Abstract: A hose (1) comprising a core tube (2), a reinforcement layer (3) surrounding the core tube (4), and a cover (4) surrounding the reinforcement layer, wherein at least one of the core tube (2) and cover (4) are made of a thermoplastic material comprising one or more thermoplastic polyether-polyester block copolymers, and said thermoplastic material has a Shore D hardness no less than about 60.

Abstract: A process for assembling a rigid fitting to a flexible or elastic tube or hose within one of a portable, hand-held and/or mountable assembly device, including the steps of slip-fitting the fitting within a pusher member of the device that includes a torque-producing source capable Of converting input power into linear motion force; b. temporarily restraining a hose open end within the assembly device and; activating the torque-producing source to linearly advance the pusher member and fitting, relative to the restrained hose end, for physically inserting the fitting into the hose open end. Additional steps include: retraction of the pusher member and releasing the now-assemble hose and fitting assembly from the assembly device. Product-by-process claims and article claims, pertaining to the assembly device used in the process for assembling, are also set forth.

Abstract: A portable, hand held, apparatus for crimping a hose fitting to the end of a hose, including a unitary frame having four sides surrounding an open middle section, wherein one of the sides is a base with a receiving opening extending therethrough for housing crimping componentry and another of the sides is a top portion for attaching a cylinder, piston, and a pusher. The outer surface of each of the remaining two sides has mounting holes for attaching a power unit. The unitary frame includes a handle for manual lifting purposes, and has multiple support surfaces enabling the crimping apparatus to be variably positioned during the crimping process. The unitary frame also includes blind mounting holes on three sides for attaching various mounting brackets, thus enabling the apparatus to be oriented in any desired angular position during the noted crimping process.

Abstract: A portable, hand held, apparatus for crimping a hose fitting to the end of a hose, including a unitary frame having four sides surrounding an open middle section, wherein one of the sides is a base with a receiving opening extending therethrough for housing crimping componentry and another of the sides is a top portion for attaching a cylinder, piston, and a pusher. The outer surface of each of the remaining two sides has mounting holes for attaching a power unit. The unitary frame includes a handle for manual lifting purposes, and has multiple support surfaces enabling the crimping apparatus to be variably positioned during the crimping process. The unitary frame also includes blind mounting holes on three sides for attaching various mounting brackets, thus enabling the apparatus to be oriented in any desired angular position during the noted crimping process.