With Intermediate Metal Element Patents (Class 138/138)
  • Patent number: 6631743
    Abstract: A flexible cord-like hollow object for the transportation of media is provided with an inner zone enclosed by a casing. A barrier layer, which is impermeable to volatile molecules of the medium to be transported, is provided on the casing surface facing the inner zone. The barrier layer comprises sub-elements that are arranged in a scale-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventors: Silvia Enders, Holger Ullrich, Thomas Fritz
  • Publication number: 20030178085
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond N. Burke, Eric J. Davis, Gerard A. Hall, Matthew V. Ridolfi, Simon P.A. Thorp, Joel A. Witz
  • Publication number: 20030172982
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a flexible cord-like hollow object with an inner zone, which is enclosed by a casing, for the transportation of media, whereby a barrier layer (26), which is impermeable to the volatile molecules of the medium that is to be transported, is integrated into the casing (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Silvia Enders, Holger Ullrich, Thomas Fritz
  • Publication number: 20030164196
    Abstract: A flexible armored pipe, which comprises an inner liner, which is surrounded by a pressure armor, is built up by the joining together of profiles, which have a number of recesses. According to the invention, the profiles are configured as K-profiles (10, 16, 17), which have recesses (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), which are arranged in adjoining surfaces of the profile. When the profiles are brought together, the recesses form a cavity in which a locking element (12, 14, 18) can be inserted, the function of which is to prevent displacement of the K-profiles at right-angles to the axial direction of the pipe when this is exposed to axial, compressive forces. The locking element can be I-shaped (14), be circular or be configured as a wire (18) with a C-shaped cross-section. The locking element can also be made either of a rigid or an elastic, deformable material. With a C-shaped locking element, the whole of the cavity, which is formed by the recesses, is not filled out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Kristian Glejbol, Jakob Wedel-Heinen, Jan Christian Rytter
  • Publication number: 20030159744
    Abstract: A straight opposing member insertion section located at the end of a hose tube and has a ring-shaped groove for inserting a sealing ring. The opposing member insertion section has a ring-shaped tongue piece and/or a ring-shaped ring supporting section. Tongue-piece has a sloped surface and an overhang positioned over the ring-shaped groove. Ring supporting section is an indentation on the ring-shaped groove that protrudes away from the end of the hose tube. A sealing ring is tightly inserted into the ring-shaped groove. A ring-shaped engagement projection on the end of the tube-shaped opposing member is pushed into the opposing member insertion section until the engagement projection abuts the sealing ring. Sealing ring and the section of the tube wall with the ring-shaped groove can be constructed to handle seal deterioration. The resulting fuel hose connection structure has superior fuel sealing properties, fuel impermeability and can be contructed simplely and inexpensively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazushige Sakazaki, Koji Hioki, Atsuo Miyajima
  • Patent number: 6607010
    Abstract: A hose for containing a vacuum, which hose has an impermeable flexible tube capable of holding a vacuum and a braided or interwoven flexible interior wall, said wall providing support to said interior wall of said impermeable flexible tube. Optionally, an exterior braided or woven wall may be provided to the hose for protection or to allow the hose to be used as a pressure hose. The hose may delimit a vacuum space through which may travel a thermal transfer line containing, for example, cryogenic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Southeastern Universities Res. Assn, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Kashy
  • Patent number: 6602565
    Abstract: A method of producing a fuel hose having superior adhesive reliability with superior initial adhesive strength between a tubular fluororesin inner layer and a thermoplastic resin outer layer and with restrained deterioration in adhesive strength after heat aging and immersion into fuel under severe conditions such as an inside of an engine compartment. The method includes plasma treatment on a peripheral surface of the tubular fluororesin inner layer, at least one treatment of water treatment and silane coupling agent treatment on the plasma treated surface and formation of the thermoplastic resin outer layer on the treated peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Katayama, Hiroaki Ito, Takahiro Nishiyama, Koyo Murakami, Tomonori Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20030127147
    Abstract: A reinforced pipe for transporting a fluid comprising aggressive gases and/or liquids, such as wet natural gas, comprising a plastic inner pipe and, surrounding the inner pipe, a reinforcing layer with fibres which have a high tensile strength, such as aramid fibres or fibres made from steel with a high carbon content. A barrier layer, which is impermeable or of low permeability to the fluid, is located between the inner pipe and the reinforcing layer, which barrier layer is stuck so that it rests completely against the inner pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Pipelife Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Joris Willy Adrie Van Dam, Lambertus Gerrit Peter Dalmolen
  • Publication number: 20030116212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid conduit, and to a multi-conduit umbilical for use in the transportation of chemicals with small molecular size and shape e.g. methanol ethanol and other hydrocarbon fluids used in the oil industry. The conduit comprises a flexible fluid hose encapsulated by at least one metallized layer which is formed and arranged to minimise permeation of a fluid being transported in the fluid hose. In use in a multi-conduit umbilical the metallized layer minimises permeation into adjacent fluid hoses containing chemicals. The invention is characterized in that the fluid hose(s) have differing levels of encapsulation and thereby permeation, along a given length according to the operational requirements of the fluid conduit/umbilical. Typically such fluid conduits/umbilicals will have lengths in excess of 100 km.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Fraser Hynd Thomson
  • Publication number: 20030111126
    Abstract: An improved flexible hose for carrying fluids is disclosed. The hose has a first end and a second end, and is typically in a retracted position when no tensile force placed on an end of the hose and in an extended condition when a tensile force of a pulling nature is placed on an end of the hose. The hose has a thermoplastic cover on its outer surface. The thermoplastic cover has an interior surface and an exterior surface. On the interior surface there is a helical member adhered thereto this helical member being comprised of a material capable of carrying a current of electricity. The hose of the present invention stretches at least 100 percent over its at rest position when a pulling force is placed on one end of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory Moulton, Roy Herron, Stephen Mountford, Thomas Dove
  • Patent number: 6576311
    Abstract: A rubber laminate in which a rubber layer (1) containing the following rubber composition (A) is adhered by vulcanization to a rubber layer (2) containing another rubber composition (B). Rubber composition (A): Composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a mixture and 0.1 to 15 parts by weight of a peroxide crosslinking agent admixed therewith, the mixture comprising 5 to 95 wt. % of a peroxide-crosslinkable fluororubber containing vinylidene fluoride copolymerized therein in a proportion of 45 to 88 mole % and having a number average molecular weight of 20,000 to 200,000, and 95 to 5 wt. % of an acrylic rubber containing 0.1 to 1.5 wt. % of a polyfunctional monomer copolymerized therein and having a functional group rendering the acrylic rubber peroxide-cocrosslinkable with the fluororubber and a functional group effecting the copolymerization of the monomer with an acrylic ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Noguchi, Kazuhisa Matsumoto, Tsuyoshi Ono, Mitsuru Kishine
  • Patent number: 6576312
    Abstract: A fuel transporting tube including an inner layer which contacts a fuel being transported and which is formed of a polybutylene naphthalate resin, an outer layer which is provided radially outwardly of the inner layer and which is formed of a polyamide resin or a polyolefin resin, and an intermediate layer which is provided between the inner layer and the outer layer and which is formed of a resin to adhere the inner and outer layers to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ito, Shinji Iio
  • Publication number: 20030098084
    Abstract: A linearly self-actuated hose for use in transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of these three). Hose (30b) has a biasing spring (36) extends along the full length, and can comprise single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter spring coils. Spring (36) is covered with hose cover material (32) on the outside and hose cover material (34) on the inside to form a sealed hose and are bowed inward or outward radially between the individual spring coils depending on the intended use of hose (30b) to give the cover materials room to move out of the way when the hose retracts and the coils of spring (36) are forced close together. Hose (30b) is designed with a source end (26) and a output end (68). A pressure control mechanism is used on output end (68) to control the extending and retracting of hose (30b). The Linearly Retractable Hose is operated by changing internal pressure within the hose relative to the ambient pressure on the exterior of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Gary Dean Ragner, Robert Daniel deRochemont
  • Publication number: 20030084950
    Abstract: A cable for laying in plastic tubes for transporting gas or water is described that comprises a cable core assembly and a plastic sheath surrounding the cable core assembly, in which cable the plastic used for the plastic tube and the plastic for the sheath can be welded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Klaus Nothofer, Hans-Detlef Leppert
  • Patent number: 6546963
    Abstract: A ship including a multi-layer composite piping system formed from a laminated pipe structure comprising: (a) a metal tube; (b) a bonding layer disposed on both sides of the metal tube; and (c) an internally cross-linked polymer layer disposed on both bonding layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Halter Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Philip Nuss
  • Patent number: 6532994
    Abstract: A flexible cord-like hollow object for the transportation of media is provided with an inner zone enclosed by a casing having an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer. A barrier layer, which is impermeable to volatile molecules in the medium to be transported, is integrated into the casing on the outer surface of the inner layer between the inner layer and the middle layer. The barrier layer comprises sub-elements that are arranged in a scale-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventors: Silvia Enders, Holger Ullrich, Thomas Fritz
  • Publication number: 20030047229
    Abstract: A tubular structure exhibiting fuel and vapor impermeability properties for use as a fuel transport hose, wherein the hose is constructed of a polyalkylene terephthalate material or a polyalkylene naphthalate material, wherein the polyalkylene terephthalate or the polyalklyene naphthalate material extends throughout the entire wall structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher W. Smith, Alan L. Edmonson, Jeremy Duke, Jerry Shifman, Jeffrey A. Swane
  • Publication number: 20030019532
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a flexible cord-like hollow object with an inner zone, which is enclosed by a casing, for the transportation of media, [and] with a barrier layer that is impermeable to the volatile molecules of the medium that is to be transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Silvia Enders, Holger Ullrich, Thomas Fritz
  • Patent number: 6502496
    Abstract: The invention provides an armor system for ballistic protection of a flexible conduit, the system comprising a plurality of protective tubular elements in axial alternating array with double-socket joint elements, the outer peripheral ends of the tubular elements being provided with a convex curvature complementary to a concave curvature provided along the inner peripheral ends of the double-socket joint elements, a protective tubular element being inserted in each end of the double-socket joint elements, the curved peripheral end allowing any tubular element connected to a double-socket element to till freely relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Moshe Ravid, Yoav Hirschberg
  • Publication number: 20020189697
    Abstract: A multilayer pipe which comprises at least an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is made of extrudable plastic, such as polyethylene PE, cross-linked polyethylene PEX or polypropylene PP. The outer layer forms a fire-protecting layer and the matrix plastic of the outer layer is also made of extrudable plastic. A foaming agent, which does not react during the manufacture of the pipe, is mixed with the matrix. Further, the outer layer contains at least one additive in such a manner that the outer layer has a pipe-reinforcing component and a fire-retardant component. Most preferably, at least the outer layer is extruded by an extruder having a screw length ratio of less than 10 to its biggest diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jyri Jarvenkyla
  • Publication number: 20020174906
    Abstract: A metal-composite hose having a wall including an innermost metal layer and a resin layer surrounding it, in which the metal layer has at each end portion of the hose an inner surface covered with a resin layer, an elastic rubber layer, or both. A process for manufacturing a metal-composite hose includes: forming a metal layer; covering the metal layer with an elastic rubber layer, if required; and after masking a specific portion of the metal layer, forming a thermoplastic resin layer thereon by powder or spray coating. The hose is preferably a corrugated one. It has high fluid impermeability, flexibility and strength, as well as high metal-rust resistance and sealing property at both ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Kazutaka Katayama, Motoshige Hibino, Atsuo Miyajima, Hiroaki Ito
  • Patent number: 6481466
    Abstract: In a hose assembly useful in the transport of hot fluids, a hose body is provided and includes a generally cylindrical flexible core defining a smooth bore through which the hot fluid will flow. A braided wire sleeve is coaxial with and engages a peripheral surface of the core, and is encapsulated by an outer insulating jacket. Fittings are attached at each end of the hose assembly to facilitate connection thereof to equipment, to or from which the hot fluid is to be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Diebolt
  • Patent number: 6470915
    Abstract: A flexible cord-like hollow object for the transportation of media is provided with an inner zone enclosed by a casing. A barrier layer, which is impermeable to volatile molecules of the medium to be transported, is provided on the casing surface facing the inner zone. The barrier layer comprises sub-elements that are arranged in a scale-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventors: Silvia Enders, Holger Ullrich, Thomas Fritz
  • Patent number: 6403181
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of high performance conduits. The invention includes the high performance conduits, the polyethylene resin used to make them, and the process for producing the resin which produces a resin with properties which are required, in accordance with the invention to yield the performance characteristics of the resin in conduits. The resin used in accordance with the invention exhibits a bimodal molecular weight distribution or broad molecular weight distribution and is of high molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Barry, Vincent Joseph Crotty, Brian J. Egan, Robert I. Mink, Thomas Edward Nowlin, Sandra Denise Schregenberger, Kenneth George Schurzky, Pradeep Pandurang Shirodkar
  • Patent number: 6401761
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel hose having a wall composed of an inner resin layer, a thin metal layer and an outer resin layer. The inner resin layer includes at least a layer of low gas permeability and may further include a layer of low water permeability surrounded by the layer of low gas permeability. The hose may have a corrugated wall portion. The hose is suited for use as a hydrogen fuel hose for a fuel-cell vehicle because of its excellent hydrogen gas impermeability, resistance to embrittlement by hydrogen and hose flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Katayama, Motoshige Hibino, Ayumu Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 6390140
    Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a wall including a laminated layer formed by longitudinally lapping a laminated sheet which contains a metallic foil, or a metallic layer formed by vapor deposition. The laminated layer is bound with thread wound about it at a density not exceeding 20%, and bound to an extent forming constrictions therein if required. The thread prevents the deformation in cross section of the hose and the separation of the overlapping edge portions of the laminated sheet which might otherwise be caused by the bending resistance of the laminated sheet. The constrictions improve the flexibility of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuaki Niki, Kunihiro Noba, Yuji Takagi
  • Publication number: 20020056482
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel hose having a wall composed of an inner resin layer, a thin metal layer and an outer resin layer. The inner resin layer includes at least a layer of low gas permeability and may further include a layer of low water permeability surrounded by the layer of low gas permeability. The hose may have a corrugated wall portion. The hose is suited for use as a hydrogen fuel hose for a fuel-cell vehicle because of its excellent hydrogen gas impermeability, resistance to embrittlement by hydrogen and hose flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Kazutaka Katayama, Motoshige Hibino, Ayumu Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 6363975
    Abstract: A steel strip laminate pipe having increased lap shear strength and peel off strength between the steel layers in the pipe and a method for making such a steel strip pipe are provided. Steel strips coated with a sol-gel or a silane adhesion promoter are wound over an inner lining to form steel layers bonded to each other in a steel strip laminate pipe. In an alternate embodiment, fiber fillers and resin are used to bond the steel layers in the pipe together. In further embodiment, glass sphere and resin are used to bond the steel layers together. The steel strips bonded together using continuous reinforced fiber filler or glass spheres may be coated with sol-gel or silane. In an alternate embodiment, the sol-gel or silane may also be mixed in the resin used to bond the steel layers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Qizhong Sheng
  • Patent number: 6361841
    Abstract: This invention provides an oil well pipe which is resistant to fracturing caused by ground subsidence by providing a sliding layer on the outside of the oil well pipe to reduce the frictional force acting on the oil well pipe. Furthermore, by constituting the sliding layer by a material and a thickness so that the residual negative frictional force becomes 2×103 N/m2 or less after 1 year of deformation at the operating temperature of the oil well pipe, or by the sliding layer comprising a material of which the stiffness factor S(t) after 1 year of deformation is in the range from 10−5 N/m2 to 103 N/m2 at the operating temperature of the oil well pipe and providing an adhesive layer between the pipe body and the sliding layer, thereby reducing the sliding phenomenon upon construction which restricts the properties of the sliding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kayo Hasegawa, Keiji Sugawara, Masatsugu Nishi, Hideyuki Wada
  • Patent number: 6353178
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner tube has electrical conductors and a tube having an inner wall and formed spirally on the outside and formed smoothly on the inside and having an end, a helical step disposed at the tube, an end bush having a rear end and plugged into the end of the tube, wherein the end bush exhibits an axial slot having flanks and open at the rear end of the end bush, and locking noses disposed at the end bush. A protective covering is attached at the inner wall of the tube. A projection is formed at the end bush and closed at its front end and formed for receiving the protective covering, wherein the flanks of the axial slot form a transition into the projection. A slip ring support has a longitudinal passing through slot for engaging the tube, wherein the slip ring support is made as a single part. Breakouts are furnished at the slip ring support for an engagement of the locking noses formed at the end bush. A plurality of electrical conductors are disposed in the protective covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Truplast Kunst Stofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Peter Linhart
  • Publication number: 20020007861
    Abstract: Metal-plastic multilayer pipe with a plastic inner pipe (30) and a metal sheath (32) around the plastic inner pipe (30), where the metal sheath (32) is of uniform thickness, is applied to the plastic inner pipe (30) so that it completely encircles the plastic inner pipe (30) and a practical plastic outer layer (38), with the feature that the thickness of the metal sheath (32) as compared to the total thickness of all layers of the multilayer pipe (32, 34 and 38), is sufficiently thin that the metal sheath (32) accounts for a negligible part of the overall strength and stiffness of the multilayer pipe and, as a consequence, when the multilayer pipe is bent in an arc, the metal sheath (32) offers negligible resistance to such bending as compared to the resistance offered by the inner pipe (30) and the practical cover layer (38), and when so bent, the multilayer pipe tends to remain bent in said arc, whereby, the multilayer pipe has “form stability”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Jorg Hansen, Reinhold Freermann, Alfred Feldkamp, Franz-Josef Riesselmann
  • Patent number: 6340511
    Abstract: A fuel hose comprising an inner layer formed of FKM and an outer layer formed of an NBR.PVC blend that are adhered well by vulcanization and having an excellent resistance to gasoline and an excellent weatherability, wherein the polymerization degree and the amount of PVC in the blend are specified in fixed ranges a carboxylic acid 1,8-diazabicyclo(5,4,0)-undecene-7 salt is incorporated in the NBR.PVC blend, and a polyol-type vulcanizing agent is incorporated in the FKM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinobu Kanbe, Masashi Kondo, Motohide Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6293311
    Abstract: A multilayer composite pipe structure is described. The multilayer composite pipe comprises a hollow inner conduit, a first layer of adhesive, a metallic intermediate layer, a second layer of adhesive, as well as, the outer thermoplastic layer, respectively. The hollow inner conduit is made from any rigid thermoplastic material. The outer thermoplastic layer is made from a rigid, amorphous thermoplastic polymer. This multilayer composite pipe is pressure bearing. In one embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is solvent cementable; whereas in another embodiment, the multilayer composite pipe is heat fusible. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the multilayer composite pipe is bendable. Furthermore, the multilayer composite pipe can be used in a fluid conduit system with fittings with an optional insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: PMD Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: John C. Bushi, Girish T. Dalal, Thomas L. Evans, Andrew M. Olah, Theodore J. Schmitz, Andrew L. Auvil, A. Donald Meltzer, Stefanie Hahnen-Schroeder, Anthony Kordecki
  • Patent number: 6283206
    Abstract: A gas lift umbilical including a flexible pipe having a collapse resistant wall and a first sealing layer formed on an interior surface of the collapse resistant wall. The interior surface defines a longitudinal passage. A flexible gas lift hose is mounted within the longitudinal passage extending from a first end of the flexible pipe to a second end thereof. A first fitting is attached to the collapse resistant wall of the flexible pipe at a first end thereof. A second fitting is attached to the collapse resistant wall of the flexible pipe at a second end thereof. A first adapter joins a first end of the gas lift hose to the first fitting and a second adapter joins a second end of the gas lift hose to the second fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kellogg, Brown & Root, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana John Fraser, Alva W. Davis
  • Publication number: 20010013374
    Abstract: A fluid-impermeable composite hose has a wall including a laminated layer formed by longitudinally lapping a laminated sheet which contains a metallic foil, or a metallic layer formed by vapor deposition. The laminated layer is bound with thread wound about it at a density not exceeding 20%, and bound to an extent forming constrictions therein if required. The thread prevents the deformation in cross section of the hose and the separation of the overlapping edge portions of the laminated sheet which might otherwise be caused by the bending resistance of the laminated sheet. The constrictions improve the flexibility of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Nobuaki Niki, Kunihiro Noba, Yuji Takagi
  • Patent number: 6253793
    Abstract: A flexible tubular pipe having an internal sheath and a pressure vault around the sheath with a helically would short pitch metal wire. The metal wire has an I-shaped cross-section with a narrowed central web and greater thickness internal and external flanges. Recesses in at least one set of the flanges enable fastening elements to be installed for holding to adjacent wire windings. The ratios of widths of the flanges, height and width of the wire, moments of inertia in the width wise and radial direction are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Corlexip
    Inventors: François Dupoiron, Philippe François Espinasse, Patrice Jung
  • Patent number: 6192941
    Abstract: A flexible tubular hose, in particular for transporting fluids under pressure, comprising pressure-resistant armoring constituted by winding at least one pair of interlockable metal section wires, one of which has a T-section and the other of which has a U-section, the ribs of the T-section wire being directed toward the outside of the flexible tubular hose and the ribs of the U-section wire being directed toward the axis of the flexible tubular hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventors: José Mallen-Herrero, Pascal Estrier, Anne Vincent
  • Patent number: 6171671
    Abstract: A rubber composition comprising: (A) at least one copolymer ingredient selected from the group consisting of ethylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer rubber and ethylene/&agr;-olefin/unconjugated diene copolymer rubber, (B) nickel diisobutyldithiocarbamate, and (C) carbon black, and not containing any compound having zinc; a vulcanized rubber composition obtained by vulcanizing the rubber composition; and a heat-resistant rubber product using the vulcanized rubber composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Sumitomo Chemical Co., Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadayuki Nakano, Eiichi Daikai, Ayumu Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 6105620
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible tube device, which is repeatedly reshapable by action of reshaping forces comprising bending forces and which has the capability of substantially maintaining its shape received by the reshaping as the forces are released. This device is characterized in that the device (1) comprises a flexible part comprising a flexible inner hose (3) and/or a flexible outer hose, which may surround the flexible inner hose (3) and be provided along substantially the entire flexible part and preferably inside the outer hose, outside the inner hose or between the outer hose and the inner hose, a bend stiffening member (4) which is plastically deformable at the reshaping of the tube device and which after the removal of the reshaping forces substantially retains the shape received by the plastic deformation and thereby substantially determines the shape of the tube device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Johann Haberl
  • Patent number: 6092555
    Abstract: A body for absorbing impact energy is designed as a flexible pipe and is characterized in that the walls of the pipe are made of several layers and comprise at least one metal layer and at least one paper or plastic layer. The cross-section of the absorbing body is designed in such a way that at least one section of its wall is substantially straight and extends substantially parallel to the direction from which an impact is expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ohtsuka Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Otsuka
  • Patent number: 6064000
    Abstract: A heat shrinkable shielding tube and a manufacturing method thereof employ an electromagnetic wave shielding material inserted into a heat shrinkable tube and adhered lengthwise thereto. A metallized fabric electromagnetic shielding material may be adhesively bonded inside the tube with a longitudinal stripe of adhesive. The longitudinal edges of the electromagnetic shielding material overlap to prevent electromagnetic leakage. Electrical wires or cables to be shielded are inserted into the shielding tube, and upon heating, the tube tightly engages the wires and provides effective electromagnetic shielding. The heat shrinkable shielding tube provides an outstanding effect in shielding electromagnetic wave radiation, and because the construction and manufacturing processes are flexible, it can also significantly reduce production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: The Zippertubing Company
    Inventor: Sun Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 6053213
    Abstract: It is of the type comprising a corrugated and sealed internal metal tube (1), a pressure vault (2) wound at a short pitch and having an internal surface which faces the corrugations of the corrugated internal tube, an intermediate sheath, at least two groups of inner and outer armoring layers (3, 5), the armoring layers being wound at a lay angle of less than 55.degree., and an outer-sheath (6), and it is characterized in that the intermediate sheath (4) is sealed and is arranged between the two groups of armoring layers (3, 5), the said inner group of armoring layers (3) bearing directly on the pressure vault (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventors: Patrice Jung, Rene Antoine Maloberti, Anh Tuan Do
  • Patent number: 6024131
    Abstract: A method of forming a flexible spiral-wound tube includes the steps of spiral wrapping at least two webs of material in an overlapping relationship about a mandrel to form a multi-ply tube and advancing the tube along the mandrel and off a reduced diameter portion of the mandrel at a forward end of the mandrel. Advancement of the tube along the mandrel includes rotating the tube as the tube longitudinally moves such that the tube advances in a spiral manner. The method further includes the step of retarding movement of the tube along the reduced diameter portion of the mandrel by providing frictional resistance between the tube and the mandrel to form folds or pleats in the tube so that the tube becomes extremely flexible. The flexible spiral-wound tube has a uniform pattern of generally diamond-shaped folds therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Electrolock, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Lester, Steven P. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6003562
    Abstract: A multi-layer tube comprises a metal tube having an outer surface and a zinc layer bonded to the metal tube outer surface, wherein the zinc layer is selected from the group consisting of zinc plating, zinc nickel alloys, zinc cobalt alloys, zinc aluminum alloys, and mixtures thereof. A surface treatment layer is bonded to the zinc layer, wherein the surface treatment layer is selected from the group consisting of a zinc/aluminum/rare earth alloy, phosphate, chromate and mixtures thereof. A first polymeric layer is bonded to the surface treatment layer, wherein the first polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer, an ionomer, a nylon, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof. A second polymeric layer is bonded to the first polymeric layer, wherein the second polymeric layer is selected from the group consisting of a nylon, a thermoplastic elastomer, a fluoropolymer, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph A. Iorio, Robert M. Davie, James D. McDaniel, Frank L. Mitchell, Tao Nie
  • Patent number: 5927342
    Abstract: A fire hose (100) includes one or more conductors (107) acting as a feed line that is integrally woven into the fire hose side wall (109) and extending at least partially along a predetermined length of hose. One or more slots (113) expose the conductor (107) for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) energy. The RF energy is transmitted and received bi-directionally along into the conductor (107) along the length of the fire hose. This provides stations positioned along the fire hose to have enhanced two-way radio communication without the disadvantage of signal degradation due to a firefighter's location within a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry A. Bogut, Louis F. Abramczyk, Lawrence A. Myers
  • Patent number: 5897537
    Abstract: A guiding catheter for use in coronary angioplasty and other cardiovascular interventions which incorporates a transition element in the shaft of the device. The transition element which has a different flexibility than the sections immediately proximal and distal to it, creates a zone in the catheter shaft which is either more or less flexible than the rest of the shaft. The transition element allows a portion of the shaft to be made more rigid or more flexible, without changing the flexibility of the other portions of the shaft. The transition element also allows for a differential flexibility to be added to the catheter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Berg, Brian J. Scovil, Jason A. Galdonik
  • Patent number: 5860963
    Abstract: A catheter is disclosed having a proximal shaft formed from an inner liner formed from a copolymer of polyvinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, an outer jacket formed from a blend of nylon and polyether block amide or polyether block amide alone, and a soft flexible tip affixed to the distal end of the proximal shaft formed from polyether block amide. A stem may be located between the proximal shaft and the soft flexible tip. The stem has an outer jacket formed from a proximal stem transition sleeve with a tapered distal end and a distal stem sleeve with a complementary tapered proximal end connected to the tapered distal end of the proximal stem transition sleeve. The stem transition sleeve and the stem sleeve are both formed from polyether block amide alone or a blend of polyether block amide and nylon. The outer jacket may be the same hardness as or harder than the stem transition sleeve which in turn is harder than the stem sleeve and the soft flexible tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Schneider (USA) Inc
    Inventors: Nusayr Azam, John B. Logan, Brad J. Wessman, William R. Priedeman
  • Patent number: 5769830
    Abstract: A soft tip guiding catheter for atraumatic insertion into delicate, tortuous coronary vessels and introduction of an angioplasty balloon catheter therethrough. The guiding catheter includes a main tubular portion and a soft tubular tip with cooperating bonding surfaces for increasing the contact area and strength of the thermal bond therebetween. The cooperating bonding surfaces each include a proximal ground taper portion with a braid material included therein and a distal longitudinal portion without the braiding material. The main portion preferably includes an inner layer of lubricous material, an outer layer of a polyether block amide, and a reinforcing braid positioned therebetween. The main tubular portion also includes distal and proximal segments heat shrink bonded together to provide changes in durometer along the length of the catheter. The layers of the main portion provide a thin catheter wall with pushability, torquability, and kink resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: Fred T. Parker
  • Patent number: 5718956
    Abstract: A sleeving product and a method for making a sleeving product suitable for use as a barrier for resisting heat transfer between an external heat source and an elongated substrate, comprising: a tubular layer comprising a flexible, resilient foamed insulating material; and an exterior cover layer bonded to one surface of the tubular layer, the cover layer comprising a metalized polymeric film, the metalized polymeric film comprising a flexible polymeric film and a nonporous, thin coating of heat reflective metal applied to at least one surface of the polymeric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Bentley-Harris Inc.
    Inventors: Harry F. Gladfelter, David T. Pindar, Alan W. Atkinson
  • Patent number: 5687774
    Abstract: A flexible lamp tube includes an elongated foam member, a metal wire, and an accordion plastic pipe. The foam member has a central bore extending through the length of the foam member. The metal wire extends through the central bore of the foam member. The accordion plastic pipe is sleeved around the foam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Hanh Chiang