Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible tube device, which is repeatedly reshapable by action of reshaping forces comprising bending forces and which has the capability of substantially maintaining its shape received by the reshaping as the forces are released. This device is characterized in that the device (1) comprises a flexible part comprising a flexible inner hose (3) and/or a flexible outer hose, which may surround the flexible inner hose (3) and be provided along substantially the entire flexible part and preferably inside the outer hose, outside the inner hose or between the outer hose and the inner hose, a bend stiffening member (4) which is plastically deformable at the reshaping of the tube device and which after the removal of the reshaping forces substantially retains the shape received by the plastic deformation and thereby substantially determines the shape of the tube device.

Abstract: A garden hose assembly is provided and comprises holding means comprising at least a portion of such hose assembly with the holding means and portion being adapted to be coiled around an associated support for holding the portion at a desired position to enable use of the hose assembly in a hands-free manner.

Abstract: A DIY flexible pipe with rigidity comprising a screw typed inner spring sheet, a screw typed outer spring member, a plurality of spring strips, a soft sleeve and many smaller sleeves; wherein, each layer (thread) of the inner spring sheet is provided with many engaging holes for insertion therein the spring strips having engaging teeth, the spring strips string multiple layers of the inner spring sheet, each spring strip in the layers of the inner spring sheet can also be strung up with many smaller sleeves, the inner spring sheet is slipped over with the outer spring member, and the soft sleeve is slipped over the outer spring member; thereby, a user can press to and fro on the pipe gradually as he likes to make a three-dimensional pipe having the curvatures desired, the spring strips, outer spring member and inner spring sheet in the areas bended are engaged with one another to construct a state which is provided with rigidity for bearing loading, or are mutually released to render the pipe to obtain flexib

Abstract: A device for shaping a duct made of plastics material or of deformable elastic material comprises two half-cages molded out of rigid plastics material and fastened together by resilient snap-fastening or hooking, the two half-cages when assembled together defining between them a housing that has the shape which is to be imparted to a portion of the duct. The invention is particularly suitable for mounting ducts of relatively large diameter in the engine compartments of motor vehicles.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a high volume, low pressure paint spray gun connectable to a paint source, an atomization air source and a shaping air source. The paint spray gun is provided with a spray gun body which is in fluid communication with the paint source, the atomization air source for atomizing paint and the shaping air source for shaping paint spray patterns. The spray gun is further provided with a nozzle which defines a paint atomizing zone for discharging atomized paint and a paint spray pattern shaping zone shaping atomized paint spray patterns. The spray gun is further provided with a paint hose, atomization air hose, and shaping air hose each having an inlet end which is connected to the spray gun body and a discharge end which is connected to the nozzle. The spray gun is further provided with a bendable, shape-retaining paint conduit having an inlet port which is connectable to the spray gun body and an outlet port which is connectable to the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of making a bent inflatable tube includes providing elements on the boundaries of the tube surfaces which contact one another, such as elements which are interengaging loops through which is passed a tension member, such as a cord, or alternatively using interengaging teeth of a zip fastener or male and female components to hold the tube in a bent condition.

Abstract: A garden hose assembly is provided and comprises holding means comprising at least a portion of such hose assembly with the holding means and portion being adapted to be coiled around an associated support for holding the portion at a desired position to enable use of the hose assembly in a hands-free manner.

Abstract: A flexible conduit which utilizes internal spacers and form wires to maintain dimensional integrity during contouring. Once formed into the desired configuration, the system can be made rigid by the injection of pressure into one or more internal elastomeric tubes which expand to solidify the structure. The "fixed" form can then be removed and measurements made for fabricating conforming production pipes and tubes.

Abstract: A thermoplastic tube for in-field storage or packaging of bales of agricultural products is disclosed. The tube combines high puncture resistance with an exceptional stretchability, elasticity and good slip properties. The circumference of the tube can be expanded by at least 15% without tearing when stretched in the transverse direction. The tube also shows no substantial permanent deformation 2 hours after being so stretched for a period of time not exceeding 30 minutes and released. Before feeding a bale, the tube is stretched radially to facilitate the insertion and accommodate bales larger than original diameter of the tube. When regaining the original size, the tube wraps up tightly the bales reducing the amount of air trapped in the tube. Since the tube can be enlarged to a variable extent, it may accommodate bales of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A flexible lamp tube includes an elongated foam member, a metal wire, and an accordion plastic pipe. The foam member has a central bore extending through the length of the foam member. The metal wire extends through the central bore of the foam member. The accordion plastic pipe is sleeved around the foam member.

Abstract: An apertured drainage pipe including a first section being inverted V-shaped and a second section, the second section being substantially flat, the second section having a first turn-up and a second turn-up to receive the first section. The drainage pipe is used with a drainage apparatus for a basement having a outer wall and footer unit and a floor including the outer wall and footer unit having an open area excavation at the inner margin thereof extending from the lower margin of the wall footer unit up to a level above the footer, the outer wall having vertically extending openings therein that are aligned, the drainage apparatus including an excavation in which the drainage pipe is placed and spaced from the footer, the outer wall draining water therefrom into the excavation, the drainage pipe enabling water to flow therethrough from the excavation, and gravel filler to fill in the excavation around the drainage pipe and support the floor.

Abstract: A composite catheter is formed by the combination of a catheter body and a tubular member insertable or secured inside the catheter body. The tubular member contains a series of relatively rigid segments alternating with flexible, collapsible segments which permit the rigid segments to effectively stack against one another when the tubular member is compressed axially. The shape that results when the rigid segments are forced together differs from that of the shape memory of the catheter body in certain embodiments of the invention, and changing the tubular member from a relaxed condition to the compressed condition inside the catheter body can therefore cause a change in shape of the catheter body.

Abstract: Hoses are provided which are resistant to chemical and thermal attack and which include a polymeric liner having an integral resilient member axially located along its wall. The resilient member includes a tensile strength which is significantly greater than the polymeric material of the liner, so as to minimize the incidence of plastic deformation and kinking during manufacture, installation, and use.

Abstract: A water reservoir is provided for a refrigerator. The reservoir is formed as an elongated tubular member bent into a single U-shape with the tubular member having a constant cross section along its length and a constant vertical rise along its length from an inlet to an outlet. The two legs angle upwardly at a common slope and the legs are substantially the same length so that the inlet and outlet are adjacent to one another. The reservoir thus forms a compact shape which fits into a previously unused space behind a crisper drawer within the refrigerator compartment.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic pipe having improved resistance, inter alia, to methanol-containing fuels and improved mechanical properties, comprising.(I) at least one outer layer,(II) at least one inner layer comprising a polyvinylidene fluoride molding composition, and(III) a layer, disposed between the inner layer II and the outer layer I, comprising a molding composition comprising a mixture of:(a) polyamide and(b) polyalkyl acrylate,wherein the layers (I)-(III) are adhesively bonded to one another.

Abstract: Coaxial tubing systems incorporate bending sleeves of insoluble, compression resistant material with cold flow characteristics. Bending sleeves of length coextensive with a bend are dimensioned to substantially fill the annular space between inner and outer coaxial tubes, while also providing longitudinal fluid passageways between the tubes. Such bending sleeves are effective to enable bending of coaxial tubing systems by (a) transmitting bending forces to, from and between inner and outer tubes during bending, (b) restricting tube collapse, wrinkling and deformation during bending, and (c) maintaining spacing between inner and outer tubes after bending and limiting inner tube vibration, while (d) providing fluid passageways between the tubes for leak containment, leak detection, heating, heat dissipation and other auxiliary fluid flow purposes. Conductive spacers are provided for maintaining annular tube spacing, particularly at tube ends, and for enabling electrical grounding of the inner tube.

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.

Abstract: A hose continuous in series throughout an entire length integrally formed with a water-intake port, L-shaped bending part, an intermediate part and a drain port in this order from one end of the hose to the other. The substantially general part of the intermediate part is formed with corrugations having inclined side walls of unequal length which are constructed so that shorter inclined walls can be easily brought into their contracted positions substantially parallel to the longer inclined walls and they can self hold their positions. The hose has such a length that the substantially whole length thereof can be housed in an outer casing of a washing machine in its contracted state.

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.

Abstract: A wand is used to attach to the output of a high-pressure spray gun, with the nozzle or sprayer connected to the other end of the wand. The wand has the characteristics of containing the high-pressure delivered by the spray gun at about 3000 PSI in an internal high-pressure, highly flexible line, which is captured within an external, bendable sheath which retains the shape into which it is bent, so that paint may be more conveniently sprayed in corners and out-of-the-way places.

Abstract: A heat reshapeable rigid conduit and method for forming an elbow or offset having any desired bend radius therefrom. The rigid conduit is formed of a flexible metal tubing with a layer of heat softenable plastic preferably covering the exterior surface thereof. The conduit may be heated using conventional electric heaters on the job site, then shaped into the desired bend radius to form an elbow or offset. The plastic layer provides rigidity to the elbow or offset upon cooling. The flexible metal tubing has interlocking overlapping joined edges that permit flexing of the tubing when the plastic layer is heat softened. The flexible metal tubing resists the sawing action of a pulling line during the installation of an electrical conductor in the conduit. The plastic outer layer permits quick and inexpensive coupling between adjacent conduit sections.

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.

Abstract: An articulated pipe used for an endoscope includes articular chips made of brittle material such as a ceramic, with joint pins for joining the articular chips in series. The joint pins are made of shape-memory material. With these joint pins, the brittle articular chips are easily joined together without being damaged.

Abstract: A dispensing tap of the type which is attached to a cask or a bottle is described. The tap body having an inlet and an outlet and a valve element controlling the outlet. A small bore capillary tube is attached to the inlet of the tap and a sleeve surrounds the junction between the small bore capillary tube and the tap body and pass the length of the small bore capillary tube. The valve element and body are formed with cooperating screw threads so arranged that rotation of the valve element causes movement thereof relative to the outlet to open or close the outlet. A releasable locking means is provided for preventing rotation of the valve element.

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.

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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an insulated curved metal pipe characterized by a curved body of a given length having a first section, a central section and an end section. The body has a monolithic refractory lining extending for the length of the body which is in contact with the internal surface of the first section and second section and which is spaced apart from the internal surface of the central section by a flexible insulating material, whereby the insulated curved pipe has greater flexibility (i.e., less stiffness) than otherwise possible when the cast refractory is in contact with the internal surface of the entire curved body. The curved pipe also includes a plurality of anchors attached to the internal surface of the curved body. Importantly, the anchors in the central section are sufficiently flexible to permit at least some deformation of the central section of the body relative to the refractory.

Abstract: A shape retention hose contruction 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 said 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 unit are jointly bent into a particular shape, the shape retention unit comprising a deformable tubular member having opposed ends and a continuous sidewall between the ends that defines an internal and external peripheral surface of the tubular member, the hose and tubular member being telescoped together with the surfaces of the tubular member being disposed closely adjacent the surfaces of the hose.

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.

Abstract: A tubing angle bend assembly including a length of flexible tubing is provided with a clip mounting the tubing to bend the tubing through a pre-selected angle. The clip has an arcuate body and has radially inwardly extending retaining structure flanking either end for retaining the tube in resilient fit against the spine of the clip. A central retainer finger of the clip extends radially inwardly and beneath the tubing to maintain the tubing against the spline of the clip without collapsing the tubing. An opening between the central retainer finger and the spine of the clip allows resilient passage of the tubing into and out of the clip. Thus, the tubing is retained within the clip by the retaining structure and the central retainer finger to smoothly bend the tubing through the pre-selected angle.

Abstract: Proximal end connector units, by which medico-surgical tubes may be attached to breathing circuits or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the MS tubes, comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree. without diminution of its effective lumen, such proximal end portion, distal end portion and central tubular portion all being integral and formed of the same thin, plastic material, the central tubular portion comprising a plurality of circumferential, angular segments each consisting of a pair of sides that are of unequal length, the central tubular portion being compressed lengthwise by having the shorter side in each segment folded back under its longer side.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus including a flexible, generally tubular support arm having threadably attached to one end thereof an equipment mounting member, and having threadably attached, at the other end thereof a vehicle support attachment member. A first attachment member is configured for mounting to a somewhat horizontal portion of the vehicle such as the floor, while a second attachment member is configured for side mounting. The flexible support arm is configured to provide a measure of resistance to flex sufficient to support the equipment without movement during operation of the vehicle, while sufficient to flex away from the occupants in the event of impact. The mounting member and the attachment member are relatively small in dimension and secured at extreme ends of the flexible portion of the support arm.

Abstract: S-shaped opening and closing element for controlling the flow of a fluid or body (powder, granulate) and adaptable to any form of package or fitting containing fluids, characterized in that its shape in two S-bends permits both an instantaneous stoppage of the flow of the fluids and an instantaneous flow of said fluids; this, as a function of the given position, by manual or mechanical traction on the element. The S-shape ensures very effective fluid-tightness, without supplementary elements. The opening and closing element can be employed for controlling flow from a container having a supporting device for the element. The container can have more than one compartment.

Abstract: A coffee maker contains a flexible tube connecting rigid tubes. A coil spring serves to stiffen and support the flexible conduit and to clamp the end of the same conduit to a more rigid tube. There are closely wound clamping turns at the end of the coil spring which perform the clamping function while the rest of the coil spring stiffens and supports the flexible conduit.

Abstract: A tubular conduit assembly for confining or conveying a pressurized fluid including a flexible, thin-walled inner tube coaxially disposed within a flexible armor or outer tube. The outer tube is preferably constructed from one or more helically-wound members corresponding with, and engaging, helical corrugations on the inner tube. The inner tube deforms in response to the pressure and/or temperature of the fluid in order to form an internal sealing layer or sleeve-type coating for the outer tube. A shrink fitting assembly is also disclosed, which is adapted for compressingly urging the conduit assembly into an anchored, sealing relationship with a nipple member or other connection device inserted within an open end of the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A reformable, shape retentive hose having a precured tube located in a hose sidewall, and a reformable rod inserted in the precured tube. A method for making hose by placing at least one precured tube in the sidewall of a hose during the time that the hose sidewall is formed, curing the hose assembly with the precured tube in the sidewall, and inserting a reformable rod in a portion of the precured tube.

Abstract: A tubular conduit assembly for conveying a pressurized fluid is described which includes a plastic inner tube for conveying the pressurized fluid, and a flexible metal outer tube disposed coaxially around the inner tube. The outer tube is constructed from a plurality of interlocking, generally channel-shaped members. In one form of the present invention, the outer tube is comprised of two alternately facing, U-shaped metal strips which are helically wound together and slidably engaged. A predetermined radial separation is provided between the exterior diameter of the inner tube and the interior diameter of the outer tube. This predetermined separation permits a limited amount of expansion for the inner tube while resisting a blowout at normally high pressures and temperatures. While the conduit assembly is initially flexible to facilitate routing, one or more portions of the conduit assembly may be made less flexible, semi-rigid or rigid in order to retain a desired shape of the conduit assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel integrated body of an elongated form capable of sustainedly releasing vapor of a vaporizable substance contained in the body into the atmosphere, such as an aromatic compound, pesticide, fungicide and a sex pheromone as a means for the control of a pest. The inventive sustainedly vapor-releasing integrated body is very advantageous in the high efficiency of shaping into desired configuration and setting or installation in the field in large numbers by virtue of the good shape-retainability as a result of the integrated structure composed of a capillary tubing of a polymeric material filled with the vaporizable substance and a metal wire with plastic deformability and a sufficiently large cross section and integrated side-by-side with the capillary tubing to retain the latter in the compulsorily deformed disposition. The inventive integrated bodies are suitable for mass production in a relatively simple process.

Abstract: Conventional endotracheal tubes are provided with improved proximal end connector units by which the endo tubes may be attached to breathing equipment or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the endo tubes, such units comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree.

Abstract: A cooling assembly for fuel cells having a simplified construction whereby coolant is efficiently circulated through a conduit arranged in serpentine fashion in a channel within a member of such assembly. The channel is adapted to cradle a flexible, chemically inert, conformable conduit capable of manipulation into a variety of cooling patterns without crimping or otherwise restricting of coolant flow. The conduit, when assembled with the member, conforms into intimate contact with the member for good thermal conductivity. The conduit is non-corrodible and can be constructed as a single, manifold-free, continuous coolant passage means having only one inlet and one outlet. The conduit has an internal coil means which enables it to be bent in small radii without crimping.

Abstract: A disposable medical instrument and light pipe illumination assembly fabricated of synthetic plastic material. When put to use, the instrument, such as a surgical retractor, assumes a position at which its operative section lies adjacent the field of medical interest, such as a body cavity or surgical site. Joined to the instrument is a short flexible light pipe whose optical inlet end is coupled to a light source and whose optical outlet end is next to the operative section to project light into the field. The outlet end of the light pipe is sheathed in a bendable tubular neck having dead-soft characteristics whereby by bending the neck, the user is able to orient the outlet to direct the projected light toward a desired region in the field of interest.

Abstract: A preformed radiator hose and a method of manufacturing such a hose are disclosed herein. A long length of an uncured hose is first fabricated by alternately wrapping layers of an uncured elastomer and fiber reinforcements around a straight mandrel. The uncured hose is then removed from the straight mandrel and cut into shorter segments. Each of these segments is then placed on a contoured mandrel having a shape corresponding to the intended configuration of the final hose and cured by heating. Although the fully cured hose does have a permanent shape, because of the unique arrangement of the reinforcements, etc., it has sufficient deformability to be easily slipped off the mandrel.

Abstract: A folding, bellows type, hose of synthetic resin includes a coil to from the chevrons thereof. The modulus of elasticity in bending of the synthetic resin hose wall is in the range of from 2.500 to 14.00 Kg/cm. The oblique portions of the hose wall is attached to the coil on one side thereof near a valley, and on the other side thereof near the crest of the chevron, throughout the whole length of hose.

Abstract: A formable hose with a reformable wire embedded solely in a thicker portion of the hose cover, the reformable wire oriented longitudinally of the hose.

Abstract: A bent honeycomb pipe includes an outer pipe section bent at a predetermined curvature, a bent central pipe section coaxial with the outer pipe section and a bent honeycomb-shaped section interposed between the outer and central pipe-sections, all three sections being simultaneously coextruded to form a single-piece construction.

Abstract: A collapse resistant hose is described which may be selectively deformed to a desired shape. It includes the usual elongated polymeric body, including an internal passageway in which is positioned a spring insert reinforcement. An axially extending rod means is positioned adjacent the spring to which it is intimately attached, permitting the hose to be deformed to a desired shape-retaining configuration by bending the rod beyond its yield point.

Abstract: A liquid herbicide applicator mechanism mountable on a farming vehicle for wipingly applying the herbicide on undesired vegetation growing in a cultivated field. The applicator mechanism includes a tool bar for carrying a plurality of herbicide dispenser assemblies so that they alternately align with the rows of crop plants and the spaces therebetween as the vehicle moves through the cultivated field. Each of the herbicide dispenser assemblies receives the herbicide from a reservoir tank under the influence of gravity and has a herbicide wiper head which absorbs the herbicide for wiping application on the undesired vegetation. Each of the herbicide wiper heads is substantially rigid but deformably configurable so that it may be shaped into substantial conformity with the contour of the crop plant rows and the spaces in the cultivated field and each wiper head is provided with special absorbent wiper elements.

Abstract: A contour formable hose with a reformable insert disposed in the hose duct, the insert with at least two spaced ring means that engage an internal annular portion of the hose interior wall so that a ring means is located near each end portion of the hose. A rod bias means is interpositioned between and attached to the ring means and the rod bias means is capable of being yielded to a new bias shape.

Abstract: A flexible hose assembly (10) transmits fluid between relatively movable components, such as a drive motor (16) secured to the main frame (14) of a vehicle (12) and pressurized fluid supply ports (13) resiliently supported on the main frame (14), in a constricted region where typical hose motions could result in chafing or cutting from contacts with adjacent structure. A flexed portion (39) of the hose (38) extends within a curved tubular rigid sleeve (47) which is fixed relative to one (16) of the fluid transmitting components (16, 13) and free of rigid attachment to the other (13). The diameter of the inside passage (51) of the sleeve (47) is greater than that of the hose (38) enabling limited necessary flexing while preventing more sizable and potentially damaging hose (38) movements. The curved hose portion (39) may have a radius of curvature smaller than the normal minimum bending radius as the sleeve (47) restrains kinking by preventing concentration of bending forces at one point on the hose (38).