Abstract: A method is described for stretch blow-moulding thermoplastics bottles (50) from heated parisons of thermoplastics material such as polypropylene. The parisons are severed from thermoplastics sticks (51) each of which is formed of several, e.g. five, parison lengths. The sticks are severed from the leading end of a continuously extended thermplastics tube, and are individually heated in an oven to orientation temperature. After heating, the sticks are presented for severance as successive groups of associated sticks which are advanced longitudinally one parison length at a time while disposed in parallel, laterally aligned relation. The bottles are formed by repeated stretch blow-moulding operations upon the groups of parisons so produced.

Abstract: A hose leak detector and a leak detector system for monitoring the leakage of fluid through at least a part of a flexible hose comprises signal generating means operable to generate a warning signal in response to leakage of fluid, test means for actuating the signal generating means, and timer means operable to cause the test means to actuate the signal generating means in a predetermined manner to enable a viability check of the operating capability of the signal generating means to be maintained.

Abstract: In a leak detector of a kind suitable for mounting externally of a flexible hose to detect leakage of fluid through at least a part of the hose and generate a warning signal in response thereto, test means is provided for checking the operating capability of the detector. The test means is of a kind operable from outside of the detector, for example by means of a magnet or an ultrasonic signal. Accordingly particularly when the leak detector is used in underwater situations the operating capability of the detector may readily be checked in situ.