Pipeline Tracing Patents (Class 392/468)
  • Patent number: 7626146
    Abstract: A heat trace assembly for heating a conduit is provided that comprises at least one preformed heat trace section adapted to be placed around at least a portion of the conduit and a connector secured to the heat trace section. The connector is adapted for coupling the heat trace section to an adjacent heat trace section, and the heat trace section and the connector have mating mechanical features to allow the heat trace section to be quickly connected to and disconnected from the conduit. Additionally, a heat trace junction is provided that preferably defines a cross configuration and comprises a plurality of arms extending from a central portion of the heat trace junction. The plurality of arms are deformable to conform to a junction within a conduit system. Thermal insulation jacket configurations are also provided in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis P. Steinhauser, Christopher C. Lanham
  • Publication number: 20090220223
    Abstract: A multi-layer piping for conveying and heating a fluid, in particular an aqueous urea solution including a fluid conveying pipe comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, a heating element, a sealing element, an insulating layer and an anti-abrasive layer. Preferably, it is used a polyolefin matrix based thermoplastic elastomer in which is intimately dispersed a dynamically vulcanised and EPDM based elastomeric phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: DAYCO FLUID TECHNOLOGIES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Colosimo, Mario Zasa, Simone Cavanna
  • Publication number: 20090016707
    Abstract: A heater system is provided that includes a plurality of carrier members, each carrier member defining an inner periphery surface, an outer receiving portion, and connecting portions. A plurality of resistive heating elements are disposed within the outer receiving portions of the carrier members, and end fittings are disposed proximate the carrier members and the resistive heating elements. A cover is disposed around the carrier members and the resistive heating elements, and the inner periphery surfaces of the carrier members are adapted to transfer heat to a target and the connecting portions are adapted to be secured to at least one of an adjacent carrier member and a heating target. In one form, at least one set of a carrier member and a resistive heating element are resiliency movable such that the heater system provides tactile feedback to an installer that the heater system is properly installed around a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis P. Steinhauser, Eric Ellis, Louis T. Lesch, Troy Ruben Bolton
  • Patent number: 7260320
    Abstract: Heat tracing of an elongate, thermally-insulated substrate is effected by means of one or more elongate, constant wattage electric heaters mounted in thermal contact therewith beneath the thermal insulation. A metal conduit is mounted on the substrate and extends away therefrom out through the thermal insulation. The or each heater extends from the substrate through the conduit and is connected to a source of electric power within an external junction box. By this arrangement, the heat developed along the length of the constant wattage heater as it passes through the thermal insulation of the substrate can be dissipated safely through the body of the conductive conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Thermal Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin Stanzel, Dieter Spornitz
  • Patent number: 7254320
    Abstract: A water supply device for a humidifier having a water tank for retaining water and a vaporizing chamber for producing water vapor with the water supplied from the water tank, is disclosed in which the water supply device comprises a water tube for supplying the water from the water tank to the vaporizing chamber of the humidifier, the water tube formed of synthetic resin or glass material, and a heating coil disposed around the water tube connected to a electric source for heating the water to a predetermined degree. The water supply device preferably further includes an insulation material wound around the water tube and the heating coil, and a connecting elbow member for securely connecting each end of the water tube to the water chamber and the water tank, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: ohsung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Keun Kang
  • Patent number: 7203419
    Abstract: A conduit comprising a pipe, an electrical heater extending along the length of the pipe, and a thermally insulating jacket extending around the pipe and heater. The pipe comprises a plastic inner tube. The plastic inner tube is received within a deformable metal tube such that the plastics inner tube and deformable metal tube form a composite double-walled structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Heatsafe Cable Systems, Ltd
    Inventors: Neil Malone, Jason Daniel Harold O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7190892
    Abstract: A fluid line with a pipe provided with a sleeve of a woven or braided fabric, wherein the pipe, in turn, includes at least one conductor. In the finished state of the fluid line, the sleeve immediately surrounds the pipe and each conductor is loosely arranged in the sleeve. In accordance with another embodiment, the at least one conductor forms the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Janos Kertesz
  • Patent number: 6792200
    Abstract: A flexible heat traced pipe is uniquely pre-fabricated to expedite the installation and repair process. The flexible heat traced pipe includes an inner structure, an outer structure, a heat trace, and a connector which are all cured into a unitary fluid carrying device. The flexible heat traced pipe includes a flexible rubber header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyle Hersh
  • Patent number: 6727481
    Abstract: A heated conduit system is disclosed for preventing the freezing of a fluid flowing therethrough, and includes an elongate flexible hose including an inner wall for containing the fluid flowing through the elongate flexible hose and an outer wall for encasing the inner wall of the elongate flexible hose. The system also includes a flexible heating element for raising a temperature of the fluid flowing through the elongate flexible hose. The flexible heating element is fixedly positioned between the inner and outer walls of the elongate flexible hose for transferring heat through the inner wall to the fluid flowing through the elongate flexible hose. The system also includes a temperature control system for maintaining the temperature of the fluid, and the temperature control system is integrally mounted on the flexible hose for movement with the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert C. Wilds
  • Publication number: 20030190162
    Abstract: A flexible heat traced pipe is uniquely pre-fabricated to expedite the installation and repair process. The flexible heat traced pipe includes an inner structure, an outer structure, a heat trace, and a connector which are all cured into a unitary fluid carrying device. The flexible heat traced pipe includes a flexible rubber header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Lyle Hersh
  • Patent number: 5933574
    Abstract: A fluid conduit has a first end and a second end. An insulating cover surrounds the fluid conduit. An elongated heat trace tape is captured between the insulating cover and the fluid conduit. A source conductor extends outwardly from the insulating cover near the second end of the fluid conduit and is electrically connected to the heat trace tape. The source conductor is terminated by a fuse configured to prevent current through the heat trace tape from exceeding a pre-determined amount. A plug and power cord conveys power from a power source through the source conductor to the heat trace tape. An alarm is electrically connected to the heat trace tape and configured to energize when current through the heat trace tape is halted. A light emitting diode is electrically connected to the heat trace tape and adapted to energize when the plug is connected to the power source. A tail end of the heat trace tape extends outwardly from the insulating cover near the first end of the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Gary L. Avansino
  • Patent number: 5911748
    Abstract: An ice maker water supply line is provided with a heater. The heater is controlled by a thermally operated switch. The temperature sensor of the switch senses ambient temperature and operates the heater to prevent freezing of the water supply line. The ice maker is provided in an absorption refrigerator in a recreational vehicle. The supply line runs up the back of the refrigerator in a passage for cooling air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Boxum
  • Patent number: 5900179
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling heating cables wherein a plurality of two-conductor heating cables are disposed in contact with heatable vessels to heat the vessels. Power lines having at least two conductors are connected to the heating cables through a plurality of first switches. Each first switch is responsive to a control signal for selectively connecting and disconnecting one heating cable to and from the power lines. Each of a plurality of remote terminals is connected to the two conductors of a heating cable and detects the temperature of the heatable vessel heated by the heating cable. At least one main controller for controlling a plurality of first switches is connected to two of the power line conductors. Temperature data relating to temperatures detected by the temperature sensors is transmitted from the remote terminals over the heating cables and the power lines by spread spectrum data transmission to the main controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Intech 21, Inc.
    Inventors: George Bilenko, Jules G. Leibman, Shimon Meiler, Victor Zelmanovich
  • Patent number: 5723848
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling heating cables wherein a plurality of two-conductor heating cables are disposed in contact with heatable vessels to heat the vessels. Power lines having at least two conductors are connected to the heating cables through a plurality of first switches. Each first switch is responsive to a control signal for selectively connecting and disconnecting one heating cable to and from the power lines. Each of a plurality of remote terminals is connected to the two conductors of a heating cable and detects the temperature of the heatable vessel heated by the heating cable. At least one main controller for controlling a plurality of first switches is connected to two of the power line conductors. Temperature data relating to temperatures detected by the temperature sensors is transmitted from the remote terminals over the heating cables and the power lines by spread spectrum data transmission to the main controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Intech 21, Inc.
    Inventors: George Bilenko, Jules G. Leibman, Shimon Meiler, Victor Zelmanovich
  • Patent number: 5294780
    Abstract: A technique for installing and replacing, if necessary, readily bendable electrical heat-tracing cable on and insulating a network of installed pipes including straight sections, straight joints, and elbow sections is disclosed herein. In accordance with this technique, initially provided heat-tracing cable is installed in individual continuous sections along the length of and adjacent to the straight pipe sections, joints and elbow sections. Routing guides are placed over and/or under lengthwise surfaces of at least those segments of the heat-tracing cable adjacent to the joints and elbows and retained in place along with the cable itself. With the cable and routing guides so retained, a layer of thermal insulation is placed over the network of pipes as well as the cable and routing guides so that opposite ends of individual cable sections are readily accessible for connection with the source of electrical power or a section of replacement cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Bylin Heating Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry L. Montierth, Robert O. Bylin, Raymond J. Scott
  • Patent number: 5287913
    Abstract: A temperature control system for an adhesive application system in which adhesive is delivered from a pump to a nozzle for application in bead form to a part. The control system includes a hose assembly extending from the pump to the nozzle and including an inner hose for carrying the adhesive and an outer hose defining an annular space between the outer hose and the inner hose for passage of water in a direction opposite to the direction of flow of the adhesive; a water conditioner selectively heating and cooling the water; and a controller receiving a reference signal representing a desired temperature of the adhesive at the nozzle and an actual adhesive temperature signal provided by a temperature sensor sensing the temperature of the adhesive being delivered to the nozzle and operative to compare the signals and generate appropriate signals for control of the water conditioner in a sense to maintain the desired water temperature and thereby the desired adhesive temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventors: Dave Dunning, William Cline
  • Patent number: 5256844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transportation pipe or conduit (10, 20, 30) which preferably is adapted to be installed on the seabed between a permanent or floating off-shore platform (3) and an on-shore terminal (4). The transportation conduit comprises an inner tube or pipe (21, 31) which primarily is constructed for the transmission of gas and/or oil or similar, a plurality of elements (23, 33) provided preferably as a layer outside the pipe (21, 31) and being adapted for transmission of preferably electric power. The elements (23, 33) which preferably might be made of copper or another material of appropriate electric conductivity, is insulated against the outer environment, for example by means of an appropriate thermal insulation material (24, 34). The inner tube (21, 31) might be manufactured from steel or a flexible material of considerable strength, and be surrounded by a corrosion preventing layer (22, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignees: Aker Engineering A/S, Standard Telefon og Kabelfabrik A/S
    Inventors: Magne Grosvik, Kjell Ronningen
  • Patent number: 5182792
    Abstract: A process to clear pipelines carrying fluids viscous and/or rich in organic residues includes the introduction of a heating element inside a pipeline carrying the fluids through a coupling spool which is intercalated in the fluid-carrying pipeline. Simultaneously an electric current is applied to the heating element so that the heat generated by the heating element is transmitted to the viscous fluid or to the compacted residual mass inside the fluid-carrying pipeline, causing the detachment of those residues from the internal wall of the pipeline and re-establishing the conditions for fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventor: Carlos Alberto D. C. Goncalves
  • Patent number: 5086836
    Abstract: A retarding heat tracing system amd method of making same adapted to externally heat a process pipe including a channel member, a heat transfer element, a retarding heat transfer strip made from a retarding heat transfer material, and a plurality of clamping members. The retarding heat transfer strip has a longitudinal cavity which receives the heat transfer element. The external shape of the retarding heat transfer strip substantially conforms to a longitudinal recess of the channel member. The retarding heat transfer strip with heat transfer element is positioned in the recess of the channel member and the clamping members attach the channel member to the process pipe. The retarding heat transfer material optimizes the heat transfer between the heat transfer element and the process pipe while minimizing the heat transfer element heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Thermon Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Roy E. Barth, Joseph M. Venable, Atlee E. Fritz, Arthur McDonald