Titeflex Corporation

Brian Coppola

Scott Duquette

Harold Lloyd Crowder

Vanwijak Eowsakul

Franz Kellar

One aspect of the invention provides a method of forming an energy-dissipative tube. In one embodiment, the method includes: extruding a resin layer over an outer surface of corrugated stainless steel tubing and impregnating the resin layer with metal particles. In another embodiment, the method includes: extruding a resin layer comprising a fire retardant over an outer surface of corrugated stainless steel tubing and impregnating the resin layer with metal particles. In another embodiment, the method includes: extruding a resin layer comprising between about 20% to 60% magnesium hydroxide, aluminum trihydrate, or halogenated fire retardants by weight over an outer surface of corrugated stainless steel tubing and impregnating the resin layer with metal particles selected from the group consisting of: copper, aluminum, gold, silver, and nickel.

Methods of forming energy-dissipative tubes

One aspect of the invention provides an energy dissipative tube including: a length of corrugated stainless steel tubing; a conductive resin layer adjacent to the outside of the tubing; and an insulative resin layer adjacent to the conductive layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an energy dissipative tube consisting of: a length of corrugated stainless steel tubing; a conductive thermoplastic polymer layer adjacent to the outside of the tubing, the conductive thermoplastic polymer layer having a volume resistivity of less than about 10ohm-cm; and an insulative resin layer adjacent to the conductive layer.

Energy dissipative tubes

Energy dissipative tubes are provided, along with methods of fabricating and installing the energy dissipating tubes. An energy dissipative tube can include a length of tubing, a first resin layer surrounding the outside of the tubing, an expanded metal foil adjacent to the outside of the first resin layer, and a second resin layer surrounding the expanded metal foil and the first resin layer. Another energy dissipative tube can include a length of tubing, a conductive layer adjacent to the outside of the tubing, and an insulative layer adjacent to the conductive layer. A further energy dissipative tube can include a length of tubing, a metal layer adjacent to the outside of the tubing, and a resin layer adjacent to the metal layer.

Energy dissipative tubes and methods of fabricating and installing the same

Sealing devices are provided along with methods of installing energy dissipating tubing. An aspect of the invention provides a sealing device for connecting an energy dissipative tube having a length of tubing, a first resin layer surrounding the outside of the tubing, a conductive layer adjacent to the outside of the first resin layer, and a second resin layer surrounding the conductive layer and the first resin layer. The sealing device includes one or more penetrating members configured to penetrate the second resin layer and establish electrical continuity with the conductive layer.

Sealing devices and methods of installing energy dissipative tubing

A fitting incorporating a crimp sealing device and a method of forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting are provided. A sealing crimp is formed over at least one corrugation of the tubing, where the sealing crimp can utilize a preformed bend or bulge to form a crimp and seal. Alternatively, the sealing crimp can apply pressure radially against an outer sleeve of the fitting, such that at least one corrugation of the tubing is compressed axially or radially to form a primary seal. The outer sleeve also can include one or more gaskets arranged between the outer sleeve and the tubing for forming a secondary seal. An inner sleeve can be received radially inside the outer sleeve, and one or more gaskets can be arranged between the inner sleeve and the tubing. Further, a jacket crimp can be applied against an end of the sleeve member to contact a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing.

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Amherst, MA, United States of America

Brian Coppola