With Means For Facilitating Collapse Patents (Class 138/119)
  • Patent number: 9758112
    Abstract: Inflexible tube portions are formed so that their inner surfaces are located at the same position as inner surface portions of flexible tube portions. Therefore, the inner diameter of the former is set the same as that of the latter. The inner surface of each inflexible tube portion is formed so as to be connected to the inner surface portion of each adjacent flexible tube portion so as to form a gentle curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideomi Adachi
  • Patent number: 9735556
    Abstract: An exterior member has a straight tube body to be arranged at a vehicle underfloor portion of a vehicle and at least one rigidity adding portion to add rigidity to the straight tube body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Inao, Hideomi Adachi, Tatsuya Oga, Takeshi Ogue, Masaaki Suguro, Yoshiaki Ozaki, Hiroyuki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9668433
    Abstract: An irrigation system and method is provided that includes a set of longitudinal perforated tubing members, with each tubing member having a tubing proximal end attached or attachable to a proximal lateral fluid conduit and having a tubing distal end attached attachable to a distal lateral fluid conduit to form an irrigation array. Two types of cross members are provided, a spacer cross member and a tubing cross member. The cross members hold each of the perforated tubing members in a grid-like pattern forming a tubing/spacer array or a tubing/tubing array. The longitudinal perforated tubing may be cut to accommodate the shape of a landscape format. Methods are provided for joining or ending the cut portions. The irrigation array is created, attached to a water supply, and buried below the surface of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Carlos Alfredo Pujadas
  • Patent number: 9618144
    Abstract: A duct includes a number of wall sections which are at least partly produced from fiber material and a binder agent. Together, the wall sections define a closed, elongate flow space. The wall sections which meet one another are united by the intermediary of at least one longitudinal fold or joint line. In the fiber material and the binder agent of the duct, there are disposed longitudinal rigidifying elements. On the outside of the duct, there are longitudinal bead-liked projections which include the fiber material and the binder agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CLIMATE RECOVERY IND AB
    Inventors: Peter Wallin, Göran Bernhardsson
  • Patent number: 9568211
    Abstract: A flexible air hose connection between a preconditioned air unit and an aircraft incorporates an air filter between the first and second ends to capture and filter foreign matter in the air stream through the flexible tube. The filter may be sewn, fitted with snaps, hook and loop and/or zippered into the interior of the air hose. In particular embodiments the air filter incorporates a mesh screen, or alternatively comprises a fibrous material of foam, pleated paper, or spun fiberglass. In one embodiment the filter may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter meeting the efficiency standard set by the Department of Energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Twist, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe W. Wright, Scott E. Schrinner
  • Patent number: 9464738
    Abstract: A crush resistant hose comprises a plurality of layers comprising a reinforcing carcass formed from a mixture of multifilament fibers including at least one of polyester, aramide, nylon and rayon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: DUNLOP OIL & MARINE LIMITED
    Inventor: Ali Reza Zandiyeh
  • Patent number: 9444124
    Abstract: A battery cell assembly having a cooling fin with a tube, a substantially rectangular-shaped metal plate, first and second cylindrical coupling members, and first and second O-ring gaskets is provided. The tube has an inlet tube portion and an outlet tube portion. The tube is coupled to a peripheral region of the metal plate. The first cylindrical coupling member has a first aperture extending therethrough, and first and second circumferential grooves. The inlet tube portion is disposed in the first aperture and coupled to the first cylindrical coupling member. The first and second O-ring gaskets are disposed in the first and second circumferential grooves, respectively. The outlet tube portion is disposed in the second aperture and is coupled to the second cylindrical coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Beltz, Heekook Yang, Anthony Arena, Satish Ketkar
  • Patent number: 9371944
    Abstract: A self-actuated linearly retractable and extendible hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these) between a source location and an output location can be implemented as an extendible hose comprising a biasing element, a sealing layer, and a reinforced cover layer. The sealing layer forms a sealed conduit for transporting the fluids, and the reinforced cover layer on the outside provides radial and longitudinal strength for the sealing layer. The hose can be operated by increasing internal pressure within the hose relative to ambient pressure. When the hose is pressurized by a fluid source, the internal pressure of the hose overcomes the retracting force of the biasing element and the hose extends. When the fluid source is turned off or disconnected from the hose, internal pressure is reduced and the biasing element exerts a tension force on the hose causing the hose to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9364662
    Abstract: An implantable lead includes a lead body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The lead body includes an insulative member having a lumen extending longitudinally between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The lead body also includes a generally tubular liner disposed coaxially with the lumen within the insulative member. The implantable lead also includes an electrode disposed along the lead body in the distal end portion thereof, and a conductor disposed within the lumen and electrically coupled to the electrode. A terminal connector is coupled to the proximal end portion of the lead body and to the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Foster, Daniel J. Foster, Christopher R. Perrey, Andrew L. De Kock, Patrick Willoughby, Bryan A. Clark
  • Patent number: 9334985
    Abstract: A self-actuated linearly retractable and extendible hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these) between a source location and an output location can be implemented as an extendible hose comprising a biasing element, a sealing layer, and a reinforced cover layer. The sealing layer forms a sealed conduit for transporting the fluids, and the reinforced cover layer on the outside provides radial and longitudinal strength for the sealing layer. The hose can be operated by increasing internal pressure within the hose relative to ambient pressure. When the hose is pressurized by a fluid source, the internal pressure of the hose overcomes the retracting force of the biasing element and the hose extends. When the fluid source is turned off or disconnected from the hose, internal pressure is reduced and the biasing element exerts a tension force on the hose causing the hose to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9255372
    Abstract: A half-barrel intake screen is disclosed. The half-barrel intake screen comprises a frame including a first end, a second end, and a bottom coupled between the first end and the second end. Further, a contiguous screen segment couples between the first end and the second end of the frame. However, the screen segment couples to the frame independently of a concrete body having an outlet. In other words, the intake screen does not include a concrete body having an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HENDRICK SCREEN COMPANY
    Inventor: John Whitaker
  • Patent number: 9022076
    Abstract: A self-actuated linearly retractable and extendible hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these) between a source location and an output location can be implemented as an extendible hose comprising a biasing element, a sealing layer, and a reinforced cover layer. The sealing layer forms a sealed conduit for transporting the fluids, and the reinforced cover layer on the outside provides radial and longitudinal strength for the sealing layer. The hose can be operated by increasing internal pressure within the hose relative to ambient pressure. When the hose is pressurized by a fluid source, the internal pressure of the hose overcomes the retracting force of the biasing element and the hose extends. When the fluid source is turned off or disconnected from the hose, internal pressure is reduced and the biasing element exerts a tension force on the hose causing the hose to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150090509
    Abstract: Elastically deformable air inlets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an air inlet includes a first portion having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a second portion having an interior surface and an exterior surface and including at least one deformation zone. The first portion and the second portion define a hollow space. The air inlet also includes at least one support member including a first end and a second end that extends from the interior surface of the first portion toward the interior surface of the second portion. The second end of the support member contacts the deformation zone, wherein when an external force is applied to the air inlet, the second end of the support member extends through the deformation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad A. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20150083263
    Abstract: A flexible water pipe, including: an inner pipe, which can extend or contract when water-filling or dewatering in the flexible water pipe; an outer pipe, which can unfold or wrinkle when water-filling or dewatering in the flexible water pipe; several rings arranged outside the inner pipe; a joint in inflow side, which is used to fasten the inner and outer pipes in inflow side; and a joint in outflow side, which is used to fasten the inner and outer pipes in outflow side; wherein, the outer pipe is arranged outside the inner pipe and the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Jinhua Haoquang Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ke-Hao Pei
  • Patent number: 8967204
    Abstract: In a bending tube including: multiple first slots for bending provided at set intervals, respectively, along a direction of a direction of a longitudinal axis O of a cylindrical bending tube body, the multiple first slots for bending extending in a circumferential direction of the bending tube body; slots for forming wire guide (a first slot for bending) paired and provided on arrangement of the multiple first slots for bending, the slots for forming wire guide extending in the circumferential direction of the bending tube body; and a wire guide formed by deforming a circumferential part of the bending tube body between the paired slots for forming wire guide, in an inner diameter direction; a width of a slot for bending adjacent to the wire guide is set relatively narrower than a width of other slots for bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Konstorum, Eijiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8936046
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable pressure hose can be constructed comprising an input connector, an output connector, an elastic inner hose, an outer cover, and one or more portions of the elastic inner hose engaged with the outer cover and disposed between the first and second ends of the hose. In such a hose, the input connector and output connector can be connected to each end of elastic inner hose and outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Dean Ragner
  • Publication number: 20140373961
    Abstract: A fluid tube is disclosed herein. The breathing circuit tube has a wall which comprises a hollow geometry. The wall defines a passageway with a central longitudinal axis therethrough. The wall is expandable and contractible to adjust a diameter and a length of the passageway. The wall includes one or more corrugations that expand and contract to adjust the diameter and length of the passageway. The corrugations extend between terminal end portions of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Garrett Austin SHEFFER
  • Patent number: 8915266
    Abstract: A flexible stretch hose with a wall which comprises a spirally wound profile (1; 11; 21) in a plastic material. Consecutive windings of the profile are secured to each other by means of a weld. The profile comprises, in cross-section, at least one bottom section (2; 12) and at least one rib section (4; 14; 24), wherein the rib section of the profile, relative to the bottom section, also forms a protrusion of the wall of the hose which gives the hose a predetermined hub strength. The profile comprises an unfoldable section (5; 15; 25) provided in order to be unfolded under the influence of a tensile; force in the axial direction of the hose, thereby allowing an extension of the hose, wherein the unfoldable section comprises at least two profile sections lying loosely against each other, which sections are interconnected at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Plastiflex Group
    Inventor: Domin Diels
  • Patent number: 8910667
    Abstract: An expandable hose is provided formed of a sidewall formed of a spirally wound flexible member which defines an axial passageway surrounding a center axis of the formed hose. Both side edges of the flexible member in the spirally wound position are engaged with a cap member which provides a skeletal structure to maintain the axial passageway open and to bias the hose back to a collapsed length from the extended length. A fold formed in the spirally wound flexible member allows for increased distance between the two side edges and an increased maximum extended length. A telescopic pole engaged with the formed hose provides an improved extendable vacuuming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Raul Castro
  • Publication number: 20140261701
    Abstract: A collapsible air duct with inflatable insulative sleeve for supplying preconditioned air from a remote source to aircraft and similar vehicles. The system includes first annular interior chamber substantially surrounded by an a non-rigid inflatable sleeve which provides a thermal barrier from adverse environmental conditions. The non-rigid inflatable sleeve is filled by a portion of the air supply transiting the annular interior chamber through a series of perforations, thus providing an insulative air layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Deutsch
  • Patent number: 8826943
    Abstract: A fluid tube is disclosed herein. The breathing circuit tube has a first terminal end portion, a second terminal end portion, and a wall which extends between the first terminal end portion and the second terminal end portion. The wall comprises a hollow geometry defining a passageway with a central longitudinal axis therethrough. The wall further defines one or more expandable corrugations spaced radially around and parallel to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion Corporation
    Inventor: Garrett Austin Sheffer
  • Publication number: 20140224373
    Abstract: A lay-flat hose is manufactured by single-extrusion of rubber through a cylindrical polyester weave jacket to limit swelling and expansion upon pressurization. Forcing the rubber compound through the weave creates a single homogenous construction without the use of glues or adhesives. The lay-flat hose is lightweight and durable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: MPS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Billy Scott Brown
  • Patent number: 8776836
    Abstract: Hose (70) has a biasing spring (76) extends along the full length. Spring (76) is covered with hose cover material (72) on the outside and hose support layer (74) and hose sealing layer (72) on the inside to form a sealed hose. The invention comprises the improvement of the hose body (layers (72), (74) and (75)) by defining the layers as bowed inward radially between the individual spring coils to create a helical indentation (74b) around hose (70). This helical indentation (74b) causes the hose body materials (layers (72), (74) and (75)) move inward radially when hose (70) is retracted and the coils of spring (76) are forced close together longitudinally. Thus, layers (72), (74) and (75) are folded substantially with spring (76) when retracted, greatly reducing the volume of hose (70) in its retracted position and substantially protecting (72), (74) and (75) from damage by abrasion an puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel DeRochemont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8764743
    Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
  • Patent number: 8763646
    Abstract: Functional components which are stationarily mounted in a fuel tank and connected together by way of a connecting line can be damaged by a change in size and shape of the fuel tank. The invention concerns a fuel tank, in particular of thermoplastic material, comprising at least two functional components such as for example venting valves, pumps, containers or the like, which are stationarily arranged in a fuel tank and which are connected together by way of a connecting line. To avoid damage, in accordance with the invention one connecting line includes at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the stiffness of the first portion is less than the stiffness of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Timo Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8757213
    Abstract: A flexible hose having an inner tube member made from a thermoplastic elastomer material and an outer tube member made from a non-elastic polyester material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler incorporates a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8631831
    Abstract: In various embodiments, aspiration tubing connecting a handpiece to a surgical console may include a high compliant section, a transition section, and a low compliant section. In some embodiments, the high compliant section may have a lower durometer and/or different geometry than the low compliant section. The transition section may take a number of forms, including a connector or a continuous section of tubing that gradually increases in durometer and/or changes geometry through the length of the tubing. In the various embodiments, the high compliant section may provide flexibility near the handpiece to make the handpiece easier to hold and maneuver while the low compliant section may reduce the effects of occlusion break surge. In some embodiments, the high compliant section may include, for example, ribs, stiffening rings, a stiffening sleeve, or a stiffening sock to increase the stiffness of the high compliant section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ramon Carsola Dimalanta, Jr., Grace Chuang Liao, Robert Harry Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140000744
    Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufman, William A. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 8607827
    Abstract: A low profile downspout extension is formed in multiple segments including a flexible conduit, a splash block and an extension. The splash block transitions from a circular inlet into a low profile pentagon configuration with a central bead along the top surface of the low profile body portion to define an apex of the pentagon shape. The body portion is wider than the diameter of the circular inlet but has a height at the central bead that is more than half the diameter of the circular inlet. The body portion has ribbed side walls to strengthen the splash block without requiring internal reinforcement. The bottom surface of the splash block defines a flow path that extends generally linearly from the bottom of the inlet opening to the bottom of the pentagon-shaped outlet. An open configuration for the splash block provides an alternative above-ground splash pad structure for connecting to downspouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Euramax International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Benjamin Bell
  • Publication number: 20130306184
    Abstract: What is presented is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ductwork. The HVAC ductwork comprises a strip of material, which is divided into a plurality of circumferential segments by a plurality of living hinges. The living hinges allow the HVAC ductwork to unfold for transportation and storage purposes. The strip of material has both a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism that are adapted to interlock with each other at an interlocking site, to create the assembled HVAC ductwork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph J. Prischak
  • Publication number: 20130180615
    Abstract: A self-actuated linearly retractable and extendible hose (70) for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these three) between a source location and a output location. Hose (70) has a biasing spring (76) extends along the full length. Spring (76) is covered with hose cover material (72) on the outside and hose support layer (74) and hose sealing layer (72) on the inside to form a sealed hose. Hose (70) is designed with a source end for connecting to a fluid source and a dispensing end for outputting the fluid being transported by the hose. The Linearly Retractable Hose (70) is operated by changing internal pressure within the hose relative to the ambient pressure on the exterior of the hose. Control of fluid pressure within hose (70) allows the hose to operate as an automatically extendable and retractable hose. When hose (70) is pressurized by a fluid source, the internal pressure of the hose overcomes the retracting force of spring (76) and the hose extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel DeRochemont, JR.
  • Patent number: 8479776
    Abstract: A flexible garden hose having an inner tube member made from elastic material and an outer tube member made from a non-elastic material. The inner tube member is secured to the outer tube member only at an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. The inlet coupler is constructed to secure to a water supply provided from a conventional household water spigot. The outlet coupler is coupled to a flow restrictor allowing the inner tube member to equalize in pressure with pressurized water received from the water supply. Pressurized water expands the elongated inner tube member longitudinally along a length of the inner tube member and laterally across a width of the inner tube member thereby substantially increasing the length of the hose to an expanded condition wherein the hose contracts to a substantially decreased length when there is a decrease in pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8448669
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a tube for cable sheath and the cable sheath using the same. The front end of each tube is connected to the rear end of another one. Two side plates are connected to another tube. A cable is received in the cable sheath. Thereby, when a brake cable is received in the cable sheath, the side plates are connected to another tube so as to restrict one of the bending direction degree of the cable that can avoid the cable sheath being bended in all direction. It is important that the side plates can protect the connecting point of each tube quite well and enhance the structure intensity of the whole cable sheath. After standardizing the specification of the present invention, it can be connected to many kinds of products. The present invention has abundant variability and achieves the best efficacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Yuan-Hung Wen
  • Publication number: 20130101452
    Abstract: A roller pump conduit defining a pump chamber is provided. The roller pump conduit includes a roller contact portion having a fill region and a delivery region. The fill region has a first taper configured to determine volume delivery per revolution of a roller head. The delivery region has a pressure region having a second taper and a discharge region having a third taper. The third taper has a lesser degree of taper than the second taper. The delivery region is configured to produce a pulsatile flow out of the conduit. Furthermore, a roller pump having a roller pump conduit is provided. The roller pump conduit of the roller pump has a fill region and a delivery region, the fill region having a first taper, and the delivery region having a second and third taper, wherein the third taper has lesser degree of taper than the second taper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel E. Mazur, Scott I. Merz, Kathryn R. Osterholzer
  • Patent number: 8300014
    Abstract: A computer mouse includes a housing, a cable, and an elastic cable retainer. The cable is capable for connecting the computer mouse to a host device. The elastic cable retainer defines a number of holes for allowing the cable to pass through. When the housing moves, the cable retainer stretched by the housing, allowing the cable to change from a compressed state to an extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song-Ya Chen
  • Patent number: 8291941
    Abstract: A hose which automatically expands longitudinally and automatically expands laterally upon the application of a fluid pressure is disclosed. The hose can automatically expand longitudinally up to six times its unexpanded or contracted length. Upon release of the fluid pressure within the hose, the hose will automatically contract to a contracted condition. The hose includes an inner tube made from an elastic material and an outer tube made from a non-elastic material. The inner tube is positioned concentrically within the outer tube in both a contracted condition and an expanded condition. The outer tube is secured to the inner tube only at a first end of the inner and outer tubes and at a second end of the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube moves laterally and longitudinally with respect to the inner tube when the tubes are transitioning between a contracted condition and an expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8291942
    Abstract: A hose which automatically expands longitudinally and automatically expands laterally upon the application of a fluid pressure is disclosed. The hose can automatically expand longitudinally up to six times its unexpanded or contracted length. Upon release of the fluid pressure within the hose, the hose will automatically contract to a contracted condition. The hose includes an inner tube made from an elastic material and an outer tube made from a non-elastic material. The inner tube is positioned concentrically within the outer tube in both a contracted condition and an expanded condition. The outer tube is secured to the inner tube only at a first end of the inner and outer tubes and at a second end of the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube moves laterally and longitudinally with respect to the inner tube when the tubes are transitioning between a contracted condition and an expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Berardi
  • Patent number: 8157921
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning heat exchanging surfaces includes at least one supply line for a cleaning fluid. The supply line has an end and an extent axis. The supply line is bendable in a first direction transverse to the extent axis and resistant to bending in at least one second direction transverse to the extent axis. At least one fluid distribution device is disposed at the end of the supply line. The supply line may be telescopic. An assembly having a heating installation and an apparatus for cleaning heat exchanging surfaces of the heating installation, and a method for carrying out a relative movement between at least one supply line and a heating installation, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Clyde Bergemann GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Kruse
  • Publication number: 20110278874
    Abstract: A collapsible exhaust air duct for an automotive vehicle having a reconfigurable seat and an electric compartment rearward of the seat that contains heat-producing electric components. The collapsible exhaust duct is in fluid communication with the electric compartment to carry exhaust air therefrom. The duct extends forwardly beneath the seat, maintains an expanded condition when the seat is in a seating position, and is converted to a collapsed condition by movement of the seat to a stowed position. The disclosed apparatus provides a duct that maximizes usable space and flexibility in a vehicle having reconfigurable seating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
  • Patent number: 7942169
    Abstract: A folding type cable protection and guide device is provided in which a cable is accommodated into a cable accommodating space. The cable accomodating space can be easily adapted to accommodate the cable, even if the cable is a long body. The assembly load is decreased. Further, the use of many different sized metal molds is not required. The form stability of the cable accommodating space is sufficiently ensured during both linear movement and flexion movement, so that smooth linear movement and flexion movement can be attained. The rectangularly shaped cable accommodating space is formed by folding a pair of right and left folded sections 110, 110 extending in a longitudinal direction of the extruded synthetic resin tape 100 along the longitudinal direction of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Shoichiro Komiya, Takayuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7891382
    Abstract: A hollow conduit, being primarily round, or having n sides wherein n is greater than or equal to three, and process for making the conduit is described herein. The hollow conduit is comprised of a polymer inner conduit having a pair of opposed ends and an interior and exterior surface. An overmolded corrugated polymer is bonded between at least a portion of the ends and at least a portion of the exterior surface of the inner conduit. The overmolded polymer has at least one flexible position retaining means at least partially embedded within. The flexible position retaining means within the overmolded polymer may be a metallic wire. The inner conduit may be a thermoset, and the overmolded corrugated plastic may be a thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Grandin Rushlander, Richard T. Seman
  • Patent number: 7886774
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrugated foundation drain. The drain is comprised of a plurality of segments attached in an end to end fashion. Each segment has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of one segment can be attached to the first end of an adjacent segment. The drain is corrugated. The drain has sections of corrugations separated by spacers for longitudinal stability. A web is provided within the interior of the drain segments. The web can be vertically centered. In the preferred embodiment, the web can be removed from the first end to provide clearance for receipt of the second end. The second end further can have cleats that interface with the corrugations in the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Dick Popp
  • Patent number: 7874319
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tube (1) for guiding gas and/or liquid, particularly on an internal combustion engine, comprising a supporting body (2) and a skin (3). The supporting body (2) consists of a relatively stiff first plastic and has a number o recesses (6), which pass through the supporting body (2) and are arranged in such a manner that the supporting body (2) is flexible in a longitudinal section provided with the recesses (6) and resists pressure forces. The skin (3) consists of a relatively supple second plastic and is placed on the supporting body (2) in such a manner as to close the recesses (6) in a tight manner and transfers pressure forces acting thereupon to the supporting body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Ian Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7870875
    Abstract: A corrugated tube which can easily bend a wiring harness in one direction and can make the wiring harness hardly bend in another direction crossing the one direction at right angles. The wiring harness is made so that it can hardly bend in the other direction, so that the slack of the wiring harness for use in supplying electric power to a slide door can be effectively prevented from occurring. The corrugated tube includes: dented grooves and projecting strips formed on an outer periphery of the corrugated tube and arranged alternately in a longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube; and a reinforcing rib formed projecting from an outer peripheral surface of the dented groove and extending beyond an outer peripheral surface of the projecting strip, the reinforcing rib being formed in the longitudinal direction of the corrugated tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Yakazai Corporation
    Inventors: Naomi Kisu, Masataka Nishijima
  • Patent number: 7866022
    Abstract: Cable is installed into a duct, by increasing cross-sectional areas of subducting provided in the duct, so as to allow the cable to be received into the subducting, and then decreasing the cross-sectional area of the subducting containing the cable so as to reduce the volume occupied by the subducting in the duct. Cables may be inserted into the subducting, for example, by forcing compressed gas through the subducting, which simultaneously inflates the subducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: British Telecommunications Public
    Inventors: Philip A Barker, Christopher Fisk, Andrew J Mayhew, Simon I Fisher
  • Publication number: 20100300569
    Abstract: A corrugated hose 10 for carrying a fluid includes, but is not limited to a hose body for carrying the fluid. Furthermore, the corrugated hose includes, but is not limited to at least one circumferential bellows pocket extending radially to the outside in order to make possible movement compensation of the hose body. The hose body in flow direction merges with the bellows pocket via a sharp-edged tear-off edge for detaching the flow from the hose body. By detaching the flow in the tear-off edge it is prevented that the flow flows into the bellows pocket, as a result of which a corrugated hose that is simple to produce and has a low flow resistance is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christian Degen, Alex Gregorian, Ralf Siber
  • Publication number: 20100269943
    Abstract: To provide a through-pass duct member enabling the space in the wall to be more positively shut off against the external space irrespective of the state of the through-pass holes of hollow wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Akio Arai
  • Patent number: 7789109
    Abstract: An expansible and collapsible tubular conduit, which is especially adapted for use in supplying pre-conditioned air to an aircraft while the aircraft is located upon the ground and is being serviced, comprises a plurality of annular fabric membranes which are connected to the opposite sides of a plurality of annular structural dividers or frame members in a continuously repetitive alternating manner. The structural combination or assembly comprising the fabric membranes and the structural dividers or frame members renders the tubular conduit readily expansible and contractible in the form of a spring or accordion so as to be capable of being easily and rapidly deployed and stowed, as well as to be capable of being stored in a relatively compact state or mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Scott Takayuki Koizumi, Folkert Fred Koch
  • Publication number: 20100175773
    Abstract: A hose or cable protector has a pair of articulating guides, each with rollers for creating an arcuate hose path around the sharp corner of a tunnel mouth which would otherwise cause abrasion to the hose. A stop imposes a guide to guide angle of eighty (80) degrees but the usual angle is greater and up to one hundred and twenty (120) degrees. Arches span the guides and retain the protector on the hose or cable. In a variant, the arches are spring loaded and adjustable to retain or release the hose. A control line positions the protector at the selected site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Gordon William Stark
  • Publication number: 20100170589
    Abstract: A flexible collapsible corrugated drain pipe has a corrugation structure that permits a tight bending radius and relatively facile collapsing and expansion of corrugations, thereby permitting convenient manipulation and installation of drain pipe and packaging, display, storage and transportation of the collapsed pipe sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: E. Michael Boettner, Billy J. Hall, Frank T. Hoffman