Abstract: A heat reshapeable rigid conduit and method for forming an elbow or offset having any desired bend radius therefrom. The rigid conduit is formed of a flexible metal tubing with a layer of heat softenable plastic preferably covering the exterior surface thereof. The conduit may be heated using conventional electric heaters on the job site, then shaped into the desired bend radius to form an elbow or offset. The plastic layer provides rigidity to the elbow or offset upon cooling. The flexible metal tubing has interlocking overlapping joined edges that permit flexing of the tubing when the plastic layer is heat softened. The flexible metal tubing resists the sawing action of a pulling line during the installation of an electrical conductor in the conduit. The plastic outer layer permits quick and inexpensive coupling between adjacent conduit sections.

Abstract: Strengthening the core of an insulated flexible duct formed of a helical wire wrapped with a flexible material with reinforcing tape. Strengthening tape is applied to the surface of the duct along its entire length. The apparatus for applying the strengthening tape is a tray having adjustable wiping arms. The wiping arms stretch the duct out as it is pulled through the tray. A roll of tape is mounted adjacent to the wiper arms and is automatically applied as the duct is pulled along the tray through the wiper arms. At least two wiper arms and continuous strips of tape along the longitudinal surface of the duct core are preferred.

Abstract: The following specifications discloses a flexible duct constructed from a spiral of channel-shaped metal with the legs of the channel facing inwards of the spiral.A strip of cloth or other flexible webbing material is formed into a spiral with its overlapping edges folded into the channel of the spiral with a cord or string filling the remainder of the channel cavity before the channel legs are crimped together to maintain the webbing strips edges fast together within its grip. The expansibility of the duct is increased by increasing the width of strip of webbing.

Abstract: A meter cable sheath structure for accommodating a flexible rotary shaft suitably used for vehicle indicators is made in such a manner that a high tension resistible fiber impregnated with adhesive resin is braided around an external surface of an inner sheath having a hollow space for storing the flexible rotary shaft and further an external covering layer firmly adhered to the high tension fiber is formed by means of the adhesive resin.

Abstract: A rack for supporting a cathode-ray tube during sealing of the screen portion of the tube to the bulb cone portion of the tube is disclosed. The rack includes tubing mounted to the rack through which gas can be blown into the tube. An exit end section of the tubing is of flexible design and includes a helical spring and a plurality of resilient leaf spring tongues for aligning the tubing in the neck of the cathode-ray tube.

Abstract: A flexible tube for use in an endoscope comprises a flexible basic tubular core structure including an outer meshwork tube, and a thermoplastic synthetic resin tube bonded to the outer meshwork tube of the tubular core structure in a manner such that the resin tube maintains an inherent compressive pre-stress in the finished flexible tube. An endoscope tube having flexibility which varies in a step-wise manner from one end of the tube to the other is obtained by integrally bonding two or more thermoplastic synthetic resin tube sections formed of respective resin materials having different hardnesses to the outer surface of the tubular core structure to form a coating layer in an analogous manner.

Abstract: A tuned, convoluted, stainless steel conduit assembly is especially well adapted for use in hostile environments subject to vibrations which bring on fatigue failures. To prevent the conduit from having a uniform resonance throughout its length, the convolutions have a variable wall thickness. One way this variable wall thickness may be achieved is by forming the conduit walls by wrapping stainless steel tape in successive layers to form a multiple layered wall. The width of the tape may be such that some convolutions have more layers than other neighboring convolutions. A stainless steel sleeve or stocking loosely fits over the conduit and is clamped by one or more tuning bands onto the conduit to prevent vibration of the conduit at that clamped location.

Abstract: A tuned convoluted conduit assembly is especially well adapted for use in hostile environments subject to vibrations which bring on fatigue failures. To prevent the conduit from having a uniform resonance throughout its length, the convolutions have a variable wall thickness. One way this variable wall thickness may be achieved is by forming the conduit walls by wrapping tape in successive layers to form a multiple layered wall. The width of the tape may be such that each alternate convolution has more layers than its two adjacent neighboring convolutions. A sleeve or stocking loosely fits over the conduit and is clamped by a band onto the conduit to prevent vibration of the conduit at that clamped location.

Abstract: A drain system for the floating roof of an oil tank or similar tank couples a drain sump at the underside of a central portion of the floating roof to the outside of the tank wall at a lower portion thereof via a flexible arrangement of rigid pipe lengths joined together by swivel joints. Each swivel joint is made pivotable about an single axis by a pair of side frames having pairs of leg portions pivotally coupled to each other along the axis and mounting a length of flexible pipe therebetween. The opposite ends of the length of flexible pipe are coupled to an opposite pair of pipe couplings mounted on central portions of the side frames between the leg portions and adapted to be coupled to the lengths of rigid pipe. The length of flexible pipe which is comprised of a length of flexible hose disposed between inner and outer wire helices is coupled to the pipe couplings by arrangements which include swedges, swedge rings and collars.

Abstract: A flexible hose suitable for transporting crude oil has a fluid sealing layer of flexible polymeric material disposed between radially inner and radially outer support layers which resist any tendency for the polymeric material to expand.The inner support layer is formed by at least one helically wound element the successive turns of which are interlocked and define in the outer surface of the inner support layer a helically extending crevice, and the surrounding polymeric material is arranged to substantially wholly fill said crevice.

Abstract: A flexible tube for use in an endoscope comprises a flexible basic tubular core structure including an outer meshwork tube, and a thermoplastic synthetic resin tube bonded to the outer meshwork tube of the tubular core structure in a manner such that the resin tube maintains an inherent compressive pre-stress in the finished flexible tube. An endoscope tube having flexibility which varies in a step-wise manner from one end of the tube to the other is obtained by integrally bonding two or more thermoplastic synthetic resin tube sections formed of respective resin materials having different hardnesses to the outer surface of the tubular core structure to form a coating layer in an analogous manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the fabrication of a flexible shaft comprising a spiral cut member having an essentially uniform inside diameter and a tapered linear profile coextensive with at least a portion of the spiral of sai d member. This flexible shaft is fabricated initially by progressively removing a portion of the exterior wall along a predetermined segment of a relatively rigid tube thereby forming a tapered profile along such segment. A series of cuts are thereafter made in the wall of the tapered segment of the tube resulting in a progressive and transition free increase in flexibility along itslongitudinal dimension; that portion of the tapered segment having the thinner wall being increasingly more flexible than that portion of the tapered segment having a comparatively thicker wall.

Abstract: A device for the electric measurement of the level of a liquid within a container has a protective tube (1) within which a conductive foil (2) is helically arranged. The conductive foil (2) is wound with such a pitch that sufficient space remains between its longitudinal edges (3, 3') to provide a helically extending flexible protective-tube region (16, 16') within the protective tube (1). This protective-tube region has inwardly and outwardly directed U-shaped tube sections (17, 18, 19). As a result of this development the protective tube (1) bends exclusively in those regions which are located between the longitudinal edges (3) of the conductive foil (2).

Abstract: A folding, bellows type, hose of synthetic resin includes a coil to from the chevrons thereof. The modulus of elasticity in bending of the synthetic resin hose wall is in the range of from 2.500 to 14.00 Kg/cm. The oblique portions of the hose wall is attached to the coil on one side thereof near a valley, and on the other side thereof near the crest of the chevron, throughout the whole length of hose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strengthening the core of an insulated flexible duct formed of a helical wire wrapped with a flexible material. Strengthening tape is applied to the surface of the duct along its entire length. The apparatus for applying the strengthening tape is a tray having adjustable wiping arms. The wiping arms stretch the duct out as it is pulled through the tray, testing bonds securing the material around a reinforcing coil of wire. A roll of tape is mounted adjacent to the wiper arms and is automatically applied as the duct is pulled along the tray through the wiper arms. At least two wiper arms and continuous strips of tape along the longitudinal surface of the duct core are preferred.

Abstract: A collapse resistant hose is described which may be selectively deformed to a desired shape. It includes the usual elongated polymeric body, including an internal passageway in which is positioned a spring insert reinforcement. An axially extending rod means is positioned adjacent the spring to which it is intimately attached, permitting the hose to be deformed to a desired shape-retaining configuration by bending the rod beyond its yield point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible hose formed of a wound web material and having its walls reinforced by wire windings, with the edges of successive web windings overlapping one another. In accordance with the invention, the longitudinal axes (Da) of the wires (13, 13', 13") and the longitudinal axis (ba) of the web material (3) extend at equal inclination with respect to the hose axis (A), and the reinforcement consists of at least two wire windings.

Abstract: A controllable stiffness duct having a spirally wound metallic strip with a spiral turns interlock to define a flexible product carrying or delivering conduit. Disposed in the spiral turns interlock is a pressure line inflatable to stiffen the conduit and resist collapse. The pressure line may be used to convey fluid through the duct to power a device at a remote end of the duct. The pressure line may include imbedded electrically conductive materials to provide electrical power to the remote end of the duct. An insulating layer and a protective wire rope sheath cover the conduit to form the controllable stiffness duct.

Abstract: A fluid-conveying, flexible, lagged pipe for building up in particular a liquefied natural gas carrying pipe-line connecting an off-shore platform for working submarine oil fields or like underwater pools to a tanker ship and comprising an inner tubular duct including an inner helical metal spring, an intermediate layer of yielding composite material and an outer helical metal spring like the inner spring but longitudinally offset by half a pitch of turns with respect to the latter so that the turns of said outer spring be nested between those, respectively, of said inner spring.

Abstract: A glass wool blanket is formed directly on glass fiber scrim for use in flexible insulated air duct with any kind of outer jacket. The scrim-faced wool passes the flame-penetration test of Underwriter's Laboratories Standard UL 181 regardless of the outer jacket material used.

Abstract: A flexible conduit has an undulating liquid tight inner tube portion and layers of metal reinforcing wound around the tube. The layers include a burst resisting layer adjacent the tube, then traction and pressure resisting layers, and an outer sheath. The undulations in the interior of the tube can be filled with packing or the tube can be lined with a spiral strip to lessen resistance to fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: An electrical conduit formed of helically fabricated grounding and reinforcing elements, including a spaced-turn foil channel defining a substantially smooth conduit bore, and an end fitting in combination with the conduit.

Abstract: An electrical conduit formed of helically fabricated grounding and reinforcing elements, including a foil channel having overlapped turns welded to one another and to a supporting helix.

Abstract: A process for the coating of metal tubes by the application of polyethylene to the preheated tubes, a polyethylene with a melt index of over 1 g/10 minutes being applied first to the pre-heated metal tube and a polyethylene with a low melt index being applied thereupon, the process comprising a first step of applying a polyethylene with a melt index of 1.2 to 70 g/10 minutes (190.degree. C./2.16 kg) to the metal tube which has been pre-heated to a temperature of at least 200.degree. C., a second step in which the coating is cooled to a temperature of about 110.degree. to 170.degree. C. and a third step of applying a self-supporting film of polyethylene with a melt index of 0.1 to 7 g/10 minutes at this temperature so that the total coating has a minimum layer thickness of 1.5 to 4 mm and a coated article coated according to said process.

Abstract: A hose is described having the usual elongated polymeric body and a coiled insert member formed of a plurality of turns contained within the internal passageway of the hose. The hose body has a normal tendency to swell under elevated temperatures or pressure whereby the coiled insert member may shift axially. This problem is solved by application of a filamentary band of expansion resistant material extending circumferentially about the hose body, which prevents enlargement of the hose during use at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A flexible hose comprising a lining layer of substantially impermeable material, a reinforcement structure comprising at least one balanced pair of helically extending reinforcement members embedded in elastomeric material to withstand internal pressure and axial tensile loadings, and radially inwards of at least the reinforcement structure a crush resisting armouring layer comprising at least two helical reinforcing elements nested together and shaped such that contacting surfaces of the elements between the successive turns of the helices are of a substantially frusto-conical shape.

Abstract: A tubular composite structure for transmitting forces comprises a metal tubular core, preferably of aluminum, having a layer of structural metal adhesive on the exterior surface of the core. On top of the structural adhesive layer are alternating laminae of resin impregnated unidirectional reinforcing fibers, particularly carbon or graphite fibers, and of woven fiberglass, beginning with a layer of woven fiberglass followed by a lamina of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional reinforcing fibers and continuing in alternating fashion but ending with a final layer of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional reinforcing fibers, each successive layer of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional fibers having the fibers oriented at an angle of between about 5.degree. to 12.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the metal tube and in opposite orientation with respect to the next preceding layer. The fibers in the woven fiberglass layer are oriented at 0.degree. and 90.degree.

Abstract: A pressure tank includes a hollow container which has an outlet for discharging fluid therefrom. The outlet is provided with a valve seat, for receiving a valve member which is slidably mounted in the container above the valve seat for respective movement between an open position, so that fluid in the container can flow therefrom through the outlet and a closed position so as to prevent discharging of fluid out of the container. A flexible partition is provided in the container, subdividing the interior thereof into a gas-containing compartment and into a liquid-containing compartment. The partition is displaceable on expansion of gas in the gas compartment, into an extended position immediately adjacent the outlet. An element is connected to the valve member, which element cooperates with the partition in the extended position of the same so as to prevent premature movement of the valve member into the closed position until the container is empty.

Abstract: A composite pressure tube for the transport of hot fluid substances is proposed consisting of a very thin internal metal tube and a layer of mineral fibres, which are arranged in laminations wound cross-wise above each other and which carry at least the hoop stresses of the tube. These fibres are so wound that each is liable to take up equal tension loading.

Abstract: A heavy duty conduit is disclosed for services such as oxygen supply to lances and torches and includes plural metallic strands which are twisted together with a central channel therein to form a duct for the gaseous medium, an impervious sheath enclosing the duct, and a helical insert in the central flow channel of the duct to preclude inward shifting of the strands and consequent disturbance of the flow channel and to provide turbulent flow of the gaseous medium therethrough.

Abstract: A conductor or casing for shafts and cables, comprising a plastic tubular member having over a portion of its length a plurality of convolutions to permit bending and longitudinal compression and extension without substantial reduction in the internal diameter.

Abstract: A process for the coating of metal tubes by the application of polyethylene to the preheated tubes, a polyethylene with a melt index of over 1 g/10 minutes being applied first to the pre-heated metal tube and a polyethylene with a low melt index being applied thereupon, the process comprising a first step of applying a polyethylene with a melt index of 1.2 to 70 g/10 minutes (190.degree. C./2.16 kg) to the metal tube which has been pre-heated to a temperature of at least 200.degree. C., a second step in which the coating is cooled to a temperature of about 110.degree. to 170.degree. C. and a third step of applying a self-supporting film of polyethylene with a melt index of 0.1 to 7 g/10 minutes at this temperature so that the total coating has a minimum layer thickness of 1.5 to 4 mm and a coated article coated according to said process.