Flexible connector with flow passage integrity
US5749609A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L11/111
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A flexible connector that maintains flow passage integrity with the flexible connector having a normally tubular section made of compressible material of substantially uniform thickness and having a flow passage therethrough, the tubular section of compressible material having a smoothly contoured interior surface for unimpeded flow of material thereover, and an exterior surface with a plurality of external circumferential ribs integral with the tubular section with the plurality of external circumferential ribs located in a spaced relationship to form circumferential valleys between adjacent ribs, with the circumferential valleys expandable or contractible zonally influenceable by the circumferential ribs proximate thereto, allowing the tubular section to be supported and formed into a smoothly curved section to thereby maintain the integrity of the flow passage through the tubular section of the flexible connector whether the flexible connector is in a straight or curved condition and an integral compressible flange which is radially supported by a rigid reinforcing band to prevent the flange from penetrating into the flow passage region of the flexible connector as the flange is…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.