Surrounding Radially Spaced Duct With Axially Spaced Supports For Internal Duct Patents (Class 138/113)
  • Publication number: 20030079789
    Abstract: This invention related to a pre-formed channel piping system. This invention relates to a pre-formed channel piping system to facilitate a combination utility fluid system with an underground communication network. The pre-formed fluid pipes include a channel for carrying communication components in a protected casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: CityNet Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Egan, Cortez White
  • Publication number: 20030079788
    Abstract: This invention related to a pre-formed channel piping system. This invention relates to a pre-formed channel piping system to facilitate a combination utility fluid system with an underground communication network. The pre-formed fluid pipes include a channel for carrying communication components in a protected casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: CityNet Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Egan, Cortez White
  • Publication number: 20030075226
    Abstract: An insulated pipework system comprises an outer sleeve, an inner flow pipe and one or more evacuated volumes in the space therebetween defined by annular plugs of a setting polymeric composition such as epoxy resin or a syntactic foam, typically at regular intervals along the length of the pipeline. The epoxy resins (for example) are ideally of sufficient rigidity to allow effective transfer of longitudinal forces between the inner and outer pipes. Thus, the evacuated volumes will themselves be annular. Other plugs of different orientation (for example longitudinal) could be included to subdivide the evacuated volumes further. The plugs allow the space between the pipes to be partitioned so that air can be evacuated from the sections so formed to provide the vacuum that acts as the insulating layer. Also, the plugs replace the need for bulkheads in that the partitioning of the inter-pipe space provides the desired water-stopping means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Russell Codling, Paul Summerfield
  • Patent number: 6491053
    Abstract: A method of decreasing the viscosity of crude oil including the steps of injecting into the crude oil CO2 alone or CO2 mixed with N at an elevated pressure of about 600 psi to about 1800 psi and intemently mixing the CO2, or CO2 mixed with N, with the crude oil at the elevated pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: William H. Briggeman, John J. Black
  • Patent number: 6464261
    Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting two double-walled pipes, e.g. production filter pipes (10, 12). The coupling may have the shape of a connector (10A, 12A) divided into two parts, each part (10A, 12A) being attachable on the end portion of a double pipe (10, 12), the parts (10A, 12A) of the connector being interconnectable, preferably mutually screwable. Such double pipes (10, 12) have two concentric liquid passages, one through the inner pipe (14) and one through the annulus-like, concentric liquid passage 920) between inner pipe (14) and outer pipe (16). In order not to block the outer concentric liquid passage (20) at the joint place (10A, 12A) so that liquid flowing therewithin must be transferred to said smaller pipe through a valve, longitudinally extending, through-going flowing channels (18) have been formed in the joint area; said channels (18) may be distributed circumferentially, thus allowing continuous flow of liquid past the coupling area (10A, 12A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Reslink AS
    Inventors: Arthur Dybevik, Ole S. Kvernstuen, Terje Moen
  • Patent number: 6349748
    Abstract: An insulated tubing is disclosed having a liner, a pipe surrounding the liner defining an annulus between the pipe and the liner, a plurality of sets of spacers, and an insulating material located between the liner and pipe, substantially filling the annulus. The spacers within a set of spacers are spaced apart from each other around the circumference of the liner and each set of spacers is spaced apart from each other set along the length of the liner. A method for producing the insulated tubing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Robroy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John Joseph Dodds, Michael Posson, Joseph A. Schwalbach, Donald R. Warr
  • Publication number: 20010035224
    Abstract: In a super-insulation support system disposed in an annular space between concentric inner and outer corrugated tubes, a number of axially spaced rings is provided, which are interconnected by axially extending rods mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship alternately to the inside and the outside of the axially spaced rings thereby forming a cylindrical frame structure, which is disposed adjacent the inner corrugated tube and super-insulation is disposed on the cylindrical frame structure and supported thereby at a distance from the corrugated inner tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Holger Neumann
  • Publication number: 20010012476
    Abstract: This device 10 for arresting the propagation of a buckle appearing on an outer tube 3 of a double-walled rigid pipe 1 intended to transport hydrocarbons and consisting of two coaxial tubes 2, 3, this pipe being of the reelable type and intended for very great depths, consists of a thick and rigid annular transverse partition 11 fastened to the inner tube 2 and to the outer tube 3. The partition 11 is joined to the outer tube 3 and to the inner tube 2 by means of an outer 12 and inner 14 sleeve having the same diameter as the said outer and inner tubes and fastened to the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: Coflexip
    Inventors: Bill G. Louis, Mike Bell
  • Patent number: 6246820
    Abstract: In a device for placing a structural element in a cable installation conduit in order to sub-divide it, the structural element has a width close to the size of the internal perimeter of the conduit and comprises a plate surmounted by ribs. The device comprises a hot air inlet designed to soften the plate of the structural element; an external cylinder whose diameter is identical to that of the conduit, the cylinder comprising a shaping cone at one end in order to enable the softened structural element in order to gradually take a cylindrical shape; and an internal core fixedly held at a position located in the shaping cone of the external cylinder and positioned inside the softened structural element in order to give it a constant internal diameter when it is being shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Joel Le Cam, Jean-Luc Campion, Pierre Mignon
  • Patent number: 6239363
    Abstract: A variable buoyancy cable is provided. In one aspect, the variable buoyancy cable includes a flexible sleeve that has an inner wall and an outer wall. A core is positioned in the sleeve and has a longitudinally disposed external channel with opposing first and second sidewalls. The channel and the inner wall of the flexible sleeve define a fluid passage for receiving a fluid to affect the buoyancy of the variable buoyancy cable. A slackened utility line is positioned in the channel and a fluid supply is coupled to the flexible sleeve and is operable to move fluid into and out of the fluid passage to selectively affect the buoyancy of the variable buoyancy cable. The core protects utility lines in the cable from damage due to ambient pressure and/or bending during deployment and retrieval. The buoyancy may be varied to suit various water conditions and mission requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Marine Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Wooters
  • Patent number: 6234163
    Abstract: A flue ducting for atmospheric boilers is disclosed and comprises two coaxial generally tubular ducts 10, 11, and a generally undulating linear spacer 12 between said ducts. Linear features are provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the ducts, the features being shaped to engage the undulating spacer 12. One end of the annular space between the ducts 10, 11 is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: John Trevor Garrod
  • Patent number: 6230746
    Abstract: A recoverable article includes an inner resilient tubular member that is held in a laterally exapanded configuration by engagement with outer holdout strips, wherein the outer surface of the inner member is provided with a plurality of channels extending therealong and the holdout strips occupies the channels so as to provide said holdout engagement, wherein the holdout strips is arranged to be removed intact without any substantial change in the molecular structural properties of the holdout strips; thereby to allow recovery of the inner tubular member towards its unexpanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: David Ions, Philip Roland Winfield, Josef Toerringer, George Gansbuehler, Sean Michael Lewington, Philip Costigan
  • Patent number: 6230684
    Abstract: A common rail delivers fuel to a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel directly into each combustion chamber of a direct injection type gasoline engine. A connected accumulator incorporates a gas-sealed type damper. A body portion of the damper can stretch and shrink by being constructed of a metallic bellows, and gas is sealed in the metallic bellows. The pressure at which the gas is initially sealed within the damper is set for 4 Mpa or more, more preferably, for 8 Mpa or more. Further, to secure suppression of a variation in normal operation fuel pressure (for example, 10-12 Mpa), the pressure at which the gas is initially sealed within the damper is set to be lower than the normal operation fuel pressure, more preferably, lower than the normal operation fuel pressure by 1 Mpa or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Furuhashi, Tomomi Hioki, Hiroshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6231087
    Abstract: An anchor support is provided for a double-containment piping assembly having at least one outer piping component defining a first diameter, and at least one inner piping component received within the at least one outer piping component and defining a second diameter less than the first diameter and forming an approximately annular space between the inner and outer piping components. The anchor support has a cylindrical outer-component support section defining a first approximately annular support surface having a first diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the at least one outer piping component for contacting and supporting the outer piping component. An approximately cylindrical inner-component support section of the anchor support is spaced laterally relative to, and located approximately at an opposite end of the anchor support relative to the outer-component support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 6199593
    Abstract: A process for producing pipes illustrated with foams comprises [a] providing, between an inner carrier pipe and an outer pipe arranged parallel thereto, a holder which is provided with at least one aperture and is mounted so that it can be moved axially and positions the carrier pipe in the outer pipe and [b] introducing into the vacant space between the two pipes, via the aperture (s) in the holder, a mixture for the preparation of foams, where [b1)] during the introduction of the mixture, the holder moves in an axial direction with respect to the outer pipe and the carrier pipe, then [c] after the mixture is charged, it is reacted to give the foam and [d)] the holder and, if desired, the outer pipe are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Werner Schmiade
  • Patent number: 6189575
    Abstract: A recoverable article comprising an inner resilient tubular member that is held out in a laterally expanded configuration by engagement with outer holdout structure, wherein the outer surface of the inner member is provided with a plurality of cavities, and wherein the holdout structure occupies the cavities so as to provide the holdout engagement, wherein the holdout structure comprises at least one initiating portion that is structurally different from the remaining portion that engages at least one associated cavity, whereby release of the initiating portion from its cavity facilitates subsequent release of the remaining portion of the holdout structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: David Ions, Philip Roland Winfield, Josef Toerringer, George Gansbuehler, Sean Michael Lewington, Philip Costigan
  • Patent number: 6180954
    Abstract: A dual walled exhaust assembly (28) is provided for an ion implantation system for connecting system components residing at differing voltage potentials. The assembly comprises a disposable corrugated inner tube (84) connected between inner mounting portions of a first end mount and a second end mount, and a permanent outer tube (82) connected between outer mounting portions of the first and second end mounts. The inner and outer tubes (84, 82) are constructed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or some similar dielectric material with appropriate non-flammable properties. The inner corrugated surface of the tube (84) has a plurality of surfaces which are pitched downwardly toward an axis (87) of the inner tube to prevent contaminant accumulation. The corrugated surface also reduces the risk of arcing between the system components residing at differing voltage levels by effectively increasing the length of the ground path that a leakage current would need to traverse across the length of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin R. Verrier, James P. Quill, A. Stuart Denholm
  • Patent number: 6167914
    Abstract: An orifice protector for use in subterranean fluid dispensing systems defined by at least one conduit for disposing of wastewater. The orifice protector includes a body in the form of partial cylinder having two ends. The partial cylinder is formed a wall of substantially constant thickness having a C-shaped cross section having an outer and an inner surface. A central portion of the wall includes a plurality of openings such as slits extending between the outer and inner surfaces to allow the outward flow of wastewater from orifices existing in the conduit. The slits are situated about parallel to the ends and extending through about a 90° arc length. The wall also has two longitudinal, linear, parallel edges of equal length separated by a slot adapted to receive the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Gary L. Koteskey
  • Patent number: 6167915
    Abstract: An electrical cable has helically attached bristles for supporting the electrical cable when pulled through a string of coiled tubing to connect to an electrical submersible pump. The electrical cable and helically attached bristles have a circumscribed diameter greater than the inner diameter of the coiled tubing. The bristles deflect in a direction opposite the direction of pulling the electrical cable so that they grip the wall of the coiled tubing. The bristles apply a resistive frictional force to the wall of the coiled tubing, thereby transferring the weight of the electrical cable to the coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Collie, Phillip R. Wilbourn
  • Patent number: 6158475
    Abstract: An improved pipe support device for supporting an underground carrier pipe within an outer encasement of a horizontally bored hole beneath a highway or railroad bed is disclosed. The pipe support is an annular ring structure comprised of two semicircular clamping members, which each terminate in an outwardly extending flange. The opposite ends of each semicircular clamp section are joined by a hinge extending across the juncture thereof to provide pivoting movement from an open condition to a closed condition of the pipe support. The opposed flanges can be drawn together by attaching hardware to secure the pipe support to the underground carrier pipe. A plurality of radially extending leg members are provided around the circumference of the pipe support which terminate in elongated skid members each having tip portions being inwardly inclined toward the longitudinal axis of the pipe support to facilitate insertion of the carrier pipe within the casing of the horizontally bored hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: David Grant Clemmer
  • Patent number: 6155378
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for suppression of fluid-borne noise in hydraulic or fluid handling systems, such as automotive power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and fuel systems wherein a multi-chamber solution to attenuate fluid-borne noise in the system is disclosed. This solution optimizes both damping, interference and wave cancellation mechanisms in a fluid system and consists of dividing an attenuator conduit hose or pipe assembly serially into tuning chambers by a restrictor or other mechanism. In some embodiments, a tuner is placed in each and every chamber. The number of chambers can vary between two and four depending on the objective of the attenuation. In order to attenuate the ripple at the pump, the tuner in the first or most upstream chamber can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamad S. Qatu, Michael L. Dougherty, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6148848
    Abstract: The instant invention consists of an inner cannula of hosing amenable to transport of a liquid coupled with an outer cannula of hosing amenable to transport of a gas. As respects one embodiment, affixed to outer walling of the inner cannula and to inner walling of the outer cannula are rigid struts, typically three or four, at 120.degree. or right angles with respect to one another at various points along the respective lengths of the cannulae that serve to maintain separation of the cannulae from one another at times when the inner cannula is filled with a liquid and the outer cannula is filled with a gas under pressure. A second embodiment is strut free. Each cannula has an ingress end whereat a liquid is introduced into the inner cannula and whereat a gas is introduced into the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: John F. Freed
  • Patent number: 6145545
    Abstract: A tube assembly for an auxiliary heating and air conditioning system includes an inner tube extending longitudinally, an outer tube extending longitudinally and disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube including a plurality of ribs for locating the inner tube approximately concentric to the outer tube, at least one connector tube, and at least one connector interconnecting the at least one connector tube and the outer tube to allow fluid flow between the inner tube and the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignees: Chrysler Corporation, S&H Fabricating & Engineering
    Inventors: Philip S. Hartnagel, Kurian Pothen, Matthew Mourad, James Hutchings
  • Patent number: 6143988
    Abstract: An electrical line for installation in a well for transmitting power to a well pump includes a string of coiled tubing. An electrical cable having insulated electrical conductors embedded within an elastomeric jacket extends longitudinally through the interior passage of the tubing. Retainers are mounted to the electrical cable and spaced longitudinally apart from each other. An indentation is integrally formed in the tubing adjacent each of the retainers. Each indentation protrudes into the interior passage of the tubing and creates a ledge which is contacted by one of the retainers when the electrical line is installed in the well. The indentations and retainers transfer weight of the electrical cable to the tubing. Weld material is filled into the depression on the surface created by each indentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David H. Neuroth, Larry Dalrymple, Earl B. Brookbank, Tim W. Pinkston, Don C. Cox
  • Patent number: 6135138
    Abstract: A rotary fluid coupler includes a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and rotatable relative to the first fluid conduit, and a first fluid conduit/second fluid conduit seal at a joint between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. A return fluid conduit has an inlet end that receives fluid leaked through the first fluid conduit/second fluid conduit seal, and a return/joint seal that seals against leakage from the return fluid conduit to an external environment. A fluid-pressure biasing source is in communication with the return fluid conduit to move fluid away from the inlet end through the return fluid conduit, and back to a fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Chester L. Richards, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6131615
    Abstract: A tube assembly for an auxiliary heating and air conditioning system includes an inner tube extending longitudinally, an outer tube extending longitudinally and disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube including a plurality of ribs for locating the inner tube approximately concentric to the outer tube, at least one connector tube, and at least one connector interconnecting the at least one connector tube and the outer tube to allow fluid flow between the inner tube and the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignees: Bundy corporation, Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Philip S. Hartnagel, Kurian Pothen, Matthew Mourad, Charles D. Thrift
  • Patent number: 6123110
    Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes a new secondary containment pipe with a plurality of substantially uniform internal studs and a new primary containment pipe up against the studs. An annular space is formed between the pipes by the studs which provides space along the length of the conduit for installation of leak detection systems including cables or perforated conduits for removing liquids or purging the annulus. The impervious new primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation. A manhole system for connection of service laterals to the main line pipe which maintaining dual containment utilizing closure pieces for the main line coupled to a bellow fitting and service lateral riser tee is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Insituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Stainton Casey Smith, Randall J. Mach
  • Patent number: 6116290
    Abstract: An internally insulated, corrosion resistant pipeline. An inner fluid barrier is formed preferably by a polymer liner. The outer pipe may be a steel pipe. The liner is provided with a plurality of passages or an open annulus. The passages in the liner or annulus between the pipe and liner are filled with an insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: J. Ray McDermott, S.A.
    Inventors: Theodore Robert Ohrn, Leland Harris Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6112770
    Abstract: A flexible protective sleeve (10; 20) for use in protecting an elongated member (W). The sleeve comprises a generally tubular wall (12; 22) for at least substantially surrounding the member. The sleeve also comprises resiliently-deformable projections (16; 24) projecting from an inner surface (18; 26) of the wall, the projections being arranged so that they cushion relative movement between the member and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: T&N Technology Limited
    Inventors: Melanie Jane Walsh, Sarah Clare Paynter, Francis B. Fatato, Lee H. Martin
  • Patent number: 6086114
    Abstract: An anchor support is provided for a double-containment piping assembly having at least one outer piping component defining a first diameter, and at least one inner piping component received within the at least one outer piping component and defining a second diameter less than the first diameter and forming an approximately annular space between the inner and outer piping components. The anchor support has a cylindrical outer-component support section defining a first approximately annular support surface having a first diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the at least one outer piping component for contacting and supporting the outer piping component. An approximately cylindrical inner-component support section of the anchor support is spaced laterally relative to, and located approximately at an opposite end of the anchor support relative to the outer-component support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 6082637
    Abstract: A nozzle device includes an axially extending tubular, cylindrical outside part; and a cap threaded on the outside part at the front or discharge end of the device and having a discharge bore composed of a rearward cylindrical portion having a first diameter; a frontal cylindrical portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter; and a frustoconical portion connecting the rearward and frontal cylindrical portions with one another. An axially extending inside part is coaxially received in the outside part and has an outer wall defining, with the inner wall of the outside part, an annular space for guiding gas therethrough. The annular space is axially adjoined by the discharge bore of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: INT Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung Ingenierburo fur Neue Technologien, Anlagenbau Verfahrenstechnik, ADFOSY
    Inventor: Ralf Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6062265
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conduit and coiled tubing system for deployment in a well, in which the conduit is arranged internally of the coiled tubing, and one end of the coiled tubing is attached to a powered device such as a motor or a drill which is to be installed in the well, and wherein the conduit is connected at one end to a power supply at the surface and connected at the opposite end to the powered device and wherein, in a locked state, the coiled tube comprises at least one protrusion extending inwardly from its internal wall and acts against the conduit or an anchoring surface provided thereon, to prevent axial movement of the conduit with respect to the coiled tubing at least on one direction. An anchoring collar may be provided on the tube against which the protrusions engage to secure the conduit in position inside the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 6056019
    Abstract: An acoustically isolated structure for use on a high temperature pipe in a luid environment is disclosed. Thermal insulation is provided radially outward from and adjacent to the pipe, and a sleeve is located on the outer surface of the insulation preventing environmental fluid from damaging the thermal insulation. A spacer is joined to the sleeve to position an acoustical barrier away from the pipe. The spacer allows environmental fluid circulation between the sleeve and the acoustical barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Neil J. Dubois
  • Patent number: 6026862
    Abstract: A double containment glass fiber pipe section is formed by a single winding operation. The pipe section may be a pipe or a pipe fitting. A section of primary pipe is wound and wrapped by a plastic tape. A permeable material layer is then wrapped around the wrapped primary section. One or more plastic tape layers are then wrapped over the permeable material layer followed by a winding of the secondary pipe section. The assembly is then cured forming a double containment pipe section having a permeable annulus having a radial thickness of about 1 mm. The permeable annulus is defined by the permeable material between the primary and the secondary sections. The permeable material allows for the flow of fluids within the annulus. A pair of wires may be helically wound within the annular space and can be used to detect leakage from the primary pipe section flowing within the annulus by monitoring changes in the capacitance or the resistance between the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph S. Friedrich, Joie L. Folkers, Brian M. Francis
  • Patent number: 6024115
    Abstract: The instant invention consists of an inner cannula of hosing amenable to transport of a liquid coupled with an outer cannula or cannulae of hosing amenable to transport of a gas. As respects one embodiment, affixed to outer walling of the inner cannula and to inner walling of the outer cannula are rigid struts, typically three or four, at 120.degree. or rights angles with respect to one another at various points along the respective lengths of the cannulae that serve to maintain separation of the cannulae from one another at times when the inner cannula is filled with a liquid and the outer cannula is filled with a gas. A second embodiment is strut free. Each cannula has an ingress end whereat a liquid is introduced into the inner cannula and whereat a gas is introduced into the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: John F. Freed
  • Patent number: 6009908
    Abstract: A tube assembly for an auxiliary heating and air conditioning system includes an inner tube extending longitudinally, an outer tube extending longitudinally and disposed over the inner tube, the outer tube including a plurality of ribs for locating the inner tube approximately concentric to the outer tube, at least one connector tube, and at least one connector interconnecting the at least one connector tube and the outer tube to allow fluid flow between the inner tube and the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignees: Chrysler Corporation, S&H Fabricating & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip S. Hartnagel, Kurian Pothen, Matthew Mourad, James Hutchings
  • Patent number: 6003559
    Abstract: A piping system for conveying one or more product flow lines within an outer casing includes a layer of insulation on each of the product flow lines to prevent heat lost and an improved spacer arrangement forming an interface between the product flow lines and the casing to prevent damage to the casing and flow lines as well as reduce friction when the flow lines are pulled through the casing. The spacer includes a pair of halves that can be assembled together using a bolted connection, for example, with flanges provided on the halves. An integral polymeric body comprises each of the halves with projecting portions spaced circumferentially about each of the spacers, the projecting portions extending longitudinally and radially and having inclined surfaces that lessen stress during the pulling of product flow lines through the outer casing. Annular shoulders on the spacer mate with corresponding annular shoulders of the insulation layer to prevent heat loss at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry G. Baker
  • Patent number: 6003560
    Abstract: The front end of the outer pipe 21 of the nested pipes 2 is sealed off, an auxiliary pipe 3 is joined so as to be detachable onto the tail end of the outer pipe 21, and a thrusting device 4 is mounted onto the auxiliary pipe 3. The nested pipes 2 are filled with a filler fluid 28, then as the thrusting device 4 generates pressure on the filler fluid 28, the nested pipes 2 are inserted into the existing pipe 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Taisei Corporation
    Inventor: Kouhei Ueda
  • Patent number: 5996643
    Abstract: Pipes used for carrying hot fluids such as steam and process liquids and gases, often above 212.degree. F., and pipes for carrying cold fluids such as for refrigeration and air conditioning systems, are usually insulated where they extend for any appreciable distance in areas of different temperatures, for reducing heat transfers. Such pipes are used in central heating and cooling distribution systems for cities, schools, universities, prisons, military bases, in industrial processing plants, and the like, whether installed above ground or underground. Polyisocyanurate and similar foamed insulation materials including polyurethane are better insulators than those now commonly used, such as foamglass, fiberglass, mineral wool, and calcium silicate; polyisocyanurate has a very low K factor and is stable at up to 400.degree. F. for sustained temperatures and up to 450.degree. F. peak temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Stonitsch
  • Patent number: 5996638
    Abstract: A spacer block (3) for an elongated substrate (1) on the inside of an elongated tube (2) comprises an internal ring (3a) which surrounds the elongated material, an external ring (3b) which is surrounded by the elongated tube (2), where the outside diameter of the internal ring (3a) is smaller than the inside diameter of the external ring (3b), and the internal and the external ring (3a, 3b) are interconnected by at least three spoke-type elements (3c) made of fiber material, which are uniformly spaced around the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Klausdieter Schippl
  • Patent number: 5971029
    Abstract: A dual containment pipe system suitable for installation into an existing conduit includes a new secondary containment pipe with a plurality of substantially uniform internal studs and a new primary containment pipe up against the studs. An annular space is formed between the pipes by the studs which provides space along the length of the conduit for installation of leak detection systems including cables or perforated conduits for removing liquids or purging the annulus. The impervious new primary containment pipe may be cured in place, folded and formed, diameter reduced pipe, or any other pipe suitable for pipeline rehabilitation. A manhole system for connection of service laterals to the main line pipe which maintaining dual containment utilizing closure pieces for the main line coupled to a bellow fitting and service lateral riser tee is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Instituform (Netherlands) B.V.
    Inventors: Stainton Casey Smith, Randall J. Mach
  • Patent number: 5941283
    Abstract: A fluid supply conduit for attenuating pressure pulses in a fluid. At least one inner tube is disposed in an outer tube and forms an annular chamber therewith. The inner tube is connected to a fitting that is fitted in a sealed manner to the outer tube. The closing element closes off an end of the inner tube, which has at least one intermediate hole at predetermined distances from respective reflecting surfaces defined by the fitting and by the closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.p.A
    Inventor: Guido Forte
  • Patent number: 5934334
    Abstract: Casing spacers for isolating carrier pipe mechanically, galvanically, and chemically from pipe casings. The spacers may be attached using fasteners to pipe joint restrainers or other ring structures which encircle carrier pipe. The spacers are more efficient to install in the field, provide robust mechanical structure and physical stability which does not degrade over time, provide additional protection to the pipe joints, and, because they may be attached to conventional structures instead of requiring an integral ring structure for encircling a pipe, alleviate the distribution and inventory problems encountered by conventional systems in which the casing spacer runners are attached to an integral ring structure which must conform to the carrier pipe size and the casing inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Meter Box Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Gray, Jr., Stephen R. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5920032
    Abstract: Conductors are placed in insulator which acts as a spacer/centralizer for the conductors, which are in turn mounted within tubing. The void spaces between the insulator and the tubing inside wall can be filled with a sealing material. Alternatively, the voids around the substantially centralized conductors can be used as flow channels for the transmission of fluid pressure to a remote location, such as downhole. The conductors are protected because they are kept away from the tubing wall and can be further protected by the addition of the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William Edward Aeschbacher, David G. Korte, Larry V. Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 5913336
    Abstract: An improved hose for dispensing gasoline at service stations has removable fittings at each end; the removable fittings receive spreaders, each of which in turn receive a bayonet fitting at an end of a vapor recovery tube. An internal collar on an inner portion of the removable fitting and a keeper on the bayonet fitting cooperate to hold the spreader in place. The spreader retains the bayonet fitting on the vapor recovery tube in concentric position at each end of the hose. When the gasoline hose is replaced the vapor tube is removed and the removable fittings are unscrewed; the removable fittings and the vapor tube are then installed in a new section of outer hose and the assembly is re-installed on a gasoline pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas L. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5911155
    Abstract: A monitoring device for use with a coaxial pipe or double wall pipe device which provides access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially defines the interstitial region, each pipe having two terminal ends. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe, and a small end snugly fitting onto the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5907134
    Abstract: Air gap-insulated exhaust pipe (2) with a sliding fit (16) between two inner pipe sections (12, 14) in a middle area of the length of the exhaust pipe (2). A radial mounting (26) of the inner pipe (6) in the outer pipe (4) is provided in the area of a bend (20) or beyond the bend (20), which joins the leg (18) of the exhaust pipe (2) in which the sliding fit (16) is located. In terms of manufacturing technique, the radial mounting (26) may be prepared before or after the bending of the double-pipe arrangement. The sliding fit (16) may be prepared, even in the case of a straight exhaust pipe, manifold, or the like, by using a spacer sleeve (40) and joint calibration of the pipe ends of the inner pipe sections (12, 14), and the spacer sleeve burns off at the time the exhaust pipe is put into operation for the first time. As an alternative, the sliding fit (16) may also be prepared by polygon calibration and rotating the pipe ends by half the pitch of the polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Nording, Alfred Utter
  • Patent number: 5901753
    Abstract: In a closure fitting assembly two identical fittings are adapted to be coupled together in a mirror-image relationship for closing a gap between containment components in a double-containment system. Each fitting defines a first axially-extending fusion surface located on one side of the fitting; a second axially-extending fusion surface located on an opposite side of the fitting relative to the first axially-extending fusion surface; a first circumferentially-extending fusion surface located on one end of the fitting; and a second circumferentially-extending fusion surface located on an opposite end of the fitting. Axially-extending fusion wires are interposed within the seams formed between opposing axially-extending fusion surfaces, and circumferentially-extending fusion wires are seated against each circumferentially-extending fusion surface for receiving electric current to heat the wires and in turn fuse opposing surfaces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 5896895
    Abstract: A system for shielding an interior metal surface of a metal container from a hot fluid within the metal container wherein the hot fluid is at a temperature greater than a temperature limit of the metal, including a first insulating layer including metal clad insulation proximate the interior metal surface, a second insulating layer spaced from the first insulating layer including a perforated reflective metal shield and a third insulating layer spaced from the second insulating layer which is structurally stable and substantially inert to the hot fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Vought Systems
    Inventor: William E. Simpkin
  • Patent number: 5892806
    Abstract: A spacer for maintaining a pressure tube in spaced relation with a caland tube of a nuclear reactor. The spacer comprising a split ring adapted to be disposed about the outer surface of said pressure tube. The ring has a central annular body portion with a raised bearing surface thereon adapted to contact the inner surface of said calandria tube and prevent contact between said outer surface and said inner surface. An annular land projecting from each side of said central body portion is adapted to receive a collar thereon effective create an interference fit between said ring and said pressure tube and thereby constrain axial movement of said spacer on said pressure tube. The spacer of the present invention maintains its location on the pressure tube and does not suffer the axial movement which characterizes some conventional spacers. The bearing surface can have a coating to reduce wear and heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited/Energie Atomique du Canada Limitee
    Inventor: David A. Scott