Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to make continuous strand polymer comprising the following steps: a) providing a monomer mixture comprising water, a monomer, a crosslinker and an initiator; b) transporting the monomer mixture of step a) into a confining means wherein the monomer mixture is confined in said confining means; c) initiating polymerization of the monomer mixture in the confining means to make a continuous strand polymer; and d) emitting the continuous strand polymer from the confining means wherein the continuous strand polymer has a defined cross-sectional profile comprising an initial cross sectional diameter of at least 0.1 mm. The present invention is further directed to a process of making a continuous strand superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: The present heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) air conveyance apparatus is plurality of panels adapted to be field-assembled to form the conveyance apparatus. These panels include a pair of first quadrilateral panels, each defining a right-angle flange extending from each of a pair of opposite edges and a pair of second quadrilateral panels, each defining a hemmed cleat along each of a pair of opposite edges. Each hemmed cleat is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the first quadrilateral panel right-angle flanges to form the HVAC air conveyance apparatus. Also, HVAC unit mating flanges extending from each other edge of each of the first quadrilateral panels and/or from each other edge of each of the second quadrilateral panels, such that at least a pair of opposed peripheral HVAC unit mating flanges extend from each end of the HVAC air conveyance apparatus.

Abstract: An attack fire hose capable of withstanding radiant and convective heating without leakage or degradation of performance for significant periods of time is disclosed. The hose includes a woven aramid blend of fibers in the outer jacket, and a rubber-like material layer is extruded through the weave of an inner nylon/polyester jacket that is fitted within the woven outer jacket. The resultant hose retains a double jacketed construction with exceptional thermal performance.

Abstract: A heat curable, circular knitted fabric includes reinforcing and meltable resin fibers that can be cured to form a more rigid material form. In one embodiment, the fabric includes a core spun yarn, wherein the core may be made from glass, carbon, basalt, aramid or metal. The wrap surrounding the core may include resin type fibers such as Poly(p-phenylene sulfide) PPS, Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Polysulfone (PES), Polyphthalamide (PPA), nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.

Abstract: A garden hose has an inner tube for conveying water at domestic water pressure from a first coupler disposed at a first end of the inner tube to a second coupler disposed at a second end of the inner tube, the inner tube being waterproof and flexible, the first coupler adapted to threadedly connect to a conventional water faucet and the second coupler adapted to threadedly connect to a conventional garden appliance. The hose has a metal sheath disposed over the inner tube and extending from the first coupler to the second coupler, the flexible metal sheath having a first shoulder near the first coupler and a second shoulder near the second coupler, the metal sheath being flexible, and a fabric sheath disposed over the metal sheath and fixed to the metal sheath by a first constricting band disposed at the first shoulder and a second constricting band disposed at the second shoulder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose having at least one barrier layer inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the barrier layer is obtainable by extrusion of a mixture comprising a) at least one thermoplastic fluoropolymer, b) at least one fluororubber and a crosslinking agent and/or at least one fluororubber elastomer and c) at least one carbon filler selected from carbon black, in particular conductivity carbon black, graphene, carbon nanofillers, in particular carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, or a combination thereof in an amount of 0.05% by weight to 20% by weight of the carbon filler(s), or irradiated PTFE, and vulcanization. The hose exhibits a high fuel, diesel and oil stability and dynamic capability.

Abstract: A single layer/ply multi-use hose is contemplated. A thermoplastic polymer, such as polyurethane, is extruded through a woven tubular mesh of aramid fibers so as to encourage pillaring through gaps in the mesh of a sufficient amount to improve the overall durability and strength of the resultant hose. This wide diameter (at least 4 inches) and long continuous length (at least 300 feet) hose exhibits excellent durability (e.g., resistance to abrasion and/or punctures) and tensile ratios in excess of 2:1 so as to withstand tensile loads in excess of 100,000 pounds without delamination or bubbling within the hose wall.

Abstract: Pipe body for an unbonded reinforced thermoplastic pipe (uRTP), the pipe body including a fluid retaining liner, an intermediate layer located radially outwardly of the fluid retaining liner, and a protective sheath located radially outwardly of the intermediate layer. The pipe body includes an end portion for terminating the pipe body at an end fitting. At the end portion, the intermediate layer is bonded to the fluid retaining liner. Away from the end portion, the intermediate layer remains unbonded to the fluid retaining liner.

Abstract: A multilayer tube, particularly for fluids, includes a sheath made of fluorinated polymers which is located in an innermost layer, which is adapted to be in contact with a circulating fluid, and is constituted by coupling a first, nonconducting material to a second, black-pigmented material that is electrically at least antistatic in the form of one or more continuous strips. The sheath has a smooth internal surface and is reinforced with external layers that are predominantly made of rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of extensible flexible hoses, especially but not exclusively intended for use for irrigation, and more specifically relates to a new configuration for such a hose, and the relative production process.

Abstract: A metal braided hose includes: an inner tube including an elastic material; a first metal wire braided layer enveloping an outer surface of the inner tube; and a second metal wire braided layer enveloping the first metal wire braided layer. A wire thickness of the second metal wire braided layer is smaller than a wire thickness of the first metal wire braided layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a part. This part including a surface portion whereon is positioned an element to be assembled via an adhesive on the surface portion. The method includes the steps of: mounting a sleeve of heat-shrinkable material around at least one portion of the element on the part, heating of the sleeve in order to shrink it and thus to apply an application force of the element on the surface portion, hardening of the adhesive, and removing the sleeve.

Abstract: An extensible corrugated hose comprises a first bearing layer (1) in a elastically extensible first polymeric material, a reinforcement (2) wound on said first layer (1), a stabilizing second layer (3) in an elastically extensible second polymeric material covering the reinforcement (2) for defining a corrugated single tubular body (4) with the first layer (1), a coating third layer (5) placed on the second layer (3) for covering the corrugated single tubular body (4).

Abstract: A flexible hose reinforced with at least two superimposed textile layers includes an inner load-bearing tubular layer defining a longitudinal axis and made of a first polymeric or elastomeric material, an outer cover layer made of a second polymeric or elastomeric material, and a first and a second reinforced textile layer mutually superimposed and interposed between the inner and outer layers. The first and the second textile layers are both knitted textile layers with tricot chain stitches having courses of stitches and rows of stitches, the courses of stitches being substantially parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis, the rows of stitches having opposite inclinations with respect to the longitudinal axis. A production line and a method of manufacturing such hose.

Abstract: An ultra-lightweight reinforced flexible hose for transporting fluids, in particular a flexible garden hose for transporting water, includes an inner tubular layer made of a first elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomer material; an outer cover layer made of a second elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomer material; and a reinforcement layer interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. The reinforcement layer is made of a rigid or slightly elastic textile threads having, at least partially, a first and second predetermined inclination that are mutually opposite with respect to a longitudinal axis, each of the first and second inclinations being between 45° and 55° with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A flexible dry sprinkler includes an inlet, an inlet seal assembly having a spring seal that compresses in response to a longitudinal load, and an inlet release unit. A flexible tube has an inlet end and an outlet end, and a flexible linkage extends through the flexible tube, and is connected to the inlet release unit. An outlet release unit is connected to the outlet end of the flexible tube and to an outlet end of the flexible linkage, and displaces the outlet end of the flexible linkage upon activation of the flexible dry fire protection sprinkler. A sprinkler body is connected to the outlet release unit, and has an outlet orifice sealed by an outlet seal assembly until ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature. When the ambient temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, translation of the flexible linkage in an outlet direction causes release of the inlet seal assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include delivery systems for active agent coated balloons and related methods. In an embodiment, a delivery system can include a tunneling sheath and a balloon catheter. The tunneling sheath can include a tubular shaft having an outer diameter and defining a lumen. The tunneling sheath can include a proximal collar defining a lumen. The balloon catheter can include a balloon catheter shaft disposed within the tubular shaft. The balloon catheter shaft can include a lumen for the passage of a fluid therein. The balloon catheter can include an expandable balloon disposed on the balloon catheter shaft. The balloon catheter shaft can include an active agent layer disposed on the expandable balloon. The position of the expandable balloon can be configured to be stationary relative to the tubular shaft as the delivery system is passed through a blood vessel of a patient. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a metal strip winding continuous reinforced thermoplastic composite pipe. The present invention adopts a method designed for grouping the winding metal strips to rationally distribute the winding mode of the metal strips, and at the same time, increases the hoop strength and axial strength of the pipe by using the feature of high strength of the metal strips, thereby improving the compressive capacity of the pipe; there is no bonding between the metal strip reinforcement layers, which improves the flexibility of the composite pipe and reduces the relative slippage between the metal strip layers; the production process is simple, and requirements for the equipment investment are small, thereby greatly reducing the manufacturing cost and ensuring the flexibility and seismic resistance of the pipeline.

Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to an extension catheter for positioning through a conventional guiding catheter into the vasculature of a patient, the extension catheter having a distal tubular member and a proximal elongated shaft coupled to the distal tubular member, wherein the proximal shaft has a length or section containing at least one discontinuous or segmented structure, and further wherein such structures that can be modified or varied to modify the torsional compliance characteristics of the device. Further embodiments relate to a multi-layer catheter having a protective wrap at or near the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A silane-grafted polyolefin composition is disclosed, and includes a desired reduced specific weight material. The composition finds application in a wide array of uses, and in particular automotive and uses such as hoses, where this composition is used in place of conventional materials such as TPV and EPDM rubber formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene enhanced high-flow delivery high-pressure hose and manufacturing method thereof. The hose includes an outer rubber layer, a reinforcing layer and an inner rubber layer from outside to inside. A thickness of the outer rubber layer is 0.3-6.0 mm. A thickness of the reinforcing layer is 1.0-5.0 mm. A thickness of the inner layer is 0.3-5.0 mm. The outer rubber layer and the inner layer are obtained by co-extruding onto the reinforcing layer using a coextrusion equipment. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: rubber mixing, preparing the reinforcing layer, producing a finished product, vulcanizing and pressure testing. The hose of the invention has the advantages of light weight, good flexibility, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance and good weather fastness. The hose can be connected through a plurality of standard buckles, which is easy to wind up, easy to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a tube of metal in which sensors are attached to tubes, which register and signal a damage of the tube. It is detrimental that protection of the sensors at these tubes against environmental influences is complex. In contrast, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for manufacturing a tube, in which the signal line can be protectively mounted. To solve this object, a method for manufacturing a tube of metal is suggested with an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein a groove is drawn in an inner surface of the outer tube or in an outer surface of the inner tube and subsequently the inner tube and the outer tube are drawn together through a drawing die, wherein the inner dimension of the outer tube is reduced such that after the drawing the outer tube is force-fitted onto the inner tube.

Abstract: A sender assembly that has a compact state, which may allow a pump assembly including the sender assembly to be easily inserted into an opening of a fluid tank. For example, the pump assembly may be insertable into the opening of the fluid tank while a longitudinal axis of the pump assembly remains coaxial with the opening. When in the compact state a rotatable arm and a float of the sender assembly may be entirely within or deformable to be within a predetermined envelope that has a radial extent less than the opening of the fluid tank to allow the sender assembly to be inserted straight into the opening. The predetermined envelope may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis and have a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis that matches the opening of the tank.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen-dispensing hose. At least two reinforcing layers are coaxially layered between an inner surface layer of a thermoplastic resin having a dry hydrogen gas permeability coefficient at 90° C. of 1×10?8 cc·cm/cm2·sec.·cmHg or less and an outer surface layer of a thermoplastic resin. A wire braided layer formed by braiding metal wires is used as the outermost reinforcing layer. Fiber braided layers formed by braiding high-strength fibers such as polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole fibers are used as the other reinforcing layers.

Abstract: A plate-shaped carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite has a longitudinal length-to-widthwise length ratio of more than 1. The carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite is such that at least two layers that are a first carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite layer in which carbon fibers are placed in the carbonaceous matrix and are oriented in the longitudinal direction and a second carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite layer different in the arrangement of the carbon fibers from the first carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite layer are stacked, the first carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite layer forms an outermost layer of at least one plate surface, the thickness thereof is 70% or more of the thickness of the carbon fiber-reinforced carbon composite, and the longitudinal bending elastic modulus is 150 GPa or more.

Abstract: A multilayer containment and protection tube for conduits, cables and the like, includes an inner layer made of polymeric material, which is electrically at least antistatic, with a smooth internal surface, which forms a duct for supporting conduits or cables. The tube further includes one or more intermediate layers of electrically at least antistatic reinforcement, an outer layer made of electrically at least antistatic polymeric material, and a covering and finishing layer, which is electrically at least antistatic.

Abstract: Nanofiltration of aqueous solutions or other water-based fluids in various applications, such as desalination, dialysis, seawater purification, for example, may be enhanced through precisely controlling a filtration cutoff within graphene oxide nanofilters. By initially compressing and constraining the stacked thickness of multiple graphene oxide layers deposited between porous substrates, the interlayer gap size, and thus, the filtration cutoff may be adjusted and optimized.

Abstract: A braided self-expandable endoluminal stent comprises a tubular grid formed by connection of a plurality of wave bends in the circumferential direction. Each of the wave bands comprises a plurality of crests and troughs of an elastic wire in the axial direction, and is respectively connected with another wave band. On two sides of each of the wave bands, there is a wave band abutted thereto side by side. There is at least one cross-linking point between every two wave bands abutted side by side. Each of the cross-linking points is formed by intersecting one trough on one of the wave bands abutted side by side with one corresponding crest on the other wave band, and at least one part of the cross-linking points are fixed cross-linking points. Each of the wave bands is further staggered and overlapped with at least another wave band, and a plurality of crossing points (12, 14, 22, 23) are formed between the wave bands which are staggered and overlapped with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe carcass comprising a flexible tubular wall structure comprising a helically wound wall strip; wherein interlocking sections of successive windings of said wall strip form the wall structure. The interlocking sections of adjacent wall strips define a length and are movable with respect to each other between a first position and a second, extended position for changing said length, the interlocking sections being formed such that in the extended position a carcass gap is provided between adjacent interlocking sections for accommodating relative movement there between upon flexure of the wall structure. An insert profile is located in the carcass gap of the tubular wall structure on an inside of the wall structure to at least partly cover the carcass gap.

Abstract: A flame resistant hose assembly is disclosed. The hose assembly comprises a tubular inner layer and a flame resistant layer. The tubular inner layer has an interior radial surface and an exterior radial surface and defines a longitudinal axis. The flame resistant layer is disposed about and covers the exterior radial surface of the tubular inner layer. The flame resistant layer is formed from a flame resistant material comprising a polymeric binder and expandable graphite in an amount of from about 5 to about 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the flame resistant material. The flame resistant layer expands when heated to a temperature of about 220° C. or greater and maintains a post-expansion coverage of the exterior radial surface of the tubular inner layer of greater than about 95%.

Abstract: The instant invention relates generally to catheters and to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter catheters and introducer catheters having a torque transfer layer that includes at least two flat wires braided into a wire mesh. The flat wires have a width of at least about 0.007 inches and a depth of at least about 0.003 inches. The lumen diameter of the catheter is at least about 6 French. The torque transfer layer provides increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance.

Abstract: A tool for laying up composite material to form a workpiece having a target contour is disclosed. The tool includes a support structure including an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, and support plates connected to the elongated member and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. The elongated member includes a metallic material. The tool also includes a non-metallic backing structure connected to the support plates, the non-metallic backing structure comprising a working surface that includes a backing contour complementary to the target contour.

Abstract: A silane-grafted polyolefin composition is disclosed, and includes a desired reduced specific weight material. The composition finds application in a wide array of uses, and in particular automotive and uses such as hoses, where this composition is used in place of conventional materials such as TPV and EPDM rubber formulations.

Abstract: An assembly is described. A flexible pipe of the assembly comprises at least one optical fiber for mounting to a processing system or another waveguide. The unbonded flexible pipe comprises a plurality of layers. The optical fiber is arranged outside an innermost sealing sheath. At least an outermost armor layer is terminated and secured by securing material in a housing cavity of an end-fitting. The end-fitting comprises a fiber exit cavity with an entrance end and an exit opening through which the fiber can exit and the fiber is applied in an overlength in said fiber exit cavity. The assembly makes it very simple and effective to connect an optical fiber of an unbonded flexible pipe via an end-fitting to a processing system which can operate with the fiber to pump light into the fiber and collect signals and analyze the collected signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing liner comprising load-bearing yarns of a first type characterized in that the liner further comprises load-bearing yarns of a second type having a creep rate {acute over (?)}2 of at least 10 times higher than the creep rate {acute over (?)}1 of the yarns of first type, i.e. {acute over (?)}2?10×{acute over (?)}1, wherein the creep rates are measured on the yarns at a temperature of 20° C. and under an applied load of 600 MPa. The invention also relates to a pressure vessel comprising thereof.

Abstract: A flexible hose or a tubing having a barrier layer of polyamide 6 having an impact modifier, and/or branched molecular structure, a flexural modulus of 1 to 2 GPa and/or a tensile elongation of 100% or more. The hose may have additional layers such as an HNBR rubber inner tube, an EVM/CPE rubber blend outer cover, a textile or wire reinforcement, or the like. Permeability to ethanol- and methanol-containing fuels is very low. Permeability to B20 biofuels is very low.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon production rotary pump having a stator and a rotor drive to rotate therein by a submersible pump driver is supported so as to be suspended from a wellhead by a support member including production tubing and at least one control line alongside the production tubing. The control line(s) has greater tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of the well casing than the production tubing such that the control line(s) provides greater support to the rotary pump and the submersible pump driver than the production tubing. A unitary casing in the form of a seamless material may fully surround the production tubing and the control line(s) along the full length thereof.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body and method of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method includes providing two or more non-bonded composite filaments (302) as a non-bonded filament bundle (310); applying a braid element (304) around the filament bundle (310) to thereby form a braided bundle (310) comprising non-bonded filaments (302); and helically wrapping the braided bundle (310) around a flexible pipe body layer (502).

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a fluid conduit having a wall defining a fluid flow path and an acoustic transducer located externally of the fluid flow path. The wall of the fluid conduit comprises a composite region between the acoustic transducer and the fluid flow path, the composite region comprising a composite material including a polymer matrix material and one or more reinforcing elements embedded within the polymer matrix material. Such a fluid sensor may be used for sensing a property of a fluid and, in particular though not exclusively for sensing a property of a fluid produced from or injected into an oil or gas well.

Abstract: A woven wire braid residing between a polymer inner lumen and a polymer outer lumen transmits control force in a catheter. After braiding the wires, the braid is plated with a metal, such as electroless nickel alloy deposited with a target thickness in a range of 250-1200 micro-inches. The metal plating joins the wires to each other at points of contact which torsionally stiffens the braid. At the same time, the metal plating leaves lengths of the wires unattached between the points of contact, permitting flexibility to the braid due to the unattached lengths between points of contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to the design of a multilayer reinforced polymeric pipe. The multilayer reinforced polymeric pipe comprises a polymeric base layer, at least one barrier layer, at least one reinforcing layer, an adhesive layer and a protective layer. The adhesive layer is made from a material which does not adhere to a material of the reinforcing layer and forms channels for the reversible movement of the fibers of the reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer is made of high-strength and high-modular polymeric fibers, preferably aramid, polyester, or polyethylene fibers. The barrier layer is made of polar and nonpolar polymers. The protective layer is made of polyethylene of medium density. A system of pipes for transportation of water, preferably hot water in district heating and water supply networks, consisting of two or more multilayer reinforced polymeric pipes.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis introducer may include an elongate tubular sheath including a reinforced longitudinal segment and a peelable longitudinal segment extending distally from the reinforced segment. An elongate tubular cannula may be disposed within the sheath. Upon application of a force applied to a distal end of the sheath, the peelable segment may progressively split in a proximal direction, and the reinforced segment may longitudinally move relative to the cannula in a distal direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to uses of graphene oxide, and in particular graphene oxide on a porous support, and a membrane comprising these materials. This invention also relates to methods of dehydration, which include vapour phase separation and pervaporation. Pervaporation is a method of separating mixtures of liquids using a membrane. Pervaporation consists of two basic steps: permeation of the permeate through the membrane and evaporation of the permeate from the other side of the membrane. Pervaporation is a mild which can be used to separate components which would not survive the comparatively harsh conditions needed for distillation (high temp, and/or low pressure).

Abstract: A high pressure hose that is resistant to microvoid formation includes an inner tube comprising a blend of crosslinked fluoroplastic material and fluoroelastomeric material, a first reinforcement layer constructed of para-aramid synthetic fibers, and an adhesive layer, and an outer cover.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a lining hose as a composite hose for lining a pressure pipe to be renovated, comprising at least one first layer and a second layer which adjoins the first layer, the first layer forming a substantially fluid-tight and/or gas-tight diffusion barrier and the second layer being a textile fabric soaked in a resin and being provided for an all-over adhesive connection to an inner wall of the pressure pipe to be renovated, the lining hose being flexible in a state in which the resin has not cured. The second layer is at least 3 mm thick, the textile fabric and the resin being selected such that the lining hose forms a self-supporting pipe in a state in which the resin has cured. The invention also relates to a method for renovating a pressure pipe using such a lining hose and a corresponding renovated pressure pipe.

Abstract: A polymer composite wireline cable comprising: a polymeric matrix material; at least one reinforced fiber embedded in the polymeric matrix material; and at least one optical fiber disposed in the polymeric matrix material, the at least one optical fiber having at least one pair of Bragg grating sensors, wherein one of the pair of Bragg grating sensors is configured to experience loading strain and the other of the pair of Bragg grating sensors is configured not to experience loading strain.

Abstract: A floating offshore wind power generation facility includes a floating body, a mooring cable, a tower, and a windmill installed at the top of the tower, the windmill including a nacelle and a plurality of blades. The rotation axis of the windmill has a predetermined upward angle to avoid contact between the blades and the tower, and the windmill is of a downwind type in which the blades are attached to the leeward side of the nacelle and installed with the back surfaces of the blades facing windward, and the mooring point of the mooring cable to the floating body is set at a position below the surface of the sea and higher than the center of gravity of the floating body.

Abstract: Improved structural column assemblies and related fabrication methods are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved systems/methods for the design and fabrication of structural column assemblies having improved mechanical properties and/or improved resistance to multiple hazards (e.g., earthquakes, blasts, high temperatures, etc.). Disclosed herein is a structural column assembly having a uniquely designed fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tube filled with concrete to be used as a structural column (e.g., in bridge and/or building construction). The exemplary composite or FRP tube can include layers of metallic and/or non-metallic fibers wound at improved/optimized angles. A multi-hazard resilient column system which can negate the need for additional concrete reinforcement or formwork at construction sites is provided.

Abstract: A method of identifying a site for a perineal incision on a patient includes inserting a distal end portion of an intra-urethral probe into a urethra of the patient, and guiding the distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe along a length of the urethra no farther than a junction in the urethra. The method additionally includes transmitting a signal from the distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe through the urethra, and sensing the signal at a location on a perineal skin surface, where the location correlates with the junction in the urethra.

Abstract: A tube comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and a barrier layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the barrier layer is bound to the outer layer by a layer of adhesive disposed between the outer layer and the barrier layer and the barrier layer is bound to the inner layer by a layer of adhesive disposed between the inner layer and the barrier layer, wherein the inner layer comprises a polyethylene, the outer layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and the barrier layer comprises a material that acts as a barrier to gas.