Abstract: A tapered flexible conduit and a ventilation system incorporating the same. The conduit is arranged to extend between a register and a fan assembly, such as in a whole house fan (WHF) system. The conduit includes a flexible inner liner surrounded by a flexible outer liner. The flexible inner liner has a length of helically formed wire coupled to a flexible membrane. The flexible outer liner includes an insulative layer to provide acoustic baffling for an airflow established by the fan assembly passing through the conduit. The tapered conduit has a frusto-conical shape along an overall length of the conduit to sealingly engage differently sized inlet and exhaust ports of the register and the fan assembly, respectively. The collapsible nature of the respective inner and outer liners reduces bulk during shipment and accommodates a variety of different configurations during installation.

Abstract: Passively expandable and contractable tubes, dynamically expandable and contractable tubes, and non-expandable tubes and methods of using the same are disclosed. Tubes having one or multiple layers are disclosed. Tubes having one or multiple reinforcements are disclosed. Tubes comprising radial ePTFE and/or axial ePTFE are disclosed.

Abstract: A flat flexible hose for transporting a fluid, for example water, is adapted to move between an inoperative position having a flattened configuration and an operative position, in which the hose expands radially under pressure from the fluid. The hose has a first inner layer defining an axis, a second covering layer, and a reinforcement textile layer therebetween. The first and second layers are made of a first and respectively a second thermoplastic elastomeric material adapted to adhere to each other. The reinforcement textile layer is made of rigid textile yarns which at least partially have a respective first and second predetermined inclination opposite to each other so that the length of the hose remains unchanged both in the inoperative and the operative positions. The reinforcement textile layer is a knitted layer with tricot chain stitches with rows of stitches and courses of stitches made of chain stitches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a household appliance comprising a liquid receiving entity (2) for storing liquid, a liquid port (3) for supplying liquid to the liquid receiving entity (2) and a coupling element (4) adapted to provide a liquid connection between the liquid receiving entity (2) and the liquid port (3), the coupling element (4) comprising a U-shape or essentially a U-shape with a first and a second leg portion (4.1, 4.2) and a curved portion (4.3) connecting the first and the second leg portion (4.1, 4.2), wherein the coupling element (4) comprises at least one flexible section and wherein at least one leg portion (4.1, 4.2) comprises stiffening means (5) for stiffening the leg portion (4.1, 4.2).

Abstract: Pump systems with pinch valves for surgical procedures. At least some of the example embodiments are pump systems including a stationary housing defining a front face. A tube support extends outwardly from the front face for aligning and supporting a first tube and a second tube. At least one pinch member is movable relative to the tube support by a power actuator operably coupled to the at least one pinch member and configured to have three orientations that define: a first arrangement of the pinch member relative to the tube support configured to pinch closed the first tube, a second arrangement of the at least one pinch member relative to the tube support configured to pinch closed the second tube, and a third arrangement of the at least one pinch member relative to the tube support configured to pinch closed neither the first tube nor the second tube.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a device for measuring the flow of fluid inside a tube moved by a peristaltic pump is provided with: a detection electrode arrangement coupled to the tube to detect an electrostatic charge variation originated by the mechanical action of the peristaltic pump on the tube; a signal processing stage, electrically coupled to the detection electrode arrangement to generate an electrical charge variation signal; and a processing unit, coupled to the signal processing stage to receive and process in the frequency domain the electrical charge variation signal to obtain information on the flow of a fluid that flows through the tube based on the analysis of frequency characteristics of the electrical charge variation signal.

Abstract: An outlet tube includes a first rib, a second rib, and a channel positioned between the first rib and the second rib. The first rib extends from a surface of the tube. The first rib tapers between a first thickness and a second thickness. The second rib extends from the surface of the tube. The second rib tapers between the first thickness and the second thickness. The channel has a first width between adjacent first thicknesses and a second width between adjacent second thicknesses. The first width is greater than the second width.

Abstract: An air delivery conduit includes first and second conduit portions that cooperate to form the conduit, each conduit portion including an inner layer of a film laminate that forms an interior surface of the conduit and an outer layer of a textile that forms an exterior surface of the conduit.

Abstract: A manually operable valve for restricting airflow to and/or from a patient. The valve includes a body having one or more walls that extend between a first end and a second end. The one or more walls form a passage between the first end and the second end of the body. Two moveable members are positioned on opposing sides of the passage and axially fixed between the first end and the second end of the body. The two moveable members are configured such that depressing the two moveable members inwardly deforms the one or more walls to thereby restrict the passage. When the two moveable members are subsequently released, the one or more walls return to unrestrict the passage.

Abstract: A rectangular tube is disclosed comprising a rectangular convoluted section that includes a wall that defines a series of peaks alternating with a series of valleys and that provides a periphery of opposing rectangular base sides and opposing rectangular height sides. A continuous rectangular section extends from one end of the rectangular convoluted section and a transition section extends from another end of rectangular convoluted section.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of an inductive coupler assembly with casing, e.g. well casing. An inductive coupler is formed as a female inductive coupler with an inductive coil. The inductive coupler is constructed for sliding movement along an exterior of the casing so that it may ultimately be positioned and secured at a suitable location along the casing. The inductive coupler is designed for connection with an electrical device, e.g. a sensor. The inductive coupler facilitates the transfer of sensor data and/or power signals across the casing. Signal transfer across the casing is further enabled by a male inductive coupler positioned within the casing at a location which allows it to cooperate with the exterior, female inductive coupler.

Abstract: A flat flexible hose for transporting a fluid, for example water, is adapted to move between an inoperative position having a flattened configuration and an operative position, in which the hose expands radially under pressure from the fluid. The hose has a first inner layer defining an axis, a second covering layer, and a reinforcement textile layer therebetween. The first and second layers are made of a first and respectively a second thermoplastic elastomeric material adapted to adhere to each other. The reinforcement textile layer is made of rigid textile yarns which at least partially have a respective first and second predetermined inclination opposite to each other so that the length of the hose remains unchanged both in the inoperative and the operative positions. The reinforcement textile layer is a knitted layer with tricot chain stitches with rows of stitches and courses of stitches made of chain stitches.

Abstract: Pressure body for an air-spring system, which is produced from a plastics material, wherein the pressure body comprises an outer enveloping structure and an internal reinforcing structure, wherein the enveloping structure comprises a multiplicity of convexly shaped segments, which are arranged adjacent to one another and form part of a wall of the pressure body.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide for bistable collapsible tubular mast (Bi-CTM) booms. Various embodiments provide CTM booms that may be bistable in nature, thereby achieving intrinsic benefits bistability may bring. Bistability may be achieved in various embodiments through specific combinations of the thin-shell cross-section geometry and the composite laminate selected for each thin-shell segment. Additionally, in various embodiments, the thin-shell geometry of each boom half may be different. Various embodiments may include combinations of circular, ellipsoidal, or parabolic segments that form each shell.

Abstract: Woven irrigation tubing comprising a woven, extrusion coated & laminated tube formed of a high density polyethylene (HDPE) outer layer, a low density polyethylene (LDPE) middle layer and a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) inner layer. The finished tubing is treated for ultraviolet resistance. The tubing is tied off at a distal end with a proximal end connected to a pressurized irrigation source. Watering holes are created in the tubing at spaced intervals and the resulting water streams are directed into parallel plowed furrows. The tubing is completely recyclable. The tubing is formed by manufacturing tape for the woven outer tubing cover, stretching the tape along its length to strengthen it, weaving the outer layer from the tape, flattening the woven outer layer, extrusion coating each surface of the outer layer with LDPE, laminating the LLDPE inner layer to the LDPE, reversing and winding the tubing for storage and distribution.

Abstract: A system for packing and assembling a flexible duct that includes a sleeve. The sleeve includes a tubular vapor barrier and an insulating layer within the vapor barrier and includes a central cavity. Further, the sleeve is radially compressed and rolled along an axial direction. The system also includes an air core sized to fit within the central cavity of the insulating layer. The air core includes a sheet that blocks fluid flow therethrough and a structural support coiled within the sheet and the air core is flattenable and not within the rolled sleeve.

Abstract: The invention refers to a pipe seal suitable for use in a Rieber joint, the seal (14) comprising an annular sealing member (18) and an annular reinforcing member (20) completely embedded in the sealing member (18). The reinforcing member (20) is made of a rigid plastic band and the reinforcing member (20) includes, for increasing an area of contact between the sealing member (18) and the reinforcing member (20), at least one protrusion (24) and/or at least one recess (26).

Abstract: Squeezable tubes for holding creams and gels such as toothpaste and a method for progressively collapsing and internally securing a tube in a flattened state. As the user squeezes the tube proximal to one end, the tube collapses. An internal mechanism to retain that portion of the tube in a collapsed position engages. The portion of the tube that no longer holds toothpaste remains in a relatively flat configuration of which sections may be cut off and thrown away. In an alternative embodiment, the internal mechanism is recyclable and/or releasable and the tube is refillable. Tubes may alternatively be used with many other types of contents such as hair shampoo and conditioner, paint, sunscreen, oil, frosting, pudding, ointments, powders, and liquids.

Abstract: A flexible sealing tube is described that is adapted to be installed in and extend along a bore in the ground for use in a system for exchanging of energy with the ground. The flexible sealing tube has a first tube end to be installed at an inner part of said bore, and the flexible sealing tube is closed in the first tube end. The flexible sealing tube also has a first channel and a second channel extending in a longitudinal direction (L) of the flexible sealing tube, the first and second channels being in fluid connection with each other. The first and second channels are formed by the flexible sealing tube.

Abstract: A trussed collapsible tubular mast includes a deformable beam having an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state, where a stiffness and strength of the deformable beam in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and a different strength of the deformable beam in the flattened state. At least one collapsible tubular mast wall has a plurality of truss members of a first material having a first material thickness. At least one truss member is disposed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trussed collapsible tubular mast. Disposed between the truss members is a wall area of a second material thickness less thick than the first material thickness.

Abstract: An introducer sheath is provided for inserting at least one medical instrument directly toward a target patient tissue site. A plurality of lumens extend longitudinally between sheath proximal and distal ends of the introducer sheath. A septum extends between the sheath proximal and distal ends and selectively laterally separates each of the sheath lumens from one another. The septum is at least partially formed from a deformable and elastomeric material. The septum has a biased condition in which the plurality of sheath lumens are at least partially isolated from one another. The septum is selectively deflectable from the biased condition to at least partially place at least one of the plurality of sheath lumens in fluid communication with at least one other of the plurality of sheath lumens.

Abstract: An endoscope having an insertion tube with a distal optical module and a releasable handle. In a semi-robotic embodiment, the handle comprises haptic controllers and a computer configured for steering and/or adjusting physical properties of the insertion tube in response to one or more command inputs from the haptic controllers. The computer may also convert image data received from the optical module into two-dimensional images displayable on a monitor. The endoscope may have inertial measurement units (IMUs) for providing data to the computer for creating a digital three-dimensional image representation of an anatomy model and/or for facilitating handling properties of the endoscope.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a carriage unit including a liquid ejecting head and reciprocating in a scanning direction; a liquid container; and a tube supplying liquid sent from the liquid container to the carriage unit. When the carriage unit moves, in a case in which one direction is referred to as a first direction and another direction is referred to as a second direction, the tube extends from the liquid container in the second direction, forms a curved portion curving toward upstream in a transport direction of a medium, is folded back in the first direction, and is coupled to the carriage unit. The carriage unit includes a space that expands in the transport direction upstream of an area in which a portion extending from a coupling start point of the tube toward the curved portion is displaced in accordance with movement of the carriage unit.

Abstract: An air delivery conduit includes first and second conduit portions that cooperate to form the conduit, each conduit portion including an inner layer of a film laminate that forms an interior surface of the conduit and an outer layer of a textile that forms an exterior surface of the conduit.

Abstract: An extensible mast device allows a payload to be supported at a controllable distance from a supporting device. A motor driving a flexible strip provides a force through the flexible strip to extend the mast. The extended strip may have a curved cross section that provides some rigidity. A set of telescoping sections may enclose the strip. One or more of the sections may be flexible. In the event of an impact between the extensible mast and an object, such as a user, the flexible section and the strip yield to the impact and collapse. The extensible mast may be easily reset by lifting it back to a vertical position, with the flexible strip reasserting the curved cross section and the flexible sections resuming substantially the same shape as before the impact. A robot may use the extensible mast to elevate cameras or other sensors to a higher vantage point.

Abstract: Shape memory actuators may be used in unmanned aerial vehicles to control various components. For example, shape memory actuators may adjust cant angles of motors, propellers, and other propulsion mechanisms. In addition, shape memory actuators may adjust positions or orientations of various other components of unmanned aerial vehicles, including wings, control surfaces, motor arms, frame sections, payload doors, and landing gears. The shape memory actuators may be formed of various shape memory materials, may be one-way or two-way shape memory actuators, and may change their configurations responsive to heat and/or magnetic fields.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an insulator including disposing first and second covering members, and swaging the first covering member with the second covering member. The first and second covering members each include a groove and flanges including a perforated flange. The second covering member is disposed on the first covering member such that an inner side of the groove of the second covering member faces an inner side of the groove of the first covering member; the flanges of the second covering member are individually placed on the flanges of the first covering member; and a pin retained on a base is inserted through the perforated flange of the second covering member, to thereby fix the second covering member in position. In the swaging, at least the respective perforated flanges of the first and second covering members are swaged with each other with the pin being inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A wire for a medical device includes a wire body and a solid lubrication film. The wire body has an outer circumferential layer formed of a plurality of metal strands that are twisted with each other. The solid lubrication film is formed at least on outside exposed surfaces of the plurality of metal strands. When a virtual circle as a smallest circle enclosing the outer circumferential layer is assumed in a cross section perpendicular to a central axis of the wire body, a part of an outer edge of the solid lubrication film of the cross section is inside the virtual circle and a cross-sectional area of the solid lubrication film in the cross section satisfies A/B>0.7 where A is a size of a portion outside the virtual circle and B is a size of a portion inside the virtual circle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular liner for the rehabilitation of an, in particular, underground sewer pipe, comprising at least an inner tubular film, a resin-carrier layer surrounding the inner tubular film, and comprising a mechanically protective outer film system. The outer film system comprises at least one outer film in the form of a UV-radiation- and short-wavelength, visible light-absorbing and/or -reflecting, single-layer or multi-layer film which contains, in one or more polymer layers, at least one short-wavelength, visible light-absorbing and/or -reflecting, organic or inorganic color pigment or a corresponding dye, and at least one organic or inorganic compound which absorbs and/or reflects the UV radiation. Moreover, the outer film system comprises at least one mechanically stable reinforcing web which rests on the aforementioned outer film. The outer film system has a transmittance for visible light at at least one wavelength in the range of 550 nm to 800 nm of at least 1%.

Abstract: A pressure system in a communication loop with an atmospheric pressure data source is set forth. Atmospheric pressure data from the atmospheric pressure data source can be received by a processor to set one or more operating parameters for the pressure system based on environmental data provided in the atmospheric pressure data from an absolute pressure sensor or other atmospheric data source.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses include a tubular body of a garden hose assembly. The tubular body includes an inner tube including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines an interior passageway of the garden hose assembly. The tubular body further includes an outer tube including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface surrounds the outer surface of the inner tube. The tubular body further includes a reinforcement layer including a helical pattern spiraling in at least one direction around the outer surface of the outer tube. The tubular body further includes an inner cover including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface surrounds the reinforcement layer. The tubular body further includes an outer cover including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface surrounds the outer surface of the inner cover.

Abstract: A lightweight cowl crossbar may include a cowl cross beam of connecting transversely side frames disposed on both sides of a vehicle body; side fastening portions to be coupled to both end portions of the cowl cross beam; a support leg positioned at a center portion of the cowl cross beam and configured to be supported to a front vehicle body of a vehicle; and a reinforcing bracket of integrally connecting the support leg and the cowl cross beam wherein the components mentioned above are constructed integrally from a plastic material.

Abstract: The present application relates to composite members and to methods of manufacturing a composite member. In an aspect, a composite member (10) is formed as a longitudinal structure capable of being coiled about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the member. The composite member (10) comprising plural layers (p1-p5) of material bonded together to form a laminate. At least one layer (p3) of material has a boundary (30) partway along the longitudinal extent of the member and extending between the sides of the member. The boundary (30) is angled with respect to the transverse axis (18) of the member.

Abstract: An air delivery conduit for conveying breathable gas from a positive airway pressure device to a patient interface includes a tubular wall structure constructed from a textile material. A reinforcing structure may be provided to the wall structure that is structured to prevent kinking or collapsing of the wall structure. The wall structure may include a warp having a plurality of lengthwise textile warp threads arranged in a circle and a weft having a textile weft thread that is woven through the warp threads.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for delivering reduced pressure to a load-bearing wound site. The device can include a distal port configured to connect to a wound dressing positioned over the wound site; a proximal port located a distance from the distal port and configured to connect to a reduced pressure source, and a conduit body having an inner channel extending between the distal port and the proximal port. When the distal port is applied to the wound dressing positioned over the wound site the proximal port is positioned at a non-load bearing location remote from the wound dressing. The inner channel has a non-circular profile having a width larger than a height of the conduit body.

Abstract: Tubing comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and a middle layer, wherein the inner layer comprises a polyethylene, the outer layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and the middle layer comprises an ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer or an ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer or an anhydride grafted ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, a copolymer of two or more of the acrylate copolymers or a mixture of two or more thereof.

Abstract: Air brake tubing is provided having an air brake tube body comprising at least one layer formed from a composition comprising a copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate; and a thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: A deformable device has an extended state, a flattened state, and a rolled state if a beam, where a stiffness and strength of the deformable beam or hinge in the extended state is greater than a different stiffness and strength of the deformable beam or hinge in the flattened state. An end face cross section includes a main C curved member which defines an about circular shape of an arc ranging between about a quarter arc and a substantially full circle. A periodic C curved member defines at least two about C shaped curves. The periodic C curved member has a first periodic C curved member end mechanically coupled to the first main C curved member end, and a second periodic C curved member end mechanically coupled to the second main C curved member end. A deformable device with a V shaped member is also described.

Abstract: A method of making a molded plastic arch shape cross section stormwater chamber having a corrugated wall comprises molding half chambers which are connected by hinges at a joint at the top of the chamber. The chambers may be compactly stored and transported in splayed out configuration. Later, upward force is applied to the hinge joint location of each chamber, so the half chambers are rotated by force of gravity, whereby a faying surface on each half chamber is urged toward the like surface of the other half chamber. The faying surfaces are then fused to each other, preferably as a result of prior heating or by melting of a fusion weld element that is captured in the space between the faying surfaces.

Abstract: A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is able to expand longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends, as well as radially or circumferentially, to an expanded state in response to application of at least a minimum fluid pressure to an inner tube of the hose. Once the fluid pressure falls below the minimum fluid pressure, the hose assembly will contract. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a material, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket.

Abstract: A non-metallic clip connection system includes a non-metallic clip having a substantially rectangular base portion, a first longitudinal flared wing portion, and a second longitudinal flared wing portion, wherein a plurality of edges of the clip along a path of insertion are beveled or radiused. The non-metallic clip connection system also includes a first non-metallic member having a first portion of a non-metallic clip receiver and a second non-metallic member having a second portion of the non-metallic clip receiver. The first non-metallic member is secured to the second non-metallic member by inserting the non-metallic clip in the non-metallic clip receiver. A non-metallic vertebrae bend restrictor and a non-metallic vertebrae end piece may use a non-metallic clip connection system.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for providing a durable and thermally insulated duct network. A duct network may be provided by coupling two or more foam ducts to each other. In one example, a system includes a plurality of foam ducts and a plurality of foam bellows configured to couple the foam ducts to each other. The foam bellows include one or more bellow folds to allow an expansion and contraction of the foam ducts. A plurality of structural fastening systems couple the duct network to a structure of a vessel. The structural fastening systems allow for an axial movement of the duct network as the foam ducts expand and contract. Additional systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A modular pneumatic robotic actuator, including a first elongated hollow structure and a second elongated hollow structure connected to each other at a moveable joint; an inflatable bladder comprised of an elastomeric material disposed at the said joint and immobilized between the first and second hollow structures, wherein the said inflatable bladder inflates preferentially away from the joint; and a restraining membrane comprised of an elastomeric material disposed over the bladder and connecting the first and second hollow structures, wherein the said restraining membrane is relaxed when the bladder is deflated.

Abstract: The pipe includes at least one tubular sheath delimiting a passage for circulation of the abrasive material, at least one tensile armor layer externally positioned with respect to the tubular sheath, the armor layer including a plurality of filiform armor elements. It further includes a protective internal layer positioned inside the tubular sheath in the circulation passage, the protective internal layer including an elastomeric matrix and a longitudinal reinforcement assembly embedded in the matrix.

Abstract: A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is able to expand longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends, as well as radially or circumferentially, to an expanded state in response to application of at least a minimum fluid pressure to an inner tube of the hose. Once the fluid pressure falls below the minimum fluid pressure, the hose assembly will contract. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a material, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket.

Abstract: A compressive heat-resistant tube structure for RV includes a compressive heat-resistant multi-layer tube. The compressive heat-resistant multi-layer tube includes a compressive heat-resistant PVC soft inner tube, a polyester dense crocheted covering layer, and a compressive PVC soft outer tube. An outer surface of the compressive PVC soft outer tube is provided with an identification surface layer portion. The identification surface layer portion enables the user to easily and quickly identify each tube for connection of tubes. The soft compressive heat-resistant multi-layer tube can be bent according to the demand of use, not limited to the arrangement of the edge wiring. The soft compressive heat-resistant multi-layer tube is convenient for use and can be installed conveniently.

Abstract: The present invention provided an air hose that is configured to be used in conjunction with an air compressor. The air hose includes a tube portion having open proximal and distal ends. The tube portion includes a flat upper portion and lower portion connected at their ends to a pair of rounded shoulders that give the tube portion a substantially rectangular cross section in a collapsed state. The hose further includes radial plies that extend within the cross section across the upper, lower portions, and around the rounded shoulders. The radial plies bias the upper and lower portions together into a collapsed state, wherein the upper and lower portions are parallel and substantially in contact with one another. The upper and lower portions expand from a collapsed state to an expanded state when compressed air is forced therethrough giving the tube portion a substantially rounded cross section.

Abstract: An elongated flexible conduit (4) includes an flow element (24) having a first elongated wall segment (32) and a second elongated wall segment (44) that are connected together at their sides to form a wall (28) that is continuous in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation (8). The flow element is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration (68), with the first configuration being an expanded configuration, and with the second configuration being a collapsed configuration. The flow element can be moved from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration, such as for purposes of packing during traveling, and can then be moved from its collapsed configuration back to its expanded configuration in any of a variety of fashions in order to return the flow element to a condition in which it can carry a flow of breathing gas from a CPAP machine (12) to a CPAP mask (16).

Abstract: A micro-irrigation system cleaning method adds a formulation which contains a water-soluble organic acid which has a pK(1)a of less than about 4.0, and optionally a water-soluble phosphonate dispersant. The cleaning continues for a time period of from three to twenty-four hours in a static environment.

Abstract: A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is able to expand longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends, as well as radially or circumferentially, to an expanded state in response to application of at least a minimum fluid pressure to an inner tube of the hose. Once the fluid pressure falls below the minimum fluid pressure, the hose assembly will contract. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a material, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket.