Abstract: The neuro-microcatheter is especially adapted for use in the small blood vessels of the brain. The neuro-microcatheter comprises a generally tubular body including a proximal portion, a transition portion and a distal portion and having at least one lumen therein extending from a distal end of the tubular body to a proximal end of the tubular body to which a connecting member can be connected. The tubular body has, in the transition portion, an outer diameter which decreases gradually, over at least part of its length, in the direction from the proximal end of the tubular body toward the distal end of the tubular body. Also, the transition portion increases in flexibility in the direction from the proximal end of the tubular body toward the distal end of the tubular body; and the transition portion has a length of between approximately 0.05 centimeter to approximately 1 meter.

Abstract: A hose useful for handling low temperature fluids such as refrigerants is disclosed, which exhibits excellent resistance to ozone and moisture permeation. A cover or outermost tube of the hose is formed from a vulcanizate of a rubber composition comprising a first copolymer rubber having an isobutylene unit and a p-halogenated methylstyrene unit and/or a second copolymer rubber having an isobutylene unit, a p-halogenated methylstyrene unit and a p-methylstyrene unit.

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.

Abstract: Methods for producing improved pipe structures for natural gas distribution pipelines produce a thin fibrous jacket or layer which can inhibit and prevent cracks in natural gas distribution piping by preventing surface scratches as well as by enhancing the pipe strength. Thermoplastic fibers are preferred in accordance with methods and structures of the present invention to facilitate the use of joining techniques and hot-tapping techniques common in the natural gas distribution industry. Non-woven, heat shrinkable fibers are also employed in sleeve structures to produce a protective fibrous jacket or layer.

Abstract: In a process that is particularly suitable for producing pipes or hoses, the reinforcing material and the matrix material are no longer produced separately but together in a woven, knitted, braided or non-woven fabric. The matrix material is selected so that its melting temperature is lower than the melting or decomposition temperature of the reinforcing material. The end product is obtained by pultruding the fabricated material, generally designated as textile fabrics, at a temperature above the melting temperature of the matrix material and below the melting or decomposition temperature of the reinforcing material. The product is then cooled to stabilise its final shape.

Abstract: A laminated pipe for oil production offshore includes a thermoplastic inner pipe coated with a laminate of matrix material having one or more layers of reinforcing fibres. A method for production of the laminated pipe and a connection device for joining the pipes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer pipe is comprised of an internal tubular ply made from a synthetic material, a strengthening reinforcement member also made from a synthetic material and an external ply made from a synthetic material. At least one of the plies is bonded, by melting, to the reinforcement member. The strengthening reinforcement member has, over the whole or part of its length, a reticulate lacunary structure, of which only internal and external faces thereof are bonded to corresponding adjacent plies. Spaces of the lacunary structure are blocked off by, but not filled by, these plies.

Abstract: A low friction slip-sleeve wrap for buried structures such as pipelines, pilings or the like. The pipe is coated in a polymer coating such as HDPE or FBE, then wrapped in a polymer mesh such as geonet or geogrid without any friction-increasing means such as friction coatings or fillings or bonding of layers. Finally, a layer of geotextile is wrapped over the polymer mesh layer. In addition to the reduction of friction and shear transfer from the ground to the pipe or foundation element, which acts to protect the structure from damage due to earthquakes or land slippage, the low friction slip-sleeve wrap of the invention has several other advantages. The porosity of the geotextile allows for cathodic protection. The geogrids, geonets, and geotextiles used in the wrap are relatively inexpensive and readily available. Moreover, the wrap can be applied in the field easily, with minimal time delay, and located as required along all or selected lengths of the pipeline or foundation element.

Abstract: There is provided a resin-silica sleeve or sheath for a sensor. The sheath has coating layer applied to its outer surface to improve the mechanical fracture strength and abrasion resistance of the sheath. The sheath, preferably, includes an inner layer or core and a non-reactive layer disposed about the inner layer, wherein the coating layer is disposed about the non-reactive layer.

Abstract: A pipe comprising a multilayer inner core (1) whose outer layer is made of polyamide or of EVOH to provide an effective barrier function, and outer reinforcement that withstands pressure. The outer reinforcement comprises at least one filamentary reinforcing structure (4) placed around the core (1), a covering outer layer (7), and at least one bonding agent (3, 5) for bonding the reinforcing structure (4) to the inner core (1), the agent being selected from polyurethane or polyamide hot melt adhesives and thermosetting polyesters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a repairing tube to be used in pipe lines such as gas conduits, water supply lines and sewer lines, chiefly those buried in the ground, for the purpose of repairing the pipe lines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a repairing tube including a rigid pipe formed of thermoplastic resin and a tubular woven fabric and a method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe line with the repairing tube. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for removing the repairing tube in its collapsed form out of the pipe line, for example when the repairing tube installed in the pipe line has become superannuated or it has been collapsed for some reason or other to impair the function of the pipe line and hence it is desired to reline the pipe line.

Abstract: Guide catheter unibody and method for manufacturing such a catheter. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention is a unibody guide catheter for use in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures. The catheter includes a base layer and a structural layer formed over the base layer. The structural layer includes strands which cross at a plurality of points, the strands being attached together for structural integrity at a substantial number of points where they cross. The structural layer may be at least partially embedded in the base layer. Additionally, a cover layer is formed over the structural layer.

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other 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 fluorocarbon coating (16) dispersed throughout the reinforcing layer (14). The hose assembly (10) is characterized by including a metallic reinforcing layer (18) disposed about the reinforcing layer (14) for increasing the strength and bending properties of the hose assembly (10).

Abstract: A tubular body made of thermoplastic resin as the matrix of the body. The tubular body is formed from a woven fabric and sheet assembly including woven fabrics each having reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic fibers interwoven with the woven fabric, and a uniformly oriented or paralleled fiber sheet made of fiber bundles which include reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin fibers mixed with the reinforcing fibers. Since the assembly does not become sticky at the room temperature and is wound onto a core without heating process, the assembly can be formed into a desired tubular form with ease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hose construction containing a fluoroplastic barrier. The hose comprises (1) an inner core comprising (a) acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and (b) from 0.05 to 25 phr of unsubstituted or substituted phenol salts of 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5,4,0]undecene-7; (2) a barrier layer comprised of a terpolymer derived from tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride, wherein said barrier layer is directly adhered to said inner core; and (3) an elastomeric cover.

Abstract: A flexible hose comprising a composite polymeric core with a degradation-resistant liner and a thermoplastic elastomeric liner coating, the core preferably being surrounded by a protective sheath. The degradation-resistant liner is optionally a polyolefin or fluorine-containing polyolefin and can have a convoluted inside surface. The composite core can optionally include a vapor barrier and leak indicator, and a tracer can be provided to indicate twisting of the sheath.

Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly of the type adapted for carrying fuels and other corrosive fluids. The assembly (10, 110, 210) includes a tubular member (11, 111, 211) and coupling members (20). The tubular member (11, 111, 211) includes an inner liner (12, 112, 212) of a fluorocarbon polymer. The assembly (10, 110, 210) further includes an outer layer (14, 114, 214) of closed cell fluorocarbon polymer foam. A conductive strip (16, 116, 216) is formed on the inner liner (12, 112, 212) for dissipating electrical charges accumulated in the inner liner (12, 112, 212). A fabric braided layer (118, 218) may be disposed about the exterior of the inner liner (112) or the outer foam layer (214) respectively for adding strength to the assembly (10).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a double jacketed fire hose, and a double jacketed fire hose comprising an inner jacket and an outer jacket, the inner jacket being encapsulated with polyurethane, the inner jacket residing within the outer jacket, the inner and outer jacket having a controlled net twist.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible metal pipe covered with an impermeable sheath of a shrinkable, preferably semicrystalline polymer or polymers, characterized in that it incorporates between the shrinkable polymer sheath and the metal pipe an intermediate elastomer layer (8), optionally vulcanized or reticulated, and/or a TPE in the form of a continuous tubular sleeve (FIG. 3) or of a tape (FIG. 4 to 6). Sheathed pipes of this type are particularly suitable for flexible pipelines, optionally with suitable supports, for carrying oil and gas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a double jacketed fire hose, and a double jacketed fire hose comprising an inner jacket and an outer jacket, said inner jacket being encapsulated with polyurethane, said inner jacket residing within said outer jacket, said inner and outer jacket having a controlled net twist.

Abstract: A hose for automotive fuel piping has an inner layer formed of a molding of a terpolymeric fluoro-resin prepared from tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride, so that it can be provided with suitable flexibility. Both the vulcanization composition of an epichlorohydrin rubber or NBR/PVC blend to be disposed outside the inner layer and the vulcanization composition of an NBR rubber or fluororubber to be disposed inside the inner layer contain 1,8-diazablcylco(5.4.0)undecene-7 salts and organophosphonium salts. A satisfactory bonding strength can be attained merely by the vulcanlzation bonding without any surface treatment such as corona discharge on the surface of the inner layer fluororesin.

Abstract: An improved pipe is produced from phenylene sulfide/biphenylene sulfide copolymers, The improved pipe has greater flexibility and ductility than pipe produced from normal PPS resin. Such pipe is produced by preparing a phenylene sulfide/biphenylene sulfide copolymer and forming the copolymer into essentially amorphous pipe by extrusion followed by rapid and uniform quench to avoid pipe crystallization, Also disclosed is a method wherein such amorphous pipe is oriented by subsequent die extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite or hose which minimizes hydrocarbon emission in fuel systems. The composite or hose is especially suitable for motor vehicles. The composite or hose uses a thin, inner layer of a polyfluorocarbon polymer and an outer layer of a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A cardiovascular catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having a flexible plastic wall reinforced with at least two concentrically spaced-apart braided stainless steel meshes. The catheter exhibits high resistance to buckling and torsional stiffness to allow precise rotational control of the catheter tip.

Abstract: A multi-layered liner for lining a pipeline which has an external jacket, an interior liner, a woven intermediate layer between the external jacket and the interior liner. At least one optical fiber is in the woven intermediate liner for purposes of monitoring stress or for communication, and a capacitance leak detection circuit is also in the multi-layered liner for the purpose of detecting leaks in the multi-layered liner. Also included is the method of monitoring a pipeline for stress or leakage by use of a stress detector connected to an optic fiber in a multi-layered liner installed in the pipeline and a leak detector connected to a capacitance circuit in a multi-layered liner installed in a pipeline.

Abstract: A reinforced rubber hose having a layer of ethylene-propylene rubber outside or inside a fiber-reinforcing layer. The two layers are firmly bonded to each other by an extruded adhesive layer of butyl rubber which exhibits a high bond strength after vulcanization. This obviates the necessity of treating (usually by dipping) the fibrous reinforcement with an adhesive before its braiding or knitting.

Abstract: A composite material tube, withstanding the internal pressure, and comprising at least two layers of pressure reinforcement fibers, or pressure resistant layers, wound at an angle at least equal in absolute value to 70.degree., with respect to the center axis of the tube. The two layers both undergo radial expansion under an effect of the pressure, with one of these two layers being inside the other. A circumferential modulus of elasticity of the external layer is greater than the circumferential modulus of elasticity of the internal layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite flexible hose excellent in pliability without any adhesive layer between an innermost layer and an intermediate rubber layer. The hose consists of the innermost layer, the intermediate rubber layer, a fibrous reinforcement layer and an external rubber layer, each of which is formed in this order from the inside. The innermost layer is formed of a modified polyamide obtainable by blending of a polyamide and a carboxyl-containing modified polyolefin, and the intermediate rubber layer is formed of a rubber composition obtainable by a blend of 10 to 50 parts by weight of silicic acid or a salt thereof and 5 to 15 parts by weight of a brominated alkylphenol formaldehyde resin per 100 parts of the rubber material obtainable by blending butyl rubber and a halogenated butyl rubber at a weight ratio of 50/50 to 0/100. The composite flexible hose is completed by vulcanization after laminating each layer.

Abstract: A multiple layer hose which incorporates a gas barrier film and an elastomeric fill layer which is interposed between the gas barrier and a fiber mesh reinforcing layer. The fill layer isolates the gas barrier from the reinforcing fibers and fills the grid openings in the mesh to avoid pockets of trapped air in the hose wall.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wire wrapped composite spiral hose, having a plurality of layers of fabric wrapped around a preformed convolute hose and held in place by a continuous wire spaced within the convolutions. A method and device for preparing the hose is disclosed using parallel elongate mandrels which are synchronized to rotate and apply the wire spaced in the convolutions.

Abstract: A method of producing an externally non-conductive hose assembly is provided which is made up of a hollow cylindrical member novelly connected to coupling means, where the connection prevents the dissipation of electrical charges therethrough and has sufficient strength to withstand severe torsional stresses and provides a seal to substantially preclude the undesired and gradual escape of fluids over the lifetime of the assembly.

Abstract: Multilayer plastic pipes comprising a polyamide-based inner and outer layer, wherein the inner and outer layer are connected force-lockingly by means of at least one intermediate layer made of a mixture of a linear crystalline polyester and a polyamide, have improved stability to chemical agents and improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hose (10) which comprises at least one tubular layer (3) of plastic or rubber material, a mesh-network (4) of the chain type presenting mesh lines (5) and mesh rows (6) having a tubular shape being wound on the external surface of said inner layer, a possible external layer (7), and is characterized in that said mesh rows are slanted in relation to the longitudinal axis of the hose. According to a preferred embodiment the lines (5) of said meshes are slanted in relation to the longitudinal axis Y of the hose, following a direction opposite to the direction of the mesh rows (6).

Abstract: A hose system for brakes of vehicles adapted to replace the flexible hose of a vehicle that extends from the pre-existing brake caliper of a vehicle through a bracket and to the pre-existing brake master cylinder of the vehicle. The system includes a flexible hose of stainless steel braid protected extruded Teflon material having a whip dampening member mounted on the hose receivable in the pre-existing bracket of the vehicle.

Abstract: An hydraulic brake hose such as for automotive applications is formed of an EPDM elastomer core tube and one or more additional tube layers, each formed of such terpolymer compounded without processing oils and one or more interlying reinforcing layers of nonwater-base adhesive coated polyvinyl alcohol fibers. The absence of water from the reinforcing fibers provides thennal stability to the reinforcing layers, and the absence of compounding oil from the EPDM terpolymers also provides high temperature properties for the hose.

Abstract: A structural member of fiber reinforced composite material suitable for secondary processing and a method of processing is described. The structural member before secondary processing is typically a multi-ply tube, rod, or sheet formed with an outer sheath of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material having a melting temperature t.sub.m1 and an inner core material, also fiber reinforced thermoplastic, having a melting temperature, t.sub.m2 lower than t.sub.m1. The member, prior to secondary processing, is thermoplastic.In a secondary process the member is heated to a temperature between t.sub.m1 and t.sub.m2, but sufficient to render the outer sheath malleable. The member is deformed to a desired geometry, such as a helix, and cooled to a hardened state.

Abstract: An externally non-conductive hose assembly is provided which is made up of a hollow cylindrical member novelly connected to coupling means, where the connection prevents the dissipation of electrical charges therethrough and has sufficient strength to withstand severe torsional stresses and provides a seal to substantially preclude the undesired and gradual escape of fluids over the lifetime of the assembly.

Abstract: A fluid conveying hose, especially a refrigerant conveying hose, that exhibits improved resistance to permeation of the refrigerant while still affording desirable flexibility, and a fitting for such hose and methods of making the hose and the union between the hose and fitting. Also provided is a coupling assembly for a hose and a service fitting that is a considerably less expensive alternative to existing assemblies equipped with relatively expensive shut-off valves or quick connect/disconnect couplers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hose of low cost, which can be installed very easily, which remains reliable over a long period of time, and in which damage to the inner construction can be easily discovered. An auxiliary pressure cord layer 7 is capable of being deformed by the pressure of a fluid in a chamber 9. A float 10 attached to a hose 1 with a mooring line is also attached to a hose body 2 through a connecting member, and when an amount of deformation of the auxiliary pressure cord layer 7 has reached a predetermined value, the connecting member is fractured and the float 10 is separated from the hose 1.

Abstract: A hose assembly (10) is of the type for carrying high pressure fluids therethrough. The hose assembly (10) includes a tubular member (11) and a pair of coupling members (20). The tubular member (11) includes an inner liner (12) of a fluorocarbon polymer. Yarns (15) fabricated from fibers (17), including glass fibers and aramid fibers (19), are braided together about the exterior of the inner liner (12) to form a braided layer (13). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluorocarbon coating (14) dispersed throughout the braided layer (13) to prevent kinking or permanent deformation in the inner liner (12), in addition to preventing the crushing of the yarns (15) when the ends are crimped to receive the coupling members (20). A conductive strip (16) is formed on the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges which may accumulate in the inner liner (12).

Abstract: The present invention provides a CFRP-made optical cylinder comprising, as the main CFRP layers, (a) CFRP layers containing a carbon fiber arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the cylinder axial direction and (b) CFRP layers containing a carbon fiber arranged in a direction making an angle of substantially.+-.(40.about.50) degree to the cylinder axial direction, in which cylinder at least 50% by weight of the carbon fiber arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the cylinder axial direction has a linear expansion coefficient of -1.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. or less and at least 50% by weight of the carbon fiber arranged in a direction making all angle of substantially.+-.(40.about.50) degree to the cylinder axial direction has a linear expansion coefficient of -1.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. or less, and which cylinder has a linear expansion coefficient of -0.5.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. to 0.5.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. in the axial direction.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a flexible polymeric structure comprising a sealant barrier, consisting of a multilayer film a few microns thick, oriented longitudinally, in a continuous manner, whereby all of the components of said flexible structure are intimately bonded by a final heat treatment. Flexible polymeric structures manufactured according to this process. Application to the fields of the transport of all fluids and protection against external aggressive agents.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a flexible tubular structure comprising a sealant barrier, consisting of a monolayer film a few microns thick, oriented longitudinally, in a continuous manner, whereby all of the components of said flexible structure are intimately bonded by a final heat treatment. Flexible tubular structures realized according to this process. Application to the fields of the transport of all fluids and protection against external aggressive agents.

Abstract: A high pressure (up to 8000 psi service) hose assembly has an inner core made of "Teflon" PTFE, covered by a "Kevlar" aramid reinforcing braid. The PTFE can, but the aramid cannot, withstand the attack of oils and other fluids which may be conveyed through the hose. Therefore, the aramid is covered by PTFE tape and the end of the hose is sealed inside an end fitting. In one embodiment, when the end fitting is swaged or otherwise manipulated to capture the hose, the PTFE inner core extrudes to complete the sealing of the hose end.

Abstract: A hose assembly is provided having an elongated tubular member having a nipple portion, a hose having an internal diameter corresponding essentially with the outer diameter of said nipple portion and a metallic shell which coaxially surrounds said nipple portion with the hose located therebetween. The shell has a radially inward flange at one end thereof which extends radially into an annular groove located in the tubular portion to prevent axial movement of the shell relative to the nipple portion. The nipple portion has a reduced diameter annular channel having a plurality of axially spaced circumferential barbs which extend radially outward from the channel with the outer diameter of the barbs being less than the outer diameter of the nipple portion.

Abstract: A tubular liner for lining the inner wall of a pipe such as sewer pipe made up of a flexible tubular resin-absorbent fabric to be impregnated with a thermosetting liquid resin and a tubular plastic film welded on the external surface of the tubular resin-absorbent fabric; also disclosed are the methods for making such tubular liner and for impregnating such tubular liner with the thermosetting liquid resin, and in particular the impregnation method is characterized by using a plurality of vacuum suction hoses.

Abstract: A multiple layer hose and fitting assembly for refrigeration circuits particularly suitable for larger sizes of refrigeration conduit wherein refrigerant loss to the atmosphere through the hose material is minimized and flexibility is maintained. An inner tube of thermoplastic material is employed to minimize refrigerant loss due to permeation, and the inner tube is corrugated to provide lateral flexibility. The hose includes pressure reinforcing layers or covers, and a moisture ingression resistant sheath or layer circumscribes the inner tube to protect the inner tube from contamination by moisture. In the preferred embodiment the sheath is located between a braided reinforcing layer engaging the inner tube and a braided cover. The moisture ingression resistant layer is preferably formed of a thermoplastic rubber, and the adjacent hose layers are capable of limited axial displacement relative to each other to assure lateral flexibility.

Abstract: A refrigerant transporting hose having a laminar structure including an inner tube consisting of at least one layer, an outer tube disposed radially outwardly of and coaxially with the inner tube, and a reinforcing fiber layer interposed between the inner and outer tubes. The inner tube includes a resin layer formed of a resin composition which consists of a blend of modified polyolefin and polyamide resin, and 1-10% by weight of .epsilon.-caprolactam. A proportion by weight of the modified polyolefin to the polyamide resin is selected within a range between 40/60 and 10/90. The hose may have a sealing layer formed on the inner surface of the inner tube. The sealing layer consists of a chlorinated elastomer containing a dispersion of an acid receptive agent. Alternately, the sealing layer may be provided on the outer surface of a hose connector nipple.

Abstract: A heat resistive sleeve (10) is capable of surrounding conduits, hoses and the like. The heat resistive sleeve (10) includes one outer layer (20) and, if necessary, a plurality of inner layers (12, 30, 38), all of which are fabricated of interwoven fiberglass yarns. To increase the insulating properties of the fiberglass, fibers of a second outer fiberglass yarn (24) are braided together to form a solid braid (26) having a radial thickness (T2) greater than the radial thickness (T1) of a first outer fiberglass yarn (22). A second inner layer (30) includes a first untextured fiberglass yarn (32) interwoven with a third textured fiberglass yarn (34), the textured fiberglass yarn (34) being less dense and having a radial thickness (T3) greater than the radial thickness (T1) of the untextured fiberglass yarn creating additional spaces (36) which further increase the thermal insulation of the heat resistive sleeve (10).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat-shrinkable hose, wherein at least one shrinkable thread is wound around a basic hose element. A cover hose is provided that surrounds the basic hose element and overlies the heat-shrinkable thread. Longitudinal supporting threads can be provided for additional reinforcement.