Abstract: An expandable boot employing a bellows for enclosing and protecting an object that changes in dimension. In one embodiment, the boot includes a vent in the form of at least one tube projecting from the boot and open to the atmosphere for the admission or expulsion of air as the bellows is extended or contracted. Preferably, a second tube similar to the first and projecting from the opposite end of the boot permits passage of air through the boot when it is stationary to prevent excess moisture accumulation. The bellows is protected against kinking during its compression by providing that adjacent webs in the pleats of the bellows are asymmetrical.

Abstract: A coaxial vapor recovery hose assembly comprising an inner hose, an outer hose, and structure for holding said hoses in concentric relationship; wherein the inner hose is substantially reinforced to be relatively incompressible as well as being capable of bearing tensile stress applied to the assembly and having an outside diameter; wherein the outer hose is corrugated and has an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter to define a vapor passageway therebetween.

Abstract: A ground drainage system includes a relatively narrow, elongated trench disposed along a roadway (or agricultural field); and a drainage tube construction disposed in the trench. The tube construction including a plurality of longitudinally extending, substantially tangential and generally parallel corrugated tubes oriented with respect to one another in a linear fashion. In transverse cross-section the portions attaching the tubes to another define a generally straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the tubes. The tubes are generally vertically stacked with respect to one another. The corrugations are defined by alternating ribs and valleys. Each tube has perforations in the valleys to allow fluid to enter therein and be drained away.

Abstract: An automobile wiring harness conduit having a corrugated tubular wall member of resilient plastic material and an outer covering of flexible sound-deadening foamed material with an axial slit from end-to-end through the outer covering and the wall member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic abrasion resistant protective sleeve for covering a radiator hose. The sleeve of the invention has a corrugated external surface comprising a plurality of projections and troughs formed in said sleeve. The projections are substantially evenly distributed and have a substantially uniform size. The sleeve has a slit along its longitudinal axis which provides for easy application to or removal from the hose, and is made of plastic that is substantially unaffected by high temperatures. A method of using said protective sleeve for protecting a radiator hose from abrasion also is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulically efficient metal pipe particularly adapted for use in storm drain and sanitary sewer applications which is adapted for use with a self-supporting interior inert protective lining. The pipe has a channeled wall defining a plurality of outwardly projecting structural ribs and a hydraulically smooth interior surface. The ribs are preferably of a helical configuration and the channels which are formed interiorly thereof are generally either square or rectangular in cross-section and are open along the interior surface of the pipe. The walls defining the ribs can be tapered inwardly to form triangular-shaped channels so as to define an anchor throughout the length of the pipe for securing thereto a smooth interior lining of corrosion-resistant protective material.

Abstract: A wick layer is attached and fixed to one surface of a metal tape without forming a gap with the metal surface, and thereafter, the tape is rolled so that the surface having the wick layer serves as an inner surface, thus forming a pipe shape, then the pipe wall is corrugated. According to the above process, the wick layer is completely and uniformly attached to the inner surface of the heat pipe.

Abstract: An adjustable tubular wall structure, which may be cylindrical or tapered, comprises a tubular body of asymmetrical accordion-folded pleats. Each pleat is defined by a thrust cone wall segment and a Belleville washer-like wall segment. The Belleville washer-like wall segments of each pleat are proportioned to be snap shifted through the articulation of the thrust cone of the next adjacent pleat, and thus shorten or lengthen the tubular body. Similar partial snap shifting of the individual Belleville washer-like wall segments provides for angulating the tubular body. The tubular structure is stable in its adjusted position, both at its ends and lengthwise of same. Tapered tubular structures may be integrally molded into a container to serve as a collapsible pouring spout.

Abstract: A spout for a jerrycan, characterized by its flexing and telescoping capabilities. The spout consists of a main accordion-like tubular section, with a connector at one end and a nozzle at the other end. The length of the spout can double relative to its retracted condition, wherein it can be forcibly telescopingly extended/retracted, yet will maintain its last chosen extended/retracted condition when the forcible action ceases. The spout main section can be also be flexed, yet will similarly maintain its last chosen flexed condition once this forcible action ceases.

Abstract: Cables supporting and actually limiting excursion of a flexible thin-walled tube are held in position by spacers which are formed with recesses to receive the cables. To permit easy assembly, and eliminate threading the cables on the spacers with the hose in position, the spacers are formed as half-ring elements, coupled together independently of the cables which pass through recesses. The recesses may be tangentially or radially open slits so that the half elements can be slipped over a subassembly of hose and cables, or the recesses can be formed adjacent overlapping or abutting end portions of the half elements. The recesses also may be in the form of through-bores, on which half elements are threaded, the half elements then being fitted against each other around the hose. The half elements are held together either by external rings, interlocked with the half elements, or by overlapping regions, connected together by hook-and-recess connections, welding, adhesive or the like.

Abstract: An improved connecting arrangement (10) by which to secure one end of a drain conduit (12) to the stub conduit (13) of a drain port (14). A unique coupler (11) is interposed between one end of the drain conduit (12) and the port (14). The coupler (11) has an annular sleeve portion (20) and an annular fitting portion (21) that are joined by a generally annular transitional portion (24) which is interposed between the sleeve and fitting portions (20 and 21, respectively). The hollow interior (22) of the sleeve portion is provided with threads (25), and an annular sealing recess (26), which opens toward the interior of the sleeve portion (20), is presented from the interior of the transitional portion (24). A novel drain conduit (12) interconnects with the coupler (11). The drain conduit (12) is provided in substantially continuous lengths and has a body portion (15) with a plurality of threaded portions (16 ) provided at longitudinally spaced locations along the body portion (15).

Abstract: A hydraulic structure is provided in the form of a flexible, flat, corrugated plastic tube having a relatively oblongated cross-section, with apertures associated with the grooves of the corrugation. The tube is enclosed in a geotextile sheath. The two relatively flat sides or panels of the tube are separated from each other by a plurality of pairs of cuspations, which project inwardly from the panel surface. Cuspations from the opposing panels are secured to one another thereby providing increased structural integrity.

Abstract: An energy absorber or bumper for positioning on one object to absorb the impact of the later with another object is formed of an arcuate strip of rigid resiliently deflectable material having a plurality of corrugations extending circumferentially coaxial with the radius of curvature. When positioned on an object, the center of the arcuate strip is bowed radially outwardly from the surface of the object. The strip of material has sufficient resiliency to allow deflection of the arcuate surface of the material inwardly relative to the radius of curvature upon impact to the bowed surface and thereafter returns to its original configuration. In an elongate configuration, the height of the ridges above the furrows allows independent deflection of the ridges relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the strip upon impact to the ridges and thereafter return to their original configuration.

Abstract: Proximal end connector units, by which medico-surgical tubes may be attached to breathing circuits or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the MS tubes, comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree. without diminution of its effective lumen, such proximal end portion, distal end portion and central tubular portion all being integral and formed of the same thin, plastic material, the central tubular portion comprising a plurality of circumferential, angular segments each consisting of a pair of sides that are of unequal length, the central tubular portion being compressed lengthwise by having the shorter side in each segment folded back under its longer side.

Abstract: A spirally wound corrugated pipe of sheet steel or the like is provided with outwardly convex corrugations which are spaced apart, with a flat portion of single wall thickness between adjacent corrugations. In one embodiment, the corrugation have a pitch of five inches and a height of one-half inch; in another embodiment, the pitch is six inches and the height is one inch.

Abstract: A catheter having optical fibers for delivering laser energy to a blood vessel to remove obstructions in the blood vessel is adapted to be guided controllably and selectively by a guide wire to the site to be treated. The catheter includes a central lumen which is open at the distal end of the catheter and which receives the guide wire so that the catheter may be advanced over the guide wire. A relatively few number of optical fibers are contained within and extend longitudinally of the catheter wall. The distal tip of the catheter is provided with a cylindrical optically transparent end cap and means are provided to securely mount the distal ends of the optical fibers with respect to the end cap so that the light emitted from the ends of the fibers passes through the cylindrical wall of the end cap and is emitted at the distal emissions face of the end cap.

Abstract: Multi-layer compensator with spacers arranged between the layers and with the spacers having the shape of flat strips distributed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compensator over the circumference, with a gap between spacers.

Abstract: A flexible, adjustable tube which comprises a tubular body of pleated asymmetrical accordion fold configuration wherein each pleat is defined by a thrust cone wall segment and a Belleville washer-like wall segment. The narrower ends of the two wall segments are integrally connected to form an annular articulation about a central axis and the wider ends of the individual Belleville washer wall segments of each pleat are integrally connected to the wider ends of the thrust cones of the next succeeding pleat, to form an annular articulation about the central axis. The Belleville washer-like wall segments of each pleat are proportioned to be snap shifted through the articulation of same to the thrust cone of the next adjacent pleat, for shortening or lengthening the tube. Similar partial snap shifting of the individual Belleville washer wall segments may be effected, for angulating the tubular body, by canting the thrust cone wall segment of a selected pleat sidewise.

Abstract: A flush valve system for a water storage tank. The system includes a standpipe which establishes both an upper water level and a repose water level. A tank valve receives water for the tank. It includes bi-stable control means which retains the most recent condition pertaining to a level higher than the repose level, or a lower level respective to drainage of stored water. The valve will therefore remain closed while the water is drained, until the water level reaches the lower level. The standpipe may include foldable segments which enable its length to be adjustably varied.

Abstract: A siphon tube apparatus is set forth wherein an articulated jointed siphon tube is utilized in conjunction with conventional spary head and a reservoir bottle formed with a weighted pickup end formed with positioning legs to bias the pickup end of the articulated tube to the remote portions of the reservoir bottle to enable a more complete withdrawal and efficient use of fluid within said bottle.

Abstract: A thin flexible metal tube comprising two flexible bendable portions having low corrugations and a straight flexible portion having higher corrugations easy to absorb vibrations and disposed between both the bendable portions.

Abstract: A convoluted conduit is especially well adapted for use in hostile environments subject to vibrations which bring on fatigue failures. To prevent the conduit from having a uniform resonance throughout its length, the convolutions have a variable wall thickness. One way this variable wall thickness may be achieved is by forming the conduit walls by wrapping tape in successive layers to form a multiple layered wall. The width of the tape may be such that each alternate convolution has more layers than its two adjacent neighboring convolutions. Another way of making the conduit is to provide a plurality of coaxially nesting tubes which cooperate to form a wall thickness. Brazing or packing material may be positioned between adjacent layers of tape to seal the conduit and to make the wall behave at that point as a single layer.

Abstract: A flexible tube (1) has mutually parallel ring-shaped flutes, end connectors (2) and longitudinal support cables (4, 5, 102) which hold said connectors against changes in axial spacing, and are rigidly joined to the connectors in the direction of pull and/or pressure, and against which the tube is at least indirectly braced. The longitudinal cables are held on the tube by rings (104) that ensure the radial relative position between tube (1) and cables (4, 5, 102) and hold the cables while the tube (1) is guided along these rings via the cables. The rings are formed by two ring segments, each of which has a hole (109) at the respective segment end to retain the cables therein.

Abstract: A flexible, high pressure housing is included in an equipment encloure between sections of a signal communication cable. The housing includes an axially compressed length of corrugated tubing in which the corrugations have been collapsed against the another. Housing ends are sealed to maintain a predetermined interior pressure in spite of variations in pressure outside the housing. Also included in the enclosure are structures for applying the outside pressure to the housing so that it is resiliently transversely flexible in response to similar outside and inside pressures but rigid in response to outside pressures much greater than inside pressures.

Abstract: A molded extensible-collapsible container having a series of flutes, in the generic sense, in its side to permit the container when subjected to an external force to move to a collapsed position or to the extended position when preferably the yield point of the plastic is no greater than about 5% and it has an ASTM modulus of elasticity greater than about (6.895.times.10.sup.8 pascals) and less than about (2.758.times.10.sup.9 pascals) and preferably about (1.034.times.10.sup.9 pascals to 2.069.times.10.sup.9 pascals). The plastic of the blow molded container can be a blow moldable polyester of less than 5% elongation at yield with polyethylene terephthalate being most preferred.

Abstract: Hollow articles such as plastic bottles and tubes having a portion of the sidewall including latching bellows, are formed with modified inner and outer fold rings to reduce the angular flexure between unfolded and folded (latched) bellow walls. The bellow walls are modified by reducing the slope of the walls as they approach the inner fold rings to thereby reduce the unfolded (unflexed) angle between the walls at the inner fold rings. The modified geometry permits better utilization of high density linear polymer plastics by lessening or preventing the "crystalline" fracturing and lamination at the inner fold ring with the first latching of the bellows. The bottle material is therefore no longer weakened at the inner fold ring. The modified geometry also permits use of low density polymer plastics and rubber for latching bellows with thicknesses and geometries that otherwise would tend to eventually spring back rather than latch.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose comprises alternating height corrugations which break up airflow and reduce or eliminate whistle during vacuum cleaner operation. The hose likewise provides a high degree of flexibility, crush and kink resistance, and returnability back to its original shape. The hose may be formed of a single non-reinforced member by an extrusion blow-molding process. In one embodiment, the widths of the corrugations alternate with the heights.

Abstract: A plastic pipe consisting of an outer corrugated plastic pipe and an inner smooth wall consisting of a wear resistant elastomer, particularly a thermoplastic rubber fixed in the inner bottoms wave valleys to said outer corrugated pipe. The inner wall consists of a pipe which has been coextruded with the outer corrugated pipe so that the inner and outer pipe are heat welded to each other.The cavities between the inner pipe and the corrugations may be filled with a foam plastic.This plastic pipe is used for repairing or renewing a sewage pipe by installing such a pipe from a vertical shaft of the sewage system into the sewage pipes. The interstices between the outer side of the corrugation and the inner side of the sewage pipe may be filled with a mortar.

Abstract: A tubular article with circumferential projections having radial or chordal corrugations. The chords have tooth-like formations or are parallel and directed vertically in underground installation. In the last case, the sides of the tube can be devoid of the corrugations, or have them radially or tooth-like. Furthermore, the projections can be skewed and alternating in the opposite directions. Also, the projections can have offset planes. Finally, in case of two corrugations, they are diametrically opposed in a single chordal direction and are represented by rings bent parallel to the applicable load which is adverse with thus prestressed projections.

Abstract: A multiple channel duct manifold system for optical fibers which includes a plurality of elongated, corrugated tubing sections extended in parallel, contiguous relation to each other, and retained in such contiguous relation by a surrounding overwrap of thin flexible, synthetic resin film.

Abstract: A fuel filler member for vehicles is disposed between and fluidly connects a fuel filler inlet on the vehicle with the vehicle fuel tank. The fuel member includes a first corrugated filler pipe placing the inlet and tank in fluid communication, and a second corrugated breather pipe contained within the first pipe, for conveying air present in the tank towards the fuel filler inlet. The first and second pipes are made of nylon, while the sleeves and/or members connecting the pipes to the filler inlet and tank are made of an acetal resin.

Abstract: A conduit is adapted for use in an environment where it is subjected to excessive vibration. An example of such an environment is the exhaust system on an engine. To preclude material fatigue responsive to such vibration, successive convolutions are varied in height, thickness, slope, spacing, or a combination thereof. Hence, each incremental length of the conduit has a different resonant frequency as compared to the resonance frequency of its adjacent neighboring incremental lengths so that there is no overall high amplitude resonance along the entire length of the conduit, taken as a whole. On the other hand, once the resonance is sufficient to provide self-damping, efforts should be made to maximize the uniformity of vibration response so that bending forces will not be concentrated in one area of the conduit.

Abstract: A flexible waveguide (1) has corrugated seamless walls (2) the corrugations of which are inclined to the transverse planes of the waveguide, that is, planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide, at an angle of substantially 45.degree.. The inclined corrugations, which may be annular or helical, permit both flexing and twisting of the waveguide.

Abstract: A flexible element of (dual) wave crest concave, it consists of a single or multiple flexible elements, in which the contour of each flexible element is composed of segmental arcs of lower wave trough (Radius=R.sub.1), (dual) wave crest (Radius=R.sub.2) (where R.sub.1 =R.sub.2) and upper wave trough (Radius=R.sub.3, R.sub.3 =R.sub.1 or R.sub.3 .noteq.R.sub.1) tangential to each other smoothly. This kind of flexible element distributes stresses and strains uniformly, increases flexibility and can bear greater angular deflection. It can be used as element for sensor, sealing, shock absorber, compensator or expansion joint, being widely applied in the field of automatic control and instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic pipe. The wall thickness of this kind of pipes is very small and, consequently, the impact strength is poor. The impact strength of pipes made of polyvinyl chloride can be improved by adding an admixture to the raw material, which, however, increases costs. According to the invention the impact strength can be improved by a ring-shaped elevation formed at the foot of the ribs on both sides thereof, which elevation joins the side wall of the rib over a sharp transitional juncture.

Abstract: A hose is formed as a spiral component hose of synthetic material, which is surrounded by a gas-tight corrugated hose of fiberglass weave coated with aluminum. The insulation for the hose consists of several sequential layers of synthetic material felts and synthetic material foils, preferably a total of three groups, each consisting of a polyester felt, an interior foil of polyethylene, and an exterior foil of polyethylene terephthalate. The outermost finish consists of a corrugated hose of synthetic material.

Abstract: A tubular conduit assembly for confining or conveying a pressurized fluid including a flexible, thin-walled inner tube coaxially disposed within a flexible armor or outer tube. The outer tube is preferably constructed from one or more helically-wound members corresponding with, and engaging, helical corrugations on the inner tube. The inner tube deforms in response to the pressure and/or temperature of the fluid in order to form an internal sealing layer or sleeve-type coating for the outer tube. A shrink fitting assembly is also disclosed, which is adapted for compressingly urging the conduit assembly into an anchored, sealing relationship with a nipple member or other connection device inserted within an open end of the conduit assembly.

Abstract: To transfer a fluid at high service temperature and pressure without the limitations of rigid tubing, a flexible tube is provided with a plurality of generally concentric tubular layers for transferring fluids. The innermost layers define a fluid flow path and provide insulation without pressure containment whereas the outermost layers provide fluid containment and resist pressure exerted by the fluid flowing through the tube. By utilizing a plurality of layers of different materials selected to have specific characteristics, the flexible tube operates at a service temperature and pressure providing a high level of energy transfer.

Abstract: A reformable, shape retentive hose having a precured tube located in a hose sidewall, and a reformable rod inserted in the precured tube. A method for making hose by placing at least one precured tube in the sidewall of a hose during the time that the hose sidewall is formed, curing the hose assembly with the precured tube in the sidewall, and inserting a reformable rod in a portion of the precured tube.

Abstract: A bellows including a flexible tubular body of a sheet, which is bent in alternate directions along the length thereof on circumferential folds for extensibility, and reinforcements, printed on one surface of the sheet between adjacent circumferential folds.

Abstract: A method of making blow-molded perforated tubing and the tubing made by said method is provided. In the method of the invention, hollow-walled protuberances are blow molded into the side of the tubing as the tubing is formed and perforations are formed by cutting the hollow-walled protuberances.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a relatively thin elongated metal product is disclosed. In forming the product, a workpiece is first tensioned with a relatively high axial tension force and then is tensioned with a reduced axial tension force. The workpiece is supported against sidewise movement with a pair of rolls having outer side surfaces which engage the surface of the workpiece throughout the axial extent of a major portion of the workpiece. The thickness of the workpiece is reduced along at least a major portion of the workpiece while the reduced tension force is maintained and the workpiece is supported by the rolls. Although the method of the present invention could be utilized to form solid workpieces, it is particularly advantageous in forming tubular workpieces having thin wall sections with a thickness of 0.050 inches or less.

Abstract: A shirred food casing stick with enhanced overall interpleat coherency is produced by imparting a rotational force to the stick as it is shirred, in a direction opposite to the rotational force imparted to the stick by the shirring.

Abstract: Flexible and expansible hose for use with recreational vehicles for waste disposal and the like is provided with an easily applied and removable protective sleeve which is coextensive therewith.

Abstract: A flexible electrically heated hose of substantially uniform construction throughout its length for transmitting hot liquid material includes a flexible polymeric tube encased within a braided metal covering and having hydraulic fitting at its opposite ends. Multiple plies of heat and electrical insulative material are helically wrapped around the braided covering and a least one electrical heating line is helically wrapped and embedded within the multiple plies. A molded plastic cuff is secured to each end of the hose and an exterior ply of corrugated polymeric tubing is provided about the exterior of the hose to prevent kinking and breaking of the hose at each hose cuff caused by severe bending forces at that location. The exterior of the corrugated tubing has annular ribs separated by annular recesses into which annular ribs on the interior of each cuff extend to secure the cuffs to the corrugated tubing.

Abstract: A pipeline system which is capable of withstanding a range of extreme temperatures is disclosed. A pipe is surrounded by a vapor barrier which has a corrugated surface facing the pipe. The amplitude of the corrugations changes, absorbing the stress imposed by extreme temperatures, especially those at which liquefied natural gas is carried.

Abstract: A beverage container lid made of relatively thin, flexible and sound resounding material, provided with cross-slits at its center with a sound reading member in the form of a sharp projection engageable with an in-depth recording soundtrack linearly embossed on the peripheral surface of a coacting drinking straw. By pushing the drinking straw through the cross-slits in the lid, the sharp projection engages the linear soundtrack on the straw thus causing the lid to vibrate and emit a sound corresponding to that recorded on the straw soundtrack.

Abstract: A pipe made of a synthetic resin and suitable for underground use which has an improved strength and reliability. In a first embodiment, a helical reinforcing rib is provided by extruding together with a band of resin material which forms the main body of the pipe a corrugated tube. By passing the corrugated tube through the extrusion die, the danger of the wall thickness of the main body of the pipe being reduced is eliminated. In a second embodiment, the reinforcing rib is formed by helically winding a reinforcing member having at least an outer coating of either the same material which forms the main body of a straight-wall pipe or a material having a high fusibility therewith. In this case also, the reinforcing rib can be made from a corrugated tube having a semicircular cross-section.