Leak-free flexible conduit

Abstract

A leak-free flexible conduit and method of making the same is described. By attaching a flexible outer hose to a flexible inner hose without directly clamping the outer hose to the inner hose, the life of the inner hose is increased. Furthermore, the outer flexible hose creates a heat-resistant, airtight seal that prevents exhaust leaks from the inner flexible hose from escaping, substantially reduces the heat lost to the atmosphere, decreases the amount of vibration, reduces noise, and protects the inner flexible hose from corrosive elements and contaminants, thereby also extending the life of the inner flexible hose.

1 . A hose assembly for hot gas comprising: 
 an inner flexible hose, said hose being made from metal, said hose being substantially permeable to exhaust gases;    an outer flexible hose, said hose being made from a material that is substantially impervious to gas, said inner and outer hoses being substantially coaxial; and    a substantially gas-impervious seal formed between the radially outer surface of said inner hose and the radially inner surface of said outer hose at each end of said hoses.    
     
     
         2 . The hose assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hose assembly further includes a plenum formed between said inner and outer hoses.  
     
     
         3 . The hose assembly of  claim 1  wherein each of said hoses is flexible in all directions.  
     
     
         4 . The hose assembly of clam  1  wherein said hose assembly is constructed and arranged to prevent the outer hose from touching the inner hose between each of said seals.  
     
     
         5 . The hose assembly of  claim 1  wherein said outer hose comprises silicone rubber.  
     
     
         6 . The hose assembly of  claim 5  wherein said outer hose further comprises fiberglass.  
     
     
         7 . The hose assembly of  claim 6  wherein a portion of said outer hose forms a helical ridge substantially along the length thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The hose assembly of  claim 5  wherein said outer hose further includes a helical wire substantially along the length thereof.  
     
     
         9 . An exhaust hose assembly comprising: 
 a flexible steel hose that is substantially permeable to exhaust gases;    an elastomeric sealing hose that is substantially impermeable to exhaust gases, said steel hose being contained within said elastomeric hose substantially coaxial therewith;    a first clamp for clamping said sealing hose to said steel hose about the circumference of each at a first location; and    a second clamp for clamping said sealing hose to said steel hose about the circumference of each at a second location.    
     
     
         10 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 9  wherein said hose assembly further includes a plenum formed between said steel hose and said sealing hose.  
     
     
         11 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 9  wherein each of said hoses is flexible in all directions.  
     
     
         12 . The exhaust hose assembly of clam  9  wherein said hose assembly is constructed and arranged to prevent the outer hose from touching the inner hose between said first and second clamps.  
     
     
         13 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 9  wherein said sealing hose comprises silicone rubber.  
     
     
         14 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 13  wherein said sealing hose further comprises fiberglass.  
     
     
         15 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 14  wherein a portion of said sealing hose forms a helical ridge substantially along the length thereof.  
     
     
         16 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 14  wherein said sealing hose further includes a helical wire substantially along the length thereof.  
     
     
         17 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 16  wherein said sealing hose further includes a helical wire substantially along the length thereof.  
     
     
         18 . An exhaust hose assembly comprising: 
 an interlocking flexible steel hose that is substantially permeable to exhaust gases;    an elastomeric sealing hose that is substantially impermeable to exhaust gases, said steel hose being contained within said elastomeric hose substantially coaxial therewith;    a first clamp for clamping said sealing hose to said steel hose about the circumference of each at a first location; and    a second clamp for clamping said sealing hose to said steel hose about the circumference of each at a second location, said hose assembly being constructed and arranged to prevent the outer hose from touching the inner hose between said first and second clamps.    
     
     
         19 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 18  wherein said hose assembly further includes a plenum formed between said steel hose and said sealing hose.  
     
     
         20 . The exhaust hose assembly of  claim 18  wherein each of said hoses is flexible in all directions.