Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous monitoring of a pipeline or a pipeline network carrying flowing media that can not only detect the presence of a leak but also locate the source of the leak through the use of rarefraction wave detection and methods of using the same is disclosed within. The apparatus and method are specifically configured to locate the leak source within less than 36 inches using a calibration means and a noise cancellation means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous monitoring of a pipeline or a pipeline network carrying flowing media that can not only detect the presence of a leak but also locate the source of the leak through the use of rarefaction wave detection and methods of using the same is disclosed within. The apparatus and method are specifically configured to locate the leak source within less than 36 inches using a calibration means and a noise cancellation means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous monitoring of a pipeline or a pipeline network carrying flowing media that can not only detect the presence of a leak but also locate the source of the leak through the use of rarefraction wave detection and methods of using the same is disclosed within. The apparatus and method are specifically configured to locate the leak source within less than 36 inches using a calibration means and a noise cancellation means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous monitoring of a pipeline or a pipeline network carrying flowing media that can not only detect the presence of a leak but also locate the source of the leak through the use of rarefaction wave detection and a method of using the same is disclosed within. The apparatus and method are specifically configured to locate the leak source within less than 36 inches using a calibration means and a noise cancellation means.

Abstract: A flexible air duct contains a uniformly-spaced reflective insulation system, with or without bulk insulation, a liner, and an outer jacket that would allow a reduced amount or no amount of bulk insulation to be used to obtain a desired R-value insulation. The flexible air duct can be used to move conditioned air to one or more desired locations.

Abstract: A flexible duct for handling conditioned air comprises an inner core, a vapor barrier, and a compressible core spacer positioned between the inner core and vapor barrier. The compressible core spacer is made of a film material with a helical support integrated therewith. The compressible core spacer is made of a length longer that the inner core and other duct components so that when the compressible core spacer is compressed when assembling the inner core and vapor barrier, the film material between adjacent sections of the helical support folds to create a spacer-liker construction that creates air gaps between an outer surface of the inner core and an inner surface of the compressible core spacer and outer surface of the inner core and vapor barrier. With a pair of low-e surfaces associated with the compressible core spacer or the compressible core spacer and inner core, reflective insulation systems are created to improve the insulating value of the insulated flexible duct.

Abstract: A hose assembly is formed with a flexible helical hose body, a termination ring secured to an end, and over-molded plastic. The termination ring includes a main ring, a secondary ring, and connector members, each configured to span between and be integrally connected with the main and secondary rings. The main ring has an inside surface formed to threadably couple to a corresponding helical portion of the hose body, and be positioned at least two to three turns away from the hose end. The length of the connector members positions the secondary ring at least two turns closer to the hose end. Each connector member has outwardly protruding ridges. Plastic is over-molded to encapsulate the first end of the hose body, to encapsulate the secondary ring and each connector member, and to encapsulate a portion of the main ring, while extending beyond the hose end to form a soft cuff.

Abstract: A flexible air duct contains a uniformly-spaced reflective insulation system, with or without bulk insulation, a liner, and an outer jacket that would allow a reduced amount or no amount of bulk insulation to be used to obtain a desired R-value insulation. The flexible air duct can be used to move conditioned air to one or more desired locations.

Abstract: A hose assembly is formed with a flexible helical hose body, a termination ring secured to an end, and over-molded plastic. The termination ring includes a main ring, a secondary ring, and connector members, each configured to span between and be integrally connected with the main and secondary rings. The main ring has an inside surface formed to threadably couple to a corresponding helical portion of the hose body, and be positioned at least two to three turns away from the hose end. The length of the connector members positions the secondary ring at least two turns closer to the hose end. Each connector member has outwardly protruding ridges. Plastic is over-molded to encapsulate the first end of the hose body, to encapsulate the secondary ring and each connector member, and to encapsulate a portion of the main ring, while extending beyond the hose end to form a soft cuff.

Abstract: An insulated duct comprises a free floating liner, an optional bulk insulation layer, a vapor barrier, and a reflective insulation system. The reflective insulation system includes an air gap and a low-e surface. The gap is positioned between the bulk insulation layer and the low-e surface or the outer member and the low-e surface if no insulation is used to gain additional insulating value for the duct. With the free floating liner and the reflective insulation system, a duct can be made to an industry standard R-value while using bulk insulation with a lower R-value.

Abstract: An insulated duct includes an inflatable jacket surround the duct. The jacket is inflated, preferably with air traveling in the duct, to create a static condition in the air space formed by the jacket to provide additional insulation for the duct. When the jacket is combined with additional insulation and low emissivity material, the R value of the duct can be increased in a more efficient manner from manufacturing and cost viewpoints.

Abstract: A flexible HVAC duct is made with a support structure-containing duct liner, insulation layer, and reinforcing layer-containing vapor barrier. At least the duct liner and vapor barrier are constructed of polymer materials that enable them to be placed in the same recycling stream once the flexible HVAC duct is removed from its installed location. The insulation layer can also be made of a polymer material compatible with that used for the duct liner and vapor barrier so that the entire duct can be recycled once removed.

Abstract: A flexible hose is adapted to maintain its inner wall temperature above the dew point of air transported between a CPAP machine's humidifier and mask, preventing condensation. An electrically energizable heating element forms a helical reinforcement member. The hose's first end has a standard CPAP soft end cuff. The second end comprises a special end fitting including: a support ring, electrical jack, and a specially shaped over-molded plastic cuff. The support ring has a ring portion threadably secured onto the helical reinforcing member, and a receptacle extending therefrom. A coaxial electrical jack is received within the receptacle, with the energizable heating element of the helix being wired to the prongs of the jack. A soft plastic cuff is molded over much of the ring portion and receptacle, to provide further integrity of the end fitting, while the remaining portion of the cuff conforms to the standard CPAP end cuff configuration.

Abstract: A hose construction adapted for efficiently conveying fluids while extended, but capable of neatly contracting to a fraction of its extended length for storage or transportation, while integrally incorporating lines for electrical requirements. Storage may be within an outer hose and may be triggered via closure of a valve within a nozzle so that negative pressure causes contraction of the folds of the hose. The contracted hose has a length that is a fraction of its normal extended length. The hose construction incorporates a wire reinforcing member which may bias the hose for self-extension and may also function as part of the electrical system. The electrical lines may comprise stranded copper wires to conduct power and/or serve as a remote activation circuit. The hose configuration may have a cover with external folds, which maximizes flow and provides a cushioning outer diameter to prevent damage to the hose.

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.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly (2) for supporting flexible duct (4) includes a frame (6) with first and second frame sections (10a, b). The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies (8). The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Abstract: A flexible duct and method for making the duct are disclosed. The duct includes an inner wall bonded to an outer wall, with a wire resilient helix and a scrim sandwiched therebetween. The scrim is in the form of a helical tape embedded between the outer wall and the inner wall, and preferably consists of a bonded yarn constructed in a layered or interwoven square or other uninterrupted geometrical pattern. The presence of the scrim provides the duct with high tensile strength and excellent tear resistance in all directions, especially in the helical direction. The method of manufacturing the duct includes the steps of helically forming the wire and scrim about the inner wall and bonding the outer wall to the inner wall to as to sandwich the helix and the scrim between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A combination hand tool for cutting flexible duct and the like, which tool has both (i) a blade-holding mechanism which enables safe, quick and convenient replacement of a utility knife blade for cutting material requiring relatively low cutting pressure (e.g., the insulated portion of flexible duct) and (ii) a replaceable cutting tool having a cutting edge moveable against a cutting surface to enable the user to generate relatively high cutting force on a piece requiring such high cutting force (e.g., the metal or plastic wire component of flexible duct). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned blade-holding mechanism includes two similarly-shaped, overlying plates which are both pivotably moveable to enable separation of the plates and replacement of the utility knife blade positioned therebetween. Also, the aforementioned replaceable cutting tool is held in its operating position by a holding mechanism for releasably securing the cutting tool.

Abstract: A plier-type hand tool having a first member comprising a pair of components formed of sheet material mounted in fixed spaced relation, and a second member formed of sheet material and pivotally mounted between the components of the first member, each of the members having a jaw portion and a handle portion, and a third member pivotally mounted between the components of the first member, wherein the third member includes a recess for receiving a cutting blade, a pin for retaining the cutting blade, and a stud projecting from the third member, and wherein the second member is formed with a recess mating with the stud, such that when the second member is pivoted to an open position, access is afforded to the recess for receiving the cutting blade and the pin for retaining the cutting blade to facilitate replacement of the cutting blade.