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 an apparatus and method for handling liquids or gases. In particular, the present invention relates to a double walled apparatus having interwoven fibers between the inner and outer walls of the pipe. The invention may also include sensors in the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a first wall designed to contain a liquid or a gas, a second wall designed to contain any liquid or gas that penetrates the first wall, and interwoven fibers coupled between the first and second wall. The interwoven fibers are preferably resin laminated fibers in a matrix configuration. The apparatus may also comprises a sensor and a wire embedded in the apparatus either in the first wall, the interwoven fibers, or the second wall. The first wall is preferably comprised of three layers that are cohesively bonded together.

Abstract: A method of making a hose assembly (10) includes the steps of disposing a reinforcing layer (14) having interstitial spaces extending therethrough about a tubular inner liner (12) and heating an outer surface (16) of the inner liner (12) to cause it to melt and disperse into the interstitial spaces of the reinforcing layer (14) and the fibers themselves to bond the first layer to the inner liner (12). A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids is also disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a melt extrudable polymeric fluorocarbon material having an external surface (16). A layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner liner (12). The inner liner (12) is dispersed into the layer (14) and bonds the layer (14) to the external surface (16) of the inner liner (12).

Abstract: A flexible hose connector for delivering a fluid from a source to an end user or appliance. The hose connector generally includes a flexible hose body and end connectors. The hose body includes an interior tube having an inner fluid passageway and an outer reinforcing braided sheath. The braided sheath is formed of plastic coated strands of stainless steel for improved resistance to both corrosion and cutting of the sheath.

Abstract: A flexible hose of multilayer plastics material for transporting fluids, the hose comprising from the inside towards the outside: an inner layer of a polyolefin that is inert relative to water; a bonding layer having adhesive properties relative to the polyolefin and to the flexible polyvinyl chloride; a layer of flexible polyvinyl chloride; and tubular reinforcement in contact with the polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite umbilical having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors are embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a propulsion system with resistivity antenna and steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. The electrical conductors in the composite umbilical provide power to the electronics section and may provide power to the power section. The data transmission conduits in the composite umbilical transmit the data from the downhole sensors to the surface where the data is processed.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a laminated layer composed of an inner winding layer formed by winding a laminated sheet spirally in a single layer, leaving a gap between every two adjoining turns, and an outer winding layer formed by winding a laminated sheet spirally in a single layer over the gap in the inner winding layer, leaving a gap between every two adjoining turns. The gap of the inner wind layer gives the hose flexibility and prevents the folding of the spirally wound sheet which might result in the failure of the hose to maintain its fluid impermeability.

Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a laminated layer having a high impermeability to a refrigerant, etc. and held between two resin layers having a thickness which is small enough to enable the hose to remain flexible. The resin layers secure and protect the laminated layer and protect a metallic foil in the laminated layer from any bending, deforming or stretching force acting upon the hose.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing hardened stainless steel tubing, pipe, shafts and assemblies. The present inventions also provides stainless steel shafts, tubing, pipe or assemblies reinforced with stainless steel members brazed and hardened within the shafts, tubing, pipe or assemblies.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll-back tube construction, preferably for use with a flexible endoscope shaft, with a silicone roll-back tube consisting of an inner tube section which at least at one turn-back area is turned back to form an outer tube section and is provided with a reinforcement. The reinforcement preferably consists of a nylon filament winding with a pitch of 0.2 to 2 mm about a silicone tube, which reinforcement is in turn surrounded by a silicone covering. The roll-back tube construction is designed in accordance with the type of tube which can be rolled back at both ends, where front and rear outer tube sections are connected at one end by a tube-guiding sleeve arranged between them, through which an inner tube section extends. The tube-guiding sleeve is used for mounting a roll-back tube drive.

Abstract: A method of making a hose assembly (10) includes the steps of disposing a reinforcing layer (14) having interstitial spaces extending therethrough about a tubular inner liner (12) and heating an outer surface (16) of the inner liner (12) to cause it to melt and disperse into the interstitial spaces of the reinforcing layer (14) and the fibers themselves to bond the first layer to the inner liner (12). A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids is also disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a melt extrudable polymeric fluorocarbon material having an external surface (16). A layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner liner (12). The inner liner (12) is dispersed into the layer (14) and bonds the layer (14) to the external surface (16) of the inner liner (12).

Abstract: A flexible hose having an air-permeability and formed either: by sandwiching an air-permeable tape between the tape end edge portions, as leading and trailing in the hose longitudinal direction, of a soft resin tape to be helically wound, and by winding the air-permeable tape integrally with the soft resin tape; or by winding only the air-permeable tape helically. Especially, the air-permeable flexible hose can be properly used as a cleaner hose of the discharge circulation type by using it as an outer tube of a double tube. By giving lubricating properties to the inner circumference of the outer tube or the outer circumference of the inner tube, on the other hand, it is possible to prevent the wear which might otherwise be caused by the rubbing contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer hose comprising:

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels, halogens, and other volatile corrosive fluids is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) including a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation. A reinforcing layer (14) having gaps extending therethrough is disposed about the inner liner (12). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluoropolymer coating (16) dispersed throughout the reinforcing layer (14). The hose assembly (10) is characterized by including at least one polymeric fluorocarbon reinforcing layer (18) disposed about the reinforcing layer (14) for increasing strength and flexibility while providing assistance to chemical build-up and degradation to the hose assembly (10).

Abstract: A compostion having improved fuel vapor barrier properties comprising a blend of about 20 to 80 weight percent of a first fluorointerpolymer with about 80 to 20 weight percent of a second fluorointerpolymer, the first fluorointerpolymer comprising a copolymer, terpolymer or mixture thereof formed by the copolymerization of two or more monomers selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene, and the second fluorointerpolymer comprising a copolymer, terpolymer or mixture thereof formed by the copolymerization of two or more monomers selected from the group consisting of hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluorotheylene, wherein the first fluorointerpolymer exhibits elastomer characteristics and the second fluorointerpolymer exhibits thermoplstic characteristics.

Abstract: A pipe for the ducting of gaseous fluids, notably in cars, characterised in that it includes a porous interior tube (1), permeable to gaseous fluids and likely to lessen noise transmission, and an exterior tube (2), which is essentially rigid and forms an envelope distant from the interior tube, in a material essentially non-permeable to gaseous fluids.

Abstract: A multilayer hose made of plastics material for transporting highly solvent chemicals such as paint, the hose including, from the inside to the outside, a polyamide/polyolefin alloy layer, a polyurethane-based adhesive layer, a flexible plasticized layer of polyvinyl chloride, and tubular reinforcement in contact with the polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose includes at least one inner tubular layer (2) of plastic or rubber, a knitted reinforcement (3), which has substantially , parallel rows (4) and lines (5) of substantially parallel stitches, with respective stitch counts per unit length of the hose (Nm, Nr); and an outer layer (6) which is superimposed on the reinforcement layer (3) to protect it. The knitted reinforcement layer (3) is provided in the form of a single tubular layer and is wrapped around the outer surface of the inner tubular layer (2); the rows (4) and lines (5) of stitches are substantially helical, with respective longitudinal pitches (Pm, Pr) and inclinations which are mutually opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis (Y).

Abstract: In a flexible line pipe comprising an inner corrugated metal tube (4), an outer corrugated metal tube (5) located at some distance from the inner tube (4) and a spacer as well as an insulation material between the inner and the outer metal tubes, whereby a pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure prevails in the ring-shaped gap (6) between the tubes, the spacer comprises two cords (7, 8) made of fiber-reinforced plastic applied to the inner tube (4) and wrapped in opposite directions. The insulation material (9) is a fleece material, and the pressure in the ring-shaped gap is between 10−3 and 10−1 mbar.

Abstract: A pipe for carrying gaseous fluid, more particularly in motor vehicles, and particularly for the admission of air for combustion to the engine or for ventilation of the vehicle interior, including an outer layer (1) of a fluid-tight flexible material and a non-woven fibrous inner layer (2) secured to the outer layer (1).

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition which, when used for the inner tube and/or outer cover of a hose, can improve the hose flexibility at an ordinary temperature and low temperature, oil resistance, and cold resistance and can reduce the production costs since it does not require a vulcanization step and a hose having said properties using this elastomer composition for its inner tube and/or outer cover and a process and apparatus for the production thereof.

Abstract: A flexible duct and method for making the duct are disclosed. The duct includes an inner wall bonded to an outer wall, with a wire resilient helix and a scrim sandwiched therebetween. The scrim is in the form of a helical tape embedded between the outer wall and the inner wall, and preferably consists of a bonded yarn constructed in a layered or interwoven square or other uninterrupted geometrical pattern. The presence of the scrim provides the duct with high tensile strength and excellent tear resistance in all directions, especially in the helical direction. The method of manufacturing the duct includes the steps of helically forming the wire and scrim about the inner wall and bonding the outer wall to the inner wall to as to sandwich the helix and the scrim between the inner and outer walls.

Abstract: A reinforced multi-layer flexible tubing for use in fuel-line applications. An inner layer of fluoroplastic is provided. The tubing is manufactured by simultaneously wrapping a reinforcing fabric ribbon layer and extruding a cover layer of a multiphase polymer around the inner layer.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

Abstract: A kink-resistant hose construction adapted for conveying fluids under high pressure which is flexible intermediate a central longitudinal axis to a minimum bend radius. The construction includes a thermoplastic core having an inner surface defining the inner diameter of the hose and an outer surface, and an innermost reinforcement layer disposed radially circumferentially about the outer surface of the core. The innermost reinforcement layer is formed as a composite of at least one metallic wire element and at least one non-metallic fiber element. The metallic wire element is wound helically in one direction over the outer surface of the core at a predetermined pitch angle measured relative to the longitudinal axis to define a series of first turns. Each of these first tuns is spaced-apart from an adjacent first turn to define successive pairs of first turns each having an interstitial area therebetween.

Abstract: A duct comprising a sealed inner tube (1) and a reinforcement (2) made of at least one strip wound in a spiral around a central axis (11) of the inner tube. The strip (10) is flat and includes at least one layer of longitudinal filamentary rovings (6) and means for assembling said filamentary rovings comprising a loosely woven weft yarn (7) and a bonding material (8) provided at least at the interface between said filamentary rovings and said weft yarn. The assembly means hold the longitudinal rovings together along the full length thereof and impart a compactness of at least 39% to said strip.

Abstract: A flexible pipe including at least one sealing liner (1); an assembly (3) of external reinforcements for withstanding the physical and chemical stress to which the flexible pipe is exposed, which assembly particularly comprises a reinforcement (2) resistant to the pressure of the fluid to be conveyed and consisting of non-contiguous coils (7,8) wound around said sealing liner (1) in a predetermined direction (e); and an intermediate strip (11) arranged between the pressure-resistant reinforcement (2) and the sealing liner (1), and wound around said sealing liner in a direction parallel or opposite to the winding direction (e) of the coils of the pressure-resistant reinforcement. The intermediate strip (11) has a low modulus of stiffness in said winding direction (3) around the sealing liner, and a high strength and modulus of stiffness in a transverse direction (e') relative to said coil winding direction.

Abstract: A method for producing a homogeneous material with an extruder is provided. The extruder has at least two annular conical feed gaps situated between a rotatable rotor and a stator so that the material to be extruded is supplied between the rotor and the stator. Between the delivery point of the material to be extruded and the nozzle of the extruder in the direction of travel of the material the at least one rotor or stator of the extruder is provided with openings passing therethrough so that at least some of the material to be extruded is made to flow through the openings from one annular conical feed gap to another annular conical feed gap. The invention also relates to an extruder and to a multilayer plastic pipe.

Abstract: A laminated air brake tubing includes inner and outer nylon layers with an intermediate fiber reinforcing layer. The tubing further includes one and preferably two layers of high density polyethylene positioned adjacent either of said nylon layers with a protective layer separating the fiber reinforcing layer from the high density polyethylene layer. The protective layer is preferably a thin layer of nylon or nylon alloy. Further, the high density polyethylene layer may include compatibilizing agents preventing delamination. The air brake tubing of the present invention meets the current requirements for air brake tubing, however it is less expensive than currently available air brake tubing.

Abstract: A laminated air brake tubing includes inner and outer nylon layers with an intermediate fiber reinforcing layer. The tubing further includes one and preferably two layers of high density polyethylene positioned adjacent either of said nylon layers. The polyethylene layers are cross-linked preferably by irradiation. Further, the high density polyethylene layer may include compatibilizing agents preventing delaminating. The air brake tubing of the present invention meets the current requirements for air brake tubing, however it is less expensive than currently available air brake tubing.

Abstract: Products and methods relating to composite materials and their use in coiled tubing is disclosed. The composite tubing is a pressurized means of conveying fluids downhole in a wellbore. It includes a multilayered laminate that resists buckling within the wellbore and is fabricated into a hollow tube. The fibers are oriented in angular relationship to the longitudinal direction of the coiled tubing such as to provide appropriate strength and buckling characteristics to the coiled tubing. Further, the coiled tubing layered laminate may transmit signals representing data from downhole to the surface. In some embodiments, a composite disconnecting device which includes a blend of fibers of different types or orientations is shown. The disconnecting device shows a failure load range corresponding to the failure characteristics of the fiber blend, the fiber blend having a predetermined failure limit.

Abstract: A continuous method of extruding an oriented plastic article of improved strength. A chemically reactive polymer, monomer or other compound is included in the matrix material(s) and a (multilayer) parison is extruded or melt formed having built-in thermoplastic orientation caused by shear or caused by elongational flow. A reaction can be activated in the molten state thereof by additional heat resulting in a cross-linked structure or at least the mobility of the molecules being reduced, resulting in a longer relaxation time which makes the freezing of permanent orientation possible. The soft matrix can be stretched while still hot in the hoop and/or axial direction. Then, the product thus obtain is calibrated and cooled in an oriented state.

Abstract: An injection hose (1) for concrete construction joints has a substantially liquid-tight base body (2) made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastics that encloses a passage (3). The outer surface (4) of the base body (2) is provided with at least one groove-shaped recess (5) that extends over its whole length. Radial outlets (6) for the liquid injected through the passage (3) are distributed over the length of the recess (5). A strip made of a material that may be compressed under the inner pressure of the injection liquid is received in the recess (5) and covers the outlets (6). A liquid-permeable sheath (8) surrounds the base body (2) and the strip, in the manner of a hose. A single recess (5) extends with a predetermined pitch along a spiral path around the outer surface (4) of the base body (2) or extends parallel to the axis of the passage (3) but has an opening angle of more than 90.degree..

Abstract: A flexible conduit constructed of overlapping layers of sealing and strengthening materials designed to resist tensile, compressive, and axial forces is employed as a submerged flow line carrying pressurized fluid. Sealing material layers disposed radially on either side of the strengthening layers isolate the strengthening layers from the liquids that contact the internal and external conduit walls. The innermost seal layer is positioned within a burst layer that protects the external strengthening layers from pressure-induced damage. The annular area between the strengthening layers is continuously vented to the atmosphere to prevent pressure damage to the strengthening layers caused by gases leaking or permeating into the annular area through the seal layers. End connectors join sections of the conduit together and connect the vents of the sections to each other to form a continuous vent passage that vents the annulus gas at the water surface.

Abstract: A hose and wire casing adapted to withstand biological and chemical attacks. The hose/wire casing is manufactured by placing a barrier wrap of elastomer and ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene around a hose body or conductor bundle. The two parts are then cured into a single unit using high temperature and high pressure. The combination of high temperature and high pressure minimize the porosity of the high-molecular-weight-polyethylene. The resulting hose/wire casing is particularly immune to chemical and biological attacks by an enemy and is easily cleaned of such agents using a variety of cleansing and neutralizing agents such as DS2, bleach, and strong bases. This cleaning results in a hose which may be handled safely with bare hands after decontamination.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

Abstract: A spoolable composite member having a sensor and an energy conductor embedded in the composite member. The spoolable composite member is capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner protective layer, an inner pressure barrier layer, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, an outer pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer.

Abstract: A flexible tube includes an inner tube and an outer tube structure mounted around the inner tube. The outer tube structure includes an outer protective tube wound around the inner tube and including a helical channel defined therein. An elastomeric tubular member is securely mounted in and extended along the helical channel. A rigid strip member is securely received in and extended along a length of the elastomeric tubular member. A number of elastomeric strings received in and extended along the length of the elastomeric tubular member.

Abstract: A flexible pressure-washer hose and pressure washing apparatus are disclosed. The hose is of concentric laminar construction and comprises an inner core, an intermediate sheath covering the core, and a jacket covering the intermediate sheath. The disclosed hose has a burst pressure of at least 8000 psi, yet is highly flexible, such that the hose has a minimum bend radius of no more than about 38 mm. The disclosed pressure washer comprises a hose made in accordance with the invention and fluidically connecting a source of pressurized fluid to an operator wand.

Abstract: An FRP curved pipe, particularly suitable for an FRP racket, good in resin flowability and deaeration at the time of molding, less in surface defects and excellent in strength can be obtained by a structure comprising an inner layer including a reinforcing fiber and an outer layer including a non-woven fabric having a single fiber diameter of not greater than 20 .mu.m and a weight per unit area of not greater than 100 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: A fuel transporting hose used in a fuel pipe system is disclosed. The hose includes: an inner layer made of a fluorine-contained resin; an intermediate layer made of a synthetic resin other than the fluorine-contained resin and formed on the inner layer; and an outer layer made of a rubber material and formed on the intermediate layer. The inner layer may have electrical conductivity. Also disclosed is a resin tube in a fuel pipe system, which has at least an inner layer made of a fluorine-contained resin, and an outer layer made of a polyamide or polyester resin. In producing the resin tube, an outer surface of the inner layer which contacts the outer layer is subjected to a surface treatment for improving the adhesive strength between the inner and outer layers, and the inner and outer layers formed in lamination are subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature in a range of 150.degree. C. to a melting point of the outer layer.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

Abstract: A composite tubular member having an outer generally cylindrical member containing fibers oriented to resist internal and external pressure and provide low bending stiffness, and two inner areas of axial reinforcement located near the neutral axis of the composite tubular members containing fibers oriented to provide high axial stiffness, high tensile strength and low bending stiffness; and fibers oriented to resist shear stress, positioned opposite each other within the walls of the outer member. These inner areas define a minor moment of inertia of bending extending diametrically through said inner areas and a major moment of inertia of bending generally orthogonal to said minor moment of inertia. Energy conductors integral to the tubular member are arranged in a plane along the minor moment of inertia formed in the tubular member.

Abstract: A guiding catheter for use in coronary angioplasty and other cardiovascular interventions which incorporates a plurality of segment of selected flexural modulus in the shaft of the device. The segments which have a different flexibility than the sections immediately proximal and distal to them, creating zones in the catheter shaft which are either more or less flexible than other zones of the shaft. The flexibility and length of the shaft in a given zone is then matched to its clinical function and role. A mid-shaft zone is significantly softer than a proximal shaft or distal secondary curve to better traverse the aortic arch shape without storing too much energy. A secondary zone section is designed to have maximum stiffness to provide optimum backup support and stability.

Abstract: A flexible brake hose assembly which is less expandable than traditional O.E.M. brake hose assemblies and thereby improves efficiency of the entire braking system. The assembly incorporates a short piece of more flexible hose (similar to the O.E.M. brake hose) to act as a whip dampener which assures the survival of the assembly during the D.O.T. whip test and under the real life conditions than the tests represent.

Abstract: A composite tubular member having an outer generally cylindrical member containing fibers oriented to resist internal and external pressure and provide low bending stiffness, and two inner areas of axial reinforcement located near the neutral axis of the composite tubular members containing fibers oriented to provide high axial stiffness, high tensile strength and low bending stiffness; and fibers oriented to resist shear stress, positioned opposite each other within the walls of the outer member. These inner areas define a minor moment of inertia of bending extending diametrically through said inner areas and a major moment of inertia of bending generally orthogonal to said minor moment of inertia. Energy conductors integral to the tubular member are arranged in a plane along the minor moment of inertia formed in the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved reinforced hose for conducting fluids and gases, and a method of manufacturing that hose, are disclosed herein. The improved reinforced hose includes an interior tube having an inner bore and an outer surface. The improved reinforced hose also includes an outer covering disposed directly about the outer surface of the interior tube. Such outer covering includes one or more layers of plastic threads, which are formed by disposing a plastic substance about core material. The improved reinforced hose may be used as an electrically insulating connection between a city water main or other water supply line and an appliance such as a water heater.

Abstract: A whip dampener mounting bracket assembly is disclosed having a whip dampener member mounted between the brake caliper of a vehicle and the brake master cylinder. The bracket assembly utilizes the preexisting frame bracket of the vehicle and an auxiliary bracket mounted thereto coupled by a flexible spring to a second auxiliary bracket. The whip dampener member is mounted on the second auxiliary bracket. The flexible hose of the assembly passes from the caliper, through the whip dampener, through the first auxiliary bracket and the vehicle frame bracket to the brake master cylinder. This assembly allows the use of preexisting tubing between the vehicle frame bracket and the brake master cylinder without need for coiling the tubing coupling the assembly to the master cylinder. The flexing of the hose is increased.