Abstract: A method is provided for forming a tube between a pair of dies. The tube is captured between a pair of dies having die surfaces constructed of an electrically non-conducting material defining a die cavity therein. The ends of the tube are sealed and electrical current is applied to the tube to induce electrical resistance heating of the tube. The interior of the tube is pressurized to expand the tube into the cavity to thereby form the heated tube.

Abstract: For blocking containers that are moving on a conveyor between parallel guide rails, a rotatable star wheel is positioned adjacent the container path. A locking member selectively locks the star wheel in a neutral position wherein it lies completely outside of the container path and in a blocking position wherein it is rotated to block containers. When the star wheel becomes unlocked at neutral position, a rotary device causes the wheel to rotate sufficiently for one of its arms to project into the container path so the moving containers will force further rotation until the wheel becomes locked automatically in the blocking position.