Abstract: A one-step method of both making and tortuously shaping three component tubular articles is disclosed, the tubular articles being of the hollow skin-core type of the desired complex configuration, strong and rigid, free from porosity, light in weight, resistant to high and low temperatures, comprised of a thin and relatively fragile elongated and longitudinally edge-lapped sheet tube integrally encased in a strongly reinforced plastic shell providing both tube-forming support and tube performance protection for fluid conveying and storage applications. The tube-forming sheet can be of specialized rubbers or plastics or metallic foils. It is advantageously susceptible to inspection to the required degree before incorporation into the article and may be capable of subsequent in place modification.

Abstract: Method for making tubular articles of tortuous configuration and of resin impregnated material. The method is intended to avoid resin-starved areas in the product. Specifically, tubular articles having high curvature, sharp transitions in cross section size and/or shape and close tolerance ends are provided these being made by applying and incorporating selectively placed porous components.The article is formed in a mold by an inflatable mandrel which carries a continuous, surrounding knitted fabric component and one or more localized foam, felt and/or fabric devices of porous nature which control the supply, flow and/or final disposition of resin matrix in the molding process.

Abstract: Tubular articles and the like and methods of making the same are disclosed, the tubular article being of desired tortuous shape, strong and rigid, free from porosity, light in weight, resistant to high and low temperatures with outerskin layers to improve fluid conveying and storage characteristics for example an exterior metallic foil or mesh lamina or skin of heat reflective and dispersive qualities and suitable for electric resistance heating if desired. The article is formed in a mold with an inflatable mandrel which carries a surrounding knitted fabric resin carrying component and with an exterior lamina or skin which is applied in the mold for subsequent integration in the article by matrix curing.