For Plural Component Line (e.g., Flexible Type) Patents (Class 285/222.1)
  • Patent number: 11549634
    Abstract: A flexible pipe connector for effecting control and forced circulation of corrosion-inhibiting fluids through an annulus between inner and outer sheaths of a flexible pipe having multiple connected segments includes an attachment mechanism for connecting to an end of a segment of flexible pipe and at least two distributing rings for distributing corrosion-inhibiting fluid. The rings are configured to be positioned in the annulus of the flexible pipe, wherein at least one distributing ring has fluidic access to the annulus of the flexible pipe. This distributing ring is configured to be connected fluidically to at least one distributing ring, in an adjacent connector, that does not have fluidic access to the annulus, A distributing ring that does not have fluidic access to the annulus of the flexible pipe is configured to be connected fluidically to at least one distributing ring, in an adjacent connector, that comprises fluidic access to the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Marcos Carpigiani De Almeida, George Carneiro Campello, Jonatas Ribeiro, Rafael Guimarães De Mello Sobreira, Walter Carrara Loureiro Junior, Marcelo Torres Piza Paes
  • Patent number: 11339913
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a support for household appliance and a household appliance. The support for household appliance comprises a fixed part and a moving part, a hollow chamber is formed between the fixed part and the moving part and the hollow chamber is provided with a hydraulic medium. At least two household-appliance-used supports communicate with one another through high-pressure pipes; and the hydraulic medium circulates among the household-appliance-used supports under action of pressure to drive the moving part to extend and retract to achieve automatic leveling. Liquid outlet nozzles communicating with the hollow chamber are arranged on the fixed part, the high-pressure pipes are in sealed connection with the liquid outlet nozzles through snap-in connecting members, and the snap-in connecting members have reinforcing aprons which are fit with the fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignees: QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD., QINGDAO HAIER SMART TECHNOLOGY R&D CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Zhao, Sheng Xu
  • Patent number: 11242948
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing a pipeline system including a pipe segment and a potted pipe fitting. The pipe segment includes tubing having an internal pressure sheath layer, a reinforcement strip, and an outer sheath layer. The potted pipe fitting includes an outer fitting body disposed around a portion of the reinforcement strip, an inner fitting body disposed between the portion of the reinforcement strip and the internal pressure sheath layer, in which the inner fitting body directly abuts the internal pressure sheath layer at least up to a point where the reinforcement strip begins to flare away from the internal pressure sheath layer and a potting cavity of the potted pipe fitting is defined at least between an inner surface of the outer fitting body and an outer surface of the inner fitting body, and cured potting material implemented around the portion of the reinforcement strip in the potting cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Alok Dhagat, Nader Matari, Christopher Grover Scoggins
  • Patent number: 11193615
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing a pipeline system that includes a segment and a pipe fitting. The pipe segment includes an inner barrier layer, a first intermediate layer in an inner tubing annulus, an intermediate barrier layer disposed around the inner tubing annulus, a second intermediate layer in an outer tubing annulus, and an outer barrier layer disposed around the outer tubing annulus. The pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a fitting bore, a fitting jacket secured to the fitting body to define a tubing cavity, in which the fitting jacket is conformally deformed around the outer barrier layer of the pipe segment, and an annulus divider ring secured to the fitting jacket to divide the tubing cavity into an outer fitting annulus and an inner fitting annulus, in which the annulus divider ring is conformally deformed around the intermediate barrier layer of the pipe segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kirk Spencer Francis
  • Patent number: 10851925
    Abstract: A set of fittings for a fuel tank including an elongated stem and a ferrule. The stem includes an elongated coupling body at one end configured to couple within a cavity defined by an end of a fuel tank liner. The ferrule includes a ferrule body having a first ferrule end and a second ferrule end; a lip defining a coupling orifice at the first ferrule end with the stem being operable to extend though the coupling orifice and engaging the lip, and a ferrule cavity defined by the ferrule body that extends between the first and second ferrule ends and opening to the coupling orifice at the first ferrule end and a ferrule opening at the second ferrule end, the ferrule cavity configured to surround the end of the fuel tank liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: OTHER LAB, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Stein Wexler, Kevin Kai Morris, Jamie Marie-LoBue Shilling
  • Patent number: 10774854
    Abstract: A tube-fixing tool is improved in assembling property between the tube-fixing tool and the elastic tube, and in production yield of the actuator. A tube-fixing tool is attached to an end of an elastic tube provided with: a soft tube and a cover tube, the soft tube constituting an actuator, the tube-fixing tool comprising: a fixing-tool body having a fitting-cylinder part provided with: a fitting-inner face that is fitted to an outer face of the soft tube; and a fitting-outer face that is fitted to an inner face of the cover tube; and a fixing sleeve having: an inner circumferential face that is opposed to the fitting-cylinder part via the cover tube; and a fastening part that is attached to the fixing-tool body, the cover tube being fixed between the fixing-tool body and the fixing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KOGANEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamauchi, Hiraku Sakai
  • Patent number: 10527086
    Abstract: A strut comprises a composite cylinder with a mid-strut fitting mounted on an interface region on a mid-portion of said cylinder. At least in the interface region, layers of helical-filaments are displaced radially-outward and even inclined with respect to an axis of the cylinder such that they may follow a path with a radial component. A mid-strut fitting is provided which has a plurality of teeth on an inner circumferential surface. The plurality of teeth engage the helical-filaments in the interface region to provide a mechanical connection. Portions of surface and intermediate layers of the helical-filaments may be removed to expose ends of those filaments in the interface region before mounting the mid-strut fitting on the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: CROMPTON TECHNOLOGY GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: James Bernard, Will Pollitt, Ioannis Giannakopoulos
  • Patent number: 10527210
    Abstract: A flexible pipe and method of producing a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes bending armour wires of a flexible pipe body about 10 to 50 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the pipe body using a temporary collar member; inserting a further collar member radially inwards of the bent armour wires such that a portion of the armour wires lay over the further collar member; and mating the flexible pipe body and further collar member with an end fitting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Fernando Bezerra Paulo, Italo de Lemos Souza, Valdeir Tinoco da Silva
  • Patent number: 10520121
    Abstract: A load bearing flexible conduit system (10) for use in a body of water and adapted for deployment from a reel (100) located on a water going vessel into the body of water is disclosed. The system comprises a number of lengths (12) of load bearing flexible conduit, each length of load bearing flexible conduit provided with an inner layer (44) having a throughbore and a load bearing outer layer (50). A joint (30) for connecting the lengths together has a body having a longitudinal axis and a throughbore and at least one flexible coupling to permit at least one of the said one ends of the respective first and second lengths of load bearing flexible conduit to move relative to the longitudinal axis of the joint. The lengths of load bearing flexible conduit are sufficiently flexible such that they are capable of being stored, prior to use, on a reel (100) and are further capable of being at least partially payed out from the reel into the body of water during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: HYDRASUN LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Douglas Coutts, Jonathan Hill
  • Patent number: 10093063
    Abstract: In a general aspect, a clamping ring for use on a pipe when making a pipe connection is configured such that when establishing the pipe connection an end of a pipe and the surrounding clamping ring are expanded simultaneously, wherein the clamping ring is made of a plastic material having memory properties such that after expanding, the clamping ring shrinks or contracts automatically, the clamping ring further comprising a chamfer on the inlet inner diameter edge of the clamping ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Uponor, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn Marie Olinger, Tim Cota
  • Patent number: 9909370
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for obtaining a tensile armor configuration of a flexible conduit comprising the steps of mounting an end ring engaged with the terminal region of each wire of each tensile armor, defining an initial position, which axially displaces the end ring in opposite direction to a free end of the flexible conduit, from the initial position to an end position, so as to cause flexure in the wires of each tensile armor and securing the end ring in end position, to maintain the wires of each tensile armor flexed. The present invention also proposes a connector for a flexible conduit, said connector comprising an end ring engaged with the terminal region of each wire of each tensile armor and fixed in an end position so that the wires of each tensile armor are flexed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Símeros Projetos Eletromecânicos Ltda
    Inventors: Fabiano Bertoni, Facundo Sebastian Lopez
  • Patent number: 9905949
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid conduit (1) comprising a pipe (2) and a conduit connector (3) which is connected to the electrically conductive pipe (2). In order to be able to keep the risk associated with electricity being on the fluid line as low as possible with little effort, an electrical connecting element (9) which is electrically connected to the pipe (2) is provided in the region of the conduit connector (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Hartmann, Olaf Kohlhaus, Thomas Legel
  • Patent number: 9876300
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid conduit (1) comprising a pipe (2) and a conduit connector (3) which is connected to the electrically conductive pipe (2). In order to be able to keep the risk associated with electricity being on the fluid line as low as possible with little effort, an electrical connecting element (9) which is electrically connected to the pipe (2) is provided in the region of the conduit connector (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Hartmann, Olaf Kohlhaus, Thomas Legel
  • Patent number: 9470348
    Abstract: A flange adapter plate assembly comprising an inside flange pattern for accepting bolt locking heads in slots disposed within recesses beneath the surface thereof. The inside flange pattern may optionally include key holes for expeditiously removing the bolts while the outside flange is secured in situ. The eduction tube portion comprises tube members having tight convolutions and a plethora of pronounced barb members. A single adapter plate reduces number of prerequisite components and also increases eduction tube strength. A twist lock protocol is used to expeditiously attach the flange adapter transition plate to a corresponding mating flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: Raymond P. Bass, David W. Bass, Bruce P. Henneke
  • Publication number: 20150143878
    Abstract: An assembly and method of testing the integrity of a sealing ring of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes locating a first sealing ring adjacent a first collar member and a layer of flexible pipe body; energising the first sealing ring by urging the sealing ring towards a primary pressure-retaining end fitting component, or by urging the pressure- retaining component towards the sealing ring; locating a second sealing ring adjacent the first collar member and a second collar member; energising the second sealing ring by urging the sealing ring towards the pressure-retaining component, or by urging the pressure-retaining component towards the sealing ring; and pressurising the region between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring through a port extending towards the region to a predetermined pressure of 5 MPa or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: GE OIL & GAS UK Limited
    Inventors: Judimar de Assis Clevelario, Fabio de Souza Pires, Felipe Areas Vargas, Everton Vieira de Almeida, Andre Luis de Souza Breves
  • Publication number: 20150076813
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an outer collar member of an end fitting for a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises an outer collar body portion and an outer collar neck portion extending away from the outer collar body portion. The neck portion is arranged to be secured to a portion of flexible pipe body in a slotted position between layers of the flexible pipe body. The position is located between an outer sheath of the flexible pipe body and at least one armour layer of the flexible pipe body wherein the outer collar body portion comprises a curved inner surface region for determining a radius of curvature of wires of the armour layer bent away from an axis of the flexible pipe bodies and supported by the curved inner surface when the pipe body is mounted in the end fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Tony Eccleston, George Karabelas, Zhimin Tan
  • Patent number: 8944471
    Abstract: An electrically conductive hose apparatus includes a hose having a wire reinforcer therein that is electrically conductive, an end section with some hose material being cut away to expose ends of the wire reinforcer; a hose end stem engaging the hose but not the wire reinforcer; a conductive ferrule sleeve clamped onto the exposed ends of the wire reinforcer; an insulated wire in electrical contact with the exposed ends of the wire reinforcer and the sleeve to form an electrically conductive circuit; and a rotatable coupling nut for rotatably connecting the hose and stem to a high pressure hydraulic system but that is insulated from the electrically conductive circuit. The apparatus can be used in an existing pre-approved high pressure hydraulic hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Rodenburg
  • Patent number: 8939469
    Abstract: A rigid coupler for use in electrically isolating an electrically conductive fluid conveyance system is described. The rigid coupler includes a nonconductive liner having a first end configured to couple to a first adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system, and a second end, opposite said first end, configured to couple to a second adjoining section of the fluid conveyance system. A reinforcing structure circumscribes the nonconductive liner and is coupled to a portion of the nonconductive liner extending between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner. The reinforcing structure includes a multi-axial braided fiber material impregnated with a matrix material. A fiber overwrap is hoop wound about at a least a portion of the reinforcing structure between the first and second ends of the nonconductive liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Cohen, Arvid J. Berg, James P. Irwin
  • Publication number: 20150021905
    Abstract: A method for making a metal to composite tube joint including selecting an elongated interior fitting constructed with an exterior barrel, reduced in exterior diameter to form a distally facing annular shoulder and then projecting still further distally to form an interior sleeve having a radially outwardly facing bonding surface. Selecting an elongated metal outer sleeve formed proximally with a collar constructed for receipt over the barrel and increased in interior diameter and projecting distally to form an exterior sleeve having a radially inwardly facing bonding surface cooperating with the first bonding surface to form an annulus receiving an extremity of a composite tube and a bond bonding the extremity of the tube to the bonding surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Advanced Composite Products & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Leslie, James C. Leslie, II, James Heard, Liem V. Truong, Marvin Josephson
  • Patent number: 8899629
    Abstract: A connection between a drill pipe (1) made of carbon- or glass fiber-reinforced plastic and a tubular, preferably metal connector (2) that is partially held in one end (3) of the drill pipe (1) and is cemented to it is characterized in that a thrust element (8) that is positively connected to the connector (2) in the region of the end (3) of the drill pipe (1), in which the connector (2) is held, presses on the outside of the end (3) of the drill pipe (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Think and Vision GmbH
    Inventors: Abdelrhani Lamik, Bouchra Lamik-Thonhauser, Robert Karpf
  • Publication number: 20140217722
    Abstract: A method for making a metal to composite tube joint including selecting an elongated interior fitting constructed with an exterior barrel, reduced in exterior diameter to form a distally facing annular shoulder and then projecting still further distally to form an interior sleeve having a radially outwardly facing bonding surface. Selecting an elongated metal outer sleeve formed proximally with a collar constructed for receipt over the barrel and increased in interior diameter and projecting distally to form an exterior sleeve having a radially inwardly facing bonding surface cooperating with the first bonding surface to form an annulus receiving an extremity of a composite tube and a bond bonding the extremity of the tube to the bonding surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Advanced Composite Products & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Leslie, James C. Leslie, II, James Heard, Liem V. Truong, Marvin Josephson
  • Patent number: 8696034
    Abstract: Metal inner and outer fittings configured, the inner fitting configured proximally with an external flange and projecting distally to form a cylindrical barrel and stepped down-in-diameter to form an abutment shoulder and then projecting further distally to form a radially inwardly angled and distally extending tapered inner sleeve. An outer sleeve defining a torque tube is configured with a cylindrical collar to fit over the barrel and is formed to be stepped up in diameter in alignment with the first abutment shoulder to then project distally forming a radially outwardly tapered and distally extending bonding surface to cooperate with the inner sleeve to cooperate with the inner sleeve in forming a annular diverging bonding cavity to receive the extremity of a composite pipe to abut against the abutment shoulders and to be bonded to the respective bonding surfaces by a bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Composite Products & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Leslie, James C. Leslie, II, James Heard, Liem Truong, Marvin Josephson
  • Publication number: 20140049039
    Abstract: A fluid sealing element, a fluid sealing assembly, a method of providing a fluid seal, and a method of terminating a flexible pipe body in an end fitting are disclosed. The fluid sealing element (802) has an annular body portion locatable between an end fitting body (801) and an inner collar member (808) of an end fitting, and a tapered portion extending substantially perpendicular to the annular body portion at a radially inner region thereof. The method includes urging a fluid retaining layer (804) of a flexible pipe radially outwardly against an abutment surface of the inner collar member of the end fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: WELLSTREAM INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: George Karabelas, Richard Alasdair Clements
  • Publication number: 20140001749
    Abstract: A connection assembly comprising a motor vehicle fluid line and a connection fitting, wherein the motor vehicle fluid line includes an inner tube made of aluminum. The connection fitting is in contact with the inner tube. At least the surface of the connection fitting consists of aluminum, at least in the region of the contact surface between the connection fitting and the inner tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Hans Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130241197
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an end fitting (40) for connecting a flexible pipe for transporting a cryogenic fluid, comprising thermal insulation means (65) interposed between the cold part (41) of the connecting end fitting and the rear part (51) for crimping the end of a leak proof sealed external sheath (9) of said flexible pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Philippe Espinasse, Jean-Michel Gerez, Olivier Leclerc, Pascal Prevost
  • Patent number: 8523239
    Abstract: A joint apparatus for prevention of explosion includes a bellows tube including an extension section integrally formed at one end of the bellows tube and an annular protrusion interposed between the extension section and the bellows tube; a coupling nut coupled with the bellows tube; and a connection member coupled with the bellows tube while being supported by the annular protrusion. A gap is formed between a the extension section and the connection member and gas discharged from the bellows tube flows along the outer surface of the extension section through the gap and is discharged to an outside through a rear section of the annular protrusion. Since a travelling path of the gas is lengthened, pressure and temperature of the gas are lowered, so that gas explosion is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Seung Jin Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ho Jin Jung
  • Publication number: 20130206267
    Abstract: A hose and coupling combination wherein the hose is made of an inner tube which is enclosed by a reinforcing section which is further enclosed by a flame-resisting section and the coupling is made of inner sleeve with an outer sleeve adjacent to and enclosing a linear portion of the inner sleeve and arranged such that the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve form a cavity into which the flame-resisting section fits such that a gap is provided between the reinforcing section and the flame-resisting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: DAVID William LITCHFIELD
  • Patent number: 8499799
    Abstract: This flexible pipe comprises a versatile and flexible tubular body (PP) which comprises, from the outside toward the inside, a pressure arch (1b-1c) with filaments (10) submerged in a layer of elastomer and wound in a helix with an angle of 54.7° in relation to the profile plates and an attached sealing layer (1a), as well as a pair of rigid end connector tips (EC) which comprises two coaxial cylindrical sleeves, an inner one (2) in which the sealing layer (1a) is fitted and held, and an outer one (7) which extends axially from the body side (PP) beyond the inner sleeve (2) while surrounding the transitional area, with variable diameter, of the pressure arch; the connector end is provided with a pair of flexible annular support elements (5, 6) with variable profile, arranged at this transitional area and inserted between the sealing layer (1a) and the pressure arch (1b-1c), and between the pressure arch (1b-1c) and the flange (7), respectively, avoiding shearing of the filaments upon inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Saltel Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Saltel, Benjamin Saltel, Gwenaël Tanguy, Samuel Thiebaut
  • Patent number: 8424921
    Abstract: A coupling made of composite material including a polymer matrix reinforced by a fiber structure is disclosed. The coupling includes a structural portion reinforced by a main fiber structure, and a first machining portion reinforced by a first fiber structure that is distinct from the main fiber structure. The matrices of the structural portion and of the first machining portion are identical. The first machining portion is situated on at least a fraction of the main face of the structural portion and is machined in a first machining surface, and there is no intersection between the first machining surface and the fibers of the main fiber structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Francois Marie Paul Marlin, Philippe Verseux
  • Patent number: 8419071
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a connector intended for a pipe, including an end piece which is mounted to the end of a pipe. The connector includes a sleeve covering said pipe end in order to crimp same onto the mounting end. According to the invention, the sleeve includes an annular chamber, while the armoring wires have free ends which are folded back against the outer polymer sheath, said sealed annular chamber surrounding the aforementioned pipe end. The annular chamber is then dilated with the injection of a fluid in order to maintain the free ends engaged between the outer polymer sheath and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventor: Alain Cornut Gentille
  • Publication number: 20120211975
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an end fitting of a flexible riser. The device makes it possible to carry out the assembly procedure without the need to bend the tensile armour. By means of the assembly procedure thereof, the technique proposed eliminates residual tension due to plastic deformation of the tensile armour and modifications in the microstructural properties of the steel, imposed by current end fittings and the corresponding techniques for assembling the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: George Carneiro CAMPELLO, Marcos Carpigiani De Almeida
  • Patent number: 8104797
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an end fitting for a flexible pipe. The apparatus comprises an end fitting body having an open mouth for receiving an open end of a portion of flexible pipe body and an inner collar member to which the end fitting body is securable. The inner collar member includes a collar body portion and a neck portion extending away from the collar body portion. When the end fitting body is secured to the collar member the neck portion of the collar member extends in an axial direction away from the end fitting body to a region proximate to where at least one armour wire layer of the flexible pipe body is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventors: Tony Eccleston, George Karabelas, Zhimin Tan
  • Patent number: 8056934
    Abstract: In the marine hose of the present invention, protruded parts are provided at each axial direction end of the axial direction ends of the hose bodies, each axial direction end is located at both sides in the axial direction of the connection portion which is provided with limit mechanism. By this, when the marine hose is wound up to the reel, the protruded parts of the hose bodies contact the outer surface of the reel, the outer surface of the limit mechanism does not contact the outer surface of the reel. Thus, large amount of the bending force is not added to the limit mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Syunichi Ono
  • Patent number: 8056935
    Abstract: An interface is provided between a stiff piece (1) and a composite material (2), the composite material (2) including fibres (3), the stiff piece (1) including two or more vanes (4a, 4b, . . . ) protruding from a surface of the stiff piece (1). The vanes (4) include two or more lateral surfaces (41, 42, 43, 44), in which one or more fibres (3) of the composite material (2) are arranged for passing through one or more funnel-shaped throats (45) formed between lateral surfaces (41a, 43a, 41b, 43b, . . . ) of adjacent vanes (4a, 4b, . . . ). A fixing matrix material (7) is arranged around the one or more fibres (3), at least in or near the funnel-shaped throats (45). The vanes (4) are arranged for exerting counteracting transversal and axial forces on the fibres (3) and the fixing matrix material (7) when the interface is subject to forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Claes-Goran Gustafson, Nils-Petter Vedvik
  • Publication number: 20110148096
    Abstract: There is provided embodiments of a fluid fitting, and system incorporating the fluid fitting therein, which is compatible with harsh, caustic environments such as those environments found in the automotive industry. In one embodiment, the fluid fitting can comprise a conductive element with a fluid pathway for transporting a fluid, e.g., fuel. The fluid fitting can also comprise a non-conductive element that is coupled to the conductive element in a manner discharging electrons from the conductive body. The non-conductive element can comprise a cavity with an opening exposing a sensing device with a sensing element disposed on a sensing element housing. The sensing element housing can be sealed to the conductive element, but expose the sensing element to the fluid in the fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Allen Engle, Woojin Kim, George Szabo
  • Patent number: 7942350
    Abstract: A supply line system for conveying a fluid is provided. First and a second conduit segment have at least one inner conduit surface and an outer conduit surface. At least one fluid chamber is within the conduit segments and is formed by the at least one inner conduit surface. At least one electric wire is located between the at least one inner conduit surface and the outer conduit surface. A conduit connection element is connecting the first and second conduit segments, thereby mating the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the first conduit segment with the fluid chamber and the electric wire of the second conduit segment. At least a portion of the quantity of fluid and the electric signals is passed from the first to the second conduit segment. A control system is connected to the electric wire and in communication with at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20110084480
    Abstract: A fitting for a corrugated flexible hose, of a type comprising two half-shells coupled at their respective end portions, characterized in that said half-shells comprise an inner surface including a plurality of ribs each adapted to engage in a helical groove formed on an outer surface of said corrugated flexible hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: IVG COLBACHINI S.p.A
    Inventor: Giuseppe Colbachini Aldinio
  • Publication number: 20110025048
    Abstract: A transition coupling system for use with a dual containment pipe which includes an inner primary pipe and an outer secondary pipe with an interstitial space therebetween, the transition coupling comprising. The transition coupling includes an inner body configured to engage an inner surface of the primary pipe and an outer body configured to engage an outer surface of the secondary pipe. The outer body includes at least two releasably attachable portions, at least one of which is movable relative to the other in a radial direction thereof. The inner body and the outer body are configured to define a gap therebetween when coupled to the piping system such that the gap is generally sealed and in communication with the interstitial space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Webster, John C. Baier, Jeromy E. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20090242062
    Abstract: A problem solved by this invention is to enable prevention of damage to a connector in a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting a connector to an end of a tube, even when an outside air temperature falls below freezing point. The problem is solved as follows. In a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting pipe joints to ends of a tube that has elasticity, tube connecting portions of the pipe joints and sections of the tube in the vicinity of the tube connecting portions are covered with heat radiation preventing covers to thereby delay freezing of a fluid inside the tube sections that are covered by the heat radiation preventing covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: NITTA MOORE COMPANY
    Inventor: Kazunori SAWADA
  • Patent number: 7500696
    Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a hose and a fitting. The hose has a terminal end having a first portion along which an outer layer is laminated to an inner layer and a second portion along which the inner layer extends from the outer layer. The fitting includes a receiving portion and a coupling portion. The receiving portion has a first inner surface defining a first lumen portion, and is configured to receive the first portion of the terminal end, and for crimping to the hose. The coupling portion has a second inner surface defining a second lumen portion for receiving the second portion of the terminal end. The first lumen portion and the second lumen portion are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen G. Van Pelt, Ella Stamler, Zachary S. Pannone
  • Publication number: 20090058082
    Abstract: A flexible tube for use in a water supply system is formed of a material, such as cross-link polyethylene, which bonds best with a relatively flexible plastic. Thus, an end form that is molded or otherwise attached to the flexible tube is typically formed of a relatively flexible plastic; often also cross-link polyethylene. The flexible tubing and its end form is then connected to a housing formed of a second plastic, which is more rigid than the plastic of the end form. A water supply connection is then connected to the second housing through a quick connect fluid connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald D. Green
  • Patent number: 7494155
    Abstract: A thermally-insulated pipeline for the transportation of a cryogenic liquid, comprising three coaxial pipes formed of sections, one inner pipe made of a material having a low thermal expansion coefficient, a middle pipe and an outer pipe made of steel. The pipes are linked by linking parts which join sections of each respective pipe and take up the loads produced by thermal expansion or contraction when the pipes change temperature. The linking parts that join the inner pipe and the middle pipe are separated from the linking parts that join the middle and outer pipe, so that a thermal bridge cannot form between the inner pipe and the outer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: ITP
    Inventor: Michael Offredi
  • Publication number: 20080309073
    Abstract: A specialized coupling device and method for connecting a rigid coupling terminal to specialized composite tubing having a semi-rigid outer tubing combined with an expandable flexible inner tubing with fluid pressure integrity, in a manner which combines fluid pressure integrity with vertical and horizontal load support capability. The end portion of the outer shell of the composite tubing is tapered, with a short portion of the inner tubing extending beyond the taper, both being compatible with the interior of the coupling terminal, together with one or more o-rings positioned within the coupling terminal and around the exposed end of the inner tubing, in combination with an adhesive. An optional interior retaining collet may be inserted from the terminal end within the composite tubing, positioned within the interior circumference of the composite tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Richard G. Bach, Orlen Jay Norris
  • Patent number: 7458617
    Abstract: A composite pipe segment is formed to include tapered in wall thickness ends that are each defined by opposed frustoconical surfaces conformed for self centering receipt and intimate bonding contact within an annular space between corresponding surfaces of a coaxially nested set of metal end pieces. The distal peripheries of the nested end pieces are then welded to each other and the sandwiched and bonded portions are radially pinned. The composite segment may include imbedded conductive leads and the axial end portions of the end pieces are shaped to form a threaded joint with the next pipe assembly that includes a contact ring in one pipe assembly pierced by a pointed contact in the other to connect the corresponding leads across the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Composite Products & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Leslie, James C. Leslie, II, James Heard, Liem Truong, Marvin Josephson, Hans Neubert
  • Patent number: 7350826
    Abstract: A conduit assembly, such as an electrical conduit assembly, includes a flexible convoluted tube having a non-conductive fluoropolymer interior and a conductive carbon exterior that decreases the electrical resistance of the tube. A fitting is secured to an end of the flexible convoluted tube. The fitting includes a nipple having a profiled tubular portion received into the end of the flexible convoluted tube and a socket secured to the fitting so as trap the end of the flexible convoluted tube between the nipple and the socket. At least one of the nipple and the socket are made from a metal treated to decrease the electrical resistance of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Cantrell, Lee Andrew Fausneaucht
  • Patent number: 7303213
    Abstract: A pipe structure comprising a length of a flexible pipe connected to an end fitting, the flexible pipe comprising an armour layer and an underlying pipe layer the armour layer, the underlying pipe layer having an outer surface around which armouring wires of an armouring layer are helically wound. The pipe structure provides a coupling between a flexible pipe comprising armouring wires and an end fitting, the coupling exerting a relatively low bending or flexure strain on the wires during normal operation of the flexible pipe. The transition path of an armouring wire between the flexible pipe and the end fitting comprises a straight-line-section between a wire-pipe-exit-point where the wire extends away from its underlying pipe layer and a straight-line-end-point on a support unit of the end fitting where the armouring wire in question has its first tangential point of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: NKT Flexible I/S
    Inventor: Jan Rytter
  • Patent number: 7267373
    Abstract: On the inner surface of a rubber hose body 12, a laminated hard resin layer 14 is formed to constitute a barrier layer that is impermeable to fluids. A clamping connection is made to hose 10 by a clamping member 24, which clamps the hose body to a companion pipe 18 when the companion pipe is inserted into the hose body. The layer 14 is not laminated over the entire axial length of the hose body but instead leaves an end part exposed. An annular groove is formed at the end 36 of the layer 14 abutting the end part of the hose 10. An elastic impermeable material is placed in the groove which is compressed by the pipe upon insertion. The companion pipe 18 has a protuberance 22 which rests at a position between the end 36 of resin layer 14 and the clamping member so that a seal is formed by elastic compression of the outer surface of companion pipe 18 against the end part of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Sakazaki, Koji Hioki
  • Patent number: 7249787
    Abstract: A hose coupling using at least one reinforcing ring to reinforce a hose coupling during a crimping process, the hose coupling having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve, and a hose coaxially interposed therebetween. During the crimping process a crimping force is applied directly to the outer sleeve to form at least one depression that results in an area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve, the depression helping to seal and lock the hose between the inner and outer sleeves. The reinforcing ring is positioned within the inner sleeve and concentric with the area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve. Consequently, the reinforcing ring prevents the inner sleeve from deforming under the crimping force, thereby ensuring the integrity and long-term durability of the hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Hutchinson FTS, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry H. Chisnell
  • Patent number: 7080858
    Abstract: A flexible seawater suction hose is configured to include a tube body of flexible rubber material reinforced by textile fabric and steel wire. Opposite ends of the tube body are terminated to a respective connector. A steel cable is incorporated within the tube body and extends longitudinally between the opposite tube body ends and attaches to the opposite end connectors. The flexible hose connects at one end to a rigid conduit by means of one connector and extends downward therefrom to a prescribed depth to facilitate extraction of seawater at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Luis Roberto Flores Sanches, Waldir Pereira de Lucena, Mauricio Pinto Spaolonzi
  • Patent number: 7080860
    Abstract: In a hose with a corrugated metal tube, an axial leading end portion of the corrugated metal tube is configured as an extending portion so as to extend in an axial direction beyond a base portion of a socket fitting and be exposed out of an outer layer of the hose. The extending portion is clamped by an inner end surface of the base portion and an outer surface of a rigid insert pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Takagi, Norihiko Furuta, Tomohide Ito