Combined Fluid Conduit And Electrical Conductor Patents (Class 174/47)
  • Patent number: 5920032
    Abstract: Conductors are placed in insulator which acts as a spacer/centralizer for the conductors, which are in turn mounted within tubing. The void spaces between the insulator and the tubing inside wall can be filled with a sealing material. Alternatively, the voids around the substantially centralized conductors can be used as flow channels for the transmission of fluid pressure to a remote location, such as downhole. The conductors are protected because they are kept away from the tubing wall and can be further protected by the addition of the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William Edward Aeschbacher, David G. Korte, Larry V. Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 5902958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement in a cable, especially a hydro electric control cable, which has a plurality of hydraulic tubes and electrical cables. In order to arrive at such an arrangement which allows for a required volume of service fluid while retaining an optimum minimum bending radius, the present invention suggests that the cable is designed as an umbilical (1, 101) with three centrally arranged tubes (2) in helical configuration which are surrounded by a ring of electrical cables and hydraulic tubes to allow for lower minimum bend radius (MBR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Norsk Subsea Cable As
    Inventor: Maurice M. Haxton
  • Patent number: 5611680
    Abstract: A spool assembly which provides for field adjustment of the column length in a pumping system such as that used in gasoline dispensing. The spool assembly is installed between a submersible electric pump and a discharge head. The spool assembly includes a head spool, a base spool and a column pipe which connects the head and base spools. The spools have electrical connectors which automatically make electrical connection to supply power to the submersible pump motor. A liquid flow path is provided through the spool assembly and is isolated from the electrical circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Marley Company
    Inventors: Dorsey D. Small, Diane E. Aitken
  • Patent number: 5600752
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Industrial Design Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Lopatinsky
  • Patent number: 5555915
    Abstract: A cleaner hose includes a hose body, connection cylinders to be connected to a cleaner operating pipe and a cleaner body, respectively, which are connected to ends of the hose body, respectively, and a reinforcement wire material wound in the hose body spirally and continuously over the whole length of hose body. The reinforcement wire material is shaped like a steeply slanted spiral in a predetermined length portion near one of or both of the ends of the hose body so that adjacent spiral portions of the reinforcement wire material are close to each other while a hose wall of the hose body is loosened toward the inner circumferential surface. On the other hand, the reinforcement wire material is shaped like a gently slanted spiral in an intermediate portion except the one of or both of the ends of the hose body so that adjacent spiral portions of the reinforcement wire material are separated from each other in the direction of a pipe axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Shiro Kanao
  • Patent number: 5554425
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of preparing a fluoropolymer composite tube comprising the steps of activating a formed fluoropolymer substrate by subjecting the substrate to a charged gaseous atmosphere formed by electrically ionizing a gas which contacts the substrate and thereafter applying a layer of a thermoplastic polymer to the activated fluoropolymer substrate. The ionizing step can be described as a corona discharge or an electrically formed plasma. In particular, described is a fuel pipe comprised of an inner fluorocarbon layer having electrostatic discharge resistance and hydrocarbon evaporative emission resistance and on top of and integral with, the fluorocarbon layer an outer layer of a thermoplastic polymer. Fluoropolymer layers have excellent chemical resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Pilot Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward K. Krause, Kenneth J. Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 5555189
    Abstract: A communication system is provided in electric devices such as refrigerators. Refrigerators include a plurality of output units such as electric fans, electric dampers, and output units such as sensors, thermistors, etc. The communication system is provided in the vicinity of the input and output units. The communication system includes a plurality of sub-control sections for controlling operations of the output units, a main control section for controlling the electric device by controlling operations of each sub-control section, a single communication-use cable for connecting the main control section and the sub-control sections so as to permit communications between them. The communication system permits a reduction in the number of cables required for connecting the main control section to the input and output units and simplified processes for routing the cables. As a result, compact size electric devices and reduction in manufacturing costs are enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisao Yamazato, Naoki Tani, Naohiko Aoki, Jyunzou Kasihara, Yasunari Uramoto
  • Patent number: 5506818
    Abstract: This invention is a seismic source system for marine surveying using a small diameter hose bundle containing an electrical cable disposed within an air hose which is reinforced with torque-balanced layers of armor components and protective jacket and connected to a termination assembly at one end for connection to an electrical power supply, pressurized air supply and control system and connected to another termination assembly at the other end for connection to an air gun subarray comprising multiple air guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: I/O Exploration Products (U.S.A.), Inc.
    Inventor: Otis A. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5473114
    Abstract: A quadrilateral transparent tube section that is used with a heavy payload captive carrier in a pneumatic transport system. The tube section is constructed of four transparent panels connected at their longitudinal edges with four corner structures which contain longitudinal cavities that may be used as wiring conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Mosler, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 5469892
    Abstract: A multi-layer tube suitable for use on motor vehicles composed of a cylindrical wall having an outer surface, and an inner surface essentially parallel to the outer surface. The cylindrical wall has a first region having an essentially uniform cross-sectional diameter and a second region which has a cross-sectional diameter differing from the essentially uniform cross-sectional diameter of the first region. The second region has at least one convolution or corrugation contiguously adjacent to the cylindrical wall of the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Noone, Frank L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5459901
    Abstract: The water extraction machine according to the invention provides a quick connect system for mounting one end of a solution tube and vacuum hose to the water extraction machine housing and a simple and efficient means for conveying solution from the housing to a cleaning tool. One end of the vacuum hose and solution tube are received in a cuff member which is adapted to be received in the machine housing by a simple press fit interconnection. The cuff member provides a single connection for both the vacuum hose and the solution hose to the machine housing. The other end of the vacuum hose and solution tube are received in a clam shell grip tube handle which is in turn mounted to an extruded dual chamber wand. A first longitudinal chamber in the wand conveys vacuum through the wand and the second longitudinal channel conveys cleaning solution from the grip tube to the cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Bissell Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Blase, Giovanni Pino, Kevin M. Kennedy, Brenda K. Langeland
  • Patent number: 5448827
    Abstract: This invention relates to an inlet valve assembly for central vacuum systems and the method of installing the same. In particular, this invention relates to an inlet valve assembly including an inlet face plate, a mounting plate, having a deformable mounting flange, and an electrical receptacle integrally formed with a high voltage wire. In some uses, the inlet valve assembly also can include a low voltage wire which can be used to complete a low voltage circuit to initiate a central vacuum motor. The mounting plate can accommodate the electrical receptacle in a temporary position and the inlet face plate can rear mount the receptacle into a locked position where the receptacle is securely attached to the inlet face plate. In this manner, the receptacle may be mounted to the inlet face plate even though one end of the high voltage wire is already wired into an electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Canplas Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: John F. Ward
  • Patent number: 5442518
    Abstract: A wiring system for a vehicle instrument panel, which includes a plurality of electronic subassembly components electrically connected to at least one wire, is encapsulated in a reconfigured ventilation duct structure located to the rear of the instrument panel. The ventilation duct structure, which extends between the subassembly components, is reconfigured to have at least one trough formed in it. The at least one trough has a finite length in at least one axial direction with an open side extending substantially along the length, so that the at least one wire may be received within the trough. The at least one wire is connected to at least one of the subassembly components. Wire restraints restrain the wire within the at least one trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: William M. Beam
  • Patent number: 5442810
    Abstract: An electrical signal transmission path is provided along the air brake hose line to provide a dedicated connecting path between communication units on a tractor and trailer. A conductive line extends along the length of the air brake hose and is connected at one end to the communication unit on a tractor via a conductive linkage. The opposite end of the line is connected to a trailer communication unit via a conductive connection from the trailer end of a two part releasable air hose coupling which is isolated from the trailer and electrically connected to the trailer end of the conductive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Philip C. Jenquin
  • Patent number: 5431191
    Abstract: An all plastic (preferably fluorocarbon) automotive hose has great strength relative to the light weight thereof. The hose is made of an inner layer which has a preferably circumferential grooves on an outer wall and an electrically conductive surface on an inner wall. An outer jacket is extruded over the outer wall with the jacket material filling all grooves to provide a mechanical interlocking between the inner layer and the jacket. The cross section of the grooves is selected on a basis of the amount of mechanical movement desired between the inner layer and jacket. Some grooves provide uniform flexibility, some provide progressively greater resistance to bending, and some provide a differential resistance to bending--more resistance in one direction than in another direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Titeflex Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Neuhauser, Douglas Colby
  • Patent number: 5430603
    Abstract: An externally non-conductive hose assembly is provided which is made up of a hollow cylindrical member novelly connected to coupling means, where the connection prevents the dissipation of electrical charges therethrough and has sufficient strength to withstand severe torsional stresses and provides a seal to substantially preclude the undesired and gradual escape of fluids over the lifetime of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Titeflex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark F. Albino, Ralph T. Blanchard, John C. Dalton
  • Patent number: 5428706
    Abstract: A tubular conduit for the transport of fluids under pressure includes a flexible outer tubular sheath, a group of stiffening reinforcements, a flexible inner tubular sheath or tube, and if applicable at least one intermediate flexible tubular sheath, and a heater in the form of electrically conductive wires, connected to an electric power source and releasing heat by Joule effect, said wires being arranged on the length of the conduit. Also a plurality of electrically conductive wires are arranged in at least one layer in which the wires are parallel to one another and spirally wound around the axis of the conduit, the layers of conductive wires being placed between two flexible tubular sheaths of the conduit, the conductive wires being noncontiguous to one another and each resting by surface contact on the underlying tubular sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Lequeux
  • Patent number: 5416270
    Abstract: A cleaner hose with a built-in current conduction wire includes a reinforcing wire rod for holding strength and a conductive wire for current conduction, which are spirally wound in the inside of a hose body, and further includes a coated wire constituted by the reinforcing wire rod and the conductive wire built in the hose. The reinforcing wire rod and the conductive wire are separated at an interval and are integrally coated with a synthetic resin raw material at an interval. A coating portion of the reinforcing wire rod and a coating portion of the conductive wire are connected to each other through a thin connection portion which can be torn off, and only the coating portion of the reinforcing wire rod is connected through an adhesive to an inner surface of the hose body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Shiro Kanao
  • Patent number: 5384431
    Abstract: The present invention is a joint assembly for allowing relative rotational movement of a camera relative to a stationary base structure. The assembly has a first flexible member which allows the camera to pan the surrounding are and a second flexible member which allows the camera to tilt. Each flexible member has a first surface facing a first direction and second surface facing a second opposite direction. One end each flexible member is folded over onto itself so that a portion of the second surface faces the first direction. The flexible members are constructed in an essentially radial shape to define a radial path. When an end of a flexible member moves along the arcuate path the member rolls over itself. That is, the portion of the flexible member that is rolled over, has its second surface facing the first direction instead of the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Schaeffer Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Tusques
  • Patent number: 5381834
    Abstract: A hose assembly (10) is of the type for carrying high pressure fluids therethrough. The hose assembly (10) includes a tubular member (11) and a pair of coupling members (20). The tubular member (11) includes an inner liner (12) of a fluorocarbon polymer. Yarns (15) fabricated from fibers (17), including glass fibers and aramid fibers (19), are braided together about the exterior of the inner liner (12) to form a braided layer (13). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluorocarbon coating (14) dispersed throughout the braided layer (13) to prevent kinking or permanent deformation in the inner liner (12), in addition to preventing the crushing of the yarns (15) when the ends are crimped to receive the coupling members (20). A conductive strip (16) is formed on the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges which may accumulate in the inner liner (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael G. King
  • Patent number: 5381097
    Abstract: A liquid leakage detector line is provided with a coating layer having at least liquid-absorbent properties and disposed at the outer periphery of a core which contains a pair of wiry electrodes disposed nearly parallel with each other, wherein the wiry electrodes comprise conductors which are extrusion coated with a polyester elastomer as an insulator. The liquid leakage detector line has excellent mechanical strength, rubber elasticity, resistance to fatigue from flexing and crack propagation resistance, and is free from the occurrence of pinholes, crazings, etc. inside the insulator during production and laying due to external forces applied to the wiry electrodes, such as pressure, tensile force, bending, and the like. As a result, erroneous actuation due to rainfall, etc. does not occur, and the time required to detect the sulfuric acid or other liquid to be detected has little dependence on the temperature, and short detection times for leaking liquid are possible even at low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Tatsuta Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taizo Takatori, Akihiro Ishihara, Tadaaki Masui, Yoshinori Kawakami, Takahisa Okumura, Masuo Ishizaka
  • Patent number: 5362921
    Abstract: A flexible subsea line includes a number of longitudinal elements including fluid/gas conducting tubes enclosed within a common outer cover. A number of the tubes are made of steel and each of these steel tubes is in longitudinal electrical contact with at least two sacrificial anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Alcatel STK A/S
    Inventors: Ove S. Birkelund, Inge J. Vintermyr
  • Patent number: 5356306
    Abstract: This invention relates to a metal conductor element for improving electrical conductivity between spaced metal faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bryan Ackerman, Brian Prokuda
  • Patent number: 5348099
    Abstract: An indoor fire hydrant apparatus includes a fire hose having electrical conductors extending along its length and connected to a switch mounted near the nozzle end of the hose. Closure of the switch causes energization of a solenoid-actuated valve which is connected between a source of water under pressure and the hose. Closure of the switch also causes energization of a pump to build up the water pressure. A single person may pull the hose from a rack, extend it toward a fire, and actuate the switch thereby causing water under pressure to be dispersed through the nozzle. The electrical conductors may be embedded in a wall of the fire hose or mounted on an exterior surface of the hose. The hose may be of the folding type or the type which maintains its generally circular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Yokoi Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin Yokoi
  • Patent number: 5336220
    Abstract: Various embodiments of flexible plastic tubing are disclosed for connection to an endoscopic instrument having suction, irrigation and electrocautery capabilities, with the electrocautery capability requiring connection to an electrical wire. Generally, the tubing is an integral, extruded flexible plastic tube having a first suction portion with a first interior cylindrical passageway, a second irrigation portion with a second interior cylindrical passageway, and a third portion with a third passageway for the electrical wire. The third portion joins the other portions. The third portion has a substantially cylindrical interior passageway with first and second flexible lips defining a peripheral opening which is narrower than the electrical wire such that the electrical wire is inserted past the lips and held in the passageway and is removable from the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Symbiosis Corporation
    Inventors: Dana W. Ryan, Charles R. Slater, Matthew S. Solar, David Turkel
  • Patent number: 5334801
    Abstract: A pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe members (2), mechanical connections at the end regions of the pipe members whereby the pipe members can be connected together into end-to-end relationship to provide at least one fluid flow path along them, and electrical conductors (10; 110) carried by the pipe members, the electrical conductors having contact areas (19) exposed at the end regions of the pipe members so that electrical connection between the conductors of adjacent pipe members can be effected by bridging members (25) spanning the end regions of the pipe members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Framo Developments (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Frank Mohn
  • Patent number: 5300760
    Abstract: An electrical device, particularly a self-regulating strip heater, has improved thermal efficiency, good mechanical properties, and acceptable resistance to water penetration when an outer insulating layer is applied in a way that it penetrates the interstices of a braid surrounding the heater. Appropriate penetration may be achieved by pressure-extruding the outer jacket over the braid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Neville S. Batliwalla, Amitkumar N. Dharia, Randall M. Feldman, Ashok K. Mehan
  • Patent number: 5284184
    Abstract: A multi-layer tube suitable for use on motor vehicles composed of a cylindrical wall having an outer surface, and an inner surface essentially parallel to the outer surface. The cylindrical wall has a first region having an essentially uniform cross-sectional diameter and a second region which has a cross-sectional diameter differing from the essentially uniform cross-sectional diameter of the first region. The second region has at least one convolution contiguously adjacent to the cylindrical wall of the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Noone, Frank L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5285008
    Abstract: A composite tubular member having an outer cylindrical member containing fibers oriented to resist internal pressure while providing low bending stiffness, an inner smaller centrally located core member located near the neutral axis of the composite tubular member and containing fibers oriented to provide high axial stiffness, high tensile strength and low bending stiffness. One or more web members contain fibers oriented to resist shear stress, and connect the outer cylindrical member and the inner core member to form at least two separate cells within the composite tubular member. The web member forms a major and minor moment of inertia within the tubular member to create a preferred bending direction. Conductors are formed integral to the connecting web member for transmitting energy signals through the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Sas-Jaworsky, Jerry G. Williams
  • Patent number: 5269377
    Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly supported on a continuous length of coil tubing. An electrical cable extends through the coil tubing from the pump assembly to the surface for supplying electrical power to the pump assembly. The cable is of lesser diameter than the inner diameter of the tubing, resulting in an annulus. Standoff members locate in the annulus to centralize the cable. Standoff members frictionally engage the inner diameter of the tubing and the outer diameter of the cable to transfer weight of the cable to the coil tubing. Flow passages extend through the annulus surrounding the cable to enable lubricant and coolant fluid to be pumped from the surface to the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Fred S. Martin
  • Patent number: 5267670
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system and method of making the same are provided, the system comprising a storage tank for the fuel and being disposed in the ground, a dispensing pump disposed above the ground, a first flexible hose construction having an inner surface and being disposed in the ground for conveying fuel from the tank to the pump, and a second flexible hose construction having opposed ends one of which is interconnected to the pump, the second hose construction being disposed above the ground for dispensing fuel from the pump into a fuel container of a transportation vehicle or the like through a nozzle interconnected to the other of the ends thereof, the second hose construction having electrical conductor structure extending therealong for dissipating static electricity from the nozzle to the pump, the first hose construction having leak detection structure for detecting leakage of the fuel therein through the inner surface therof and for providing an electrical conductor structure therealong for dissipa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 5256844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transportation pipe or conduit (10, 20, 30) which preferably is adapted to be installed on the seabed between a permanent or floating off-shore platform (3) and an on-shore terminal (4). The transportation conduit comprises an inner tube or pipe (21, 31) which primarily is constructed for the transmission of gas and/or oil or similar, a plurality of elements (23, 33) provided preferably as a layer outside the pipe (21, 31) and being adapted for transmission of preferably electric power. The elements (23, 33) which preferably might be made of copper or another material of appropriate electric conductivity, is insulated against the outer environment, for example by means of an appropriate thermal insulation material (24, 34). The inner tube (21, 31) might be manufactured from steel or a flexible material of considerable strength, and be surrounded by a corrosion preventing layer (22, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignees: Aker Engineering A/S, Standard Telefon og Kabelfabrik A/S
    Inventors: Magne Grosvik, Kjell Ronningen
  • Patent number: 5243128
    Abstract: A mobile sewer cleaning apparatus having a rotating drum and a flexible hose wound thereon. Preferably mounted on the sewer cleaning apparatus is a device for measuring the length of hose paid out from the drum. The measuring device may be used, among other things, for measuring the speed of the hose as it is wound or unwound from the drum, and for controlling a safety device intended to stop the flow of water through the hose as the hose is being wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Caoutchouc Manufacture ET Plastioues S.A.
    Inventor: Rene Marcoz
  • Patent number: 5228478
    Abstract: An early warning system for a material transfer system having an elongated area to be monitored for internal wear caused by erosive flow action of a transfer material. A material transfer conduit has an inner surface forming a flow passageway for the transfer material and an outer wall surface with a wear detection indicator normally visible in situ at an elongate section of the outer wall and being subject to obliteration upon wear-through of an underlying portion. A translucent or transparent outer containment layer surrounds the outer wall surface of the transfer conduit The wear indicator is colored to contrast with the transfer material and indicates wear by an eroded area which can be visually observed through the outer translucent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: James R. Kleisle
  • Patent number: 5225632
    Abstract: A space utility conduit for use in space structures such as space stations. The space utility conduit includes a plurality of substantially identical interconnectable conduit segments or modules. Each module contains a plurality of utility lines for transporting a fluid or electricity or the like throughout the space structure. The modules have a lazy S-shape that enables them to be easily installed and removed from the space structure. The S-shaped module is rotatably connected to the space structure prior to it being connected to adjacently located modules. A module is also provided that allows access to the utility lines through a connector or port that is connectable to a connector located exterior to the space structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Fairchild Space and Defense Corporation
    Inventors: Barney F. Gorin, Michael J. McLay
  • Patent number: 5222770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for a hydraulic pressure hose, said connector comprising a body (7) which includes a first sleeve member (8), to be fitted inside the end of a hydraulic pressure hose, as well as a connecting member (11). The connecting member (11) preferably includes a gripping means (12) for a tool and a fastening means (13), such as a threaded portion for coupling the connector with a hydraulic system. In addition, the connecting member (11) includes a second sleeve member (9) mounted outside the end of a house in line with said first sleeve member (8), said sleeve members (8,9) being adapted, upon mounting the connector on a hydraulic pressure hose, to squeeze towards each other and to clamp the end of hydraulic pressure hose therebetween. At least a part of at least one of the sleeve members (8,9) is electrically insulated from body (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Rauma-Repola Oy
    Inventor: Kauko Helevirta
  • Patent number: 5216778
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner having a body, suction generating means and a dust collection space in said body, and a rotatable hose inlet for receiving a suction hose and connecting the hose to the dust collection space. The suction hose has at one end a coupling engageable with said hose inlet. An electrical power supply cord socket is arranged to receive a plug of a power supply cord for a powered accessory of the vacuum cleaner. To avoid twisting of the cord around the hose, the cord socket is located on the hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naruhiko Suzuki, Akira Iwao, Yoshitaro Ishii, Masao Sunagawa, Yasuyuki Hiruta
  • Patent number: 5210378
    Abstract: A joint assembly for allowing relative rotational movement of two structures. The joint assembly has a flexible member with a first surface facing a first direction and second surface facing a second opposite direction. The flexible member is typically a flexible circuit board or an electrical wire cable, that extends from a first structure to a second structure. The structures are interconnected so that they can rotate relative to each other. The flexible member is constructed in an essentially radial shape that defines an arcuate path. One end of the flexible member is attached to the first structure and the other opposite end is connected to the second structure. When the second structure rotates relative to the first structure, the end of the flexible member attached to the second structure moves along the arcuate path. As the flexible member moves along the arcuate path the member rolls over itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Schaeffer Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Tusques
  • Patent number: 5191173
    Abstract: An electrical cable assembly (10) comprising a cable core (12) and filler layer (16) encased in longitudinally welded reeled tubing (23) so as to restrict relative axial and longitudinal motion between the cable core (12) and reeled tubing (23). Small-diameter tubing (24) is optionally provided as part of the cable core (12) to facilitate the delivery of fluids such as lubricants and corrosion inhibitors to downhole equipment. A method is disclosed for deploying electrical cables in deep wells through use of the subject apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip S. Sizer, Malcolm N. Council, Willard J. Deese, E. G. Hoffman, Robert F. Bailey, David H. Neuroth
  • Patent number: 5172765
    Abstract: An electrical cable in which composite rods and electrical conductors disposed between a flexible, elongated, membrane which can be pressurized and a flexible outer protective sheath surrounding but separate from the membrane, provide a pressure stiffened cable assembly that can be run into deviated boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Sas-Jaworsky, Jerry G. Williams
  • Patent number: 5170011
    Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) comprising a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation, and is characterized by including an outer liner (14) comprising an expanded polyamide material disposed about the inner liner (12). The assembly (10) further includes a conductive strip (30) formed along the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges accumulating along the inner liner (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Norman S. Martucci
  • Patent number: 5166475
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pipe flange connection suitable for use with, e.g., polymerically lined metal pipes, wherein one or more metallic conductors is inserted between the opposing spaced faces of adjacent metal pipe flanges to promote electrical conductivity therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bryan Ackerman, Brian Prokuda
  • Patent number: 5146982
    Abstract: A coil tubing electrical power cable system for use with a submersible pump in oil well and/or water well pumping applications. The cable includes a plurality of insulated electrical conductors enclosed in a low tensile strength corrosion-resistant metal tubing. The twist factor or lay length of the conductors is approximately eight to fourteen times the diameter of the insulated conductors in order to overcome the tensile loads and elevated temperatures which cause z-kinking. In addition, the electrical cable may include one or more hydraulic tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Walter R. Dinkins
  • Patent number: 5143122
    Abstract: A flexible conduit having a flexible inner tube of a polymer material, a flexible coil of wire received over said inner tube, a flexible outer jacket shrunk onto the coil, and couplings inserted into the ends of both the outer jacket and inner tube. Preferably, the outer jacket is attached to both the coil and the couplings by an adhesive. Preferably, the conduit is made by extruding the inner tube, wrapping the coil of wire around the tube as it is being extruded, telescoping the outer jacket over the coil and tube, inserting the couplings, and heating the outer jacket to shrink it into firm engagement with the coil and to initiate curing of the adhesive on the interior of the outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventor: Delbert L. Adkins
  • Patent number: 5125847
    Abstract: A device electrically connects fluid-carrying pipelines, particularly subsea pipelines carrying viscous fluids and/or containing organic residues, allowing for the application of electricity through same, with the purpose of heating those pipelines, so as to prevent or eliminate deposits of organic residues onto the internal walls of the pipelines. The device permits also the utilization of electricity in combination with the simutaneous injection of special fluids. Basically, it includes an electrically conducting pipe (5) which is introduced in a terminal pipe (1) carrying viscous fluid, which is put in contact with the internal steel layer (3) of the terminal pipe (1) by means of electrically conducting fastening element (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Alberto D. Goncalves
  • Patent number: 5124878
    Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly of the type adapted for carrying fuels and other corrosive fluids. The assembly (10) includes a tubular member (11) and a pair of coupling members (20). The tubular member (11) includes an inner liner (12) of a fluorocarbon polymer. A glass fiber is braided about the exterior of the inner liner (12) to form a braided layer (13). The assembly (10) further includes an outer fluorocarbon coating (14) dispersed throughout the braided layer (13) for preventing kinking or permanent deformation of the inner liner (12). A conductive strip (16) is formed on the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges accumulated in the inner liner (12). A method of making the assembly (10) comprises the steps of extruding the inner liner (12). A nonmetallic material (13) is then braided about the exterior of the liner (12). The inner liner (12) and braided layer (13) are then passed through a reservoir containing a solution of the fluorocarbon polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Norman S. Martucci
  • Patent number: 5122209
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a continuous metal tube having a plurality of electrical conductors disposed therein, by using a spring member to depress the electrical conductors while a flat metal strip is formed into a tubular member and welded to enclose the electrical conductors. The spring member functions to protect the electrical conductors from heat damage. The welding occurs completely downstream of the spring member in order to avoid excessive heat buildup in the spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Boyd B. Moore, Moye Wicks, III
  • Patent number: 5115862
    Abstract: An assembly for securing a pump ground wire to the interior of a well casing comprises a support member adapted for placement into the well casing at its upper end. The support member is suspended within the well casing by a pair of suspension members having lateral tabs for resting on top of the well casing. A ground connection system is provided for establishing a ground connection between the pump ground wire and the well casing without connection to the exterior of the casing and without forming an opening in the well casing. Various embodiments are illustrated for establishing the ground connection between the ground wire and the well casing, utilizing the support member for achieving the ground connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Phillip J. Hastings
  • Patent number: 5109568
    Abstract: A handle assembly for securing a vacuum hose to an intake nozzle of a vacuum cleaner system. A handle housing having first and second mating handle housing sections and a plurality of oppositely facing ridges and oppositely facing grooved portions protruding from inner surfaces of the housing sections is adapted to house a ribbed end portion of a vacuum hose and an elbow section having a shoulder portion protruding therefrom. The ridges and grooved portions are adapted to abuttingly engage the ribbed end portion of the vacuum hose and the shoulder portion of the elbow section respectively when the first and second handle housing sections are matingly engaged, to thereby prevent clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the vacuum hose as the handle assembly is articulated into various positions during use. The vacuum hose further includes a relatively smooth inner surface which is operable to slide over a portion of the elbow section housed within the handle assembly housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Rexair, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean R. Rohn, Steven R. Selewski, Stephen J. Wood, Craig R. Cummins
  • Patent number: RE35527
    Abstract: A lightweight hose assembly (10) of the type adapted for conveying fuels and other corrosive fluids. The assembly (10) includes a tubular inner liner (12) comprising a polymeric fluorocarbon material resistant to chemical and heat degradation, and is characterized by including an outer liner (14) comprising an expanded polyamide material disposed about the inner liner (12). The assembly (10) further includes a conductive strip (30) formed along the inner liner (12) for dissipating electrical charges accumulating along the inner liner (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Norman S. Martucci