Abstract: A catheter comprises an inner tubular member, a braided reinforcement layer, and a soft outer layer. The inner tubular member extends from a proximal end of the catheter to a first distal location. The braided reinforcement layer extends from the proximal end of the catheter to a second distal location which is usually located proximally from the first distal location. The soft outer layer extends from the proximal end of the catheter to a third distal location which is usually located distally of the first distal location. In this way, a catheter having a shaft region, a transition region, and a distal region, each with different strength and flexibility characteristics, can be obtained. Such catheter constructions are particularly useful for very small diameter access catheters.

Abstract: A hose with reinforcing threads, includes an inner wall forming a pipe wall; a plurality of coated conductive wires spirally wound with a predetermined pitch; a plurality of reinforcing threads disposed on outer surfaces of the inner wall and the coated conductive wires along a pipe axis direction with a suitable interval in a circumferential direction; and an outer wall formed at an outside of the reinforcing threads. The outer portions over the coated conductive wires protrud outward so that the outer surface of the hose is spirally corrugated. The outer wall is formed of a plurality of synthetic resin band materials spirally wound for every pitch of the coated conductive wires.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible metal pipe covered with an impermeable sheath of a shrinkable, preferably semicrystalline polymer or polymers, characterized in that it incorporates between the shrinkable polymer sheath and the metal pipe an intermediate elastomer layer (8), optionally vulcanized or reticulated, and/or a TPE in the form of a continuous tubular sleeve (FIG. 3) or of a tape (FIG. 4 to 6). Sheathed pipes of this type are particularly suitable for flexible pipelines, optionally with suitable supports, for carrying oil and gas.

Abstract: A guiding catheter for use in coronary angioplasty and other cardiovascular interventions which incorporates a transition element in the shaft of the device. The transition element which has a different flexibility than the sections immediately proximal and distal to it, creates a zone in the catheter shaft which is either more or less flexible than the rest of the shaft. The transition element allows a portion of the shaft to be made more rigid or more flexible, without changing the flexibility of the other portions of the shaft. The transition element also allows for a differential flexibilty to be added to the catheter shaft.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having an elongated tubular body with a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular body is formed with: (a) an inner layer of a blend of (i) about 10-25 weight percent of a polyester-polyurethane having a durometer of from about 45D-55D, and (ii) about 38-53 weight percent of a polyester polyurethane having a durometer of from about 65D-75D; (b) a reinforcing means at least partially surrounding the inner layer; and (c) an outer layer comprising a blend of (i) about 10-25 weight percent of a polyester-polyurethane having a durometer of from about 45D-55D and (ii) about 38-53 weight percent of a polyester-polyurethane having a durometer of from about 659D-75D.

Abstract: A flexible duct and method for making the duct are disclosed. The duct includes an inner wall bonded to an outer wall, so as to sandwich a wire resilient helix and a yarn helix therebetween. The yarn helix is axially displaced from the wire helix so that the turns of the yarn helix are intermediate of the turns of the wire helix. The method of manufacturing the duct includes forming the wire and yarn helix about the inner wall and bonding the outer wall to the inner wall so as to sandwich the helix between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube having a metal tube having an outer surface and a zinc layer bonded to the metal tube outer surface. The zinc layer being selected from the group consisting of zinc plating, zinc nickel alloys, zinc cobalt alloys, zinc aluminum alloys, and mixtures thereof. A surface treatment layer is bonded to the zinc layer, wherein the surface treatment layer is selected from the group consisting of a zinc/aluminum/rare earth alloy, phosphate, chromate and mixtures thereof. A first polymeric layer is bonded to the surface treatment layer, wherein the first polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer, an ionomer, a nylon, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof. A second polymeric layer is bonded to the first polymeric layer, wherein the second polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a nylon, a thermoplastic elastomer, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A rubber hose comprising an inner tube of synthetic resin, a silver or silver alloy thin film sputtered or ion plated on the inner tube, and a rubber layer heat cured to the thin film through adhesive exhibits low gas and solvent permeability and high flexibility while maintaining such properties even on angular bending.

Abstract: A fuel hose is provided which can be cured into a predetermined shape and which contains a layer of material which, in the final form of the hose, provides a continuous barrier to permeation of fuel through the walls of the hose. A method of making such a hose is disclosed which includes steps added to known hose manufacturing methods, using a thin fuel impermeable tape, which may include a continuous metallic layers and which is wound helically about an inner uncured tubular rubber extrusion with the edges of the tape overlapping. The tape has a heat activated adhesive thereon which will function, when an outer uncured rubber layer is added and the composite uncured hose is placed in an autoclave for vulcanization, to form a continuous impermeable intermediate layer in the hose.

Abstract: A flexible, kink-resistant, introducer sheath for percutaneous vascular access. The introducer sheath includes a flat wire coil with uniform spacing between the turns, which is compression fitted about an inner, lubricous material polytetrafluoroethylene tube. The introducer sheath further includes an outer tube of a heat formable polyamide material which is heat formed and compressed through the spaces between the turns of the wire coil to mechanically connect to the roughened outer surface of the inner tube. The distal end of the outer tube is tapered in a mold with additional polyamide outer tube material. The proximal end of the sheath is flared for connection to a connector fitting. In another aspect of the introducer sheath, the flat wire coil has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the inner tube. The coil is then expanded and wrapped around the inner tube to form a compression fit.

Abstract: A hose of elastomeric material has an insert of metal material for making the hose diffusion-proof. To impart plastic memory to the hose, i.e. make it plastically deformable, the insert according to the invention consists of at least two substantially completely overlapping metal foil layers of a ductile metal material which are fully glued and bonded to each other by means of a binder layer.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant helical corrugated pipe comprises a helical corrugated pipe wall formed by a top portion, opposite side wall portions and a bottom portion; and a continuous thin metal belt plate disposed at least in the top portion or the bottom portion and also in part or the whole of the opposite side wall portions. The metal belt plate serves as a constituent element for the pipe wall. A portion of the metal belt plate disposed at the top portion or the bottom portion has one or more reinforcement ribs and a connective portion for the metal belt plate is integrally formed of a synthetic resin material or rubber material.

Abstract: A rubber hose comprising an inner tube of synthetic resin, an optional undercoat of a metal or metal compound dry plated on the inner tube, a metal thin film sputtered or ion plated on the inner tube or undercoat from zinc, copper, cobalt, titanium, or an alloy thereof, and a rubber layer on the metal thin film exhibits low gas and solvent permeability while maintaining flexibility. Also provided is a low permeable rubber hose comprising an inner tube of synthetic resin, a thin film of a metal or metal compound dry plated on the inner tube, and a rubber layer heat cured to the thin film through an adhesive.

Abstract: A refrigerant-transport hose having an inner tube, an outer tube located radially outwardly of the inner tube, and a reinforcing fiber layer interposed between the inner and outer tubes, the reinforcing fiber layer and the inner and outer tubes providing an integral tubular body, and inner tube including a gas-impermeable resinous layer formed of a composition containing a polyamide resin produced by reaction of hexamethylene diamine and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having eight to sixteen carbon atoms.

Abstract: A composite hose comprising an inner helical core (1) made of metal, a plurality of layers of plastics material fibres and films (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) wound on the helical core (1), at least one layer of glass cloth (3) and at least one layer (4) of aluminium foil disposed adjacent one another and wound onto the layers of plastics material fibres and films (2) and an outer helical former (7) made of metallic material.In an alternative embodiment, at least one layer of ceramic fibres (5) is wound around the plastics material, which layer (5) is covered by at least one winding of a protective layer (6a; 6b).Such hoses are made by winding the layers successively one upon another on a rotating mandrel.

Abstract: A hose for use in marine loading is disclosed in which are disposed two reinforcing layers, one being formed of a selected fibrous cord and the other of a selected steel cord. The fiber and metal layers are laid in this order over a hose core tube, the layers and the core tube being defined in their total thickness not exceeding half the overall hose thickness. The hose is highly resistant to kinking and sufficiently absorptive to pressure on surging.

Abstract: A hose and clamp assembly and method of making same. The method comprises the steps of forming a hose, placing a clamp on the hose, forming an elastomeric envelope on the hose about a portion of the clamp and capturing that portion of the clamp, and bonding the envelope to the hose. The hose and clamp assembly comprises a hose, a clamp positioned on the hose, and an elastomeric envelope bonded to the hose and capturing a portion of the clamp.

Abstract: In a pipe line for an engine, in particular a cooling line in aircraft construction, the walls of the pipe line are composed of a load-bearing inner layer (2) of fibre reinforced, curable synthetic resin and of a heat insulating outer layer (3) of fibre reinforced curable synthetic resin, bonded to the inner layer (2). For the production of the two layers (2, 3) a removable core (1) is used, for example composed of a low melting metal alloy.

Abstract: A tuned, convoluted, stainless steel conduit assembly is especially well adapted for use in hostile environments subject to vibrations which bring on fatigue failures. To prevent the conduit from having a uniform resonance throughout its length, the convolutions have a variable wall thickness. One way this variable wall thickness may be achieved is by forming the conduit walls by wrapping stainless steel tape in successive layers to form a multiple layered wall. The width of the tape may be such that some convolutions have more layers than other neighboring convolutions. A stainless steel sleeve or stocking loosely fits over the conduit and is clamped by one or more tuning bands onto the conduit to prevent vibration of the conduit at that clamped location.

Abstract: A surface layer is applied to an elongated, deformable hollow profile. The profile originally has at least one wall portion which is curved as seen in cross section. The profile is advanced to a device for applying the surface layer and pressed so as to deform the curved wall portion into a shape which, as seen in cross section, is substantially straight. The surface layer is applied to this wall portion while it is in the substantially straight shape, and the profile is then at least substantially returned to its original shape.

Abstract: A tuned convoluted conduit assembly is especially well adapted for use in hostile environments subject to vibrations which bring on fatigue failures. To prevent the conduit from having a uniform resonance throughout its length, the convolutions have a variable wall thickness. One way this variable wall thickness may be achieved is by forming the conduit walls by wrapping tape in successive layers to form a multiple layered wall. The width of the tape may be such that each alternate convolution has more layers than its two adjacent neighboring convolutions. A sleeve or stocking loosely fits over the conduit and is clamped by a band onto the conduit to prevent vibration of the conduit at that clamped location.

Abstract: A packaging tube including a body formed from a laminate containing a metal foil and a plastic layer is provided with a strip also formed from a laminate incorporating a metal foil and a plastic film. The metal foil in the strip is thicker than the metal foil in the body laminate. The strip provides dead-fold characteristics. The strip may extend along a joint, such as a butt joint, in the tube body so that the strip covers the joint.

Abstract: A flexible tube for conveying a mixture of a liquid or solid material containing objects with sharp points, edges or similar projections, the internal wall part of said tube consisting of an elastic material, especially rubber, in which a wearproof material is present in the shape of rod-shaped elements which are provided essentially parallel and at a distance form one another in said internal wall part in such a way that they extend themselves between the inner and the outer surface of said internal wall part, the shortest distance between the most closely spaced wall parts of said elements being at least equal to the greatest dimension (D) of the rod-shaped elements as seen in the radial direction of said elements.

Abstract: A water impervious heat shrinkable rubber or plastic tube wherein a laminated metal foil layer consisting of a metal foil film having a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm and, laminated on each surface thereof, an electrically insulating or semiconducting rubber or plastic sheet extends along the entire or partial length of the tube and over the entire periphery of the tube, the two longitudinal edges of the laminated metal foil layer overlapping in a predetermined width and the laminated metal foil layer being so arranged in the tube that the thickness of the inner tube layer inside the laminated metal foil layer is smaller than the thickness of the outer tube layer outside the laminated metal foil layer.

Abstract: A hose of rubber material with a reinforced hose wall for conveying in wet condition large volume sharp-edged solid materials while the inner wall of the hose utilizes a rubber layer as protection against wear. Metallic bodies are embedded in and adhering to the rubber layer and have substantially the same thickness as the rubber layer.

Abstract: A pipe for transporting crude oil comprises a layer of polymeric material for containing oil within the bore of the pipe, the polymeric material being surrounded and supported by a reinforcement structure comprising high tensile reinforcement elements which are protected from corrosion by gases passing from the polymeric layer through the reinforcement structure. The reinforcement element may be provided with a protective sheath, for example of low permeability material or a material which possesses electrolytic action, or the reinforcement element may be embedded in a matrix of high permeability material such that a preferential path is provided for the passage of gases through the reinforcement structure.

Abstract: A flexible pipe comprising a first set of stress bearing elements extending substantially the whole length of the pipe, for accommodating maximum hoop stress resulting from flow of pressurized fluid through the pipe, and a second set of stress bearing elements extending substantially the whole length of the pipe for accommodating longitudinal stress resulting from a flow of pressurized fluid through the pipe.

Abstract: A steel reinforced pipe has a structural wall section sandwiched between inner and outer linings. The inner and outer linings each comprise resin-rich layers reinforced with glass or other fibers to impart the desired characteristics to the inner and outer pipe surfaces. The structural wall section comprises three or more structural steel reinforcing strips encapsulated with a structural epoxy resin and helically wound in the form of helical convolutions one over the other about the pipe axis such that the convolutions of each strip are axially separated from one another, by the epoxy resin, a distance not greater than 3 mm and radially separated from the convolutions of the next adjacent strip, by the epoxy resin, a distance not greater than 0.25 mm. The structural steel reinforcing strips preferably have a width between 100 mm and 200 mm and a thickness between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm.

Abstract: A flexible conduit has an undulating liquid tight inner tube portion and layers of metal reinforcing wound around the tube. The layers include a burst resisting layer adjacent the tube, then traction and pressure resisting layers, and an outer sheath. The undulations in the interior of the tube can be filled with packing or the tube can be lined with a spiral strip to lessen resistance to fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A braided-wire sheathing for high pressure hose or the like composed of interwoven bundles of high tensile strength wire. Within each bundle, the longer wires are twisted helically about the shorter wires such that all of the wires are under substantially equal tension. The interwoven bundles are grouped in pairs in a two-over, two-under pattern, the two bundles in each pair being twisted in opposing rotational directions.

Abstract: A synthetic resin, fiberglass reinforced tubular member having an integrally attached metallic element is disclosed, along with a pressure gelation method of fabricating the same. The tubular member is used in making electrical hot line tools, and to this end the metallic element is composited to the tube body without use of metallic fasteners or the like. In practice, a preimpregnated fiberglass material is wrapped about a mandrel to present a predetermined number of layers thereof, whereupon the metallic attachment is temporarily affixed to the fiberglass layer, preferably by placing strips of the wrapped material against the edges of the attachment and in bridging relationship to the wrapping. The fiberglass material is then cured to embed the attachment in the sidewall and yield a fused, void-free monolithic structure.

Abstract: A wear resistant rubber hose for transferring fluid containing abrasive material such as crushed stone, coral, etc. comprises an inner surface rubber and a continuous chainshaped filling body having a rigidity which is considerably higher than that of the inner surface rubber embedded directly inside the inner peripheral surface thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a fireguard for protecting a hose or an assembly of a hose and fittings. The fireguard includes a layer or tube of a silicone compound which is positioned around the hose, and a metal shroud or sleeve which encloses the layer of silicone compound. The silicone compound and the shroud protect the hose at normal temperatures and for a short length of time at a high temperature. In the event the high temperature persists for a length of time, the silicone compound decomposes to a layer of silica ash, which is held in place between the shroud and the hose, and the ash forms an excellent heat insulation for an extended time. The shroud is preferably flexible so that the hose may be bent, and the fireguard preferably also includes another layer of the silicone compound and a collar around each hose fitting.

Abstract: A high strength pipe comprising a corrugated metallic tube defining a series of annular troughs therewithin and a resinous material lining the interior surface to fill the troughs and create a smooth and corrosion resistant surface.

Abstract: A flexible pipe section for the transportation of a mixture of water and solid material, such as pieces of stone, rock, metal and the like objects having sharp points and/or edges and/or projections offering a high resistance to wear and damage in that the wall of the pipe section lying between couplings at the ends of said pipe section, in order to lengthen its life, comprises a row of abrasion-resisting annular members spaced from each other and extending substantially in between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall of the pipe section and inclined at a sharp angle with the longitudinal axis of said pipe section, a tubular cover of elastic material on the pipe section including said wall, said cover having at least one insert serving to prevent as much as possible tension occurring in the layers of rubber or elastic material connecting said members.

Abstract: A flexible rubber hose has a spiral wound reinforcing core of resin bonded fibers embedded in the rubber, and a reinforcing insert, which may be woven or spiral wound, on the outer side of the helical core. The fibers are preferably glass fibers embedded in epoxy or phenolic resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose of rubber or rubber-like elastic material adapted to convey pressurized medium and provided with a number of insulated, electrically conductive stranded metal wires embedded in the outer layer of the hose and contributing to its mechanical strength. Use of such a hose is desirable to transmit control signals or other electrical current from one end of the hose to the other by way of the stranded metal wires without obstructing the flexibility of the hose. An end connector means having a metal connector fitting, a shrunk-on sleeve in contact with the metal connector fitting, and a protective cover around the hose itself provides a means for joining the conducting hose to another flexible hose or suitable connecting member.

Abstract: A wear resistant rubber hose for transferring fluid containing abrasive material such as crushed stone, coral, etc. comprises an inner surface rubber and a filling body having a rigidity which is considerably higher than that of the inner surface rubber embedded directly inside the inner peripheral surface thereof. Two embodiments of the filling body are provided. In one embodiment, the filling body is composed of a chain-shaped continuous body, while in another embodiment the filling body is composed of a reinforcing ring comprising a circumferentially wound core and sphere-shaped rotary bodies fitted onto the core.

Abstract: A collapsible tubing is disclosed wherein a first flexible strip is helically wound with adjacent edges of adjacent wraps in edge lapping relation, a forming or reinforcing element such as a wire is helically wound in overlying centered relation to lapping edges of the first strip and a second flexible strip is helically wound about the first strip covering and encasing the first strip and reinforcing wire, the second strip having adjacent edges of adjacent wraps in lapping relation symmetrically disposed in staggered relation to the lapping edges of the underlying first strip.

Abstract: A large bore hose structure exhibiting variable flexibility throughout its length incorporates at least one reinforcement ply of a weftless cord fabric having wrap cords lying parallel to the hose longitudinal axis, encircling the hose and extending the full length thereof and at least one reinforcement ply of a weftless cord fabric having warp cords lying parallel to the hose longitudinal axis, encircling the hose and extending but for a portion of the length of the hose.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an insert for flexible wall hose used in vacuum applications, particularly hydraulic vacuum environments, consisting of a tubular body of nonmetallic elastomeric material adapted to be closely received within the bore of the hose, the insert body being supported against internal collapse by a plurality of metal rings embedded within the insert body material. The rings are axially spaced with respect to the body length whereby the insert body may be readily severed intermediate adjacent rings, and the end regions of the inserts are defined by the elastomeric body material. A plurality of insert bodies are inserted within the hose to be internally supported, and the insert body construction permits the inserts to be readily located within all lengths of hose complete support of the hose in hydraulic vacuum applications and produces minimal flow resistance and turbulence.

Abstract: A hose that will withstand pressure and vacuum as well as resist kinking or collapsing in which the wall structure includes at least two radially spaced layers of monofilaments of textile material with a layer of elastomeric material separating the layers. Also at least one additional layer of a fabric of aramid fiber is included in the wall as additional reinforcement. Construction is of relative lighweight and may be readily adapted to a floating hose construction.

Abstract: Sheets, strips or filaments of thermoplastic resin are produced by one or more extruders working into a remote shaping die that is movably juxtaposed with a cooling drum around which the hot product issuing from the die mouth is to be wound, the die being connected with the extruder or extruders via one or more flexible ducts having heating elements embedded in their walls. Each duct may comprise an inner hose of Teflon, an outer envelope of reinforced silicone rubber and various intermediate layers including a heating layer in the form of a wire coil or mesh and a surrounding heat barrier of asbestos.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose having an electrical conductor for a motor driven work tool. The hose includes an inner and outer tube having a spacing therebetween which has been so chosen as to permit the electrical conductor therein to move relatively freely therebetween. The desirable result of the construction is that the vacuum cleaner hose is easier to handle and bend and at the same time the electrical conductor is carried within the hose and is not subject to the exposure of bare conductor wires due to wear.

Abstract: An open ended sleeve for a pinch valve is disclosed. The sleeve has a resilient tubular body member with an elastomeric liner forming a smooth tubular inner wall. A number of circumferential fabric layers surround the liner and are bonded thereto extending along the full length of the body member, a gum layer surrounds the fabric layer and a mounting flange is provided at each end of the body member, each mounting flange has a rigid annular ring therein having a cross section with rounded corners, the ring having an end face perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body and a sloped outer face tapered inward from the end of the sleeve. Fabric layers extend around and are bonded to only the outer face and end face of the ring, thus separation between the fabric layers and the ring does not occur when the sleeve collapses.

Abstract: A reinforced oil hose assembly intended for use in offshore tanker service incorporating a protective outer layer incorporating spiral wire, cable, links or other abrasion resistant material to resist abrasion and other abuses and incorporating a stress relief device at hose ends.

Abstract: An irradiated polyethylene tube is supported on a mandrel with adhesive material applied against its outside surface whereupon a first tubular layer is braided against the adhesive means followed by a tubular layer of neoprene rubber followed by braiding a second tubular layer against the neoprene rubber to define an assembly which is subjected to a controlled temperature environment to simultaneously vulcanize the rubber and bond the tube and tubular layers together defining the hose construction as a unitary structure.

Abstract: A pushpull cable conduit is made by continuously moving a tubular mandrel through a crosshead extruding die, forming a tape of micro-porous polytetrafluoroethylene resin into cylindrical form covering the mandrel as it enters the extruding die, extruding an outer layer of fluid polymeric material over the cylindrical covering in the presence of heat, helically wrapping contiguous wires over said outer layer to form a wire layer, extruding an outer covering of thermoplastic material over the wire layer, and removing the tubular mandrel. The porosity of the polytetrafluoroethylene covering insures a good heat bond with the outer layer of fluid polymeric material and also provides a lubricant reservoir in its inner surface, thereby minimizing friction with the cable core and greatly reducing sound transmission.

Abstract: An artificial blood conduit comprises two concentrically associated tubes. Convolutions in the tube walls provide flexibility and reduce the tendency to kink. The inner tube is porous to promote the growth of a stable biological interface. The outer tube is impervious to prevent contamination of the blood in locations external to the host body. Rigid reinforcing rings located between the two tubes and affixed to the outer tube, provide the conduit with strength to resist collapse from a wide variety of stress forces. A Dacron cloth sewn tightly around the exterior of the conduit allows tissue fixation without puncturing the conduit. End connectors are provided for different types of anastomoses.

Abstract: A hose that will withstand pressure and vacuum as well as resist kinking or collapsing in which the wall structure includes at least two radially spaced layers of monofilaments of textile material with a layer of elastomeric material separating the layers. Also at least one additional layer of a fabric of aramid fiber is included in the wall as additional reinforcement. Construction is of relative lightweight and may be readily adapted to a floating hose construction.