Abstract: A molded fuel filler pipe for use in automobiles, in particular cars, comprises a one-piece structure which is blow molded. The conduit produced in the blow mold has a smooth edged tubular portion and a bellows portion which is molded at the same time. By deforming the bellows portion, flexibility in the relative location of the two ends of the conduit is provided. This eliminates taking two separate pieces and joining those pieces which may give rise to fuel vapour permeation through the joints.

Abstract: The present invention describes a multi-lumen tube arrangement for use in a centrifuge free of a sliding seal having at least two individual tubes, which are rotated around one another around their longitudinal axes and/or their parallel axes. The rotation of the tubes takes place in this connection in opposite directions starting from a support position disposed approximately centrally in order to compensate the torques applied to the tube arrangement. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a tube arrangement in accordance with the invention is described.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling from a first environment to a second environment. More specifically, the present invention provides a hose in a container and a retractor. The retractor may have a drive unit with a belt. Protrusions on the hose may correspond with grooves on the belt. The belt of the drive unit may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container. In addition, the drive unit may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed. Further, a linear actuator may release the retractor from the hose allowing the hose to be pulled manually from the container.

Abstract: Improved thermoplastic liner containing metal pipelines in which the liners consist essentially of polyamide 11 or polyamide 12 as well as methods for their preparation and use are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an expandable steel tubular including the steps of: flattening the unexpanded tubular; transporting the flattened unexpanded tubular to a location at or near the site where the tubular is to be installed; unflattening the tubular before positioning the tubular at said site; and expanding the tubular along at least a substantial part of its length before or after the tubular has been positioned at said site.

Abstract: A length-controlled flexible hose includes a body formed by spiral-winding a continuous metal band with interlocked leading and trailing edges. A length control adhesive strip is applied to the flexible hose along a surface thereof and minimizes length changes of the flexible hose whereby a design or engineered length can be maintained. A method of manufacturing a length-control flexible hose includes the steps of spiral-winding a continuous metal band, interlocking leading and trailing edges thereof and applying a length control adhesive strip to a surface thereof.

Abstract: An easily bendable tubing for conducting two separate fluids, which tubing (18) comprises two laterally spaced flexible tubes (50, 52) which are spaced apart and kept together alongside each other by a connection (54) between them. On opposite sides of the tubing (18) there are provided, in the tube wall of each tube, transverse, spaced apart recesses (62) arranged at the side of each other in a respective row along each tube (50, 52). The recesses in each tube (50 or 52) are straight grooves (62) extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis (58 or 60) of the tube and are arranged at regular intervals along the tubes. These straight grooves are disposed in at least one plane parallel to and spaced from a plane containing the central longitudinal axes (58, 60) of the tube.

Abstract: A helically wound conduit formed from a single continuous strip, the strip being formed from alternating first and second strip portions. Second strip portions are more flexible than first strip portions and the conduit as a result has greater flexibility in the sections formed from the second strip. A reinforcing wire may be added to strengthen the conduit.

Abstract: A foldable member in the shape of a tube with at least one predetermined hinge area along the length of the tube and opposing sets of elongated slots in the tube at the hinge area thereof forming separated longitudinal strips of tube material between the slots which fold when subjected to localized buckling forces, each slot of each set of elongated slots separated longitudinally along the length of the tube from each adjacent slot by a bridge element of tube material. A collapsible structure constructed of such foldable members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible tube that includes a bellows having a plurality of convolutes formed in the wall of said tube and extending above the top surface of the tube, said convolutes being spaced from one another in the axial direction of the tube, wherein at least one of said convolutes comprises two opposing bending sections and two restrained elongation sections positioned between the bending sections, and wherein the height of the bending sections above the top surface of the tube is greater that the height of the restrained elongation sections above the top surface of the tube.

Abstract: A collapsible, pop-up plenum for central heating and air conditioning equipment folds substantially flat for shipping and storage. The plenum's planar sidewalls form a rectangular box having an open input end. An endwall opposite the input end is attached by one edge to one sidewall and adapted to swing open and lay against said sidewall, allowing the plenum to fold flat for storage and transportation. A metallic, flanged collar adapted to attach the input end to the equipment cabinet is hinged to collapse with the plenum. Tightness of the plenum's metallized, elastic skin causes the plenum to spring open when released from its wrapping, facilitating assembly and installation.

Abstract: A system for providing water for watering gardens, particularly plants, and for washing objects includes tubing having a coiled section that automatically retracts into a small coil when not in use. The tubing may be connected to various sources of water and a nozzle provides an adjustable spray pattern. The tubing is preferably polyurethane for ease of use.

Abstract: An elongate element in the form of a longitudinally split tube (2) is arranged to be progressively flattened and wound about an axis (6) extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the tube to form a coil (4). To enable the tube (2) to be structurally rigid, but yet to enable it to be easy to wind and to remain coiled without being potentially explosive, a second layer (10, 12, 14 or 16) is affixed to the layer of spring steel (8) forming the tube (2). The second layer is arranged to be stressed to oppose the bias of the spring steel (8) which favours the formation of the tube.

Abstract: An integrally molded, repositionable connector has a collapsible obround body that includes lockable annular members that allow the body portion to extend, compress, bend, and lock into selectable lengths and angular positions. Each lockable annular member includes a static side, a movable side, and a reinforcing bead. Each annular member also has a plurality of arcuate segments defining the obround body. The connector can be extended by manually pulling the movable sides away from the static sides until the movable sides lock into position. The connector can also be compressed by pushing the movable sides towards the static sides until the movable sides lock into position.

Abstract: A tube having a cylindrical main body and a thin wall defined by an inner surface and outer surface. The tube includes a first segment having a generally constant cylindrical cross-section and another segment having a variable cross-section containing convolutions to allow for flexing of the tube during installation. The convolutions extend less than the entire circumference of the tube or have tapered side walls which substantially reduce the size of the convolutions as the convolutions extend from one position along the circumference to a second position.

Abstract: A water spray hose device includes a water spray hose and two connectors at the two ends of the water spray hose. The water spray hose consists of a rubber hose, a first nylon fiber layer, and a second nylon fiber layer. Each connector consists of a primary connector, a screw collar, and two semicircular splints. At the front of the semicircular splints there are several deflectable elastic walls for gripping the spray hose.

Abstract: An improved bellows assembly (18) is provided for use in, for example, an ion implanter (10). The bellows assembly comprises a first mounting portion (56) located at one end of the bellows assembly for fixedly mounting the bellows assembly to a first vacuum chamber (16); a second mounting portion (52) located at an opposite end of the bellows assembly for slidably mounting the bellows assembly to a second vacuum chamber (15); and a steel bellows (54) located between the first and second mounting portions. The bellows extends generally along a longitudinal axis (64) and is expansible and contractible along this axis. The second mounting portion permits radial slidable movement of the bellows assembly with respect to the second chamber in a first plane substantially perpendicular to this axis. The second mounting portion comprises at least one sliding seal subassembly (80) for maintaining the vacuum, and a support ring (78) and a slide plate (82) located on opposite ends of the sliding seal subassembly.

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally tubular body with first and second ends. The extension comprises a pair of selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: In a flexible structure, a number n of notches (12a, 12b) is formed in a preferably circular-cylindrical block of material (1). The parallel and equidistant notches (12a, 12b) begin at two diametrically opposed jacket lines (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2) and are at right angles or an acute angle to the longitudinal axis (10) of the block and are made so deep that for joining together (n+1) segments (22), a continuous, approximately rectangular residual cross-sectional region (32) remains, in the form of a residual web. Symmetrically to the longitudinal axis (10), continuous, closed conduits (52, 52.sub.1, 52.sub.2) are formed in the rectangular residual cross-sectional region (32). Moreover, aligned bores (42.sub.1, 42.sub.2) are located at diametrically opposed points, and in them pressure- and/or tension exerting components can be accommodated for bending the flexible structure.

Abstract: A DIY flexible pipe with rigidity comprising a screw typed inner spring sheet, a screw typed outer spring member, a plurality of spring strips, a soft sleeve and many smaller sleeves; wherein, each layer (thread) of the inner spring sheet is provided with many engaging holes for insertion therein the spring strips having engaging teeth, the spring strips string multiple layers of the inner spring sheet, each spring strip in the layers of the inner spring sheet can also be strung up with many smaller sleeves, the inner spring sheet is slipped over with the outer spring member, and the soft sleeve is slipped over the outer spring member; thereby, a user can press to and fro on the pipe gradually as he likes to make a three-dimensional pipe having the curvatures desired, the spring strips, outer spring member and inner spring sheet in the areas bended are engaged with one another to construct a state which is provided with rigidity for bearing loading, or are mutually released to render the pipe to obtain flexib

Abstract: A fixture for axially compressing an axially compressible tube. The fixture comprises two, spaced apart clamp blocks for receiving and clamping the tube against relative movement in the blocks, and a base structure for supporting such blocks, with at least one of the blocks being slideable thereon. A device is provided for effecting relative translation of the blocks on the base structure to longitudinally compress and shorten the tube.

Abstract: A tubular liner for a pipe is collapsed on itself to define a pair of lobes. The lobes are folded into a central region so that bending modulus and radius are reduced. The liner can be stored in a tighter coil and can be introduced into an underground pipe to be lined at a more acute angle.

Abstract: A connector assembly (20) for connecting expandable slotted tubing (EST) (10) comprises tubular first and second parts (22, 24) for mounting on the ends of respective lengths of slotted tubing. The parts (22, 24) are themselves slotted (26). The free end of the first part defines a male portion (28) and the free end of the second part defining a female portion (30), the free ends of the parts being adapted to engage with one another and to permit expansion of the coupled parts in a corresponding manner to the tubing (10).

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: A multi-fabric layer, resin matrix laminated composite tube is disclosed having an end portion adapted for crush initiation by the provision of slits in the fabric of at least the innermost fabric layers of said tube, the lengths of said slits preferably decreasing in progressively outer fabric layers of the laminated material.

Abstract: A one piece gland is disclosed for attachment to a liner bag. The gland includes a flange and a filling sleeve. The sleeve itself comprises a tubular portion which merges with the flange, an intermediate portion which defines an external groove and an externally threaded free end portion. Loops defining passages are provided between the tubular portion and the flange. The one piece gland forms part of a gland structure which includes an internally threaded cap which includes a pair of loops similar to the loops.

Abstract: A synthetic resin tube comprises an internal layer which is made of non-rigid synthetic resin and has a substantially smooth inner circumferential surface, and an external layer which is formed by winding a strip made of rigid synthetic resin around an outer circumferential surface of the internal layer overlapping winds of the strip and connecting the external layer with the internal layer, a cross section of the strip being S-shaped. When the external layer is formed, adjacent winds of the strip are connected temporarily and capable of being disconnected. After the external layer is formed, flexibility can be given to an optional length of the tube by removing the temporary connection among the winds of the strip.

Abstract: A backup structure for a pipe for feeding a molten substance of high temperature has a pipe and a thermal insulation material surrounding the pipe wherein the pipe is provided with a plurality of projections on its outer periphery at predetermined intervals, and each of the productions is held at its both sides by the thermal insulation material.

Abstract: A protector for accommodating cables therein is provided with an elongated tubular body (1;101;201;301) having at least one weakened wall portion (5;105;205;305) which allows the body (1;101;201;301) to be deformed on impact, thereby releasing the cables to protect them from damage and preventing occurrence of a short circuit in an accident.

Abstract: A repositionable downspout extension that is attached to a downspout to direct rainwater away from a building. The extension is a generally cylindrical body with first and second ends. The extension comprises selectively removable adapter portions at each end that allow the extension to be connected to a downspout. An interlockable collar portion is at each end of the extension and interior to the adapter portions. The interlockable collar portions allow a number of the extensions to be connected together to form a downspout extension assembly after the adapter portions are removed. The extension further comprises an adjustable portion between the two collar portions. The adjustable portion comprises collapsible corrugations so that the extension can be bent into a number of positions and hold its position.

Abstract: A woven single jacket elastomer lined fold flat fire hose comprised of fibers having a burst strength of at least 750 p.s.i., a melting point of at least 400.degree. C., and a weight of between 0.05 and 0.08 lbs per foot.

Abstract: A stiff elongated hollow structural member has a double-walled structure in the shape of a tube made of an interior tube which has an annular cross-section and an exterior tube which has a different cross-section, in a concentric arrangement. The interior and exterior tubes bound a hollow space filled with an incompressible liquid. Responsive to pressure increases in the liquid, the exterior tube in the elastic material range is bendingly deformable in the direction of a ring-circular cross-section or to a ring-circular cross-section. This hollow structural member can be used as an adjustable stiffness torsion member such as a vehicle steering shaft. Another disclosed adjustable stiffness hollow structural member includes a flat plate facing a corrugated plate to form a hollow space for the incompressible liquid. Increases in pressure of the liquid forces the corrugated member to a more flattened configuration.

Abstract: With a desired intermediate portion as a boundary, in a hose, a corrugated wall is formed on one side of the boundary while a scalene-triangularly corrugated wall is formed on the other side of the boundary, the whole of a hose is formed of a soft synthetic resin material and a hard synthetic resin material in the form of a double-layered wall. The soft synthetic resin material is made thicker than the hard synthetic resin material in a portion on a connection cylindrical portion side while the hard synthetic resin material is made thicker than the soft synthetic resin material in a portion on a drainage cylindrical portion side.

Abstract: A hose with connector end fittings for carrying pressurized fluid having longitudinally displaced internal ribs. These ribs run along inside walls of the hose to prevent flow termination due to kinking or compression.

Abstract: A tubing has members located on the inside surface of a tubing. The flow through the tubing is completely occluded when the tubing is clamped due to the members filling channels around the clamped site. Reduced clamping pressure is required to fully occlude the flow through the tubing. The tubing undergoes less deformation upon clamping and returns to its pre-clamped form upon recovery.

Abstract: A firestop conduit element is formed of an inner conduit of fusible material surrounded by intumescent material which is contained within an exterior moisture impenetrable barrier. A preferred barrier is an external sleeve, bonded at its ends to the conduit. The ends of the conduit element are coupleable to exterior conduit systems.

Abstract: A retractable conduit formed from a sheet of memory-set polyester. To manufacture the memory-set strip, the polyester sheet is wound into a desired coiled position. It is then heated and cooled in a manner to memory-set the sheet in a coiled form. After this process the sheet of polyester will automatically return to the coiled position after it has been uncoiled. In one form, suitable as a splashblock, the distal end of the polyester sheet is wider than the end attachable to a downspout. In another form the polyester sheet is sheathed in an elongated polyethylene tube, to form a retractable hose. In a preferred form, the distal end of the hose is supported on a spool which will roll along the ground as the hose is wound and unwound to further ensure that the hose retracts properly. The tube can also be provided with holes to act as a sprinkler if desired.

Abstract: A custom profiled flexible conduit system conveys a fluid therethrough between two locations, which may be moving relative to one another. The conduit profile includes a wall with a nonuniform thickness selected to control a diffusion rate of the fluid when conveyed through, or when standing within the conduit. The conduit profile defines a main chamber and optional auxiliary chambers. During a collapse of the conduit, caused by a kink for instance, restricted fluid flow may be sustained through a constricted passageway formed in the main chamber, through the auxiliary chambers, or both. The profile may include a protuberance into the main chamber to maintain flow during collapse. The profile may also be customized to minimize the bend radius before collapse of the conduit, and to promote bending in a particular direction. A method is also provided of conveying fluid between two locations.

Abstract: A bending device includes a bellows with an internal space, an operating wire for bending the bellows, and multiple pairs of independent limitation structures for limiting an axial compression of the bellows. The bellows includes a corrugated peripheral wall defined by first portions that bulge radially outward and are arranged alternately with second portions that bulge radially inward. The peripheral wall has first and second regions, each of which includes a predetermined number of alternating first and second portions. A pair of limitation structures are mounted on diametrically-opposite sections of each of the first regions and on diametrically-opposite sections of each of the second regions. The sections of each first region are spaced from each other in a first direction while the sections of each second region are spaced from each other in a second direction.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having a pump conduit with an occlusive inlet segment. The pump includes a frame with rollers carried by rotor and rotated by a motor. A flexible conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end is positioned around the rollers and includes an occlusive segment and non-occlusive segment. In its free condition, the occlusive segment is collapsed and the passageway through it substantially completely occluded when the pressure within the occlusive segment is equal to or less than pressure acting on the outside of the occlusive segment. The non-occlusive segment is mildly biased to exhibit an inflated condition with an open passage when in its free condition with the pressure within the non-occlusive segment equal to pressure acting on the outside of the non-occlusive segment.

Abstract: An improved peristaltic pump using a pumptube comprising an inner tube and an outer tube each of rigid fluoroplastic material, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is provided. The pumping section of the pumptube which contacts the pressure rollers of the peristaltic pump is preformed or shaped into a flattened, oval-like shape which approximately conforms to the pumptube passageway in the peristaltic pump. The pressure rollers contact and compress the flattened side of the pumptube and, thereby, effect the transport or pumping of the fluid. Methods for preparing the pumptubes of this invention are also provided. Corrosive, hot, and/or high pressure fluids can be readily handled using the improved pumptubes and peristaltic pumps provided.

Abstract: An improved peristaltic pump using a pumptube comprising an inner tube and an outer tube each of rigid fluoroplastic material, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is provided. The pumping section of the pumptube which contacts the pressure rollers of the peristaltic pump is preformed or shaped into a flattened, oval-like shape which approximately conforms to the pumptube passageway in the peristaltic pump. The pressure rollers contact and compress the flattened side of the pumptube and, thereby, effect the transport or pumping of the fluid. Methods for preparing the pumptubes of this invention are also provided. Corrosive, hot, and/or high pressure fluids can be readily handled using the improved pumptubes and peristaltic pumps provided.

Abstract: A bending device for use in an endoscope, a catheter or the like is of a simple construction having a coil, an operating wire and a pair of limitation members for limiting an axial compression of the coil. The pair of limitation members are arranged along the length of the coil, and are mounted respectively on diametrically-opposite portions of the coil. The coil is bendable in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the pair of limitation members are disposed. Instead of the coil, a bellows can be used.

Abstract: A collapsible, self-priming hose has a flexible inner tube extending along the interior of the outer tube, which has a diameter sufficiently greater than that of the inner tube to provide an intermediate space between the inner and outer tubes upon inflation of the outer tube. Retainer members extending between and connected to the inner and outer tubes expand the inner tube from a collapsed condition upon inflation of the outer tube and are flexible to allow the hose to collapse on deflation of the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: Pre-conditioned air hoses for aircraft are provided which consists of a plurality of hose segments and a plurality of hook and loop fasteners closure connections interconnecting the hose segments. When the hose segments are assembled, pre-conditioned air can be carried from a ventilating system to the aircraft on the ground before the aircraft is operational and ready for takeoff.

Abstract: A bending device for use in an endoscope, a catheter or the like is of a simple construction having a coil, an operating wire and a pair of limitation members for limiting an axial compression of the coil. The pair of limitation members are arranged along the length of the coil, and are mounted respectively on diametrically-opposite portions of the coil. The coil is bendable in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the pair of limitation members are disposed. Instead of the coil, a bellows can be used.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having controlled suction. In one embodiment, the pump includes a tubing which is collapsed when the internal pressure of the tubing is equal to or less than ambient. In this state, the pump is unable to generate negative pressures. An air-tight housing may be provided over the tubing and connected to a vacuum source. Upon a vacuum being applied, the tubing is capable of controllably producing negative pressures, allowing the pump to be operated as a suction pump. In another embodiment the tubing exhibits a variable cross-sectional width.

Abstract: A hose continuous in series throughout an entire length integrally formed with a water-intake port, L-shaped bending part, an intermediate part and a drain port in this order from one end of the hose to the other. The substantially general part of the intermediate part is formed with corrugations having inclined side walls of unequal length which are constructed so that shorter inclined walls can be easily brought into their contracted positions substantially parallel to the longer inclined walls and they can self hold their positions. The hose has such a length that the substantially whole length thereof can be housed in an outer casing of a washing machine in its contracted state.

Abstract: The amount of water emitted from an elongated irrigation tube having a series of holes in its periphery can be decreased by forming an enlarged wall portion of the peripheral wall of the tube and locating the dispensing holes in this enlarged portion. Preferably the holes are located so as extend at an angle of less than 45.degree. to the center of the tube.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having controlled suction. In one embodiment, the pump includes a tubing which is collapsed when the internal pressure of the tubing is equal to or less than ambient. In this state, the pump is unable to generate negative pressures. An air-tight housing may be provided over the tubing and connected to a vacuum source. Upon a vacuum being applied, the tubing is capable of controllably producing negative pressures, allowing the pump to be operated as a suction pump. In another embodiment the tubing exhibits a variable cross-sectional width.