With Means For Facilitating Collapse Patents (Class 138/119)
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Patent number: 9758112Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Hideomi Adachi
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Patent number: 9735556Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Shinichi Inao, Hideomi Adachi, Tatsuya Oga, Takeshi Ogue, Masaaki Suguro, Yoshiaki Ozaki, Hiroyuki Yoshida
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Patent number: 9668433Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Inventor: Carlos Alfredo Pujadas
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Patent number: 9618144Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: CLIMATE RECOVERY IND ABInventors: Peter Wallin, Göran Bernhardsson
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Patent number: 9568211Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Twist, Inc.Inventors: Joe W. Wright, Scott E. Schrinner
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Patent number: 9464738Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: DUNLOP OIL & MARINE LIMITEDInventor: Ali Reza Zandiyeh
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Patent number: 9444124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: David Beltz, Heekook Yang, Anthony Arena, Satish Ketkar
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Patent number: 9371944Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ragner Technology CorporationInventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
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Patent number: 9364662Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Arthur J. Foster, Daniel J. Foster, Christopher R. Perrey, Andrew L. De Kock, Patrick Willoughby, Bryan A. Clark
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Patent number: 9334985Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Ragner Technology CorporationInventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
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Patent number: 9255372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: HENDRICK SCREEN COMPANYInventor: John Whitaker
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Patent number: 9022076Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Ragner Technology CorporationInventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150090509Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Chad A. Barnes
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Publication number: 20150083263Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: Jinhua Haoquang Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ke-Hao Pei
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Patent number: 8967204Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Gregory S. Konstorum, Eijiro Sato
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Patent number: 8936046Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Ragner Technology CorporationInventor: Gary Dean Ragner
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Publication number: 20140373961Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Garrett Austin SHEFFER
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Patent number: 8915266Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Plastiflex GroupInventor: Domin Diels
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Patent number: 8910667Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Inventor: Raul Castro
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Publication number: 20140261701Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Mark Deutsch
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Patent number: 8826943Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: CareFusion CorporationInventor: Garrett Austin Sheffer
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Publication number: 20140224373Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: MPS Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Billy Scott Brown
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Patent number: 8776836Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Ragner Technology CorporationInventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel DeRochemont, Jr.
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Patent number: 8764743Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
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Patent number: 8763646Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Timo Kraemer
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Patent number: 8757213Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLCInventor: Michael Berardi
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Patent number: 8631831Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventors: Ramon Carsola Dimalanta, Jr., Grace Chuang Liao, Robert Harry Peterson
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Publication number: 20140000744Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Cary Pinkalla, Frank Heim, Kevin J. Gebke, Nicholas L. Kaufman, William A. Niehaus
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Patent number: 8607827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Euramax International, Inc.Inventor: Robert Benjamin Bell
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Publication number: 20130306184Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventor: Joseph J. Prischak
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Publication number: 20130180615Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2006Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel DeRochemont, JR.
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Patent number: 8479776Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLCInventor: Michael Berardi
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Patent number: 8448669Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventor: Yuan-Hung Wen
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Publication number: 20130101452Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Daniel E. Mazur, Scott I. Merz, Kathryn R. Osterholzer
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Patent number: 8300014Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Song-Ya Chen
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Patent number: 8291941Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLCInventor: Michael Berardi
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Patent number: 8291942Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Blue Gentian, LLCInventor: Michael Berardi
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Patent number: 8157921Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Clyde Bergemann GmbHInventor: Volker Kruse
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Publication number: 20110278874Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
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Patent number: 7942169Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Shoichiro Komiya, Takayuki Matsuda
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Patent number: 7891382Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Grandin Rushlander, Richard T. Seman
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Patent number: 7886774Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Inventor: Dick Popp
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Patent number: 7874319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Mahle Filtersysteme GmbHInventor: Ian Lawrence
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Patent number: 7870875Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Yakazai CorporationInventors: Naomi Kisu, Masataka Nishijima
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Patent number: 7866022Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: British Telecommunications PublicInventors: Philip A Barker, Christopher Fisk, Andrew J Mayhew, Simon I Fisher
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Publication number: 20100300569Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Christian Degen, Alex Gregorian, Ralf Siber
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Publication number: 20100269943Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Akio Arai
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Patent number: 7789109Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Scott Takayuki Koizumi, Folkert Fred Koch
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Publication number: 20100175773Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Gordon William Stark
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Publication number: 20100170589Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: E. Michael Boettner, Billy J. Hall, Frank T. Hoffman