Abstract: The helix heated hoses 10 and 12 use two features to increase the flexibility. The first feature is a braided-copper heating element 14, which has increased flexibility over the prior art solid copper heating element. The element is spiral wound around the hose and held in place with a moisture barrier 16. The second feature is the helix twist 18 located just before the point where the hoses 10 and 12 attach to the manifold 20. The helix feature is created with the helix support 22, which initiates the twist around 24 inches back from the point of termination. The helix feature works to reduce the moment of inertia about the neutral axis 26 of the two supply hoses 10 and 12.

Abstract: A fluid conduit body having a semi-conductive material disposed therein and at least one wire coupling an electrical power supply to the conduit to provide an electrical current therethrough to heat the fluid conduit also has an end cover molded over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit and over an end of the wire coupling the power supply to an end of the conduit. Alternatively, a fluid conduit heating system employs a semi-conductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit with the sleeve extending at least partially over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit. An electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve to provide an electrical current through the semi-conductive sleeve to heat the sleeve and the fluid conduit. An end cover is molded over at least a portion of the fitting and the sleeve extending thereover.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a heated garden hose that has a flexible hose with an inlet and an outlet. The garden hose has an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. A heating cable coupler is connected between the inlet and the outlet of the flexible hose. A heating cable has a first end with an electrical plug and extends through the heating cable coupler into the interior of the flexible hose. The heating cable is free floating inside the flexible hose. A thermostat, attached to the exterior portion of the heating cable, controls the heating cable and is designed to turn the heating cable off just above the freezing temperature of water. A clip is inserted into the flexible hose near the outlet to hold the heating cable inside of the flexible hose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a covering member including: a surrounding member including a heat insulating material and having a heat generating member or a heat insulating function, the surrounding member being wound from an open state so as to cover an object; and a fixing unit including: an engagement member including: a ring including a heat resistant elastic material; and a hook fitted to the ring; a holding member disposed on one end of the surrounding member, the holding member fastening the ring of the engagement member to hold the engagement member; and a receiving member disposed on one end of the surrounding member so as to correspond to the holding member, the receiving member including a receiving metal fitting to be engaged with the hook of the engagement member.

Abstract: A flexible, electrically heatable hose having an elongated electrical conductor which extends in the helical shape in the hose direction is illustrated and described. The object of providing a flexible, electrically heatable hose in which uniform heating over the hose length is ensured even in the event of major deformation of the hose, is achieved by a hose which has an elongated electrical conductor which extends in a helical shape in the hose direction, wherein the electrical conductor is embedded in a braid. In this case, the braid has first and second strands, wherein the first strands extend in a helical shape in the hose direction in the same winding direction as the electrical conductor, and the second strands extend in a helical shape in the hose direction in the opposite winding direction to the electrical conductor. The pitch angle of the electrical conductor, which extends in a helical shape in the hose direction, of the first strands and of the second strands is in this case between 50° and 80°.

Abstract: A problem solved by this invention is to enable prevention of damage to a connector in a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting a connector to an end of a tube, even when an outside air temperature falls below freezing point. The problem is solved as follows. In a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting pipe joints to ends of a tube that has elasticity, tube connecting portions of the pipe joints and sections of the tube in the vicinity of the tube connecting portions are covered with heat radiation preventing covers to thereby delay freezing of a fluid inside the tube sections that are covered by the heat radiation preventing covers.

Abstract: A fluid flow within a transportation pipeline is heated with low voltage, high current electrical energy induced into a conductive closed loop structure by one or more transformers. The closed loop structure is preferably a fluid transportation pipeline constructed of electrically conductive sections of pipeline. The amount of current induced is sufficient in relation to the inherent resistivity of the conductive sections to cause the generation of heat within the pipeline sections. By conductive and convective heat transfer, the heat induced into the pipeline structure is transferred to a fluid flow within the pipeline. The current is preferably an alternating current of frequency which causes a majority of the current to travel at or near the outer surfaces of the pipeline sections which increases the effective resistivity of the sections and heat generation therein.

Abstract: In a device for conveying liquids or moist gases through a closed duct in a vehicle fuel cell power systems, freezing of the duct is prevented by providing a part of its internal wall flow passages or flow chambers with a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material, absorbs liquid in disperse form at low temperatures through its capillary action and inhibits premature ice formation.

Abstract: A respiratory gas hose system for supplying a respiratory gas, particularly for use in the framework of CPAP therapy, includes a flexible hose line and a flexible sheathing body which surrounds the flexible hose line and extends along the flexible hose line. This results in considerably improved therapy comfort.

Abstract: A sturdy electrical power circuit and grounding circuit for an electrically-heated hose is formed by electrically connecting a grounding wire extending along the length of the hose to a pair of fluid couplings fitted on opposite ends of the hose. The grounding wire is mechanically clamped against the inner wall of the hose by radially-outwardly expanding a tube on each coupling against the grounding wire to secure the grounding wire in place while simultaneously forming an electrical connection between the grounding wire and the fluid couplings.

Abstract: A problem solved by this invention is to enable prevention of damage to a connector in a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting a connector to an end of a tube, even when an outside air temperature falls below freezing point. The problem is solved as follows. In a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting pipe joints to ends of a tube that has elasticity, tube connecting portions of the pipe joints and sections of the tube in the vicinity of the tube connecting portions are covered with heat radiation preventing covers to thereby delay freezing of a fluid inside the tube sections that are covered by the heat radiation preventing covers.

Abstract: A heat tracing device has one or more heating elements positioned adjacent to a heatable surface, an aerogel high temperature insulation layer adjacent to the one or more heating elements, a low temperature insulation layer adjacent to the aerogel high temperature insulation layer and a locking mechanism effective to fix the position of the low temperature insulation layer to the aerogel high temperature insulation layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to flexible pipes for transporting cryogenic gas in liquefied form. The pipe is of composite form and comprises an inner pipe adapted to withstand pressure loads and cryogenic temperatures, an outer pipe adapted to withstand tensile axial forces, and a layer of insulating material (34) interposed between the inner and outer pipes. The inner pipe is defined by a hollow carcass (10) formed from a helical interlocked metallic strip (12), the internal and external surfaces of which are lined with a fluid-pressure containment sheath (32) of fully fluorinated fluoroplastic. The insulating layer (34) acts to maintain a temperature differential between the respective pipes. Adjacent portions of the strip (12) in the carcass (10) are moveable relative to each other to provide flexibility to the pipe along its length.

Abstract: A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Abstract: A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Abstract: Cabling for a motor vehicle includes at least one fluid hose, a first cable for heating the fluid hose and at least one electrical connector for connecting the cable to an electrical supply, and at least one hose connector for connecting the fluid hose to a cooperating connector means. The hose connector may be provided with an electrically heated device arranged to heat at least part of the hose connector.

Abstract: A fluid transport tube comprising at least an inner layer, an outer protective layer, and an intermediate temperature regulator device connected to a source of voltage and suitable for heating the transported fluid towards an equilibrium or reference temperature by using a positive temperature coefficient thermistor presenting electrical resistance that is automatically controlled by temperature and that is connected to the source of voltage via at least two conductor elements delivering the current needed for heating it, wherein each conductor element is a metal wire that is supported by a textile ply wound around the inner layer of the tube, and wherein said inner layer is based: on at least one elastomer; or on at least one thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of ionomers and olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers having a cross-linked elastomer phase.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-in-one water-supply pipe with accessories for quality-distinguished distribution of domestic water. This pipe contains three pipes arranged in a triangular combination to supply drinkable water, service water and recycled water at the same time. The diameter and thickness of the pipe walls of the three pipes depend on required water-supply volume and pressure. The accessories, including triangle shaped straight pipe, straight joint, 90-175 degree bending joint, tee joint and pipe clip are all made of contamination-free material, which can be assembled into a multi-pipe delivering system for separate supply of different domestic water to users. This three-in-one pipe system reduces manufacturing costs and provides good heat insulation to save energy. It is also easy for installation and maintenance.

Abstract: Rigid wound or reelable pipe (1) for transporting hydrocarbons having a single-walled or double-walled envelope comprising two coaxial pipes, internal (2) and external (3), respectively, separated by an annular space, comprising at least one electrical heating cable (10) capable of being subjected to an elongation of 0.5% without sustaining damage and produced, for example, in the form of a central conducting braided cable surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath. The materials comprising the cable are subjected to elastically deformation by remaining below 15% of their elastic limit and preferably below 5%.

Abstract: A heater for heating elongated objects includes an elongated strip of flexible material having first and second ends and elongated opposite side edges defining a width therebetween. The strip of material comprises a fiber reinforced elastomeric material having at least a first portion that is set in a spiral. The heater also includes at least one elongated electrically conductive heating element imbedded in the elongated strip of elastomeric material. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heating element, and the thermostat is encapsulated in an elastomeric dielectric material that is bonded to the elastomeric material of the strip to provide a waterproof seal around the thermostat. The heater further includes an electrical power line extending from the thermostat for supplying power to the heater.

Abstract: A material feed hose has a multilayered hose with an inflow end, an intermediate length, and an outflow end. The hose has an an armored crush-resistant outer layer and a heating layer disposed between an inner layer and an intermediate insulating layer. A pair of hollow tubular fittings have a beveled inflow to limit the amount of material which is out of the flow path as the material moves through the hose. The fittings have an associated pair of hose clamps.

Abstract: A respiratory gas hose system for supplying a respiratory gas is provided, particularly for use in the frame work of CPAP therapy. The respiratory gas hose system comprises a flexible hose line including a flexible sheathing body to surround the flexible hose line, which results in considerably improved therapy comfort.

Abstract: A fluid conduit has a peripheral wall defining a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal access. A heating element is located in contact with the peripheral wall and extending parallel to the longitudinal access. A jacket entrained about the peripheral wall and heating element maintains the heating element in contact with the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A novel system for inductively heating a fluid conduit using an electrical cable located proximate the fluid conduit. Electricity is conducted to the cable in either a powering mode, in which a powered system is electrically coupled to the cable and substantially no inductive heating of the fluid conduit is provided, or a heating mode, in which the powered system is electrically decoupled from the cable and inductive heating of the fluid conduit is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fill tube assembly for supplying water to an icemaker is described. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a grommet comprising and inlet and an outlet, and a fill tube configured for coupling to the grommet outlet. The fill tube comprises a slot extending from one end thereof. In another embodiment, the assembly comprises tape at least partially wrapped around a portion of the fill tube for facilitating heating at least the fill tube portion.

Abstract: A fluid conduit has a peripheral wall defining a fluid passage extending along a longitudinal access. A heating element is located in contact with the peripheral wall and extending parallel to the longitudinal access. A jacket entrained about the peripheral wall and heating element maintains the heating element in contact with the peripheral wall.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to prevent outer taps from being damaged by the effects of frost. To this end, the invention provides a heating device for heating a tap (1) with an electrothermal converter (2) means. Said heating device is mounted in or on the tap. The invention also relates to a valve device in which a heating means can be plugged into a corresponding socket (11), thereby effectively preventing the tap from freezing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for connecting electrical power for heating subsea pipelines after the pipeline is deployed. Electrical connections may be made subsea using wet-mateable connectors. The electrical power may be supplied from a boat or may be supplied from a host structure. A Remotely Operated Vehicle may be used to make the subsea electrical connections. Single Heated Insulated Pipes, Pipe-in-Pipe, heat tracing and other configurations for heating may be employed. The deployment of cables and other equipment for heating may be delayed until a need or potential need for heating or the probable locations of impediments to flow are identified in the subsea pipeline.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for and method of fusing a wrap to a portion of a length of plastic-coated pipe are disclosed. The system comprises a thermoplastic piece shaped to conform to the portion of pipe, the piece including a heat-generating trace and the heat-generating trace including a plurality of trace leads thereon. The system further comprises a clamp for applying pressure to the piece in the vicinity of the heat-generating trace, the clamp including at least two compression bands, each of the compression bands including a plurality of power leads, each of the power leads corresponding to one of the trace leads. The power leads preferably automatically are placed into electrical contact with said trace leads when the clamp is applied over the thermoplastic piece.

Abstract: A heated flowline electrical isolation joint is disclosed for introducing current into a pipe-in-pipe system having an outer and an inner pipe. A hub presents a load flange having tension and compression load shoulders on its terminal end and connects to the inner pipe on its other end. An end flange presents an end flange load shoulder on one end and a high strength, highly electrically insulative first ring separates the compression load shoulder from the end flange load shoulder which engage therethrough in a load bearing relationship. A plurality of o-ring seals secure the compression load shoulder-to-first ring-to-end flange load shoulder interfaces. A retainer flange connects to the end flange on one end and to the outer piper on the other end, encircling the hub and presenting a retainer flange load shoulder.

Abstract: A micro heater assembly (10) is provided with a micro heater (12) on the distal end (14) of an elongated support wire (16). Micro heater (12) is insertable into a normally water-carrying aperture (141) of an accessible pipe portion (68) under a valved outlet/water collecting appliance such as a sink (40) to reach a frozen section (202) of the branch line pipe (70) upstream of pipe portion (68) whereat to easily and reliably thaw pipe (70) from within safely and cost-effectively.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), flexibility (and thus modulus strength allowances) to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, reduced crack propagation possibilities, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific textile reinforcement materials that permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations and also serve to prevent propagation of any cracks which may develop within the thermoplastic or thermoset materials.

Abstract: A pipe heating device for conveniently thawing out pipelines. The pipe heating device includes a scissor-like member including a first elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, and also including a second elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion which is hingedly attached to the intermediate portion of the first elongate member; and also includes a first semi-cylindrical member having ends, side edges and being securely attached to the first end of the first elongate member; and further includes a second semi-cylindrical member having ends, side edges and being securely attached to the first end of the second elongate member with each of the side edges of the second semi-cylindrical member being in contactable relationship with a respective one of the side edges of the first semi-cylindrical member; and also includes a heating assembly for heating the first and second semi-cylindrical members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation tube particularly for medical devices, which has the particularity that it comprises a tubular body made of flexible plastics which forms raised ridges on its outer surface. An electric wire is embedded in at least part of the ridges and forms an electric resistor for heating the gaseous substance that flows inside the tubular body.

Abstract: A pipeline comprises flow lines in which petroleum products flow and a protective carrier pipe around the flow lines. It further comprises a buoyancy module made of a thermally insulative material that is mechanically resistant to the hydrostatic pressure at the underwater site at which the pipeline is installed, the module providing the buoyancy required for installing the pipeline, in an economical manner.

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 system for direct electric heating of a subsea pipeline is disclosed in the form of a pipe-in-pipe flowline having an electrically conductive outer carrier pipe and an electrically conductive inner pipe or flowline arranged longitudinally, substantially concentrically within the outer pipe. An annulus is defined between the inner and outer pipes and a pipe insulating joint assembly structurally joins, but electrically insulates, the inner and outer pipes at a first end of the subsea pipeline. A power input provided on the surface facilities is electrically connected across the inner and outer pipes at the first end of the pipeline, and an electrical pathway completes the circuit by connecting the inner and outer pipes at the second end of the pipeline.

Abstract: Safety-enhanced steam tracing includes a metallic tube with a thin jacket of polymeric material, such as silicone rubber. The polymeric jacket is typically about 40 mils to about 60 mils thick. The safety-enhanced steam tracing provides a substantially lower risk of burn injury than bare metal steam tracing, yet its conductance performance is about the same as that of bare metal steam tracing.

Abstract: A leakproof and fireproof tubing according to the invention comprises an inner tube for guiding a chemical fluid, a heater surrounding the inner tube, a foil enclosing the inner tube which is already surrounded by the heater, and an outer tube surrounding and coaxial with the inner tube. When chemical fluid leakage or a fire caused by a short circuit in the heater is encountered, the tubing can efficiently prevent the chemical fluid leakage and fire from further extending to the outside atmosphere. In coordination with the use of a sensor, the failure of the tubing can be repaired in a timely manner.

Abstract: A micro heater assembly (10) is provided with a micro heater (12) on the distal end (14) of an elongated support wire (16). Micro heater (12) is insertable into a frozen pipe (60) to reach the frozen area (100) of the pipe (60) whereat to thaw pipe (60) from within safely and cost-effectively.

Abstract: A system for clamping an object, such as a heater, to a cylindrical member, such as a nozzle or a hot runner channel is described. The system has at least one deformable elastic member for applying a clamping force to the object so as to hold the object against an outer surface of the cylindrical member and an annular sleeve for compressing the at least one deformable elastic member and for directing the clamping force radially inwardly toward the cylindrical member. The deformable elastic member, in one embodiment, is formed by a spring member which surrounds the object and the cylindrical member. In an alternative embodiment, the deformable elastic member comprises a plurality of hollow tubes surrounding the object and the cylindrical member, which tubes are hollow, thin walled, and elastic. The annular sleeve is preferably formed from a material having a thermal expansion coefficient less than the thermal expansion coefficient of the material forming the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An impedance heating system generally includes an outer tubular member having a first end and a second end, and an inner tubular member having a first end and a second end positioned coaxially inside the outer member. The inner member extends substantially the entire length of the outer member such that the first and second ends of the inner member terminate in close proximity to the first and second ends of the outer member, respectively. A power source is electrically connected to the first end of the inner member for supplying current to the inner member upon energization of the impedance heating system. A return path for current flow from the inner member to the power source generally includes either the outer member or a return cable electrically connected to the inner member. One or more spacer members are secured around the circumference of the inner member at spaced-apart intervals.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and kit for preventing freezing in pipes. In its most basic form, the apparatus of the present invention includes three lengths of uninsulated flexible ductwork, each having a pair of connectors attached to each end, and a T-shaped adapter having three openings which are dimensioned to mate with one connector of each length of ductwork. In operation, the first length of ductwork, below the "T", is fitted over the downspout of the system and comes to rest in the system piping pit, the second length of ductwork is attached to a central heating duct and the third length is attached to the water inflow. Thus, when the central heating system is in operation, air is forced down the second duct to the "T" where substantially half of the warm air is directed to the piping pit and the other half is directed along the length of the exposed piping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in a pipe bundle, more specifically to a method and a system for heating subsea or on-shore pipelines, especially pipelines for transportation of substantially oil, gas and water, said pipelines (8, 108, 208) being arranged in a substantially cylindrical outer carrier pipe (1, 101, 201), and for the purpose of providing an arrangement wherein the quantity of heating cable can be reduced, and wherein the manufacturing of such arrangement can be simplified, at the same time as the finished arrangement will provide appropriate heating of the pipelines and the contents thereof, it is according to the invention suggested an arrangement comprising:a carrier pipe (1, 101) having an outer and/or inner thermal insulation (2, 102),one or more longitudinally extending energy carriers (3, 4, 5; 103, 104, 105) extending in the longitudinal direction of said carrier pipe (1, 101) for the dissipation/transfer of heat directly and/or indirectly to said pipelines (8, 108), respe

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting fluid and preventing its icing have a fluid line structure and a tubular fluid line element located in that fluid line structure and having a cross-section sufficient for a desired throughput of fluid. A heater element is located inside the fluid line structure and is in heat-transfer relationship with an inside of the tubular fluid line element. Such heater element may be an electric heater element inside the fluid line structure encompassing the tubular fluid line element in heat-transfer relationship with an inside of that tubular fluid line element. A frangible or other fluid line nipple may be removably connected to the fluid line structure, and the tubular fluid line element may extend from that fluid line structure to that fluid line nipple. A heat transfer reduction may be provided between the electric heater element and the fluid line structure outside of the tubular fluid line element.

Abstract: A electric heating apparatus for de-icing pipes includes a flexible hose with a closed bottom end and a top end. The hose has a pair of insulated wires situated within an interior of the hose and a plug coupled to the top end of the hose. The plug has a pair of contacts connected to the wires and adapted to be inserted within a conventional electrical receptacle for providing electrical power to the wires. By this structure, the hose is adapted to be passed within a pipe connected to a source of water. Next provided is a thermostat having an input connected to the insulated wires and is adapted to allow the transfer of power to an output thereof upon the detection of a temperature below a predetermined degree. The thermostat is situated within the interior of the hose adjacent the bottom end thereof. Also included is a heating coil formed within the hose, wherein the coil is connected to the output of the thermostat for radiating heat upon the receipt of power.

Abstract: A conduit is electrically heatable to prevent the freezing of a fluid flowing therethrough. The conduit comprises a tube having wires embedded in its walls and end fittings attached to either end of the tube which provide for fluid flow connection with the conduit and for electrical connection with the wires.

Abstract: Thermo-cycling for biological material is provided by a channel such as a capillary tube extending through a series of temperature control elements. Each temperature control element maintains the adjacent portion of the channel at a desired temperature. Fluid to be processed is introduced into the tube through the inlet and flows, preferably through capillary action, to the outlet. The temperature of the fluid changes as it passes each temperature control element and is thus thermo-cycled through a predetermined sequence of temperatures.

Abstract: The flexible insulated heater includes a heater mat surrounded by an insulation jacket. The heater mat is preferably made of two layers of fiberglass reinforced rubber sheets laminated together with resistive heater wires sandwiched between the laminated sheets. The heater mat is formed with a curvature and size to fit snugly around the peripheral surface of the pipe that is to be heated. A jacket of thermally insulative material, such as a polymer foam, is molded over the external surface of the heater mat. The insulated jacket holds the heat generated by the heater mat from escaping radially outward, and it protects against burns to persons who might touch the heater.

Abstract: A insulation system for providing temperature control of a surface includes a flexible heating element, conformable to the surface. Insulating material is disposed adjacent to the heating element. Circuitry is provided for sensing the temperature of the surface. A monitor senses the temperature of the surface and selectively controls the temperature of the heating element in response to the monitoring process.