Fuji Photo Film Company, Limited

Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Warren Jess Stafford

Preston Lee Gale

James G Neal

A flexible hose assembly (10) transmits fluid between relatively movable components, such as a drive motor (16) secured to the main frame (14) of a vehicle (12) and pressurized fluid supply ports (13) resiliently supported on the main frame (14), in a constricted region where typical hose motions could result in chafing or cutting from contacts with adjacent structure. A flexed portion (39) of the hose (38) extends within a curved tubular rigid sleeve (47) which is fixed relative to one (16) of the fluid transmitting components (16, 13) and free of rigid attachment to the other (13). The diameter of the inside passage (51) of the sleeve (47) is greater than that of the hose (38) enabling limited necessary flexing while preventing more sizable and potentially damaging hose (38) movements. The curved hose portion (39) may have a radius of curvature smaller than the normal minimum bending radius as the sleeve (47) restrains kinking by preventing concentration of bending forces at one point on the hose (38).

Stabilized hose assembly for transmitting fluid

A method of and means for cutting hose of the type designed for use in high pressure hydraulic systems is disclosed in which the impingement of a high power laser beam is moved about the periphery of the hose in a plurality of passes. An embodiment is described in which the hose remains stationary with the beam being moved thereabout and a further embodiment is disclosed in which the beam remains stationary and the hose is rotated about its own axis. The provision of inert gas to prevent combustion both inside and outside the hose during cutting thereof is disclosed.

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Peoria, IL, United States of America

Warren Jess Stafford