Abstract: A contour formable hose with a reformable insert disposed in the hose duct, the insert with at least two spaced ring means that engage an internal annular portion of the hose interior wall so that a ring means is located near each end portion of the hose. A rod bias means is interpositioned between and attached to the ring means and the rod bias means is capable of being yielded to a new bias shape.

Abstract: An electrical conduit formed of helical inner and outer channels having movably interlocked flanges, so that the channel convolutions separate on the outside of a bend of the conduit and come together on the inside of the bend.

Abstract: The hose, which is particularly adapted for use with an electrically-driven vacuum cleaning apparatus, comprises a substantially air-tight, flexible tube which is pneumatically coupled between the vacuum pump and the suction head. The suction hose comprises one or more elongated strips which is or are helically wound into tubular form. In a pair of parallelly placed strips, the strip margin of the first strip is secured to an adjacent margin of the second strip at adjoining convolutions of the strips. Electrical conductors are carried by the strips within helically extending cavities formed at the edges or margins of each of the strips and are a portion of that means which electrically couples the cleaning brush to the electrical power supply.

Abstract: A hose is described having the usual elongated polymeric body and a coiled insert member formed of a plurality of turns contained within the internal passageway of the hose. The hose body has a normal tendency to swell under elevated temperatures or pressure whereby the coiled insert member may shift axially. This problem is solved by application of a filamentary band of expansion resistant material extending circumferentially about the hose body, which prevents enlargement of the hose during use at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A convoluted hose construction comprised of an elongated helically wound elastomeric strip is provided and has first and second connecting means defining opposite side edge portions of the strip for holding the strip in its helically wound relation; and, the connecting means assures that the hose construction is held together in a high strength manner with maximum flexibility while using a minimum amount of material.

Abstract: A flexible reinforced cured resin hose is shown having a combination of helically wound cable wires and body wires embedded therein in layers in the wall forming the hose. Two plies of cable wires are wrapped in opposite directions around the periphery of a liner tube supported on a mandrel, the plies being supported in a resin filler layer applied over the liner to hold the wires spaced apart to prevent the wires from rubbing as the hose is flexed. The body wires are more widely spaced apart and are spaced from and wrapped over the layers of cable wires to be embedded in the resin filler layer. A breaker layer may be wrapped over the assembly, an outer layer of wear resistant neoprene is applied and then a nylon cure tape is applied over the entire assembly prior to curing. A nylon rope is also spiraled down the outside of the assembly to be positioned exactly midway between the spaced apart body wires and then the resin is cured under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A flexible plastic tube, comprises, an extruded inner tube or tubular portion and an extruded outer tube or tubular portion of a thermoplastic material overlying the inner tubular portion and spaced radially outwardly therefrom and including a reinforcing strip of substantially U-shape configuration wound around the inner portion and bonded to the inner and outer tubular portions. The reinforcing strip has radially extending sidewalls in the form of fins which define a first cavity therebetween and, in addition, successive turns of the reinforcing strip define a second cavity therebetween which is located between the outer and inner walls. The sidewalls advantageously have radially outwardly tapered cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: A flexible hose of a self-supporting material formed by helical revolutions of an interlocking strip. The strip includes a tongue, a groove, and an interconnecting integral wall. The groove is formed by a receptacle having an internal cavity for receiving the tongue as the strip is helically wound upon a mandrel. The internal cavity is provided with a void for receiving an adhesive or weld. The placement of the adhesive or weld within the void determines whether the hose is more suitable for vacuum, high pressure, or maximum strength use. The configuration of the strip is such that the finished hose has a smooth, relatively uninterrupted internal surface. The cross section of the strip is substantially uniform throughout, has a groove that not only renders the assembled hose capable of taking a sharper curve without collapsing, but also can receive a ground wire for use in grounding the hose, and is easier and cheaper to extrude since it uses less material.

Abstract: A helically fabricated flexible hose having two reinforcing wires which also serve as electrical conductors and a multiple-ply wall which is thicker over the wire convolutions than between them and is reinforced with cords within the wall plies.

Abstract: A multi-layer, spirally wound tube or pipe product with a substantially smooth inner wall having a single, helical corrugation and a corrugated exterior wall. The pipe has an inner pipe layer consisting of an elongated sheet of flat material curled into adjacent, helical convolutions and an outer pipe layer consisting of an elongated sheet of corrugated material curled into adjacent, helical convolutions about the inner pipe layer. The inner and outer pipe layers share a common helical seam. A single, continuous helical corrugation is located in the inner pipe layer along the helical seam, thereby causing the seam to be located within the single corrugation.

Abstract: The formation of articles using an elongated strip which has on it a series of longitudinally positioned upstanding ribs to form between them a series of longitudinally positioned channels and including connectors, on the strip spaced apart transversely on the strip whereby the strip can be wound helically to form an elongated object with the connectors interengated along a helical line to lock the strip in object form.

Abstract: A wire-reinforced hose is provided wherein such hose is defined of a helically wound strip which has at least one integral preformed convolution therein and a wire disposed in the convolution with the helical winding being such that the convolution with the wire disposed therewithin extends in a helical path along the length of the hose and the hose has a tubular inside surface with the helical wire concealed therewithin when viewing such tubular inside surface.

Abstract: The reinforced flexible duct consists of a single- or double-ply reinforcing fabric, a wire helix, and a continuous extruded liner. The fabric, wire helix, and extruded liner are continuously helically wound on a mandrel. The freshly extruded liner adheres to itself, to the helically wound wire, and to the reinforcing fabric to form a continuous reinforced flexible duct. Optionally, a narrower continuously extruded and wound scuff strip can be wound over the wire helix.

Abstract: The invention provides a hose that withstands a vacuum which is considered to be approximately two to three times greater than the vacuum withstood by the best known previously available pliable convoluted semirigid plastic hoses of comparable designs. To fabricate the hose, a bobbin of wire stock is unwound, with the wire preferably being pulled off the end of the bobbin. The wire is then looped around a spool to form it into a spiral or coil having a preset diameter which is proportionately smaller than the diameter of a preformed, semirigid convoluted plastic hose. While the pulled wire is still substantially extended, it is taken up by being rolled upon the plastic hose, thereby snapping the preset formed wire spiral into the spiral convolutions formed in the surface of the hose. If desired, the spiral or coil might be pulled off the end of the smaller diameter spool to impart a twist thereto.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose construction having integral electrical conductors and method of making same are provided wherein such hose construction is comprised of a convoluted tube having alternating outwardly convex crests and outwardly concave troughs with a plurality of cutouts being provided in the crests extending completely through the wall thickness thereof and aligned along the length of the tube to define at least one slot construction for receiving the electrical conductors therewithin and a sleeve is disposed around the tube and electrical conductors with the sleeve holding the electrical conductors in position while defining a fluid-tight outer layer for the hose construction.

Abstract: A hose construction and method of making same are provided wherein such hose construction is made primarily of combustible polymeric material and has a tubular inside surface defining a longitudinally extending passage for conveying a fluid therethrough and has an outside surface; and, the hose construction has at least one member which has a fire extinguishing material comprising same disposed adjacent one of the surfaces with the fire extinguishing material being activated upon subjecting the member to combustion temperatures.

Abstract: A flexible plastic tube, comprises, an extruded inner tube or tubular portion and an extruded outer tube or tubular portion of a thermoplastic material overlying the inner tubular portion and spaced radially outwardly therefrom and including a reinforcing strip of substantially U-shape configuration wound around the inner portion and bonded to the inner and outer tubular portions. The reinforcing strip has radially extending sidewalls in the form of fins which define a first cavity therebetween and, in addition, successive turns of the reinforcing strip define a second cavity therebetween which is located between the outer and inner walls. The sidewalls advantageously have radially outwardly tapered cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: An electric current-carrying fluid hose construction and method of making same are provided and such hose construction is comprised of at least one elongated polymeric strip having a central body of solid cross section which has at least one electrical conductor embedded therein and with the strip having first and second projections extending from opposite side portions of the central body as a single-piece construction, and the strip is wound in a helical pattern with its projections connected to define the hose construction with the central body having at least one outwardly convex arcuate surface comprising the outwardly convoluted configuration and having a substantially flat surface which comprises the substantially smooth inside surface.

Abstract: A thermoplastic corrugated drainage tube comprising annular peaks and valleys and a plurality of drainage openings internally cut about the circumference of each valley, the openings in each valley aligned with the openings in successive valleys along helical lines described by said openings. The method of forming the drainage openings comprises placing a cutting tool in the interior of the tubing and rotating the tool while moving the tubing axially past the tool. The cutting tool comprises a body having a plurality of radially projecting cutters spaced equidistantly about the cutter body and means for rotating the tool.

Abstract: The hose assembly, preferably for use as a flexible hose for a vacuum cleaner or the like, includes a pair of side by side electrical conductors helically wound integrally within the hose. Each conductor is doubly insulated. A tubular coupling cuff is screwed onto one end of the hose for coupling the hose to other equipment. The cuff is molded with a recessed area on the inner diameter thereof. Wire connectors between conductors in the hose and wires in an electrical wiring harness are mounted in a strain relief molded onto the harness and mounted in the recess so that when the harness is pulled, the wires thereof will not become disconnected from the conductors of the current carrying hose.

Abstract: A flexible corrugated tube comprising a succession of convolutions of spirally coiled thin metal strip having the overlapping corrugations of adjacent convolutions locked together by a plurality of spaced apart detents about the circumference of at least one of the sets of overlapping corrugations. Apparatus for forming the tube comprises a grooved roller in which at least one of the grooves comprises ridges extending a limited distance from the groove base toward the roller surface.

Abstract: A flexible hose comprising a soft hose main body, first helical rigid reinforcing means embedded partially or wholly in the soft hose main body and having a large cross sectional area, and second helical rigid reinforcing means embedded in the wall of the soft hose main body and having a smaller cross sectional area than the first helical rigid reinforcing means. The combination of the reinforcing means having different cross sectional areas gives the hose sufficient flexibility and strength against flattening and against pressure.

Abstract: A prosthetic blood conduit comprises two porous concentrically associated tubes with a helical spring enclosed therebetween. Spring strength and frictional engagement between the spring and tubes enables the conduit to resist collapse under a wide variety of stress forces. Convolutions in the tube walls provide flexibility without kinking.

Abstract: Rigid pipe sections of a dredger are pivotally connected to allow universal movement therebetween and a flexible, elastic bellows communicates the adjacent ends of the pipe sections. The bellows in its free state is prestressed so as to be under compression and is further compressed when in place between the ends of the pipe sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved spirally wound flexible tube of the type having an inner electrically conductive plastic strip of channel shaped cross-section including a relatively wide flat web and flexible flanges bordering the margins of said flat web, the inner strip being helically wound to form a tube with the flanges directed radially outward and arranged in contiguous pairs with each succeeding convolution; and an outer nonconductive plastic cap section of channel shaped cross section helically wound over the inner plastic strip, the cap including a relatively narrow web having flexible flanges directed radially inward and overlying the contiguous pairs of radially outwardly directed flanges and bonded through the distal side.

Abstract: A shaped elemental band is provided for forming a flexible hose with wear indicating means. The base of the band is formed by a strip of flexible material which has a pair of spaced marginal edges defining the width of the strip. On top of the strip and between the marginal edges, there is provided a rib which extends along the strip and protrudes substantially thereabove. A lower bonding surface is provided at the bottom of the strip, at least a portion of which surface extends under the area between the rib and a first of the marginal edges. An upper bonding surface is provided along the top of the strip, between the rib and the second marginal edge, and is shaped to conform substantially to the lower bonding surface when the band is wound into overlapping helical convolutions with the upper and lower bonding surfaces in intimate contact. To construct the hose, the band is wound into convolutions as explained and the upper and lower bonding surfaces are joined.

Abstract: A drain pipe of corrugated form comprising corrugations of uniform inner diameter having axially in line alternating drain holes and outward protrusions in the corrugation troughs. The drain holes are cut by a stationary knife which engages the troughs of normally formed corrugations but which are set below the level of the protrusions, thus cutting a drain hole only in alternate corrugations. Preferably drain holes and protrusions are also staggered about the circumference of each corrugation trough.

Abstract: A readily adjustable machine which continuously produces corrugated flexible metal tubing from very light gauge metal and of various diameters. A warping ring receives therewithin a longitudinally corrugated narrow strip of formable metal of light gauge and warps the same helically to produce convolutions by means of a helical warping surface which extends into one of the longitudinal corrugations. The size of the tube produced can be varied by merely substituting a warping ring of a different size. A uniquely shaped pair of die-forming rollers have lock-seam forming surfaces which are adjustable relative to each other to provide variation in the degree to which the seam will permit and withstand axial torque. The lock seam is constructed to be symmetrical about the neutral axis of the corrugation and about the slope line of the common corrugation leg of adjacent convolutions which it constitutes.

Abstract: Flexible reinforced pressure and suction hose of the type in which a wire helix is sandwiched between inner and outer wall members including a strip of relatively hard material disposed between the wall members and wound intermediate the turns of the helix and spaced therefrom for forming a helical cavity between the wall members containing the helix and permitting movement of the helix therein. A stranded reinforcing layer may also be included between the wall members.

Abstract: A dredging pipe assembly includes at least two rigid sections physically connected together by a cardan joint and connected for fluid continuity by a pair of flexible sections disposed in spaced apart relation with the cardan joint between them. A flexible duct serving additional equipment bridges the cardan joint without interfering with the flexible sections.

Abstract: A helical wave guide comprising a hollow conductor coated on its outside with an electrically conductive screen and formed by an electrically conductive wire coated with a thermoplastic insulator, wound in a helix and welded turn by turn by surface melting of the thermoplastic insulator. It is applicable to signal transmission.

Abstract: A polymeric flexible hose construction and method of making same are provided wherein such hose construction comprises a tubular wall defining a main longitudinally extending passage for conveying a fluid therethrough and a second wall adjoining the tubular wall and defining a second longitudinally extending passage for an electrical conductor with the second wall having a wall portion common with the tubular wall.

Abstract: A convoluted hose construction is provided and comprises an elongated elastomeric strip having a base and first and second connecting members extending in the same direction from the base with the first connecting member extending from a central part of the base to define a lateral extension of the base outwardly of the first connecting member and the second connecting member extending from an end portion of the base. The strip is disposed in a helical pattern with the first and second connecting members connected to define the hose construction having a plurality of helical turns defining alternating crests and troughs and the lateral extension cooperates with the base to provide the hose construction with a substantially smooth inside surface even with the hose construction extending in a curved path.

Abstract: A pipe formed by a helically coiled strip of ductile sheet metal of uniform width connected along its longitudinally extending edges by a seam, which seam is formed by the marginal portions of the strip along said edges. Said marginal portions are formed with parallel return bends extending longitudinally of said edges, which bends are in adjacent opposed relation and which marginal portions include flattened loops extending to the same side of said pipe from approximately one of said bends to the other with one of said loops enclosed within the other, and the said marginal portions are bent along a line spaced from and parallel with said bends to generally V-shape in cross sectional contour transversely of said marginal portions, whereby said bends are positioned in one of the sides of said V spaced from its apex with flattened portions of said loops extending across and to opposite sides of said apex.

Abstract: An exhaust conveying system for internal combustion engines, in which the exhaust pipes connecting the engine head with a single exhaust manifold comprise each at least a pair of tubular members, at least one of the tubular members being made of thin sheet having circumferential corrugations, with the crests of the corrugations being adherent to the surface of the other tubular member so as to define air spaces between the tubular members. As consequence, the heat losses from the exhaust pipes are strongly reduced, thus improving the post-combustion of unburned components of the exhaust gases which takes place downstream of the exhaust pipes. The exhaust pipes can also be provided with a porous layer of a ceramic material bonded to their inner wall.

Abstract: A hollow flexible tubular body which comprises at least one tubular layer. The layer is formed by adjacent helical windings having hooked edges and substantially flat sections. The turns of the helix do not show any spontaneous tendency to increase in diameter.

Abstract: A hose construction including a corrugated and a curved construction and method of making same are provided and the hose construction comprises at least one layer portion made primarily of an elastomeric material having randomly distributed elongated fibers embedded therein in substantially parallel relation with the fibers extending in a helical pattern about a reference axis of the hose construction and at an angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming a reinforced flexible hose is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hose-forming device including a plurality of synchronously-rotatable mandrels with a plurality of spaced apart, annular grooves therein fixedly disposed in skewed fashion relative to each other. The reinforcing element of the flexible plastic hose is formed from metal wire which is delivered tangentially into the grooves in the rotating mandrels in a sequential, progressive fashion thereby forming a helically arranged wire structure. Simultaneously with the delivery of the wire to the mandrel grooves, the longitudinal edge of the plastic ribbon which is to form the body of the hose is pre-moistened with an appropriate rapid-drying, liquid-bonding agent and then circumferentially wrapped about the wire to completely enclose it. The succeeding edge of the following tape wrap is adhesively bonded to the subsequent tape wrap.

Abstract: The discharge device of this invention serves to receive axially compressed radially self-sustaining tubular duct in a cartridge form substantially shorter than the fully extended length of the duct and has a restraining collar on an exit end of the discharge device which effects a hoop tension on the compressed core during its passage from the exit end of the device to apply a controlled frictional drag ensuring that the core upon discharge is in a fully extended condition.

Abstract: There is provided a device for carrying flexible cables or pipes from a fixed connection point to a mobile consumer. The device consists of a flexible support tube which may be either formed from a profiled strip would on itself with intermeshing edges, or a corrugated tube. In order to limit the flexibility of the tube to one direction, there are provided a series of spacers keeping a longitudinally continuous zone of the tube at a substantially constant length. The tube can thus only bend by compression or extension of the zone immediately opposite the zone of constant length. The spacers may take various forms such as a continuous strip secured to one surface of the tube, or a series of individual spacers entering formations in the tube. The individual spacers may in fact be individually secured to the tube or they may be carried on a strip.

Abstract: A tubular device for providing a very small passageway suitable for discharging a product and a pressurized material from a container of the aerosol type, wherein the product and the material are disposed, upon opening of a control valve at one end of the tubular device. The tubular device is formed by twisting a plurality of elongate filaments in a rope-like fashion along the lengths thereof to forcefully close the surfaces of the filaments together along the entire length, thereby providing an elongate passageway between the twisted filaments. The exposed surfaces of the twisted filaments are coated with a suitable material for sealing the tube along its entire length.

Abstract: Corrugated, flexible, metal duct formed of a helically wound strip of lightweight metal characterized by a pair of interlocked U-shaped seam elements which constitute one leg of a common corrugation of contiguous convolutions of the strip and extend radially throughout the length of that leg so that the areas at the base of each U-shaped seam element abuts against the adjacent corrugation leg and is locked against separation thereby. Apparatus which makes such duct through the use of rollers only and void of any mandrel means is also shown.