Miscellaneous Patents (Class 138/178)
  • Patent number: 5520222
    Abstract: A bending device includes a bellows with an internal space, an operating wire for bending the bellows, and multiple pairs of independent limitation structures for limiting an axial compression of the bellows. The bellows includes a corrugated peripheral wall defined by first portions that bulge radially outward and are arranged alternately with second portions that bulge radially inward. The peripheral wall has first and second regions, each of which includes a predetermined number of alternating first and second portions. A pair of limitation structures are mounted on diametrically-opposite sections of each of the first regions and on diametrically-opposite sections of each of the second regions. The sections of each first region are spaced from each other in a first direction while the sections of each second region are spaced from each other in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Machida Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshio Chikama
  • Patent number: 5520218
    Abstract: A tubing set includes at least one fluid conveying tube. The fluid conveying tube has a predetermined outside diameter, and is formed of a material adapted to be dielectrically heated at a sealing location. The insulating sleeve has an inside dimension at least as large as the outside diameter of the fluid conveying tube. The tubular insulating sleeve is positioned in a substantially coaxial relationship with the fluid conveying tube at the sealing location, and has a wall with thickness which insulates the fluid conveying tube to permit sealing the fluid conveying tube, and forming a thin, easily tearable web, by the application of the radio frequency dielectric heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Frank Corbin, III, Robert L. White
  • Patent number: 5487412
    Abstract: A rigid, glass fiber airduct for conveying an airstream has an interior surface, adapted to be in contact with the airstream, which is coated with a polymeric coating comprising an organic or inorganic biocide. The polymeric coating has a dry solids content between 10 and 20 grams per square foot of duct board surface and retains its abrasion strength and puncture resistance whereby the interior surface of the airduct can be cleaned by conventional industrial or commercial cleaning procedures while in service without exposing glass fibers to the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent R. Matthews, Eric G. Schakel, Ricardo R. Gamboa
  • Patent number: 5462092
    Abstract: A process for producing a porous pipe is disclosed and comprises forming an extrudable mixture comprising elastomer particles, binder component and a solid water carrier component having a composition other than the elastomer particles and the binder component and being associated with sufficient water to provide porosity to a porous pipe produced from the mixture; and extruding the extrudable mixture to conditions effective to form the porous pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Subsurface Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Franz, Richard A. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5449021
    Abstract: A bending device for use in an endoscope, a catheter or the like is of a simple construction having a coil, an operating wire and a pair of limitation members for limiting an axial compression of the coil. The pair of limitation members are arranged along the length of the coil, and are mounted respectively on diametrically-opposite portions of the coil. The coil is bendable in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the pair of limitation members are disposed. Instead of the coil, a bellows can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Machida Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshio Chikama
  • Patent number: 5439031
    Abstract: Heat-shrinkable cap comprising a heat-shrinkable tube sealed at one end by heat recovering that end of tube over a dimensionally stable, solid plug. The tube and plug are mutually weldable under heat, or are bonded together, thereby providing an air and water-tight seal at the sealed end. The open end of the cap may be internally coated with adhesive to provide an air and water-tight seal over an object such as a cable-end when the cap is heat recovered over said object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Shaw Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert E. Steele, Peter Jackson, Marcus P. W. Heydrich
  • Patent number: 5406871
    Abstract: A cover assembly includes an expanded elastomeric tube supported in the expanded state by an internal frangible support core. The support core possesses sufficient strength to resist contraction of the tube but will break upon the addition of relatively little additional external force. Breakage of the core allows the tube to contract and securely cover and seal to the object to which the cover assembly is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Lambert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5404914
    Abstract: A centering support for a double containment pipe assembly of an inner pipe located within an outer pipe, has a first half defining a first surface substantially conforming to the outer surface of the inner pipe, and a second half defining a second surface substantially conforming to the outer surface of the inner pipe. The first and second surfaces are seated on the outside surface of the inner pipe, and the first and second halves are coupled together by at least one fastening member for coupling the centering support to the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Christopher G. Ziu
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 5379806
    Abstract: A rigid fiber glass air duct for conveying an airstream has an interior surface, adapted to be in contact with the airstream, which is coated with a polymeric coating with an organic biocide. The polymeric coating has a dry solids content of between 10 and 20 grams per square foot of duct board surface and retains its abrasion strength and puncture resistance whereby the interior surface of the duct can be cleaned by conventional industrial or commercial cleaning methods while in service without exposing glass fibers to the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent R. Matthews, Eric G. Schakel, Ricardo R. Gamboa
  • Patent number: 5363882
    Abstract: A bending device for use in an endoscope, a catheter or the like is of a simple construction having a coil, an operating wire and a pair of limitation members for limiting an axial compression of the coil. The pair of limitation members are arranged along the length of the coil, and are mounted respectively on diametrically-opposite portions of the coil. The coil is bendable in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the pair of limitation members are disposed. Instead of the coil, a bellows can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Machida Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshio Chikama
  • Patent number: 5358011
    Abstract: A duct assembly comprises a plurality of ducts longitudinally joined by an interconnecting web. The ducts are preferably arranged in a ribbon format, a single duct in thickness, enabling greater flexibility. The ducts preferably include an inner layer having a bore therethrough and an outer fire retardant layer. A method for manufacturing such a flexible duct is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: David J. Stockton, Bates, Roger J., Clifford F. Cook, Philip A. Barker
  • Patent number: 5353843
    Abstract: A hose jacket for protecting a flexible resilient fluid conveying hose from external damage comprises a plurality of tubular segments formed of a synthetic resin that fit over the hose in end-to-end fashion with the segments having internal and external tapered surfaces at opposite ends, with the internal tapered surface of one segment mating with the external tapered surface of the adjacent segment so as to facilitate articulation of the hose and hose jacket while limiting gaps between the adjoining hose jacket segments. Connector fittings on the hose retain the hose jacket on the hose. A compression spring between the hose jacket and the hose fitting can be used for resiliently urging the segments together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Crown Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Hoag
  • Patent number: 5341830
    Abstract: A cover assembly for undersink piping is presented having cover pieces for the various piping sections of an undersink P-trap drain assembly. The pieces are configured to cover the various pipe sections of the P-trap and have integral, flexible collars at the ends thereof which overlap the junctures and fastening mechanisms between the different pipe sections. The invention further includes a cover piece for an offset grid drain which is used with a P-trap having a longitudinal slit, a flexible collar on one end, and a band which is placed over the slit cover piece and moved up along the cover piece to hold the slit piece together while the flexible collar is folded downwardly to cover the pipe juncture between the offset grid drain and a P-trap. In one embodiment, the band is removably attached to the integral cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Brocar Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Helmsderfer, T. Michael McRoberts
  • Patent number: 5329972
    Abstract: A fire resistant plastic structure comprises a pair of parallel walls, wherein the spacing between the walls is filled with an array of mutually spaced strut elements, thereby providing a flow path for a cooling fluid throughout the spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.
    Inventor: Jeremy D. L. Guiton
  • Patent number: 5313986
    Abstract: The method and apparatus are useful in positioning components, for example two half shells of a clamp for a pipeline or other cylindrical member (10). One half-shell (12) is clamped by studs (56) to brackets (52) on a carriage (16) which can then traverse about the member (10) by engagement of sprockets (30, 28) with chains (18) encircling the member (10). A second half-shell is then lowered by crane onto the member (10). The two half shells are clamped together by studs and the brackets (52) released and swung clear. The apparatus can then be removed if desired. Drive to the carriage (16) is through a flexible shaft (70), gearbox (34) and sprockets (30) connected together by drive shaft (33). Wheels (26) roll on the member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventor: Dennis W. Jude
  • Patent number: 5297585
    Abstract: A room-temperature shrinkable tube includes an elastic tube stretched to cover a cylindrical shell. An object to be coated by the elastic tube is inserted into the cylindrical shell, and the cylindrical shell is slid out from the elastic tube, so that the resilience of the elastic tube brings it into contact with the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Nishi Nippon Electric Wire & Cable Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Andou, Norio Adachi, Osamu Miyata
  • Patent number: 5277227
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic abrasion resistant protective sleeve for covering a radiator hose. The sleeve of the invention has an annularly corrugated external surface comprising a plurality of projections and troughs formed in said sleeve. The projections are substantially evenly distributed and have a substantially uniform size. The sleeve has a slit along its longitudinal axis which provides for easy application to or removal from the hose, and is made of plastic that is substantially unaffected by high temperatures. A method of using said protective sleeve for protecting a radiator hose from abrasion also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny S. Bradshaw, Jonas L. Gunter, Liggett A. Cothran, William M. Edwards, Pearison W. Henry
  • Patent number: 5269650
    Abstract: The invention is in a transfer pipe for passing engine exhaust gas from an engine exhaust manifold to a turbine inlet side of an exhaust gas driven turbine air compressor. The transfer pipe is formed from a material, such as steel, that is appropriate for use in transferring hot engine exhaust gas and provides for mounting on one end across the turbine inlet The opposite transfer pipe end is arranged for fitting into an open collar end of an exhaust gas conduit that receives exhaust gas from the engine exhaust manifold, and includes a circumferential arcuate section for providing a metal to metal seal with the collar interior wall while allowing the transfer pipe to be tilted relative to the collar interior wall without breaking the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Steven R. Benson
  • Patent number: 5244016
    Abstract: A hose (1) includes a main pressure cord layer (5) for holding a fluid, and an auxiliary pressure cord layer (7) formed so as to sheathe the main pressure cord layer (5) and to form a buffering space (9) for retaining the fluid leaking through the main pressure cord layer (5) between the main pressure cord layer (5) and the auxiliary pressure cord layer (7). The auxiliary cord layer (7) includes first and second cord plies in an asymmetrical structural relation capable of being twisted by the pressure of the fluid leaking through the main pressure cord layer (5). Thus, even if its main pressure cord layer and its rubber tube are damaged leakage of the fluid can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuo Kuroda, Fumihiko Yazaki, Masashi Wakabayashi, Hiroyuki Ohsawa, Naoyuki Ohoka
  • Patent number: 5232307
    Abstract: A hydraulic diverter comprises a pair of tubes connected to receive water from a storm drain. One of the tubes is connected to discharge the water into a basin, while the other is connected to discharge water and bed sediment load into a bypass line. The storm water flow is preferentially directed through one tube or the other by changing the relative elevations of the tubes. The tubes are coupled together to change elevations by a pulley system or a swivel system. The pollutant laden "first flush" flow of storm water is diverted to the basin, while subsequent or "sustained" flow transporting bed sediment load is directed through the bypass line. The storm water itself is utilized to change the relative elevations of the tubes when the storm water flow transitions from a first flush flow to a sustained flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Hasan M. Nouri
  • Patent number: 5201345
    Abstract: A diaphragm with an inflatable torus-shaped perimeter is used to seal at least one end of a stack so that debris that might be hazardous will not be released during removal of the stack. A diaphragm is inserted and inflated in the lower portion of a stack just above where the stack is to be cut such that the perimeter of the diaphragm expands and forms a seal against the interior surface of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Gerald R. Meskanick, David T. Rosso
  • Patent number: 5195563
    Abstract: A flexible hose has ribbed portions concatenated with cylindrical smooth tions. The ribbed portions provide flexibility and resilience to the hose. Flotation cuffs for buoyancy and wheel cage cuffs for reducing friction are mounted on selected smooth portons of the hose. A fitting removeably attaches to a ribbed portion forming the end of the hose to allow rotatable attachment of the hose to other apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Oakleigh Limited c/o Havelet Trust Company International Limited
    Inventor: David A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5186215
    Abstract: Pipeline repair and leak sealing are effected by unrolling a tube, using an inflatable mandrel disposed inside the tube, to radially expand a stretchable and circumferentially continuous gasket or sealant sleeve into flush contact with the pipeline interior. Before actuation, the tube is constrained in a rolled-up condition by a shrink-wrap sleeve of plastic film that may be sealed at its ends to an interior film sleeve in order to protect the tube against moisture. When fully expanded, the tube includes longitudinally-extending edges that overlap and are secured together by adhesive issued from a rupturable package disposed proximate one of the edges so as to be caused to burst as the edges approach overlapped positions. An outer sleeve of scrim material surrounds the tacky or gum-like gasket sleeve to facilitate handling and movement of the assembly in the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Cues, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Gilleland
  • Patent number: 5183079
    Abstract: A fire-proofing protective covering for an elongate structure such as a hose, an electrical or optical cable, or pneumatic or hydraulic ducting, comprises: a first plurality of layers made of an inorganic material having a structure which is suitable for imprisoning air while still allowing the operation of the elongate structure to be maintained at relatively high temperatures, of the order of at least 850.degree. C., and for a given length of time, of the order of at least several minutes, and a second plurality of layers, with each of the layers being disposed alternately relative to each of the layers of the first plurality so that the layers of the first plurality are on the inside while the layers of the second plurality are made of a material which substantially constitutes a barrier for the air imprisoned in the corresponding layer of the first plurality. The invention is applicable to the opto-electrical industry, to the hydraulic industry, etc. . . . for protecting ducting from fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Hutchinson S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Blin
  • Patent number: 5172730
    Abstract: An elongated fluid detection device, together with a body of absorbent material, is located between the inner surface of a pipe and an impervious liner spaced from the inner surface thereof, the detection device being operatively connected to an external station. The impervious layer may be of a type normally used for relining defective pipes in situ, and the body of absorbent material, together with the fluid detecting element, preferably substantially filling the cylindrical space between the inner surface of the pipe and the impervious liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Insituform of North American, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Thomas Driver
  • Patent number: 5109888
    Abstract: This invention provides a high pressure metallic pipe having at least one end thereof provided with a connecting head suitable for connection to a counter seat part and a method for shaping the connecting head. The high pressure metallic pipe according to this invention features a metallic ring embedded in a cavity formed therein at the time of buckling so that no cavity erosion due to the high pressure fluid flowing through the pipe takes place. Further, according to the method of this invention, one end of the thick metallic pipe, having a comparatively small outer diameter, is expanded by buckling, a metallic ring is inserted into the extended pipe end and the pipe end is pressed by a punch to form a connecting head with the metallic ring embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Masayoshi Usui
  • Patent number: 5092367
    Abstract: A skid assembly for supporting a packer or the like in a pipeline includes three skid blades of different configuration whereby the radial apex of each blade is longitudinally offset from the radial apex of the other blades. With this configuration the skid assembly is capable of being transported past a radial offset or other radially reduced portion of the pipeline as each apex passes the offset independently of the other apices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Cues, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Gilleland
  • Patent number: 5082028
    Abstract: A suction pipe for a suction-type submerged pool cleaner has a spigot at one end for connection to the pool cleaner and a spigot at the other end for connection to a suction source. Part of the suction pipe extending from the suction head is formed into a substantially helical-like shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Leonard
  • Patent number: 5072759
    Abstract: A conduit including an inner tubular liner comprised of organic polymeric material, an outer case and an intermediate layer of metallic filaments extending alternatively in a first direction and then in a second opposite helical direction about the inner tubular liner. The method of making same comprises the steps of; providing an organic polymeric inner tubular liner, applying a single layer of filaments alternately in a first helical direction and then in a second opposite helical direction continuously about the inner liner, and applying an outer layer thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce H. Moore
  • Patent number: 5056993
    Abstract: A rotary vane hydraulic motor wherein pressurized liquids are admitted to the working chambers through intake passages oriented tangentially to the rotor peripheral surface. Each intake passage has two flat parallel side surfaces spaced apart approximately the transverse width of the working chamber, such that the liquid readily fills the chamber width dimension as it enters the chamber, without excessive turbulence or flow disruptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Roger R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5048572
    Abstract: Heat shrinkable tubing is disclosed which provides cushioning and vibration damping particularly useful for hand held power driven equipment. The tubing is extruded with internal ridges running along its entire length, which when heat shrunk on a substrate provides air pockets for cushioning and vibration damping. Embodiments disclosed include multiple layers of such material and multiple layers with smooth and texturized layers extruded concentrically on the primary vibration damping layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert R. Levine
  • Patent number: 5044406
    Abstract: A pipe comprises a hollow support member made from a member selected from copper and copper compounds and a copper oxide superconducting ceramic material which covers the inner surface of the support member with a space kept in the pipe for use in a magnet or power accumulator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5036890
    Abstract: A device which may be inserted into the hydrant end of a conventional garden or water hose for the purpose of reinforcing that portion of the hose which is apt to be kinked or broken due to short bending of the hose at the hydrant end by tension imposed on the hose during use. The reinforcement device comprises a length of coiled resilient material having a resilient gasket mounted on one end thereof which may be inserted or removed from a hose at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: H. Dean Whaley
  • Patent number: 5033513
    Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal is disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer is detachably secured to the housing and is cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5025836
    Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid cover for installation over an insulated pipe fitting is provided. The cover is pre-cut in the geometric design that enables it to conform to the shape of the pipe fitting when installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Carol Botsolas
    Inventor: Chris J. Botsolas
  • Patent number: 5024249
    Abstract: A one piece pipefitting cover for insulated Y-shaped joints, including strainers or lateral 45.degree.-Y fittings, made of a flexible material, i.e., polyvinyl chloride, comprising a relatively flat base symmetrical about its center axis having oppositely facing lateral members and semi-circular edge members along its sides wherein when rotated about its center axis forms a cover conforming to the shape of the insulated fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Carol Botsolas
    Inventor: Christos J. Botsolas
  • Patent number: 5014753
    Abstract: A flexible, impermeable textile fabric tube is coated with a first polymeric layer which is opaque and to which is applied a second polymeric layer containing metal particles, preferably of good thermal reflectivity. The second layer is clear, or at least translucent, in the absence of metal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Textilver SA
    Inventors: Leopold Rossignol, Denis van Wassenhove
  • Patent number: 4989913
    Abstract: A barrier to the passage of sound, vibration, and moisture through a hollow channel in a motor vehicle body and a method for producing same are provided. The barrier is comprised of a resilient body such as flexible foam and a heat-deformable member such as a tube which defines a passageway between the ends of the resilient body when the resilient body and the member are mounted in the hollow channel. The barrier may be coated with hot melt adhesive. The barrier is mounted in the hollow channel and the motor vehicle body is dipped in a paint bath and drained. Paint flows in and out through the passageway in the barrier, thus coating the interior of the hollow channel. When the motor vehicle body is passed through the bake oven, the heat-deformable member collapses, the barrier is closed, and the hot melt adhesive bonds the barrier to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Dan T. Moore Company
    Inventor: Dan T. Moore, III
  • Patent number: 4987961
    Abstract: A member M provides a preferred combination of reduced weight with increased resistance to buckling under compressive loading and includes a tubular member 10 with tool joints TJ at each end for connection to form a drill stem. The tubular member 10 further includes a first portion or pipe section 15 adjacent either one of the tool TJ and may include a second portion or pipe section 15' adjacent the other tool joint TJ which are of smaller or reduced diameter than the adjacent tool joint. An enlarged portion 20 extends longitudinally of the tubular member from adjacent the first portion to adjacent the second portion where there is a second portion adjacent the other tool joint. If there is only one first portion adjacent one tool joint, the enlarged diameter extends from adjacent such first portion to the tool joint at the other end of the tubular member. The enlarged portion 20 has a larger inner and outer diameter than the adjacent first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Branch M. McNeely, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4985942
    Abstract: A removable sleeve for covering a metal tubular handrail for a swimming pool or spa comprises an elongated substantially rectangular sheet of synthetic elastomer having a sheet of fabric bonded to the exterior surface thereof, and releasable securing structure extending along substantially the entire length of the opposite edges of the elongated sheet for joining the opposite edges to secure the sleeve around and along the tubular handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Tony G. Shaw
  • Patent number: 4977930
    Abstract: A plug for plugging wrapped sleeves of paper or cardboard includes a hollow rotation-symmetrical body one half of which is cylindrical and another part of which is frusto-conical. The outer edge or rim of the cylindrical part is provided with a thickening which continually increases towards the end face of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Werzalit AG & Co.
    Inventors: Edmund Munk, Helmuth Huber
  • Patent number: 4972880
    Abstract: A pipe liner for insertion into a pipe to be relined which includes an elastomeric tube encompassed by a lattice of fibre material which radially contracts upon elongation and which is impregnated with a resin that is partially polymerized when the lattice is in its elongated and radially contracted condition to maintain the combination in that condition until has been inserted into a pipe at which the time the liner is softened upon additional polymerization to permit expansion of the liner into contact with the damaged pipe to be lined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Insta-Pipe Research Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Norman S. Strand
  • Patent number: 4966741
    Abstract: A shape retention hose construction and method of making the same are provided, the hose construction comprising a length of flexible tubular hose formed mainly of polymeric material and having opposite end portions and an intermediate body portion that defines internal and external peripheral surfaces of the hose, and a shape retention unit carried by the hose and being adapted to generally retain the shape of the hose construction when the hose and its carried shape retention structure are jointly bent into a particular shape, the shape retention unit comprising a deformable elongated member having opposed ends, the hose having a radially outwardly disposed and longitudinally extending projection on the external peripheral surface thereof, the elongated member being longitudinally disposed in the projection, the projection having opposed ends that respectively are disposed inboard of the opposite end portions of the hose, the opposed ends of the elongated member also being respectively disposed inboard of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Rush, James S. Bryan, Pearison W. Henry, Richardson J. Trantham
  • Patent number: 4960155
    Abstract: A device is provided for permitting a first length of previously commissioned main to be extended by connecting a second length of main thereto, the device comprising a duct 1 having an inlet 2 for connection to the first length of main before it has been commissioned and an outlet 3 for connection to the second length of main after the first length of main has been commissioned, the outlet 3 being isolated from the inlet 2 by a barrier or wall 24 which may be punctured after the outlet 3 has been connected to the second length of main to effect communication between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventor: Russell J. Monrose
  • Patent number: 4954055
    Abstract: A variable diameter tube for use with a roller pump which is formed with a central large diameter section that is positioned in the roller pump raceway. This tube is formed with two end portions of substantially similar internal diameter with the diameter of the tube gradually increasing towards the central section. The gradual increase in diameter is no greater than about thirty degrees per inch and the wall thickness of the tubing wall is substantially equivalent along its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Raible, William K. Morrow
  • Patent number: 4942905
    Abstract: A composite hose for heavy-duty purposes is disclosed which is essentially comprised of a flexible main hose of increased diameter and a subhose disposed longitudinally thereover. The subhose has a reinforcing layer oriented at a specified angle to thereby dilate widthwise upon application of pressure, allowing the main hose to readily bend in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignees: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., Chiyoda Kenki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Takemae, Masakazu Koizumi, Tadashi Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 4930547
    Abstract: A powder-filled welded steel tube has a tube wall with a welded longitudinal seam and is wound into a coil for despatch. To reduce the risk that the seam opens when the tube is twisted, e.g. on uncoiling, the tube wall is provided with a continuous longitudinal groove. Preferably the groove is symmetrical and directed radially inwards. In the continuous manufacture of such tube, a metal strip is formed into an open channel, powder is introduced into the channel, the channel is closed and the edges welded to form a closed tube. The diameter is then reduced and the finished product is coiled. The longitudinal groove is rolled in continuously during the diameter reduction of the powder-filled welded tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Rijnstaal B.V.
    Inventor: Arnold J. G. Dackus
  • Patent number: 4928736
    Abstract: A pipeline casing insulator to support a coated pipe within a tubular, metallic casing. The pipeline casing insulator comprises a flexible belt formed of a material that is capable of bonding to an organic resin. A plurality of parallel bar-like runners are formed from an insulative and non-abrasive polymer concrete that is cast onto an outer facing surface of the belt. The belt is preferably a strip of an organic non-woven material. The polymer concrete is preferably a mixture of a thermosetting polymer resin, such as epoxy, polyester or polyurethane, and an aggregate. The aggregate preferably comprises a mixture of substantially incompressible coarse particulate material, such as sand or gravel, and fine filler material, such as calcium carbonate, silica flour, or kaolin. The inner facing surface of the belt preferably has a mastic coating covered by a release paper that can be removed, to allow attachment of the belt to the outer surface of the pipe by circumferentially wrapping the belt around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Lone Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry C. Muszynski
  • Patent number: 4926511
    Abstract: A movable shower assembly having an automatically retracting hose and a shower head capable of taking up multiple positionsThe invention relates to a assembly providing:(1) at rest, an automatically retracting hose which is compact and which therefore does not hang over associated sanitary ware;(2) in use, a greater length of hose than is possible with conventional designs; and(3) a shower head which can be put into any convenient position both when at rest and when in use, thus optimizing shower comfort, this being achieved by a suction cup fixing system (4).The shower assembly is constituted by a support (1), a hose (2), and a shower head (3), said hose is of round or shaped cross section and is wound helically to constitute a helical spring shape, and said shower head and said support together constitute a housing for enclosing said hose when retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Alain Coll
  • Patent number: 4915139
    Abstract: A heat deformable tube having a melt liner of noncross-liquid, thermoplastic material, such that upon heating to a temperature high enough to cause the tube to return to its original shape; the melt liner melts and encapsulates the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis G. Landry, Benoit L. Poulin