Metal Patents (Class 138/133)
  • Patent number: 12129939
    Abstract: A rubber hose includes a distinctly colored inner wear indicator integrated into its liner, wherein a distance b of the inner wear indicator from the inner surface of the liner is less than 40% of the liner's thickness v, and height h of the wear indicator, measured perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the hose, falls between 1% to 90% of liner thickness v, or even from 10% to 40% of the liner thickness v. The inner wear indicator may have concentric sectional surface area of the inner wear indicator may even gradually decrease in the radial direction as a function of distance from the longitudinal axis. The rubber hose may be connected at one end to a plunger pump and connected at a second to a common manifold, in an oilfield pump system, or used in any hose application in an oilfield fluid pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: ContiTech USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Istvan Grepaly, Tamas Mezo, Gergely Szekely, Zsolt Kovacs, Jeno Kotai, Tibor Nagy
  • Patent number: 12076909
    Abstract: Tubing comprising a tubing wall formed of an elongate thermoplastic ribbon helically wrapped and heat bonded to itself to form the tubing wall. The tubing may include one or more elongate conductors helically wrapped around and along the tubing wall. The tubing may include an elongate reinforcement rib helically wrapped around and along the tubing wall such that the tubing wall includes a first portion in which the elongate reinforcement rib covers the one or more elongate conductors and a second portion in which the one or more elongate conductors are uncovered by the elongate reinforcement rib and the elongate reinforcement rib wraps around the tubing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Steward Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Carlson
  • Patent number: 11920296
    Abstract: Embodiments of the knife cut resistant sleeve comprise a spring enclosed by a cut resistant material. The knife cut resistant sleeve is configured to be placed onto a rope of varying sizes and protect the rope from sharp objects. Embodiments of the knife cut resistant sleeve use cut resistant material and can be capable of rotation when hit by a knife in order to prevent the rope from being cut. The sleeve is configured to provide the correct amount of coverage on the rope depending on the length of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Truesdell
  • Patent number: 11745203
    Abstract: A spray gun cover is made of flashspun high-density polyethylene fibers (e.g., Tyvek), another cloth-like material, plastic, or fabric. The cover is self-sustaining, and an elastic material is disposed at openings of the cover to secure the cover at the nozzle around the nozzle opening of the spray gun cover and at the back of the spray gun around a large opening of the spray gun cover. Through the cover, the paint cup or reservoir and the spray gun are covered and protected from airborne fluid or dry particles that bounce back from the surface of the item being sprayed with paint, stain, or other fluid (overspray). Additionally, an air hose cover is also made of flashspun high-density polyethylene fibers or the like and covers and protects an air hose for a spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Tyler Cavaness
  • Patent number: 11045929
    Abstract: An angle screw feeding device comprises a screw feeding unit, a screw transporting unit, and a screw driving unit. The device is able to be used with small screws. Further, the device is able to perform an automatic screwing action at any selected angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Bright Machines, Inc.
    Inventors: Dason Cheung, Murad Kurwa
  • Patent number: 10857730
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process, system and apparatus for multi-material additive manufacturing process comprising: extruding an extrudable material through a nozzle capable of moving along one or more axis and concurrently extruding one or more filaments, wherein the filament is embedded in, on or about the extrudable material from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Paul Samuel Krueger, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 10704340
    Abstract: A dampener device configured for incorporation into a downhole tool in a drilling system for absorbing axial, lateral and torsional shocks and vibrations to protect instrumentation during a drilling process includes a main sleeve having a main cavity containing a main spring and a first elastomeric ribbon interleaved between coils of the main spring. An adapter is connected to or formed monolithically relative to the main sleeve. The adapter is configured for connection to a first tool component. A plunger is configured to compress the main spring and a connector is configured for connection to a second tool component. The connector is attached to or formed monolithically relative to the plunger. A shaft extends between the adapter and the connector. The shaft is provided with an anti-rotation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: EXTENSIVE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Kenneth A. Lambe, Doru Gorzo
  • Patent number: 10562226
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process, system and apparatus for multi-material additive manufacturing process comprising: extruding an extrudable material through a nozzle capable of moving along one or more axis and concurrently extruding one or more filaments, wherein the filament is embedded in, on or about the extrudable material from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Adam Cohen, Paul Krueger, Edmond Richer
  • Patent number: 10488235
    Abstract: A measuring tube for a magneto-inductive flow measuring device, comprising a support tube, a liner arranged in the support tube and a reinforcement structure embedded in the liner. A helical contour is arranged between the support tube and the reinforcement structure. And a magneto-inductive flow measuring device having such a measuring tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
    Inventors: Werner Wohlgemuth, Frank Voigt
  • Patent number: 10190620
    Abstract: A remote control assembly includes a sheath having a longitudinal axis along a length thereof and defining an interior. A liner is disposed within the interior and coupled to the sheath. A wire has an outer surface and the wire disposed between and coupled to the sheath and the liner. The outer surface of the wire defines a plurality of notches separated into a first group of notches and a second group of notches. Each notch within each of the first and second groups defines a first distance therebetween substantially along the longitudinal axis. The first group of notches and the second group of notches define a second distance therebetween. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Kongsberg Driveline Systems I, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Jusick
  • Patent number: 10080862
    Abstract: A tubular wall, which may be employed in a medical catheter or medical electrical lead, is formed by stranding together a plurality of polymer fibers and at least one metal filar, wherein the stranding forms a braid matrix of the polymer fibers and a coil of the metal filar interlaced therewith. Then, while the braid matrix secures a pitch of the coil, a polymer material is extruded around an entire length of the tubular wall, and, in some cases, the extrusion process causes the plurality of polymer fibers to melt and coalesce together with one another, while the pitch of the coil is maintained. Alternately, a reflow process, which follows extrusion, causes the polymer fibers to melt and coalesce along all, or just a discrete length of the tubular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Madeline A Mannion, Kenneth C Gardeski, John B Horrigan
  • Patent number: 9962502
    Abstract: A heated patient tube assembly that carries and gradually warms fluids to a desired temperature and maintains the desired temperature until the fluids are delivered to a patient includes an elongated hollow tube; a heating assembly at least partially embedded within the tube for heating the tube and fluids carried in the tube; and a control assembly for controlling the heating assembly such that the fluids exit the tube at a desired and consistent temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Scott Norman, Mark Petheram, Anthony Hash
  • Patent number: 9814845
    Abstract: A heated patient tube assembly that carries and gradually warms fluids to a desired temperature and maintains the desired temperature until the fluids are delivered to a patient includes an elongated hollow tube; a heating assembly at least partially embedded within the tube for heating the tube and fluids carried in the tube; and a control assembly for controlling the heating assembly such that the fluids exit the tube at a desired and consistent temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Scott Norman, Mark Petheram, Anthony Hash
  • Patent number: 9647251
    Abstract: A device for cooling batteries includes a cooling plate for receiving at least one battery thereon and at least one heat transfer element in heat transfer relationship with the cooling plate. A mechanical stress produced by a contact force causes the at least one heat transfer element to thermally abut the cooling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Dominik Prinz, Stephan Koester, Andreas Emmerich, Jens Talmon
  • Patent number: 9625066
    Abstract: Plastic tubing including a thermoplastic ribbon helically wrapped and heat bonded to itself to form a tubing wall and a thermoplastic reinforcement located helically around and along the tubing wall. At least a thickness of the tubing wall or a size of the thermoplastic reinforcement is varied along the tubing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: STEWARD PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Carlson, Tamsen Hughes, Robert Manson, Daniel Chronister, Craig Brittain
  • Patent number: 9394957
    Abstract: A connecting of spring ends of a strand of springs, wherein it is provided that the winding diameter of the end windings is reduced, at least in the area of each of the two ends, and the pitch of the end windings is increased in the area of each of the two ends relative to the pitch in the spring body, and that the two ends overlap in contact with one another over a section and are finally connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BAUMANN FEDERN AG
    Inventors: Roland Meier, David Scheidegger, Andreas Hohl
  • Patent number: 9378864
    Abstract: A stretchable metal wire assembly includes a metal wire positioned within an elastic tube. The form of the metal wire is such that when the elastic tube is in a relaxed, or non-stretched, state the metal wire forms a tortuous path, such as a waveform, along the elastic tube. The tortuous path of the metal wire provides slack such that as the elastic tube is stretched the slack is taken up. Once released, the elastic tube moves from the stretched position to the relaxed, non-stretched position, and slack is reintroduced into the metal wire in the form of the original tortuous path. The metal wire functions as an electrical conductor, thereby providing a device having an extendable length electrical conducting element. In some applications, the metal wire is electrically coupled at each end to an electrical interconnect component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Weifeng Liu, Anwar Mohammed, Murad Kurwa
  • Patent number: 9277845
    Abstract: An accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner comprises an elongated body having a plurality of furrows for imparting flexibility to the accessory tool. The elongated body is further be made of a material that is selected to impart flexibility to the accessory tool so that the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion can be bent about a radius through an angle up to 45° without kinking or breaking in a direction transverse to and laterally of elongated cross-sectional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron P. Griffith, Joseph A. Fester, Jonathan L. Miner
  • Patent number: 9228868
    Abstract: A magnetically inductive flow meter unit for determining a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a measuring tube, having a measuring tube having a measuring channel and a measuring sensor, which is disposed in the measuring channel and is oriented in alignment with the wall of the measuring tube, the measuring sensor including an electrode head, which is made of an electrically conductive material and has a fluid contact section, the electrode head being in direct contact with the fluid flowing through the measuring tube by means of the fluid contact section, the electrode head having an indentation on the side facing the fluid, which forms at least part of the fluid contact section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum LLC
    Inventors: Burghardt Schaefer, Anh Tuan Chu, Roland Stripf
  • Patent number: 9022076
    Abstract: A self-actuated linearly retractable and extendible hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these) between a source location and an output location can be implemented as an extendible hose comprising a biasing element, a sealing layer, and a reinforced cover layer. The sealing layer forms a sealed conduit for transporting the fluids, and the reinforced cover layer on the outside provides radial and longitudinal strength for the sealing layer. The hose can be operated by increasing internal pressure within the hose relative to ambient pressure. When the hose is pressurized by a fluid source, the internal pressure of the hose overcomes the retracting force of the biasing element and the hose extends. When the fluid source is turned off or disconnected from the hose, internal pressure is reduced and the biasing element exerts a tension force on the hose causing the hose to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9022078
    Abstract: A helically formed flexible duct primarily directed to applications in ducted heating, ventilating and air conditioning, of three dimensions including a predetermined length, an inner diameter reinforced with a helically laminated wire member between self laminating substrate, an outwardly radial compartment formation constructed with strip portions of substrate material which form gaps to accommodate outwardly expanding radial dimensions and containing an insulating member, and an outer covering member delivered to a larger radial circumference at an applied circumferential speed exceeding the circumferential speed of the inner diameter substrate tube formation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: William James Donnelly
  • Patent number: 9016326
    Abstract: A flexible pipe body and a method for manufacturing flexible pipe body is disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an internal pressure sheath, at least one insulating layer comprising a mesh layer comprising a plurality of pockets and an outer sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventor: Peter Raoul Williams
  • Patent number: 8997796
    Abstract: A durable, semi-rigid, single-layered flexible duct having a sleeve made of a single aluminum layer and a resilient wound element disposed at the mid-point of the overlap region of the aluminum layer. The wound element imparts corrugations to the sleeve, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Closely and evenly-spaced ridges that are situated in between the corrugations, add rigidity and durability to the duct. The inward-facing surface of the aluminum ribbon is substantially smooth and featureless except for the helical corrugations imparted by wire winding and the closely and evenly-spaced ridges. The aluminum sleeve is of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Steven Allan Liebson, Graeme Anthony Liebson, Robert Cohen
  • Patent number: 8919389
    Abstract: A tubular structure and method for making a tubular structure are provided, where the tubular structure includes at least one layer of braided strands. In general, at least one portion of the braided strands exhibits a braid pattern of crests and troughs (e.g., a wave pattern, which may include sinusoidal, square, and/or sawtooth waves) along a length of the tubular structure. The wave pattern can be created by rotating the mandrel onto which the tubular structure is braided during the braiding process, such as by angularly oscillating the mandrel about its longitudinal axis or about its transverse axis. As a result, the tubular structures may have increased radial strength, collapse resistance, torque transmission, column strength, and kink resistance. The tubular structures may be used in medical devices, such as stent-grafts, as well as in other medical and non-medical devices, such as in hoses, tubing, filters, and other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: AGA Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Sara Jane Gries
  • Patent number: 8776836
    Abstract: Hose (70) has a biasing spring (76) extends along the full length. Spring (76) is covered with hose cover material (72) on the outside and hose support layer (74) and hose sealing layer (72) on the inside to form a sealed hose. The invention comprises the improvement of the hose body (layers (72), (74) and (75)) by defining the layers as bowed inward radially between the individual spring coils to create a helical indentation (74b) around hose (70). This helical indentation (74b) causes the hose body materials (layers (72), (74) and (75)) move inward radially when hose (70) is retracted and the coils of spring (76) are forced close together longitudinally. Thus, layers (72), (74) and (75) are folded substantially with spring (76) when retracted, greatly reducing the volume of hose (70) in its retracted position and substantially protecting (72), (74) and (75) from damage by abrasion an puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ragner Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel DeRochemont, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8770234
    Abstract: A hose comprising a tubular body of flexible material arranged between inner and outer gripping members, wherein at least one of the gripping members is made of a material, especially a composite material, which expands on cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Petroleum Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Joel Aron Witz
  • Patent number: 8714204
    Abstract: A free venting pipe and method of forming same, comprising a permeable tubular core member with at least one permeable hoop reinforcement layer around the core member; a substantially non-permeable membrane layer positioned outside of the hoop reinforcement layer and at least one permeable tensile reinforcement layer positioned outside of the membrane layer whereby a free volume annulus does not exist between any of the layers of the free venting pipe. The hoop and tensile reinforcement layers are comprised of a laminate construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: DeepFlex Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8636037
    Abstract: In a flexible tube for fluid transport, a resin layer is on the outer periphery of an interlocked tube for shielding the fluid flowing within the interlocked tube. An internal-pressure-resistant reinforcing layer is on the outer periphery of the resin layer for reinforcing primarily against internal pressure, etc. of the fluid flowing within the interlocked tube. An axial-force reinforcing layer is on the outer periphery of the internal-pressure-resistant reinforcing layer for primarily suppressing the interlocked tube from deforming in the axial direction of the flexible tube. The axial-force reinforcing layer is formed from alternately winding two layers of reinforcing strips with a long pitch. The reinforcing strips are each configured from a metal strip, a resin layer that covers the strip, and the like. The resin layer is resin to which a microparticulate sulfide-trapping material has been added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Ishii, Hiroki Manabe, Michimasa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8505587
    Abstract: For use in the manufacture of reinforcement layers for flexible pipes which are capable of absorbing compressive or tensile forces, and which are used for the transport of oil and gas, a thermoplastic material is applied to a strength-imparting layer. The strength-imparting layers are reeled on reels, and following unreeling, are laminated by application of heat and in direct continuation applied to the pipe. The strength-imparting layer includes a polymer reinforced with at least 20% by volume of fibers. The thermoplastic is of a reversible type (it may change from being relatively soft, but non-sticky to being sticky by changes in temperature). The method allows manufacture of very strong reinforcements for flexible pipes which cannot be manufactured using solid material, e.g., steel, since high performing bending forces are required in shaping. A reinforcement element is provided which is capable of resisting instantaneous shock loads as the thermoplastic material is protective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Denmark I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jakob Wedel-Heinen
  • Patent number: 8469062
    Abstract: A durable, semi-rigid, flexible duct including a pair of coaxial sleeves, namely an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed parallel to and about the inner sleeve and a resilient wound element disposed between the sleeves. Each of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve constitutes an aluminum foil ribbon. The wound element imparts corrugations to the two sleeves, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Closely and evenly-spaced ridges that are situated in between the corrugations, add rigidity and durability to the duct. Both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Steven Allan Liebson, Robert Cohen, Graeme Anthony Liebson
  • Publication number: 20130153076
    Abstract: A durable, semi-rigid, single-layered flexible duct having a sleeve made of a single aluminum layer and a resilient wound element disposed at the mid-point of the overlap region of the aluminum layer. The wound element imparts corrugations to the sleeve, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Closely and evenly-spaced ridges that are situated in between the corrugations, add rigidity and durability to the duct. The inward-facing surface of the aluminum ribbon is substantially smooth and featureless except for the helical corrugations imparted by wire winding and the closely and evenly-spaced ridges. The aluminum sleeve is of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Steven Allan Liebson, Graeme Anthony Liebson, Robert Cohen
  • Patent number: 8448670
    Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Robert Bentley
  • Patent number: 8439085
    Abstract: A semi-rigid, flexible duct including a pair of coaxial sleeves, namely an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed parallel to and about the inner sleeve and a resilient wound element disposed between the sleeves. Each of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve constitutes an aluminum foil ribbon. The wound element imparts corrugations to the two sleeves, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Both the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration. Optionally, at least one of the sleeves further includes a second, plastic layer bonded to the aluminum foil ribbon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven Liebson, Graeme Liebson, Robert Cohen
  • Patent number: 8418729
    Abstract: A seamless convoluted hose assembly. The assembly includes: a tubular inner liner having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner liner wall therebetween which defines a passageway. The assembly further includes a helical coil or a plurality of annular loops which produce convolutions in the outer surface of the tubular liner when the tubular inner liner is forced through the helical coil or plurality of loops under heat and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Norman S. Martucci, Michael A. Martucci
  • Patent number: 8225820
    Abstract: A hose comprising a tubular body of flexible material arranged between elongate inner and outer gripping members, wherein the tubular body comprises a sealing layer arranged between inner and outer reinforcing layers, and wherein the outer gripping member is made of a flexible non-rigid material capable of being wound around the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Petroleum Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Aron Witz, David N. Cox
  • Patent number: 8196611
    Abstract: A pipe comprising an outer rigid conduit and an inner tubular structure, the inner tubular structure comprising a flexible hose, wherein the hose comprises a tubular body disposed between inner and outer gripping members, the tubular body including a sealing layer, and being formed of a material capable of withstanding cryogenic temperatures, wherein the inner tubular structure has insulation properties sufficient to protect the outer conduit from the low temperature of cryogenic fluid flowing within the inner tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Petroleum Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Aron Witz, David Charles Cox
  • Patent number: 8176943
    Abstract: A flexible hose for conveying fluids and suitable for high temperature environments, the hose comprising a core tube, a thermal insulating layer surrounding the core tube, a metal layer surrounding the thermal insulating layer, and a vented jacket surrounding the cover layer. The thermal insulating layer may be a fibrous material such as a silica fiber. The metal layer may also be a chemical resistant layer and be thermally stable up to at least about 550° F. The vented jacket may be a wire braid having interstices therein and formed from a corrosion resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Stroempl, Nagarajan Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 8163364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible unbonded pipe comprising an inner liner capable of forming a barrier against outflow of a fluid which is conveyed through the pipe, and one or more armouring layers on the outer side of the inner liner. The flexible unbonded pipe comprises at least one polymer layer and at least one film layer, the polymer layer being bonded to the film layer via one or more bondings selected from the group of chemical bondings and physical bondings. The film layer may preferably be a metal film layer. The polymer layer may preferably be cross-linked polyethylene. The interfacial bonding between the polymer layer and the film layer should preferably be sufficiently strong to prevent creation of gas pockets between the layers when subjected to an increased pressure of aggressive fluids on the film side of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Poul Erik Braad, Inger Margrete Procida
  • Patent number: 8100150
    Abstract: A flexible duct with a frame made by winding a S-profiled metal strip into clamped turns, wherein the edges of two adjacent turns overlap each other in order to form between them a helical closed space having an essentially rectangular cross-section and at least partially filled by a helically-wound spacer separate from the metal strip and resting on at least two opposing walls of the lower surface and the upper surface, wherein the spacer has, in the winding radial direction, a crush resistance substantially equal to zero and, in the winding longitudinal direction along the pipe, a substantial crush resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Patrice Joël Louis Jung, Philippe Secher
  • Patent number: 8087430
    Abstract: A leak detecting hose for transporting fluid. The hose has an inner and outer layer. The outer layer circumscribes the inner layer. A transition layer is located between the inner and outer layer, and the transition layer provides a flow path for the fluid in the hose when the inner layer is breached. A first conductive wire is placed in contact with the transition layer, and a second conductive wire is placed in contact with the transition layer. The conductive wires are adjacent to and spaced from each other. When the inner layer of the hose is breached, the first and second wires will contact the fluid in the flow path. The conductive wires are radially equidistant from the center of the hose and helically wound around the inner layer. The transition layer may include reinforcement material, which can have filaments that provide a flow path for the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: James C. Betz, Geoffrey A. Barnes
  • Patent number: 8069879
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon application hose to avoid substantial compression and blow-out resulting from high pressurization differentials therethrough. The hose is formed from an inner tube that has a layer of material with electromagnetic target, such as carbon fiber, disbursed therethrough. In this manner, the material, generally a polymer, may be electromagnetically heated once the layer has been wrapped with a metallic reinforcing member. Thus, the layer of material may transform into surrounding relation relative to the reinforcing member. A substantially unitary inner tube may thereby be provided that includes a reinforcing member for blowout resistance and is of unitary character for compression resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Willem A. Wijnberg, Montie W. Morrison, Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 8048351
    Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Robert Bentley
  • Patent number: 7987875
    Abstract: A flexible, typically un-bonded, armored pipe, and a method manufacturing a flexible pipe. The pipe has a center axis and comprises an inner liner surrounded by a radial armoring and an axial armoring, the radial and axial armoring each comprising at least one armoring layer of armoring profiles wound with winding angles ?i relative to the center axis. The winding angle of the innermost armoring layer ?innermost is larger than the winding angle of the outermost armoring layer ?outermost. The outer radial armoring layer has sufficient strength and flexibility to prevent prohibitively large radial deformations of underlying axial armoring layers without considerably increasing the radial contact pressure on underlying axial armoring layer. At least one fibrous layer, comprising at least two fibrous cords wound on an underlying layer, surrounds the outermost armoring layer. The flexible pipe is useful in terrestrial and/or subsea transport of fluids at elevated temperature and/or pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventor: Jan Rytter
  • Patent number: 7976920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible unbonded pipe comprising an inner liner capable of forming a barrier against outflow of a fluid which is conveyed through the pipe, and one or more armouring layers on the outer side of the inner line. The flexible unbonded pipe comprises at least one polymer layer and one film layer, said polymer layer being bonded to said film layer. The film layer may preferably be a metal film layer, such as aluminum film, stainless steel film or duplex film. The polymer layer may preferably be cross-linked polyethylene. The interfacial bonding between the polymer layer and the film layer should preferably be sufficiently strong to prevent creation of gas pockets between the layers when subjected to an increased pressure of aggressive fluids (hydrogen, sulphides, methane and carbon dioxide) on the film side of the pipe. Thereby, it is possible to protect armour layer(s) from aggressive fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Poul Erik Braad, Inger Margrete Procida
  • Patent number: 7964826
    Abstract: A modular heater system is provided that includes a heat trace assembly and a connector assembly. The heat trace assembly has a heat trace section that defines a plurality of fins, an insulation jacket surrounding the heat trace section, and at least one terminating member disposed at an end of the heat trace section. The connector assembly has a shell, including a plurality of outer walls and inner walls defining cavities therebetween, and a fitting heater assembly that includes a fitting adapter, a heat trace section disposed around the fitting adapter, and an outer casing disposed around the fitting adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric E. Ellis, Shawn L. Leininger, Allen Boldt, Louis P. Steinhauser
  • Patent number: 7963300
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Veyance Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruno Ranieri Torchio
  • Patent number: 7946312
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventor: Terence Sheldrake
  • Publication number: 20110079313
    Abstract: A hose for a hose pump comprises inner plies (20) and outer plies (22) separated by a filler layer (24). The inner (20) and outer plies (22) are helically wound in opposite directions and the inner plies (20) are at a shallower angle than the outer plies (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Dunlop Oil & Marine Limited
    Inventors: Ali Reza Kambiez Zandiyeh, Marco Musto
  • Patent number: 7913719
    Abstract: The multi-layer tape wrapped tubing for effectively impeding the diffusion of vapor is made in a continuous in-line process and has three distinct layers: an inner tubing layer, a middle diffusion barrier layer and an outer jacketing layer. The inner tubing layer comes into contact with liquid and vapor. Vapor that might ordinarily diffuse through the tubing is impeded by the diffusion barrier layer. The diffusion barrier layer is a laminate comprising a diffusion barrier film with a very low vapor diffusion rate sandwiched between layers of thermoplastic. The diffusion barrier layer is wrapped around the inner tubing one or more times. The outer jacket layer is a polymeric jacket which is extruded onto the diffusion barrier layer wrapped inner tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cooligy Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Werner, Ali Firouzi, Mark Munch, Zbigniew Cichocki
  • Patent number: 7870876
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Kanaflex Corporation Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeki Kanao