For Plural Component Line (e.g., Flexible Type) Patents (Class 285/222.1)
  • Patent number: 7021673
    Abstract: A hose having a corrugated metal tube as the innermost layer and an outer layer including an inner elastic layer, a reinforced layer and an outer elastic layer. A socket fitting is swaged onto the hose body at three axially spaced points. The corrugated metal tube is provided with a flattened end portion. A proximal end of the flattened end portion extends for a minimum of 10 mm. axially away (in the direction of the complete corrugations) from the swaged point which is axially most proximate to the proximal end of the flattened end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiko Furuta, Yuji Takagi, Tomohide Ito
  • Patent number: 7017949
    Abstract: A flexible corrugated hose fitting, which is particularly provided for high-pressure installations, such as air conditioning installations using CO2 as the refrigerant, has a connecting element, which can be snapped together with the interior corrugated pipe of the flexible corrugated hose. In addition, the connecting element has sealing elements, which come into sealing contact with the corrugated pipe. Following the area receiving the sealing elements, the connecting element has a cone, which is used as a clamping section. An exterior squeeze ring, or other squeeze element, is used for pressing the exposed end of the corrugated pipe against the clamping section. A pressing sleeve is used for pressing, which drives the squeeze ring by a wedge effect inward. It has an appropriate conical interior surface. The squeeze ring moreover extends over the sheathing. For further securing of the connection, the pressing sleeve can be pressed together here with the sheathing by an appropriate deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Luft, Axel Schneider, Michael Markus Huck, Harald Twardawski
  • Patent number: 6938932
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose comprising a steel coupling (1), in which the structural elements of the hose, namely the reinforcing plies (4), liner (12), carcass (7), and cover (9) are bonded. The main feature of the invention is that the reinforcing plies (4) of the hose, which are partially or entirely bonded with rubber, are embedded in the adhesive resin layer in the coupling device (1) assembled to the vulcanized hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Phoenix Rubber Gumiipari Kft.
    Inventors: Istvan Grepaly, Tibor Nagy, Sandor Gelencser, Sandor Antal, Elemer Lantos, Gyula Beteri, Ferenc Koszo, Gyorgy Toth
  • Patent number: 6923477
    Abstract: A fixing end-fitting for a flexible tubular pipe, the pipe comprising an inner sealing sheath, a pressure vault comprising a short-pitch helical winding of a metal forming wire, an intermediate sheath and at least a web of tensile long-pitch wound armour wires and an outer sealing sheath. The end-fitting comprises a stepped part capable of sliding into a stepped cylindrical housing of the end-fitting. Two crimping elements sealingly fix the inner sheath and the intermediate sheath. Screws enable the stepped part to be brought closer to and be fixed on the end-fitting. The stepped part and the deformable elements constitute three separate elements, thereby facilitating mounting and providing a better control of tightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventors: Eric Buon, Hugues Berton
  • Patent number: 6905146
    Abstract: A pipe fitting for pipes has a coating having a high mechanical and/or chemical resistance, a first tubular portion adapted to be connected to the pipe (2) and a second portion (8) adapted to connect with another pipe fitting. The first tubular portion has an inside coating made of a material having a high mechanical and/or chemical resistance. The pipe fittings are installed in a first step wherein an inside layer of the pipes, at one of their ends, is removed to obtain a housing, and a second step wherein the first tubular portion of the pipe fitting is introduced into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Aflagomma S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Gennasio
  • Patent number: 6866302
    Abstract: In a hose with corrugated metal tube, a connecting pipe is formed with a tapered inner surface in a tip end portion thereof a corrugated metal tube is formed with a flared portion flaring as to correspond to the tapered inner surface of the connecting pipe, and a mating pipe is formed with a tapered outer surface. The hose with corrugated metal tube is connected to the mating pipe by a cap nut so that the tapered inner space of the connecting pipe abuts the tapered outer surface of the mating pipe with the flared portion therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihiko Furata
  • Patent number: 6860520
    Abstract: A hose assembly is disclosed that includes a hose tube and a nipple assembly. In an embodiment of the invention, the nipple assembly includes a nipple fastener and a nipple extending from an end. A socket covers the nipple and includes a socket fastener mated with the nipple fastener for drawing the socket towards the nipple assembly. A sleeve is interposed between the covering layer and the tube and is interposed between the socket and the nipple. The sleeve includes at least one barb formed on a surface contacting the tube and a cavity formed to adjoin an end of the tube. An annular sealing member is positioned in the cavity to contact the nipple, at least one surface of the cavity, and the tube. The sleeve causes the tube to be compressed between the sleeve and the nipple, thereby sealing the hose against the nipple assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher L. Schwab
  • Patent number: 6840547
    Abstract: A connection assembly for flexible hoses includes a base tube having a first through passage and a threaded section of a connection nut is fixed to the first through passage. The connection nut has a connection section which extends beyond the first passage and a connection nut having a second through passage is mounted to the connection section. A sleeve has its first end fixedly mounted to the connection nut and the connection nut can be freely rotatable on an end surface of the base tube. An end of a flexible hose is fixedly received in the sleeve and the other end of the flexible hose extends through an enlarged opening in a second end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Andy Hhiue
  • Publication number: 20040245774
    Abstract: An end fitting, a pipe assembly and a method of assembling a pipe assembly according to which an end fitting is provided with a bore and at least one raised portion is provided on the surface of the housing of the end fitting defining the bore. When an end portion of a pipe is inserted in the bore the raised portion engages the corresponding outer surface of the pipe to provide a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventor: Tony Eccleston
  • Publication number: 20040212191
    Abstract: A fluid line connector assembly includes a length of flexible tubing having a tubing end and a first fitting body received on the tubing end. A second is secured to the first fitting body, and at least one of the first fitting body and the second fitting body forms a fluid-tight connection with the tubing end. A third fitting body is rotatably supported on the second end fitting. A sealing member forms a fluid-tight seal between the second fitting body and the third fitting body. A method of assembling a fluid line connector assembly is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Evan J. Segal, Todd R. McCurdy, Doug W. Keeports, Michael T. Lyon, Timothy D. Struna
  • Publication number: 20040189000
    Abstract: A composite reinforced line pipe is manufactured by aligning first and second pipe segments each having a composite reinforcement wrapped circumferentially about a core, attaching the line pipes at a cut-back portion of their exposed core, wrapping a joint tape circumferentially about the cut-back portion, wrapping a resin reinforcement tape circumferentially about the joint tape, and curing the joint tape and resin reinforcement tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Norman C. Fawley
  • Publication number: 20040149017
    Abstract: A pump housing contains a pump that draws fuel from an underground storage tank to deliver fuel to fuel dispensers in a service station environment. The pump is coupled to a double-walled riser pipe that carries the fuel from the underground storage tank to the pump. The double-walled fuel piping contains an inner space that carries the fuel and an outer annular space that captures any leaked fuel from the inner space. The outer annular space is coupled to a vacuum created by the pump to determine if a leak exists in the outer annular space. An alternate submersible turbine pump has a double-walled housing with a pressure sensor disposed in the interstitial space of the double-walled housing. A vacuum may be created therein to determine if leaks are present in the housing of the submersible turbine pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Ray J. Hutchinson, Donald D. Halla, Richard G. Dolson, Robert P. Hart, Richard K. Lucas, Kent D. Reid
  • Patent number: 6746055
    Abstract: A coupling for a transition between a plastic pipe and a metal piping system. In one embodiment, the transition coupling includes an adapter nut having a first end for connection with the metal piping system. A stiffener tube, affixed in the adapter nut, has an external diameter less than an internal diameter of the plastic pipe. An adapter coupling is connected to a second end of the adapter nut. A hollow gripper is positioned within the adapter coupling having an internal circumferential surface configured to grippingly engage the plastic pipe after axial insertion. At least one toroidal elastomeric seal is received over a groove in the stiffener tube to engage the plastic pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim F. Wood, Mike Clark
  • Patent number: 6742813
    Abstract: In a method of securing tensile reinforcement elements (7) of a pipeline or a cable to an end termination (18), the end termination is provided with a plurality of locking holes through which the reinforcement elements to be secured are pulled. Insertion of a spreader element into the reinforcement element results in a local cross-sectional increase in the tensile reinforcement. The reinforcement element cannot move freely through the locking hole because of the local cross-sectional increase, thereby achieving mechanical locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventor: Kristian Glejbol
  • Patent number: 6719058
    Abstract: The present invention discloses multiple sealing systems for composite risers and methods of preventing interior fluid leakage to the outside of composite risers. Single or multiple elastomeric seals are formed between an elastomer applied in single or multiple grooves provided circumferentially along the outer surface of a metal to composite interface (MCI) of a liner assembly of the composite riser and an elastomeric shear ply provided on the outside of the liner assembly. The elastomeric seals and a seal between the MCI and the liner of the liner assembly provide a multiple sealing system for the composite riser to prevent leakage of interior fluids. In the event that the integrity of the seal between the MCI and liner fails or the integrity of the liner is compromised, the elastomeric seals would prevent leakage of the fluid to the outside of the composite riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Deepwater Composites AS
    Inventors: Mamdouh M. Salama, Brian E. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6702782
    Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon. It is highly preferable that the balloon or inflatable member be situated in a recess in the outer wall of the inventive catheter. Additionally, the distal end of the catheter past the balloon is preferably tapered. The catheter has a very low profile as compared to other catheters of the neurovascular balloon catheter genre. It may include other features such as variable stiffness along the axis of the device and anti-kinking components. The balloon is preferably compliant in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Concentric Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John Miller, Martin Dieck, Maria Aboytes, Ryan Pierce
  • Patent number: 6691412
    Abstract: A method of producing a hose-connector assembly, including the steps of forming by extrusion an inner resin tube layer, forming by extrusion an outer rubber protector tube layer having substantially the same length as the inner resin tube layer, so as to cover the outer surface of the inner resin tube layer over the entire length of the inner resin tube layer, to obtain a laminar tubular blank consisting of the inner resin tube layer and the outer rubber protector tube layer, cutting the laminar tubular blank into pieces, and press-fitting an end portion of a tubular connector in each of at least one of the opposite end portions of the inner resin tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Ito
  • Patent number: 6676169
    Abstract: A connector for joining a segment of composite pipe is disclosed. The connector includes an end connector having at least one fiber trap on its outer surface thereof. The end connector is attached to a liner portion of the segment of composite pipe. Fibers forming an outer surface of the segment of composite pipe are wound around the at least one trap under tension. The connector includes a binder which impregnates the fibers. The tension is maintained on the fibers in the trap during cure of the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hydril Company L.P.
    Inventors: Harris A. Reynolds, Jr., Thomas J. Walsh, Chris A. Lundberg, Joel D. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20030205898
    Abstract: Swage end-connector for high pressure reinforced flexible hose particularly suitable in the petrochemical and drilling industries for hoses. Two connectors are disclosed one for intermediate hose pressure burst ratings up to 12,500 psi and internal diameters up to 3½ inches and higher hose pressure burst ratings up to 18,750 psi and internal diameters up to 4 inches. Both embodiment connectors will withstand the rated burst pressure of the hose to which they are connected and will withstand a pump-off force that exceeds the burst pressure of the hose. That is, the hose will fail before the connector pops off the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Gardner T. Baldwin, Victor J. DeLeon, Larry M. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6623046
    Abstract: A hose for transporting preferably gaseous media at high temperatures and under high pressure has a corrugated interior surface with depressions and elevations, and at least one insertion element that can be inserted in one end. The hose is characterized in that, in the region of contact between the interior surface of the hose and the exterior surface of the insertion element, at least one gasket element of crystalline material is provided. The gasket element is metal, preferably a lead or copper alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fritz, Axel Schneider
  • Patent number: 6607218
    Abstract: A fuel hose including a straight insertion end portion at one axial end, an outer layer formed of an elastic body, a groove portion formed coaxially on the inner wall at an axially inward end of the insertion end portion, a thin-walled inner layer made of a resin material of low gasoline permeability and provided to a portion of the inner wall, the portion including the groove portion and extending axially inward from the groove portion, and an annular seal member fitted into the groove portion with the inner layer. The insertion end portion is configured to receive a mating pipe having an engagement protrusion protruding radially outward at an end portion under pressure such that the engagement protrusion presses the seal member fitted into the groove portion to be engaged with the groove portion in a fluid-tight condition. The outer layer is configured to be fitted with a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazushige Sakazaki, Atsuo Miyajima
  • Publication number: 20030062721
    Abstract: This invention provides a connection structure for connecting a piping used in automobiles or the like to a ring joint for providing highly reliable gas-tightness. The connection can be performed with an easy and inexpensive method and also can provide excellent productivity and safety. The connection structure has highly reliable disengagement resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Shu Yotsumoto
  • Patent number: 6517118
    Abstract: A hose device for fuel transportation having superior methanol permeation resistance, methanol resistance, non-extractability with methanol, water resistance, heat resistance, pressure resistance, etc., when methanol is used as a fuel. The hose device for fuel transportation comprises a hose main body having a three-layer structure composed of an innermost layer made of a resin having methanol permeation resistance, an intermediate layer, and an outermost layer, and a quick connector mounted on the end portion of the hose main body. The aforementioned quick connector is composed of a housing section and a pair of O-rings. The aforementioned housing section is composed of a material having methanol permeation resistance, one end portion of the housing section is formed as an insert portion to be inserted into the aforementioned hose main body, and the other end portion is formed as a container portion for containing an engagement target member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kota Kato, Kazutaka Katayama, Takahiro Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20020190522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose comprising a steel coupling (1), in which the structural elements of the hose, namely the reinforcing plies (4), liner (12), carcass (7), and cover (9) are bonded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Istvan Grepaly, Tibor Nagy, Sandor Gelencser, Sandor Antal, Elemer Lantos, Gyula Beteri, Ferenc Koszo, Gyorgy Toth
  • Patent number: 6494497
    Abstract: A diffusion-tight fluid conduit for hydrocarbon-containing fluids has a corrugated pipe of corrosion-resistant metal with a corrugated inner side and a corrugated outer side, wherein the outer side is exposed. An inner pipe of plastic material is arranged inside the corrugated pipe and has a smooth inner side and a smooth outer side. A first coupling member is seal-tightly connected by material bonding to a first end of the corrugated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Janos Kertesz
  • Patent number: 6494503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sealing an end of a pipe, to an external sealing surface. The method includes providing a pipe assembly which includes a pipe and a flange. The pipe includes a proximal pipe end and a flared end region. The flared end region is integral with the pipe and is proximate to and continuous with the proximal pipe end. The flange is non-integrally disposed around the pipe distal to the pipe's flared end region. The method further includes securing, non-integrally and distally to the pipe's flared end region, the flange to the pipe so that proximal movement of the flange relative to the pipe is restricted. The flange is drawn toward the external sealing surface, which causes the flange sealing surface to bias the pipe's flared end region into sealing contact with the external sealing surface. Pipe assemblies which include a backup ring having a tapered inside surfaces and a flange having tapered outside surfaces are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Non Metallic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn C. Heubach, Jay D. Tripp
  • Publication number: 20020158468
    Abstract: The spiral pipe joint comprises a nipple 1, a caulking ring 2 and a flexible string-shaped pressure contact member 3. After an inserting portion 11 of the nipple 1 is inserted into a pipe body P, the pressure contact member 3 is wound once or more times around the outer peripheral surface of the pipe body P existing above the inserting portion 11, and the caulking ring 2 is placed on the outside of the thus wound pressure contact member 3 and is compressed in the center direction of the pipe body P to thereby reduce the diameter of the caulking ring 2 in such a manner that the caulking amount thereof on the small-diameter stepped portion 13 is larger than the step level difference between the inserting portion 11 and small-diameter stepped portion 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikegami, Masatoshi Takashima
  • Publication number: 20020140225
    Abstract: A hose device for fuel transportation having superior methanol permeation resistance, methanol resistance, non-extractability with methanol, water resistance, heat resistance, pressure resistance, etc., when methanol is used as a fuel. The hose device for fuel transportation comprises a hose main body having a three-layer structure composed of an innermost layer made of a resin having methanol permeation resistance, an intermediate layer, and an outermost layer, and a quick connector mounted on the end portion of the hose main body. The aforementioned quick connector is composed of a housing section and a pair of O-rings. The aforementioned housing section is composed of a material having methanol permeation resistance, one end portion of the housing section is formed as an insert portion to be inserted into the aforementioned hose main body, and the other end portion is formed as a container portion for containing an engagement target member therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Nishiyama, Kota Kato, Kazutaka Katayama
  • Publication number: 20020092719
    Abstract: Hydraulic fluid is supplied to hydraulic brake cylinders for calipers and brake shoes of a motor vehicle through brake line assemblies each including a flexible multi-layer high pressure brake hose having an end portion receiving an inwardly forged end portion of a small diameter high pressure steel tube. A metal collar receives each tube and is secured to the tube by a crimp or threads and/or a spring retaining washer, and is also crimped onto an end portion of the hose. The opposite end portion of each metal tube is flared and receives a tubular flare nut which may be threaded directly into a brake caliper or a brake control valve. The collar may be progressively formed from sheet metal, and may be secured to the tube by a non-circular crimp. Circumferentially spaced ears may be formed on the tube and project into corresponding grooves within the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Harco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Merle T. Brumfield, James A. Poeppelman, Alan F. Meckstroth
  • Patent number: 6412825
    Abstract: An assembly of an end-fitting and a flexible pressure pipe which is of a non-bonded structure and comprises a number of layers including at least one layer (5) having a number of helically wound flat metallic tensile armour wires with end parts which, in the assembled condition, are embedded in an anchor consisting of a casting material such as epoxy which is injected into a cavity formed in the end-fitting. The flat wire end parts have at least one twist turning generally around the centerline of the wire. Said twists lock the tensile armor wires firmly in the anchor and therefore provide a greater resistance to axial tensile loads acting on the assembly than has been known before. Furthermore the joint is a simple and cheap structure and can be made in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventor: Krystyna Izabella Langkjaer
  • Patent number: 6409225
    Abstract: A hose-connector assembly including an inner resin tube, an outer rubber protector tube which covers an outer circumferential surface of the inner resin tube over an entire length of the inner resin tube, and a tubular connector which includes an end portion press-fitted in each of at least one of opposite end portions of the inner resin tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Ito
  • Publication number: 20020063424
    Abstract: A pipe fitting (1) for pipes (2) exhibiting a coating (5) having a high mechanical and/or chemical resistance, comprises a first tubular portion (6) adapted to be connected to the pipe (2), to which there is connected a second portion (8), adapted to the connection with another pipe fitting (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: ALFAGOMMA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guido Gennasio
  • Patent number: 6382681
    Abstract: A device for crimping or coupling end elements of a flexible pipe. The pipe includes a metal carcass of a helically wound wire wherein the winding provides gaps between adjacent windings. A sealing sheath outward of the carcass. The device comprises a cylindrically shaped tubular nipple that fits over the carcass with a tapered first conical leading end that is insertable between the sealing sheath and the carcass. The nipple has over a portion of its external surface grooves which substantially match in shape the squeezed out or crept parts of the sheath such that after the nipple has been installed at least part of the squeezed out crept parts of the sheath are almost completely housed in the grooves of the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Coflexip
    Inventors: Hugues Berton, Jean Rigaud, Eric Buon
  • Patent number: 6375226
    Abstract: A pipe connector (1) for a multi-layer composite pipe, the pipe comprising at least one reinforcing layer (13, 14), or layer of high axial strength, at least one inner thermoplastic layer (9, 10) and at least one outer protective layer (15, 16), the connector comprising: (i) a hollow, tubular enclosure (2) adapted to receive the pipe; (ii) fusion means adapted to make a fusion connection with the inner thermoplastic layer of the pipe; (iii) mechanical gripping means (7) adapted to grip the reinforcing layer, or layer of high axial strength of the pipe; and (iv) optionally sealing means (6) adapted to form an environmental seal with the outer protective layer of the pipe, the electrofusion means (8), mechanical gripping means and optional sealing means being disposed within the enclosure and the enclosure being adapted, in use, to apply a constraining force to the mechanical gripping means and the sealing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Alan John Dickinson, Jyri Jaakko Jarvenkyla
  • Patent number: 6361080
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for coupling a stub end flanged connector to a fiber reinforced plastic pipe. The method includes tapering an end of the fiber reinforced plastic pipe on the outside surface of its fiber overwrap. An inside surface of a stub end connector is correspondingly tapered. The stub end connector is then bonded to the fiber reinforced plastic pipe. A liner of the plastic pipe is then flared to correspond to a flared end of the stub end connector. Then at least one stiffness transition layer is bonded over the plastic pipe and the stub end connection, over an axial span at least including a termination of the taper in the stub end connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Walsh, Joel D. Shaw, Chris A. Lundberg, Harris A. Reynolds, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6360781
    Abstract: An assembly of an end-fitting (9), having an axial extending through opening (14), with a flexible pressure pipe (1) which is of a non-bonded structure comprising a number of layers (2, 3, 4, 5, 7) including an inner carcass (2) of an interlocking structure made from metallic strips (23) forming a screwthread, an end part of which extends, in the assembled condition, into the through opening (14). The assembly comprises an annular holding groove (28) which is formed in the wall of the through opening (14), and a lock nut (15). The metallic strips (23) form a thread (24) with windings (25). When the pipe (1) is to be assembled with the end-fitting (9) the carcass (2) is exposed by initially removing the layers (3, 4, 5, 7) surrounding the carcass (2) at the end of the pipe (1), whereafter the lock nut (15) is screwed on to the end of the carcass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles A/S
    Inventor: Poul Erik Braad
  • Patent number: 6283206
    Abstract: A gas lift umbilical including a flexible pipe having a collapse resistant wall and a first sealing layer formed on an interior surface of the collapse resistant wall. The interior surface defines a longitudinal passage. A flexible gas lift hose is mounted within the longitudinal passage extending from a first end of the flexible pipe to a second end thereof. A first fitting is attached to the collapse resistant wall of the flexible pipe at a first end thereof. A second fitting is attached to the collapse resistant wall of the flexible pipe at a second end thereof. A first adapter joins a first end of the gas lift hose to the first fitting and a second adapter joins a second end of the gas lift hose to the second fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kellogg, Brown & Root, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana John Fraser, Alva W. Davis
  • Patent number: 6273142
    Abstract: An assembly of an end-fitting (9) and a flexible pressure pipe which is of a non-bonded structure and comprises a number of layers including at least one layer having a number of helically wound flat metallic tensile armor wires with end parts which, in the assembled condition, are embedded in an anchor consisting of a casting material such as epoxy which is injected into a cavity formed in the end-fitting. The flat wire end parts have at least one twist turning generally around the centerline of the wire. Said twists lock the tensile armor wires firmly in the anchor and therefore provide a greater resistance to axial tensile loads acting on the assembly than has been known before. Furthermore the joint is a simple and cheap structure and can be made in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: NKT Flexibles I/S
    Inventor: Poul Erik Braad
  • Patent number: 6199916
    Abstract: A joint between a fluid connector body and a plastic tube is formed at least in part by spin welding, wherein the portion of the connector which is configured to receive the tube defines inner and outer surfaces which engage the inner and outer surfaces of the mating tube to create redundant circumferentially continuous seals between the fluid passageway and the outside environment. The use of multi-layer co-extruded plastic tubing having intermediate or bonding layers is particularly advantageous inasmuch as separate inner and outer seals are established between the connector housing and the inner and outer tubing layers, respectively, to ensure that neither system fluids nor foreign contaminants are exposed to the intermediate tube layers, thereby preventing capillary adsorption or delamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary O. Klinger, Gary S. Zelinski, David C. Stieler
  • Patent number: 6196763
    Abstract: Tubular structures are described which are composed of multiple layers of reinforced material. The structures include at least one terminal end portion which includes one or more wedges between adjacent layers of reinforced material. The structures may be, for example, hoses, expansion joints, or actuators (e.g., air springs). The terminal end portions can be readily clamped together to make appropriate connections, or a terminal end portion can be clamped to a desired mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer