CA1124975A - Method and apparatus for bending multiple channel tubing - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for bending multiple channel tubingInfo
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- CA1124975A CA1124975A CA378,489A CA378489A CA1124975A CA 1124975 A CA1124975 A CA 1124975A CA 378489 A CA378489 A CA 378489A CA 1124975 A CA1124975 A CA 1124975A
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method and apparatus are provided for bending thermoplastic, multiple channel tubing having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a predetermined shape which separates the tubing into a multiplicity of channels. The method includes the steps of in-serting the tubing into a hot liquid bath, maintaining said tubing in said bath until said tubing is bendable, bending said tubing into a desired shape, and supporting the softened tubing, including the par-tition, during the bending step. By these steps, and using the appara-tus specially provided, the bending procedure substantially maintains the predetermined cross-sectional shape of the tubing while also sub-stantially maintaining the predetermined shape of the partition as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
A method and apparatus are provided for bending thermoplastic, multiple channel tubing having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a predetermined shape which separates the tubing into a multiplicity of channels. The method includes the steps of in-serting the tubing into a hot liquid bath, maintaining said tubing in said bath until said tubing is bendable, bending said tubing into a desired shape, and supporting the softened tubing, including the par-tition, during the bending step. By these steps, and using the appara-tus specially provided, the bending procedure substantially maintains the predetermined cross-sectional shape of the tubing while also sub-stantially maintaining the predetermined shape of the partition as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
Description
~124~s The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for bending softened multiple channel tubing particularly adapted for whirlpool systems and, more particularly for use in such systems which are adapted for use in conventional bathtub installations.
This application is a division of Canadian patent application Serial No. 332,319, filed on July 23, 1979.
Recently, travelers, businessmen, skiers, golfers, tennis players and other sportsmen have become increasingly aware of the benefits of a whirlpool bath in which water is agitated to create an invigorating whirlpool motion. The swirling waters of a whirlpool bath are believed by many to calm frayed nerves, ease the pain of aching muscles, and soothe sore feet. In recognition of the increasing popu-larity of whirlpool baths, many motels, hotels, and inns are installing in-room whirlpool baths in an effort to gain a competitive edge. How-ever, in order to be profitable, and therefore result in a true compe-titive edge, such whirlpool baths must be simple to install, operate, and service.
Some known whirlpool baths, e.g. the one disclosed in Jacuzzi U.S. Patent No. 3,571,820, include a number of jet assemblies spaced around the outer periphery of a bathtub for agitating water in the bathtub. In these known whirlpool baths, water and air supply piping systems, including several pieces of pipe joined together by elbows and T-fittings, are used to supply each of the jet assemblies with water and air, respectively, i.e., separat`e air supply and water supply pipes. The installation of the elbows and T-fittings increases con-struction time and costs, in terms of both materials and labor. The elbows and T-fittings also complicate repairs and replacement.
112~9'75 Everston U.S. Patent No. 3,263,678 discloses a therapeutic bathtub having a plurality of aspirating fit-tings designed specifically to diffuse finely divided air bubbles throughout the water in the bathtub. Thus, the aspirating fittings perform a function, i.e., the diffusion of finely divided bubbles, which is different than and may be performed in addition to the conventional function of providing agitated water to produce a whirlpool bath. Never-theless, the aspirator fittings are supplied water and air from a piping network in which several individual pieces of pipe are interconnected by elbows and T-fittings.
Efforts have been made to avoid the problems and disadvantages resulting from the use of elbows and T-fittings in whirlpool systems. For instance, in Mathis U.S.
Patent No. 3,890,656, there is disclosed a whirlpool jet for bathtubs which purportedly eliminates the use of T-fittings by making all water and air pipe connections directly to a corresponding water jet outlet. However, because the water jet outlets described and claimed in the Mathis patent are actually T-fittings, which have been designed to perform a jetting function, the water jet outlets of each pair of adjacent outlets are connected by separate pieces of water and air supply pipes. The pro-vision of several pieces of pipe not only complicates installation, thereby increasing initial construction time and costs, but also complicates repairs and replacements resulting in increased maintenance costs. Furthermore, inas-much as the individual outlets are permanently cemented to the water and air supply pipes, the outlets are totally incapable of quick and easy on-site removal independently of the water and air supply pipes for inspection, cleaning and replacement purposes.
Many of the disadvantages and shortcomings of the whirlpool baths and other devices discussed above are overcome by utilizing new and improved piping arrangements for use in a whirlpool system which normally includes a plurality of outlets spaced around the interior of a water receptacle, e.g. a bathtub, a water supply channel connected to a source of water, and an air supply channel connected to a source of air. If the channels are adjacent channels of a single piece of multiple channel tubing, the tubing can be made economically from a suitable thermoplastic material which is extruded in a continuous straight length. One aspect of the present invention provides a method for bending the thermoplastic multiple channel tubing, whereby the shape of the length of tubing can be matched with the outer contour of a bathtub. In accordance with a broad aspect of this invention, a method is provided for bending thermoplastic, multiple channel tubing having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a pre-determined shape which separatés the tubing into a multiplicity of channels, comprising the steps of inserting the tubing into a hot liquid bath, maintaining ,the tubing in the bath until the tubing is bendable, bending the tubing into a desired shape, and supporting the softened
This application is a division of Canadian patent application Serial No. 332,319, filed on July 23, 1979.
Recently, travelers, businessmen, skiers, golfers, tennis players and other sportsmen have become increasingly aware of the benefits of a whirlpool bath in which water is agitated to create an invigorating whirlpool motion. The swirling waters of a whirlpool bath are believed by many to calm frayed nerves, ease the pain of aching muscles, and soothe sore feet. In recognition of the increasing popu-larity of whirlpool baths, many motels, hotels, and inns are installing in-room whirlpool baths in an effort to gain a competitive edge. How-ever, in order to be profitable, and therefore result in a true compe-titive edge, such whirlpool baths must be simple to install, operate, and service.
Some known whirlpool baths, e.g. the one disclosed in Jacuzzi U.S. Patent No. 3,571,820, include a number of jet assemblies spaced around the outer periphery of a bathtub for agitating water in the bathtub. In these known whirlpool baths, water and air supply piping systems, including several pieces of pipe joined together by elbows and T-fittings, are used to supply each of the jet assemblies with water and air, respectively, i.e., separat`e air supply and water supply pipes. The installation of the elbows and T-fittings increases con-struction time and costs, in terms of both materials and labor. The elbows and T-fittings also complicate repairs and replacement.
112~9'75 Everston U.S. Patent No. 3,263,678 discloses a therapeutic bathtub having a plurality of aspirating fit-tings designed specifically to diffuse finely divided air bubbles throughout the water in the bathtub. Thus, the aspirating fittings perform a function, i.e., the diffusion of finely divided bubbles, which is different than and may be performed in addition to the conventional function of providing agitated water to produce a whirlpool bath. Never-theless, the aspirator fittings are supplied water and air from a piping network in which several individual pieces of pipe are interconnected by elbows and T-fittings.
Efforts have been made to avoid the problems and disadvantages resulting from the use of elbows and T-fittings in whirlpool systems. For instance, in Mathis U.S.
Patent No. 3,890,656, there is disclosed a whirlpool jet for bathtubs which purportedly eliminates the use of T-fittings by making all water and air pipe connections directly to a corresponding water jet outlet. However, because the water jet outlets described and claimed in the Mathis patent are actually T-fittings, which have been designed to perform a jetting function, the water jet outlets of each pair of adjacent outlets are connected by separate pieces of water and air supply pipes. The pro-vision of several pieces of pipe not only complicates installation, thereby increasing initial construction time and costs, but also complicates repairs and replacements resulting in increased maintenance costs. Furthermore, inas-much as the individual outlets are permanently cemented to the water and air supply pipes, the outlets are totally incapable of quick and easy on-site removal independently of the water and air supply pipes for inspection, cleaning and replacement purposes.
Many of the disadvantages and shortcomings of the whirlpool baths and other devices discussed above are overcome by utilizing new and improved piping arrangements for use in a whirlpool system which normally includes a plurality of outlets spaced around the interior of a water receptacle, e.g. a bathtub, a water supply channel connected to a source of water, and an air supply channel connected to a source of air. If the channels are adjacent channels of a single piece of multiple channel tubing, the tubing can be made economically from a suitable thermoplastic material which is extruded in a continuous straight length. One aspect of the present invention provides a method for bending the thermoplastic multiple channel tubing, whereby the shape of the length of tubing can be matched with the outer contour of a bathtub. In accordance with a broad aspect of this invention, a method is provided for bending thermoplastic, multiple channel tubing having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a pre-determined shape which separatés the tubing into a multiplicity of channels, comprising the steps of inserting the tubing into a hot liquid bath, maintaining ,the tubing in the bath until the tubing is bendable, bending the tubing into a desired shape, and supporting the softened
2~ tubing, including the partition, during the bending step so as to sub-stantially maintain the predetermined cross-sectional shape of the tubing while also substantially maintaining the predetermined shape of the partition as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
By a variant thereof the direction of bending is substanti-ally parallel to the partition.
By another variant, the direction of bending is substantially perpendicular to the partition.
By a variant thereof the direction of bending is substanti-ally parallel to the partition.
By another variant, the direction of bending is substantially perpendicular to the partition.
- 3 -11~24975 By a still further variant, the supporting step includes providing a plurality of holes through the tubing, including the par-tition, at predetermined locations along the length of the tubing and prior to the softening thereof, inserting a pég through each of said holes after softening of the tubing, and clamping the tubing in the vicinity of each of the holes after the softening of the tubing.
In other words, by an embodiment of the method of this inven-tion, the tubing is maintained in a bath of hot liquid, e.g. triethyl-ene glycol heated to 230-260-F., until the thermoplastic mater-ial becomes soft and bendable. As long as the thermoplastic materialremains soft, the tubing can be bent into almost any desired shape or configuration. If the multiple channel tubing includes a pair of channels separated by a thermoplastic partition, the softened tubing is supported during the bending and cooling of the tubing so as sub-stantially to maintain the original cross-sectional shape of the tub-ing, as well as the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
A further aspect of the present invention involves apparatus adapted to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the softened tubing.
The apparatus also maintains the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
By one broad aspect thereof, apparatus is provided which is useful in bending softened multiple channel tubing having a pre-determined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a predetermined shape which separates the tubing into a multiplicity of channels, com-prising supporting means for supporting the softened tubing, includ-ing the partition, so as to substantially maintain the predetermined cross-sectional shape of the softened tubing while also substantially maintaining the predetermined shape of the partition as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
`,~
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first member positioned on one side of the tubing and a second mem~er positioned on an opposite side of the tubing, the members having surfaces with a con-tour which substantially matches at least a portion of the cross-sec-tional shape of the tubing.
By a variant thereof one of the members includes a projecting member removably extending through the other member, the projecting member removably extending through the second member, the projecting member cooperating with the second member to maintain the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a whirl-pool system constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first exem-plary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above ident~fied parent application;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle utilized in the connector assembly illustrated in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a partial elevational view of a second exemplary embodiment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
. - 5 -~lZ4975 Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent appli-cation;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent appli-cation;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodi-ment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
and Figure 11 is an exploded view of a clamp assembly useful in bending dual channel tubing in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
- 5 a -, . ,~
llZ4!375 The Overall System The whirlpool system shown in Figure 1 includes a number of outlets 10 which are spaced apart around the periphery of a bath-tub 12. Each of the outlets 10 extends through a sidewall 14 of the bathtub 12 below a predetermined water level line and is connected to a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 16 by a connector assem-bly 18. The loop of dual channel tubing 16 has a shape which gener-ally matches the outer contour of the bathtub 12.
A pump 20, driven by a motor 22, receives water from the bathtub 12 through a return line 24, which communicates with the interior of the bathtub 12 below its predetermined water level line.
Water under pressure is supplied from the pump 20 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 16 through a flexible hose 26 and a saddle .
clamp type connector 28. Another saddle clamp type con-'~` - 5 b -l~Z4975 nector 30 is connected by a flexible hose 32 to an air port 34 located above the predetermined water level line of the bathtub 12, so that the port 34 will always be open to the atmosphere for supplying air to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 16 at atmospheric pressure.
Other exemplary embodiments of the whirlpool system of Figure 1 are illustrated in Figures 4 and 10. The various elements illustrated in Figures 4 and 10 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Figure 1 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodi-ments of Figures 4 and 10 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1, unless it is otherwise stated.
Referring now to Figure 4, a pump 120 and a com-pressor 136 are driven by a double-ended motor 122, so that air at greater than atmospheric pressure can be supplied to one channel of dual channel tubing 116 through a supply line 138 and a saddle clamp type connector 130. Alter-natively, the pump 120 and the compressor 136 can be driven by a pair of separate motors. The pressure of the air can be regulated from inside the bathtub 112 by a conventional air pressure regulator 140 communicating with the supply line 138. Supplying air under pressure via the compressor 136, the supply line 138, and the regulator 140 eliminates the need for the flexible hose 32 and the port 34 of the embodiment of Figure 1.
The whirlpool system shown in Figure 10 includes dual channel tubing 216 and a number of connector assem-blies 218 removably mounted to the dual channel tubing 216, which therefore acts as a header. Because the dual channel tubing 216 is located at one end of a bathtub 212, the llZ~975 connector assemblies 218 are relatively remote from at least some outlets 210, each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the connector assemblies 218 by a flexible hose 242 or any other suitable conduit. The loca-tion of the dual channel tubing 216 can be changed depending upon the configuration of the overall whirlpool system.
A saddle clamp type connector 244 replaces the saddle clamp type connectors 28 and 30 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. More particularly, the saddle clamp type connector 244 has an upper clamp member 246, which connects a pump 220 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 216, and a lower clamp member 248, which connects an air port 234 to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 216.
The Nozzle Ty e Connector Assembly Embodiments p Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown dual channel tubing 310. It has a cylindrical shape, although any other suitable shape may be used, and a partition 312 extending across the interior of the tubing 310 to form an air channel 314 and a water channel 316.
Although the partition 312 is shown extending across a diameter of the dual channel tubing 310, the partition 312 may extend across any chord of the tubing 310.
At each location where a connector assembly 318 is to be inserted through the dual channel tubing 310, a pair of holes 320, 322 is provided, the hole 320 being formed in the top of the tubing 310 diametrically opposite the hole 322, which is formed in the bottom of the tubing 310. Another hole 324, having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the hole 320 but somewhat less than the diameter of the hole 322, is formed in the par-tition 312 and aligned with the holes 320, 322, so that a nozzle 326 can be inserted therethrough.
112~9~5 The nozzle 326, which forms a part of a corres-ponding connector assembly 318, includes a small diameter portion 330, which extends through the holes 320, 324 and the water channel 316, and a large diameter portion 332, which extends through the hole 322 and into the air channel 314. An 0-ring 334 interposed between the partition 312 and a shoulder 336 formed at the juncture of the small diameter portion 330 and the large diameter portion 332 forms a fluid-tight seal between the air channel 314 and the water channel 316.
A fluid passageway 338 (see Fig. 3) runs the length of the nozzle 326 and communicates with the air channel 314 and the water channel 316 through an air inlet opening 340 and a water inlet opening 342, respectively. To facilitate drainage of water from the dual channel tubing 310, the bottoms of the air inlet opening 340 and the water inlet opening 342 are at an elevation substantially no higher than the elevation of the bottoms of the air chan-nel 314 and the water channel 316, respectively. The por-tion of the passageway 338 between the air inlet opening340 and the water inlet opening 342 includes a venturi 344 (see Fig. 3) designed to enhance the mixing of water and air in the passageway 338 and to speed the flow of water and air through the passageway 338.
The free end of the small diameter portion 330 extends upwardly through the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310 and is provided with an exter-nally threaded portion 346 designed to threadedly engage an internally threaded cap 348. By removing the cap 348, access may be had to the passageway 338 for the purposes of inspection and cleaning.
llZ~9~'5 An 0-ring 350, disposed about the free end of the small diameter portion 330, seals the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 350 is held in sealing engagement against the top of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 352, slidably received on the free end of the small diameter portion 330 of the nozzle 326, and a lock nut 354, having an internally threaded portion (not shown) which threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 346 of the free end of the small diameter portion 330, for forcing the jaw member 352 into positive engage-ment with the 0-ring 350.
The free end of the large diameter portion 332 of the nozzle 326 extends downwardly through the hole 322 in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. An externally threaded portion 356 provided on the free end of the large diameter portion 332 threadedly engages an internally threaded portion (not shown) formed in the vertical end 358 of a relatively rigid elbow 360. The horizontal end 362 of the elbow 360 has in internally threaded portion 364 which threadedly engages an externally threaded portion 366 formed on a stem portion 368 of an outlet 370. Although the elbow 360 is shown as having a 90 bend, the bend can be more or less than 90 depending upon the designs and relative positions of the nozzle 326 and the outlet 370.
Moreover, the elbow 360 could be replaced by a flexible hose or any other suitable connecting device.
An 0-ring 372, disposed about the free end of the large diameter portion 332, seals the hole 322 formed in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 372 is held in sealing engagement against the bottom of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 374, which is slidably received llZ~975 on the free end of the large diameter portion 332 and forced into positive engagement with the 0-ring 372 by a lock nut 376 threadedly engaged on the free end of the large diameter portion 332.
A fluid-tight seal is also formed between the outlet 370 and a sidewall 382 of a bathtub 384 by an O-ring 386, a gasket 388, and a lock nut 390. The 0-ring 386 is disposed about the stem portion 368 of the outlet 370 between the outlet 370 and the sidewall 382. The gasket 388 and the lock nut 390 are also disposed about the stem portion 392, but on the opposite side of the sidewall 382 from the 0-ring 386. The lock nut 390 threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 366 of the stem portion 368 so as to force the 0-ring 386 and the gasket 388, both of which can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, into sealing engagement with the sidewall 382 of the bath-tub 384.
Referring now to Figures 6 and 9, there are shown two further embodiments of the exemplary connector assembly embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. The various elements illus-trated in Figures 6 and 9 which correspond to elements described above with respect to Figures 2 and 3 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the further embodiments operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, a horizontally extending nozzle 426 has a small diameter portion 430 which communicates with a water channel 416 but does not extend therethrough. The interior end of a passageway 438 llZ4975 extending through the nozzle 426 functions as a water inlet, thereby replacing the water inlet opening 432 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. An outlet 470 is adapted to threadedly engage a threaded portion 456 on the nozzle 426.
An 0-ring 472, jaw member 474, gasket 488, and lock nut 476 are positioned between a sidewall 482 of a bathtub 484 and the outer circumferential surface of a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 410 to form a water-tight seal for an opening in the side of the tubing 410. The lock nut 476 forces the 0-ring 472 into sealing engagement with the dual channel tubing 410. Another 0-ring 486 and a gasket 488 are forced into sealing engagement with the sidewall 482 of the bathtub 484 by the outlet 470. Although the direct con-nection of the nozzle 426 with the outlet 470 eliminates the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, it necessitates arranging the water channel 416 alongside an air channel 414, rather than above it.
The embodiment of Figure 9 also includes a con-tinuous piece of dual channel tubing 510 having a water channel 516, which is arranged alongside an air channel 514. Because the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 is dispensed with, an outlet 580 is internally threaded so that it can threadedly engage an externally threaded portion 556 on the free end of a large diameter portion 532 of a nozzle 526. O~rings 572, 586, jaw member 574, gasket 588, and lock nut 576 form a water-tight seal for an opening 522 in the side of the tubing 510 and an opening in a sidewall 582 of a bathtub 584.
llZ4975 The Saddle Clamp Type Connector Assembly Embodiments As shown in Figure 5, a saddle clamp 610 includes a pair of clamp members 612, 614. The saddle member 612 is positioned on the upper side of a piece of dual channel tubing 616, the saddle member 614 being positioned on the lower side of the tubing 616 substantially diametrically opposite the saddle member 612.
The saddle member 612 has holes 618 passing com-pletely therethrough. The holes 618 are aligned with blind bores 620 in the adjacent surface of the saddle member 614.
The holes 618 and the bores 620 are internally threaded so as to receive externally threaded bolts 622 which maintain the saddle members 612 and 614 clamped about the tubing 616. The bolts 622 also permit the position of the saddle members 612, 614 to be adjusted with respect to each other.
The saddle member 614 includes a passageway 624 extending therethrough below the dual channel tubing 616. A
water inlet opening 626 communicates between a water chan-nel 628 of the tubing 616 and the passageway 624. The passageway 624 also communicates with an air channel 630 through an air inlet opening 632 in the saddle member 614.
The portion of the passageway 624 between the water inlet opening 626 and the air inlet opening 632 includes a venturi 634 for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of the water and air through the passageway 624. The end of the passageway 624 nearest the air inlet opening 632 is internally threaded so as to receive an externally threaded portion of an outlet (not shown) mounted in the sidewall of a water receptacle, such as a bathtub. A plug 636 has an externally threaded portion `- llZ4975 638 which threadedly engages an internally threaded portion of the passageway 624 at the opposite end thereof. An 0-ring 640 is disposed about a shank portion 642 of the plug 636 to provide a water-tight seal.
The saddle member 612 has an internally threaded opening 644 which communicates at one end with the air channel 630 of the tubing 610. An externally threaded plug 646 is threadedly received in the opening 644, so that the air channel 630 may be selectively opened and closed to the atmosphere.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the connector assembly of Figure 5. The various elements illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Fig-ure 5 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodi-ments of Figures 7 and 8 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 5, unless it is otherwise stated.
Referring to Figure 7, a water inlet opening 726 of a passageway 724 communicates with the interior of a water supply conduit 750. An air inlet opening 732 communi-cates between the passageway 724 and the interior of an air supply conduit 752.
As shown in Figure 8, a piece of dual channel tubing 816 is flanked on either side by saddle members 812, 814. The tubing 816 includes a partition 860 which extends across the interior thereof along a diameter or any other chord. An aperture 862 in the partition 860 permits a water channel 828 on one side of the partition 860 to communicate with an air channel 830 on the other side of the partition 860, the aperture 862 acting as a venturi for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of water and air out of the tubing 816 and through a passageway 824 provided in the saddle member 814.
llZ497S
A vertical opening 842 in the saddle member 814 connects the air channel 830 to the a-tmosphere. A plug 844 threadedly received in the opening 842 permits the selec-tive opening and closing of the air channel 830 to the atmosphere.
A horizontal internally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 communica-tes with a water channel 828 of the tubing 816. A plug 872 has an externally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 for permitting access to the water channel 828. An O-ring 876 disposed about a shank portion 878 of the plug 872 forms a water-tight seal.
Method of Bending Dual Channel Tubing When a piece of dual channel tubing, like the dual channel tubing described above, is extruded in a single straight length of thermoplastic material, the tubing must be bent in order to match the contour of a water receptacle, such as a bathtub. One especially advan-tageous method of bending such tubing involves using a Greenlee No. 850 PVC Bender which is filled with triethy-lene glycol. After the triethylene glycol is heated toabout 230-260F., the dual channel tubing is inserted i~to the bath and maintained therein until the thermoplastic material is sufficiently soft so as to render the tubing bendable. The tubing can then be bent, either in a direc-tion perpendicular to or parallel to the partition ex-tending across the interior of the tubing.
If difficulties are encountered in maintaining the original shape of the softened tubing, including the partition, during its cooling, the following procedure, which is described below with reference to Figure 11, may be followed. Referring to Figure 11, dual channel tubing * ~fo~é~
910 has a partition 912 whi.ch runs the length thereof. At predetermined locations, corresponding to the locations where a connector assembly will be attached to the tubing, three aligned holes 914, 916, 918 are formed in the tubing 910 prior to its softening. The holes 914, 916 are formed in opposite sides of the tubing 910, the other hole 918 being formed in the partition 912.
Either prior to, simultaneously. with or imme-diately after the bending of the tubing 910 into a desired . shape, a peg 920, which extends upwardly from a lower saddle member 92~ of a saddle clamp 924, is inserted through the holes 914, 916, 918, and into a hole 926 in an upper saddle member 928 of the saddle clamp 924 to he~p maintain the original shape of the partition 912 as well as its proper orientation with respect to. the rest of the tubing 910. The saddle members 922 and 928 are then clamped over the outer surface of the tubing to help maintain its - original cross-sectional shape, thereby :aiding in the sup-port of the softened partition 912.
The tubing 910 can be cooled at room temperature.
Alternatively, cooling of the tubing 910 can be expedited by passing a cool fluid, such as air or water, in and/or around the softened tubing 910;
In other words, by an embodiment of the method of this inven-tion, the tubing is maintained in a bath of hot liquid, e.g. triethyl-ene glycol heated to 230-260-F., until the thermoplastic mater-ial becomes soft and bendable. As long as the thermoplastic materialremains soft, the tubing can be bent into almost any desired shape or configuration. If the multiple channel tubing includes a pair of channels separated by a thermoplastic partition, the softened tubing is supported during the bending and cooling of the tubing so as sub-stantially to maintain the original cross-sectional shape of the tub-ing, as well as the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
A further aspect of the present invention involves apparatus adapted to maintain the cross-sectional shape of the softened tubing.
The apparatus also maintains the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
By one broad aspect thereof, apparatus is provided which is useful in bending softened multiple channel tubing having a pre-determined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a predetermined shape which separates the tubing into a multiplicity of channels, com-prising supporting means for supporting the softened tubing, includ-ing the partition, so as to substantially maintain the predetermined cross-sectional shape of the softened tubing while also substantially maintaining the predetermined shape of the partition as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
`,~
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first member positioned on one side of the tubing and a second mem~er positioned on an opposite side of the tubing, the members having surfaces with a con-tour which substantially matches at least a portion of the cross-sec-tional shape of the tubing.
By a variant thereof one of the members includes a projecting member removably extending through the other member, the projecting member removably extending through the second member, the projecting member cooperating with the second member to maintain the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a whirl-pool system constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first exem-plary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above ident~fied parent application;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle utilized in the connector assembly illustrated in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a partial elevational view of a second exemplary embodiment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
. - 5 -~lZ4975 Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent appli-cation;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent appli-cation;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodi-ment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with an aspect of the invention described in the above identified parent application;
and Figure 11 is an exploded view of a clamp assembly useful in bending dual channel tubing in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
- 5 a -, . ,~
llZ4!375 The Overall System The whirlpool system shown in Figure 1 includes a number of outlets 10 which are spaced apart around the periphery of a bath-tub 12. Each of the outlets 10 extends through a sidewall 14 of the bathtub 12 below a predetermined water level line and is connected to a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 16 by a connector assem-bly 18. The loop of dual channel tubing 16 has a shape which gener-ally matches the outer contour of the bathtub 12.
A pump 20, driven by a motor 22, receives water from the bathtub 12 through a return line 24, which communicates with the interior of the bathtub 12 below its predetermined water level line.
Water under pressure is supplied from the pump 20 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 16 through a flexible hose 26 and a saddle .
clamp type connector 28. Another saddle clamp type con-'~` - 5 b -l~Z4975 nector 30 is connected by a flexible hose 32 to an air port 34 located above the predetermined water level line of the bathtub 12, so that the port 34 will always be open to the atmosphere for supplying air to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 16 at atmospheric pressure.
Other exemplary embodiments of the whirlpool system of Figure 1 are illustrated in Figures 4 and 10. The various elements illustrated in Figures 4 and 10 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Figure 1 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodi-ments of Figures 4 and 10 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1, unless it is otherwise stated.
Referring now to Figure 4, a pump 120 and a com-pressor 136 are driven by a double-ended motor 122, so that air at greater than atmospheric pressure can be supplied to one channel of dual channel tubing 116 through a supply line 138 and a saddle clamp type connector 130. Alter-natively, the pump 120 and the compressor 136 can be driven by a pair of separate motors. The pressure of the air can be regulated from inside the bathtub 112 by a conventional air pressure regulator 140 communicating with the supply line 138. Supplying air under pressure via the compressor 136, the supply line 138, and the regulator 140 eliminates the need for the flexible hose 32 and the port 34 of the embodiment of Figure 1.
The whirlpool system shown in Figure 10 includes dual channel tubing 216 and a number of connector assem-blies 218 removably mounted to the dual channel tubing 216, which therefore acts as a header. Because the dual channel tubing 216 is located at one end of a bathtub 212, the llZ~975 connector assemblies 218 are relatively remote from at least some outlets 210, each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the connector assemblies 218 by a flexible hose 242 or any other suitable conduit. The loca-tion of the dual channel tubing 216 can be changed depending upon the configuration of the overall whirlpool system.
A saddle clamp type connector 244 replaces the saddle clamp type connectors 28 and 30 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. More particularly, the saddle clamp type connector 244 has an upper clamp member 246, which connects a pump 220 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 216, and a lower clamp member 248, which connects an air port 234 to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 216.
The Nozzle Ty e Connector Assembly Embodiments p Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown dual channel tubing 310. It has a cylindrical shape, although any other suitable shape may be used, and a partition 312 extending across the interior of the tubing 310 to form an air channel 314 and a water channel 316.
Although the partition 312 is shown extending across a diameter of the dual channel tubing 310, the partition 312 may extend across any chord of the tubing 310.
At each location where a connector assembly 318 is to be inserted through the dual channel tubing 310, a pair of holes 320, 322 is provided, the hole 320 being formed in the top of the tubing 310 diametrically opposite the hole 322, which is formed in the bottom of the tubing 310. Another hole 324, having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the hole 320 but somewhat less than the diameter of the hole 322, is formed in the par-tition 312 and aligned with the holes 320, 322, so that a nozzle 326 can be inserted therethrough.
112~9~5 The nozzle 326, which forms a part of a corres-ponding connector assembly 318, includes a small diameter portion 330, which extends through the holes 320, 324 and the water channel 316, and a large diameter portion 332, which extends through the hole 322 and into the air channel 314. An 0-ring 334 interposed between the partition 312 and a shoulder 336 formed at the juncture of the small diameter portion 330 and the large diameter portion 332 forms a fluid-tight seal between the air channel 314 and the water channel 316.
A fluid passageway 338 (see Fig. 3) runs the length of the nozzle 326 and communicates with the air channel 314 and the water channel 316 through an air inlet opening 340 and a water inlet opening 342, respectively. To facilitate drainage of water from the dual channel tubing 310, the bottoms of the air inlet opening 340 and the water inlet opening 342 are at an elevation substantially no higher than the elevation of the bottoms of the air chan-nel 314 and the water channel 316, respectively. The por-tion of the passageway 338 between the air inlet opening340 and the water inlet opening 342 includes a venturi 344 (see Fig. 3) designed to enhance the mixing of water and air in the passageway 338 and to speed the flow of water and air through the passageway 338.
The free end of the small diameter portion 330 extends upwardly through the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310 and is provided with an exter-nally threaded portion 346 designed to threadedly engage an internally threaded cap 348. By removing the cap 348, access may be had to the passageway 338 for the purposes of inspection and cleaning.
llZ~9~'5 An 0-ring 350, disposed about the free end of the small diameter portion 330, seals the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 350 is held in sealing engagement against the top of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 352, slidably received on the free end of the small diameter portion 330 of the nozzle 326, and a lock nut 354, having an internally threaded portion (not shown) which threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 346 of the free end of the small diameter portion 330, for forcing the jaw member 352 into positive engage-ment with the 0-ring 350.
The free end of the large diameter portion 332 of the nozzle 326 extends downwardly through the hole 322 in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. An externally threaded portion 356 provided on the free end of the large diameter portion 332 threadedly engages an internally threaded portion (not shown) formed in the vertical end 358 of a relatively rigid elbow 360. The horizontal end 362 of the elbow 360 has in internally threaded portion 364 which threadedly engages an externally threaded portion 366 formed on a stem portion 368 of an outlet 370. Although the elbow 360 is shown as having a 90 bend, the bend can be more or less than 90 depending upon the designs and relative positions of the nozzle 326 and the outlet 370.
Moreover, the elbow 360 could be replaced by a flexible hose or any other suitable connecting device.
An 0-ring 372, disposed about the free end of the large diameter portion 332, seals the hole 322 formed in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 372 is held in sealing engagement against the bottom of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 374, which is slidably received llZ~975 on the free end of the large diameter portion 332 and forced into positive engagement with the 0-ring 372 by a lock nut 376 threadedly engaged on the free end of the large diameter portion 332.
A fluid-tight seal is also formed between the outlet 370 and a sidewall 382 of a bathtub 384 by an O-ring 386, a gasket 388, and a lock nut 390. The 0-ring 386 is disposed about the stem portion 368 of the outlet 370 between the outlet 370 and the sidewall 382. The gasket 388 and the lock nut 390 are also disposed about the stem portion 392, but on the opposite side of the sidewall 382 from the 0-ring 386. The lock nut 390 threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 366 of the stem portion 368 so as to force the 0-ring 386 and the gasket 388, both of which can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, into sealing engagement with the sidewall 382 of the bath-tub 384.
Referring now to Figures 6 and 9, there are shown two further embodiments of the exemplary connector assembly embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. The various elements illus-trated in Figures 6 and 9 which correspond to elements described above with respect to Figures 2 and 3 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the further embodiments operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, a horizontally extending nozzle 426 has a small diameter portion 430 which communicates with a water channel 416 but does not extend therethrough. The interior end of a passageway 438 llZ4975 extending through the nozzle 426 functions as a water inlet, thereby replacing the water inlet opening 432 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. An outlet 470 is adapted to threadedly engage a threaded portion 456 on the nozzle 426.
An 0-ring 472, jaw member 474, gasket 488, and lock nut 476 are positioned between a sidewall 482 of a bathtub 484 and the outer circumferential surface of a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 410 to form a water-tight seal for an opening in the side of the tubing 410. The lock nut 476 forces the 0-ring 472 into sealing engagement with the dual channel tubing 410. Another 0-ring 486 and a gasket 488 are forced into sealing engagement with the sidewall 482 of the bathtub 484 by the outlet 470. Although the direct con-nection of the nozzle 426 with the outlet 470 eliminates the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, it necessitates arranging the water channel 416 alongside an air channel 414, rather than above it.
The embodiment of Figure 9 also includes a con-tinuous piece of dual channel tubing 510 having a water channel 516, which is arranged alongside an air channel 514. Because the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 is dispensed with, an outlet 580 is internally threaded so that it can threadedly engage an externally threaded portion 556 on the free end of a large diameter portion 532 of a nozzle 526. O~rings 572, 586, jaw member 574, gasket 588, and lock nut 576 form a water-tight seal for an opening 522 in the side of the tubing 510 and an opening in a sidewall 582 of a bathtub 584.
llZ4975 The Saddle Clamp Type Connector Assembly Embodiments As shown in Figure 5, a saddle clamp 610 includes a pair of clamp members 612, 614. The saddle member 612 is positioned on the upper side of a piece of dual channel tubing 616, the saddle member 614 being positioned on the lower side of the tubing 616 substantially diametrically opposite the saddle member 612.
The saddle member 612 has holes 618 passing com-pletely therethrough. The holes 618 are aligned with blind bores 620 in the adjacent surface of the saddle member 614.
The holes 618 and the bores 620 are internally threaded so as to receive externally threaded bolts 622 which maintain the saddle members 612 and 614 clamped about the tubing 616. The bolts 622 also permit the position of the saddle members 612, 614 to be adjusted with respect to each other.
The saddle member 614 includes a passageway 624 extending therethrough below the dual channel tubing 616. A
water inlet opening 626 communicates between a water chan-nel 628 of the tubing 616 and the passageway 624. The passageway 624 also communicates with an air channel 630 through an air inlet opening 632 in the saddle member 614.
The portion of the passageway 624 between the water inlet opening 626 and the air inlet opening 632 includes a venturi 634 for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of the water and air through the passageway 624. The end of the passageway 624 nearest the air inlet opening 632 is internally threaded so as to receive an externally threaded portion of an outlet (not shown) mounted in the sidewall of a water receptacle, such as a bathtub. A plug 636 has an externally threaded portion `- llZ4975 638 which threadedly engages an internally threaded portion of the passageway 624 at the opposite end thereof. An 0-ring 640 is disposed about a shank portion 642 of the plug 636 to provide a water-tight seal.
The saddle member 612 has an internally threaded opening 644 which communicates at one end with the air channel 630 of the tubing 610. An externally threaded plug 646 is threadedly received in the opening 644, so that the air channel 630 may be selectively opened and closed to the atmosphere.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the connector assembly of Figure 5. The various elements illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Fig-ure 5 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodi-ments of Figures 7 and 8 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 5, unless it is otherwise stated.
Referring to Figure 7, a water inlet opening 726 of a passageway 724 communicates with the interior of a water supply conduit 750. An air inlet opening 732 communi-cates between the passageway 724 and the interior of an air supply conduit 752.
As shown in Figure 8, a piece of dual channel tubing 816 is flanked on either side by saddle members 812, 814. The tubing 816 includes a partition 860 which extends across the interior thereof along a diameter or any other chord. An aperture 862 in the partition 860 permits a water channel 828 on one side of the partition 860 to communicate with an air channel 830 on the other side of the partition 860, the aperture 862 acting as a venturi for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of water and air out of the tubing 816 and through a passageway 824 provided in the saddle member 814.
llZ497S
A vertical opening 842 in the saddle member 814 connects the air channel 830 to the a-tmosphere. A plug 844 threadedly received in the opening 842 permits the selec-tive opening and closing of the air channel 830 to the atmosphere.
A horizontal internally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 communica-tes with a water channel 828 of the tubing 816. A plug 872 has an externally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 for permitting access to the water channel 828. An O-ring 876 disposed about a shank portion 878 of the plug 872 forms a water-tight seal.
Method of Bending Dual Channel Tubing When a piece of dual channel tubing, like the dual channel tubing described above, is extruded in a single straight length of thermoplastic material, the tubing must be bent in order to match the contour of a water receptacle, such as a bathtub. One especially advan-tageous method of bending such tubing involves using a Greenlee No. 850 PVC Bender which is filled with triethy-lene glycol. After the triethylene glycol is heated toabout 230-260F., the dual channel tubing is inserted i~to the bath and maintained therein until the thermoplastic material is sufficiently soft so as to render the tubing bendable. The tubing can then be bent, either in a direc-tion perpendicular to or parallel to the partition ex-tending across the interior of the tubing.
If difficulties are encountered in maintaining the original shape of the softened tubing, including the partition, during its cooling, the following procedure, which is described below with reference to Figure 11, may be followed. Referring to Figure 11, dual channel tubing * ~fo~é~
910 has a partition 912 whi.ch runs the length thereof. At predetermined locations, corresponding to the locations where a connector assembly will be attached to the tubing, three aligned holes 914, 916, 918 are formed in the tubing 910 prior to its softening. The holes 914, 916 are formed in opposite sides of the tubing 910, the other hole 918 being formed in the partition 912.
Either prior to, simultaneously. with or imme-diately after the bending of the tubing 910 into a desired . shape, a peg 920, which extends upwardly from a lower saddle member 92~ of a saddle clamp 924, is inserted through the holes 914, 916, 918, and into a hole 926 in an upper saddle member 928 of the saddle clamp 924 to he~p maintain the original shape of the partition 912 as well as its proper orientation with respect to. the rest of the tubing 910. The saddle members 922 and 928 are then clamped over the outer surface of the tubing to help maintain its - original cross-sectional shape, thereby :aiding in the sup-port of the softened partition 912.
The tubing 910 can be cooled at room temperature.
Alternatively, cooling of the tubing 910 can be expedited by passing a cool fluid, such as air or water, in and/or around the softened tubing 910;
Claims (7)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of bending thermoplastic, multiple channel tubing having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a predetermined shape which separates the tubing into a multiplicity of channels, comprising the steps of inserting the tubing into a hot liquid bath, maintaining said tubing in said bath until said tubing is bendable, bending said tubing into a desired shape, and supporting the softened tubing, including the partition, during the bending step so as to substantially maintain the predetermined cross-sectional shape of the tubing while also substantially maintaining the predetermined shape of the partition as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the direction of bending is substantially parallel to said partition.
3. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the direction of bending is substantially perpendicular to said partition.
4. A method according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said supporting step includes providing a plurality of holes through said tubing, including said partition, at predetermined locations along the length of the tubing and prior to the softening thereof, inserting a peg through each of said holes after softening of the tubing, and clamping said tubing in the vicinity of each of said holes after the softening of said tubing.
5. Apparatus useful in bending softened multiple channel tubing having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and a partition of a predetermined shape which separates the tubing into a multiplicity of channels, comprising supporting means for supporting the softened tubing, including the partition, so as to substantially maintain the predetermined cross-sectional shape of the softened tubing while also substantially maintaining the pre-determined shape of the partition as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein said supporting means includes a first member positioned on one side of the tubing and a second member positioned on an opposite side of the tubing, and first and second members having surfaces with a contour which substantially matches at least a portion of the cross-sectional shape of the tubing.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein said first member includes a projecting member removably ex-tending through said second member, said projecting member cooperating with said second member to maintain the shape of the partition and its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the tubing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA378,489A CA1124975A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1981-05-27 | Method and apparatus for bending multiple channel tubing |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/005,377 US4240166A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1979-01-22 | Whirlpool system |
| US5,377 | 1979-01-22 | ||
| CA000332319A CA1118551A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1979-07-23 | Whirlpool system |
| CA378,489A CA1124975A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1981-05-27 | Method and apparatus for bending multiple channel tubing |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1124975A true CA1124975A (en) | 1982-06-08 |
Family
ID=27166340
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA378,489A Expired CA1124975A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1981-05-27 | Method and apparatus for bending multiple channel tubing |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1124975A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-05-27 CA CA378,489A patent/CA1124975A/en not_active Expired
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