Spirally Seamed Patents (Class 138/154)
  • Patent number: 6705351
    Abstract: A flexible method that includes a tubular member defining a longitudinal passage adapted to contain a conveyed fluid, and a plurality of layers of flexible material helically wrapped around the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventor: Dana J. Fraser
  • Patent number: 6615875
    Abstract: A reinforcement liner and methods of manufacturing the liner are disclosed. The liner includes a fabric (100) material having first and second fibers (112, 122). The second fibers comprise chopped fibers in substantially parallel alignment for being positioned substantially about the circumference of a pipe, so the fabric can be elongated in a direction parallel to the second fibers. The liner may includes a stitching material (130) that is used to couple the first and second fibers together. The stitching material is preferably an elastic yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Owens Corning Composites SPRL.
    Inventors: Georg Adolphs, Claude M. J. G. L. Renaud
  • Publication number: 20030159745
    Abstract: This flexible tubular pipe 1 comprising, from the inside outwards, at least, a carcass consisting of an interlocked metal strip 3, an internal sealing sheath 4, a cylindrical pressure vault 5 consisting of the winding of an interlocked profile metal wire wound in a helix with a short pitch, at least one ply of tensile armour wires 7 wound with a long pitch and an external protective sealing sheath 8, is characterized by a wire 9 wound with a short pitch over the ply of armour wires 7 so that its deformable sheath 11 partially penetrates the gaps 12 in the said ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Philippe Espinasse
  • Patent number: 6561228
    Abstract: In a method for producing helically wound lock-seam tubing, a metal strip is fed to a forming head in which the tubing is formed. In order to frictionally interlock this lock seam, a flexible string is inserted into and compressed in the lock seam during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Protol A.G.
    Inventor: Kenneth Lennartsson
  • Patent number: 6513553
    Abstract: In a method for producing helically wound lock-seam tubing, a metal strip is fed to a forming head in which the tubing is formed. In order to prevent lock-seam slip, a clinching roller device form interlocking spaced deformations on the lock-seam. An apparatus for such production comprises a clinching roller provided with a recess for forming the deformations against a counter roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Protol A.G.
    Inventor: Kenneth Lennartsson
  • Patent number: 6497254
    Abstract: A self-sealing flexible metal hose includes a band adapted for winding on conventional winding equipment. The band includes receiver and insert assemblies adapted for interlocking with adjacent windings or turns of the band. A sealing flange provides continuous contacts and is urged into sealing engagement with the band by exhaust gas pressure within the hose bore. Alternative embodiments include different configurations of the flanges and legs which form the contacts, and accommodate packing material for greater sealing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventors: R. Winfield Thomas, Scott R. Swank
  • Patent number: 6488052
    Abstract: A tube made of profiled strip has an inner edge, an outer edge parallel to the inner edge and projecting away from the inner edge, a double-thickness outwardly directed inner lip forming between the edges an outwardly open inner slot, and a double-thickness inwardly directed outer lip forming between the inner slot and the outer edge an inwardly open outer slot. The strip is formed into turns centered on an axis with the inner slot of each turn axially slidably receiving the outer lip of the adjacent turn on an inner side and the outer slot of each turn axially slidably receiving the inner lip of the adjacent turn on an outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Westfalia Metallformtechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Günter Hupertz, Dietmar Baumhof
  • Publication number: 20020148522
    Abstract: A tube made of profiled strip has an inner edge, an outer edge parallel to the inner edge and projecting away from the inner edge, a double-thickness outwardly directed inner lip forming between the edges an outwardly open inner slot, and a double-thickness inwardly directed outer lip forming between the inner slot and the outer edge an inwardly open outer slot. The strip is formed into turns centered on an axis with the inner slot of each turn axially slidably receiving the outer lip of the adjacent turn on an inner side and the outer slot of each turn axially slidably receiving the inner lip of the adjacent turn on an outer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Westfalia Metallformtechnik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gunter Hupertz, Dietmar Baumhof
  • Publication number: 20020117227
    Abstract: A self-sealing flexible metal hose includes a band adapted for winding on conventional winding equipment. The band includes receiver and insert assemblies adapted for interlocking with adjacent windings or turns of the band. A sealing flange provides continuous contacts and is urged into sealing engagement with the band by exhaust gas pressure within the hose bore. Alternative embodiments include different configurations of the flanges and legs which form the contacts, and accommodate packing material for greater sealing performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: R. Winfield Thomas, Scott R. Swank
  • Patent number: 6427727
    Abstract: A length-controlled flexible hose includes a body formed by spiral-winding a continuous metal band with interlocked leading and trailing edges. A length control adhesive strip is applied to the flexible hose along a surface thereof and minimizes length changes of the flexible hose whereby a design or engineered length can be maintained. A method of manufacturing a length-control flexible hose includes the steps of spiral-winding a continuous metal band, interlocking leading and trailing edges thereof and applying a length control adhesive strip to a surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 6418971
    Abstract: A flexible metal conduit is disclosed that comprises a thin metal ribbon arranged in a helix about a longitudinal axis. Convolutions of the helix are disposed adjacent each other with the ribbon defining helical, sinuously corrugated inwardly and outwardly facing conduit surfaces forming radially inner and radially outer apices that are spaced substantially evenly apart and extend parallel to the convolution edges. A first ribbon edge region is defined by a partial corrugation and a flange extending radially from the partial corrugation. A second ribbon edge region is defined by a second partial corrugation and a second flange extending radially from the second partial corrugation. The first and second partial corrugations abut to form a helical seam running along the convolution junctures. The first and second edge flanges abut at the corrugation seam and are interlocked to secure the convolutions together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Hose Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam J. Foti, Santo Foti
  • Patent number: 6394145
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining a flexible conduit comprising a tube and a helical structure. The process comprises extruding a crosslinkable plastic material in a malleable or formable state, so as to form a profiled strip having, as one piece, a web with two mutually complementary marginal edges, and at least one rib projecting on one side from the web; winding the profiled strip about an axis in a helix with touching turns so that the complementary marginal edges of the profiled strip, belonging respectively to two different turns, form between them, directly, a sealed joint; varying and controlling a winding pitch of the profiled strip, in order to modulate and control a quantity of available and formable plastic material of the tube along the length of the conduit; and crosslinking the wound profiled strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Norton Gessil
    Inventor: Pierre Bailly
  • Patent number: 6378561
    Abstract: A self-sealing flexible metal hose includes a band adapted for winding on conventional winding equipment. The band includes receiver and insert assemblies adapted for interlocking with adjacent windings or turns of the band. A sealing flange provides continuous contacts and is urged into sealing engagement with the band by exhaust gas pressure within the hose bore. Alternative embodiments include different configurations of the flanges and legs which form the contacts, and accommodate packing material for greater sealing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corp.
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 6374864
    Abstract: A helically wound conduit formed from a single continuous strip, the strip being formed from alternating first and second strip portions. Second strip portions are more flexible than first strip portions and the conduit as a result has greater flexibility in the sections formed from the second strip. A reinforcing wire may be added to strengthen the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Perry Philp
  • Patent number: 6360780
    Abstract: A reinforcement liner and methods of manufacturing the liner are disclosed. The liner includes a fabric material having first and second support layers. Each of the layers includes reinforcing fibers. The first and second support layers are oriented in different directions to provide support to the liner in those directions. The liner includes a stitching material that is used to couple the first and second support layers together. The stitching material is preferably an elastic yarn. One of the support layers includes long, chopped strands that are oriented parallel to each other. The long, chopped strands are directed so that they are in the peripheral direction of the finished reinforcement liner. The long, chopped fibers can be distributed continuously or only along portions of the width of the fabric. The disclosed methods of manufacturing a liner include alternative processes by which the liner can be made. The fabric is manufactured in the form of a continuous roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Adolphs, Claude M. J. G. L. Renaud
  • Publication number: 20010013375
    Abstract: In a method for producing helically wound lock-seam tubing, a metal strip is fed to a forming head in which the tubing is formed. In order to prevent lock-seam slip, a clinching roller device form interlocking spaced deformations on the lock-seam. An apparatus for such production comprises a clinching roller provided with a recess for forming the deformations against a counter roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth Lennartsson
  • Patent number: 6240972
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a high quality multi-wound metal tube having satisfactory adhesion between multi-wound walls and for a seam portion at a reduced cost. Walls of the multi-wound tubular body are pressure welded with each other and then cooled, while at least the outer circumference of a brazing material between the walls of the multi-wound tubular body is kept at a flowable temperature by heating, by using at least one of a step of pressing substantially uniformly the outer circumferential surface of the tubular body in a radial direction from the outside, a step of substantially uniformly pressing the inner circumferential surface of the tubular body in the radial direction from the inside or a step of exerting a tensile force to the tubular body in the direction of the tubular axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventors: Kazunori Takikawa, Teruhisa Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6237642
    Abstract: A sealing-tight pipe with acoustic damping for the transport of gaseous fluids, inter alia for the admission of air for combustion into a motor vehicle heat engine, characterised in that it comprises a first layer 1 of a porous material which is permeable to the gaseous fluids and a second layer 4 consisting of a thin film, attached to the first layer but not adhering thereto, of a flexible fluid-tight material which is mechanically deformable reversibly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Westaflex-Automobile
    Inventor: Henri Lepoutre
  • Patent number: 6152186
    Abstract: A lightweight hose (80) is disclosed which is formed from a heat seamable material and includes a helically-wound reinforcing member (88). The hose (80) can be formed in a short, definite length and a relatively long, indefinite length by a mandrel and a continuous process, respectively. In one aspect of the invention, a lightweight conduit (80) comprises a tubular wall (82) formed of at least one ply of heat seamable material and at least one helical member (88) whereby the at least one ply is bonded to itself and to the at least one reinforcing member (88) without additional adhesive. The invention also relates to lightweight conduits in the form of connectors such as cuffs (140) and T- and Y-connectors (170) and (180), respectively. The invention further relates to a method for forming a lightweight conduit, including but not limited to, the embodiments of a hose described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Flexfab Horizons International, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Arney, Ralph L. Gooch, William R. Haywood
  • Patent number: 6110550
    Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible pipes with metal armors and metal tubes having a sheath made of an extrudable thermoplastic material for manufacturing an acid gas tight barrier.The sheath comprises a determined proportion of at least one charge of a product chemically active with acid gases so as to irreversibly annihilate the corrosive effects of these gases, the proportion being determined as a function of the gas permeability of the thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jacques Jarrin, Louis Perrin
  • Patent number: 6105621
    Abstract: A flexible duct for use in a heating or cooling system having an elongated wire cemented between two elongated plastic ribbons and wound into a multi-turn coil, a portion of the plastic ribbons of each turn overlapping and being cemented to a portion of the plastic ribbons of adjacent turns to form a duct, the wire forming a plurality of identical turns with each turn having a pair of U-shaped end portions and a pair of elongated portions, the elongated portion being interconnected by an end portion and being aligned with the elongated portions of adjacent turns. A method of making such duct and apparatus for making such duct are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Theodore Primich
  • Patent number: 6085484
    Abstract: A building structure comprising a paper strip formed into a cylindrical shape by spirally winding the same and securing adjacent opposed portions thereof by means of adhesives. The building structure has a peeling strength of not less than 13.0 kg/cm.sup.2 and a compression strength of not less than 250 kg/cm.sup.2, which can be used for manufacturing interior and exterior walls of buildings in simple steps, rapidly and at a reduced manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Shigeru Ban
  • Patent number: 6085801
    Abstract: In a method for producing helically wound lock-seam tubing, a metal strip is fed to a forming head in which the tubing is formed. In order to prevent lock-seam slip, a clinching roller device form interlocking spaced deformations on the lock-seam. An apparatus for such production comprises a clinching roller provided with a recess for forming the deformations against a counter roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Protol A.G.
    Inventor: Kenneth Lennartsson
  • Patent number: 6076561
    Abstract: A heat insulated hose includes a cylindrical member. This cylindrical member is formed by helically winding a laminated tape having a base layer of a foamed resin, a permeable coat film laminated on an inner surface of the base layer, and an air-tight coat film laminated on an outer surface of the base layer, with adjacent side edges thereof abutted against each other. A resin reinforcing member is helically wound on an outer peripheral surface or inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member in a manner striding over the adjacent side edges of the laminated tape. The respective side edges of the laminated tape is thermally fused with the resin reinforcing member, thereby integrally joining between the adjacent side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Tigers Polymer Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Akedo, Seiji Shiga, Tetsuya Inagake, Hitoya Kodama, Shoji Hattori, Yoshiki Yoshitomi, Masataka Morikawa
  • Patent number: 6071581
    Abstract: A molding die assembly includes an outer molding die which forms an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical mold, and, an inner molding die which forms an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical mold, wherein the outer molding die is comprised of a plurality of split die elements which are split at an oblique separating surface inclined with respect to the circumferential and axial directions of the cylindrical mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nomura, Takamitsu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6053212
    Abstract: A length-controlled flexible hose includes a body formed by spiral-winding a continuous metal band with interlocked leading and trailing edges. A length control adhesive strip is applied to the flexible hose along a surface thereof and minimizes length changes of the flexible hose whereby a design or engineered length can be maintained. A method of manufacturing a length-control flexible hose includes the steps of spiral-winding a continuous metal band, interlocking leading and trailing edges thereof and applying a length control adhesive strip to a surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tru--Flex Metal Hose Corp.
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 6024134
    Abstract: A laminated tape comprising a main layer of a polyester-series thermoplastic polyurethane resin and a covering layer formed of a soft vinyl chloride resin fused with at least one surface of the main layer is spirally wound, and its adjacent side edges are bonded each other to form a hose wall. The shrinkage ratio of the length of the hose in an unloaded condition is 25% or less relative to the original length of the hose as determined by measuring the original length and the length of the hose after the test which comprises subjecting the hose compressed in a longitudinal direction to ten heating/cooling-cycles successively, one cycle comprising a heating step for exposing the compressed hose to an atmosphere of 70.degree. C. for two hours and a cooling step for cooling the heat-treated hose at an atmosphere of -20.degree. C. for two hours, followed by returning the temperature of the hose to an ordinary or room temperature and allowing the hose to stand for one hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Tigers Polymer Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Akedo, Seiji Shiga, Tetsuya Inagake, Shoji Hattori, Yoshiki Yoshitomi, Hitoya Kodama, Masataka Morikawa
  • 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: 6021817
    Abstract: A method of producing large-diameter helical pipes for plastic synthetic resins wherein the pipe has an outer layer comprised of a first plastic resin and an inner layer comprised of a second plastic resin. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a helical pipe having an outer layer which is an ultraviolet light-protective color and an inner plastic layer which is a light-reflecting color is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Jimmie G. DeMasters
  • Patent number: 6016847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible tubular conduit having at least one tubular layer constituted by at least one molded strip of a cross section substantially in the form of an elongated S, wound helically and having a cross section formed of a first and of a second principal cylindrical coaxial spans joined together by an inclined central portion, each of the first and second principal cylindrical spans being united by a first convex radial portion to a first secondary cylindrical span and by a second convex radial portion to a second secondary span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: COFLEXIP
    Inventors: Patrice Jung, Guy Le Bail
  • Patent number: 5975144
    Abstract: A flexible hose which is formed by attaching a resin reinforcing coil member to a cylindrical body, the cylindrical body being composed of a nonwoven fabric layer which is formed by winding a nonwoven fabric tape spirally and connecting adjacent side end portions and an air-cut layer which forms on at least one side of the nonwoven layer. The nonwoven fabric tape and the reinforcing coil member are formed of heat-fusible resin materials, and the reinforcing coil member is fused with the nonwoven fabric layer in a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Tigers Polymer Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Akedo, Seiji Shiga, Tetsuya Inagake, Shoji Hattori, Yoshiki Yoshitomi
  • Patent number: 5837083
    Abstract: A method of forming a hollow elongated or tubular body consisting of the steps of winding one or more strips of material in self-overlapping fashion to produce a multi-layer tubular structure, the or each strip prior to winding being pre-formed to provide a transverse cross-section having at least one step which, in each convolution of the strip accommodates the overlapping portion of the next convolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: John Peter Booth
  • Patent number: 5799701
    Abstract: Pipelines are lined by inserting a lining pipe R out of a long profile beltlike member to be supplied and wound involutely within the pipeline. A jointing mechanism and a guide roller block are arranged around a mounting frame. The lining pipe R is produced while it rotates on its axis in response to rotary drive by the jointing roller block. An additional lining pipe is formed out of a belt like member to be supplied anew and ahead of the already formed pipe, which is left behind. A rigid mounting frame enables lining pipes of a specific diameter to be formed. Also, a flexible mounting frame helps to cope with a pipeline which is rectangular in cross-section. In addition, the already formed lining pipe can be large in diameter by feeding the belt like member at a higher level than the jointing mechanism which is traveling and sliding the joints of adjoining portions of the already formed beltlike member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignees: Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Adachi Construction Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kitahashi, Yasushi Kitayama, Eiki Akimoto, Hamao Yamashiro
  • Patent number: 5795634
    Abstract: A heat insulating noise reducing duct includes: an internal layer formed by helically winding a flat fibrous band and integrally bonding outer circumferential faces of adjacent joint parts of the band by resin reinforcing bands to thereby form a substantially smooth cylindrical shape; one or more resin linear bodies helically wound between these adjoining resin reinforcing bands and bonded to the fibrous band; an open-cell foam layer formed by helically winding an open-cell foam resin band onto an outer circumferential face of the inner layer while making its paired side edges abut each other; an intermediate sheet layer formed by helically winding a thin resin sheet-like band onto an outer circumferential face of the open-cell foam band while partially overlapping the resin sheet-like band, and by integrally bonding the overlapped parts; a closed-cell foam layer formed by helically winding a closed-cell foam resin band onto an outer circumferential face of the sheet layer while making its paired side edges a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kouki Fukui
  • Patent number: 5780123
    Abstract: A tubular liner, for lining the inner wall of a pipe, comprises a plurality of composite liner tubes, each liner type contains an inner layer of a resin-absorbable sheet and an outer layer of hermetic plastic film. The composite liner tubes are joined by spirally stitched abutting ends. In an embodiment, the inner resin-absorbable sheets are joined. An adhesive can be applied to the inner and outer walls of the resin-absorbable sheet along the stitched spiral seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Yokoshima & Company, Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima
  • Patent number: 5769127
    Abstract: A pipe wall has an inner wall cylindrically formed of a soft material of rubber, synthetic rubber or synthetic resin, a rising rib bonded at its base portion onto an outer circumferential surface of the inner wall so as to extend therefrom in an outer circumferential direction, and an outer wall coupled at its base end portion with the rising rib so as to extend in an axial direction of the pipe in a position separated at a predetermined distance circumferentially from the inner wall, the rib and the outer wall being formed of a hard synthetic resin material and wound spirally, wherein only a top end portion of the outer wall is coupled with a preceding winding of the outer wall, and separable dividing portion is formed between the top end portion and the base end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Shiro Kanao, deceased, by Chizuko Kanao, heir, by Shigeki Kanao, heir
  • Patent number: 5768928
    Abstract: A pipe formed from a continuous, cold rolled, lock seam quality, sheet steel, having a spiral rib. The pipe may be protected by an abrasion or corrosion resistant coating. The pipe is normally used for storm drains, culverts, sewer lines or HVAC. A closed spiral rib formed in the pipe wall adds strength to the wall, while maintaining a smooth inner wall that promotes exceptionally good fluid flow. The pipe has a smooth interior surface with outwardly projecting structural ribs of helical configuration throughout the length of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Ken Carson
  • Patent number: 5758695
    Abstract: A pipe formed from a continuous, cold rolled, lock seam quality, sheet steel, having a spiral rib. The pipe may be protected by an abrasion or corrosion resistant coating. The pipe is normally used for storm drains, culverts, sewer lines or HVAC. A closed spiral rib formed in the pipe wall adds strength to the wall, while maintaining a smooth inner wall that promotes exceptionally good fluid flow. The pipe has a smooth interior surface with outwardly projecting structural ribs of helical configuration throughout the length of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Ken Carson
  • Patent number: 5727598
    Abstract: An improved pipe construction is disclosed having an inner and outer surface, intermediate walls having a top and bottom, and a plurality of primary internal cells. Each of the primary internal cells has a cell surface wall, collapsible ribs attached to the intermediate walls, collapsible apertures positioned on opposite sides of the intermediate walls and apertures, and internal flanks. Each of the collapsible apertures has an inner wall surface, with each inner wall surface having a deformable surface portion. Each of the end apertures is positioned between the collapsible apertures and primary internal cells. Each of the end apertures has an inner wall surface. The internal flanks are positioned intermediate the end apertures and the collapsible apertures. A method of forming the pipe of this structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Stuhlreyer
  • Patent number: 5669420
    Abstract: The invention has mainly as its object a metal tubular tube (1) comprising hollow compartments (7), and a flexible tubular conduit comprising at least one such tube. The tube according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one hollow channel (7) formed by walls belonging to a strip and spirally wound around an axis (6) of tube (1). The invention applies mainly to the production of flexible tubular conduits for transporting hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Jose Mallen Herrero, Guy Le Bail, Jany Feret
  • Patent number: 5662145
    Abstract: A dual bias weld is an improved weld for joining strips to be formed into coiled tubing. Tubing is formed from a first strip and a second strip, the first and second strips being of the same width. A planar end surface is formed on an end of the first strip, the plane of the planar end surface being defined by a line lying along a top surface of the first strip at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first strip and a line lying along an edge surface of the first strip at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal of the first strip. Similarly, a planar end surface is formed on an end of the second strip, the plane of the planar end surface being defined by a line lying along a top surface of the second strip at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second strip and a line lying along an edge surface of the second strip at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Quality Tubing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Stagg
  • Patent number: 5660912
    Abstract: A plastic profiled strip (10) is provided for producing helically wound tubes or pipes, the strip (10) having female and male joint formations (13, 14) extending along opposite longitudinal margins thereof and arranged so that upon spirally winding the strip into a tubular form, the joint formations (13, 14) can be interlocked to thereby lock adjacent windings of the strip together, the male joint formation (14) comprising a hinged flap (15) which is flexibly connected to the strip (10) for hinging movement between a disengaged or unlocked position displaced from the plane of the strip (10) and a locking position wherein it interlocks with the female joint formation (13) of an adjacent winding of the strip (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Rib Loc Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stanley William Otto Menzel
  • Patent number: 5560969
    Abstract: A tubular supporting element for supporting an elastic sleeve for covering a junction of cables which is provided with a wall which has a groove or incision directed according to a helical line and which has a radial depth from the outer surface of the supporting element less than the radial thickness of the supporting element. The incision has a mouth at the outer surface of the supporting element with a width of less than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.05 mm, so as to provide a strip between the incision having a substantially rectangular cross-section. Also, a process and an apparatus for making the tubular supporting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Portas
  • Patent number: 5553640
    Abstract: A multi-layer metal tube consists of a flat steel band having a soldering layer connected to at least one side of the steel band. The soldering layer consists of a copper alloy having a melting point below 1020.degree.. The tube is produced by deforming the flat steel band into a tubular shape by winding or cylindrically rolling and by subsequently soldering the steel band to form the multi-layer metal tube. The soldering step prevents leaks as well as corrosion. In the corresponding method for manufacturing the multi-layer tubes the steel band in a first step is electrolytically degreased and activated in a nickel flash bath or in a copper pickling bath. Subsequently, the steel band is coated with the copper alloy which contains tin, zinc, or silver in order to reduce the melting point. After completion of the winding step or rolling step, the multi-layer tube can be coated with an additional corrosion-preventing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Hille & Muller
    Inventors: Nikolaus Ferenczy, Dieter Junkers
  • Patent number: 5494319
    Abstract: Insulated flexible metal piping is provided which includes a metal piping section having inner and outer windings comprising metal bands which are spiral-wound in overlying relation with their leading and trailing edges forming a spiral, interlocked seam. The flexible metal piping section is slidably inserted in an insulating sleeve, which can comprise a plastic material for enclosing the metal piping section. A method of forming the insulated metal piping is disclosed which includes the steps of providing inner and outer spiral windings; interlocking the leading and trailing edges thereof; and slidably inserting a flexible metal piping section formed thereby in an insulating sleeve. Further disclosed is an application of the insulated metal piping in a flue system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 5454402
    Abstract: A hydraulically efficient metal pipe particularly adapted for use in storm drain and sanitary sewer applications which is adapted for use with a self-supporting interior inert protective lining. The pipe has a channeled wall defining a plurality of outwardly projecting structural ribs and a hydraulically smooth interior surface. The ribs are preferably of a helical configuration and the channels which are formed interiorly thereof are generally either square or rectangular in cross-section and are open along the interior surface of the pipe. The walls defining the ribs can be tapered inwardly to form triangular-shaped channels so as to define an anchor throughout the length of the pipe for securing thereto a smooth interior lining of corrosion-resistant protective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: W. E. Hall Company
    Inventors: James R. Andre, Larry Daniels
  • Patent number: 5443100
    Abstract: A hose for low pressure and vacuum applications is provided by a helically wound strip of resilient material. The leading and trailing posts of the helically wound strip interlock with one another and are provided with projections which define a space for confining a bead of bonding material. The profile of the hose configuration prevents the bonding material from encroaching areas of flexation in the hose. The helically wound hose has a close pitch and exhibits good hoop strength, flexibility and bonding characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: The United Electric Company of Ohio
    Inventor: Richard O. Finley
  • Patent number: 5390704
    Abstract: A pressure-withstanding synthetic resin pipe includes an inner wall of a synthetic resin and an outer wall of a synthetic resin. A metallic reinforcement belt plate having an inverted U-shaped sectional contour and a flat, metallic belt plate having ends bent to form engagement portions and adapted to be engaged with open end portions of the metallic reinforcement belt plate are disposed between the inner wall and a protruded corrugation portion of the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Shiro Kanao
  • Patent number: 5388319
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for making an organism deposit-inhibition pipe, which excels in corrosion resistance, dispenses with maintenance work, and offers no toxicity problems. A thin sheet comprising a copper alloy is wound spirally around a round bar and inserted into a resin pipe made up of an electrical insulating material. And the round bar is taken out. The obtained pipe has an inner wall which is covered with the copper thin sheet. The copper alloy has a Be content of 0.2 to 2.8% by weight, and is selected from, e.g., Be--Cu, Be--Co--Cu, Be--Co--Si--Cu and Be--Ni--Cu alloys. The beryllium-copper alloy has a remarkable antifouling effect and provides a continued liberation of copper ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunji Inoue
  • Patent number: 5347927
    Abstract: An exemplary anisotropic printing element comprises an outer printing surface layer and, located radially beneath the outer layer, a spirally-integrated reinforced compressible tubular structure comprising a reinforcing sheet having synthetic fibers, the sheet being spirally wrapped at least two complete turns circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the tubular structure, thereby defining an inner tubular surface on a radially inward wrapped sheet portion and an outer tubular surface on a radially outward wrapped sheet portion, the tubular structure further comprising an elastomer having voids, the elastomer being disposed between the inner and outer tubular surfaces defined by the wrapped sheet portions, the void-containing elastomer thereby providing radial compressibility to and being spirally-integrated within the tubular structure. Examplary methods for fabricating the printing elements of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Claude Berna, Dennis O'Rell, Herve Praet, Gerard Rich, Richard Rodgers, Jean P. Stutz