Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.

Cooper-standard Automotive, Inc.

David A Bensko

Duane J Pontbriand

Gary O Klinger

Tao Nie

James E Ostrander

David H Czarnik

Andrew Rosenberg

Rick Kalinowski

Theodore J Watson

Ricki Kelley

Peter J Studders

A multi-layer tube for use in a motor vehicle system to transport fluids containing hydrocarbons such as would be found in a fuel line, a vapor return line or a vapor recovery tube having a first layer radially disposed innermost made up of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic material capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to automotive fuel and various fuel additives, and second layer made up of an extrudable, melt-processible non-polyester, non-alcoholic thermoplastic material capable of sufficiently permanent laminar connection with the first layer so as to prevent delamination between the first and second layers during a desired lifetime of the tube. The thermoplastic material of the second layer is made up of at least one constituent which is chemically dissimilar from the thermoplastic material employed in the first layer such as a melt-processible compound having at least two isocyanate groups in combination with a compound which is chemically similar to the thermoplastic material of the first layer such as a thermoplastic elastomer, or a polyamide. The tubing of the present invention may, optionally, include additional layers interposed between the respective layers or may include additional layers which overlie the exterior surface of the second layer.

Multi-layer tubing having at least one intermediate layer formed from a polyamide alloy

An elongated multi-layer tubing for connection to a motor vehicle system to handle fluids containing hydrocarbons. The tubing comprises an inner layer disposed radially innermost and having an inner surface capable of prolonged exposure to a fluid containing hydrocarbons, the inner layer formed from an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic, such as Nylon 12. An outer jacket layer is formed from an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The tubing further comprises an anhydride-modified, linear low-density polyethylene intermediate layer extruded between the inner and outer layers, the intermediate layer sufficiently adhering the inner layer to the outer jacket to substantially prevent slipping therebetween. At least one of the inner and intermediate layers is resistant to permeation by hydrocarbons. At least one layer of the tubing is capable of dissipating electrostatic energy in a range of 10,to 10,Ohm/cm,.

Tubing for handling hydrocarbon materials and having an outer jacket layer adhered thereto

A multi-layer tube suitable for use in a motor vehicle system to transport fluids containing hydrocarbons such as would be found in a fuel line, a vapor return line or a vapor recovery tube having a first layer radially disposed innermost made up of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of aromatic polyketones, aliphatic polyketones and mixtures thereof, and second layer made up of an extrudable, melt-processible thermoplastic material capable of sufficiently permanent laminar adhesion with the first layer so as to prevent delamination between the first and second layers during a desired lifetime of the tube, and a third layer overlying the first layer made up of a melt-processible thermoplastic material such as polyamides, high density polyethylenes and mixtures thereof. The tubing of the present invention may, optionally, include additional layers interposed between the respective layers or may include additional layers which overlie the exterior surface of the second layer.

Multi-layer tubing having at least one intermediate layer formed from a polyamide/polyketone alloy

A tube having a cylindrical main body and a thin wall defined by an inner surface and outer surface. The tube includes a first segment having a generally constant cylindrical cross-section and another segment having a variable cross-section containing convolutions to allow for flexing of the tube during installation. The convolutions extend less than the entire circumference of the tube or have tapered side walls which substantially reduce the size of the convolutions as the convolutions extend from one position along the circumference to a second position.

Asymmetrical convolute tube

A polymeric, multiple-layer tube suitable for use as a filler neck is disclosed. The tube is comprised of a generally cylindrical wall having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is approximately parallel to the outer surface and defines a generally cylindrical interior having a diameter D. The cylindrical interior, which provides a flow path for fuel, extends throughout the length of the tube. The tube is divided into one or more contiguous first and second longitudinal segments. In the first longitudinal segment, D is approximately constant along the length of the segment; in the second longitudinal segment, D varies with axial position. This variation defines a convolution, which allows the filler tube to be bent without crimping. The cylindrical wall of the multiple-layer tube further comprises an outer layer composed of a thermoplastic elastomer, and an inner layer composed of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic having an elongation of at least 150%. Though in contact, the two layers are not bonded together. When compounded with suitable additives, the filler neck tube exhibits good abrasion resistance, is nearly impermeable to hydrocarbons present in fuel, and is less susceptible to electrostatic discharge.

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Oscoda, MI, United States of America

David A Bensko