Spirally Wound Material Patents (Class 138/129)
  • Publication number: 20090159145
    Abstract: A hose with a length dimension is disclosed, the hose including a wall with a composite layer, the composite layer including cushion material and support material, the support material including a plurality of successive sublayers oriented such that each of the sublayers at least partially overlaps at least one other sublayer along any axis substantially perpendicular to the length dimension of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron K. Amstutz
  • Publication number: 20090133771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a plastic drainage pipeline reinforced by steel strips, comprising the steps of (1) steel strips and plastic being integrated to form a composite profile having ribs reinforced by steel strips; (2) the composite profiles being transported to an installation site; (3) the composite profiles being wound, and simultaneously the edge of the profile being melted and welded to form plastic drainage pipes reinforced by steel strips; and (4) a spigot joint being made at one end of the pipe. The present invention also relates to a plastic drainage pipe made by the method, comprising a plastic pipe body and reinforcing ribs integrated with the plastic pipe body as a whole, wherein the ribs of the plastic pipe are reinforced by steel strips enwrapped by the plastic. The present invention also provides an apparatus for making the plastic drainage pipe reinforced by steel strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Yiliang He
  • Publication number: 20090107571
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to flexible hose articles and methods. Some embodiments include hoses that can be reversibly bent and/or shaped. Furthermore, some embodiments can comprise methods for making and/or using such hose articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Bruno Ranieri Torchio
  • Patent number: 7523765
    Abstract: A spoolable pipe is disclosed, the spoolable pipe having an internal pressure barrier formed about a longitudinal axis, and a reinforcing layer(s) enclosing the internal pressure barrier. In one embodiment, the reinforcing layer(s) can include fibers having at least a partial helical orientation about approximately thirty and about approximately seventy degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, and, the wall can include at least one external layer enclosing the reinforcing layer(s) and having a permeability at least ten times greater than the permeability of the internal pressure barrier. The reinforcing layer(s) can further include a coating. The pipe can also include an energy conductor(s) integrated with and/or located between the internal pressure barrier and/or the reinforcing layer(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Fiberspar Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan, Thomas W. Wideman
  • Publication number: 20090101225
    Abstract: Flexible pipe body, a method of manufacturing flexible pipe body and a method of providing a flexible pipe are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes a fluid retaining layer, at least one tensile armor layer, at least one extruded thermal insulation layer over an outermost one of the at least one tensile armor layers and an outer shield layer over the insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Stefan Buchner
  • Patent number: 7520302
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrical extensible hose that includes an outer shell, an inner core and at least one helical wire, which acts like a skeleton. In the present invention one implemented an additional wire that was conductive. The outer shell and inner core of the present invention may be bonded together via heat fusion. The helical wire is attached to the inner core via heat fusion. The helical wire supports the outer shell and inner core so as to form a tube. The outer shell and the inner core have a portion that forms an angular fold and have a portion that remains fixed. The second wire is attached at a point below the fixed portion of the electrical stretch hose so as to allow for maximum constriction caused by the shrinkable force created by the helical wire, thus increasing the stretch ratio of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Stacy Smith
  • Publication number: 20090050227
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrical extensible hose that includes an outer shell, an inner core and at least one helical wire, which acts like a skeleton. In the present invention one implemented an additional wire that was conductive. The outer shell and inner core of the present invention may be bonded together via heat fusion. The helical wire is attached to the inner core via heat fusion. The helical wire supports the outer shell and inner core so as to form a tube. The outer shell and the inner core have a portion that forms an angular fold and have a portion that remains fixed. The second wire is attached at a point below the fixed portion of the electrical stretch hose so as to allow for maximum constriction caused by the shrinkable force created by the helical wire, thus increasing the stretch ratio of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Stacy Smith
  • Patent number: 7472724
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of lining a core slot that includes the steps of unwinding a tube, separating a portion of the tube, inserting the tube into a core slot, and expanding the tube to line the core slot. The present invention also includes a continuous piece of helically-wound tubing that is wound on a spool along with an apparatus and method used for creating the spool of tubing. The method includes the steps of helically wrapping a web of material in an overlapping relationship to form a helically-wound tube, advancing the tube in a longitudinal direction of the tube and winding the tube onto a spool while at least a portion of the tube is being formed by the step of helically-wrapping. Method variations in which one or more of the aforementioned steps may be eliminated as appropriate, can be used for many other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Electrolock, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Lester, Joseph Williams, IV
  • Publication number: 20090000683
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed relating to flexible pipe and composite tape. Flexible pipe body for a flexible pipe comprises an internal pressure sheath and at least one armour layer over the sheath comprising a wound tape of composite material. A method for manufacturing a composite tape is disclosed making use of a pultrusion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Terence Sheldrake
  • Publication number: 20080295276
    Abstract: A flexible hose includes a hose body and a plurality of pleats formed on an outer circumferential surface of the hose body by predetermined intervals to give flexibility to the flexible hose. Each of the plurality of pleats includes an entering portion formed to be inclined to the outer circumferential surface of the hose body, and a head portion formed vertical to the outer circumferential surface of the hose body to extend from the entering portion, to be in fluid communication with an inside of the hose body via the entering portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kyong-hui Jeon
  • Patent number: 7445030
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe, for example, for the transport of hydrocarbons. The pipe comprises successive independent layers including helical coils of strips or different sections and at least one polymer sheath. At least one of the coils is a strip or strips of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jean Hardy, Alain Coutarel
  • Patent number: 7431054
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire-reinforced flexible rubber hose that is particularly suitable for use in breathing air applications. The method includes positioning a section of wire-reinforced tubing on a forming mandrel and then positioning a sleeve of uncured rubber to cover the section of wire-reinforced tubing. Cording is then wrapped around the sleeve of uncured rubber such that each adjacent wrapping of cording is disposed between and separated by the wire helix of the wire-reinforced tubing. The sleeve of uncured rubber is cured while the cording is wrapped thereon to form a cured hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Crushproof Tubing Company
    Inventors: Vance M. Kramer, Jr., J. Todd Grayson
  • Publication number: 20080236695
    Abstract: A low gas-permeable hose has an inner rubber layer, a reinforcing multilayer portion including a first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer on an outer side of the inner rubber layer, an outer rubber layer on an outer side of the reinforcing multilayer portion, a resin layer defining an innermost layer; and a barrier layer on an inner side of the inner rubber layer and on an outer side of the resin layer. The barrier layer is a resin membrane of polyvinyl alcohol. The reinforcing multilayer portion has a cooperative reinforcing structure for ensuring the second reinforcing layer of reinforcement to the first reinforcing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Takagi
  • Publication number: 20080223472
    Abstract: A flexible hose includes a bellows pipe wall and an air barrier. The bellows pipe wall includes peaks defined on an outer surface of the bellows pipe wall, valleys is adjacent a respective peak, and grooves defined on an inner surface of the bellows pipe wall. Each groove is under a respective peak. The air barrier is near each of the grooves to prevent air from entering the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Kyong-hui Jeon, Hwa-gyu Song, Sung-cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 7418980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner hose manufactured by continuously spirally winding one row or two rows of band-shaped materials extruded with an electric wire inserted therein. The vacuum cleaner hose is formed by spirally winding and sticking a band-shaped material having protrusions connected to each other in a line. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner hose is formed from one row of the band-shaped material 2 having a plurality of the hollow protrusions 4 inserted with the electric wire 5 and at least one hollow protrusion 4a inserted with no electric wire 5 is formed into the hose 1. In another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner hose is formed from two rows of the band-shaped materials 2 in which the protrusions of only one row of the band-shaped materials 2 are inserted with the electric wire 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Hyun Mi Lee
  • Publication number: 20080202621
    Abstract: A hose having both excellent flexibility and shape retainability and advantageous in construction efficiency and cost efficiency. The hose comprises hard synthetic resin reinforcement material (2) spirally fed and having, on both sides of the top part (2D) thereof in the tube axial direction, receiving surfaces (2a) and (2b) positioned on the radial inner side toward the end part thereof and a soft synthetic resin hose body for covering the spirally fed reinforcement materials (2). The reinforcement materials (2) are spirally fed in the state of the top parts being positioned on the radial outer side thereof, a soft synthetic resin tape material (3) is fed to the fed reinforcement (2), and while covering parts (3A) projected in a generally arc shape to the center of the reinforcement materials (2) by melting the tape material or with an adhesive agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Shigeki Kanao
  • Publication number: 20080128043
    Abstract: An insulated length of pipe includes a length of pipe and a flexible insulating material coating lengthwise surrounding the length of pipe. The flexible insulating coating comprises syntactic foam and a length conformable tape including a relatively narrow elastomeric extrusion spirally wrapped around the length of pipe and embedded within the syntactic foam where the elastomeric extrusion comprises a gelatinous filler. The majority of the insulating coating includes syntactic foam whose flexibility is increased by relatively narrow conformable tape wound spirally (e.g., helically) around the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Lou Watkins
  • Patent number: 7331989
    Abstract: There is disclosed an insert (2) for a conduit (4) adapted to effect helical flow in the conduit (4) comprising a longitudinally extending member having a helical formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tayside Flow Technologies Limited
    Inventors: John Graeme Houston, Peter Arno Stonebridge, John Bruce Cameron Dick, Robert Gordon Hood, Allana Johnstone, Christophe Emmanuel Sarran, Craig McLeod Duff
  • Publication number: 20080029178
    Abstract: A hose assembly includes a tubular inner core, a high-temperature thermal insulator disposed about the inner core and in substantially continuous contact therewith, a sealing layer substantially surrounding the thermal insulator, and an outer reinforcing layer. The insulator may be a refractory paper tape braided or helically wrapped about the inner core, and may be multiple layers thick. The sealing layer, which may be a polymeric fluorocarbon tape, substantially surrounds the thermal insulator and protects the thermal insulator from chemical degradation. The outer reinforcing and sealing layer may be integrated. Alternatively, the outer reinforcing layer may be applied about the sealing layer, for example via braiding. A coupling may be attached at one end of the hose assembly to connect the hose assembly to a fluid system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Rob Bentley
  • Patent number: 7311123
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe comprising a metal carcass helically coiled about a longitudinal axis of said flexible pipe and the carcass comprises a seamed profiled hollow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignees: Coflexip, Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Philippe Espinasse, Patrice Joël Louis Jung, Daniel Averbuch, François Dupoiron
  • Patent number: 7302973
    Abstract: A reinforced flexible pipeline (1), which has an inner liner (3) whose inner side engages an inner reinforcement layer (2) that may be formed by a so-called carcass, and on whose outer side at least a strength-imparting reinforcement layer (4, 5, 6, 7) is provided, has an additional barrier layer (9, 10, 11) which is arranged between the inner liner and the inner reinforcement layer. The additional barrier layer is thermally insulating and/or chemically protecting. The additional barrier layer may be formed as a tape (9) which is wound around the inner reinforcement layer, or may be composed of locking profiles (10, 11) which are wound around the flexible pipeline in a helix. The additional barrier layer (9, 10, 11) may be made completely or partly of a polymer which may be thermoplastic, or is cross-linked completely or partly. Hereby, the pipe may be protected against temperatures above e.g. 13° C. and may also be protected against attacks from methanol that contains water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbøl, Jakob Wedel-Heinen
  • Publication number: 20070275195
    Abstract: A support coil for radially supporting an elastically expanded tube material includes an extruded profile body consisting of a plurality of windings wound about a longitudinal axis of the support coil. Each of the windings has opposing end faces. A ratchet arrangement joins the end faces of the adjacent windings with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support coil. A tongue and groove arrangement joins the end faces of the adjacent windings with respect to a radial direction of the support coil. The tongue and groove arrangement is spatially separated from the ratchet arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Thilo Simonsohn, Christian Heindl
  • Patent number: 7284573
    Abstract: The present invention provides tubes for, in an exemplary embodiment, dispensing loose fill insulation. The tube comprises an inner web formed in a tubular shape and having a plurality of spaced helical projections disposed along an inner surface thereof and extending towards a central longitudinal axis of the inner web, the inner surface of the inner web also forming an inner surface of the tube. A cap is disposed around an outer periphery of the inner web. The helical projections serve to condition the insulation as the insulation passes through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Wagner, Edward Pentz
  • Patent number: 7238400
    Abstract: A pipe for transporting hydrocarbons including textile tape of fibers or fiber windings having a thicker central section and thinner longitudinal edge regions, the tape being wound in a helical winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Gerez, Christophe Dieumegard
  • Patent number: 7185677
    Abstract: A helical formation (2) for a conduit (1). The helical formation (2) comprises an elongate member defining at least a portion of a helix, the elongate member comprising two inwardly extending portions (6, 7). The inwardly extending portions (6, 7) are spaced from each other and extend along the length of the elongate member in side-by-side relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tayside Flow Technologies Limited
    Inventors: John Graeme Houston, Robert Gordon Hood, John Bruce Cameron Dick, Craig McLeod Duff, Allana Johnstone, Christophe Emmanuel Sarran, Peter Arno Stonebridge
  • Patent number: 7174922
    Abstract: A composite strip 10 windable to form a helical pipe is disclosed. The composite strip 10 comprises: an elongate plastic strip 11 having a base portion 12 and at least one lengthwise extending rib portion 20 upstanding from the base portion 12; and an elongate reinforcing strip 30 extending lengthwise and supported laterally by the rib portion 20, the reinforcing strip 30 having a height to thickness ratio of at least three to one and orientated substantially perpendicular to the base portion 12. When wound into a helical pipe, the reinforcing strip 30 reinforces the pipe against radial crushing loads. A bead 40 seals the reinforcing strip 30 from the environment. Desirably the composite strip 10 further comprises: a planar lamina 50 extending lengthwise and bonded to the base portion 12, the lamina 50 having a higher Young's modulus and strength than those of the plastic strip 11. The lamina 50 greatly improves the pressure rating of a pipe wound from the strip 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rib Loc Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Roger Bateman, Gulcay Uysal
  • Patent number: 7143789
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure hose structure comprising several layers of reinforcing plies where the reinforcing fibers are spirally laid. The hose structure according to the invention is characterized by the odd number of its reinforcing plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Phoenix Rubber Gumiipari Kft.
    Inventors: Tibor Nagy, Andras Boros
  • Patent number: 7132160
    Abstract: A laminate tape useful for insulating pipes, lines and the like is constructed of a tacky first layer containing asphalt and an insulative filler such as granulated cork adhered to a flexible second layer that is less tacky. The flexible second layer contains a rubber such as butyl rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Gary D. Fox
  • Patent number: 7124780
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe having a pressure sheath, a pressure vault comprising at least one pressure-resistant armor, an intermediate sheath and at least one tensile armor layer. The inner annular space formed between the pressure sheath and the intermediate sheath comprises a layer which is used to drain the gases present in the annular space. The drainage layer is formed by a short-pitch winding of at least one long element having transverse drain holes or spaces which can drain gases between the successive turns of the winding. The transverse holes or spaces extend in a direction which is essentially transverse to the winding turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: François Dupoiron
  • Patent number: 7093620
    Abstract: Reinforced pipe obtained by winding, onto a tubular support based on a polymeric composition, of reinforcing tapes comprising an oriented polymeric composition in layers crossed at an equal but opposite angle relative to the axis of the pipe. The tapes are selected from those whose polymeric composition exhibits particular mechanical strength properties in tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Solvay
    Inventors: Claude Dehennau, Pierre Matz
  • Patent number: 7032623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible pipe structure wherein transverse displacement caused by buckling of the elongate elements of a tensile armouring layer when the pipe is being laid or used in deep sea is limited. The invention aims to reduce the play between the elongate elements of the tensile armouring layer so as to limit transverse displacement possibilities while providing the pipe with the required flexibility and mechanical characteristics. The elongate elements can freely move longitudinally in relation to one another to ensure flexibility of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignees: Coflexip, Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Daniel Averbuch, Jean-Marc Leroy, Alain Coutarel
  • Patent number: 7004202
    Abstract: A composite strip 10 windable to form a helical pipe is disclosed. The composite strip 10 comprises: an elongate plastic strip 11 having a base portion 12 and at least one lengthwise extending rib portion 20 upstanding from the base portion 12; and an elongate reinforcing strip 30 extending lengthwise and supported laterally by the rib portion 20, the reinforcing strip 30 having a height to thickness ratio of at least three to one and orientated substantially perpendicular to the base portion 12. When wound into a helical pipe, the reinforcing strip 30 reinforces the pipe against radial crushing loads. A bead 40 seals the reinforcing strip 30 from the environment. Desirably the composite strip 10 further comprises: a planar lamina 50 extending lengthwise and bonded to the base portion 12, the lamina 50 having a higher Young's modulus and strength than those of the plastic strip 11. The lamina 50 greatly improves the pressure rating of a pipe wound from the strip 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Rib Loc Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Roger Bateman, Gulcay Uysal
  • Patent number: 7000645
    Abstract: A flexible, armored pipe is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible, armored pipe includes an impermeable liner, an outer armoring layer, and an inner armoring layer. The inner armoring layer includes one or more wound armoring elements, and the outer armoring layer is placed on the outside of the liner, and includes at least two layers of wound armoring elements which are completely or partly permeable for fluids. Further, the inner armoring layer is placed on the inside of the liner. In certain embodiments, the inner armoring is built up of wound profiles, K profiles, or profiles which include a rolled strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian GlejbØl, Niels-Jørgen Rishøj Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6981526
    Abstract: An armoured flexible pipe has an inner liner (3) surrounded by a pressure armour (5, 6) that is surrounded by a tensile armour (7, 8). The pressure armour (5, 6) is constructed from a number of profiles (5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 14a, 14b, 14c) which may engage with each other. In order to obtain optimum functionality, the profiles are shaped as X profiles (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) which are kept together with another type of profile, e.g. C or T type profiles. In one embodiment, the X profiles have an open channel (17). In this way gas or liquid, such as rinsing fluid, may be pumped through the armour layer, from one end of the pipe to the other end. In particular, the armoured flexible pipe is useful for conveying fluids such as water, ammonia, hydrocarbons, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jan Christian Rytter
  • Patent number: 6966344
    Abstract: For limiting the lateral buckling of tensile armor plies of an underwater flexible pipe, that can be used in the offshore oil industry, the plies include from the outside inward, at least one external polymer sheath, a first outward retention layer of a defined thickness K1 wound around an upper outer tensile armor ply, at least one second inward retention layer of a defined stiffness K2 wound around each of at least one lower inner tensile armor ply. Stiffness K2 is preferably less than stiffness K1, i.e., the retention layers outward are less stiff. There is then an internal polymer sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Alain Coutarel, Fabrice Bectarte
  • Patent number: 6932119
    Abstract: An elongate flexible plastic tubing includes a helical support bead, and defines a central passage opening on opposite ends of the tubing. The tubing may also include one or more lumens extending helically in the support bead from end to end of the tubing. Also, the tubing may include one or more electrical conductors also extending helically from end to end of the tubing. Additionally, one or plural fiber optic conductors may extend helically from end to end of the tubing. The lumen(s), electrical conductors, and fiber optic conductors, are available for utilization to, for example: conduct electricity, carry out electrical resistance heating of fluid flow in the central passage, carry electrical signals, carry fluid, transmit fluidic signals, or to convey light, and/or optical signals, along a length of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Eric Carlson
  • Patent number: 6899140
    Abstract: A flexible pipe and a method of manufacturing same according to which a tubular sheath is provided that defines a longitudinal passage for receiving a conveyed fluid, a tape is formed by a plurality of metal fibers supported by a strip of flexible material to form a tape, and the tape is wound around the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventors: Dana J. Fraser, Colin Soens
  • Patent number: 6889715
    Abstract: A flexible pipe in which a layer of wound tape extends adjacent a surface of a tubular member to limit or prevent molecular migration through the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventors: Dana J. Fraser, Charles Basil Firth
  • Patent number: 6889716
    Abstract: A flexible, fiber reinforced pipe has been invented for conveying fluids. The pipe is flexible enough to be spoolable, even under winter temperature conditions. The pipe can contain pressure, when buried, unrestrained and bent. The pipe exhibits impact resistance under normal handling and can be formed using a continuous process, such that it can be manufactured as it is being laid. A flexible, fiber reinforced pipe includes an inner tubular liner having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first layer of reinforcing fibers helically wrapped about the inner liner and in direct contact therewith; an outer layer of reinforcing fibers helically wrapped about an underlying layer of reinforcing fibers and in direct contact therewith; and an outer tubular sheath applied over the outer layer in direct contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: FlexPipe Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Chris A. Lundberg, David W. McLeod, Samuel Glen Bouey
  • Patent number: 6878873
    Abstract: A damped sleeve having a damping layer attached to a backing layer is disclosed. The damping layer is formed from a non-woven energy absorbing felt and is attached to the backing layer by lines of attachment which define pockets between the layers. The layers are positioned coaxially around an axis and define a central space for receiving elongated items to be protected from vibration. Resilient filamentary support members are arranged between the damping and backing layers to support the layers radially in spaced relation relative to the axis. The support members may be helically wrapped around the axis, circumferentially positioned or arranged in a zig-zag pattern transversely to the axis. A slit in the layers provides access to the central space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel B. Fryberger, Jr., Brian M. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6857452
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Fiberspar Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Stephen C. Nolet, Jerry G. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040244858
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spiral hose which includes a hard spiral member made from polyethylene and a thin soft spiral member made from polyethylene tarpaulin, and which can be used not only as a general hose but also as a gas duct or a watering hose. The spiral hose is wound in a spiral shape to have flexibility. The spiral hose comprises: a hard member made from polyethylene, which is wound in a spiral shape with a uniform spiral gap formed between turns of the hard member, and a soft member having a shape of a band and being formed of polyethylene tarpaulin, the soft member being disposed along the spiral gap while lateral edges of the soft member are fixed to portions of the hard member, which are disposed oppositely on both sides of the spiral gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: In-Seon Jeong
  • Patent number: 6827109
    Abstract: A flexible hose and a method for manufacturing the same includes a hose tube having a smooth exterior surface. The hose tube exterior surface has a fabric and cover laminated or wrapped thereon. The lead end of a single wire is helically wound about the hose tube on top of the cover. The wire in turn is at least partially encased by a rubber ridge preferably having a height greater than the thickness of the hose tube wall. The rubber ridge tapers in the direction of valleys formed between the ridges, and the resulting hose structure has improved flexibility by enabling the hose to flex at every valley, yet sufficient strength for heavy duty applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Salem-Republic Rubber Company
    Inventor: Donald C. McCaughtry
  • Publication number: 20040221907
    Abstract: An armoured flexible pipe has an inner liner (3) surrounded by a pressure armour (5, 6) that is surrounded by a tensile armour (7, 8). The pressure armour (5, 6) is constructed from a number of profiles (5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 14a, 14b, 14c) which may engage with each other. In order to obtain optimum functionality, the profiles are shaped as X profiles (14, 14a, 14b, 14c) which are kept together with another type of profile, e.g. C or T type profiles. In one embodiment, the X profiles have an open channel (17). In this way gas or liquid, such as rinsing fluid, may be pumped through the armour layer, from one end of the pipe to the other end. In particular, the armoured flexible pipe is useful for conveying fluids such as water, ammonia, hydrocarbons, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jan Christian Rytter
  • Patent number: 6815026
    Abstract: A duct formed from at least one helically wound strip of flexible material and at least one stiffening element. Stiffening element has a ratio of radial height to axial length of greater than 1.0. The stiffening element may be substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Perry Philp
  • Publication number: 20040216796
    Abstract: A flexible hose of the invention has a hose wall which is formed by laminating resin layers. The resin layer acting as a gas barrier is formed by spirally winding a gas barrier resin strip and thermally fusing or bonding axially adjoining edges of the strip to each other. The resin layers are thermally fused or bonded to one another to become one piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Kouki Fukui, Nobuo Shindo, Hiroshi Ikegami, Shigeto Tachibana
  • Publication number: 20040144440
    Abstract: A flexible, fiber reinforced pipe has been invented for conveying fluids. The pipe is flexible enough to be spoolable, even under winter temperature conditions. The pipe can contain pressure, when buried, unrestrained and bent. The pipe exhibits impact resistance under normal handling and can be formed using a continuous process, such that it can be manufactured as it is being laid. A flexible, fiber reinforced pipe includes an inner tubular liner having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first layer of reinforcing fibers helically wrapped about the inner liner and in direct contact therewith; an outer layer of reinforcing fibers helically wrapped about an underlying layer of reinforcing fibers and in direct contact therewith; and an outer tubular sheath applied over the outer layer in direct contact therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Chris A. Lundberg, David W. McLeod, Samuel Glen Bouey
  • Publication number: 20040099324
    Abstract: A flexible pipe in which a layer of wound tape extends adjacent a surface of a tubular member to limit or prevent molecular migration through the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Wellstream, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana J. Fraser, Charles Basil Firth
  • Publication number: 20040094222
    Abstract: A composite strip 10 windable to form a helical pipe is disclosed. The composite strip 10 comprises: an elongate plastic strip 11 having a base portion 12 and at least one lengthwise extending rib portion 20 upstanding from the base portion 12; and an elongate reinforcing strip 30 extending lengthwise and supported laterally by the rib portion 20, the reinforcing strip 30 having a height to thickness ratio of at least three to one and orientated substantially perpendicular to the base portion 12. When wound into a helical pipe, the reinforcing strip 30 reinforces the pipe against radial crushing loads. A bead 40 seals the reinforcing strip 30 from the environment. Desirably the composite strip 10 further comprises: a planar lamina 50 extending lengthwise and bonded to the base portion 12, the lamina 50 having a higher Young's modulus and strength than those of the plastic strip 11. The lamina 50 greatly improves the pressure rating of a pipe wound from the strip 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Ian Roger Bateman, Gulcay Uysal
  • Patent number: 6736168
    Abstract: A FRP pipe comprising a helix winding layer formed by cylindrically winding reinforced fibers, wherein the helix winding layer has two ends and an axis and the reinforced fibers forming the helix winding layers are wound at an angle relative to the axis and hoop winding layers formed at each end of the helix winding layer by winding reinforced fibers at each end wherein the hoop layer are formed from the same continuous reinforced fibers, and the continuous reinforced fibers forming the hoop winding layers extend between the ends at an angle that is the same as the angle of the reinforced fibers forming the helix winding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Masaaki Amano, Yoshiharu Yasui, Yasuki Miyashita