초록 ▼

This invention relates to flexible tubular conduits or pipes particularly in situations where the conduits need to withstand relatively high pressures. In such cases, the conduits are reinforced by helically wound armor which is compliant in flexure, and profiled to allow each subsequent turn to int

This invention relates to flexible tubular conduits or pipes particularly in situations where the conduits need to withstand relatively high pressures. In such cases, the conduits are reinforced by helically wound armor which is compliant in flexure, and profiled to allow each subsequent turn to interlock with the previous turn. The invention provides a locking mechanism (8, 9) located in the axial direction of the tubular conduit comprising one or more projections (8) on one or both radial sides and a corresponding number of sockets (9) on the opposing radial sides, such that the projections (8) of one turn of the winding (10) engaging in the sockets (9) of the next turn of the winding (10), each projection (8) having an enlarged head portion (11) connected to a body by a narrow neck portion (12), and each socket having a corresponding shape to hold the projection captive in the socket, the sockets (8) and projections (9) having dimensions to allow a limited relative rotation between the adjacent turns of the winding and to resist separation, closing, and relative radial movement of the respective turns.

대표청구항 ▼

This invention relates to flexible tubular conduits or pipes particularly in situations where the conduits need to withstand relatively high pressures. In such cases, the conduits are reinforced by helically wound armor which is compliant in flexure, and profiled to allow each subsequent turn to int

This invention relates to flexible tubular conduits or pipes particularly in situations where the conduits need to withstand relatively high pressures. In such cases, the conduits are reinforced by helically wound armor which is compliant in flexure, and profiled to allow each subsequent turn to interlock with the previous turn. The invention provides a locking mechanism (8, 9) located in the axial direction of the tubular conduit comprising one or more projections (8) on one or both radial sides and a corresponding number of sockets (9) on the opposing radial sides, such that the projections (8) of one turn of the winding (10) engaging in the sockets (9) of the next turn of the winding (10), each projection (8) having an enlarged head portion (11) connected to a body by a narrow neck portion (12), and each socket having a corresponding shape to hold the projection captive in the socket, the sockets (8) and projections (9) having dimensions to allow a limited relative rotation between the adjacent turns of the winding and to resist separation, closing, and relative radial movement of the respective turns. e power source to adjust a length of time that power is supplied to the valve in response to the signal from the pressure sensor. 5. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 2, wherein the gas is nitrogen and pressurized up to about 2 atmospheres. 6. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an air flow detecting device for determining when a predetermined air flow rate exists proximate the outlet of the flow passage, the air flow detecting device being arranged to send a signal to the control device to indicate that the predetermined air flow rate exists, and the control device being arranged to control the power source to supply power to the valve and the heater in response to the signal from the air flow detecting device. 7. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 6, wherein the air flow detecting device is disposed in a position transverse to and upstream of the outlet of the flow passage, the air flow detecting device including a flow sensor, the aerosol generator comprising a mouthpiece section having an open end with the outlet of the flow passage being disposed inside of the mouthpiece section at a distance from the open end, the mouthpiece section having a plurality of vent holes arranged such that the outlet of the flow passage is disposed in the mouthpiece section between the vent holes and the open end of the mouthpiece. 8. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a pressure drop detecting device which determines when a predetermined pressure drop occurs proximate the outlet of the flow passage, the pressure drop detecting device being arranged to send a signal to the control device to indicate that the predetermined pressure drop is occurring, and the control device being arranged to control the power source to supply power to the valve and the heater in response to the signal from the pressure drop detecting device. 9. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 8, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a mouthpiece section having an open end with the outlet of the flow passage being disposed inside of the mouthpiece section at a distance from the open end. 10. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 1, wherein the control device includes a timer for controlling a frequency with which the control device controls the power supply to supply power to the valve and the heater. 11. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 10, wherein the aerosol generator includes a remote control device adapted to adjust the timer to adjust the frequency with which the control device controls the power supply to supply power to the valve and the heater wherein the timer includes an indicator for indicating that the control device is available to control the power supply to supply power to the valve and the heater. 12. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a display device controlled by the control device and displaying a number of times that the control device controls the power supply to supply power to the valve and the heater. 13. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 12, wherein the control device includes a timer for controlling a frequency with which the control device controls the power supply to supply power to the valve and the heater, the aerosol generator including a remote control device adapted to adjust the timer to adjust the frequency with which the control device controls the power supply to supply power to the valve and the heater, and the display indicating when the timer will permit the control device to control the power supply to supply power to the valve and the heater. 14. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 1, wherein the control device is arranged to permit adjustment of at least one of an amount of time that the valve is in an open condition and an amount of time that power is supplied to the heater. 15. The aerosol generator as set forth in claim 14, wherein the aerosol generator includes a remote cont