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: A well having a bore hole extending from surface to an underground formation, a casing arranged in the borehole, a tubing hanger supported on the top of the casing, a packer arranged in the casing at a predetermined depth, and a tubing extending from the tubing hanger to the packer, wherein the tubing includes a tubing section that consists of a tubular body of elastomeric material that is reinforced by axially extending reinforcement strands arranged in the tubular body.

Abstract: A tubing includes an inner liner composed of one or more fluoropolymers, the inner liner being corrugated to define a trough, and having a wire disposed in said trough. The tubing further includes an outer layer, permanently secured to an exterior of the inner liner and covering said wire.

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: A composite strip 10 windable to form a helical pipe is disclosed. The composite strip 10 comprises: an elongate plastic strip 11 having a base portion 12 and at least one lengthwise extending rib portion 20 upstanding from the base portion 12; and an elongate reinforcing strip 30 extending lengthwise and supported laterally by the rib portion 20, the reinforcing strip 30 having a height to thickness ratio of at least three to one and orientated substantially perpendicular to the base portion 12. When wound into a helical pipe, the reinforcing strip 30 reinforces the pipe against radial crushing loads. A bead 40 seals the reinforcing strip 30 from the environment. Desirably the composite strip 10 further comprises: a planar lamina 50 extending lengthwise and bonded to the base portion 12, the lamina 50 having a higher Young's modulus and strength than those of the plastic strip 11. The lamina 50 greatly improves the pressure rating of a pipe wound from the strip 10.

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: The invention relates to a device for compensating for pressure drop in a product pipe through which a liquid flows and a system comprising such a device. The device comprises a collapsible tube portion, which is connectible to the product pipe and is characterized by a limiting means, which is adapted to counteract stretching of the tube portion in the circumferential direction and which is adapted to allow free collapsing of the tube portion.

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: The invention relates to a device for compensating for pressure drop in a product pipe through which a liquid flows, and a system comprising such a device. The device comprises a collapsible tube portion, which is connectible to the product pipe, and is characterised by a limiting means, which is adapted to counteract stretching of the tube portion in the circumferential direction and which is adapted to allow free collapsing of the tube portion.

Abstract: A composite strip 10 windable to form a helical pipe is disclosed. The composite strip 10 comprises: an elongate plastic strip 11 having a base portion 12 and at least one lengthwise extending rib portion 20 upstanding from the base portion 12; and an elongate reinforcing strip 30 extending lengthwise and supported laterally by the rib portion 20, the reinforcing strip 30 having a height to thickness ratio of at least three to one and orientated substantially perpendicular to the base portion 12. When wound into a helical pipe, the reinforcing strip 30 reinforces the pipe against radial crushing loads. A bead 40 seals the reinforcing strip 30 from the environment. Desirably the composite strip 10 further comprises: a planar lamina 50 extending lengthwise and bonded to the base portion 12, the lamina 50 having a higher Young's modulus and strength than those of the plastic strip 11. The lamina 50 greatly improves the pressure rating of a pipe wound from the strip 10.

Abstract: A method of insulating ducts is described including laminating a reinforcement fabric to a fibrous insulation board, lifting at least a portion of the reinforcement fabric from the fibrous insulation board, applying a first layer of a mastic coating to the fibrous insulation board, embedding the reinforcement fabric into the first layer of mastic coating, and applying a second layer of the mastic coating to the outside surface of the reinforcement fabric. The reinforcement fabric is laminated to the fibrous insulation board using an adhesive material.

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 invention concerns a protective sleeve for fluid circulation tube made of an interwoven fiber structure formed by a strip (10) of interwoven fibers comprising at least a pocket (11) extending in the transverse direction of the strip (10) and including a spring (13) housed in the pocket (11) and designed, in a stable equilibrium position, to maintain the protective sheath closed by overlapping of the longitudinal edges (10c, 10d) of the strip. The invention is useful in particular for thermal protection of an exhaust gas recycling duct in a motor vehicle.

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: A flexible pipe and a method of manufacturing same according to which a tubular sheath is provided that defines a longitudinal passage for receiving a conveyed fluid, a tape is formed by a plurality of metal fibers supported by a strip of flexible material to form a tape, and the tape is wound around the sheath.

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: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

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 flexible hose and a method for manufacturing the same includes a hose tube having a smooth exterior surface. The hose tube exterior surface has a fabric and cover laminated or wrapped thereon. The lead end of a single wire is helically wound about the hose tube on top of the cover. The wire in turn is at least partially encased by a rubber ridge preferably having a height greater than the thickness of the hose tube wall. The rubber ridge tapers in the direction of valleys formed between the ridges, and the resulting hose structure has improved flexibility by enabling the hose to flex at every valley, yet sufficient strength for heavy duty applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer pressure pipe (20) of a plastic material. The multi-layer pressure pipe (20) is formed by using as the extruder an extruder (10) which cross-orients the reinforcement fibers in the extruded material in the successive layers (21,22,23,24), and that the material extruded is a polyolefin which contains long-fiber reinforcements.

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 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: A flexible hose comprising (A) a soft hose main body formed of polyvinyl chloride resin; and (B) a helical rigid reinforcing means embedded in the soft hose main body formed of polyvinyl chloride resin wherein the specific gravity of the helical rigid reinforcing means is less than the specific gravity of the hose main body and the overall specific gravity of the flexible hose is less than 1.0 g/cm3.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

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: Composite laminated fiber reinforced plastic pipe having improved resistance to micro-cracking and delamination is disclosed. The pipe is composed of a plurality of laminated layers forming the pipe wall structure, including an outer axial bearing layer containing reinforcing continuous fibers embedded in a thermoset resin binder and disposed at a substantially fixed angle of 0° up to +/−30° with respect to the longitudinal pipe axis and an inner layer in contact with the inner surface of the outer layer and containing reinforcing continuous fibers embedded in a thermoset resin binder and disposed at a substantially fixed angle of greater than +/−30° with respect to the longitudinal pipe axis.

Abstract: A self-grounding laminated dual wall fume duct for transporting corrosive vapors and gases, and a process for fabricating the inner and outer walls. The innermost layer of the inner wall is made of a cured epoxy vinyl ester resin incorporating continuous carbon fibers forming a continuous surface integrated with the inner surface of the innermost layer. The electrically conductive fibers act to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.

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: A flexible hose comprising

Abstract: A tubular member useful as an inner liner for the working channel of a flexible endoscope has a distal portion which is specially treated to make it highly flexible and resistant to kinking or collapsing when it bends with the flexible section of the endoscope. The tubular member is also useful as a catheter device or as a component of a catheter device or catheter system. A helically wound wire is drawn into the wall of the tubing to prevent kinking or buckling of the wall or collapsing of the inner lumen. External ridges may be formed by convolutions of the tubing wall or by external threads that are formed on the exterior of the tubing wall within the flexible distal portion. An outer helical reinforcing coil may be added between the external ridges to further reinforce the flexible distal portion of the tubular member from kinking or collapsing.

Abstract: A flexible pipe and a method of manufacturing same according to which the pipe is formed by multiple layers of different materials and suitable for use in subsea and land-based applications. (It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure; and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37 CFR §1.72.

Abstract: This one-piece subsea flexible multilayer tubular pipe comprises a carcass (1) made of interlocked metal strip, an inner sealing sheath (2) made of a polymer material, a winding of an interlocked metal element (3) wound in a helix with a short pitch, at least one ply (5) of tensile armor layers wound with a long pitch around the pressure vault, where appropriate at least one thermal insulation layer (7) and an outer protective sealing sheath (8); this pipe has, over its length, sections intended for regions of different use and the physical characteristics of at least one of the layers are modified at manufacture over at least one section of the length of the pipe, without modifying the outside diameter of the said layer, so as to tailor the properties of the pipe in this section to the conditions for the zone in which it will be used.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anisotropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

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.

Abstract: A laminated inner wall of a dual wall fume duct for transporting corrosive vapors and gases, and a process for fabricating the wall. The innermost layer of the wall is made of a cured epoxy vinyl ester resin incorporating chopped carbonized carbon fibers. The electrically conductive fibers act to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rubber hose wherein the reinforcing layers are formed from ebonite rubber. The ebonite rubber has a thickness sufficient to provide the desired reinforcing characteristics to the hose. The hose may be formed with integral hose flanges wherein the hose flanges are also formed from ebonite rubber.

Abstract: A spoolable composite tube capable of being spooled onto a reel for storage and for use in oil field applications. The spoolable tube exhibits unique anistropic characteristics that provide improved burst and collapse pressures, increased tensile strength, compression strength, and load carrying capacity, while still remaining sufficiently bendable to be spooled onto a reel in an open bore configuration. The spoolable composite tube can include an inner liner, an interface layer, fiber composite layers, a pressure barrier layer, and an outer protective layer. The fiber composite layers can have a unique triaxial braid structure.

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: A multi-layered plastic pipe particularly suitable for use as an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine is provided. The present pipe includes a hollow plastic core, at least one spacer member provided on the hollow plastic core and an outer layer integrally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow plastic core excepting the spacer member. The spacer member is preferably formed from a plastic material, and the outer layer is also formed from a plastic material. There is also provided a method for manufacturing a multi-layered plastic pipe using a spacer member to prevent a hollow plastic core placed in a mold cavity from being deformed when a molted plastic material is supplied into the mold cavity under pressure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating the composite plastic pipe with netted wire skeleton is disclosed, which comprises steps: forming cylindrical netted wire skeleton by winding the two groups of left and right coiled steel wire each other inside and outside alternatively; filling melted plastic on both sides of the cylindrical netted wire skeleton to make the melted plastic uniformly filled in skeleton as well as both sides thereof; cooling the skeleton-plastic composite in a fixed shape to obtain desire composite plastic pipe with netted wire skeleton. Since no welding is required, the process is simplified, resulting in simple manufacturing apparatus and reduction of cost.

Abstract: A flexible hose 10 having a flexible material 12 and a more rigid material 14. The flexible material 12 and the more rigid material 14 being helically wound and molded together to form a hose 10 with an exterior surface 16 and an interior surface 18. The cross-section of the more rigid material 14 having at least two peninsulas 20, extending in longitudinally opposite directions, at least one radially inwardly extending peninsula 22, and at least one radially outwardly extending peninsula 22. The longitudinally extending peninsulas 20 are embedded in the flexible material 12 and the radially extending peninsulas 22, 24 are at least partially embedded in the flexible material 12. In the preferred embodiment, the longitudinally extending peninsulas 20 are centrally located in the flexible material 12 between the respective surfaces 16, 18 of the hose 10 and the radially outwardly extending peninsula 24 extends beyond the flexible material 12 on the exterior surface 16 of the hose 10.

Abstract: The abrasion resistant hose of the present invention comprises an inner layer mainly formed with a thermoplastic polyurethane resin, an outer protective layer comprising a soft vinyl chloride resin united with the inner layer by thermal-fusion, and a spiral reinforcement comprising a hard synthetic resin buried in or attached to the outer protective layer. The inner layer is formed with a thermoplastic polyurethane resin containing substantially no migratory plasticizer or an internally-plasticized thermoplastic polyurethane resin (i.e., a thermoplastic polyurethane resin which is not externally-plasticized with a migratory plasticizer). The outer protective layer is formed with a soft vinyl chloride resin containing substantially no migratory plasticizer, united with the inner layer by fusion. An intermediate layer comprising a soft vinyl chloride resin containing no migratory plasticizer may be interposed between the inner layer and the outer protective layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hollow reinforcing element for casting into composites, which in use defines passageways that may communicate to the exterior of the composite and that can serve as conduit arrays in structures formed from the composite. Benefits include superior strength to weight ratios, reduced thermal stresses, suppression of crack propagation, and improved corrosion protection. The hollow reinforcing elements may also be used to provide antennae, drain systems, leveling devices, containment structures and pneumatic levitation of vehicles.

Abstract: A pipe has a wiremesh reinforcement-plastic composite construction that includes a first and second spiral reinforcing wire layer. The first spiral reinforcing layer has grooves formed at selected intervals, and the second spiral reinforcing wire layer is pressed into the grooves. The first and second spiral reinforcing wire layers are deformed and joined together by pressure to form a wiremesh reinforcement. The two spiral reinforcing wire layers have a left and right spiral angle &agr;1 and &agr;2 respectively relative to the central line, the left and right spiral angles &agr;1 and &agr;2 can change in the range of 0° to 90°. Thermoplastic penetrates the wiremesh reinforcement and fills both sides of the wiremesh reinforcement to form the composite pipe or component.

Abstract: A kink-resistant hose construction adapted for conveying fluids under high pressure which is flexible intermediate a central longitudinal axis to a minimum bend radius. The construction includes a thermoplastic core having an inner surface defining the inner diameter of the hose and an outer surface, and an innermost reinforcement layer disposed radially circumferentially about the outer surface of the core. The innermost reinforcement layer is formed as a composite of at least one metallic wire element and at least one non-metallic fiber element. The metallic wire element is wound helically in one direction over the outer surface of the core at a predetermined pitch angle measured relative to the longitudinal axis to define a series of first turns. Each of these first tuns is spaced-apart from an adjacent first turn to define successive pairs of first turns each having an interstitial area therebetween.

Abstract: A composite drill pipe has an improved means of attaching a metal end fitting to a composite tubular member using corresponding annular grooves in the metal end fitting and the composite tubular member. In addition to annular grooves for axial loads, a plurality of axial grooves can also be included to accommodate greater torsional loads. The composite pipe body can also include a buildup made of a compliant rubber layer, a composite overwrap, and a wear pad in order to reduce the effective buckling node spacing to even further increase the axial load capability.

Abstract: A pipe and method of manufacture of the pipe are described. The pipe comprises a core of helically wound steel strip embedded in a plastics material matrix and lined with inner and outer linings of filament wound fiber reinforced plastics material.

Abstract: An improved vacuum hose includes an axial vacuum conduit having outer linear buttresses integral with the conduit and arranged radially around the conduit; the buttresses are strengthened by substantially orthogonal ribs. Buttresses and ribs are imbedded in a matrix of flexible plastic which provides support and increases the collapse resistance of the conduit; the whole assembly is covered by a tough casing which may be a separate component or a treated surface of the matrix material.