Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The method of manufacturing comprises the steps of providing a tubular sleeve formed of braided wire filaments and forming at least one end of the sleeve into shape using a forming die such that the at least one end of the cover includes a circumferential neck portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of a body portion of the cover. In the method, the sleeve may be pressed between male and female forming dies in order to create the cover's desired shape, which can include a shoulder extending radially outwardly from the cover's neck portion and meeting the cover's body portion at a corner.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The coupler may include an inner flexible bellows member and an outer braid cover surrounding the bellows member. The braid cover may be formed into a predetermined shape prior to assembly with the coupler. The braid member can include a generally cylindrical body section and two end sections each forming necks having diameters that are smaller than the diameter of the body section. The body section of the braid cover is self-supporting and is positioned an appreciable distance from the bellows member in order to avoid any friction and to create a thermally insulating air gap therebetween. The braid cover may be constructed of braided wire filaments that are formed into shape with forming dies. The braid cover may be pressed between two forming dies in order to create its desired shape.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The coupler may include a bellows member, an interlock member disposed within the bellows member and an outer braid cover surrounding the bellows member. The braid cover is designed such that it provides resistance limiting axial growth of the coupler, so that the interlock member is not extended to an excessive length, while enabling maximized compression and angular flexibility. The outer braid cover may be constructed of intertwined bundles of wire filaments disposed at a specified angle from a central axis of the coupler. As assembled, the interlock member is at a nearly fully extended length when the bellows member is at an uncompressed and unextended length in order to maximize the amount in which the coupler may be compressed and/or flexed during installation and use.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The coupler may include an inner flexible bellows member and an outer braid cover surrounding the bellows member. The braid cover may be formed into a predetermined shape prior to assembly with the coupler. The braid member can include a generally cylindrical body section and two end sections each forming necks having diameters that are smaller than the diameter of the body section. The body section of the braid cover is self-supporting and is positioned an appreciable distance from the bellows member in order to avoid any friction and to create a thermally insulating air gap therebetween. The braid cover may be constructed of braided wire filaments that are formed into shape with forming dies. The braid cover may be pressed between two forming dies in order to create its desired shape.