Toneable conduit and method of preparing same
US7279643B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/139
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is a toneable conduit that can transmit a signal and be readily detected by toning equipment. The conduit can be coupled with other conduit to provide extended lengths of conduit. The toneable conduit includes an elongate polymeric tube having a wall with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a predetermined wall thickness. A channel preferably extends longitudinally within the wall of the elongate polymeric tube; a stabilizing rib extends longitudinally along the interior surface of the wall of the elongate polymeric tube and is located radially inward from the channel. A continuous wire is coincident with the channel in the elongate polymeric tube and preferably coated with a composition that prevents it from adhering to the polymer melt that forms the elongate polymeric tube. The present invention includes methods of making the toneable conduit and methods of coupling a first toneable conduit with a second toneable conduit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.