Abstract: Disclosed is an armored cable assembly which may include a plurality of conductors and a metal sheath disposed over the plurality of conductors. The metal sheath may have a plurality of revolutions extending helically along a lengthwise axis, each of the plurality of revolutions including a first section having a curved profile, a second section extending from the first section, the second section having a planar profile, and a third section extending from the second section. The third section may include a free end angled towards an interior cavity of the metal sheath, the free end extending past a plane defined by a bottom most point of the first section of an adjacent revolution, the plane extending perpendicular to the second section.

Abstract: An extensible-retractable helically reinforced hose is formed by helically wrapping a freshly extruded bead of thermoplastic material about a rotating mandrel to form a helical array of spaced reinforcing coils, and by helically wrapping a freshly extruded thin yet wide web of thermoplastic material so edge regions of the wide web are placed onto and bond continuously with the peripheries of each adjacent pair of the reinforcing coils, with a leading edge region of each new wrap of the web overlying and bonding to a trailing edge region of a prior web wrap. Central portions of each web wrap extend radially inwardly and are sandwiched between adjacent reinforcing coils when the hose is retracted to a minimal axial length.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for puncturing tissue, including a surgical introducer with a stiff main body and a flexible tip which can be used with a puncture device to gain epicardial access. The surgical introducer comprises an introducer shaft having a rigid portion and a flexible tip portion. The rigid portion has a metal tube extending to the rigid portion distal end. The flexible tip portion is distal of the metal tube distal end. The flexible tip portion includes a first polymer and a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is more flexible than the first polymer. The second polymer extends distally from the metal tube distal end to define a second polymer flexible tip segment. The first polymer extends distally from the second polymer flexible tip segment end to define a flexible tip portion cap.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a flex connection for high altitude balloon applications. During operation flex connection allows a payload of a high-altitude balloon to remain level when an envelope of the balloon is tilted, in order to change the direction of the balloon. As an example, a system may include a balloon envelope, a payload, a cable between the balloon envelope and the payload, and a flex connection on the cable. The flex connection enables the payload to remain level relative to the ground when the balloon is in flight and the balloon envelope is tilted relative to the payload. The flex connection includes a top portion, a plurality of discs, and a bottom portion.

Abstract: An extensible-retractable helically reinforced hose is formed by helically wrapping a freshly extruded bead of thermoplastic material about a rotating mandrel to form a helical array of spaced reinforcing coils, and by helically wrapping a freshly extruded thin yet wide web of thermoplastic material so edge regions of the wide web are placed onto and bond continuously with the peripheries of each adjacent pair of the reinforcing coils, with a leading edge region of each new wrap of the web overlying and bonding to a trailing edge region of a prior web wrap. Central portions of each web wrap extend radially inwardly and are sandwiched between adjacent reinforcing coils when the hose is retracted to a minimal axial length.

Abstract: The field of metal hoses, and specifically, an explosion-proof flexible metal hose for natural gas pipelines is concerned. The problems that the existing metal hose has low intensity and high flow velocity are solved. The explosion-proof flexible metal hose for natural gas pipelines includes a metal hose. A side of the metal hose is provided with a fixing assembly composed of a flange and a loose flange, and an other side of the metal hose is provided with a welding neck flange configured for fixing. The metal hose is covered with a steel band with a multilayer structure. The metal hose and two ends of the steel band are fixed through cooperation between metal short sections and pressing clamp rings. A reinforcement coil is wound around the metal hose.

Abstract: A suction hose for a vacuum cleaner including a hose portion, which has a flexible dust removal hose body and a flexible jacket hose body, in which the dust removal hose body is arranged, wherein a suction flow channel for conducting a suction flow to the vacuum cleaner extends between longitudinal ends of the hose portion, which suction flow channel is bounded by a hose jacket of the dust removal hose body, a connection piece for connecting to the hand-held power tool or to the vacuum cleaner is arranged at at least one longitudinal end of the hose portion, and the jacket hose body and the dust removal hose body extend into an interior of a hose receptacle of the connection piece such that the dust removal hose body is sheathed by the jacket hose body into the hose receptacle.

Abstract: A hose assembly includes a hose and a support member. The hose includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion defines a first diameter. The second portion defines a second diameter that is different from the first diameter. The third portion defines a third diameter that is different from the first diameter and the second diameter. A first flange portion is defined at an intersection of the first portion and the second portion. A second flange portion is defined at an intersection of the second portion and the third portion. The support member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is adapted to engage with the first flange portion. The second end portion is adapted to engage with the second flange portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an armored cable assembly may include a plurality of conductors and a metal sheath disposed over the plurality of conductors. The metal sheath may have a plurality of revolutions extending helically along a lengthwise axis, each of the plurality of revolutions including a first section having a curved profile, a second section extending from the first section, the second section having a planar profile, and a third section extending from the second section. The third section may include a free end angled towards an interior cavity of the metal sheath, the free end extending past a plane defined by a bottom most point of the first section of an adjacent revolution, the plane extending perpendicular to the second section.

Abstract: Medical instruments with variable bending stiffness profiles are disclosed. A medical instrument can include a bending stiffness profile comprising a plurality of bending stiffness zones of substantially constant bending stiffness separated by transition zones. The bending stiffness profile can be achieved by modulating various modalities of the medical instrument along its length. A compound medical instrument can include a scope telescoping within a sheath. A variable bending stiffness profile of the compound medical instrument can be modulated by adjusting the relative position of the scope and the sheath.

Abstract: An unbonded flexible pipe for offshore fluid transportation is disclosed. The pipe includes from inside and outwards a sealing sheath, a pressure armor layer, at least one tensile armor layer, at least one support layer and an extruded external protective polymer sheath. The at least one support layer includes at least one support strip which is helically wound with a winding angle ? of at least about 80 degrees to the longitudinal center axis to provide strip windings along the length of the pipe and the at least one support strip includes a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing erosion protection to self-interlocking windings of a carcass layer of a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of, via a wound sacrificial insert located over at least a portion of an inner facing surface of self-interlocking windings of a carcass layer, shielding at least a flow facing edge region of each self-interlocking winding from abrasive elements carried by a bore fluid flowing along a bore of the flexible pipe from an upstream to a downstream location.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid delivery system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fracturing manifold and a fracturing tree. A fluid conduit is coupled between the fracturing manifold and the fracturing tree to enable receipt of fracturing fluid by the fracturing tree from the fracturing manifold through the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit includes rigid and flexible pipe segments coupled together so as to collectively provide a fluid connection from the fracturing manifold to the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An armor assembly having an armor panel, a base plate, and a resilient member coupled between the armor panel and the base plate is disclosed. An impact blast or projectile will strike the armor assembly and deflect the armor panel and the resilient member. The resilient member and armor panel absorb sufficient energy from the impact blast or projectile to prevent harm to underlying structures. The resilient member can be a spring or a solid member having a desired spring coefficient to protect against a certain impact load.

Abstract: A flashlight mount is provided comprising a suction cup base, a flexible mast attached to the suction cup base at a first end wherein the modular, flexible mast is capable of being positioned in any orientation, a clamp adaptor attached to an elbow joint at a second end of the flexible mast wherein a single inner groove is formed vertically on an inside surface wherein the elbow joint is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the flexible mast and wherein the clamp adaptor is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the elbow joint, and an inner ring having a single outer groove formed vertically on an outside surface of the inner ring wherein the inner groove and outer groove interlock wherein the inner ring is rotatable 360 degrees with respect to the clamp adaptor and an opening in the inner ring is configured to hold a flashlight.

Abstract: In an electrical cable of the type having an outer sheath enclosing a conductor assembly comprising a plurality of insulated conductors disposed within a binder, the binder having a crush resistance for protecting the insulated conductors, an improvement in which a strength enhancer is mixed within the conductor insulation such that the binder can be removed without decreasing a crush resistance of the electrical cable.

Abstract: A steel cord has a stranded structure comprising a plurality of sheath strands intertwined around the outer circumferential surface of a core strand; and a filament having a linear mass density of at least 560 dtex and not more than 2,200 dtex wrapped in a spiral around the outer circumferential surface of the core strand. The steel cord is embedded in an unvulcanized rubber member to mold a molded rubber article, which is then vulcanized.

Abstract: This flexible fluid transport pipe includes an inner polymer sheath defining a fluid circulation passage with a central axis; at least one armor layer positioned outside the inner sheath; an inner carcass, positioned in the inner sheath, the inner carcass comprising a first bent tape defining a helical interstice emerging toward the central axis. The pipe includes a helical insert with a T-shaped cross-section comprising a rod inserted in the helical interstice and two wings protruding on either side of the rod to inwardly close off the helical interstice. The helical insert is formed from a second bent tape.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device comprising an elongate member and a handle assembly connected to the elongate member. The handle housing may house a steering mechanism movable relative to the handle assembly and configured to steer the elongate member along a first plane and a second plane different from the first plane, a camera system configured to capture images from a distal end of the elongate member, and an illumination system configured to provide illuminating light from the distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: An apparatus of the present invention is a continuous extrusion forming apparatus comprising: a screw which carries a forming raw material in the horizontal direction, the screw being built in the screw part; and a mouth piece structure for extrusion forming, which is provided on the downstream side of a screw part, wherein the mouth piece structure has a horizontal channel for extruding the forming raw material flowing in from the screw part in the horizontal direction, an extrusion channel orthogonal to the horizontal channel, and an extrusion port provided at a tip end of the extrusion channel, and wherein a mouth piece structure holder which holds the mouth piece structure is provided with a turning means which freely changes the opening direction of the extrusion port between the horizontal direction and a floor facing direction.

Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a flexible pipe. An inner carcass layer forms the innermost layer of the flexible pipe. An inner sheath layer and an outer sheath layer are disposed externally of the inner carcass layer. A layer of corrosion resistant alloy is disposed at any location between the inner carcass layer and the outer sheath layer. At least one armor layer is disposed internally of the outer sheath layer.

Abstract: A flashlight mount is provided comprising a modular, flexible mast capable of being positioned in any orientation, a clamp adaptor attached to an elbow joint at a first end of the flexible mast wherein a plurality of inner grooves are formed vertically on an inside surface wherein the elbow joint is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the flexible mast and wherein the clamp adaptor is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the elbow joint, and an inner ring having a plurality of outer grooves formed vertically on an outside surface of the inner ring wherein the inner grooves and outer grooves interlock wherein the inner ring is rotatable 360 degrees with respect to the clamp adaptor and an opening in the inner ring is configured to hold a flashlight.

Abstract: The branch piece is for renovating a pipeline and has a main line pipe and at least one branch pipe connected with the main line pipe. The branch piece is elastic and has an inner sheathing, an outer sheathing and, at least on a part of the branch piece, a flexible reinforcement layer disposed between the inner sheathing and the outer sheathing. The branch piece regains its shape after compression.

Abstract: A container is produced from a single-layered, helically bent sheet-metal trip (20). A first, helically running peripheral portion (22) of the sheet-metal strip (20) is bent out in the direction of the outside of the container (10) to form a helically running bent out edge (24). A second, helically extending peripheral portion (26) of the sheet-metal strip (20) overlaps a third portion (28) of the sheet-metal strip (20) on the inside of the container (10). The third portion is adjacent to the bent-out edge (24) and extends in the direction of the second peripheral portion (26) from the bent out edge (24). The second peripheral portion (26) is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the third portion (28) of the sheet-metal strip (20) on the inside of the container (10).

Abstract: A method of time-resolved pump-probe electron microscopy, comprises the steps of irradiating a sample (1) with a photonic pump pulse (2) being directed on a pump pulse path (3) from a photonic source to the sample (1), irradiating the sample (1) with an electron probe pulse (4) being directed on an electron pulse path (5) from an electron pulse source (10) to the sample (1), wherein the photonic pump pulse (2) and the electron probe pulse (4) arrive at the sample (1) with a predetermined temporal relationship relative to each other, and detecting a sample response to the electron probe pulse (4) irradiation with a detector device (20), wherein the photonic source comprises a photonic lattice structure (30) being arranged adjacent to the electron pulse path (5), and the photonic pump pulse (2) is created by an interaction of the electron probe pulse (4) with the photonic lattice structure (30).

Abstract: A flashlight mount is provided comprising a suction cup base, a modular, flexible mast attached to the suction cup base at a first end wherein the modular, flexible mast is capable of being positioned in any orientation, a clamp adaptor attached to an elbow joint at a second end of the flexible mast wherein a plurality of inner grooves are formed vertically on an inside surface wherein the elbow joint is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the flexible mast and wherein the clamp adaptor is rotatable 360 degrees relative to the elbow joint, and an inner ring having a plurality of outer grooves formed vertically on an outside surface of the inner ring wherein the inner grooves and outer grooves interlock wherein the inner ring is rotatable 360 degrees with respect to the clamp adaptor and an opening in the inner ring is configured to hold a flashlight.

Abstract: A flexible tubular portion of an endoscope includes a spiral tube portion. The spiral tube portion includes a closely wound portion to at least a part of which an initial tension is applied, and a sparsely wound portion provided at least at one end of the closely wound portion.

Abstract: A passive bending section for an endoscope is disposed between an active bending section of an inserting section and a flexible tube of the inserting section and is passively bent by receiving an external force. In the passive bending section, a curvature gradually increases from the distal end portion of the passive bending section toward the proximal end portion of the passive bending section.

Abstract: A hybrid rope (40) or a hybrid strand (50) comprising a core element (42, 52), a first (44, 54) and a second (46, 56) metallic closed layer surrounding said core element (42, 52). The core element (42, 52) includes a bundle of synthetic yarns. The first metallic closed layer (44, 54) includes a plurality of first strands of wires helically twisted together with the core element (42, 52) in a first direction. The second metallic closed layer (46, 56) includes a plurality of second wires or strands helically twisted together with said core element (42, 52) and said first metallic closed layer (44, 54) in a second direction. The cross-sectional area of the core element (42, 52) is larger than the total cross-sectional area of the first (44, 54) and second (46, 56) metallic closed layers. A corresponding method of producing such a hybrid rope or hybrid strand is also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices such as catheters can include structure or provision that permit a physician or other health care professional to adjust the stiffness of at least a portion of the medical device. In some instances, the medical device may be adjusted prior to inserting the medical device into a patient. In some cases, the medical device may be adjusted while in use within the patient.

Abstract: A strip wound hose is provided including a metal band with an approximately S-shaped profile, which is wound in helical windings to form a hose. The profile of the metal band includes two wall sections extending essentially axially and being radially spaced part from each other, which are connected to each other by a web and are each provided at the edge with a bent rim. The profiles of two adjacent windings each are mutually engaged via their rims such that they are axially movable in reference to each other between a compressed position and an extended position. Both the web as well as the rims of the profile are aligned diagonally by an angle of at least 10 degrees in reference to the radial direction. A method for cutting to length and/or widening the strip wound hose is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate member configured to have a longitudinal axis and formed of a thermoplastic resin; an elongate guide wire holder section configured to include a cavity into which a guide wire is insertable at an interior of the elongate member; a cross-linked section configured to have a high cross-linked section and a low cross-linked section which is adjacent to the high cross-linked section in a radial direction of the elongate member and in which the cross-linking degree is relatively lower than that of the high cross-linked section; and an opening section configured to communicate with the cavity of the guide wire holder and an outer circumferential surface of the guide wire holder in the low cross-linked section of the cross-linked section and formed in a slit shape along the longitudinal axis of the guide wire holder.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing flexible pipe body and flexible pipe body of a type suitable for transporting production fluids is disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an armour layer comprising interlocked windings of armour tape comprising at least one armour locating element and a reinforcement layer comprising a layer of reinforcement tape comprising at least one reinforcement locating element over the armour layer. The armour locating element and reinforcement locating element locate windings of the reinforcement tape with respect to respective windings of the armour tape.

Abstract: A device for attaching overheating detection cords, in particular to a pipe for hot gases drawn from the engine of an aircraft, including a bracket with slots into which the cords, surrounded by silicone coils, are placed. Overhanging portions on the edges of the slots and flanges projecting from the base of the slots hold the coils against accidental extraction forces.

Abstract: Method for testing a pipe for carrying hydrocarbons. The pipe has at least one internal sealing sheath made of polymer material, incorporating elements of reactive compound capable of reacting with corrosive gases contained in the hydrocarbons which diffuse radially through the sheath. The reaction forms a first layer, extending radially from the internal surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have reacted with the gases. A second layer, extends between the first layer and the external surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have not yet reacted with the gases. The method uses ultrasound to determine the position of an interface between the first and second layers to measure the progression of the diffusion of the gases through the sheath.

Abstract: A durable, semi-rigid, single-layered flexible duct having a sleeve made of a single aluminum layer and a resilient wound element disposed at the mid-point of the overlap region of the aluminum layer. The wound element imparts corrugations to the sleeve, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Closely and evenly-spaced ridges that are situated in between the corrugations, add rigidity and durability to the duct. The inward-facing surface of the aluminum ribbon is substantially smooth and featureless except for the helical corrugations imparted by wire winding and the closely and evenly-spaced ridges. The aluminum sleeve is of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer tube comprising a metal tube having an inner surface and an outer surface, a first polymeric layer bonded to the outer surface, and preferably a second polymeric layer bonded to the inner surface, and wherein the metal tube is made from an aluminium alloy having, in wt. %: Si 1.5 to 2.45, Fe 0.5 to 1.2, Mn 0.5 to 1.2, Cu 0.3 to 1, Mg 0.04 to 0.3, Ti<0.25, Zn<1.2, and other impurities or incidental elements, each <0.05, total <0.25, and the balance being aluminium.

Abstract: A durable, semi-rigid, flexible duct including a pair of coaxial sleeves, namely an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed parallel to and about the inner sleeve and a resilient wound element disposed between the sleeves. Each of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve constitutes an aluminum foil ribbon. The wound element imparts corrugations to the two sleeves, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Closely and evenly-spaced ridges that are situated in between the corrugations, add rigidity and durability to the duct. Both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration.

Abstract: A semi-rigid, flexible duct including a pair of coaxial sleeves, namely an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed parallel to and about the inner sleeve and a resilient wound element disposed between the sleeves. Each of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve constitutes an aluminum foil ribbon. The wound element imparts corrugations to the two sleeves, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration. Optionally, at least one of the sleeves further includes a second, plastic layer bonded to the aluminum foil ribbon layer.

Abstract: An annular duct insulation structure includes a substantially rigid annular insulation-retaining insert having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A viscoelastic insulation foam layer is disposed around the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the insert so as to result in a composite insulation structure of the foam layer and the insert. The foam layer is formed of at least one of (A) a compressed open-cell foam layer or (B) a compressed closed-cell foam layer in which at least a portion of the closed cells has been opened, wherein the foam layer has been compressed sufficiently to permit the composite insulation structure to be slipped into an annular duct without substantial friction, and wherein the foam layer decompresses so as to substantially fill a void between an inner surface of the duct and an outer surface of the foam layer of the composite insulation structure.

Abstract: A tubular body comprises an inner hollow core and an outer casing of one or more strips of self mechanically inter-engaging helically wound material having a higher yield strength than that of the core material. Also provided is a method of forming the tubular body comprising the steps of winding the outer core onto the inner core and an end connector for use with said tubular body when said body is provided with helically extending detents on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to installing a plurality of tear cords between a metal tube and a protective jacket. The multiple cords facilitate ease of removal of the protective jacket by creating a panel of the jacket that is detached from the remainder by pulling on the multiple tear cords. The resulting widened space can be used to remove the tube from the remaining protective jacket. The jacketed tubes may be used in a hydrocarbon production downhole well bore. The tubes may be used to furnish hydraulic fluid or chemicals into the well bore. The contents may be pressurized or under vacuum. The jacketed tubes are hermetically sealed. The tubes, which may be 1 inch in diameter, are joined using compression fittings. Tear cords are used to facilitate removal of the protective jacket without damage to the tube surface thereby facilitating the placement of compression fittings and maintaining the integrity of the tube wall.

Abstract: A semi-rigid, flexible duct including a pair of coaxial sleeves, namely an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed parallel to and about the inner sleeve and a resilient wound element disposed between the sleeves. Each of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve constitutes an aluminum foil ribbon. The wound element imparts corrugations to the two sleeves, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration. Optionally, at least one of the sleeves further includes a second, plastic layer bonded to the aluminum foil ribbon layer.

Abstract: An efficient flexible hose construction is provided which incorporates resistance, when subjected to high negative pressure loads, to the collapse failure known “rollover” or “shingling”. The construction relates to a means of increasing the torsion capability of a flexible hose where the hose is formed from a helical wire that is coated and thereafter is connected to and supports a shroud or cover. Improved resistance to rollover lies in mechanical enhancements to the interface between the helical wire and the coating material, where the enhancement assists in maintaining the wire and coating as an integral unit and prevents separation leading to shingling under high vacuum pressures. The mechanical enhancement requires use of a specialized cross-section for the helical reinforcing wire.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to installing a tear cord between a metal tube and a protective jacket. The jacketed tubes may be used in a hydrocarbon production downhole well bore. The tubes may be used to furnish hydraulic fluid or chemicals into the well bore. The contents may be pressurized or under vacuum. The jacketed tubes are hermetically sealed. The tubes, which may be 1 inch in diameter, are joined using compression fittings. Tear cords are used to facilitate removal of the protective jacket without damage to the tube surface thereby facilitating the placement of compression fittings and maintaining the integrity of the tube wall.

Abstract: A flexible cable may include an elongated shaped strip helically wound around itself to form a generally tubular body having at least one interior passageway and at least one conductor at least partially disposed within the interior passageway. The elongated shaped strip may include a non-rectangular cross-sectional thickness having a central portion disposed between a first and a second end portion. The first and second end portions may extend generally outwardly from the central portion from generally opposite sides. At least a portion of the central portion may include a cross-sectional thickness TC which is less than a maximum cross-sectional thickness TM of the elongated shaped strip. The first and second end portions may include a first and a second cross-section thickness TS1, TS2, respectively, wherein at least one of the first and second cross-section thicknesses TS1, TS2 is greater than the cross-sectional thickness TC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe for transporting hydrocarbons, comprising the following, from the inside towards the outside: a cylindrical structural set adapted in such a way that it can withstand radial stress and at least one first armure lap, said first armure lap comprising a plurality of armure threads wherein the armure threads consist of formed and flattened metal threads, the width of said armure I being greater than the thickness e when they are wound in parallel in the form of a spiral with a longitudinal pitch around the structure set, said threads forming an angle of less than 60° angle with the generators (G) of said structural set, and the width/thickness ratio of the armure threads is greater than 4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid conduit (1) suitable for use in the transportation of working fluids to a wellhead or the like from a topside location or the like. The fluid conduit (1) is suitable for use in a multi-conduit umbilical. The conduit comprises an inner flexible collapse resistant hose (2) surrounded by a hose liner (4), and at least one pair of helically contra-wound high tensile wires (6a, 6b). Each turn of each wire (6a, 6b) is in substantially close contact with adjacent turns thereof. A multi-conduit umbilical comprising a plurality of the fluid conduits bundled together and provided with an outer sheath is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an armoured cable assembly (10) which includes a flexible cable (12), a plurality of first armour elements (14), and a plurality of second armour elements (20). The flexible cable (12) is received within a bore (16, 28) in each of the armour elements (14, 20), which are threaded in alternate manner on the flexible cable (12). A ball and socket joint is established between adjacent armour elements (14, 20). Each of the second armour elements (20) includes a cylindrical portion (22) between first and second arcuate or hemispherical ends (24), each end (24) being adapted to provide the ball of the ball and socket joint. The invention further provides a locking assembly (50) for use with an armoured cable assembly.

Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe, for example, for the transport of hydrocarbons. The pipe comprises successive independent layers including helical coils of strips or different sections and at least one polymer sheath. At least one of the coils is a strip or strips of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).