Metal Patents (Class 138/134)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7946313
    Abstract: A flexible pipe for fluid transport especially in offshore application has a first extruded tube having nylon and a first layer having aromatic polyamide disposed about the first tube. A plurality of rings composed of stainless steel are disposed about the first layer. Each of the rings has first ends with circumferential lips and second ends with circumferential grooves interconnecting together. These lips and grooves permit adjacent ones of the rings to tilt relative to one another by about 1.5-degrees for every 4-inches of flexible pipe. A second extruded tube having fiberglass is disposed about the plurality of rings, and an exterior jacket having nylon is disposed about the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Dang The Vo
  • Patent number: 7923126
    Abstract: The invention relates to a use of a duplex steel for the production of an armouring layer of a flexible pipe comprising at least one unbonded armouring layer and at least one unbonded sealing layer wherein the duplex steel comprises in weight percent 0.01-0.05% by weight of carbon (C) at least 0.15% by weight of nitrogen (N) 20.0-23.0% by weight of chromium (Cr) up to 3.0% by weight of nickel (Ni) up to 1.0% by weight of molybdenum (Mo) 3-6% by weight of manganese (Mn) up to 1.0% by weight of copper (Cu) incidental impurities and balance being iron (Fe).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventor: Jonas Gudme
  • 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: 7891384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible tubular duct for transporting gases under high pressure in the field of offshore oil exploitation. The duct is of the unlinked and smooth passageway type, and comprises from inside to outside an inner polymer tube, a pressure vault formed by the short-pitch rolling of at least one wire, a first inner pair of crossed traction armor plies, an intermediate polymer sleeve, a second outer pair of crossed traction armor plies and an outer polymer sleeve. The inner pair of traction armor plies is wound with a helical angle of less than 35° and the outer pair of traction armor plies is wound with a helical angle substantially equal to 55°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Eric Binet, Tim Crome
  • Patent number: 7784498
    Abstract: A flexible pipeline with multiple pipes, adapted for hydrocarbon transport, the pipeline comprising a flexible core element inside which flows hydrocarbon, an outer sheath around the flexible core element and at least one peripheral steel alloy pipe extending longitudinally in an annular space located between the outer sheath and the flexible core element, the annular space further comprising metal elements in contact with an aqueous medium containing oxygen and the metal elements is susceptible to being oxidized by fixing oxygen. The oxidizable metal elements and is peripheral pipe are maintained mutually spaced apart to be electrically decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Francois Dupoiron, Sébastien Jacquemin
  • Patent number: 7770603
    Abstract: A flexible tubular conduit for transporting hydrocarbons comprising at least two metal sheathing covers which are separated by a plastic anti-wear layer. Each cover is produced by helically winding a metal longitudinal element. The anti-wear layer is produced by helically winding a plastic material strip. The plastic material comprises an amorphous polymer with a glass transition temperature ranging from 175 to 255° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: Jean Hardy
  • Patent number: 7766051
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe for transporting hydrocarbons, comprising the following, from the inside towards the outside: a cylindrical structural set adapted in such a way that it can withstand radial stress and at least one first armure lap, said first armure lap comprising a plurality of armure threads wherein the armure threads consist of formed and flattened metal threads, the width of said armure I being greater than the thickness e when they are wound in parallel in the form of a spiral with a longitudinal pitch around the structure set, said threads forming an angle of less than 60° angle with the generators (G) of said structural set, and the width/thickness ratio of the armure threads is greater than 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Alain Coutarel, Fabrice Bectarte
  • Patent number: 7757720
    Abstract: Modified-profile metal strips, and annular and spiral metal pipes and other products formed from such strips. The strips comprise a plurality of spaced longitudinal ribs of size and transverse location selected to increase the strength of a given thickness or gauge of the strip and the associated strength of a product formed from the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Pacific Roller Die Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Miller
  • Patent number: 7743792
    Abstract: A hose (10) comprising a tubular body (12) of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire (22, 24). The hose (10) further comprises an axial strengthening means (20) adapted to reduce deformation of the tubular body (12) when the tubular body (12) is subjected to axial tension, the axial strengthening means (20) being adapted to exert a radially inward force on at least part of the tubular body (12) when axial strengthening means (20) is subjected to axial tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Petroleum Pty, Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Nicholas Burke, Eric Joseph Davis, Gerard Anthony Hall, Matthew Vernon Ridolfi, Simon Peter Alexander Thorp, Joel Aron Witz
  • Publication number: 20100154915
    Abstract: A hose is provided by the present invention. The hose includes a nut cap, a plastic hose and a metal spiral hose. On at least one end of the metal spiral hose is disposed an outer sleeve and an inner metal sleeve. In which, the inner metal sleeve has an initial outer diameter smaller than a bore diameter of the metal spiral hose so as to be installed therein, and the inner metal sleeve is then enlarged in a stamping manner to form an enlarged section, such that the metal spiral hose is tightly gripped between the outer and inner metal sleeves. The plastic hose is disposed in the metal spiral hose, and on at least one end of the plastic hose is disposed a positioning sleeve, so that the plastic hose is positioned between the inner metal sleeve and the positioning sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Chao-Chung WU
  • Publication number: 20100154914
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Steven LIEBSON, Graeme LIEBSON, Robert COHEN
  • Publication number: 20100146768
    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: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Terence Sheldrake
  • Publication number: 20100139801
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Liebson, Graeme Anthony Liebson, Robert Cohen
  • Publication number: 20100139800
    Abstract: The invention concerns an elongated, multilayered tubular body (1) comprising an elongated, tubular inner hollow core (5), an elongated, tubular inner casing (4) and an elongated, tubular outer casing, the inner casing surrounding the hollow core, the outer casing surrounding the inner casing, the outer casing comprising at least two layers (2,3), each layer consisting of one or more longitudinally preformed, flat elongated metal strips, the preforming of the strips such that the strips have been bent helically in such, a way that the consecutive windings of the helix touch or almost touch to each other, each strip in one layer overlapping with other strips in other layers, the layers in the outer casing being bound to each other by an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond Nicholas Burke, Ruben Van Schalkwijk, Richard James Anthony Smith, Nicholas John Venero
  • Publication number: 20100108170
    Abstract: A crush resistant and stay put hose is provided. There is a helical member having a plurality of coils and a wall surface of one or more thermoplastic polymer layers. The layers extend from one coil to the next and the wall surface between the coils has at least one living hinge. When one portion of the hose is in an extended condition, the hose remains in the extended condition without reverting to the unextended condition. Methods of making the hose are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Chudkosky, Ken Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100089478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe comprising a plurality of layers surrounding a longitudinal axis and an at least partly integrated sensor arrangement. The plurality of layers comprising an internal sheath and one or more armouring layers, at least one armouring layer comprising at least one folded metal strip helically wound around said longitudinal axis of the pipe, at least a part of said sensor arrangement being placed in a fold of said folded metal strip, the sensor arrangement preferably comprises an optical fibre which is placed in the fold of said folded metal strip. By this flexible pipe with a sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement may be incorporated into the armouring layer in a simple and safe way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: NKT FLEXIBLES I/S
    Inventor: Jonas Gudme
  • Publication number: 20100084035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible tubular duct for transporting gases under high pressure in the field of offshore oil exploitation. The duct is of the unlinked and smooth passageway type, and comprises from inside to outside an inner polymer tube, a pressure vault formed by the short-pitch rolling of at least one wire, a first inner pair of crossed traction armour plies, an intermediate polymer sleeve, a second outer pair of crossed traction armour plies and an outer polymer sleeve. The inner pair of traction armour plies is wound with a helical angle of less than 35° and the outer pair of traction armour plies is wound with a helical angle substantially equal to 55°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Eric Binet, Tim Crome
  • Publication number: 20100059134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe for transportation of fluids and gasses, e.g. useful in water transportation, and in offshore transportation of crude oil e.g. from seabed to an installation or between installations. The flexible pipe of the invention comprises a new type of armouring layers which is made from a combination of one or more profiled wires and one or more metal strips. A folded strip is an endless unit with at least one fold and a width which in unfolded condition is at least 6 times its thickness, such as at least 10, such as at least 15, such as at least 25 times its thickness or even up to 100 or 500 times its thickness. A profile is a preshaped non-folded cross sectional profile. The profile may preferably have a width of less than 6 times its thickness. The term ‘endless’ is used to indicate that the tapes and profiles are very long compared to their other dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: NKT FLEXIBILES I/S
    Inventor: Jonas Gudme
  • Publication number: 20100050724
    Abstract: A method of forming a flexible conduit including: providing an elongated flexible metallic strip having a central portion disposed between a first and a second end portion, wherein at least a portion of the central portion includes a cross-sectional thickness TC which is less than a maximum cross-sectional thickness TM of the elongated shaped strip; rolling the first end portion in a first direction and the second end portion in a second direction generally opposite the first direction to form a shaped flexible strip; and helically winding the shaped flexible strip upon itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Allan Stikeleather
  • Publication number: 20100037973
    Abstract: An efficient flexible hose construction is provided which incorporates resistance, when subjected to high negative pressure loads, to the collapse failure known “rollover” or “shingling”. The construction relates to a means of increasing the torsion capability of a flexible hose where the hose is formed from a helical wire that is coated and thereafter is connected to and supports a shroud or cover. Improved resistance to rollover lies in mechanical enhancements to the interface between the helical wire and the coating material, where the enhancement assists in maintaining the wire and coating as an integral unit and prevents separation leading to shingling under high vacuum pressures. The mechanical enhancement requires use of a specialized cross-section for the helical reinforcing wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Stacy Smith
  • Publication number: 20090321105
    Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a wire frame, a material, and mating connectors. The wire frame is covered by the material to form a flexible duct having a first end and a second end. A first mating connector may be electrically connected to the wire frame and attached to the material at the first end. The first mating connector may be capable of being coupled to a first complementary mating connector to form a mechanical connection and an electrical connection. A second mating connector may be electrically connected to the wire frame and attached to the material at the second end. The second mating connector may be capable of being coupled to a second complementary mating connector to form the mechanical connection and the electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Lee Myron Sawyer
  • Patent number: 7530372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-bonded pipe which is used to produce a dynamic pressurized fluid transfer hose and, in particular, a mud hose for rotary oil drilling. The inventive pipe consists of the following elements from inside outwards: an inner polymer sheath, at least two crosswise-arranged reinforcing plies comprising a wire which is wound helically at opposing winding angles, A and B, which are close to the angle of equilibrium of 55°, having an average that is centered on a value close to the equilibrium angle value; and an outer polymer sheath. The pipe also comprises an anticreep layer which is made from at least one coil with contiguous edges of a strip with high mechanical properties. Moreover, the aforementioned winding angles, A and B, of the crosswise-arranged reinforcing plies are not equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Gerez, Pascal Estrier, Cédric Monteiro
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7516762
    Abstract: A flexible corrugated pipe, of a type comprising a plurality of overlapping material layers, comprises at least a coiled wire, and at least an electric cable, the coils or turns of said at least a wire and said at least an electric cable being arranged on a same plane, inside the wall of the pipe owing to the provision of the built-in electric cable, embedded in the thickness of the corrugated pipe, at a same position or level as the reinforcement metal coils, the outer corrugating configuration of the body of the tube is improved, thereby consequently improving the flexibility of the corrugated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: IVG Colbachini, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guiseppe Aldinio Colbachini
  • Publication number: 20090056824
    Abstract: A flexible cable may include an elongated shaped strip helically wound around itself to form a generally tubular body having at least one interior passageway and at least one conductor at least partially disposed within the interior passageway. The elongated shaped strip may include a non-rectangular cross-sectional thickness having a central portion disposed between a first and a second end portion. The first and second end portions may extend generally outwardly from the central portion from generally opposite sides. At least a portion of the central portion may include a cross-sectional thickness TC which is less than a maximum cross-sectional thickness TM of the elongated shaped strip. The first and second end portions may include a first and a second cross-section thickness TS1, TS2, respectively, wherein at least one of the first and second cross-section thicknesses TS1, TS2 is greater than the cross-sectional thickness TC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Allan Stikeleather
  • Publication number: 20090050228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible pipe for transporting hydrocarbons, comprising the following, from the inside towards the outside: a cylindrical structural set adapted in such a way that it can withstand radial stress and at least one first armure lap, said first armure lap comprising a plurality of armure threads wherein the armure threads consist of formed and flattened metal threads, the width of said armure I being greater than the thickness e when they are wound in parallel in the form of a spiral with a longitudinal pitch around the structure set, said threads forming an angle of less than 60° angle with the generators (G) of said structural set, and the width/thickness ratio of the armure threads is greater than 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Alain Coutarel, Fabrice Bectarte
  • Patent number: 7487803
    Abstract: A flexible hose or pipe (42) is reinforced by means of at least one flattened steel wire (10, 20) with natural edges. The steel wire has a thickness-to-width ratio t/w below 0.95, a tensile strength Rm exceeding 3500?2000×d, where d is the diameter of a circle having the same cross-sectional surface and where Rm is expressed in Mpa and a permanent elongation at maximum load Ag of at least 0.70%. The flattening of the steel wire (10, 20) allows to recuperate ductility which has been lost as a result of the drawing until the final tensile strength Rm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: NV Bekaert SA
    Inventors: Erwin Lokere, Stijn Vanneste
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080264509
    Abstract: A diaphragm bellows includes a spiral-wound, pre-profiled metal strip having neighboring turns which are connected by a continuous welding seam in an area of an outer diameter or inner diameter of the metal strip. Neighboring flanks of the metal strip enter a region of the welding seam at an angle of less than 60°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Westfalia Metallschlauchtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: MATTHIAS WEISS, Karl-Heinz Munker, Dietmar Baumhoff, Oliver Selter, Stefan Hauk, Andreas Gerhard, Karsten Schenk
  • Publication number: 20080245883
    Abstract: An insulated hose for a high voltage paint application apparatus comprising an inner hose containing a fluid or paint charged at a high voltage. The inner hose is arranged inside at least one second insulating layer. A system for applying paint or other fluid materials at a high voltage is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Mikalsen
  • 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: 20080190507
    Abstract: A flexible tubular conduit for transporting hydrocarbons comprising at least two metal sheathing covers which are separated by a plastic anti-wear layer. Each cover is produced by helically winding a metal longitudinal element. The anti-wear layer is produced by helically winding a plastic material strip. The plastic material comprises an amorphous polymer with a glass transition temperature ranging from 175 to 255° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Hardy
  • Patent number: 7357968
    Abstract: A reinforced, high pressure hose is disclosed for use in the transport of high pressure fluids. The hose includes a multilayered inner tube capable of prolonged exposure to fluids such as those containing hydrocarbons, and a reinforcement layer overlaying the inner tube. The reinforcement layer includes at least one reinforcement strip wrapped about the inner tube and with the edges of the strip in an overlying relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Sausner, Tao Nie, Michael W. Boles
  • Patent number: 7328725
    Abstract: A reinforced hose according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first reinforcing layer having a reinforcement material with a first tensile strength. A second reinforcing layer overlays the first reinforcing layer and includes a reinforcement material with a second tensile strength. The second tensile strength is substantially greater than the first tensile strength. In another embodiment of the present invention, a reinforced hose includes a first reinforcing layer including a reinforcement material having a first level of fatigue resistance and a second reinforcing layer overlaying the first reinforcing layer and including a reinforcement material having a second level of fatigue resistance. The first level of fatigue resistance is substantially greater than the second level of fatigue resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ty A. Henry, Philip C. VanRiper
  • Patent number: 7318454
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe for transporting hydrocarbons, the pipe comprising at least one carcass, an internal pressure sheath and one or more armor layers. The carcass forms the innermost structural element of the pipe and consists of an interlocked spiral winding of a strip or wire with some shape. The turns of the carcass are internally covered with an anti-turbulence sheath pierced with holes which is intended to oppose turbulence of the hydrocarbon flowing through the pipe and prevent associated resonance phenomena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: François Dupoiron
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7243686
    Abstract: A hose (10) comprising a tubular body (12) of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire (22, 24). The hose (10) further comprises an axial strengthening means (20) adapted to reduce deformation of the tubular body (12) when the tubular body (12) is subjected to axial tension, the axial strengthening means (20) being adapted to exert a radially inward force on at least part of the tubular body (12) when axial strengthening means (20) is subjected to axial tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond N. Burke, Eric J. Davis, Gerard A. Hall, Matthew V. Ridolfi, Simon P. A. Thorp, Joel A. Witz
  • 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: 7219700
    Abstract: In a flexible pipe having shape retaining capabilities, a first pipe is provided having a first base wire and a first subsidiary wire, the first base wire being wound in a spiral manner, the first subsidiary wire externally covering the first base wire and being fit into an external valley of the first base wire, and a second pipe having a second base wire and a second subsidiary wire, the second base wire being wound in a spiral manner in an opposite direction from the first base wire, the second subsidiary wire externally covering the second base wire and being fit into an external valley of the second base wire. The second pipe being provided inside and in contact with the first pipe. When a torsional force is applied to the first pipe, the second pipe generates a bearing force against the torsional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Kokusan Rasenkan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Matsuyama, Keizo Ohta
  • 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: 7117703
    Abstract: A wire-stranded hollow coil body (1) has a multitude of coil line elements (2) stranded along a predetermined circular line to form a flexible wire tube having a central axial hollow portion (3), the flexible wire tube is stranded under a strand-turn resistant load and heat treated to remove a residual stress upon formation so as to provide a high rotation-following capability and a high straightness. Further, a method provides a way to strand the coil line elements (2) under a strand-turn resistant load while heat treating the coil line elements (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomihisa Kato, Kenji Miyata
  • Patent number: 7114526
    Abstract: A composite hose comprises a corrugated metal tube as barrier layer against permeation of conveyed fluid and a reinforcing layer which is formed by braiding a reinforcing wire member made of a metal wire. A braid density of the reinforcing layer is 55% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Takagi, Minoru Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7104285
    Abstract: A hose with corrugated metal tube comprises a corrugated metal tube as innermost layer and outer layer in a radially outer side thereof including elastic layer and reinforced layer. The reinforced layer is braided with reinforcing filament members at a braid or winding angle which is a low angle, 40 degrees or lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Norihiko Furuta
  • Patent number: 7069955
    Abstract: An armoured flexible pipe consists of an inner liner (3), which surrounds a carcass (1, 2). On the other side of the inner liner (3) there are two armour layers, where the innermost (5, 6) is a pressure armour layer, while the outermost (7, 8) is a tensile armour layer. An outer sheath (9) is finally applied around the armour layers. With the object of ensuring a low transport of heat through the walls of the pipe, one or more thermally-insulating layers (10) are extruded on the outside of the inner liner, where, depending on the use of the pipe, the layers can consist, for example, of a polymer or polymeric mixture, polyolefin, such as a polypropylene, or a polyketon. The flexible pipe according to the invention is especially applicable for use in the extraction, transport or refining of mineral oil or related fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jakob Wedel-Heinen
  • Patent number: 7055551
    Abstract: A flexible pipe and a method of manufacturing same according to which the pipe is formed by multiple layers of different materials and suitable for use in subsea and land-based applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventors: Dana Fraser, Robert G. Hoefling, Mark D. Kalman, Alan I. McCone
  • Patent number: 7040569
    Abstract: The invention relates to a winding tube for winding up bands, films, sheets of metal or similar made of a spiral shaped wound metal strip whose adjacent strip windings overlap at least partially. The metal strip has a corrugated or ribbed profile in the cross-section thereof, whose external corrugated heads (1) are disposed on the outer wall of the winding tube after winding and are wider than the internal corrugated heads (2) disposed on the inner wall of the winding tube after winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Friedhelm Schäfer, Friedrich Werner
  • 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