# US 8,739,835 B2 · Fluid transfer device having leak indication and method of making same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,739,835 B2 - Document ID: US8739835B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/887,249 - Filed: 2010-09-21 - Published: 2011-05-26 - Granted: 2014-06-03 - Earliest claimed: 2009-09-22 - Assignees: Great Lakes Copper Inc. - Applicants: Bradley Joseph Aurel Sigouin - Inventors: Bradley Joseph Aurel Sigouin - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8739835B2 ## CPC - F16L 39/005: {for concentric pipes} - F16L 9/18: Double-walled pipes; Multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies - F16L 9/19: Multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies - G01M 3/04: by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point - B29C 48/09: Articles with cross-sections having partially or fully enclosed cavities, e.g. pipes or channels - B29C 48/12: Articles with an irregular circumference when viewed in cross-section, e.g. window profiles - B29C 48/151: Coating hollow articles - B29C 48/19: the layers being joined at their edges - B29C 48/20: one of the layers being a strip, e.g. a partially embedded strip - F16L 2201/30: Detecting leaks - Y10T 137/8158: With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - G01M: TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A fluid transfer device and methods and apparatuses for making same is provided. The fluid transfer device comprises a conduit configured to transfer a fluid. The fluid transfer device further comprises a sheath surrounding the perimeter of the conduit and extending along at least part of the length of the conduit. In some embodiments, the interior of the sheath may be grooved to facilitate movement of the fluid from the location or locations of a leak or leaks along the length of the fluid transfer device. The sheath comprises one or more leak detection portions configured to provide an indication of fluid leaking from the conduit. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A fluid transfer device comprising: a) a conduit configured to transfer a fluid, said conduit having a perimeter and a length; and b) a sheath surrounding the perimeter of the conduit and extending along at least part of the length of the conduit, the sheath including: one or more identifying portions, the identifying portions being configured to identify the nature and purpose of the fluid transfer device and comprising at least one colored strip wherein the color identifies the fluid type which the conduit is configured to transfer; and one or more leak detection portions, each leak detection portion configured to provide an indication of fluid leaking from the conduit and comprising a strip of clear, semi-clear, transparent or translucent material. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein one or both of the conduit and the sheath are manufactured at least in part from one or more of the following materials: copper, steel, metal, metal alloy, fabric, and polymer. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein the fluid is heating oil, diesel, bio-fuel, or bio-diesel. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the sheath comprises one or more features selected from the group comprising: grooves, bumps, protrusions, channels, and a smooth surface. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein the leak detection portion comprises a reactive material configured to change color, luminescence, or other visual characteristic upon contact with the fluid. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein the leak detection portion is configured to facilitate inspection of a leak indication element located along at least a portion of the fluid transfer device between the conduit and the sheath, the leak indication element indicative of fluid leaking from at least a predetermined portion of the conduit. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The fluid transfer device of claim 6, wherein the leak indication element comprises one or more of: a strip, a sticker, a powder, a coating, and a covering, said leak detection element configured to change at least one visual characteristic upon contact with the fluid. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein the sheath is unsealed at one or more ends of the fluid transfer device. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) Use of the fluid transfer device of claim 1 for leak detection, leak containment, leak diversion, or a combination thereof. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the sheath comprises one or more features selected from the group comprising grooves, bumps, protrusions and channels. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The fluid transfer device of claim 10, wherein the conduit is manufactured at least in part from a material selected from the group consisting of copper, steel, metal, and metal alloy. ### Claim 12 A fluid transfer device comprising: a) a conduit configured to transfer a fluid, said conduit having a perimeter and a length; b) a sheath surrounding the perimeter of the conduit and extending along at least part of the length of the conduit, the sheath including one or more leak detection portions, each leak detection portion configured to provide an indication of fluid leaking from the conduit; and c) a channel disposed between the conduit and the sheath, the channel being configured to permit fluid movement therein along the length of the conduit, wherein the channel is formed on an outer surface of the conduit by grooves, bumps, or protrusions disposed thereon. ### Claim 13 A fluid transfer device comprising: a) a conduit configured to transfer a fluid, said conduit having a perimeter and a length; b) a sheath surrounding the perimeter of the conduit and extending along at least part of the length of the conduit, the sheath including one or more leak detection portions, each leak detection portion configured to provide an indication of fluid leaking from the conduit and c) a channel disposed between the conduit and the sheath, the channel being configured to permit fluid movement therein along the length of the conduit, wherein the channel is formed by beads disposed between the sheath and the conduit.