Flexible tubing with improved signal transmission and method of making
US8563863B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L57/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A smooth-bore plastic tubing with an outer helical support bead is resistant to collapse and incorporates plural conductors disposed outside of the tubing bore and insulated both from ambient and from one another. The conductors may have a desired relatively high thermal conductivity to tidal air flow within the tubing, while also having a comparatively high thermal resistance to ambient. The conductors may be electrical conductors, or may include fiber optic conductors as well in the same tubing structure. A method for making the tubing includes extruding a molten thermoplastic ribbon with an elevated plateau portion defining at least one conductor-receiving groove. The plastic ribbon is wrapped to form a tube and at least one conductor is embedded in the groove of the plateau portion. Finally a molten thermoplastic bead is then applied atop the plateau portion and atop of the embedded conductor providing a unitary flexible tubing structure with substantially smooth inside and outside surfaces free of crevices which could retain soil or bacteria.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.