Abstract: A method for determining a position using digital pixel data includes receiving pixel data from a position sensor device at a controller, sorting the received pixel data into pixel banks using the controller, identifying a maximum bank, a close bank, and a far bank using the controller, calculating a close to max ratio using a first equation and a max to far ratio using a second equation using the controller, and determining a position based on said close to max ratio and said far to max ratio.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The method of manufacturing comprises the steps of providing a tubular sleeve formed of braided wire filaments and forming at least one end of the sleeve into shape using a forming die such that the at least one end of the cover includes a circumferential neck portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of a body portion of the cover. In the method, the sleeve may be pressed between male and female forming dies in order to create the cover's desired shape, which can include a shoulder extending radially outwardly from the cover's neck portion and meeting the cover's body portion at a corner.

Abstract: A fire-rated exhaust duct system comprising a modular configuration or structure. The fire-rated exhaust duct system comprises a plurality of exhaust duct sections. Each of the exhaust duct sections is configured to be joined or connected with other exhaust duct sections in the field or at an installation site, e.g. in building housing a kitchen facility or a laboratory facility to form longer sections or runs for exhaust duct system.

Abstract: A hollow, cylindrical water hammer arrestor includes an axial passage; two externally threaded extensions disposed at both ends respectively, each of the externally threaded extensions having a diameter less than that of the axial passage; a plurality of first rings disposed in the axial passage, each of the first rings having a plurality of teeth formed on an inner surface; and a plurality of second rings disposed in the axial passage, each of the second rings having a smooth inner surface. The first and second rings are alternately disposed from one end of the axial passage to the other end in the axial passage.

Abstract: A plug for a connector includes an insertion portion, and the insertion portion includes an O-ring abutment portion and a creep prevention portion. Also, when the insertion portion of the plug for a connector is inserted in a mouth portion of a connector, the O-ring abutting portion abuts against an O-ring mounted inside the connector, and closes the mouth portion of the connector. Also, the creep prevention portion prevents a creep of a lock member which is in a standby position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibration absorbing pipe for a refrigeration compressor including: a corrugated pipe; a first connection pipe having concavo and convex portions; a wire braided net adapted to be fitted to the outer peripheral surfaces of the corrugated pipe and the first connection pipe; and a first compression ring having concavo and convex portions formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof in such a manner as to be compressed against the front end periphery of the wire braided net located just on the top of the first connection pipe, wherein the first connection pipe has an adjusting groove formed on one side outer peripheral surface thereof, so that through the width adjustment of the adjusting groove, a thickness of one side bonding portion of the first connection pipe is the same as a thickness of one side bonding portion of the corrugated pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting hose abrasion are disclosed. In one aspect, a hose abrasion monitoring system includes a hose assembly a monitoring circuit. The hose assembly includes a hose having at least one conductive layer and at least one outer insulating cover overlaying the at least one conductive layer. The monitoring circuit is in electrical communication with the at least one conductive layer. Upon abrasion of the at least one outer cover to expose a portion of the at least one conductive layer, the monitoring circuit is configured to detect electrical continuity between the at least one conductive layer and a conductive component external to the hose.

Abstract: A pipe includes a tubular reinforced fiber structure, and a tubular matrix resin pipe main body centered on the central axis, together with a reinforced fiber structure, covering an internal side of the reinforced fiber structure on the central axis side, and an external side. An external end surface of the pipe main body has an inclined surface whose diameter is gradually reduced toward the end face, which connects the pipe main body to another pipe main body, with the main body inclined surface coupled to a substantially tubular-shaped coupling. A portion of the reinforced fiber structure near the main body inclined surface has a plurality of fiber bundles extending in parallel to the central axis. This prevents a shear failure of the fiber bundles of the reinforced fiber structure of the main body inclined surface.

Abstract: A telescopic drain hose assembly. The assembly includes a drain conduit having a tank coupler coupled to a first end and an end piece coupled to a second end. The tank coupler is configured for coupling to a grey or black waste discharge port, such as that of a recreational vehicle. The endpiece includes coupling elements for coupling with a pipe elbow or similar attachment. A handle is provided on the endpiece for positioning the endpiece in proximity to a waste receptacle port. The drain conduit is disposed within an outer housing comprised of a telescopic tube and a flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve is adjacent the first end of the drain conduit and enables flexure or bending of the assembly.

Abstract: A pipe, such as a liner for repairing a failing culvert, comprises a continuous wall defining an inner wall surface and an exterior wall surface. The pipe further defines a central fluid passageway extending from an inlet end to an outlet end. The inner wall surface of the pipe defines a waveform-like geometry near the inlet end, said waveform-like geometry including an initial curvature beginning at the inlet end of the pipe and continuing until reaching a predetermined location where an inner diameter of the pipe is minimized, the curvature then continuing with the inner diameter increasing again to a second predetermined location, before the inner diameter again decreases to a third predetermined location and then remains substantially constant along the remaining length of the pipe, thus creating an annular recess in the inner wall surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe assembly for an exhaust system having a pipe with first end and a second end. The first end of the pipe having a shoulder with an inclined lip. The inclined lip facing outward from the first end of the pipe. Further, the pipe assembly includes a corrugated conduit having a collared end. The collared end abuts the inclined lip on the first end of the pipe thereby forming a joint with the pipe. Further, a shim ring is disposed on the joint. Furthermore, the assembly includes a clamp configured to circumference the joint and compresses the shim ring there between to form a seal at the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that forms a piping thread form of four threads per inch pipe (TPI). The thread form is configured to have a load flank, a load flank angle, a stab flank, a stab flank angle, a crest, and a root. Hydrostatic pressure tests using the 4-round thread form at pressures of 4,500 psi and greater resulted in failures due to thread leaks. Tensile tests using the 4-round thread form at loads of 187,400 lbs. and greater resulted in shearing at forces of 3,535 psi and greater.

Abstract: A duct coupling apparatus includes a collar portion having a first end and a second end, a flange disposed about the collar portion in a manner that divides the collar portion into an first side and a second side, and a retaining structure extending from a surface of the flange towards the second side of the collar portion. The retaining structure and the collar portion define therebetween an annular region for receipt of a sealing element, such as an o-ring or gasket. The retaining structure prevents the sealing element from extruding outwards and/or failing when under pressure.

Abstract: A multi-layer heat-shrinkable tubular sleeve (100) comprises an outer layer (110) and an inner layer (120). The outer layer (110) is arranged around the inner layer (120). The outer layer (110) comprises a partially crystalline thermoplastic material with a major part of partially crystalline thermoplastic material with a crystallinity of more than 60%. The inner layer (120) comprises a partially crystalline thermoplastic material or an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a strut. A strut comprises a laminated composite tube having a substantially hollow interior and a pair of longitudinal stiffeners attached to opposite sides of the laminated composite tube.

Abstract: The invention proposes a film (1) for a skirt (2) of a flexible tube (3) one end of which is intended to be closed by a tube head (4), said multilayer film being intended to be folded on itself and heat-sealed along the length of a longitudinal seal line (6) in such a way as to form the skirt (2) so that a first layer (10) of the multilayer film (1), known as the inner layer, is heat-sealed to a second layer (20) of the multilayer film (1) opposite the first layer, known as the outer layer, characterised in that: —the inner layer (10) comprises a polymer or a blend of polymers with a Young's modulus of at least 1600 MPa, and—the outer layer (20) is made of a biaxially-oriented film.

Abstract: A pressure-releasing breather hose 1 mounted on a urea water tank 2 is dividably constituted by a flexible joint portion 1a with an end capable of being fitted over a hose joint 3 on the tank 2, and a vertical portion 1b connected to the other end of the joint portion 1a and suspending downward along a side surface of the tank 2. The joint and vertical portions 1a and 1b are constituted by a rubber hose made of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) and a polyethylene pipe (resin pipe) made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), respectively.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a mechanism for providing high load capabilities in downhole locations. The mechanism comprises tubulars, at least one of which is constructed from composite; and the tubular composite being for high load capabilities in connecting the tubulars. In some cases, there are at least two tubulars in the mechanism. In some cases, the mechanism comprises a thread form, which thread form is mounted to translate an axially directed force into a radially directed force. In some cases, the high load capabilities include a load bearing flank angle of 15° to 50° as measured from the axis of said tubular. In some cases, the high load capabilities include a clearance flank angle of 15° or less as measured perpendicular to the axis of said tubular. In some cases, at least one of the tubulars includes a thread pitch, having from 2 to 12 threads per inch.

Abstract: Example fluid couplings, systems and methods are described including a fluid delivery tube for delivering fluid to a fluid supply, a fluid interconnect fitting for connection to the fluid delivery tube, a retainer for engaging the fluid interconnect fitting and a fluid supply for retaining the fluid interconnect fitting with respect to the fluid supply, and a seal feature arranged to mate with the fluid interconnect fitting and a fluid inlet of the fluid supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Abstract: A water supplying extension arm for supplying water from a water source to a showerhead has an elongated hollow extension arm element extending along its longitudinal axis and having a first end connectable to the water source turnably about a horizontal axis and a second end spaced in a direction of the longitudinal axis from the first end and connectable to the showerhead. The hollow elongated extension arm element is arch-shaped and has a cross section with a shape of an ellipse having a shorter upright axis and a longer transverse axis.

Abstract: In order to connect a connection piece (10), which is, for example, a pipe coupling or a mounting or a fitting, to a thermally insulated conduit pipe (1), a clamping sleeve (9) with an internal thread (8) is screwed in between the internal pipe (2) of the conduit pipe and the insulation layer (3) of said conduit pipe. A connection body (11) with a plug sleeve (13) is arranged in the internal pipe beforehand. The clamping sleeve (9) acts indirectly on the connection piece (10) by means of a retaining ring (14) in order to press said connection piece against the end face (5) of the internal pipe (2). In this way, the distance between the insulation layer (3) and the casing (4) of the conduit pipe is dispensed with and inaccuracies when cutting the conduit pipe to length can be compensated.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake hose assembly includes a suspension component, a brake hose connected to the suspension component, and a support bracket connected to the brake hose and the suspension component. The support bracket includes a base having a forward edge portion, a rear edge portion and opposite side edge portions. A forward wall extends upwardly from the forward edge portion. A sidewall extends upwardly from one of the side edge portions. A single mounting opening is located on the base. An anti-rotation tab extends downwardly from the base. The suspension component includes a portion having a mounting aperture and a recess respectively corresponding with the single mounting opening and the anti-rotation tab of the support bracket. The support bracket prevents rotation of the brake hose relative to the support bracket as the support bracket is secured to the portion of the suspension component via a single fastener.

Abstract: An elongated pipe, having first and second ends, with each of the first and second ends thereof having an outwardly tapered portion. A tapered split collet embraces the outwardly tapered portion at the first end of the pipe and a tapered split collet embraces the outwardly tapered portion at the second end of the pipe. A pipe flange with a tapered central opening embraces the tapered split collet at the first end of the pipe. A pipe flange with a tapered central opening embraces the tapered split collet at the second end of the pipe. An adhesive material secures the pipe flanges and collets to the outwardly tapered portions at the first and second ends of the pipe.

Abstract: A tube for a fuel injection system having an end form defining a spherical surface to seal against a receiver in fluid tight relation. The tube and end form may be made of steel or stainless steel. The spherical surface includes an integrated seal surface defining layer comprising material bonded to the spherical surface, which has a hardness lower than the hardness of the material of the end form and may comprise copper, copper-nickel alloy, copper alloy, nickel or manganese. In alternative forms, the material is deposited on the end form spherical seal surface by various processes including deposition by heating, using moistening effects, galvanic, evaporation, or any other suitable deposition process.

Abstract: A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to fictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.

Abstract: A clean air duct and retaining clip assembly for installation on a receiving port includes an assembly with a tubular body and a cuff extending from the tubular body. The cuff has a cuff groove, at least the cuff receivable on a receiving port, and a retaining clip only partially received in the cuff groove so as to secure the cuff and the tubular body to the receiving port. A clean air duct assembled to a receiving port is also disclosed. And a related method of assembling a clean air duct to a receiving port with a retaining clip is disclosed.

Abstract: A bottom-to-surface connection installation between a common floating support and the sea bottom, having a plurality of flexible lines such as flexible pipes extending between said floating support and the sea bottom. The flexible lines are supported by respective ones of a plurality of troughs each trough lying between two pipe portions defining a first flexible line portion in a hanging double catenary configuration between the floating support and the trough, and a second flexible line portion in a single catenary configuration between the trough and the point of contact of the flexible pipe with the sea bottom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garden hose (GS) with at least one cover layer. The aim of the invention is to improve the grip of the hose relative to the hand of a user and/or on a connection to a connecting element (SK) via a compression-type fitting (UM, HK). For this purpose, a relief structure (RS) is produced on an outward surface of a cover layer (M21) of the hose (GS). Said relief structure (RS) can substantially improve the haptic impression and/or, when the connection (UM) is tight, bring about an interlocking or at least semi-interlocking engagement of retaining elements (HK) of a connecting element (SK) with the relief structure (RS) and substantially increase the retaining force which prevents the hose end from accidentally slipping off the connecting element (SK).

Abstract: A cable adapter unit for building up an outer diameter of an electrical cable to facilitate fitment of a cold-shrinkable cover sleeve body on the electrical cable includes a cold-shrinkable, tubular, elastomeric cable adapter and a removable holdout. The cable adapter defines a cable adapter through passage configured to receive the electrical cable. The cable adapter includes: an integral, electrically conductive, tubular stress cone layer; and an electrically insulating, tubular outer layer integral with and surrounding the stress cone layer. The stress cone layer and the outer layer each define a portion of the through passage. The holdout is mounted within the through passage and is configured to be withdrawn therefrom. The holdout maintains the cable adapter in an expanded state in which the cable adapter is elastically expanded and, when withdrawn from the through passage, permits the cable adapter to radially contract to a contracted state about the electrical cable.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept, in some of its many example embodiments, relates to a line, in particular for the conduction of gaseous media under high pressure, preferably in the range of 150 bar to 400 bar, very preferably in the range of 200 bar to 350 bar, in particular 200 bar to 250 bar, having at least one high-pressure line and at least one gas recirculation line, characterized in that the gas recirculation line is arranged, preferably coaxially, inside the high-pressure line and the gas recirculation line comprises a stabilization device, in particular in spiral form, preferably a steel spiral, very preferably a normal steel spiral or a stainless steel spiral.

Abstract: A method includes: determining a design for a longitudinal piece of a particular length, wherein first and second ends of the longitudinal piece have dissimilar shapes; extruding a piece that is at least twice the particular length, wherein a profile throughout the extruded piece has the first end shape; hydroforming the extruded piece to generate an expanded portion between ends of the extruded piece, wherein the ends retain essentially the first end shape; and cutting through the expanded portion to obtain a piece wherein one end has the first end shape and another end has the second end shape.

Abstract: An expansion joint in a vertical channel suitable for conducting hot particles. The expansion joint includes an upper channel portion including a lower end portion with a lower edge. A lower channel portion is sealingly connected by a flexible element connected on an outer side of the vertical channel. The lower channel portion includes an upper end portion with a horizontally extending upper plane. In a predetermined vertical level range, the upper end portion telescopically overlaps the lower end portion in a spaced relationship, to permit relative axial and lateral movements of the upper channel portion and the lower channel portion, whereby the upper plane is at a higher level than the lower edge. A sealing ring, including mutually connected sealing blocks positioned on an outer circumference of the lower end portion, is arranged on the upper plane.

Abstract: In a hose arrangement (1) for a water-conveying system, which arrangement includes a flexible pressure hose (2) and a connection piece (4) with a hose nipple (5) and a ferrule (6) which receive the pressure hose (2) therebetween, it is provided that the ferrule (6) has an inwardly protruding projection (12) in a ferrule section (11) projecting axially beyond the hose nipple (5), by which projection the pressure hose (2) is displaced radially inwardly behind the hose nipple (5) to form a constriction (19) of the inside diameter such that a transition of the inside diameter between the hose nipple (5) and the pressure hose (2) is smoothed

Abstract: In order to improve a pump hose that is suitable for a peristaltic pump and by means of which transitions within the hose are avoided and which furthermore is operationally reliable, there is suggested a pump hose having a tubular center part (11) to which are arranged at both sides thereof connecting parts (12, 14) for connecting the pump hose (10) to other elements and having flange parts (17, 18) arranged at both sides for insertion into a cartridge part of the peristaltic pump. The tubular center part (11), the connecting parts (12, 14) arranged at both sides thereof and the flange parts (17, 18) arranged at both sides thereof are integrally produced from silicone. The connecting parts (12, 14) each have a head-like shaped sealing surface (16). The sealing surface (16) is surrounded by a substantially circular sealing bulge (20) that protrudes longitudinally beyond the sealing surface (16).

Abstract: An elongate tape and method of producing an elongate tape are disclosed. The tape is suitable for forming a helically wound layer of interlocked windings in a flexible pipe body, and is configured for interlocking with adjacent windings, wherein the tape has a cross-sectional profile including: a first surface that in use forms a radially inner surface of the helically wound layer; a further surface, in use forming a side wall extending radially outwards, away from the first surface, and for forming a contact surface with a region of an adjacent winding; and a transition surface joining the first surface and further surface, wherein the transition surface comprises a curved surface, and wherein the curved surface has a larger radius of curvature in a region proximate the first surface than in a region proximate the further surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a silicon carbide articles useful at high temperatures, and the method of making them. The method comprises providing a plurality of silicon carbide parts; providing a mullite gasket; placing the gasket between the ends of the parts to be joined to thereby form an assembly; applying a load in the range of 15-25 pounds per square inch to the parts' ends distal from the gasket to thereby press the gasket; heating the assembly in a muffle furnace under load to a temperature in the range of 1450° C. to 1550° C.; increasing the load on the to range of 30-50 pounds per square inch and holding the assembly at the temperature for a time in the range of 2-5 days to adhere the mullite gasket to the ends of the silicon carbide parts.

Abstract: Sheath systems 20, 40 are attached to the chemical emitting ends of permeation devices or permeation tubes 10, 30 to retard the release of stored chemicals before the intended use of the improved permeation devices. Sheath systems may be made of polyolefin material, Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resin or other material in a heat shrink configuration wherein heat is applied to contract, shrink wrap or otherwise secure the sheath to a permeation tube. At the time of intended use, the sheath assembly may be removed without damage to the permeation device.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly is provided that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle into an exhaust passage, and a fascia coupled to the vehicle defining the exhaust passage. The exhaust assembly further includes a bezel defining an exhaust opening substantially aligned with the pipe, and a sleeve configured within the exhaust opening. The sleeve extends rearward to at least the rearmost portion of the exhaust opening and substantially parallel to an exit portion of the pipe. The exhaust opening may further define an exhaust plane tangent to rearmost portion of the bezel, and the sleeve may extend at least to this plane. An upper sleeve may also be configured to extend at least to a line tangent to the rearmost surfaces of an upper bezel and perpendicular to the upper sleeve.

Abstract: A grounded electrical circuit in a heated hose is provided. In one embodiment, the heated hose assembly includes: a flexible hose body; a first and a second heating wires and a hose ground wire each extending longitudinally and parallel to an axis of the hose body and within an inner wall; a first fluid coupling provided on the first end portion of the flexible hose body, the first fluid coupling comprising a stem inserted into the flexible hose body and radially clamping an end of the hose ground wire against an inner surface of the inner wall, such that a contact between the first fluid coupling and the end of the hose ground wire grounds the hose ground wire; a power cord electrically connected to the first and second heating wires and to the hose ground wire; and a thermostat electrically connected to the first and second heating wires.

Abstract: A system for conveying a fluid is disclosed. Such system comprises a spoolable tube comprising an inner layer comprising a first layer and a reinforcing layer comprising fiber, which defines a first passage for conveying a first fluid; an outer layer; and one or more fittings adapted to engage an axial end of said inner layer and an axial end of said outer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible hose assembly having an inner nipple coupled to an inner flexible hose and an outer nipple at least partially surrounding the inner nipple and being coupled to an outer flexible hose, wherein a first fluid flowing through the inner nipple is directed outward in-between the inner and outer flexible hoses and a second fluid flowing in-between the inner and outer nipples is directed inward to the inner flexible hose. By directing the second fluid inward and the first flow outward, the outer flexible hose is prevented from collapsing on the inner flexible hose when pressure of the second fluid flowing through the inner flexible hose is greater than a pressure of the first fluid flowing through the outer flexible hose.

Abstract: A connector with a biocompatible fluid passageway to be used as a column filter retainer and the method for manufacturing it is described. The connector has a reinforcement insert and a biocompatible molding covering portions of the reinforcement insert. The reinforcement insert has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions have threaded sections and each have a plurality of non-threaded sections. For a given portion, the junction of the non-threaded sections forms a lip by which to prevent the molded material from flowing into the threaded sections. In certain embodiments, an interior web is used in the reinforcement insert to provide additional structural support.

Abstract: An expandable tube portion including slots arranged in a staggered fashion is expanded. When the expandable tube portion is expanded, the individual slots open to a cut end portion of the expandable tube portion are transformed to open in V-shape while the whole body of the expandable tube portion is transformed to a lattice configuration. Hence, the tube expansion only need to apply a working force required to bend intersections of the lattice configuration, resulting in the reduction of the working force for tube expansion. As a result, the working force for tube expansion does not open a butt connection portion of a subject matter, negating the need for previously weld bonding the butt connection portion of the subject matter.

Abstract: An elastically deformable conduit assembly includes a conduit comprising an outer surface and formed of an elastically deformable material, the conduit configured to deform from a relaxed condition to an elastically deformed condition. Also included is a mating component configured to engage the outer surface of the conduit in the elastically deformed condition.

Abstract: A hose joint for a pool cleaner or other apparatus that includes at least two swivels. The first swivel is configured to rotate about a first axis and the second swivel is configured to rotate about a second axis that is different from the first axis. In some embodiments, one of the swivels is configured to rotate approximately 360 degrees about its axis of rotation. In this way, the hose joint has at least two directions of freedom in at least two different planes that help the cleaner move independently from a hose attached to the hose joint.

Abstract: A tube assembly for use in a fuel injection assembly of a turbine engine is provided. The tube assembly includes a housing, and a plurality of tube assembly units positioned adjacent to one another within the housing such that each tube assembly extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing. Each tube assembly unit includes a tube, and a plurality of flanges extending radially outward from each tube, wherein flanges of adjacent tube assembly units form at least a portion of at least one wall within the housing.

Abstract: A fluid supply hose includes a hose body having a first end for connection to a fixture and a second end for connection to a water supply. The fluid supply hose includes a tubular cover formed of a heat-shrinkable, antifungal material, which is heat shrunk in place to cover at least a portion of the hose body. The cover could include a decorative exterior. A method of making a fluid supply hose involves inserting a fluid supply hose having a hose body, a first end for connection to a fixture, and a second end for connection to a water supply, into a heat-shrinkable, antifungal tubular cover. The cover is positioned over a portion of the supply hose, and heat is applied to the cover to heat shrink the cover in place to cover at least a portion of the supply hose body. The cover could include a decorative exterior.

Abstract: An appliance includes a machine compartment accessible from the exterior of the machine compartment. The machine compartment comprises at least a two components and a water line tube. The water line tube comprises at least three substantially straight sections and at least two formed bends in the tube. The tube is at least partially elastically rigid. The substantially straight sections and the formed bends allow the tube to move as if the tube was a linkage with the formed bends acting as constrained pivot points. The first tube end is fluidically attached to the first component. The second tube end is fluidically attached to the second component. At least one of the first component and the second component is at least partially removable from the machine compartment while the tube is fluidically connected to both the first component and the second component.