Abstract: A no freeze protection device for an outdoor faucet on an exterior wall of a building. The protection device comprises an enclosure to fit about the outdoor faucet. A facility is for mounting the enclosure to the exterior wall about the outdoor faucet. A component is for supplying heat within the enclosure to the outdoor faucet, to prevent water within the outdoor faucet from freezing during cold weather.

Abstract: A flexible hose assembly for conveying gas comprising an inner tube member having a reinforcing spring coil that selectively functions as an electric heater engaging the inner surface and an outer flexible tube member having its head and outlet ends closed upon those of the inner member. A second reinforcing spring coil surrounds the outer surface of the outer member such that a dead air space or insulating chamber is formed between the two flexible tubes. Superior insulation, flexibility, energy consumption, weight and strength characteristics are achieved. A temperature responsive electrical device can be mounted near the outlet end of the inside wall of the inner tube with leads extending through the hose exiting the head end for connection to a controller for controlling an external heating or cooling system or for controlling electric power applied to the inner spring coil for directly heating the flowing gas for delivering temperature controlled heated gas to the end user system.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus (10) for dividing meat components such as fat and lean mean, the combined fat and lean meat are extruded into one or more chains of material wherein the fat and lean meat are divided into discrete sections along the length thereof. Each chain of material passes through a conduit (14) and the character of material along each chain is sensed by a suitable sensor (18). The fat and lean meat are then diverted by a diverter (20) functioning in delayed response to the sensor (18) in order to separate the fat and lean meat. The apparatus (10) includes an arrangement for preventing the buildup of material on the internal surface of each conduit (14) and thereby prevents any such buildup from interfering with the operation of the sensor (18) or diverter (20). The buildup preventing arrangement preferably includes a heater element (54) associated with each conduit (14) to heat the inner wall of the conduits.

Abstract: A dual wall thermally insulated conduit which is heat traced using skin effect pipes. A plurality of equally spaced skin effect pipes run longitudinally with the conduit and are located adjacent and external to the carrier or process pipe in the annular cavity between the process and sleeve or jacket pipes. Special joint connectors include holes in the yoke portion to allow the skin effect pipes to exit the annular cavity between the process and jacket pipes. A clam shell is fitted over the special joint connector after the pipe section is assembled and the return conductor installed. The cavity inside the clam shell is filled with insulation. Structural insulation is positioned at the ends of the clam shell to provide a smooth transition to the protective concrete weight coating conventionally used with subsea piping.

Abstract: This invention refers to an electric heating system for subsea flexible pipelines (13) including the circulation of an electric current which runs through the metallic armorings (31) of the flexible pipeline (13), generating energy and dissipating a certain amount of heat to the pipeline (13) and to the fluid contained inside same, maintaining the temperature differential between the environment and the production line, so as not to interrupt the fluid flow.

Abstract: A water freeze prevention device is provided and includes a mechanism that is installed between a water meter and incoming water pipes to drain the water pipes to prevent the water pipes from freezing during severe cold weather conditions.

Abstract: An electric heating attachment for electrically heating the exterior portion of a sewer vent of a building to keep the vent from clogging from snow and/or ice and frost that may accumulate on the building roof. The attachment has an elongated rod insertable into the vent a with an electric heating tape extending along the length thereof. Laterally extending arms on an upper portion of the rod engage the top edge of the vent to limit the extent of the insertion of the rod into the vent. The section of the rod extending above the lateral arms terminates in a hoop portion having a portion of the heating tape extending therealong to heat the area immediately above the sewer vent to keep this area open to the atmosphere by melting the snow and/or ice above the vent.

Abstract: A flexible hosing for circulation of a heat transfer fluid to effect heat exchange within a concrete or other type of slab. An inner wall comprising nylon, rayon or other similar material forms an inner wall of the hosing to resist corrosive attack by the heat transfer fluid. A locator wire is embedded within the hosing for transmission of a locating signal so that the position of the hosing within the slab may be accurately determined. The wire may also serve as an electrical resistance heating element should the heat transfer fluid become frozen, or should it be desired that the heat exchange system be operated without an external boiler or other heat source.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a fuel delivery conduit to the discharge opening of a diesel fuel tank includes a hollow fitting body defining a flow passage in which is located an electric heating rod for heating the fuel as it flow through the passage from the tank to the conduit to prevent waxing of the fuel at low temperatures. A passive heat transfer member, which may be a solid metal rod or an elongated cylindrical heat pipe, is thermally and mechanically coupled at one end to the heating rod and is of sufficient length and is so arranged that its other end extends into the tank through the discharge opening for directing a portion of the heat to the fuel near the discharge opening.

Abstract: An electrically heated hose for providing heat only to the section of hose which contains an electrically conductive liquid therein includes a plurality of resistance heating elements positioned between inner and outer layers of electrically insulative material defining the hose wall and arranged to sectionalize the hose into individual independently heatable sections. Each heating element has a first terminal connected to a power source and a second terminal connected to at least one of a plurality of spaced electrically conductive members disposed on the inner layer and exposed to any electrically conductive liquid conveyed by the hose. A continuous electrical conductor exposed to any liquid in the hose extends along the entire length thereof in spaced relation to the plurality of conductive members and is connected the power source.

Abstract: A connector for heatable hoses and a heatable hose assembly for transporting fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the temperature of a plurality of liquids which includes temperature adjusting means having a corresponding plurality of separate flow paths, a pump arrangement for circulating the liquids through said separate paths and means for maintaining predetermined temperature differences between the liquids, wherein the temperature adjusting means includes a single temperature controlling member and a number of pipes which correspond in number to the number of separate flow paths for the liquids of which the temperatures are to be adjusted. The temperature controlling member and the pipes are interconnected in heat conducting so that the total thermal impedance between the first of said pipes and the temperature controlling member integrated from the inlet end to the outlet end of said first pipe differs from the corresponding total thermal impedance of at least a second of said pipes.

Abstract: In an electrical continuous flow heater for an appliance such as a coffee machine, a tubular heater member has a jacket tube in heat conducting contact with a pipe for carrying the fluid to be heated, with the pipe and jacket tube disposed in horizontal side-by-side relationship. The jacket tube or the pipe, or both, have a wall thickness which varies over the periphery thereof, the thickest portion of the pipe wall being lowest in the horizontal position during use and the thickest portion of the jacket tube contacting the pipe. In one arrangement, the thickest portion of the tubular jacket and/or pipe is provided by a strip of sheet metal attached to such pipe or tubular jacket. In another arrangement, the pipe and jacket tube are constructed as a unitary extruded member.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for forming cocks closable by freezing, belonging to a liquid batch handling unit, and a liquid handling unit set up in accordance with the procedure. The unit consists of two bodies (1,2) placed against each other, the cocks being located between their faces and one of them (2) comprising the flow passages leading to the cock points and the other body (1), which is connected to a refrigerator, being provided with electric heaters located at the cock points and with the aid of which the cocks can be opened and closed.

Abstract: A system, utilizing an analog pulsed signal, is for monitoring the condition of a system, by way of illustration, a multi-circuit electrically heat-traced substrate. The system senses the temperature of the substrate at the end of a heat traced circuit, converts the temperature to a pulsed signal, and drives the pulsed signal along the heat tracing to the control and distribution panel for the heat tracing in direct opposition to the AC which powers the heat tracing. A receiver converts the pulsed signal to a digital temperature read-out. Utilization of an analog pulsed signal enables the system to be used in a multi-circuit system without interference or signal mixing from adjacent circuits.

Abstract: A sanitary system for thermostatically controlled supply of hot and cold water to a number of tapping locations includes a hot water storage container, piping to the tapping locations, thermostatically controlled mixing valves and tapping faucets or valves. The thermostatically controlled mixing valves are located at the water heater or storage container, and a tapping valve for adjustment and control of the water quantity is mounted at each separate tapping location. One single pipe line extends from each mixing valve to the respective tapping location. The system includes a microprocessor control with a manual temperature control at each tapping location for selection of water temperature, and a thermostatically influenced control system for each of the mixing valves including a processor controlled mechanical drive for adjustment of each mixing valve in correspondence with the water temperature defined at the tapping location.

Abstract: An electrically heated hose for simultaneously heating and feeding melted adhesive and pressurized air to an adhesive spraying head includes a tubular central flexible plastic core for feeding the adhesive therethrough, a resistance heating type helically wrapped around the core with adjacent turns spaced from each other and an outer layer of thermal insulation surrounding the tape and core so that a helically-shaped air passage is formed between adjacent spaced helical turns of the heating tape, the inner wall of the outer layer and the outer wall of the core. A pressurized air admitting tube is connected to one end of the helical passage and a pressurized air discharge tube is provided at the opposite end thereof for supplying the pressurized air in a preheated condition to the spraying head for atomization of the melted adhesive.

Abstract: A skin effect heat generating pipe for use with a low frequency alternating current source includes a ferromagnetic pipe (e.g., steel) having thickness substantially greater than the penetration depth of the current of the frequency of the power source. A shunt conductor in the form of an electrically conductive metal layer (e.g., copper) is applied as a discrete layer to the inner surface of the pipe and in electrical contact therewith throughout the length of the shunt conductor, thereby forming a parallel resistance circuit wherein both the shunt conductor and pipe each are capable of conducting substantial current. One end of the pipe is electrically connectable to a first terminal of the power source. A return conductor installed in the pipe and electrically insulated therefrom has one end electrically connected to the second end of the pipe and its other end electrically connectable to the other terminal of the power source.

Abstract: A flexible electrically heated hose of substantially uniform construction throughout its length for transmitting hot liquid material includes a flexible polymeric tube encased within a braided metal covering and having hydraulic fitting at its opposite ends. Multiple plies of heat and electrical insulative material are helically wrapped around the braided covering and a least one electrical heating line is helically wrapped and embedded within the multiple plies. A molded plastic cuff is secured to each end of the hose and an exterior ply of corrugated polymeric tubing is provided about the exterior of the hose to prevent kinking and breaking of the hose at each hose cuff caused by severe bending forces at that location. The exterior of the corrugated tubing has annular ribs separated by annular recesses into which annular ribs on the interior of each cuff extend to secure the cuffs to the corrugated tubing.

Abstract: A series-connected, skin-current heating pipe circuit includes a first ferromagnetic pipe; a first insulated wire extending along and inside the first pipe; a first AC source connected to one end of each of the first pipe and first wire; and an impedance element, such as a resistor, capacitor or reactor connected between the other end of each of first pipe and first wire. A current trouble detector is provided in either line connecting the first AC source to the one end of the first pipe or the one end of the first insulated wire to detect a current trouble due to an insulation problem at any point of the first insulated wire.

Abstract: An electric pipe thawing apparatus for thawing frozen water pipes by passing electric current therethrough incorporates various safety feature rendering the apparatus fail-safe in operation. The apparatus includes an A.C. generator from which can be obtained through a step-down transformer arrangement various voltage levels, from 12 volts upwards, for applying low voltage high current power to the pipe to be thawed. One important safety feature prevents the application of a higher voltage to the pipe unless at a lower voltage level, for example, 20 volts, it has been established by measurement that the current flow in the pipe is above a predetermined level and consequently the circuit through the pipe is a good one. If the circuit is not good, when the operator switches to a higher voltage level a danger signal is illuminated.

Abstract: An electric heating apparatus for providing freeze protection for a fluid-control device, such as a gas regulator, at a well site includes a flexible electric heating pad adapted to be wrapped around the control device to be freeze-protected and a two part thermally insulated housing adapted to be placed about the heating pad and control device when the apparatus is installed. The heating pad is adapted to be energized from a rechargeable battery under the control of a thermostat within the housing which disconnects heating pad from the battery when the temperature in the housing rises above a temperature of about 40.degree. F. A solar panel provides direct current for recharging the battery. A second thermostat disconnects the solar panel from the battery when the ambient temperature rises above about 50.degree. F. to terminate charging of the battery.

Abstract: A flexible heated hose for transporting molten adhesive from a melter to a dispenser. The hose comprises a Teflon tube contained within stainless steel braided wire and fitted with conventional hydraulic fittings at each end. The braided tube is encased within a multiple ply covering which includes a first layer of fiberglass tape around which are wound electrical resistance heating wires, a resistance temperature detector, electrical leads including a ground wire, and two plies of helically wound fiberglass tape, with a layer of helically wound Aramid fiber, two layers of helically wound polyester felt, and a layer of helically wound vinyl tape covering the same. The heating wires, electrical leads, and temperature detector are adhesively secured to the first layer of fiberglass tape which is in turn adhesively secured to the stainless steel braided wire covering the Teflon tube. In a modified embodiment, the ground wire is wound separate from the other electrical leads.

Abstract: A plastic sewer vent line extending through the roof of a building is provided with a defroster for preventing blockage of the vent line by freezing and the consequent back-up sewage gas into the building. The defroster is located above the roof and includes a metal pipe, e.g., of copper, having its bottom end coupled to the plastic sewer vent line and provided with an electric heating coil in contact with a portion of the exterior thereof. An outer shell is spaced outwardly from and surrounds the exterior of the pipe and has a top sealed to the pipe top and a bottom sealed to the roof to provide an annular providing an insulating effect and enhancing the effectiveness of the heating element. A heat limiting switch is provided to prevent overheating.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a liquid chromatographic column includes a thin film heater/sensor comprising a foil-like patterned heating element adhesively mounted between a pair of flexible electrically insulative layers. A patterned foil-like temperature sensing element is also coextensively adhesively mounted between the insulative layers in temperature sensing relationship to the heating element. The thin film heater/sensor is wrapped around the chromatographic column and is uniformly compressively secured in contact therewith by a spirally tubularly wound length of flexible wrapping. A remote temperature sensing element controls the heat output of the heating element a linear proportional fashion, thereby maintaining a predetermined temperature gradient over the length of the column. A pre and post-column heaters may be similarly wrapped with a thin film heater/sensors so as to appropriately control the temperature of the liquid entering or leaving the column.

Abstract: A separable junction for an electric pipeline system of the type including a tracer for skin-effect heating, which tracer comprises an insulated conductor within an electrically conductive conduit, incorporates flanges at the ends of the pipe section to be joined and the pipes are joined by securing bolts through holes in the flanges. Each end of the tracer conduit on each of the sections of pipe is terminated at and electrically connected to a metallic junction box adjacent to a flange and the tracer conductor thereof extends into the box. Each box has an opening aligned with one of the flange holes for the fastening bolts, but when the junction is assembled, the flange bolt which would be in alignment with the junction box opening is replaced with a hollow, threaded metallic nipple which is dimensioned to fit freely through the bolt holes in the flanges and is long enough to extend between and into the openings of the junction boxes at either side of the junction and electrically connect the boxes.

Abstract: A flexible electrically heated hose for transporting molten adhesive from a melter to a dispenser. The hose comprises a Teflon tube contained within stainless steel braided wire and fitted with conventional hydraulic fittings at each end. The braided tube is encased within a multiple ply covering which includes electrical resistance heating wires and a resistance temperature detector adhered between two plies of helically wound fiberglass tape. This tape is covered by multiple plies of helically wound, double thickness fiberglass paper between the plies of which there are embedded spiral wound electrical leads to the dispenser. The fiberglass paper layer is encased within two layers of helically wound polyester felt, a layer of helically wound vinyl tape, and a braided polyester cover. Hard molded plastic cuffs are attached to the ends of the hose. The electrical leads to the heating wires, temperature detector and dispenser extend radially from the hose through holes in the cuffs.

Abstract: A hot melt hose has multiple electrically heated hose sections physically and electrically interconnected end-to-end between a pressurized hot melt source and hot melt dispenser, such as a hand-held gun having a trigger-controlled valve for regulating the flow of hot melt from the gun. Each of the hose sections includes an inner, fluid impervious, chemically inert tube, preferably fabricated of tetrafuoroethlene; an electrically conductive multi-strand braided resistance heating sheath snugly embracing the exterior surface of the inner tube and in intimate heat transfer contact therewith for supplying strength and heat to the tube; and an outer sheath of thermal insulating material for minimizing heat loss. The hose sections are interconnected by a heated joint which comprises electrically conductive hose end fittings electrically connected to the braided sheath and connected by threaded swivel nuts to an electrical insulating fitting.

Abstract: An electrically heated fluid conduit includes a plastic pipe adapted to carry a flow of fluid subject to freezing at low temperatures, an electric resistance heater disposed around the pipe and extending along the length thereof and a thermal insulating jacket disposed around the heater. The heater is formed as a seamless sleeve of synthetic polymeric material having electrically conductive carbonaceous particles therein and is connected to the lead wires of an electrical power cable by a pair of spaced electrically conductive bands fixed around the sleeve and defining the length of the heater along the pipe. The thermal insulating jacket is formed as a seamless layer of foamed synthetic plastic material having randomly disposed air pockets.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating liquid in a pipe to prevent freezing of the liquid and for de-icing of frozen pipes includes an elongated housing constructed of plastic material and having a central bore and fittings for detachably coupling each end of the housing to the open end of a liquid pipe so that the central bore connects a first liquid pipe to a second liquid pipe. The fittings each comprise a sleeve attachable to the pipe end, a sealing gasket between the end of the housing and an annular flange on the sleeve, and a threaded coupling nut cooperating with external threads on the housing and having a flange engaging the sleeve flange. The housing includes a lateral passageway intermediate its end communicating with the central bore and closed by a sealer valve having an opening with a normally closed penetrable seal of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A heating device for preheating heating oil flowing through a pipe has a heat conduction body to which a plate-shaped ceramic PTC resistance heating element is connected in heat exchange-relationship. The heating element has a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2 millimeters, a Curie temperature between 120.degree. and 220.degree. C. and a specific resistance of 430 to 5000 ohm-cm rated at a supply voltage between 110 and 220 volts such that the maximum temperature achieved by the heating element over a range of heat transfer rates is relatively constant and is determined by the resistivity and the Curie temperature of the heating element rather than by the rate of heat transfer. If designed for energization at 220 volts, the heating element has the same thickness and Curie temperature as in the first example described above, but with a specific resistance of 1700 to 20,000 ohm-cm as measured at 220 volts.

Abstract: A system for primarily supplying fishing boats lying berthed in harbor with electrical power, comprises a plurality of terminal boxes (1) which are countersunk along the edge of the quay and each contains electric power socket outlets (2), a drain hole (10) and a heating cable (19). The coverplate (5) of each box is self-closing, self-locking and lies on ground level, leaving in closed position an opening to the interior of the terminal box to permit passing therethrough a line (16) connectible to the electric power socket outlet and extending from an electrical connection box (18) which can be mounted on a boat (17) and has several electric power socket outlets and an electricity meter. In addition to electric power socket outlets, outlets for water, telephone service, compressed air, vacuum and/or fuel can be mounted in the boxes which can also be placed in airports and on camping sites.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying molten plastic material in heated condition to an injection mold has a plurality of heating passage forming elements which are formed as separate units capable of being mechanically assembled with one another, and each provided with a housing having at least one inlet and one outlet opening, and with an electrical heating member which is electrically controlled independently of the heating members of other heating passage forming elements.

Abstract: Faster and more efficient heat transmission between an electrical skin effect current heat generating unit and the surface of a pipe to be heated is achieved by utilizing convective as well as conductive transfer of heat therebetween. The unit includes an elongated ferromagnetic channel having an open face and secured along its longitudinal edges by staggered stitch welds to the surface of a ferromagnetic pipe to be heated. The inner surface of the channel and the confronting outer surface of the pipe define an air space at least partially surrounding a freely movable insulated conductor having one end connected to a pole of an AC source and its other end connected to the far end of the channel. The near end of the channel is connected to the other pole of the AC source.

Abstract: A resilient snap-on electric heating jacket for heating tubular objects includes a thin sheet of flexible plastic material constituting a radially internal curved surface adapted to engage the surface of the object. A pattern of spaced electrically conductive loops are formed on the radially external surface of the sheet to define an electric heating element. A thick resilient support member of polymeric material coextensive with and overlying the external surface of the plastic sheet and the foil loops is directly secured to the external surface portions of the foil loops and the plastic sheet by an autogenous bond to form a unitary structure generally C-shaped in cross section and capable of being snapped onto a tubular object the outer diameter of which corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the profile of the unitary structure. The profile of the support member encloses an angle between 180.degree. and 270.degree. and preferably between 200.degree. and 250.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus for heating pipes and particularly for thawing frozen pipes is disclosed. The apparatus may be a self contained trailer having a generator and step-down transformer. One pair of terminals is connected to the secondary of the transformer and a pair of bus bars is also connected across the secondary. A current transformer operates a warning system indicating that the current to the first terminals is above a maximum value. This warns the operator that another pair of cables is necessary to heat effectively the pipe.

Abstract: A pipeline to be laid over a very long distance e.g. 100 km, and heated by skin-effect-current, and used underground or on the seabed by employing an electric source frequency lower than commercial ones, is provided. The pipeline consists of a fluid-transporting pipe and a heat-generating pipe utilizing skin effect current laid so as to trace said fluid-transporting pipe (which will be referred to herein as SECT pipe). The SECT pipe consists of a ferromagnetic pipe and an insulated electric wire passed therethrough, and has a special circuit, and the pipeline is further provided with an outer covering pipe of a ferromagnetic material so as to enclose the fluid-transporting pipe and the SECT pipe.

Abstract: A tubular jacket heater having a C-wise radial cross section with an aperture extending in a parallel direction to the axis is proposed which is used to envelop and preheat a tubular lamp used, for example, in a electrophotographic copying machine. The heater is composed of an inner layer made of an electrically insulating rubbery elastomer, an outer layer also made of an electrically insulating rubbery elastomer and a flexible heater element sandwiched by and entending between the inner and the outer insulating layers. The rubbery elastomer recommended is a silicone rubber with a specified hardness.Different from conventional similar tubular jacket heaters in which the insulating layers are made of a rather rigid plastic resin such as a polycarbonate resin, the inventive heater has an excellent adaptability to the outer surface of the tubular lamp inserted therein so that a greatly improved efficiency of the heater is obtained.

Abstract: An electrical heat generating system of the skin effect current type having a two part elongate hollow element of ferromagnetic material enclosing an insulated energizing conductor. One part of the hollow element comprises an open face channel having two elongated, coextensive, spaced longitudinal edges and the other part covers the open face of the channel. When the conductor is energized by an alternating current, the magnetic field generated thereby is confined within the interior of the hollow element to produce heat without any current passing through and along the outer peripheral surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A recirculating animal waterer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the waterer includes a supply conduit which extends from a remote water source underground at a level below the frost line to a first junction located inside a waterer stand. A first nipple extends from that first junction and terminates outside the stand. A cross-over conduit extends from the first junction to a remote second junction, also located inside the waterer stand. A second nipple extends from that second junction to a point outside the stand. A return conduit extends from the second junction back to the first junction. This return conduit includes a heatable section. A heater is mounted adjacent the supply conduit heatable section. If desired, a thermostat can be located adjacent the second junction to provide intermittent heater operation. In another embodiment, additional nipples extend from the stand, and water conduits provide an endless, recirculating flow of water past each nipple.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus has an exterior housing with a water pipe disposed therein leading from a below ground source of water under pressure to an above ground outlet valve mechanism which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A longitudinally extending electric heating element disposed within the housing in immediate heat exchange relationship with one side of the water pipe continually supplies heat to the pipe to prevent freezing of the water therein. Thermal insulation surrounds the heating element and pipe. A circuitous passageway, provided within the heated portion of the pipe by means of an open-ended tubular member disposed therein, causes continuous water circulation in the pipe for preventing build-up of heat at the water outlet valve of the watering device.

Abstract: A tubular enclosure for a pipe which provides air-blanket insulation around the pipe, and an electric heater cable in the enclosure running along the underside of horizontal lengths of the pipe, cooperate in a system to prevent condensation of moisture on the pipe, loss of heat from a hot liquid in the pipe, and, with the benefit of convection in the air-blanket, heat around the pipe from the heater cable, to prevent freezing of the liquid.The tubular enclosure has thin walls of substantially uniform thickness which are corrugated in the direction of the tubular longitudinal axis to provide an array of axially spaced circumferential air cells around the pipe. The innermost diameter of the corrugated enclosure walls is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe to provide space between the enclosure and pipe for the heater cable. The corrugations render the enclosure freely flexible transversely to its longitudinal axis for following the pipe around curves.

Abstract: Elongate, deformable, composite tubing for use in maintaining or controlling the temperature of a fluid conveyed therethrough comprising one or more tubular fluid conveyance lines or one or more tubular fluid conveyance lines disposed in heat transfer relationship with one or more heating lines and having disposed in encompassing relationship thereabout an improved flexible thermal barrier. The improved thermal barrier comprises one or more flexible, flame resistant, low chlorine bearing, sheet-like layers of low bulk fibrous glass elements having a density of less than about 20 lb./cu. ft. providing improved thermal insulation characteristics in combination with improved flexibility and reduced outer diameter.

Abstract: A microbe drain barrier for insertion in the drain of a sink or the like to prevent microorganisms from reentering the sink from the drain. The barrier includes a length of thin-walled heat-resistant, electrically non-conductive tubing having a heat conductivity in the axial direction of not more than about 3 Btu/hr/ft.sup.2 /.degree. F./ft. The barrier includes electric heating means for heating the tubing to an inner surface temperature sufficient to prevent the growth of microbes thereon. Connector pipes extend axially outwardly from the tubing for mounting the tubing in a drain pipe such that drainage through the drain pipe is required to pass through the tubing. The connector pipes are secured to the tubing by annular insulating rings which isolate the tubing and electric heating means from the connector pipes.

Abstract: An endoscope is disclosed having a propulsion mechanism and at least one transmitter at the distal end transmitting bursts of energy waves (radio frequency or ultrasonic) for tracking the position of the distal end through the use of two or more transducers on the anterior or lateral surfaces of a patient. The propulsion mechanism may consist of two radially expandable bladders separated by an axially expandable bellows with only the forward bladder attached to the distal end so that by expanding and contracting them in proper sequence, propulsion of the endoscope is achieved. Alternate mechanisms comprise compliant paddles on the distal end directly on an articulated section, or compliant paddles on a rotatable sleeve on the distal end. The endoscope has a sheath which includes material having a sharp melting point slightly above body temperature so that the sheath may be made flexible at selected sections by applying current to separate heating wires in the sections of the sheath.

Abstract: A spigot for connecting the inlet of a low pressure casting mould to a pipeline connected to an electromagnetic pump for supplying the mould with liquid metal, the spigot being adapted to be clamped against the mould inlet, comprises a supply conduit surrounded by thermally insulating means within an external metal jacket, said conduit including a sleeve at that end to be connected to the mould inlet which is removable from the spigot in the event that metal solidifies in the sleeve, the sleeve being made of thermally insulating refractory material and being held in place, in use, by clamping the spigot to the mould inlet.

Abstract: A heating tube adapted to electrically heat a fluid carried therethrough includes an inner tubular layer of polytetrafluoroethylene, a second tubular layer surrounding the inner layer and being formed of a homogeneous mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene and electrically conductive carbon, and a third layer surrounding the second layer and being formed of polytetrafluoroethylene. The three layers are coextruded together. The third layer is cut away at at least two circumferential points and the exposed second layer is there provided with a sintered coating for finely divided silver and finely divided polytetrafluoroethylene. The sintered coating is then wrapped with a silicone resin tape containing dispersed silver particles and a metal ring is then fitted over the silicone resin tape thereby forming an electrical terminal for the heating tube.

Abstract: A method for improving the heat transfer between an elongated electric resistance heating element and a pipe on which the heating element is mounted without use of heat transfer cement comprises utilizing a close fitting elongated rigid channel member to directly cover and press into direct contact with the outer surface of the pipe an elongated electric resistance element arranged lengthwise of the pipe. The heating element has a flat pipe contacting surface and comprises parallel resistance wires encased in a resilient electrically insulating sheath. The channel member is coextensive in length with the heating element and is pressed down against the heating element with substantially uniform pressure and contact to ensure that at least about 25% of the heating element is in continuous contact with the surface of the pipe. The channel member and heating element are entirely devoid of heat transfer cement.

Abstract: An improvement in a heat-generating pipe made up of a ferromagnetic pipe having an insulated conductor extending through it to a given point so that both the pipe and conductor may be connected in series with a power source of alternating current. The invention is directed to both a method and nonferromagnetic means for reducing the heat output over a desired segment of the pipe by reducing the magnetic field created by the alternating current flowing in the insulated conductor and that segment of the pipe.The nonferromagnetic means comprises a portion of the insulated conductor that is exterior to the ferromagnetic pipe along the segment of reduced heat output so that it is magnetically decoupled from the pipe.

Abstract: Down spouts have at least one section that is a length of an extruded conduit having lengthwise portions extending from end-to-end thereof with a backing, substantially coextensive in length connected thereto and with a heating element between the backing and the seat defined by the lengthwise portions. Where the down spout includes one or more elbows, shorter sections of the same extrusion are used to form them with those that are disposed angularly having the heating element disposed in an underlying position and with the abutting ends of the sections mitered and sealed together.