Articulated tubular conduit arm for sucking gaseous fluids

Claim 2

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes an interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said spring means being a helicoidal coil spring comprising turns coaxial with said pivot axis and free end portions rigidly connected to said arms.

Claim 3

The suction conduit of claim 1, wherein said coil spring is placed on and at right angles to the inner faces of said arms.

Claim 4

The suction conduit of claim 1, wherein at least one braking member is interposed between said holding members and consists of a slip-action friction disc acting continually, the braking force being adjustable by means of a tightening screw constituting the pivot axis between said arms.

Claim 5

The suction conduit of claim 1, wherein said articulation means are disposed against or in close vicinity of and along the conduit, irrespective of the conduit position, therefore without increasing the spatial requirement of the conduit.

Claim 6

The suction conduit of claim 4, wherein said arms, particularly the pivoted ends thereof, are disposed laterally and at right angles to the flexible sleeve for laterally protecting said sleeve and said spring means.

Claim 7

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, at least one device for temporarily locking said arms in at least one predetermined relative angular position being provided in said articulation means, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other.

Claim 8

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, at least one device for temporarily locking said arms in at least one predetermined relative angular position being provided in said articulation means, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other.

Claim 9

The suction conduit of claim 6, wherein each of said arms is rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 10

The suction conduit of claim 6, wherein said locking device comprises a ball carried by one of said arms and urged by resilient means into at least one recessed hole formed in the other arm.

Claim 11

The suction conduit of claim 8, wherein each of said arms is rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 12

The suction conduit of claim 8, wherein said locking ball is located on the inner face of the outer arm, and said recessed hole or holes is or are formed in the outer face of the inner arm.

Claim 13

The suction conduit of claim 10, wherein each of said arms is rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 14

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 15

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 16

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, and a suction nuzzle being provided at the inlet end of the conduit and connected through a flexible sleeve to the adjacent rigid tube of the conduit, said nozzle and adjacent rigid tube being interconnected by second mechanical articulation means comprising a frame rigidly connected to said adjacent rigid tube, a support member rigidly connected to said nozzle and a member interconnecting said support member and said frame.

Claim 17

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, and a suction nuzzle being provided at the inlet end of the conduit and connected through a flexible sleeve to the adjacent rigid tube of the conduit, said nozzle and adjacent rigid tube being interconnected by second mechanical articulation means comprising a frame rigidly connected to said adjacent rigid tube, a support member rigidly connected to said nozzle and a member interconnecting said support member and said frame.

Claim 18

The suction conduit of claim 13, wherein the terminal opening of said nozzle is inclined in relation to the nozzle axis.

Claim 19

The suction conduit of claim 13, wherein said frame forms a handle connected to said adjacent rigid tube in the region of its connection with said flexible sleeve connected to said nozzle, said frame projecting above said rigid tube and said flexible sleeve and being inclined with respect to the tube axis.

Claim 20

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said spring means being a coil spring comprising turns coaxial with said pivot axis and free end portions rigidly connected to said arms, said coil spring being placed on and at right angles to the inner faces of said arms, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 21

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said spring means being a coil spring comprising turns coaxial with said pivot axis and free end portions rigidly connected to said arms, said coil spring being placed on and at right angles to the inner faces of said arms, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 22

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, at least one braking member interposed between said arms, said at least one braking member including a slip-action friction disc acting continually, the braking force being adjustable by means of a tightening screw constituting the pivot axis between said arms, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 23

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, at least one braking member interposed between said arms, said at least one braking member including a slip-action friction disc acting continually, the braking force being adjustable by means of a tightening screw constituting the pivot axis between said arms, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 24

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said articulation means being disposed against or in close vicinity of and along the conduit, irrespective of the conduit position, therefore without increasing the spatial requirements of the conduit, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 25

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said articulation means being disposed against or in close vicinity of and along the conduit, irrespective of the conduit position, therefore without increasing the spatial requirements of the conduit, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 26

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said spring means being a coil spring comprising turns coaxial with said pivot axis and free end portions rigidly connected to said arms, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 27

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said spring means being a coil spring comprising turns coaxial with said pivot axis and free end portions rigidly connected to said arms, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 28

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said articulation means being disposed against or in close vicinity of and along the conduit, irrespective of the conduit position, therefore without increasing the spatial requirement of the conduit, said arms being disposed laterally and at right angles to the flexible sleeve for laterally protecting said sleeve and said spring means, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.

Claim 29

An artificial suction conduit for gaseous fluids, comprising at least two rigid tubes, a flexible sleeve disposed between and tightly connected to said tubes, mechanical articulation means comprising at least two arms rigidly connected one to each of said tubes and interconnected for pivoting about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axes of said tubes, and spring means connected between said arms to urge said arms towards a position wherein said rigid tubes are aligned with each other, said articulation means being disposed against or in close vicinity of and along the conduit, irrespective of the conduit position, therefore without increasing the spatial requirement of the conduit, said arms being disposed laterally and at right angles to the flexible sleeve for laterally protecting said sleeve and said spring means, each of said arms being rigidly connected by its end portion to the end portion of the rigid tube, said end portion of the arm being situated at right angles to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube, the longitudinal axis of said arm being inclined to the longitudinal axis of said rigid tube on the side of the inside angle formed by the two adjacent rigid tubes.