Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device and tools for the protection of cadmium welds, holidays or the like on underground pipe portions, wherein the device includes a patch having a fibrous material and a hydrophobic agent that is adapted to form a substantial seal about the pipe portion or otherwise coat the pipe portion with an anti-corrosion agent upon application.

Abstract: An arrestor for arresting an axial ductile propagating fracture in a pipeline transporting a high-energy fluid is made from a material such that the arrestor deforms sufficiently when encountering a propagating fracture that the propagating fracture continues at least under the arrestor but the arrestor has enough strength that it ceases the crack propagation without ring-off of the pipeline.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a double-sheath rigid pipe for transporting hydrocarbons consisting of two respectively inner (2) and outer (3) coaxial tubes separated by an annular gap (5), said pipe being adapted to be wound and comprising a device limiting the propagation of a deformation occurring on the outer tube, wherein a radial stop device (10) linked to the inner tube (2) but not linked to the outer tube (3) allows a localized collapse of value G of the outer tube, G being selected to stop the propagation of a deformation of the outer tube (3).

Abstract: A medical tubing is disclosed which includes a first material extending between proximal and distal ends of the tubing and which defines a lumen of the tubing. The tubing also includes a second material extending between at least portion of the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the tubing and that is embedded in the first material. The second material is fractured. The first material is flexible and the second material is relatively rigid and brittle and the two materials combined to provide a medical tubing that exhibits strain softening behavior.

Abstract: A shaped hose assembly includes a length of hose having an external surface and a hose form including a non-continuous, generally curved wall that extends around the circumference of the external surface of the hose. The wall includes a first axially extending end and a second axially extending end. The hose form also includes at least one bend of predetermined radius. A method for shaping hose is also provided.

Abstract: An assembly and method for stiffening a flexible member according to which a stiffening member and an adapter surround the flexible member and an insert extends in an annulus between the adapter and the flexible member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tubular structure which uses the properties of different materials, such as stiffness, strength, and density are exploited in a manner which combines the most attractive characteristics of existing metal and composite tubes into a metal/composite tube which contains performance characteristics (stiffness, strength or weight) not possible with pure metal or composite materials. For example, an improved tube is suitably created with a conventional metallic tube structure (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium or the like). The original tube is modified with a secondary operation such as machining, punching, laser cutting or the like to remove various portions of the original tube wall, resulting in a tube with some pattern of “holes” or “cutaway” sections, thus resulting in a lighter tube. The tube is then suitably “fused” with composite material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for repairing a pressurized fluid supply pipeline (1) comprising a series of buried prestressed concrete pipe segments (2, 3, 4) which consists in: providing excavations in the trench, beneath suitably set portions (6, 7) of the pipe (1), cleaning up said pipe portions, installing and tensioning the prestressed reinforcements (12) around said portions of the pipe and filling up the excavations with earth material by compacting said material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure hose structure comprising several layers of reinforcing plies where the reinforcing fibers are spirally laid. The hose structure according to the invention is characterized by the odd number of its reinforcing plies.

Abstract: A tubular structural member that provides directional resistance. The tubular structural member has a flexural resistance that is greater in one direction than in another. The tubular structural member can be employed in variety of devices or structures so as to effect the overall stiffness of the device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a double-walled shell of fiber reinforced plastic material is by centrifuging. The outer wall of the shell is made by projecting glass fibers and resin in a liquid phase against an inside face of a cylindrical mold rotating about its horizontal axis. A section member is then applied against the inside face of the outer wall by a plurality of turns having a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the outer wall and separated from one another by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the outer wall. The section member has a channel section with a web and two flanges extending radially outward, defining a sealed helical duct. The space between the turns is filled with resin by centrifuging, forming a helical spacer, and the inner wall is formed by centrifuging.

Abstract: An assembly and method for stiffening a flexible member according to which a stiffening member and an adapter surround the flexible member and an insert extends in an annulus between the adapter and the flexible member.

Abstract: A flexible, thermoplastic hose for high pressure and high velocity flow is provided with a flexible braided reinforcement layer with a static drain therein for conducting static electricity towards a ground. This is achieved by having at least one textile fiber yarn with conductive fibers therein braided with non-conducting textile yarns to form the braided reinforcement layer. The preferred conducting fiber yarn is formed with metal fibers as well as plastic fibers. A method of manufacture of the hose comprises providing electrical conducting yarns and non-conducting yarns in a braiding machine and braiding them about a tube having a hollow bore through which fluid flows. An abrasion resistant outer cover layer of polyurethane is extruded over the braided layer having the drain therein. For higher pressure applications, a second braided reinforcement layer may also be provided over the inner braided layer having the electrically conductive yarns.

Abstract: A metal unitary structural member for structural support. The member includes a plurality of web portions extending radially from each other and extending with each other in an axial direction, and a plurality of outer portions extending in an axial direction with the web portions and between the web portions in cross-section. The plurality of outer portions defines an outer surface of the member. The web portions may extend from a substantially central portion. The plurality of web portions may include perforations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an improved flexible hose (10). The hose (10) is comprised of at least a flexible material (28) and a reinforcing rod (12) positioned externally of the flexible material (28). Terminal ends (16, 18) define both the flexible material (28) and the reinforcing rod (12). At least one terminal end (16) of the reinforcing rod (12) is located short of the terminal ends (18) of the flexible material (28), so that the non-reinforced end of the flexible material (28) forms a soft cuff (20) adapted to be received by a hose fitting. Also disclosed is an improved method of manufacturing the flexible hose (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reinforcing duct work is provided. In one embodiment, a reinforcement comprises a conduit having a first end and a second end. A pair of plugs is insertable into the first and second ends of the conduit. Each of the plugs has a groove extending along the circumference of the plug, and the plugs are crimped inside the conduit along the grooves. Each of the plugs may have a threaded end extending out of the plug and being retractable into said plug. Alternatively, each of the plugs may have an internally threaded opening extending at least partially through the plug. In this embodiment, the conduit can be secured to duct work by aligning the conduit with holes in the duct work, and inserting a bolt through the holes and into the internally threaded openings of the plugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved tubular structure which uses the properties of different materials, such as stiffness, strength, and density are exploited in a manner which combines the most attractive characteristics of existing metal and composite tubes into a metal/composite tube which contains performance characteristics (stiffness, strength or weight) not possible with pure metal or composite materials. For example, an improved tube is suitably created with a conventional metallic tube structure (e.g., steel, aluminum, titanium or the like). The original tube is modified with a secondary operation such as machining, punching, laser cutting or the like to remove various portions of the original tube wall, resulting in a tube with some pattern of “holes” or “cutaway” sections, thus resulting in a lighter tube. The tube is then suitably “fused” with composite material.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter that exhibits the combined features of superior flexibility, softness, radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal region of the shaft includes an inner lubricious polymer layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer layer. The reinforcement layer comprises a braid having one or more metallic members and a plurality of polymer members wherein each polymer member comprises a plurality of monofilaments, preferably formed of LCP. The polymer members of the braid provide improved flexibility and softness in addition to high burst pressure. The metallic member(s) of the braid provide improved radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter may also include a longitudinal member extending along the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a duct with high sound absorbing effect and sufficient exhausting efficiency, as well as an electronic apparatus having the duct. The duct can include a hollow duct body, an inflated section arranged at an intermediate part of a passage of the duct body, and a sponge bonded on internal surfaces of the duct body and the inflated section. The duct body and the inflated section can have a thickness of 0.25 mm and be formed of a sheet member of paper impregnated with polymethylpentene on the surface thereof. The duct body can also include an intake-port side duct body and an exhaust-port side duct body, which are connected together at an angle of 90° therebetween. Further, a fan can be connected to an intake port of the intake-port side duct body 201. The inflated section can be arranged in the side of the intake port, and the cross-sectional area of the inflated section can be 1.8 times that of the duct body.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly (2) for supporting flexible duct (4) includes a frame (6) with first and second frame sections (10a, b). The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies (8). The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Abstract: A profiled element (1) includes a tubular blank (2) which is formed into the desired shape by hydroforming. In conjunction with hydroforming, at least one slot essentially in the longitudinal direction of the blank is made in wall portions (4, 6) on the blank, and a reinforcing element (3) is fixed in each slot. In a suitable embodiment, each reinforcing element is fixed in two opposite slots and extends through a cavity in the blank. The invention relates to on the one hand a profiled element and on the other hand a method of producing the same.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic pipe member is obtained by a novel continuous process in which the reinforcement fibers are wrapped about the outer pipe surface in an unbonded condition while the pipe member continuously moves in a linear direction and which is followed by sufficient heating of the moving fiber wrapped pipe member to cause thermal bonding between the applied fibers and the pipe member. Automated apparatus for carrying out the continuous process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A FRP pipe comprising a helix winding layer formed by cylindrically winding reinforced fibers, wherein the helix winding layer has two ends and an axis and the reinforced fibers forming the helix winding layers are wound at an angle relative to the axis and hoop winding layers formed at each end of the helix winding layer by winding reinforced fibers at each end wherein the hoop layer are formed from the same continuous reinforced fibers, and the continuous reinforced fibers forming the hoop winding layers extend between the ends at an angle that is the same as the angle of the reinforced fibers forming the helix winding layer.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose, especially a shower hose, being comprised of a thin-walled reinforced inner hose, at least one outside outer hose, at least one helical support between the inner hose and the outer hose, and reinforcement bands which are oriented in the hose's axial direction radially outside the helical support; and the reinforcement bands being connected to neighboring elements of the hose. In order for the hose to have a high-gloss metallized appearance over essentially the entire surface and to be light and highly flexible and also not to fatigue or tear when it is frequently bent, the reinforcement bands are made of an essentially unstretchable, high-gloss metallized film. They are arranged in the area radially between a top side of the helical support and below an outside surface of the outside outer hose.

Abstract: It is of the type comprising at least two reinforcing armour plies (3-6) wound in opposite senses about a longitudinal axis (A—A) and at least one pressure sheath (7), which can collapse in a given direction under the action of external pressure greater than the internal pressure in the said collapsible pipe, the collapse being able to cause a transverse elongation of the said pressure sheath, and it is characterized in that at least one stiffener (8, 9) is provided on at least one surface (7a) of the said pressure sheath, which is made of a thermoplastic, so as, during collapse, to limit the said elongation to a value of less than the elongation threshold of the said thermoplastic. Application especially to the transporting of hydrocarbons in offshore operations.

Abstract: An armoured flexible pipe consists of an inner liner (3), on the inside of which a carcass (1) is provided, while the outer side of the inner liner is surrounded by a layer of pressure armour and a layer of tensile armour, which in turn are surrounded by one or more layers of thermally insulating bands which are shielded from the surroundings by an outer sheath. With the object of ensuring a sufficiently low transport of heat through the walls of the pipe, on the outside of the pressure and tensile armour layers (5, 6, 7, 8) thermally insulating bands are provided, which bands are made of a polymer or a polymeric composition, such as a polymer containing at least 50% polypropylene. The armoured flexible pipe according to the invention is especially advantageous for use in the extraction, transport or refining of mineral oil or related fluids.

Abstract: A device for eliminating propagation of a buckle in the outer wall of a double-walled tube, where the double-walled tube comprises an outer pipe, an inner pipe and an annular space between them in which the deformable element is disposed with the external surface of the deformable element in contact with the internal wall of the outer pipe and the interior of the deformable element being spaced outward from the inner pipe and having a sheath on the interior of the deformable element. The deformable element may be a wound wire, a profiled wire, an interlocked wire with interlocked turns, a non-interlocked wire, a spring with turns urged outwardly or reinforcement with turns urged outwardly and bearing blocks in the annular space on the inner pipe for at least one end of the reinforcement.

Abstract: A fuel transport tube having improved fuel vapor permeation characteristics comprising an inner conductive nylon tubular structure, an aluminum barrier layer on the outside surface of the nylon inner tubular layer, and a non-conductive nylon layer on the outer surface of the aluminum layer; and a method for making the fuel transport tube are disclosed.

Abstract: As the first object, the present invention intends to provide high-pressure composite pipes which show remarkable pressure resistance and optimum applicability in various uses and which can be economically manufactured in a light weight. To achieve this object, a high-pressure composite pipe of the present invention comprises a pipe-shaped inner layer made of a synthetic resin, a reinforcing layer made of a stretched polyolefin resin sheet and wound on an external circumferential surface of the inner layer, and an outer layer made of a synthetic resin and disposed on an external circumferential surface of the reinforcing layer. The winding direction of the reinforcing layer is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the pipe. Between the inner layer and the reinforcing layer and between the outer layer and the reinforcing layer, adhesion layers having affinity to these layers are interposed.

Abstract: A flexible, armoured pipe has an impermeable inner liner (3), which is surrounded by at least two reinforcement layers (5, 6, 7, 8). Between the reinforcement layers an impermeable membrane (10) is provided, which ensures that fluids do not permeate into the inner reinforcement layers (5, 6) from the pipe's outer reinforcement layers (7, 8). The outer layers are not isolated from influence from the surrounding environment. Moreover, the outer layers (traction reinforcement layers) are protected against the damaging effect of gases, which are diffused out through the flexible pipe. On the outside of the outer traction reinforcement layers (7, 8) a layer (11) can be applied, which is easily permeated by the surroundings, and which protects the traction reinforcement layer against mechanical influences. In this way it is ensured that the pressure reinforcement can absorb forces both from inner as well as outer pressure.

Abstract: It is of the type comprising at least two reinforcing armour plies (3-6) wound in opposite senses about a longitudinal axis (A-A) and at least one pressure sheath (7), which can collapse in a given direction under the action of external pressure greater than the internal pressure in the said collapsible pipe, the collapse being able to cause a transverse elongation of the said pressure sheath, and it is characterized in that at least one stiffener (8, 9) is provided on at least one surface (7a) of the said pressure sheath, which is made of a thermoplastic, so as, during collapse, to limit the said elongation to a value of less than the elongation threshold of the said thermoplastic.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube and methods for making the same are provided for which comprises an inner liner and a composite layer which comprises fibers. The fibers may be embedded in a catalytically cured matrix. The catalytically cured matrix may include polymers comprising ether moieties.

Abstract: High-pressure pipe element made of a hooped tube for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil production installations, notably offshore. The high-pressure pipe element is an assembly consisting of two connections (3) and (4) respectively welded to the two ends of a metallic tube (1). The metallic assembly is hooped. Hooping (2) covering tube (1) comprises a sufficient number of hooping layers to withstand a determined internal pressure. Transition zones (5) and (7) in the vicinity of the welds comprise additional hooping layers.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose, especially a shower hose, being comprised of a thin-walled reinforced inner hose, at least one outside outer hose, at least one helical support between the inner hose and the outer hose, and reinforcement bands which are oriented in the hose's axial direction radially outside the helical support; and the reinforcement bands being connected to neighboring elements of the hose. In order for the hose to have a high-gloss metallized appearance over essentially the entire surface and to be light and highly flexible and also not to fatigue or tear when it is frequently bent, the reinforcement bands are made of an essentially unstretchable, high-gloss metallized film. They are arranged in the area radially between a top side of the helical support and below an outside surface of the outside outer hose.

Abstract: An arcuate double-layer pipe for a pipeline for fluidic transport of abrasive solids, includes an inner pipe portion made of wear-resistant material, and an outer pipe portion of weldable steel in surrounding relationship to the inner pipe portion. A pair of coupling collars made of weldable steel is placed on opposite ends of the inner pipe portion, with each coupling collar having a ring-shaped insert of wear-resistant material and a rim-like projection so that the inner pipe portion extends between the ring-shaped inserts in the coupling collars and is overlapped on the opposite ends by the rim-like projections of the coupling collars. The rim-like projections of the coupling collars engage interiorly into opposite ends of the outer pipe portion for centering the outer pipe portion, with the opposite ends of the outer pipe portion being welded to the coupling collars.

Abstract: High-pressure pipe element made of a hooped tube for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil production installations, notably offshore. The high-pressure pipe element is an assembly consisting of two connections (3) and (4) respectively welded to the two ends of a metallic tube (1). The metallic assembly is hooped. Hooping (2) covering tube (1) comprises a sufficient number of hooping layers to withstand a determined internal pressure. Transition zones (5) and (7) in the vicinity of the welds comprise additional hooping layers.

Abstract: Girth welds with crack arresting capability, and welding methods for producing same in high strength pipelines, are provided. Girth welds according to this invention are produced in high strength pipelines by welding methods that produce (i) HAZ microstructures that are softer than the pipeline steels, (ii) weld toes that act as stress/strain concentrators, thus promoting tearing in the HAZ and a ring-off fracture; and (iii) a weld geometry that promotes an inclined fracture path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device reinforcing circumferential welds 8 which join two contiguous pipes 6 and 7 in order to increase the fatigue life of said welds by reducing mechanical stresses in them when being subjected to periodic bending. The device comprises a rigidifying element 10 which is firmly joined to said pipes by a connection means 11, 13, said bush being made of the same material as the pipes. The rigidifying element 10 consists of a bush slipped over the two pipes 6, 7 opposite the weld 8. The connection means is a hardening material 11 such as resin or cement which is injected between bush and pipes and which is confined at this site by shaping, in particular cold-forming, the bush's ends. The application is to offshore hydrocarbon conveyance conduits subjected to periodic loads.

Abstract: A steel pipe, includes an outer corrosive-preventive protective sheath, which has a surface layer of plastic material, and a crack stopper zone extending over a section of the pipe. The crack stopper zone includes a bandage which is wrapped around the pipe section and made of high-strength fiber material imbedded in a compacted matrix of thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic. The bandage is comprised of a plurality of wound layers joined to one another via the matrix by welding or gluing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipeline 1 moving effluents at seabed level and comprising an inner shell 3 and at least one outer shell 2 which is separated from the inner shell by an annular space 7 receiving an insulating layer 4.

Abstract: A tube reinforcement assembly is designed to reinforce complex tube structures, such as those having bends or varying inner diameters. The assembly includes a carrier and a plurality of spring-biased, deflecting wings around the carrier. The wings have structural foam layers on both surfaces that expand when heated. In one application, the wings of the assembly are compressed so that the assembly can fit around bends and narrow areas within the tube. Once the assembly is in its desired position, the structural foam is expanded and cured so that one expanded foam layer presses against the inner wall of the tube structure and the other expanded foam layer presses against the carrier of the reinforcement assembly.

Abstract: A steel liner (a pipe or vessel) is wrapped with a stack of sheets of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite arranged in angle-ply pattern. The stack is cured on the liner to bond the sheets together and to the liner. The wrapped liner is then internally pressurized to cause the liner to yield while the composite remains elastic. When de-pressurized, the liner has compressive residual stress and the composite has tensile residual stress. When the resulting hybrid structure is subsequently again pressurized, it is found that the elastic regime of the liner has been extended.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for supporting flexible duct includes a frame with first and second frame sections. The frame sections are secured together by fastener subassemblies. The sleeve assembly accommodates flexible duct in various angular and straight configurations. The frame can comprise various suitable materials and skeletal or solid-exterior construction. The sleeve assembly is adapted for various installations in air distribution systems of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

Abstract: Material handling hose having an abrasion-resistant cover element is disclosed. The hose comprises an inner tube, a reinforcement member, an intermediate layer and the abrasion-resistant cover element. The cover element does not cover the entire surface of the intermediate layer, but includes apertures or gaps through which a portion of the underlying intermediate layer is exposed to the outside environment. The apertures allow for venting of high volatility materials through the hose body, and provide regions of relatively high coefficient of friction, to facilitate handling of the hose.

Abstract: Performance improved prestressed pipe and hollow member where the additional exterior layer of circumferential wound fiber and thermoset polymer on a cured fiber reinforced composite pipe and hollow member creates compression stresses in the cured pipe and hollow member to offset the tension stresses due to operational temperature loadings. In its preferred embodiment this performance improved prestressed pipe and hollow member makes composite piping for rocket engines practical.

Abstract: A composite tubular article such as a nozzle or a polar boss for a rocket motor wherein straight matrix impregnated yarn portions extend from one end portion to the other in a non-cylindrical ply to achieve increased strength while affording lighter weight. The matrix material may be at least partially curable by actinic radiation to anchor the yarn portions in position as they are applied on a mandrel so that radial rods or the like for anchoring the yarn may be eliminated. For high performance rocket motor nozzle components and the like, the yarn portions may be straight or non-straight and applied by braiding or the like, and the matrix material may be decomposed to a char adequate to anchor the yarn portions and subjected to one or more densification cycles whereby the matrix material may be carbonized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device reinforcing circumferential welds 8 which join two contiguous pipes 6 and 7 in order to increase the fatigue life of said welds by reducing mechanical stresses in them when being subjected to periodic bending.

Abstract: A bladder system and method for reinforcing at least a portion of a structural member, including a flexible barrier member for dividing at least a portion of the structural member being reinforced into one or more sections; and a reinforcement material for filling one or more sections bounded by the flexible barrier member. The reinforcement material filling one or more sections of the structural member can be a pumpable polymeric material, and the flexible barrier member can be a polymeric material.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure of pipe comprises a hard resin to be inserted into a pipe portion to be reinforced and protruded members protruded from the hard resin and having a slightly larger diameter than an inside diameter of the pipe portion, the protruded members being formed of a foaming resin material and the protruded members pressed into the pipe portion being foamed and expanded to seal between an internal surface of said pipe and an external surface of at least one of said core member.