Abstract: Electrical resistance heating elements, hot water heaters containing such elements, and methods of preparing such elements are provided. The electrical resistance heating elements of this invention can be disposed through a wall of a tank for heating fluid, such as water. They include a skeletal support frame having a first supporting surface thereon. They also include a resistance wire wound onto the first supporting surface and preferably connected to at least a pair of terminal end portions. The support frame and resistance wire are then hermetically encapsulated and electrically insulated within a thermally-conductive polymeric coating. The skeletal support frame of this invention improves injection molding operations for encapsulating the resistance wire, and can include heat transfer fins for improving thermal conductivity.

Abstract: For molding a synthetic resin-made hollow member with an intermediate element incorporated therein, the invention provides method and apparatus improved in assemblability, assembly precision and productivity. The molding apparatus for slide type injection molding includes: a stationary molding die having first and second hollow-member use stationary die portions and a stationary-side intermediate-element use die portion; a movable molding die having first and second hollow-member use slidable die portions and a movable-side intermediate-element use die portion; and intermediate-element moving mechanism for moving an intermediate element Wf longitudinally, wherein the stationary and movable molding dies are openable and closable to each other and the first and second hollow-member use slidable die portions are slidable longitudinally relative to the first and second hollow-member use stationary die portions, respectively, while the movable-side intermediate-element use die portion is non-slidable.

Abstract: A print engine chassis for supporting an imaging drum (14) and a printhead translation assembly (40) is fabricated by joining the interlocking rigid members using tab (36) and slot (38) junctions to form a sheet metal frame (12) and then coating the sheet metal frame with a plastic (39) to bond the rigid members in place. Additionally, a the rigid members may be predipped in plastic prior to joining.

Abstract: A method of forming a carpeted plastic part includes positioning a carpet between first and second mold halves, wherein the carpet has a back surface. A non-reinforced plastic strip is positioned adjacent a portion of the back surface of the carpet. A hollow parison of reinforced plastic material is formed between the first and second mold halves. The first and second mold halves are then closed together to form a carpeted plastic part having a thinned-down region of the reinforced plastic material adjacent the plastic strip such that the plastic strip is sandwiched between the thinned-down region and the carpet to form a flexible living hinge.

Abstract: Stranded cable conductors, especially their connecting joints with electrical components, are damaged during use in aggressive surroundings, for example in fuels. Protective measures, such as shrinkable tubes or protective coatings, do not ensure adequate protection however. With the novel process, stranded cable conductors and their connecting joints with electrical components are to be protected against the attack of aggressive media. With the process according to the invention, stranded cable conductors are encapsulated in a fuel-resistant plastic, the encapsulation not covering the entire length of the stranded cable conductor but the region which is exposed to aggressive media. The process does not require any pretreatment of the stranded cable conductors.

Abstract: A method for producing a powder-molded body is provided, including the steps of casting a slurry containing a powder of at least one of a ceramic and a metal, and organic dispersion medium, and a gelling agent into a mold, and solidifying the slurry by gelling the slurry to obtain a molded body. The slurry is solidified by chemically bonding an organic dispersion medium having reactive functional groups and a gelling agent. The method is capable of improving gelling (solidification) efficiency and obtaining a molded body having a high density, a small firing shrinkage, and high shape precision, and which hardly experiences cracks during drying and firing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter cartridge or filter unit (11) produced by a thermoplastic overmolding process that allows for using a single mold for overmolding a variety of different sized filter elements (12) or membranes and a method for sealing or hermetically sealing Said filter element (12) in said filter unit (11) or cartridge. The proposed method produces a more robust filter unit (11) or cartridge than those provided by the prior art.

Abstract: A thimble 61 formed with graduations 65 and numerals 67 on the outer circumference thereof at predetermined intervals is molded by double-color molding using two kinds of resin 62, 63 with different colors. After a molding product having the graduations 65 protruding outwardly on the outer circumference of a base tube 64 is formed of the resin 62, an outer skin 66 covering the outside of the base tube 64 except for the graduations 65 is formed of the resin 63. Thereafter, the numerals 67 is formed on the outer skin 66 by means of laser marking. Similarly, an outer sleeve is formed with graduations and numerals on the outer circumferential surface along the axial direction at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: In a method of producing a fuel tank from plastic, a heating element is located between two shell parts to be welded to one another. When the shell parts are pressed together, the heating element melts into the plastic and produces a weld that provides a fuel-resistant seal. The fuel tank subsequently has a particularly exact shape.

Abstract: A method of making a composite plastic knob including the steps of forming a plastic core having a front wall of a generally uniform thickness with an integral discernible window portion formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall and with the window having a thickness less than the generally uniform thickness of the front wall; positioning an anvil in the core in supporting engagement with the window portion of the fin and injection molding an outer covering of an opaque plastic of a contrasting color over the front wall of the core except for the window portion of the fin thereof. The knob includes a plastic core having a front wall of generally uniform thickness and an integral portion of a window formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall. The window is thinner than the front wall of the core.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for forming a gasket or seal between mating faces of two components. The method includes the steps of forming an initial seal and forming a primary seal by injecting a liquid material into a groove formed between the mated components. The method further includes the steps of monitoring sealant volume and injection pressure to determine whether a viable seal has been formed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insert molding having a conductor member in which a part thereof is coated with resin is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of securely supporting a part of the conductor member by a fixation member provided in a holding member, grasping the holding member supporting the conductor member by a mold so as to accommodate a portion of the conductor member where is other than a portion to be utilized as a contact point, injecting the resin into inside of the mold, and coating the conductor member accommodated in the mold integrally with the holding member by the resin.

Abstract: A connector and tubing assembly including a multi-lumen molded connector having at least three flexible tubes also molded into the connector. The connector may be “Y” shaped and include three flexible tubes. A process of making the connector and tubing assembly involves forming a first part of the connector with two tubes molded therein and then removing an internal mold member prior to molding the final connector portion and third tube in place.

Abstract: A method for forming a fitting at an end of a braid-reinforced silicone tube. A short length of the outer layer surrounding the braiding is removed and the exposed braiding is folded back over a first silicone ring and then a second silicone ring is placed over the folded-over braiding. The end of the tube is then placed in a mold which is then filled with liquid silicone. After the silicone is heated and cured, a unitary structure of tube and fitting results. Since the braiding is part of the unitary structure, it cannot be pulled out, thereby increasing the reliability of tube and fitting.

Abstract: The invention is basically a method of connecting two pieces of material with a molded object in between them. This method is basically done by a mold in which the material can be inserted within. In the preferred embodiment, the applicant is creating a frame in which all four corners are molded. In this embodiment the framing material forming the sides is inserted into the corner molds. The plastic then is injected or put in the molds. When the plastic hardens and the materials taken out of the molds, one has a frame in which the four corners have been molded and the framing pieces are securely attached to the four corners. In the preferred embodiment, to more securely attach the corner pieces to the molded corner, the framing material forming the sides has predrilled openings. This forms a more secure attachment between the molding corner and the material forming the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A plurality of semi-molded products (H, J, K) are formed in a slide mold (20) and slide cores (30, 30′) simultaneously in the step of primary molding. Then, the slide cores (30, 30′) are opened in the condition that the semi-molded products (H, J, K) remain in the slide mold (20) and the slide cores (30, 30′) respectively. Then, the slide mold (20) and the slide cores (30, 30′) are slid so that the semi-molded products (H, J, K) are collected into a predetermined position. Then, a molten resin is injected into joint portions of the semi-molded products (H, J, K) collected and clamped, so that the plurality of semi-molded products (H, J, K) are integrated with one another in the slide mold (20) and the slide cores (30, 30′) in the step of secondary molding to thereby obtain a molded product (S).

Abstract: A surgical model simulating certain aspects of the natural anatomical joint is made by first providing a male mould conforming externally to the general anatomy of an internal cavity of the joint. A coating of resilient impermeable penetrable material is applied over the male mould. The coating is removed from the male mould to form an open capsule. A closure is provided for the capsule attached to the open capsule so as to form an impermeable penetrable capsule, the capsule conforming internally to the general anatomy of the internal cavity of the joint and containing simulated joint components. The capsule is arranged within a mould, the mould being at least partly lined with a penetrable outer skin material, and the capsule is embedded in a penetrable packing material. Finally, the model is removed from the mould.

Abstract: A process for the production of a multi-chamber packaging tube of plastic material, comprising a tube body portion with a tube head thereon, and at least one separating wall accommodated in the tube body portion and the tube head. To mount the tube head to the tube body portion by means of a tool including a die and a bar as respective tool halves, the bar is loaded with a separating wall and subsequently a tube body portion or vice-versa.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.

Abstract: A method of constructing large, unitary, fiber-reinforced Polymer composite containers using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The method allows for the construction of container systems with only two separately molded parts—an open box consisting of a base (i.e., floor), 2 sidewalls and 2 endwalls, and a cover (i.e., roof). The method results in a structure which maintains the continuity of the reinforcement fibers across the junction between the floor, side, and end walls corners. This method can be applied to very large composite structures such as railcar bodies, intermodal containers, and shelters.

Abstract: A helical antenna having an antenna element covered with an insulating layer is formed by monolithically form the insulating layer so that the antenna element is integrated with the insulating layer. To be more precise, first, a cylindrical shell, which received a core pin in its center hole, is inserted into the antenna element along the longitudinal axis of the antenna element. The antenna element is put in a cavity of a molding die. A moulding resin which was heated and molten at a temperature higher than the melting point of the cylindrical shell is injected into the cavity to form an insulating cover over the cylindrical shell and the antenna element. The surface of the cylindrical shell starts softening upon contacting with the molten resin, and sticks around the helically coiled antenna line, whereby the pitch of the antenna element can be maintained substantially constant even if an injection pressure is applied during the molding.

Abstract: A method of producing a flexible heat-exchange device including a body having a flexible mats and an internal passageway for heat-carrying fluid, an inlet and an outlet, including placing first and second plastic elastic mats in a mould die having supporting surfaces and recesses around the supporting surfaces, separating the first and second plastic elastic mats by a resilient counterdie, bringing the mould dies together with the first and second plastic elastic mats separated by the resilient counterdie into contact wherein the first and second plastic elastic mats are stretched down around abutment surfaces by deformation of the resilient counterdie and around the support surfaces and down into the recesses so as to obtain local plastic deformations as the mould dies are brought together, placing the second plastic elastic mat over the first plastic elastic mat, and mutually joining the first and second plastic elastic mats to form the body.

Abstract: In a method of producing a composite insulator having a core member, end fitting members fixed to both end portions of the core member, and an overcoat member including a sheath portion formed on an outer surface of the core member and shed members, the overcoat member and the end fitting member are connected by curing. Moreover, a clamping operation is performed or a packing member is used for preventing a flow of an overcoat forming material into a seal portion. In this manner, it is possible to improve a seal performance of a connection boundary between the end fitting member and the overcoat member.

Abstract: A method for forming a resin molding on a coil of a transformer is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of inserting a coil into an auxiliary spacing apparatus, inserting the auxiliary spacing apparatus into a mold, and forming a resin molding for the auxiliary spacing apparatus with the coil by putting a resin into the mold. According to the methods, the coil is not damaged and a resin molding is formed with an uniform thickness.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a diode group processed by injection molding on the surface thereof, the diode group is formed by having a plurality of left and right elongate tapes which are pressed to form respectively left and right contact ends, each pair of the left and right elongate tapes have a left lap end and a right lap end to sandwich a chip therebetween. Then injection molding is performed to envelop the left and right elongate tapes and to form an elongate strip having an insulation outer layer with the left and right contact ends exposed and with a recess at the bottom of and between every two neighboring chips. The recesses separate the left contact ends of the left elongate tapes from the right contact ends of the right elongate tapes but still leave the plural diodes in series connected mutually in an insulation state. The strip can be broken off at desire recesses to get a diode group having desired number of diodes processed by injection molding on the surface of the strip.

Abstract: A helical antenna having an antenna element covered with an insulating layer is formed by monolithically form the insulating layer so that the antenna element is integrated with the insulating layer. To be more precise, first, a cylindrical shell, which received a core pin in its center hole, is inserted into the antenna element along the longitudinal axis of the antenna element. The antenna element is put in a cavity of a molding die. A molding resin which was heated and molten at a temperature higher than the melting point of the cylindrical shell is injected into the cavity to form an insulating cover over the cylindrical shell and the antenna element. The surface of the cylindrical shell starts softening upon contacting with the molten resin, and sticks around the helically coiled antenna line, whereby the pitch of the antenna element can be maintained substantially constant even if an injection pressure is applied during the molding.

Abstract: A semiconductor device assembly with a gap to be filled has thermal vias formed in the supporting substrate. After the semiconductor device is connected to the substrate and fill material positioned about the gap to create a seal, a vacuum is drawn through the thermal vias and a pressure applied to the fill material to urge the fill material into the interior of the gap.

Abstract: The upper and lower mold plates of a transfer molding machine are configured for one-side encapsulation of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator. A buffer member, optionally with cut-outs or apertures, may be placed between the two back-to-back substrates for protecting the grid-arrays and enabling encapsulation of devices with varying thicknesses without adjustment of the molding machine. Alternately, the upper and lower plates are configured for one-side encasement using covers of a pair of substrate mounted electronic devices having an opposite conductor-grid-array and/or bare heat sink/dissipator.

Abstract: A process for the production of measuring apparatus or instrument by total or partial overmolding of its functional elements, particularly of its components and electric and electronic circuits.

Abstract: A rod guide fixedly molded around the shank of a sucker rod string with the rod guide including a radially inner non-erodible zone and a radially outer erodible zone. The non-erodible zone includes a radially inner substantially sleeve-shaped portion having an inner cylindrical surface for gripping engagement with the rod. A plurality of flow through channels are spaced outward of the substantially sleeve-shaped portion. Each flow through channel extends axially along the rod guide and has a maximum circumferential width greater than any gap in the radially outer surface of the erodible zone circumferentially aligned with and radially outward of the respective flow through channel. The radially outer surface of the erodible zone may have a cylindrical outer configuration, such that a radially outward substantially sleeve-shaped portion is provided for engagement with the tubing.

Abstract: An adaptor which may be secured to the lower end of a lower limb prosthesis which would allow the lower limb prosthesis to be secured to an ankle joint or prosthetic foot with a mechanical locking or anchoring type of fixation. What is provided is the lower limb prosthesis which would include an upper socket portion for receiving the stump of the wearer, a limb portion which extends from the socket portion down to approximately the ankle portion of the wearer, and an adaptor portion. The adaptor portion would further include a triangulated base portion which would mate with the lower end of the prosthetic limb. There would be further included a second barb portion extending from the base portion, which would define an area between the barb portion extending from the base portion, so that when the adaptor is fabricated onto the limb through either a lamination process or a drape molding process, the adaptor is secured more tightly against the limb during the fabrication process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer. First, a plurality of printed boards in each of which a plurality of leads are formed in a line are stacked. The end portions of the leads protrude from each printed board. These lead end portions are inserted into a plurality of lead holes of an alignment jig. The plurality of printed boards are buried in the back surface of this alignment jig, and a backing layer is formed by resin molding. After that, the alignment jig is removed from the surface of the backing layer, and the surface of the backing layer is flattened. Since the end portions of the leads are exposed to this flattened surface of the backing layer, discrete electrodes formed on the back surfaces of transducer elements are electrically connected to these lead end portions. The accuracy of lead arrangement is thus improved by the use of the alignment jig. This reduces alignment errors of leads with respect to the discrete electrodes of the transducer elements.

Abstract: The cable comprises a connecting means, such as an end termination, and the sheath comprises a retaining means, such as a ring. The method comprises the operations consisting in: placing the cable and the sheath in a mold which has two molding cavities which are shaped to allow the molding of said connecting means and said retaining means, these cavities being arranged given a distance apart that corresponds to a distance to be obtained between this connecting means and this retaining means; the positioning means allow either the sheath or the cable or both to be positioned with respect to each of the corresponding molding cavities, and closing the mold then molding the connecting means and the retaining means simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of making a polymer coated rail in which a rail to be coated (10) is positioned on a mould base (11) in an inverted manner, so that the head (12) of the rail is immediately adjacent the base plate (11). Then, mould side pieces (13, 14) are secured to the base plate (11) to run parallel to the side of the rail (10). Antislip material such as bauxite or granite chippings (21) are positioned in the mould so that they lie on the base plate (11), and then the liquid polymer is poured into the mould to fill the spaces (19, 20) and so encapsulate the rail (10). The polymer is poured into the mould, until its surface (22) covers the foot (23) of the rail. In this state, the polymer is allowed to cure, so that it solidifies, and once the side plates (13, 14) have been removed, the rail together with its polymer coating can be lifted from the base plate (11).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insert molding having a conductor member in which a part thereof is coated with resin is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of securely supporting a part of the conductor member by a fixation member provided in a holding member, grasping the holding member supporting the conductor member by a mold so as to accommodate a portion of the conductor member where is other than a portion to be utilized as a contact point, injecting the resin into inside of the mold, and coating the conductor member accommodated in the mold integrally with the holding member by the resin.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a part out of reinforced plastics material, the method comprising the following steps:

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a synthetic resin-made hollow member incorporating an intermediate element are provided which enable operations of molding half bodies, abutting and joining the half bodies together, and molding an intermediate element in a series of steps, and which eliminate the necessity of such a manual work as may otherwise be required in incorporating the intermediate element into the half bodies. A pair of rotary injection molding dies are used which can be opened and closed relative to each other and are rotatable relative to each other over an angle of 60° for each turn, each die having a half body molding section including one male molding portion and two female molding portions in the direction of rotation for each rotational run over an angle of 120°, each die also having an intermediate element molding portion provided between specified half body molding portions in the direction of each rotational run over an angle of 120°.

Abstract: A cushioned bicycle saddle and a method for manufacturing same are provided. The saddle includes a multiple density, cushioned surface bonded to a saddle shell which may include multiple openings. The saddle includes layer of soft, resilient gel bonded to a fabric surface. A flexible, orthotic shoe, disposed between the shell and the resilient gel, is provided in cooperation with the shell openings. The saddle may include an opening in a horn portion of the shell and the shoe may be highly resilient along the horn opening in order to prevent excessive pressure on a cyclist seated on the saddle. A method includes the steps of disposing the saddle shell having a fabric sealed thereto, into a mold having a molding surface defining a desired contour and/or pattern of embossment to be formed in the fabric. A thermoplastic gelable medium is injected between the shell and the fabric. The fabric is contoured and/or embossed by allowing the gelable medium to cool while the shell is disposed in mold.

Abstract: A semi-pneumatic tire assembly including a tire casing 22 and a lining 26 is provided. The lining 26 includes a contoured inward surface 30 defining an inflation chamber 18 about an associated wheel rim. The lining 26 minimizes the risk of puncture damage from an object penetrating the tire casing 22 while allowing pneumatic cushioning of the ride and cooler running temperatures as compared to solid-fill tires. Additionally, the semi-pneumatic tire will carry the same load or more than the same tire filled with perform and/or solid urethane foam wingfil. The tire assembly is formed by injecting a curable, lining-forming material 96 into a cavity 57 defined between the tire casing 22 and a molding member 50. The molding member 50 includes a contoured outer surface 54 which molds the inward surface of the lining 26. The molding member 50 may be an inflatable airbag 100 retained in the tire assembly during service.

Abstract: A connector has a connector body. A plurality of first terminal bodies are arranged within the connector body. A plurality of second terminal bodies are arranged along the first terminal bodies within the connector body at an interval between themselves and the first terminal bodies. Each of the second terminal bodies is located between the first terminal bodies and each of the first terminal bodies is located between the second terminal bodies.

Abstract: An over-molded product, such as a container, and a method of manufacture. The product is primarily used for enclosing hazardous materials and is formed by utilizing a thermosetting plastic material in a reaction injection molding process at low temperature and pressure to envelop adjacent portions of two or more components to form the desired product. This provides a mechanical interface but avoids a chemical reaction which would degrade the components.

Abstract: An over-molded product, such as a container, and a method of manufacture. The product is primarily used for enclosing hazardous materials and is formed by utilizing a thermosetting plastic material in a reaction injection molding process at low temperature and pressure to envelop adjacent portions of two or more components to form the desired product. This provides a mechanical interface but avoids a chemical reaction which would degrade the components.

Abstract: A terminal structure designed to prevent bus bars from being brought into contact with and rubbing against each other when the terminal structure is built of a plurality of bus bars which are fixed by resin-molding. Circuit members are formed with a plurality of bus bars respectively constituting internal circuits. The plurality of bus bars are coupled together by respective coupling portions in parallel with a space provided between the bus bars. The circuit members are successively set in a mold in such a way that the bus bars of the other circuit member are fitted in between the bus bars of one circuit member without contact with the bus bars of the one circuit member whereby the bus bars in that set condition are fixed by resin-molding. Moreover, a position regulating portion is provided by bending the coupling portion of the other circuit member, so that the other circuit member is temporarily set therein with a space formed from the bus bars of the one circuit member.

Abstract: A method for making insulated pre-formed wall panels for attachment to like insulated pre-formed wall panels for building a wall. The method includes providing a mold for casting a concrete body having a generally planar portion with a plurality of rib portions extending therefrom, nesting at least one insulation strip within a respective spring member, covering the end portions of the respective spring member with a thermally insulating material to limit thermal conductivity from each respective rib portion of the concrete body to each respective spring member, inserting each respective spring member with the at least one nested insulation strip in the mold, and casting the concrete body in the mold with each respective spring member with the at least one insulation strip being unitarily attached to an edge portion of each respective rib portion with the end portion of each respective spring member being anchored in each respective rib portion of the concrete body to make the insulated pre-formed wall panel.

Abstract: A method of forming a prefabricated insulated wall panel for installation with like wall panels for easily and inexpensively building a wall.

Abstract: A multi-layered plastic pipe particularly suitable for use as an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine is provided. The present pipe includes a hollow plastic core, at least one spacer member provided on the hollow plastic core and an outer layer integrally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow plastic core excepting the spacer member. The spacer member is preferably formed from a plastic material, and the outer layer is also formed from a plastic material. There is also provided a method for manufacturing a multi-layered plastic pipe using a spacer member to prevent a hollow plastic core placed in a mold cavity from being deformed when a molted plastic material is supplied into the mold cavity under pressure.

Abstract: A control panel for electronic equipment that satisfies the requirements of hermeticity, clearness of indication and operability and yet allows a cost reduction. A sheet made of a commercially available light-transmitting thermoplastic synthetic resin material is used as a substrate. Sheet recesses are formed on the sheet so that each print layer formed on the surface of the sheet is located on the inner side of the bottom of a sheet recess. The sheet recesses are filled with a synthetic resin material to form pushbuttons. A contact surface of a case cover and a contact surface of a pushbutton outer skin are kept in close contact with each other during injection molding. Therefore, there is no possibility of the resin material flowing between the contact surfaces. It is unnecessary to insert a mold member into the clearance between each pushbutton and the associated opening in the case cover. Because the clearance can be minimized, it becomes easy to achieve a size reduction and so forth.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose.

Abstract: The method of forming a field joint around the bare joint of two joined insulation covered pipes includes providing a first angular cut back in the coating to expose the end of a pipe and providing a second cut back in the coating to provide an annular band of the coating of a lesser diameter than the coating on the pipe. A thin coating of polyurethane may then be applied over the first and second cut backs and a recess provided in the band of coating. A mould may then be secured around the lesser diameter band, and polyurethane pumped into the mould in a sufficient amount to form a field joint which extends into the second cut back and lies flush with the coating of the pipes so as to allow for reeling and laying of the pipe without snagging. The field joint can be located around the bare joint and includes a polyurethane infill recessed into the insulated coating of the pipes such that infill lies flush with the surface of the coating on the pipes.