or woven fabrics is positioned between the surface hard film and the rubberlike body by use of an adhesive to eliminate generation of the so-called joint cracking phenomenon, i.e., extension of cracking to the rubberlike body accompanying cracking at the hard film caused by any shock.

Abstract: A flexible biaxially stretched multilayer film including a layer having a thickness of at least about 0.5 mil and comprising a blend of a polyurethane polymer and an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, wherein the weight fraction of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer in the blend does not exceed 0.40, the film having been subjected to a biaxial stretching in the range of from about 12 to about 20.

Abstract: A flexible pipe includes an elastic pipe body in corrugated form and including alternate large and small radius portions. A ring is mounted within one of the large diameter portions of the interior of the pipe body. An elongated flexible and deformable shaping member is secured to the ring and extends throughout the interior length of the tube body.

Abstract: For conveying very large volumes of sea water from sea bottom to the surface in order to exploit the temperature differential between the surface layers and the bottom layer and thus produce power, a flexible conduit is provided which is composed by cylindrical sections of a resilient reinforced material connected by hoops of a rigid material, an array of cables extending longitudinally of the conduit being secured to said hoops. The conduit can be assembled or disassembled by a stepwise operational sequence.

Abstract: A flexible biaxially oriented multilayer film includes at least one layer having a thickness of at least about 0.5 mil and consisting essentially of an aromatic polyurethane, the film having been subjected to a biaxial stretching in the range of from about 12 to about 18, preferably about 16.

Abstract: Radiopaque compositions are provided by formulating polyurethane resins, alone, or combined with vinyl resins, with alkyl or alkoxyalkyl 2,5-diiodobenzoates, 2,3,4,6-tetraiodobenzoates or mixtures thereof. The compositions are useful in the manufacture of X-ray opaque medical devices, particularly medical surgical tubing. Surgical tubing with excellent plastic memory is provided, well adapted to forming flares and curved tips necessary for selective renal and celial arteriography. Multi-wall and co-tapered multiwall tubing constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride tube having a crosslinked thin layer of about 0.1 to about 1 micron in thickness at least on its inner surface, thereby substantially reducing the migration and volatilization of plasticizers and other additives from the polymeric materials into the fluid in said tube. The tube of this invention is especially useful for medical use.

Abstract: The surgical drain tube of the present invention is comprised of a tubular member of a flexible pliable material. The tubular member has a oval exterior surface and a collapsible wall which defines a lumen which is normally of a substantially oval cross section. A tongue member is integrally formed with the inner surface of the top wall portion of the tubular member and extends the longitudinal length of the lumen. Oppositely deposed from the tongue member is a groove member which is formed integrally with the inner surface of the bottom wall portion of the tubular member and also extends the length of the passageway.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stretched shrinkable film of polyethylene terephthalate containing about 2 to 35 percent by weight of polybutylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A partially cured flexible vulcanizable core useful in the manufacture of hose is described, the core being substantially cured with the exception of a layer at the outer surface of the core which remains substantially uncured.

Abstract: A plastic extruded bag construction comprises a unitary one piece plastic extrusion including a thin wall plastic closure web area which may serve as a gussett normally extending into the bag and adapted to be projected from the mouth of the bag as a pouring spout. Pull flange portions of substantial length all in one piece in the extrusion together with the closure web have proximal ends joined respectively to opposite sides of the closure web area. Separable resiliently flexible interlocking complementary fastener profiles integral in one piece in the extrusion with the closure web area and the pull flange portions adjacent to the proximal ends of the pull flange portions are arranged to be interlockingly separably coupled together and separated by manipulation of the pull flange portions and flexing of the closure web area.

Abstract: Method and means of rapidly repairing damaged portions of conduits and pipes which are difficult or impossible to weld, whereby in the vicinity of the pipes to be maintained prepared replacement pipe sections are stored each together with two associated quick-action unions which comprise an annular coupling body bridging the pipe ends to be joined and having at least one threaded portion and a sealing insert which may be compressed by means of plugs adapted to be screwed into the threaded portion, and after cutting out a portion of the pipe which includes the damaged area and the length of which corresponds substantially to the length of the prepared replacement pipe section the latter is inserted into the pipe line and sealed by tightening and quick-action unions.

Abstract: Flexible, biologically compatible, optically non-opaque and x-ray opaque tubing for use as a catheter comprised of an organopolysiloxane-polycarbonate terpolymer.

Abstract: A novel elastic polyurethane having outstanding properties for use in making mono- and multi-layer food casings, more especially sausage casings, by extrusion. Stretching, especially biaxial stretching, gives further improvement. The casings can be boiled and scalded without folding or wrinkling when cooled. The polyruethane comprises a particular combination of components which imparts the desired properties.

Abstract: A porous flexible hose primarily of crumbed rubber and synthetic rubber reclaimed from rubber tires, ground to a relatively small granular size, with metal removed; such as, for example, would pass through a 30-mesh screen, process-mixed through an extruder, with a much smaller binder mix of primarily polyethylene, in the order of 25% by weight, and with approximately 0.5% of the mixture added sulphur and 0.5% oil that can be random mixed grades of automobile engine oil. The resulting product is useful as a soil watering soaker hose that has a high degree of flexibility along its length. It is a water leaking soaker hose formed in the process through the extruder with limited foaming from steam originating from absorbed moisture in the crumbed, reclaimed rubber tire material, and from residual gases venting from the material mix, with product mix heating in the extruder, forming some open cell fluid flow paths.

Abstract: An improved assembly of flexible multi-conduit tubing, and a method for the manufacture thereof are disclosed. The assembly provides a multiple conduit tube which is preformed in a specific helical shape to reduce bulk and to automatically return to shape without risk of tangling of the turns. This configuration is accomplished by winding the flexible tube in the helicoidal groove of a screw, and subjecting it to the proper heat treatment.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump equipped with at least one peristaltic tube is disclosed characterized in that the said tube is associated with means which limit its occlusion, independently of the physical and/or mechanical stresses to which it may be subjected. The peristaltic tube is provided with at least one longitudinal groove or ridge on the internal surface of its wall. Alternatively, a strand may extend longitudinally inside the peristaltic tube, at least over the part subjected to the action of the pressing devices, and this strand is rigid or semi-rigid and has the shape of an arc of a circle. The strand may be flexible and may be firmly attached to the peristaltic tube at least at a point located upstream from the pressing devices. Various other geometrical arrangements are disclosed. The peristaltic pump is especially adapted to extracorporal blood circulation.

Abstract: A novel elastic polyurethane having outstanding properties for use in making mono- and multi-layer food casings, more especially sausage casings, by extrusion. Stretching, especially biaxial stretching, gives further improvement. The casings can be boiled and scalded without folding or wrinkling when cooled. The polyurethane comprises a particular combination of components which imparts the desired properties.

Abstract: A catheter or other medical tube is formed by extruding of a suitable thermoplastic with an integral stripe portion simultaneously formed by extruding of the same or a compatible plastic material into the wall of the tube. The integral stripe portion has dispersed therein a powdered conducting metal or carbon and an X-ray opaque powdered salt such as a bismuth or bromide salt. The completely different functioning pigments may be incorporated in sufficient quantities to provide reliable dual functions without disrupting or otherwise adversely affecting the strength and characteristic of the tube for the purposes intended in the medical art. The stripe portion is preferably crowned to extend the exterior surface from the contiguous body of the tube and thus further provide additional carrier for the mixture of the two different pigments.

Abstract: An irrigation deterrent tube, particularly adapted for drip or trickle irrigation, the tube having, normally, a flat configuration when free of internal pressure, and expansible to an essentially cylindrical configuration, when pressurized, the tube having laterally projecting webs which tend to be the first to be bitten by a rodent while exploring the presence of the irrigation tube; the lateral margins of the webs may be enlarged to contain a concentration of a deterrent or toxic material. In one embodiment, the tube and webs form a single extrusion, in other embodiments, the tube and webs may be separately extruded and subsequently joined together.

Abstract: A housing secured to a truck tractor body contains pneumatic and electrical outlets for supplying air pressure and electricity to a trailer for powering brakes and lights. The housing contains an inlet for receiving a pair of air hoses and an electrical cable connected respectively to electrical and pneumatic systems inside the tractor. Inside the housing, the hoses and cables are connected to outlets mounted on the housing shell. Helically coiled hose extensions and jumper cable are connected respectively from the pneumatic and electrical outlets on the housing to suitable inlet connectors on the trailer. When the extensions and jumper are not connected to the trailer, they are attached to retainer brackets on the housing for storage. A lamp is mounted to the housing for illuminating a working area between the tractor body and trailer during hookup of the hoses and cable. The lamp is controlled by a switch mounted on the housing. Other service valves and switches may be mounted in the housing.

Abstract: Deformable flexible tube constituting the body of a peristaltic pump having a stator and a rotor equipped with rollers progressively compressing the tube against the stator, said tube comprising two ribs extending along the length of the tube at points on the circumferential surface located on the same side of the line of contact of the inner walls when the tube is compressed, and symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to this line of contact.

Abstract: The seal strength, dimensional stability, bond strength between plies, and ink adhesion of certain film laminates may be significantly increased by irradiating the substrate, forming the laminate, and then irradiating the entire laminate whereas in the prior art the practice is to only irradiate the substrate layer prior to forming the laminate.

Abstract: A catheter or other medical tube is formed by extruding of a suitable thermoplastic with an integral stripe portion simultaneously formed by extruding of the same or a compatible plastic material into the wall of the tube. The integral stripe portion has dispersed therein a powdered conducting metal or carbon and an X-ray opaque powdered salt such as a bismuth or bromide salt. The completely different functioning pigments may be incorporated in sufficient quantities to provide reliable dual functions without disrupting or otherwise adversely affecting the strength and characteristic of the tube for the purposes intended in the medical art. The stripe portion is preferably crowned to extend the exterior surface from the contiguous body of the tube and thus further provide additional carrier for the mixture of the two different pigments.

Abstract: A hollow flexible tubular body which comprises at least one tubular layer. The layer is formed by adjacent helical windings having hooked edges and substantially flat sections. The turns of the helix do not show any spontaneous tendency to increase in diameter.

Abstract: A flexible self-retracting coiled tubing having desirable recoil strength and elastic memory is described. The coiled tubing is adaptable especially as a self-retracting air tube for transmitting fluids under pressure to pneumatic equipment. The coiled tubing comprises an extruded seamless plastic tube prepared by extruding a mixture comprising a chemically extended polyester and from about 10% to about 50% of a polybutylene terephthalate polymer.

Abstract: A porous pipe primarily of rubber and synthetic rubber reclaimed from rubber tires, ground to a relatively small granular size, with metal removed; such as, for example, would pass through a 30-mesh screen, process-mixed through a pipe extruder, with a much smaller binder mix of primarily polyethylene, along with vinyl, ABS binder, and a trace of attaclay. The resulting product is useful as a subsurface irrigation buried pipe, having high structural integrity effectively resisting soil-loading pipe collapse, and it even resists collapse from moderately large rocks in the soil, and yet has a high degree of flexibility along its length. A pipe is provided with cross sectional area of pipe wall more than twice the cross sectional area of the pipe opening.

Abstract: A tubing article is fabricated from a fluid permeable fibrous plexifilamentary polyolefin material having a porosity .epsilon. of 0.5 to 0.7, a contact angle of greater than 85.degree., and a Gurley-Hill porosity in the range of 4 to 70 sec/100 cc.The tubing is particularly useful in sub-surface and trickle or drip type irrigation systems used in agriculture.

Abstract: An impression sleeve for use in an impression packer comprising a smooth rolled sheet adapted to be connected on the outside of a packer to form an impression cover therefor, said sheet composed of about 60% to 80% by weight synthetic nitrile rubber, about 10% to 20% by weight natural rubber smoked sheet, about 5% to 15% by weight hydrated amorphous silica, and about 2% to 6% by weight of rubber processing oil.

Abstract: It is known to construct fluid dispensing structures which utilize tubes or conduits which expand or contract in cross-section in accordance with the internal pressure of a fluid within such a tube or conduit in combination with one or more flow control members mounted on such a tube or conduit. These devices are constructed so that there is relative motion between such a tube or conduit and such a flow control member as the tube or conduit changes in cross-sectional configuration. Structures of this type may be modified so that they are usable in providing a relatively constant discharge of a fluid regardless of changes in the fluid pressure within such a tube or conduit by utilizing a pressure compensating spring in combination with each flow control member used.

Abstract: A tube construction for providing releasably interlocking fastener strips to be attached to the surface of film for bags including an elongate thin plastic tube having a range of gauges from 0.0015 inch to 0.005 inch with at least six shaped plastic profiles projecting from the surface of the tube and integral therewith being formed by the same extrusion process with one-half of the number of profiles being female and the other half being male profiles, and the male and female profiles shaped and sized so as to be capable of releasably interlocking with each other and with the film between the profiles having a distance no greater than 2 inches, and said film being longitudinally severable between profiles to provide fastener strips for laminating onto the surface of a plastic film to be converted into reclosable plastic bags.

Abstract: Polyvinyl chloride pipe capable of being coiled and uncoiled under conditions involved in installing under ground by plowing in, and having characteristics meeting requirements necessary for use in natural gas distribution, and compositions and methods for producing such pipe.

Abstract: .Iadd.An elongate closed flexible integral plastic film tube for use in making reclosable bags with the tube having first and second interlocking rib elements and first and second groove elements on the surface thereof each shaped for cooperative pressure engagement and forcible separation between the ribs and grooves with the elements spaced apart from each other in both circumferential directions and the film at one side of the elements for forming the body of a bag formed from the tube and the film at the other side of the elements providing a flange forming portion. The elements are spaced so that the bag portion is wider than the flange portion. .Iaddend.