Abstract: A flexible tubing having a PEX inner core is surrounded by a reinforcing structure, such as a braid. The reinforced flexible tubing meets NFPA Standards for the Installation of Sprinler Systems (13/13R/13D) in both residential and commercial buildings. The reinforced flexible tubing is suitable for a variety of other high temperature/high pressure applications. The tube's flexible characteristics facilitate its installation at a greatly reduced cost, especially in retrofitting existing structures. An adhesive can be used to improve the overall strength and stability of the reinforcing structure surrounding the PEX core. Optionally, a protective outer layer can be applied over the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-resistance hose having a watertight structure capable of preventing a due condensation phenomenon, called a sweating phenomenon, from occurring on an exposed end or a surface of the pressure-resistance hose by coating adhesives on both overlapping ends of the pressure-resistance hose including polyethylene mixed fabrics and a watertight film coated on upper and lower surfaces of the polyethylene mixed fabrics in such a manner that the polyethylene mixed fabrics exposed along an end portion of the pressure-resistance hose are covered with adhesives. The reliability and endurance of the pressure-resistance hose are improved, thereby achieving a high value-added pressure-resistance hose.

Abstract: A hose base body of multilayered construction including an inner surface layer, a reinforcing layer and an outer surface layer has uniform inner diameter, outer diameter and wall-thickness over an entire length thereof. A longitudinal end portion of the hose base body is diametrically expanded, and a main hose body is formed with a small diameter main portion, a large diameter swaged portion and a tapered portion. A braid angle of the reinforcing layer is designed 48° to lower than 54° on the main portion, a braid angle of the reinforcing layer is designed over 57° to 68° on the tightened portion, and a braid angle of the reinforcing layer is designed over about 55° to 61° on the tapered portion.

Abstract: A tubular casing for use with food products which includes knitted stockinette, longitudinal threads and circumferential spiral threads that are held to stockinette by stitches located along the length of the casing. Each thread comprises an elastic thread formed from an inextensible yarn spirally wrapped around the outside of a rubber thread. As thread is stretched, the rubber thread extends and the helix angle of the spirally wrapped yarn reduces to the point where the yarn approximates a straight line. The inextensible yarn resists further stretching beyond this point. This point is the elastic limit for thread and it can be adjusted by varying the helix angle during manufacture of the elastic thread. Threads therefore allow the casing to be filed to a predetermined maximum diameter and result in the filled casing having a constant diameter throughout its length.

Abstract: An expandable tubular fabric formed by heat setting a plurality of thermoplastic yarns producing drawn thermoplastic yarns, arranging these yarns in an array and in juxtaposed positions and moving them in a first direction. Extruding at least one filament along a circular or other shaped path about the moving array of drawn yarns and causing the extruded filament(s) to bond with the array of yarns. Finally, setting the extruded filament in bonded position with the array of yarns holding them in relative fixed positions and forming the fabric stable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure hose structure comprising several layers of reinforcing plies where the reinforcing fibers are spirally laid. The hose structure according to the invention is characterized by the odd number of its reinforcing plies.

Abstract: A composite hose comprises a corrugated metal tube as barrier layer against permeation of conveyed fluid and a reinforcing layer which is formed by braiding a reinforcing wire member made of a metal wire. A braid density of the reinforcing layer is 55% or less.

Abstract: Reinforced pipe obtained by winding, onto a tubular support based on a polymeric composition, of reinforcing tapes comprising an oriented polymeric composition in layers crossed at an equal but opposite angle relative to the axis of the pipe. The tapes are selected from those whose polymeric composition exhibits particular mechanical strength properties in tension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing a tubular, braided sleeve in a well bore. The sleeve is positioned within an interior of a carrier configured to hold the sleeve in an undeployed position, followed by lowering the carrier into the well bore. The sleeve may be used in conjunction with a curable resin that can be solidified to set the sleeve into a tubular cross section. After securing the sleeve to the well bore, the carrier may be moved away from the bottom of the well bore, deploying the sleeve and extending it along the contour of the well bore. The tubular sleeve may then be subsequently expanded in situ to increase its diameter. The curable resin can then cured to make the sleeve substantially rigid.

Abstract: A plastic hose, and more particularly a pneumatic hose, is provided with at least two electrical conductors extending along the hose body. These conductors are in the form of strips (11 and 12) of a metallized braid of plastic material or of natural fiber with a spacing apart on the hose body (13). Accordingly high flexibility of the plastic hose (10) is achieved with satisfactory electrical conductivity of the strips ensuring safety as regards breakage.

Abstract: A vehicle brake hose has inner tube rubber layer 1, first and second braided fiber reinforcing layers 2, 3 that are provided outside the inner tube rubber layer 1, and an outer tube rubber layer 5 that is provided outside the second braided fiber reinforcing layer 3. The first braided fiber reinforcing layer 2 is tightly braided and the second braided fiber reinforcing layer 3 is loosely braided. The first and second braided fiber reinforcing layers 2, 3 are bonded through an adhesion layer 4 to the outer tube rubber layer 5.

Abstract: A self-closing thermal protection sheath includes an interleaved structure comprising firstly a monofilament and secondly strips of metallized foil.

Abstract: A flexible fiber inforced hose comprises an inner rubber layer, an outer rubber layer, and a fiber reinforced layer provided between the inner rubber layer and the outer rubber layer, wherein the fiber reinforced layer is constructed by using a reinforcing fiber of at least one raw yarn, which is a spanized yarn consisting of monofilaments made of a para aromatic polyamide material. Such a fiber reinforced hose has excellent heat resistance, tensile strength, and adhesiveness with the rubber layers, as well as durability against repetitive pressurizations.

Abstract: A hose with multiple through holes is used to convey fluid, has a hose body having two ends, multiple through holes arranged abreast passing through the hose body longitudinally and two enlarged annular flanges. Some of the multiple through holes maintain fluid flow when the hose body is bent or twisted. The two enlarged annular flanges may be attached respectively to standard connectors so the hose can be readily attached to a standard outlet and sprinkling nozzle.

Abstract: A chip device that includes a leadframe, a die and a mold compound. The backside of the die is metallized and exposed through a window defined within a mold compound that encapsulates the die when it is coupled to the leadframe. Leads on the leadframe are coupled to source and gate terminals on the die while the metallized backside of the die serves as the drain terminals.

Abstract: A heat-reflective protective sleeve includes a substrate (10) and a sheet of reflective material (20) fixed on the substrate (10). The substrate (10) is elastically deformable from a non-operating position and the sheet (20) is pleated on the substrate (10) in the non-operating position.

Abstract: A flexible fire resistant innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter that exhibits the combined features of superior flexibility, softness, radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal region of the shaft includes an inner lubricious polymer layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer layer. The reinforcement layer comprises a braid having one or more metallic members and a plurality of polymer members wherein each polymer member comprises a plurality of monofilaments, preferably formed of LCP. The polymer members of the braid provide improved flexibility and softness in addition to high burst pressure. The metallic member(s) of the braid provide improved radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter may also include a longitudinal member extending along the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A flexible fiber inforced hose comprises an inner rubber layer, an outer rubber layer, and a fiber reinforced layer provided between the inner rubber layer and the outer rubber layer, wherein the fiber reinforced layer is constructed by using a reinforcing fiber of at least one raw yarn, which is a spanized yarn consisting of monofilaments made of a para aromatic polyamide material. Such a fiber reinforced hose has excellent heat resistance, tensile strength, and adhesiveness with the rubber layers, as well as durability against repetitive pressurizations.

Abstract: A hose comprising an inner tube of a synthetic resin, a non-reinforcing, abrasion-resistant layer of monofilament strands overlying the inner tube and, a cover layer overlying the inner tube and encapsulating the abrasion-resistant layer, and, optionally, a reinforcing layer between the inner tube and the abrasion-resistant layer of monofilament strands. The monofilament strands can be arranged in a regular pattern, for example, in a loosely-woven net of the monofilament strands and can have a diameter greater or less than the spacing between the monofilament strands, with the spacing between the monofilament strands ranging from 50-200% of the diameter of the monofilament strands.

Abstract: A fabric tube made from highly resistant and thermostable threads has at least one tube end that is inverted inwards, the inverted tube section resting substantially parallel on the inner wall of the fabric tube. Two of such tubes can be connected to each other for forming a jointed tube. A method for producing the jointed tube uses a transition piece for connecting the individual parts to each other.

Abstract: An intraluminally placeable tubular device includes an elongate hollow tubular member having a luminal surface and an exterior surface defining a wall portion therebetween. The hollow tubular member has an open proximal end and an opposed distal end. The wall portion has sufficient self-supporting rigidity to permit the device to be advanced through a body lumen during intraluminal placement. The tubular member includes yarns interconnected in a pattern defining opposed interior and exterior textile surfaces. At least one of the textile surfaces is the body fluid-contacting luminal surface or the body lumen-contacting exterior surface. A textile infusion and/or a textile aspiration valve is also provided. A percutaneously or orificially placeable catheter with such textile valves is provided.

Abstract: A section of pipe for well operations has a cylindrical fiber composite pipe body and a pair of metallic end fittings. The end fittings differ from each other in that they are provided with mating key features to ensure proper angular or rotational alignment between two abutting sections of pipe. Each pipe is also provided with an optical fiber for data transmission. A fiber optic coupling is located at each end of the optical fiber for sending and receiving data transmissions via optical signals. Multiple strings of pipe are abutted end to end to complete both mechanical and data interfaces. At the junction of each pair of adjacent pipes, the end fittings axially and rotationally align. The flanges of the end fittings are fastened together with bolts such that data transmission takes place between the optical fibers.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter or micro catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon.

Abstract: A flexible fire resistant innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.

Abstract: A knitted convolute protective sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve is knitted from filamentary members to form alternating crests and troughs lengthwise along the sleeve. The crests and troughs may be formed by alternatingly knitting segments from relatively stiff and relatively flexible filamentary members, by interlacing stiffening hoops at spaced intervals lengthwise along a knitted sleeve having a smaller nominal diameter than the hoops, or by varying the knitting parameters, such as loop density and loop length as a function of length along the sleeve.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having a shaft, at least a portion of which includes a braid reinforcement with a plurality of axial members disposed between the helical members that form the braid. The axial members provide a number of advantages including: maintaining one-to-one correspondence in axial manipulation; maintaining uniform flexibility in several planes of flexure; reducing the likelihood of causing a curling effect; increasing the strength of connections between shaft segments; uniformly increasing stiffness of the catheter; and increasing the burst strength of the catheter. By positioning the axial members between the helical members, the axial members do not create a protrusion and do not become fixed to any adjacent polymer layer. Thus, the benefits of axial members are retained, without creating the undesirable effects of friction caused by an axial protrusion and without creating the undesirable effects of limited flexure caused by an adjacent polymer layer becoming fixed to the axial member.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. It is highly preferable that the balloon or inflatable member be situated in a recess in the outer wall of the inventive catheter. Additionally, the distal end of the catheter past the balloon is preferably tapered. The catheter has a very low profile as compared to other catheters of the neurovascular balloon catheter genre. It may include other features such as variable stiffness along the axis of the device and anti-kinking components. The balloon is preferably compliant in nature.

Abstract: A medical shaft or tubing includes an elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft also includes a tubular wall extending between the proximal and distal ends to define a first lumen. The elongated tubular member further comprises a second lumen extending through at least a portion of the tubular member. The tubular wall additionally includes a reinforcing element that surrounds at least a portion of the first lumen and that surrounds and overlaps at least a portion of the second lumen.

Abstract: A system and method for providing secondary containment for pipeline transmission systems that complies with environmental regulations for double wall applications. The outer surface of the pipeline is adapted with an epoxy bonded multi-ply fabric that forms a secondary containment structure external to the pipe with first and second spaced layers forming an interstitial space therebetween. An external coating of cured epoxy resin provides resistance to impact, abrasion, and chemically induced corrosion and deterioration. Probes may be installed at various locations along the pipeline for continuously sampling the environment within the interstitial space thereby providing leak detection. Secondary containment is constructed on an existing section of, steel, iron, fiberglass, composite, metal alloys, or concrete pipe.

Abstract: A bundle of electric wires has a first length and a first diameter. A tubular braided wire has a second length which is shorter than the first length and a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. The bundle of electric wires is passed through the braided wire, and then a connector is connected to each of both ends of the electric wires collectively. The connector having a third diameter which is larger than the first diameter. The braided wire is stretched such that both ends thereof are fixed on the respective connectors to form a reduced-diameter portion therebetween which is fitted on an outer periphery of the bundle of the electric wire. A conductive retainer is attached on the reduced-diameter portion to maintain a length and a diameter of the reduced-diameter portion.

Abstract: A self-closing thermal protection sheath (13) includes an interleaved structure comprising firstly a monofilament (10) and secondly strips (11) of metallized foil.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel transporting hose for a fuel cell powered vehicle having a laminar structure including at least one inner rubber layer, at least one reinforcing layer, and at least one outer rubber layer, which layers are laminated integrally with one another in the order of description in a radially outward direction of the hose, wherein the improvement comprises: each of the at least one inner rubber layer and the at least one outer rubber layer being provided by a vulcanized rubber obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition including: (A) a rubber material selected from the group consisting of (a1) a halogenated butyl rubber material, (a2) a blend of a halogenated butyl rubber material and a butyl rubber material, and (a3) an ethylene-propylene rubber material, and (B) a filler whose crystal structure is a layer structure, the rubber composition being vulcanized with one of a peroxide vulcanizing agent and a resin vulcanizing agent where the rubber composition includes, as the rubber material, one of (a1

Abstract: The invention concerns a flexible pipe element, in particular for exhaust pipes of combustion engines of motor vehicles, with a helically threaded or ring-corrugated bellows, at least one strip wound hose which is coaxially adjacent to the bellows and which is helically wound or comprises several annular segments, at least one spacer which is disposed locally between the bellows and the strip wound hose and a knitted tube disposed on the outside, wherein the pipe element has an overall maximum rigidity of 5 N/mm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-resistant hose and forming method thereof, which is capable of effectively spouting liquid or gas of high pressure even though the pressure-resistant hose is of a relatively small thickness, reducing the material cost of the pressure-resistant hose and improving the flexibility of the pressure-resistant hose. The Pressure-resistant hose comprises a first polyethylene mixture and one or more second hose layers. The first hose layer is formed by bonding together longitudinal ends of a first polyethylene mixture fabric coated with one or two watertight films at one or both surfaces of the first polyethylene mixture fabric. Each of said second hose layers if formed by bonding together longitudinal ends of a second polyethylene mixture fabric coated with one or two watertight films at one or both surfaces of the second polyethylene mixture fabric.

Abstract: A system and method for providing secondary containment for pipeline transmission systems that complies with environmental regulations for double wall applications. The outer surface of the pipeline is adapted with an epoxy bonded multiply fabric that forms a secondary containment structure external to the pipe with first and second spaced layers forming an interstitial space therebetween. An external coating of cured epoxy resin provides resistance to impact, abrasion, and chemically induced corrosion and deterioration. Probes may be installed at various locations along the pipeline for continuously sampling the environment within the interstitial space thereby providing leak detection. Secondary containment is constructed on an existing section of, steel, iron, fiberglass, composite, metal alloys, or concrete pipe.

Abstract: An intracorporeal catheter such as a guiding catheter employed for intravascular procedures which generally has an elongated catheter shaft with a polymeric wall with a multistrand reinforcing structure wherein the strands at a plurality of cross point locations of the reinforcing structure are secured together to hold at least part of the braided reinforcing structure in a desired shape for utilization. The strands may be metallic or polymeric or mixtures thereof. The strands can be secured together at the cross points thereof by a variety of ways.

Abstract: A fabric air duct with main discharge openings includes additional, much smaller openings that help ventilate the surface of the duct. Ventilating the surface of the duct with a slight yet even amount of airflow helps inhibit the accumulation of condensate and dust on the surface of the duct. In some embodiments, the duct includes a pliable sheet consisting of a rather porous fabric base material. To achieve an appropriately low level of airflow, a plastic coating on the fabric reduces, but does not eliminate the fabric's porosity. A calendering process then reduces the porosity even further. In other embodiments, the pliable sheet is substantially air impermeable, except for its main discharge openings. The sheet is then perforated with numerous smaller openings to achieve the desired amount of surface ventilation.

Abstract: Braided tubular structure (11) including longitudinal elongate elements (9) distributed on a plurality of collars coaxial with the structure and braiding threads (8) forming two grids of directions oblique in relation to the longitudinal elongate elements and interlaced with the longitudinal elongate elements. The braiding threads following paths which cause them pass between the longitudinal elongate elements. In the tubular structure, the braiding threads (8) of each one of the grids form an assembly of superposed layers in which the braiding threads (8) are parallel from one layer to the next.

Abstract: There is a disclosed a conduit supporting structure that imposes, maintains and/or reinforces a flow guiding formation of a conduit, whereby to effect a desired flow configuration in the conduit.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), flexibility (and thus modulus strength allowances) to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, reduced crack propagation possibilities, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific textile reinforcement materials that permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations and also serve to prevent propagation of any cracks which may develop within the thermoplastic or thermoset materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hose construction containing a ternary blend. The hose comprises (a) an inner core comprising a ternary blend of (1) from 60 to 85 parts by weight of a low density polyethylene; (2) from 10 to 20 parts by weight of chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and mixtures thereof; and (3) from 2 to 25 parts by weight of EPDM; (b) a layer of tensioned reinforcement; and (c) an elastomeric cover.

Abstract: A low permeable hose having at least a refrigerant barrier layer and a rubber layer is provided. The barrier layer is a laminate film having a structure such that resin layers sandwich a metal layer therebetween and having an elongation at breakage of 10 % or more. The outermost layer of the resin layer may be an adhesive layer composed of a phenol resin based composition. The hose can be produced by heating the refrigerant barrier layer and the rubber layer to a temperature no lower than the melting point of a resin that constitutes the resin layers to melt the resin and vulcanizing said rubber layer, or, laminating an adhesive layer composed of a phenol resin based composition and the rubber layer, thereby splicing the refrigerant barrier layer and the rubber layer.

Abstract: The useful life of an abrasive material transport hose (10) can be maximized if the hose is repositioned at the first signs of internal wear. This is accomplished by disposing at least two wear sensing elements (17, 21), each at a specified distance from the inwardmost surface of the inner tube (12), and each monitoring a condition indicative of wear of the hose (10) at its specified distance from the inwardmost surface of the inner tube. When the innermost wear sensing element (17) implies wear, the hose can be repositioned to extend the useful life until the outermost wear sensing element (21) indicates wear requiring replacement of the hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-resistant hose and forming method thereof, which is capable of effectively spouting liquid or gas of high pressure even though the pressure-resistant hose is of a relatively small thickness, reducing the material cost of the pressure-resistant hose and improving the flexibility of the pressure-resistant hose. The Pressure-resistant hose comprises a first polyethylene mixture and one or more second hose layers. The first hose layer is formed by bonding together longitudinal ends of a first polyethylene mixture fabric coated with one or two watertight films at one or both surfaces of the first polyethylene mixture fabric. Each of said second hose layers if formed by bonding together longitudinal ends of a second polyethylene mixture fabric coated with one or two watertight films at one or both surfaces of the second polyethylene mixture fabric.

Abstract: It is a question of an actuating means adapted to be activated by fluid power, which comprises a hose body (5) extending between two spaced head pieces (3 and 4) and whose interior space is able to be subjected to a fluid medium. A strand structure (6) fixed to both head pieces (3 and 4) and extending coaxially in relation to the hose body has two strand groups (18 and 19) in a crossover configuration with bendingly flexible strands (7) extending adjacent to one another with the same longitudinal alignment within a strand group. An intermediately placed yielding material (22) between the strand groups (18 and 19) serves to maintain the strand groups constantly at a distance apart.

Abstract: Woven fabric sleeves are comprised of interwoven glass fiber yarns or similar mineral or ceramic fiber yarns, and hybrid yarns or wires utilized as fill yarns. The fill yarns preferably/consist essentially of glass or ceramic fibers with resiliently settable polymeric materials and/or resilient formable wires or combinations thereof. The wires or hybrid yarns are resiliently set to form resilient hoops yieldably imparting to the fabric side edges a tendency to move into adjacent or overlapping relationship. In one form of the method of making a sleeve, the hybrid fill yarns are resiliently set by placing the woven fabric in a folder, applying heat to cause the fill yarns to assume a set in the wrap around or folded condition and then cooling so that the product is resiliently maintained in the set condition. In an alternative method of making the product, the product is woven on a shuttle loom and one or more wires are used as fill yarns. The wires are fed from pretensioned spools.

Abstract: A developable structural part, such as a component, includes at least one layer made from a resin-impregnated fabric (prepreg) and at least one layer made from wound threads, yarns, rovings or ribbons. At least one constant thread tension, but preferably a thread tension increasing from layer to layer, is applied during winding of the threads, yarns, rovings or ribbons. An outer ply is always formed of wound threads, yarns, rovings or ribbons. A process for producing the structural parts, a thermal insulation cylinder, a protective tube, a heating element, a stay pipe, a hot-press die and a thermal insulation element are also provided. The developable component or structural part can be obtained due to a combination of the application of fabric prepreg layers and windings made from threads, yarns, rovings or ribbons.

Abstract: Woven fabric sleeves are comprised of interwoven glass fiber yarns or similar mineral or ceramic fiber yarns, and hybrid yarns or wires utilized as fill yarns. The fill yarns preferably consist essentially of glass or ceramic fibers with resiliently settable polymeric materials and/or resilient formable wires or combinations thereof. The wires or hybrid yarns are resiliently set to form resilient hoops yieldably imparting to the fabric side edges a tendency to move into adjacent or overlapping relationship. In one form of the method of making a sleeve, the hybrid fill yarns are resiliently set by placing the woven fabric in a folder, applying heat to cause the fill yarns to assume a set in the wrap around or folded condition and then cooling so that the product is resiliently maintained in the set condition. In an alternative method of making the product, the product is woven on a shuttle loom and one or more wires are used as fill yarns. The wires are fed from pretensioned spools.

Abstract: A flexible conduit includes a corrugated tubular metal bellows having a minimum inner diameter; cylindrical end fittings secured to the bellows; a metal hose disposed coaxially within the bellows and having a maximum outer diameter which is less than the minimum inner diameter of the bellows; and a free annular cylindrical space situated between the bellows and the metal hose. The cylindrical space has an outer diameter equaling the minimum inner diameter of the bellows and an inner diameter equaling the maximum outer diameter of the metal hose. The conduit further has a hollow cylindrical knit wire element positioned in the cylindrical space. The knit wire element radially fully occupies the cylindrical space without projecting radially therefrom.