With Intermediate Metal Element Patents (Class 138/138)
  • Publication number: 20100032047
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hose is provided which includes a tubular inner core layer and a tubular outer layer. A single reinforcing layer is disposed between the tubular inner core layer and the tubular outer layer and is formed strands having a 1-over, 1-under braid pattern, a 3-over, 3-under braid pattern, or a 4-over, 4-under braid pattern. The strands define a coverage of the tubular inner core layer of at least about 75%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: VEYANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Mennig, John Wendt, Brian Henry
  • Publication number: 20090320951
    Abstract: A hose comprising a tubular body of flexible material arranged between elongate inner and outer gripping members, wherein the tubular body comprises a sealing layer arranged between inner and outer reinforcing layers, and wherein the outer gripping member is made of a flexible non-rigid material capable of being wound around the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Joel Aron Witz, David N. Cox
  • Patent number: 7631666
    Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose that has at least one layer of stainless steel threads braided about the outer surface of the inner core and a transparent flexible polymeric covering located over the braided stainless steel threads, thereby protecting them from abrasion and corrosion. The covering is not in intimate contact with the circumference of each thread thereby trapping pockets of air between the covering and the threads. A moisture sensitive compound is dispersed through the stainless steel threads under the transparent covering. When the compound becomes wet, it changes from a first color to a second color indicating that the hose has failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventors: Kwan Yuen Abraham Ng, Sarah Seen Yui Chan Ng
  • Publication number: 20090218093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a use of a duplex steel for the production of an armouring layer of a flexible pipe comprising at least one unbonded armouring layer and at least one unbonded sealing layer wherein the duplex steel comprises in weight percent 0.01-0.05% by weight of carbon (C) at least 0.15% by weight of nitrogen (N) 20.0-23.0% by weight of chromium (Cr) up to 3.0% by weight of nickel (Ni) up to 1.0% by weight of molybdenum (Mo) 3-6% by weight of manganese (Mn) up to 1.0% by weight of copper (Cu) incidental impurities and balance being iron (Fe).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jonas Gudme
  • Patent number: 7530372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-bonded pipe which is used to produce a dynamic pressurized fluid transfer hose and, in particular, a mud hose for rotary oil drilling. The inventive pipe consists of the following elements from inside outwards: an inner polymer sheath, at least two crosswise-arranged reinforcing plies comprising a wire which is wound helically at opposing winding angles, A and B, which are close to the angle of equilibrium of 55°, having an average that is centered on a value close to the equilibrium angle value; and an outer polymer sheath. The pipe also comprises an anticreep layer which is made from at least one coil with contiguous edges of a strip with high mechanical properties. Moreover, the aforementioned winding angles, A and B, of the crosswise-arranged reinforcing plies are not equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Gerez, Pascal Estrier, Cédric Monteiro
  • Publication number: 20090114304
    Abstract: The formation of a resin layer, a metal layer and an insulating resin layer on an outer surface of a corrugated metal pipe for flowing a fluid provides a flexible pipe, whose corrugated metal pipe does not suffer from having apertures even with spark discharge by induced lightning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI METALS LTD
    Inventors: Masahiro Mohri, Minoru Fujiyoshi, Fumitaka Satoh, Tamaki Hamaguchi, Tomoyuki Minami
  • Publication number: 20090084459
    Abstract: A flexible pipe body and a method for manufacturing flexible pipe body is disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an internal pressure sheath, at least one insulating layer comprising a mesh layer comprising a plurality of pockets and an outer sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Raoul Williams
  • Publication number: 20090071400
    Abstract: An insulated hose for a high voltage paint application apparatus including an inner hose containing a fluid or paint charged at a high voltage. The flexible inner tube hose is arranged inside at least one flexible mechanical protection tube or layer and an air excluding medium is enclosed between flexible inner tube and first flexible mechanical protection layer. A mechanical protection layer may be surrounded by an electrical protection layer which is grounded. A system for applying paint or other fluid materials at a high voltage is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Svein Soyland, Jose Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20090050228
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Alain Coutarel, Fabrice Bectarte
  • Patent number: 7480462
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying contextually relevant information to a wireless client (112) is disclosed. More particularly, an emitter (108) transmits a diffuse infrared signal to a client (112) having an IrDA infrared communication interface (130). Emitter (108) communicates with client (112) by making a link layer in emitter (108) compliant with an IrDA link layer running on client (112). To perform communication, data is received at emitter (108) from a service provider (102). The data is formatted into an IrDA compliant diffuse infrared signal and transmitted to client (112). Client (112) receives the data and parses it to extract contextually relevant information contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Noah J. Ternullo, Nader Mehravari, Patrick H. Madden
  • Publication number: 20080283139
    Abstract: A flexible pipe (1) for transporting abrasive slurry, comprising a -tubular body (2) of a flexible polymer, such as rubber, and a multitude of coaxial, wear-resistant rings (3, 4, 5, 5) provided in the polymer along the length of the tube, wherein said rings and said tubular body have at least substantially the same internal diameter, and wherein thickness of the rings near their inner circumference is smaller over at least part of their circumference than the thickness of the rings near their outer circumference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Dirk Knol
  • Publication number: 20080271805
    Abstract: A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and attached thereto and configured thereon covering material, in partial form and a selected number of layers. The covering of fluid conduit/conductors resulting in the creation of a novel and very effective, in functionality, of a fluid conduit/conductive system, such as a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, of any form of cross sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape any of which will and can provide for the flow of a fluid of forms such as septic flow fluid and the like. Included herein as a part of the invention is fluid conduits produced by the means and methods of this invention. Substantially, the fluid conduit system having incorporated therein and thereon the form and layers of covering created as a consequence of the means and method of configuring such conduit included as a feature of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: David W. Presby
  • Patent number: 7434599
    Abstract: A hose and a method of producing the same. The hose includes a tubular resin inner layer, a metal plating layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the resin inner layer, and a resin outer layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the metal plating layer, wherein a chromium oxide film is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the resin inner layer and a metal film is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the chromium oxide film between the resin inner layer and the metal plating layer and the metal plating layer is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the metal film. Further, a chromium oxide film is formed between the metal plating layer and the resin outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kensuke Sasai
  • Patent number: 7407372
    Abstract: A progressing cavity pump or a motor includes, in one embodiment, an outer tube 12, an inner tube 14, and a plurality of apertures 16. A pair of annular seal glands 18 seal the stator material to the outer tube. The stator material is injection molded into the inner tube and passes through the plurality of apertures and into an annular gap between the inner tube and the outer tube. In other embodiments, the outer housing for a progressing cavity pump or motor is provided with one or more grooves, with each groove having an outer surface radius less than the outer housing surface radius. A plurality of apertures are provided in fluid communication with the grooves. According to the method of the invention, the stator material is injected into the apertures and fills a space radially outward of the apertures to bond the stator materiaal to the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers Energy Systems L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Guidry, Ed Vaclavik
  • Patent number: 7316548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stator for an eccentric screw pump or an eccentric worm motor having a stator, including an outer tube that is provided with a lining of rubber or a rubber-like material and has a hollow space, in the shape of a double or multiple spiral, for accommodating a rigid rotor that is also in the form of a spiral, whereby the spiral of the stator has one spiral more than does the motor. To provide a stator that also remains functional under conditions where the fixed connection between the lining and the outer tube would be destroyed, e.g. due to chemical influences or high temperatures, the invention proposes that an inner tube provided with apertures is disposed in the lining, and that spacing strips are disposed between outer tube and inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Artemis Kautschuk-und Kunststoff-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Jäger
  • Patent number: 7311123
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe comprising a metal carcass helically coiled about a longitudinal axis of said flexible pipe and the carcass comprises a seamed profiled hollow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Coflexip, Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Philippe Espinasse, Patrice Joël Louis Jung, Daniel Averbuch, François Dupoiron
  • Publication number: 20070221281
    Abstract: A composite hose with a corrugated metal tube has a hose body having a corrugated metal tube and an outer layer. The corrugated metal tube includes a non-corrugated straight-walled portion on an end portion thereof, and a rigid insert pipe is inserted in the straight-walled portion. A socket fitting is fitted on the hose body by being swaged thereon radially inwardly, and an inner circumferential end portion of the collar portion and an outer circumferential surface of the insert pipe compress an extending portion of the straight-walled portion to fix the straight-walled portion onto the insert pipe and provide a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the insert pipe and an inner circumferential surface of the straight-walled portion. A fracture preventing mechanism is provided on a hose end portion for preventing fracture of the straight-walled portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Yuji Takagi
  • Patent number: 7156127
    Abstract: An improved flexible hose for carrying fluids is disclosed. The hose has a first end and a second end, and is typically in a retracted position when no tensile force placed on an end of the hose and in an extended condition when a tensile force of a pulling nature is placed on an end of the hose. The hose has a thermoplastic cover on its outer surface. The thermoplastic cover has an interior surface and an exterior surface. On the interior surface there is a helical member adhered thereto this helical member being comprised of a material capable of carrying a current of electricity. The hose of the present invention stretches at least 100 percent over its at rest position when a pulling force is placed on one end of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Flexible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Moulton, Roy Herron, Stephen Mountford, Thomas Dove
  • Patent number: 7131827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stator for an eccentric screw pump or an eccentric worm motor, including an outer tube that is provided with a lining of rubber or a rubber-like material and has a hollow space or cavity, in the shape of a double or multiple spiral, for accommodating a rigid rotor that is also in the form of a spiral, whereby the stator has one spiral more than does the motor. So that the stator also remains functional under conditions where the fixed connection between the lining and the outer tube could be destroyed, e.g. due to chemical influences or high temperatures, the invention proposes disposing two inner tubes that have apertures in the lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Artemis Kautschuk-und Kunststoff-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Jäger, Reiner Kramer
  • Patent number: 7069955
    Abstract: An armoured flexible pipe consists of an inner liner (3), which surrounds a carcass (1, 2). On the other side of the inner liner (3) there are two armour layers, where the innermost (5, 6) is a pressure armour layer, while the outermost (7, 8) is a tensile armour layer. An outer sheath (9) is finally applied around the armour layers. With the object of ensuring a low transport of heat through the walls of the pipe, one or more thermally-insulating layers (10) are extruded on the outside of the inner liner, where, depending on the use of the pipe, the layers can consist, for example, of a polymer or polymeric mixture, polyolefin, such as a polypropylene, or a polyketon. The flexible pipe according to the invention is especially applicable for use in the extraction, transport or refining of mineral oil or related fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jakob Wedel-Heinen
  • Patent number: 7069956
    Abstract: A marina pipe includes a flexible conduit resistant to mechanical stresses, the conduit adapted to surround the secondarily contained flexible piping. The conduit comprises a metallic core and a thermoplastic jacket. The secondarily contained flexible piping comprises an inner supply pipe, wherein the inner pipe is comprised of a first, inner layer fabricated from nylon, a second, intermediate layer comprising a nylon reinforced wrap, and a third, outer layer comprising a polyethylene material, the nylon inner material, the nylon wrap and the polyethylene outer layer being extruded simultaneously to form the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: James W. Mosier
  • Patent number: 7055553
    Abstract: A laminated fluid transfer hose construction having one or more intermediate metal barrier layers is provided, as well as, a hose assembly employing the laminated hose construction and coupling means. The inventive hose construction demonstrates improved barrier properties in the form of improved fluid permeation resistance, as well as improved durability. The hose construction may be convoluted yet still provide exceptional resistance to undesirable buckling, kinking and fatigue with no increase in fluid permeation due to necessary “thinning” of the walls to produce “flex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Titeflex Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur J. Bessette, Mark D. Buddington
  • Patent number: 7040351
    Abstract: A plastic hose, and more particularly a pneumatic hose, is provided with at least two electrical conductors extending along the hose body. These conductors are in the form of strips (11 and 12) of a metallized braid of plastic material or of natural fiber with a spacing apart on the hose body (13). Accordingly high flexibility of the plastic hose (10) is achieved with satisfactory electrical conductivity of the strips ensuring safety as regards breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Steffen Buck, Hans-Jürgen Claus, Klaus Zoller, Hans-Walter Brenner
  • Patent number: 7004203
    Abstract: The heating and/or sanitation pipe comprises an inner pipe (12) made of a plastic material and a metal corrugated pipe (14) surrounding the inner pipe (12) at a radial distance {circle around (R)}). Further, the heating and/or sanitation pipe is provided with a compressible and/or expanded material (16) between the inner pipe (12) and the corrugated pipe (14) for fixing the inner pipe (12) inside the corrugated pipe (14). The compressible and/or expanded material (16) is adapted to be detached from the inner pipe for the purpose of exposing a connecting end of the inner pipe (12). Further, the heating and/or sanitation pipe comprises an insulation layer (18) surrounding the metal corrugated pipe (14) and an outer covering (20) around the insulation layer (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Joerg Claussen, Hans-Joachim Dusoer, Joerg Hansen, Jyri Jaervenkyla, Franz-Josef Riesselmann
  • Patent number: 6988515
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide ultra-low permeation hoses which have at the interior thereof a refrigerant barrier layer that consists in large part of a metal layer and is capable of conforming to hose deformation, which have an excellent resistance to refrigerant permeation (i.e., barrier properties to refrigerants), particularly an excellent CO2 permeation resistance and an excellent heat resistance when CO2 is used as the refrigerant. The object can be accomplished by an ultra-low permeation hose having at least a refrigerant barrier layer and a rubber layer and/or a resin layer; wherein the refrigerant barrier layer is a laminated film comprising a resin layer and, on the outside thereof, a metal layer, which the resin layer and the metal layer are bonded together by a polyamide-epoxy reactive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignees: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., Nihon Matai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Oishi, Yuuji Kawamori, Hiroaki Shibano, Fumio Tashiro
  • Patent number: 6978806
    Abstract: A flexible, armoured pipe has an impermeable inner liner (3), which is surrounded by at least two reinforcement layers (5, 6, 7, 8). Between the reinforcement layers an impermeable membrane (10) is provided, which ensures that fluids do not permeate into the inner reinforcement layers (5, 6) from the pipe's outer reinforcement layers (7, 8). The outer layers are not isolated from influence from the surrounding environment. Moreover, the outer layers (traction reinforcement layers) are protected against the damaging effect of gases, which are diffused out through the flexible pipe. On the outside of the outer traction reinforcement layers (7, 8) a layer (11) can be applied, which is easily permeated by the surroundings, and which protects the traction reinforcement layer against mechanical influences. In this way it is ensured that the pressure reinforcement can absorb forces both from inner as well as outer pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: NKT Flexible I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jan Christian Rytter
  • Patent number: 6966344
    Abstract: For limiting the lateral buckling of tensile armor plies of an underwater flexible pipe, that can be used in the offshore oil industry, the plies include from the outside inward, at least one external polymer sheath, a first outward retention layer of a defined thickness K1 wound around an upper outer tensile armor ply, at least one second inward retention layer of a defined stiffness K2 wound around each of at least one lower inner tensile armor ply. Stiffness K2 is preferably less than stiffness K1, i.e., the retention layers outward are less stiff. There is then an internal polymer sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Alain Coutarel, Fabrice Bectarte
  • Patent number: 6959735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer flexible hose, preferably for fuel or coolant lines in an automotive vehicle, comprising a support layer and a metallic barrier layer which is fixedly connected to said support layer, and to a method of producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Veritas AG
    Inventors: Andreas Seyler, Thomas Rösch
  • Patent number: 6959736
    Abstract: A multilayer pipe which comprises at least an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is made of extrudable plastic, such as polyethylene PE, cross-linked polyethylene PEX or polypropylene PP. The outer layer forms a fire-protecting layer and the matrix plastic of the outer layer is also made of extrudable plastic. A foaming agent, which does not react during the manufacture of the pipe, is mixed with the matrix. Further, the outer layer contains at least one additive in such a manner that the outer layer has a pipe-reinforcing component and a fire-retardant component. Most preferably, at least the outer layer is extruded by an extruder having a screw length ratio of less than 10 to its biggest diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventor: Jyri Järvenkylä
  • Patent number: 6901968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid conduit, and to a multi-conduit umbilical for use in the transportation of chemicals with small molecular size and shape e.g. methanol ethanol and other hydrocarbon fluids used in the oil industry. The conduit comprises a flexible fluid hose encapsulated by at least one metallized layer which is formed and arranged to minimize permeation of a fluid being transported in the fluid hose. In use in a multi-conduit umbilical the metallised layer minimizes permeation into adjacent fluid hoses containing chemicals. The invention is characterized in that the fluid hose(s) have differing levels of encapsulation and thereby permeation, along a given length according to the operational requirements of the fluid conduit/umbilical. Typically such fluid conduits/umbilicals will have lengths in excess of 100 km.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Oceaneering International Services
    Inventor: Fraser Hynd Thomson
  • Patent number: 6889718
    Abstract: Flexible, armored pipes and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible, armored pipe includes an inner liner which is surrounded by a pressure armor. The inner liner may be built-up by joining together profiles that have a number of recesses. In one embodiment, the profiles are configured as K-profiles, which have recesses that are arranged in adjoining surfaces of the profile. When the profiles are brought together, the recesses form a cavity in which a locking element can be inserted, the function of which is to prevent displacement of the K-profiles at right-angles to the axial direction of the pipe when exposed to axial, compressive forces. The locking element can be I-shaped, circular or configured as a wire with a C-shaped cross-section. The locking element can also be made either of a rigid or an elastic, deformable material. With a C-shaped locking element, the whole of the cavity, which is formed by the recesses, is not filled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbøl, Jakob Wedel-Heinen, Jan Christian Rytter
  • Patent number: 6889717
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe comprising at least, from the inside outwards, an internal sealing sheath made of a polymer material, a cylindrical pressure vault having an external face and having an internal face placed over the internal sheath. The vault is a winding, in a helix with a short pitch and with a gap between turns, of an interlocked metal profile wire. At least one ply of tensile armour layers is wound with a long pitch. An external protective sealing sheath is made of a polymer. The fastener wire has the same height as the profile wire and is fastened below the neutral fiber of the profile wire. The ratio of the cross section of the profile wire to the cross section of the fastening wire is between 1 and 2 and the ratio of the moment of inertia Iyy of the profile wire to the moment of inertia Iyy of the fastening wire is between 1 and 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Alain Coutarel, François Dupoiron, Philippe Espinasse, Louis Patrice Joël Jung
  • Patent number: 6878873
    Abstract: A damped sleeve having a damping layer attached to a backing layer is disclosed. The damping layer is formed from a non-woven energy absorbing felt and is attached to the backing layer by lines of attachment which define pockets between the layers. The layers are positioned coaxially around an axis and define a central space for receiving elongated items to be protected from vibration. Resilient filamentary support members are arranged between the damping and backing layers to support the layers radially in spaced relation relative to the axis. The support members may be helically wrapped around the axis, circumferentially positioned or arranged in a zig-zag pattern transversely to the axis. A slit in the layers provides access to the central space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel B. Fryberger, Jr., Brian M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6849314
    Abstract: Disclosed are various fluoropolymer blend combinations and multilayer articles comprising a blend in a first layer and a second layer comprising a polymer bonded to the first layer. The invention also provides an article comprising a first layer comprising a blend of two or more fluoropolymers, and a second layer bonded to the first layer, the second layer comprising a partially-fluorinated thermoplastic polymer, a perfluorinated thermoplastic polymer, or a combination thereof. The invention also provides an article comprising a first layer comprising a blend of two or more fluoropolymers, at least one of which comprises a partially-fluorinated thermoplastic polymer, and optionally at least one perhalogenated polymer, and a second layer bonded to the first layer, the second layer comprising an at least partially-fluorinated thermoplastic polymer. The invention also provides processes for preparing blended fluoropolymers and multilayer articles comprising a fluoropolymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Tatsuo Fukushi, Attila Molnar, David B. Bilbrey, Mark W. Muggli, Andrew M. Hine, Kathryn M. Spurgeon, Christopher A. Haak
  • Patent number: 6838141
    Abstract: A hose of a laminated structure which comprises a rubber layer composed of a rubber composition, and a laminate including a metal foil and a resin, the rubber composition including: (A) a rubber including at least one of an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer and an ethylene-propylene copolymer; (B) a peroxide vulcanizing agent; (C) a resorcinol compound; and (D) a melamine resin. The hose is light in weight, less costly, and has excellent gas barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumu Ikemoto, Motoshige Hibino, Hidehito Ikeda, Kazutaka Katayama
  • Publication number: 20040261878
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe for hydrocarbon transport, comprising from inside to outside at least a carcass, an inner sheath, tensile armoring plies and an outer sheath, wherein the carcass is formed by winding of at least an anti-corrosive elongated metal element with large cross-section, with successive windings stapled with a thin anti-corrosive metal strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Patrice Joel Louis Jung, Francois Dupoiron
  • Patent number: 6830076
    Abstract: A hose assembly for coupling a plurality of components in fluid connection and a method for making same. According to a first aspect of the invention, the hose assembly includes at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion which cooperate to permit the shape and size of the hose assembly to be easily modified so that the components may be coupled to one another. A second aspect of the invention provides a method for reinforcing a flexible portion of the hose assembly to prevent the flexible portion from kinking when the flexible portion is bent. A third aspect of the invention provides a support collar for use in reinforcing an intersection between a pair of duct sections wherein at least one of the duct sections is moveable relative to the other duct section. The support collar reinforces the intersection and helps to render this section less susceptible to tearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jayant D. Patel
  • Patent number: 6807989
    Abstract: A flexible cord-like hollow object for the transportation of media is provided with an inner zone enclosed by a casing having an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer. A barrier layer, which is impermeable to volatile molecules of the medium to be transported, is integrated into the casing on the outer surface of the inner layer between the inner layer and the middle layer. The barrier layer comprises sub-elements that are arranged in a scale-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventors: Silvia Enders, Holger Ullrich, Thomas Fritz
  • Publication number: 20040206413
    Abstract: The heating and/or sanitation pipe comprises an inner pipe (12) made of a plastic material and a metal corrugated pipe (14) surrounding the inner pipe (12) at a radial distance®). Further, the heating and/or sanitation pipe is provided with a compressible and/or expanded material (16) between the inner pipe (12) and the corrugated pipe (14) for fixing the inner pipe (12) inside the corrugated pipe (14). The compressible and/or expanded material (16) is adapted to be detached from the inner pipe for the purpose of exposing a connecting end of the inner pipe (12). Further, the heating and/or sanitation pipe comprises an insulation layer (18) surrounding the metal corrugated pipe (14) and an outer covering (20) around the insulation layer (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Joerg Claussen, Hans-Joachim Dusoer, Joerg Hansen, Jyri Jaervenkyla, Franz-Josef Riesselmann
  • Publication number: 20040182463
    Abstract: A laminated fluid transfer hose construction having one or more intermediate metal barrier layers is provided, as well as, a hose assembly employing the laminated hose construction and coupling means. The inventive hose construction demonstrates improved barrier properties in the form of improved fluid permeation resistance, as well as improved durability. The hose construction may be convoluted yet still provide exceptional resistance to undesirable buckling, kinking and fatigue with no increase in fluid permeation due to necessary “thinning” of the walls to produce “flex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Arthur J. Bessette, Mark D. Buddington
  • Publication number: 20040154677
    Abstract: This flexible tubular pipe comprises at least, from the inside outwards, an internal sealing sheath (1) made of a polymer material, a cylindrical pressure vault (2) having an external face and an internal face placed over the internal sheath (1), the vault (2) consisting of the winding, in a helix with a short pitch and with a gap between turns, of an interlocked metal profile wire (10), at least one ply (3, 4) of tensile armor layers wound with a long pitch and an external protective sealing sheath (5) made of a polymer; the fastener wire (20) has the same height has the profile wire and is fastened below the neutral fiber of the profile wire, the ratio of the cross section of the profile wire to the cross section of the fastening wire is between 1 and 2 and the ratio of the moment of inertia Iyy of the profile wire to the moment of inertia Iyy of the fastening wire is between 1 and 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Coutarel, Francois Dupoiron, Philippe Espinasse, Patrice Joel Louis Jung
  • Publication number: 20040134556
    Abstract: A heat insulating system for tubular bodies comprises at least two superimposed evacuated panels (4, 4′), at least one of which is essentially formed by an evacuated envelope inside which a polymeric filling material is contained, and at least one other is essentially formed by an evacuated envelope inside which an inorganic filler is present, in the form of powders, fibers or their mixtures. Each of said evacuated panels (4, 4′) is rolled up on itself to the extent that two opposed edges thereof (5, 5′), that are parallel to the rolling axis, are mutually set side by side. Said rolled evacuated panels (4, 4′) are also arranged with said edges (5) of an evacuated panel (4) being staggered with respect to the edges (5′) of another evacuated panel (4′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: SAES GETTERS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Manini, Pierattilio Di Gregorio
  • Publication number: 20040129330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer flexible hose, preferably for fuel or coolant lines in an automotive vehicle, comprising a support layer and a metallic barrier layer which is fixedly connected to said support layer, and to a method of producing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: VERITAS AG
    Inventors: Andreas Seyler, Thomas Rosch
  • Patent number: 6739355
    Abstract: Flexible, armored pipes and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible, armored pipe includes an inner liner which is surrounded by a pressure armor. The inner liner may be built-up by joining together profiles that have a number of recesses. In one embodiment, the profiles are configured as K-profiles, which have recesses that are arranged in adjoining surfaces of the profile. When the profiles are brought together, the recesses form a cavity in which a locking element can be inserted, the function of which is to prevent displacement of the K-profiles at right-angles to the axial direction of the pipe when exposed to axial, compressive forces. The locking element can be I-shaped, circular or configured as a wire with a C-shaped cross-section. The locking element can also be made either of a rigid or an elastic, deformable material. With a C-shaped locking element, the whole of the cavity, which is formed by the recesses, is not filled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbøl, Jakob Wedel-Heinen, Jan Christian Rytter
  • Patent number: 6729355
    Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose, especially a shower hose, being comprised of a thin-walled reinforced inner hose, at least one outside outer hose, at least one helical support between the inner hose and the outer hose, and reinforcement bands which are oriented in the hose's axial direction radially outside the helical support; and the reinforcement bands being connected to neighboring elements of the hose. In order for the hose to have a high-gloss metallized appearance over essentially the entire surface and to be light and highly flexible and also not to fatigue or tear when it is frequently bent, the reinforcement bands are made of an essentially unstretchable, high-gloss metallized film. They are arranged in the area radially between a top side of the helical support and below an outside surface of the outside outer hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Vohran Patentverwertungs-GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Vohrer
  • Patent number: 6692804
    Abstract: Using a balanced flow path, multiple layers of extruded plastic are supplied to a chamber having independently rotating surfaces. Said rotating surfaces apply a shear force to at least the inner and outer layers of said extruded plastic to orient said materials in said layers in different helical patterns, thereby forming a multi-layer tubular product in which at least inner and outer layers have different helical patterns to strengthen the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Guill Tool & Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: A Roger Guillemette, Richard Guillemette
  • Patent number: 6689440
    Abstract: A coated metal tubing arrangement comprises a metal tube. An inner layer of a first polymeric material is bonded to the tube to provide corrosion protection. The first polymeric material has a high crystallinity, a dampening factor of less than 0.05, and a flexural modulus of at least 100 MPa. An outer layer of a second polymeric material is extruded around the inner layer to absorb impact energies and to eliminate mechanical vibrations and acoustic noises. The second polymeric material has a dampening factor of at least 0.05 and a flexural modulus of less than 50 Mpa. The second polymeric material is a multi-phase polymer having at least one polymer component with a glass-transition temperature below room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Henry S. Hsich, Dennis C. Soles
  • Patent number: 6668866
    Abstract: An armoured flexible pipe consists of an inner liner (3), on the inside of which a carcass (1) is provided, while the outer side of the inner liner is surrounded by a layer of pressure armour and a layer of tensile armour, which in turn are surrounded by one or more layers of thermally insulating bands which are shielded from the surroundings by an outer sheath. With the object of ensuring a sufficiently low transport of heat through the walls of the pipe, on the outside of the pressure and tensile armour layers (5, 6, 7, 8) thermally insulating bands are provided, which bands are made of a polymer or a polymeric composition, such as a polymer containing at least 50% polypropylene. The armoured flexible pipe according to the invention is especially advantageous for use in the extraction, transport or refining of mineral oil or related fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jakob Wedel-Heinen
  • Patent number: 6668867
    Abstract: A flexible metal tube with closed section and a flexible pipe comprising such a metal tube, comprising a strip with substantially constant thickness and wound helically around an axis, the strip includes at least a closed section having walls formed by portions of a common turn of the strip, the closed section includes an upper wall and a lower wall and the section is arranged at one end of said strip while the other end terminates in a free edge. The closed section is trapezoidal in cross-section. A bulge radially oriented towards the upper wall of the closed section is provided between the closed section and the free edge of the stirrup. The invention is in particular applicable to flexible tubular pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole & Coflexip
    Inventors: Philippe Espinasse, Patrice Joël Louis Jung, Daniel Averbuch, François Dupoiron
  • Patent number: 6652939
    Abstract: A fuel transport tube having improved fuel vapor permeation characteristics comprising an inner conductive nylon tubular structure, an aluminum barrier layer on the outside surface of the nylon inner tubular layer, and a non-conductive nylon layer on the outer surface of the aluminum layer; and a method for making the fuel transport tube are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Smith, Jerry Shifman, Jeremy Duke