Abstract: A longitudinally extending, circumferentially limited member is disposed upon the exterior surface of a tubular object such as hose, which member has a surface appearance contrasting to that of the exterior surface of the tubular object. Indicia is engraved within the surface of the longitudinally extending, circumferentially limited member and is rendered prominently visible by the difference in contrast between the two surface appearances.

Abstract: A method of permanently marking a rubber product is provided wherein the rubber product has a debossed marking of a particular color in a portion thereof and a layer of rubber is defined as an integral part of the rubber product and surrounds the marking with such layer of rubber having a color which is different than and contrasts the particular color.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a continuous flexible reinforced tubular conduit is provided and utilizes a plurality of elongated rigid mandrels each having a non-yielding outside surface and such mandrels are moved continuously through a fabrication area while operatively associated in aligned end-to-end relation where at least one wire is formed around the mandrels in a continuous non-rotating helical coil. An extruder head is provided and extrudes a plastic tube around the coil which is urged and bonded thereagainst to define a conduit whereupon the conduit is subsequently separated from its associated mandrel.

Abstract: Method of severing a flexible reinforced elastomeric conduit supported on a plurality of elongated rigid mandrels is provided so that each mandrel has a length of conduit therearound which is approximately equal to the length of the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for severing a flexible reinforced elastomeric conduit supported on a plurality of elongated rigid mandrels is provided so that each mandrel has a length of conduit therearound which is approximately equal to the length of the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of removing a flexible tubular conduit from around an associated elongated rigid supporting mandrel which is at least several feet in length is provided wherein the mandrel and its conduit is supported on a support structure whereupon the conduit and mandrel are relatively moved axially to remove the mandrel from within the conduit.