Electronically detectable high-pressure hose and method of determining the location of the hose

• US 20060081301A1
• Filed: 08/25/2005
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kuriyama of America, Inc. (Kuriyama Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Kuriyama of America, Inc. (Kuriyama Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Wilkinson, Daniel M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,308,911 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 138/104
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 1/11 for the detection or protection of pipes in the ground
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 11/085 comprising one or more braided layers in combination with layers of a helically wound core or wire F16L11/088
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 11/127 electrically conducting
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 2201/60 Identification or marking
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/00 Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems the preceding groups and groups F16L57/00, F16L59/00 take precedence; repairing or joining pipes on or under water F16L1/26; nozzles B05B; cleaning of pipes B08B9/02; arrangements of draining devices for water main or service pipe systems E03B7/08; devices for preventing bursting of water pipes by freezing E03B7/10; draining devices for hydrants E03B9/14; for domestic plumbing installations E03C1/00; steam traps for draining of liquids from enclosures containing gases or vapours F16T; arrangements for sealing leaky tubes or conduits of heat-exchangers F28F11/00

Abstract

A hose is provided having at least one layer defining a tubular body with a length and an electrically conductive lead joined to the tubular body and extending along the length of the tubular body. The electrically conductive lead is adapted to receive an electrical signal and create an electromagnetic field that can be remotely detected to determine a location of the hose. A method of determining the location of a hose is also contemplated.

Claims

1. A hose comprising:

at least one layer defining a tubular body with a length; and

an electrically conductive lead joined to the tubular body and extending along the length of the tubular body,

the electrically conductive lead adapted to receive an electrical signal and create an electromagnetic field that can be remotely detected to determine a location of the hose.

2. The hose according to claim 1 in combination with a generator for a signal that is received by the electrically conductive lead and causes an electromagnetic field to be created.

3. The hose according to claim 2 further in combination with a receiver for detecting the electromagnetic field and providing an indication as to the location of the hose.

4. The hose according to claim 3 wherein the tubular body comprises an inner tube and a cover layer overlying the inner tube and encapsulating at least a part of the electrically conductive lead.

5. The hose according to claim 4 wherein the body comprises at least one reinforcing layer between the inner tube and cover layer.

6. The hose according to claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive lead comprises a wire.

7. The hose according to claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive lead comprises a flat braided wire.

8. The hose according to claim 4 wherein the electrically conductive lead comprises a wire that is adhered to the inner tube.

9. The hose according to claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive lead is interwoven with the reinforcing layer.

10. The hose according to claim 1 wherein the reinforcing layer comprises a woven conductor that defines the electrically conductive lead.

11. The hose according to claim 1 wherein the hose has an end with a conductive coupling and the electrically conductive lead is electrically connected to the coupling so that an electrical signal can be directed through the coupling to another hose.

12. The hose according to claim 3 wherein the generator comprises a signal/frequency generator that transmits current at a preselected frequency to set up the electromagnetic field.

13. The hose according to claim 3 wherein the receiver gives an indication of a value associated with the electromagnetic field that is proportional to the strength of the electromagnetic field so that a distance between the receiver and the electrically conductive lead can be ascertained.

14. The hose according to claim 3 in combination with a subterranean pipeline through which the hose is directed.

15. The hose according to claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of markers on the hose that can be detected to determine a length of the hose that has been extended.

16. The hose according to claim 15 in combination with a detector for sensing a number of markers that pass by the detector.

17. The hose according to claim 15 further in combination with a control device which is capable of controlling a retrieval speed for the hose based upon the detection of the markers.

18. In combination:

a signal generator;

a hose having a tubular body with a length;

an electrical lead on the body adapted to receive an electrical signal from the signal generator and create an electromagnetic field; and

a receiver for detecting the electromagnetic field and providing an indication as to the location of the hose.

19. The combination according to claim 18 wherein the signal generator is provided on the hose.

20. The combination according to claim 19 wherein the signal generator and electrical lead interact wirelessly.

21. A method of determining the location of a hose, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a hose with an electrically conductive lead;

causing an electrical current to be generated in the electrically conductive lead that creates an electromagnetic field; and

detecting the electromagnetic field to thereby determine the location of the hose.

22. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 21 wherein the step of forming a hose comprises forming a hose with a tubular body having a length with the electrically conductive lead embedded in the body.

23. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 22 wherein the step of forming a hose comprises forming a hose with ane electrically conductive lead that comprises a wire.

24. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 22 wherein the step of forming a hose comprises forming a hose with an electrically conductive lead that comprises a flat braided wire.

25. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 21 wherein the step of forming a hose comprises forming a hose with a tubular body comprising an inner tube and a cover layer overlying the inner tube and encapsulating at least a part of the electrically conductive lead.

26. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 21 wherein the step of forming a hose comprises forming a hose with a body comprising an inner tube, a cover layer, and at least one reinforcing layer between the inner tube and cover layer, wherein the electrically conductive lead is interwoven with a reinforcing layer.

27. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 21 wherein the step of detecting the electromagnetic field comprises sensing the strength of the electromagnetic field to thereby allow a distance from the hose to be ascertained.

28. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 21 further comprising the step of directing the hose through a subterranean pipeline.

29. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 28 further comprising the step of directing a pressurized fluid through the hose and into the subterranean pipeline.

30. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 28 further comprising the step of tracking movement of the hose through the subterranean pipeline by detecting the electromagnetic field.

31. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 28 further comprising the step of directing the hose through a subterranean pipeline up to an obstruction in the subterranean pipeline and through detection of the electromagnetic field determining a location of the obstruction.

32. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 21 wherein the step of forming a base comprises forming a hose with a plurality of markers thereon and further comprising the step of detecting the markers to thereby determine a length of the hose that has been extended.

33. The method of determining the location of a hose according to claim 32 further comprising the step of controlling a retrieval speed for paid out hose based upon the detection of the markers.