Miscellaneous Patents (Class 138/178)
  • Patent number: 7819139
    Abstract: A flow liner includes a flexible conduit having a first end and a second end. A gasket has an outside diameter and an aperture. A first portion of the first end is positioned to extend through the aperture and fold around the outside diameter such that a folded over portion of the first portion is in contact with the outer surface of the flexible conduit to define a seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: PDC Facilities, Inc.
    Inventors: Elmer B. Woods, Bruce A. Bliefnick, James P. Maslowski
  • Patent number: 7789109
    Abstract: An expansible and collapsible tubular conduit, which is especially adapted for use in supplying pre-conditioned air to an aircraft while the aircraft is located upon the ground and is being serviced, comprises a plurality of annular fabric membranes which are connected to the opposite sides of a plurality of annular structural dividers or frame members in a continuously repetitive alternating manner. The structural combination or assembly comprising the fabric membranes and the structural dividers or frame members renders the tubular conduit readily expansible and contractible in the form of a spring or accordion so as to be capable of being easily and rapidly deployed and stowed, as well as to be capable of being stored in a relatively compact state or mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Scott Takayuki Koizumi, Folkert Fred Koch
  • Patent number: 7779868
    Abstract: A duct structure, includes: a vessel forming therein a chamber, the vessel including: an inlet port, an outlet port, wherein the vessel is configured such that a fluid flows into the chamber through the inlet port and flows out of the chamber through the outlet port, and a swirling flow suppressing member disposed in a position inside the chamber adjacent to the outlet port, wherein the swirling flow suppressing member is configured to suppress a swirling flow from occurring to or adjacent to the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tigers Polymer Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Higashino, Kenichi Sakai, Tatsuya Fujikawa, Satoshi Muramatsu, Hiroshi Imaizumi, Michio Kijima
  • Patent number: 7730909
    Abstract: An accessory for a vapor generator, such as a smoke or fog machine, includes an elongated member that connects to an output nozzle of the vapor generator. The elongated member has one or more perforations formed in its sidewall along its length. A vapor generated by the vapor generator travels through an interior of the elongated member and escapes through the perforations to the ambient atmosphere. The effect creates a curtain of smoke or fog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jay B. Green
  • Patent number: 7721767
    Abstract: A Method of Determining the Helix Angle of a Helical Formation for a Conduit. A method of determining the helix angle of a helical formation (4) within a conduit (1). The method includes specifying the internal dimensions of the conduit (1) and an intended fluid mass flow through the conduit (1). The helix angle is determined from the pressure drop and the turbulent kinetic energy for a conduit (1) having the specified internal dimensions and intended fluid mass flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Tayside Flow Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: John Graeme Houston, Robert Gordon Hood, Peter Arno Stonebridge, Allan Thomson
  • Publication number: 20100122753
    Abstract: Disclosed is a concrete slurry transporting pipe for concrete pump-cars, which has improved wear resistance to friction with sands or gravels and impact resistance during transportation of concrete slurry. The pipe is a steel pipe made of carbon steel, and includes a heat-treated section having a hardness of Hv 450 or more and formed by induction-heating a portion of an inner or outer surface of the pipe, followed by cooling the heated portion of the inner or outer surface to harden the heated portion, and a non-heat treated section adjoining the heat-treated section. The heat-treated section and the non-heat treated section are alternately formed in a spiral band arrangement along a length of the pipe, and the heat-treated section has a greater width than the non-heat treated section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: JIN-HYUN JEONG
  • Publication number: 20100037970
    Abstract: A system for protecting the end fittings of a fluid transport hose includes first and second protective caps for respectively engaging with first and second end fittings of the hose. Both the first and second protective caps include a disk that is oriented perpendicular to the hose axis when the cap is engaged with the respective end fitting. Importantly, the disk has a diameter DD that is greater than the diameter DH of the hose so the disk will extend radially outward from the hose to thereby protect the end fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: David Palmer
  • Publication number: 20090308476
    Abstract: An improvement to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping that involves printing or otherwise adding markings to the outside of piping to allow for an efficient method of measurement. An improvement to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping that involves printing markers for inches and feet along either one or both sides of the pipe to indicate its length. If only one side is used, the inches and feet would increase in number. If both sides are used, the numbers would increase on one side of piping and decrease on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Damian DeMartino, Alexandra Wolfe
  • Patent number: 7625982
    Abstract: A multimodal polyethylene composition having at least two polyethylene components, wherein each component has a molecular weight distribution of equal to or less than about 5, one component has a higher molecular weight than the other component, and the higher molecular weight component has an “a” parameter value of equal to or greater than about 0.35 when fitted to the Carreau-Yasuda equation with n=0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Joel L. Martin, Kumudini Jayarante, Matthew G. Thorn, J. Todd Lanier, Max P. McDaniel, Qing Yang, Michael D. Jensen, Paul J. DesLauriers, Rajendra K. Krishnaswamy
  • Patent number: 7595103
    Abstract: Polypropylene pipes (parts by weight): 1) 100 parts of a crystalline random copolymer of propylene with 1-15% by weight of a C4-C10 ?-olefin or a crystalline random copolymer of propylene with 1-15% by weight of C4-C10 ?-olefin and with 1-7% by weight of ethylene 2) 0 to 70 parts of an elastomeric polyolefin selected from the group consisting of: (a) a copolymer of ethylene with propylene and, optionally a diene, having an ethylene content of from 17 to 45 wt % and an propylene content from 55 to 83 wt %; (b) a copolymer of ethylene with a C3-C10 ?-olefin having an ethylene/C3-C10 ?-olefin weight ratio of from 29 to 86 wt % (13C-NMR analysis) and having an Mw/ Mn ratio of less than 3.5; and 3) 0-30 parts of a polymer of ethylene having a melting temperature over 120° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Basell Poliolefine Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto de Palo, Anteo Pelliconi, Päivi Helena Huovinen
  • Publication number: 20090235532
    Abstract: A pipe cutting and bevelling tool has a saw blade or abrasive disc and bevelling cutters or abrasive-coated drums extending through a slot in a first guide plate, the saw blade or abrasive disc and bevelling cutters, or abrasive-coated drums being driven by a suitable engine or motor. By selective angular adjustment of a second guide plate relative to the first guide plate the tool can cut and bevel pipes of a range of diameters, or cut different bevel depths in pipes of a given diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert M Stratford-Smith
  • Publication number: 20090173396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unitary, one piece plumbing pipe for use as a drain and vent pipe. In particular, the invention can be used to drain a single appliance using the typical goose-neck style drain pipe, but it can also vent an entire plumbing system. The one-piece plumbing vent and drain pipe is quicker to install and replaces many pieces of pipe with a single piece pipe. Furthermore, no vent through the roof of a building is necessary in view of the present invention. The vent pipe has a vertical portion extending upwardly above the highest point of said drainage plumbing, but not through said building to the outside, said vent pipe having an opening capable of permitting ambient air to enter the pipe when there is negative fluid pressure within said pipe, but not permitting any fluid to escape the vent pipe when there is positive fluid pressure within said pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Mario Spadavecchia
  • Patent number: 7475706
    Abstract: A tube is bent having a curved portion with a variable radius extending between first and second ends. The curved portion includes a circular arc portion with a constant radius and a clothoid transition portion with a variable radius. The circular arc portion extends from the first end toward a point of integration. At the point of integration, the circular arc portion merges with the transition portion. The transition portion extends from the point of integration to the second end. As the transition portion extends from the point of integration, its radius of curvature increases over its arc length, thereby, improving the quality of the bent tube by gradually bending the tube over a longer distance, thereby reducing local stresses on the bent portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Field, William Hugh Frey
  • Patent number: 7467645
    Abstract: An electrically conductive confined space ventilation conduit formed of a substantially rigid non-metallic conductive material, such as plastic, and a related process for ventilating an enclosure accessed by a manhole or other port. In one embodiment, the conduit has a pair of outer cylindrical sections and a central section having a cross-sectional shape of a crescent or a segment of a circle where it passes through a port to provide a minimum of obstruction for men and equipment passing through the port. Intermediate sections of varying cross-section connect the central section to the cylindrical outer sections so that the outer sections are offset from the axis of the manhole. The central section is preferably configured to obstruct no more than about 10 percent of a standard manhole opening, while causing either no air flow rate reduction, or a reduction of no more than about 10 percent as compared to the flow rate through a cylindrical conduit similar to said outer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Air Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Frank Angelico
  • Publication number: 20080301957
    Abstract: Apparatus for installing conduit which includes an elongated transparent vial having a geometric axis and containing a liquid defining a bubble therein whereby when the axis is horizontal the bubble is centered with respect to the elongated transparent vial and an elongated housing having a geometric axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: BRYAN VERNOLA
  • Publication number: 20080156389
    Abstract: A fuel hose for a resin fuel tank has a triple layer structure including a barrier layer made of an alloy material consisting primarily of EVOH and modified HDPE, and a pair of welding layers made of HDPE and formed on an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the barrier layer, respectively. An opening portion of the fuel hose at one end is configured in the form of an increased diameter portion and also in the form of a thick-walled portion. The increased diameter portion (or the thick-walled portion) is formed by reducing the speed of movement of dies when a hose base body is extruded into an increased diameter portion of a die surface of the dies during extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazutaka KATAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20080105321
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing plumbing kit specifications for kits containing plastic hose or tubing for installation on boats, RVs or other uses where ruler markings are imprinted longitudinally along the outside surface of stock hose. The ruler markings can be spaced approximately one inch, or other distance, and can include a series of numerals such as 1-12 or 1-11 followed by a repeat symbol. The sequence can repeat indefinitely along the length of the hose. The method allows a length specification for a particular hose segment to be generated by cutting a piece of stock hose at a particular starting ruler mark, clamping or connecting it in place, and then completing the installation of the segment by cutting the second end to the correct length and clamping or connecting it in place. The length can then be computed by reading the ruler marks on the installed hose. This information can be entered as part of the specification for a hose kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Roger C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7341403
    Abstract: The object is to provide a construction method of an information-communicable underground pipe whereby communication cables can be readily laid in an underground pipeline having a main pipe and branch pipes branched therefrom thereby allowing the underground pipeline to be used as an information-communicable underground pipe, and to provide a construction structure and a construction member therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignees: Sanki Engineering Co., Ltd., Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd., Ashimori Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiaki Tsuchiya, Isaburo Yagi, Masaru Yamakawa, Yasuhiro Ueda, Osamu Ishizuka, Koji Aso, Yukikazu Maemoto, Takaaki Hirokawa, Hirofumi Nakatsuka
  • Publication number: 20080053554
    Abstract: A reinforced pipe section comprises a metal pipe, a layer of dry fibers disposed around the metal pipe, and an external liner covering the layer of dry fibers. A method of manufacturing a reinforced pipe section comprises wrapping a layer of dry fibers over a metal pipe, and covering the layer of dry fibers with an external liner, thereby forming a first dry fiber wrapped metal pipe. A method of reinforcing a degraded metal pipe comprises wrapping the degraded metal pipe with a layer of dry fibers to increase the hoop strength of the degraded metal pipe, and covering the layer of dry fibers with an external liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Mamdouh M. Salama
  • Publication number: 20080040989
    Abstract: A pipe construction kit for a sewer pipeline comprises several pipes made of plastic, which exhibit a circular cross-section. Between in each case two pipes there is to be arranged a shaft base body made of plastic, exhibiting a central connection section. The connection section exhibits a foot having a supporting surface and, diametrically thereto, a connection element for a shaft. On both sides of the connection section there are formed pipe sections for connection with the pipes. The diameter d of the shaft is significantly smaller than the diameter D of the shaft base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Ralph Peter Hegler
  • Patent number: 7325575
    Abstract: A protector is disclosed for protecting an elongated portion of a rope or webbing. The protector includes a flexible material including a first inner edge having a first length and about which the protector is wrapped such that a second outer edge is exposed. The first inner edge includes an elongated protector surface adjacent the first inner edge that is in continuous contact with a protected portion of the rope or webbing. The protected portion has a length that is substantially the same as the length of the protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Trach-Mate Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark G. O'Donnell, Miles C. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7302372
    Abstract: A method and system for optimization of a simplified engineering model is provided. A software tool efficiently simplifies an engineering model such as a water distribution system and preserves the hydraulic accuracy of the simplified model. The system includes a software program that employs a genetic algorithm to evolve solutions for reinstating the behavior of the original network into a simplified network. The genetic algorithm can be used for identifying the less sensitive hydraulic elements (links and nodes), and removing them or replacing them with the best-fit element parameters produced by the genetic algorithm module of the present invention. A element-by-element skeletonization approach generates the layout of a skeleton network and then identifies potential equivalent elements for replacing series pipes and loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Zheng Y. Wu, Wayne R. Hartell, Jack S. Cook, Jr., Robert F. Mankowski, Gregg A. Herrin
  • Publication number: 20070227611
    Abstract: A water and moisture absorbing apparatus for preventing water intrusion which comprises an elongated barrier that is capable of absorbing water and moisture along its length and reducing the risk and damage associated from water intrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Mariliyn Moffitt
  • Patent number: 7226243
    Abstract: A lightweight and compact super-insulation system that is also capable of supporting a high level of compressive load. The system utilizes spacers to provide structural support and utilize controlled buckling of a thin protective outer skin supported by spacers to form strong catenary surfaces to protect insulation material underneath. The spacers may comprise an aerogel, or an aerogel may provide insulation separate from the spacer yet contained within the thin outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Kang Lee, Daniel Louis Leeser, Mark Krajewski
  • Patent number: 7191802
    Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion. In all embodiments, the beads provide drainage around the pipe when it is placed in a trench and obviate the need for gravel normally used in conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ring Industrial Group, LP
    Inventor: Dennis W. Koerner
  • Patent number: 7174958
    Abstract: A drill-string member includes at least one grooved portion on an outer surface thereof. A pair of axially spaced-apart grooved portions are typically provided, with two such pairs axially spaced along the longitudinal length of the member. A plurality of grooves are milled into the grooved portions, and the grooves intersect with one another to form a criss-cross pattern. As the member is rotated, fluid flows up the grooves, where fluid from one groove meets fluid from another groove at each intersection, causing turbulence to be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Appleton
  • Patent number: 7165580
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for attachment to the exit end of a conduit during cable installation through the conduit. The mechanism absorbs the energy from, and captures the projectile and cable assembly exiting from a conduit during cable installation. A clamp is provided to attach the mechanism to the conduit. The clamp can be readily adjusted to fit a variety of conduit sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Arlen K. Bean
  • Patent number: 7132467
    Abstract: Polyolefin mouldings that have excellent stability on permanent contact with chlorinated water comprise, as stabilizer, at least a compound selected from the group consisting of i) an epoxidized fatty acid having 3 to 22 carbon atoms or an aklyl ester thereof having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; and/or ii) an organotin compound; and/or iii) a compound containing at least one radical of the formula A or B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp.
    Inventors: Erich Kramer, Alfred Georges Oertli, Markus Grob
  • Patent number: 7069953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic corrugation corrugated pipe with corrugation peaks and corrugation valleys for household apparatus or motor vehicles, which pipe has at least one connecting portion and, in accordance with the invention, a container monolithically or integrally molded with the corrugated pipe and having a shape different from the shape of the plastic corrugation corrugated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Frankische Rohrwerke Gebr. Kirchner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Büttner, Manfred Krauss, Rainer Käb
  • Patent number: 7051767
    Abstract: An end formed tube to which a molded plastic part is attached and sealed. One end of the end formed tube is rolled over to form a lip, which prevents the removal of the molded part. The rolled over lip portion creates a void in which plastic overmold from the plastic part is deposited, thereby creating a positive seal and attachment. The end of the tube in which the lip is formed is configured in a polygonal shape to provide torsional strength to the interface of the molded part and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Judson A. Smith Company
    Inventors: Duane Ottolini, Robert E. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7044171
    Abstract: This invention provides a duct cover system for ducts installed in exposed locations. For use primarily with ducts having generally rectangular cross sections, the duct cover system provides a roof over the duct that may be integral with the duct or retrofitted to the duct. The roof includes at least one cover panel extending along the duct length. The cover panel is inclined laterally relative to the duct bottom wall thereby to shed water and prevent snow accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventors: James W. Betley, Keith S. Betley, Dennis L. Horn, Ralph Raymond Delaney, Richard S. Robertson, Larry C. Johnson, Daniel Lee Hightman
  • Patent number: 6955190
    Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion. In all embodiments, the beads provide drainage around the pipe when it is placed in a trench and obviate the need for gravel normally used in conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Ring Industrial Group, L.P.
    Inventor: Dennis W. Koerner
  • Patent number: 6935377
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel injection pipe has a connecting head with an outer circumference formed for a mating seat portion. A shallow annular groove is formed in the inner side of the connecting head while shaping the head. A connecting washer is fit on the outer circumference of the lower neck of the connecting head. The injection pipe is characterized in that the lower neck of the connecting head is provided with an at least two-stepped portion having no slope, and in that the connecting washer is provided with a stepped portion corresponding at least partially to the stepped portion of the connecting head, so that the stepped portions may abut against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Munekatsu Furugen
  • Patent number: 6899139
    Abstract: Tube for pumping a space between two tiles, comprising a metal end-piece 9 and a glass tube 25 bonded together via a glass-to-metal seal 26; the metal end-piece 9 has shoulder means 3. Such a tube is especially intended to be fitted onto plasma displays or field emission displays. This tube is inexpensive and allows rapid and precise handling and fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventor: Alain Normanni
  • Patent number: 6896007
    Abstract: A static hydro-dynamic mixer undulating interior conduit provides a static mixing apparatus which utilizes a spiral, coiled or curved conduit to cause dynamic mixing of its flowing contents while they are pumped through it. The application includes a method of use in separating oil sands. The mixing is caused by the resistance to flow through the undulated conduit and the resistance increases with pitch and conduit diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: LMC Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Lubomyr M. Cymbalisty
  • Patent number: 6872463
    Abstract: A reinforcing bar for body and/or chassis parts of a motor vehicle includes a one-piece element (8) extending from one end of the bar to the other and having a median portion (10) with closed tubular cross-section and at least one end portion (12) comprising an open-section distal portion (14) and a proximal portion (16) which connects the said distal portion (14) to the median portion (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Pietro Passone
  • Patent number: 6843274
    Abstract: An electrically conductive confined space ventilation conduit formed of a substantially rigid non-metallic conductive material, such as plastic, and a related process for ventilating an enclosure accessed by a manhole or other port. In one embodiment, the conduit has a pair of outer cylindrical sections and a central section having a cross-sectional shape of a crescent or a segment of a circle where it passes through a port to provide a minimum of obstruction for men and equipment passing through the port. Intermediate sections of varying cross-section connect the central section to the cylindrical outer sections so that the outer sections are offset from the axis of the manhole. The central section is preferably configured to obstruct no more than about 10 percent of a standard manhole opening, while causing either no air flow rate reduction, or a reduction of no more than about 10 percent as compared to the flow rate through a cylindrical conduit similar to said outer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Air Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: David Frank Angelico
  • Patent number: 6830077
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: SAAB Automobile AB
    Inventors: Lars-Olof Hellgren, Blair Carlson, Tomas Ågren
  • Patent number: 6830794
    Abstract: Insulated intravenous administration tubing is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention includes a single medical solution or I.V. tubing manufactured of a polymeric material having good flexibility and comprising an insulation polymer or having an insulation medium applied to the inner or outer surface of the tube or blended into the tube during or after forming, with Mylar being an advantageous insulation material. The present invention may also consist of a long tubular-like structure which consists of two concentric channels, an inner channel and an outer channel. The inner channel accepts and encloses the tubing in which warm fluid flows. Three key functions are, achieved: the inner channel is centered within the outer channel; this provides for maximum insulation efficiency/properties with the minimum of separating space, transparency may be provided; i.e. the more transparent the insulation the better the ability of the user to see the quality of the warm fluid flowing within, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventors: Richard G. Cartledge, Hugh F. Smisson, III
  • Patent number: 6823899
    Abstract: The insulated pipe arrangement comprises at least two pipe bodies, each of which has a flexible inner fluid-guiding pipe, which is enclosed by an insulating layer made of elastomeric or thermoplastic foam, a protective film made of a thermoplastic, elastomer, or duromer of high-density being arranged around the insulating layer. The pipe bodies are bonded on opposing peripheral parts of their protective film by a layer of an adhesive which allows detachment of the adhesive bond without the protective film being damaged and which produces a renewed adhesive bond after detachment of the adhesive bond when the peripheral parts of the previous adhesive bond are brought into contact again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Armacell Enterprise, GmbH
    Inventors: Jürg P. Weibel, Valentin Galliker, Urs Flück
  • Patent number: 6807987
    Abstract: A location marker according to this invention includes a housing that has a top surface and a bottom surface. A pot magnet is secured in the housing. The pot magnet includes a magnet that has a single magnetic pole surface and is positioned in a case component. The pot magnet is positioned in the marker housing so that the magnetic pole surface is in opposition to the bottom surface of the marker housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Steven D. Hill, Gregory Burrett
  • Patent number: 6799608
    Abstract: There is an object to provide a technique of forming a proper abrasion resistance layer by a thermal spraying and fusing of a self fluxing alloy. The object may be solved by cutting the pipe body along a curved face that is perpendicular to a plane including a central axis of the pipe body and that extends not to cross the inlet hole and the outlet hole but to include a part of the central axis. Thus the pipe body is divided into a first partitioned part having at least one of the inlet hole and the outlet hole, and a second partitioned part. An abrasion resistance layer is then formed on the inner surface of at least the outer bent portion of the pipe body by a thermal spraying and fusing of a self fluxing alloy. Thereafter, the first partitioned part is fitted into the second partitioned part for welding to obtain a bent pipe according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignees: Fukuda Metal Foil & Powder Co., Ltd., Japan Overlay Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Koshika, Shinichi Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20040182461
    Abstract: An elongated metal straw provided with a plurality of perforations at one end which act as a filter against any particles in a liquid to be consumed when the inserted end is pressed vertically on the base of the drinking vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Desmond Margetson
  • Patent number: 6776194
    Abstract: There is a disclosed a conduit supporting structure that imposes, maintains and/or reinforces a flow guiding formation of a conduit, whereby to effect a desired flow configuration in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Tayside Flow Technologies Limited
    Inventors: John Graeme Houston, Peter Arno Stonebridge, John Bruce Cameron Dick, Robert Gordon Hood, Allana Johnstone, Christophe Emmanuel Sarran, Craig McLeod Duff, Allan Thomson
  • Publication number: 20040134557
    Abstract: A static hydrodynamic mixer undulating interior conduit provides a static mixing apparatus which utilizes a spiral, coiled or curved conduit to cause dynamic mixing of flowing fluids while they are pumped through the conduit. Gentle but pervasive low-shear mixing is produced by axial and radial secondary currents induced by gravitational and centrifugal body forces acting on the solid and liquid fluid components flowing through the undulating conduit. The vigor of mixing and resistance to flow increases with the undulation's amplitude/pitch ratio. The application includes a method of use in extracting bitumen from oil sands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Lubomyr M. Cymbalisty
  • Publication number: 20040089361
    Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis W. Koerner
  • Patent number: 6732766
    Abstract: Pipe (1) for conveying a fluid. It comprises a metal tube (2). The inner wall of the metal tube is coated with a layer (3) of a porous material permeable to the fluid conveyed. The fluid circulates in layer (3) in order to limit the pressure drops generated by the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Yves Charron
  • Patent number: 6708730
    Abstract: A temporary fixing structure includes recesses formed with a mounting hole of a first tubular body to face each other wherein the diameter of the mounting hole extending along the recesses is smaller than that of a flange, and protrusions arranged at the head of an end portion of a second tubular body wherein a spacing between the protrusion and the flange is substantially equal to the thickness of a mounting surface of the first tubular body and wherein the protrusions are arranged inside the fist tubular body through the recesses. The second tubular body is turned with respect to the first tubular body to bring a flat portion of the flange into close contact with the mounting surface of the first tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Chikuma, Takahiro Nakakomi, Hirokazu Yaezawa, Yoshinobu Okuno, Katsumi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6698456
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective corrugated plastic tube or pipe, a corrugated piping, wherein according to the invention at least some of the flanks of corrugations of the tube or pipe have extensions (16), which go from one corrugation (11a) towards a neighboring corrugation (11b) and extend in the axial direction of the protective corrugated plastic pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Frankische Rohrwerke Gebr. Kirchner GmbH + Co KG
    Inventors: Tilo Neubauer, Sören Schröter, Peter Winkler
  • Publication number: 20040007280
    Abstract: A tube blank is disclosed for producing glass receptacles, in particular glass tube vials, glass ampules, or glass syringes, particularly those suitable for pharmaceutical applications, having a tube wall, including two end regions—a first end region and the second end region—the first end region being sealed to form a floor and a ventilation hole being introduced into the tube wall in the region of the end region, distinguished in that the tube end characterizing the second end region has an opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Heinz Rausch, Erhard Dick