Abstract: A method for connecting a tail end portion of a reinforcing fiber bundle of a preceding wound body to a front end portion of a reinforcing fiber bundle unwound from a new wound body by blowing pressurized air to both of the ends to unravel and entwine both of the reinforcing fiber bundles, wherein the method includes a preparation step for adjusting the amount of a sizing agent contained in the front end of the reinforcing fiber bundle unwound from the new wound body and the tail end of the preceding wound body to not less than 0 wt % and not more than 4 wt %, and the reinforcing fiber bundles are connected after the preparation step.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a tubular structure having a passageway and comprising a fiber reinforced plastic material, and then attaching a flange structure comprising an aperture coupled to the tubular structure using an attachment element.

Abstract: A method of jointing a cord fabric when the cord fabric for topping is alternately drawn from two supply positions for continuous supply. During drawing to supply of the cord fabric on one side, a start end portion of the cord fabric on other side is locked to hold by a locking pin of a jointing holder, and is set to a jointing mounting portion in a state where an unvulcanized jointing rubber member is pasted thereto. When a final end of the cord fabric on the one side comes closer, a finish end portion thereof is pasted to the start end portion of the cord fabric held by the holder by interposing the rubber member therebetween. The finish end portion and the start end portion are squeezed for joint from upper and lower sides by press members, thereafter, the holder is removed, and the cord fabric on the other side is drawn to supply continuously to the cord fabric on the one side.

Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is disclosed. The optical fiber connector comprises a form having a curved surface with a first end near the bottom surface of the form. The curved surface is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the form at the first end. A first plurality of active optical fibers are positioned along the curved surface of the form in a side-by side arrangement with the tips of each of the first plurality of optical fibers adjacent to the first end of the curved surface. The ends of each of the first plurality of active optical fibers have been striped down to cladding and the cladding of each optical fiber contacts the cladding of the adjacent optical fibers. An inner cover is attached to the form thereby capturing the first plurality of active optical fibers between the curved surface of the form and an inside curved surface in the inner cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for assembly of tubular joints which overcome the drawbacks and limitations of conventional joints. In certain embodiments, the tubular joints may comprise threaded joints used in oil exploration. Joints may be assembled using a combination of a) position control, b) specific production tolerances for thread parameters, and c) coatings applied on threaded areas of the joint. In further embodiments, the tubular joints may have no torque shoulder and/or metal to metal seals. In additional embodiments, the joints may be further assembled and disassembled several times without application of dope or grease and exhibit enhanced sealability. Beneficially, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide high tolerance, precisely assembled joints that provide improved performance (e.g.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for inserting a non-metallic multi-strand braid through a coil tube. Techniques for bonding one end of a lead line to one end of a multi-strand non-metallic braid are provided. There are also embodiments of steerable instruments described having a plurality of hinged segments; a multi-strand non-metallic braid connected distally to one segment of the plurality of segments and proximally to an actuator; and a steering controller adapted to control the actuator to move the hinged segment using the multi-strand non-metallic braid.

Abstract: A method for making a wire guide (62) is provided. The method comprises forming a distal end portion (26) of a proximal core wire (10). The distal end portion has a first variable diameter (32) less than a maximum diameter of the proximal core wire. The first variable diameter is configured to flare distally along at least a partial length of the distal end portion. A proximal end portion (28) of a distal core wire (12) is formed. A proximal end portion has a second variable diameter less than the maximum diameter of the distal core wire. The second variable diameter is configured to flare proximally along at least a partial length of the proximal end portion. The distal and proximal end portions are overmolded with polymeric material to form a joining member that couples the distal and proximal end portions together.

Abstract: A combined rolling membrane-balloon catheter, in particular for expanding stenoses in bodily vessels, including: an outer shaft (1) and an inner shaft (4) which is axially displaceable therein, an intermediate shaft (7) situated between the inner and outer shafts (4, 1) which is likewise axially displaceable, a rolling membrane (12) which is attached in a pressure-tight manner between the distal end (2) of the outer shaft (1) and the distal end (11) of the inner shaft (4), and which may be displaced between a passive position within the outer shaft (1) and an active position which is distally expanded from the outer shaft (1) by the action of pressure, and a dilatable balloon (14) which is attached in a pressure-tight manner between the distal end (11) of the inner shaft (4) and the distal end of the intermediate shaft (7), and which may be displaced between a passive position within the outer shaft (1) and proximally in front of the rolling membrane (12), and an active position which is distally expanded fro

Abstract: A connection method for interconnecting end portions of a thermoplastic resin long body in which conductive unstretchable members are embedded within the thermoplastic resin along a longitudinal direction, wherein the unstretchable members in each of specific sections in the both end portions of the thermoplastic resin long body are heated using an induction heating portion so that the thermoplastic resin coating the unstretchable members is removed by melting for the unstretchable members to be exposed, after which the both end portions are interconnected while they are held in a state where the unstretchable members being exposed in the respective end portions are butt-connected to each other.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention a thermoplastic element for the protection against corrosion in the thermofused splicing of a thermoplastic tube to a thermoplastic connection, which element has the shape of a fully thermoplastic tubular sleeve, able to be introduced into a socket mouth formed by the expansion of the tube end, said splice element bearing only one internal diameter and two external diameters which define a cylindrical external portion of larger diameter and a tubular projection which diameter is smaller than the former, and which is introduced into the thermoplastic tube, a lateral wall of the external portion defining a front butt of said thermoplastic element against the end of the thermoplastic tube. Said splicing element also exhibits an auxiliary ring which operates as a reference point for the assembly thereof.

Abstract: Each platform mounted mold assembly for plastic tubing includes a circuit board containing parameters defining elements of the forming, molding, tipping or welding operation to be undertaken on the tubing. A control unit includes an RF generator for providing the RF energy to effect the forming, molding, tipping or welding process, a source of air under pressure to operate the mechanical elements attendant each mold assembly, various sensors and a multiplex unit. In operation, the control unit serially addresses each of the mold assemblies, senses the parameters attendant the mold and applies the appropriate power level of RF energy for a specific duration and temperature while activating the mechanical aspects of the mold assembly. The mold assemblies may be serially activated through a multiplex unit or in a particular sequence that may be operator controlled.

Abstract: An adhesive connecting member and an optical connecting structure using the member, in which connection loss can be reduced and handling is facilitated, are provided. The adhesive connecting member optically connects an optical transmission medium and another optical transmission medium or an optical part by being intervened therebetween, and the member has a strongly adhesive face contacting the optical transmission medium and a weakly adhesive face contacting the other optical transmission medium or optical part. In addition, by this adhesive connecting member, the optical transmission medium and the other transmission medium or optical part can be optically connected.

Abstract: A method of connection of piping members made from a polyphenylene ether-based resin composition characterized in that the piping members made from a polyphenylene ether-based resin composition are comprised of a polyphenylene ether-based resin composition which has a polyphenylene ether-based resin in “a” parts by mass and a polystyrene-based resin in “b” parts by mass as essential ingredients, has the “a” and “b” satisfying the relationships of a+b=100 and a:b=(10 to 90):(90 to 10), and has a melt flow rate after kneading of 1.0 to 10.0 g/10 min, comprising heating and melting an outer circumferences of the pipe part and an inner circumferences of the mouth part of the piping members made from a polyphenylene ether-based resin composition parts by mass/100 parts by mass)}]±10° C. then inserting the pipe part into the mouth part to melt bond them.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic tubes, thermoplastic melting plates, thermoplastic tube connecting apparatus, and methods for using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a first tube to a second tube, the tubes being interconnected in an overlapping region by means of an adhesive that fills a gap in the overlapping region between the tubes. Said method is characterized in that: a) adhesive is applied to the overlapping region of at least one of the tubes and the adhesive is selected in such a way that it is solid at temperatures of below 30° C.

Abstract: A pipeline has a first pipe and a second pipe welded together by a weld seam, wherein the first and second pipes each have an inner side with a lining section of plastic material for protecting an inner side of the pipeline. The lining sections end at a spacing from the weld seam. The lining section of the first pipe abuts the lining section of the second pipe such that by an undercut provided on at least one of the lining sections a fill space is formed in a circumferential direction of the pipeline.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable assemblies and related components, securing methods, and fiber optic cable preparation methods for securing of a fiber optic cable to a retention body and/or fiber optic connector are disclosed. An end portion of the fiber optic cable is prepared and inserted into a retention body or the like for securing the cable to the same. In one embodiment, a partially exposed portion of a strength component and a portion of a cable jacket are secured to a retention body while another portion of the strength component remains secured to the cable jacket. In this manner, the fiber optic cable is secured to the retention body while the strength component and the cable jacket also remain secured to each other for providing strain relief.

Abstract: A method comprises: (i) forming a first optical waveguide on a first substrate; (ii) forming a second, structurally discrete optical waveguide on a structurally discrete second substrate; (iii) assembling the second substrate or second optical waveguide with the first substrate or first optical waveguide so that the first and second optical waveguides are positioned between the first and second substrates and are relatively positioned for transferring the optical signal therebetween via optical transverse coupling; and (iv) arranging the first or second optical waveguide for transferring the optical signal therebetween via substantially adiabatic optical transverse coupling with the first and second waveguides so positioned.

Abstract: An RF inductor such as a Tesla antenna splices nanotube ends together to form a nanostructure in a polymer foam matrix. High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) is gently sheared and stretched in a reactor comprising opposed coaxial counter-rotating impellers, which parallel-align polymer chains and also carbon nanotubes mixed with the oil phase. Stretching and forced convection prevent the auto-acceleration effect. Batch and continuous processes are disclosed. In the batch process, a fractal radial array of coherent vortices in the HIPE is preserved when the HIPE polymerizes, and helical nanostructures around these vortices are spliced by microhammering into longer helices. A disk radial filter produced by the batch process has improved radial flux from edge to center due to its area-preserving radial vascular network. In the continuous process, strips of HIPE are pulled from the periphery of the reactor continuously and post-treated by an RF inductor to produce cured conductive foam.

Abstract: A continuous composite fiberglass sucker rod for connection between a pump and a pump drive has a rectangular cross section. End fittings having a rod receiving cavity are connected to the rod ends using a curable adhesive. The rod fitting is maintained in a vertical position with the cavity facing upwardly. The rod end portion is positioned in the cavity with the end at the bottom of the cavity. Curable adhesive is introduced into the cavity. A centralizer bushing is used to maintain alignment of the rod relative to the cavity. A portable heating device receives the fitting and rod end portion and enhances the curing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a connector intended for a pipe, including an end piece which is mounted to the end of a pipe. The connector includes a sleeve covering said pipe end in order to crimp same onto the mounting end. According to the invention, the sleeve includes an annular chamber, while the armoring wires have free ends which are folded back against the outer polymer sheath, said sealed annular chamber surrounding the aforementioned pipe end. The annular chamber is then dilated with the injection of a fluid in order to maintain the free ends engaged between the outer polymer sheath and the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for directly joining two end sections (3, 4) of corrugated pipes (1, 2), comprising the following steps: inserting the end sections (3, 4) of the corrugated pipes (1, 2) into a preferably inventive heat-shrinkable sleeve arrangement (8, 9); subjecting the heat-shrinkable sleeve arrangement (8, 9) to heat in the area of the end sections (3, 4) of the corrugated pipes (1, 2) so that the heat-shrinkable sleeve arrangement (8, 9) rests against the outside wall of the end sections (3, 4) of the corrugated pipes (1, 2), and; stress-free cooling the heat-shrinkable sleeve arrangement (8, 9) and the end sections (3, 4) of the corrugated pipes (1, 2) to a temperature at which the connection can be mechanically stressed. This enables end sections (3, 4) of corrugated pipes (1, 2) to be joined to one another easily and in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: One embodiment of an optical device comprises a fiber cap, an optical fiber and a bond between the fiber cap and the optical fiber. The fiber cap comprises a cap body having a closed distal end and a bore having a tapered section. The optical fiber comprises cladding surrounding a core. A distal end of the cladding comprises a tapered section that engages the tapered section of the bore.

Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector (12) and a second connector (14). Both connectors include a tubular body (18,18?) having a membrane (19,19?) mounted on a distal end (27) thereof. A support member (16) or other fastener (214,220) facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant or other form of energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to sterilize the membranes and melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: A nanofocusing system includes a dielectric waveguide having two opposing ends; and a metal-dielectric-metal layered waveguide having two opposing ends optically aligned at one end with one end of the dielectric waveguide, wherein the metal-dielectric-metal waveguide tapers in at least one dimension from the aligned end of the metal-dielectric-metal waveguide towards the opposing end, wherein light travelling through the dielectric waveguide is funneled into the dielectric layer of the metal-dielectric-metal waveguide, squeezed by the metal-dielectric-metal waveguide taper, and exits the metal-dielectric-metal waveguide as nanofocused light.

Abstract: A multi-section tubular member including a sleeve surrounding and bridging a joint between a first section and a second section of the tubular member, and a method of forming a multi-section tubular member are disclosed. A polymeric sleeve may extend over a portion of the first section and an adjoining portion of the second section. A length of heat shrink tubing may be placed over the sleeve and heated, thereby compressing the heat shrink tubing around the sleeve. The sleeve may then be thermally bonded to each of the first section and the second section. The heat shrink tubing may then be removed, leaving the sleeve securely joining the first section and the second section to form a multi-section tubular member.

Abstract: A primer formulated with a colorless dye detectable only under black light is provided. The present invention is non-detectable on a porous surface and color does not appear over time upon exposure to natural or synthetic lights. Under black light, sometimes referred to as ultra violet energy or long wave black light, the colorless dye appears as purple. However, once the black light is removed, the primer ceases to glow and returns to its natural, colorless state.

Abstract: A permeate tube for spiral wound membrane comprising at least one tubular unit, which unit has spaced along its length a plurality of permeate transfer means, and one or more external grooves forming flow channels connecting the permeate transfer means. The present invention relates further to a process for treating a material having a viscosity less than 50 cP by the use of a spiral wound membrane comprising a permeate tube having at least one tubular unit, which unit has spaced along its length a plurality of permeate transfer means, and one or more external grooves forming flow channels connecting the permeate transfer means, around the permeate tube are one or more permeate transfer leaves, one or more membrane leaves and one or more space leaves wound. The present invention relates also to a process of operating a spiral wound membrane. The present invention relates further to uses of the spiral wound membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a resin pipe, including: heating a sheet member after winding the sheet member around a bar desired multiple times and holding the sheet member, wherein the sheet member is melted and molded into a resin pipe by the heating, and the bar is removed from the resin pipe after the heating.

Abstract: In positioning or aligning ends of optical fibers in relation to each other an offset distance between the fiber ends, the offset distance e.g. being the distance between predetermined reference positions in the fiber ends, is stepwise adjusted using a cascade technique. The method can be executed accurately and fast and be used e.g. in a procedure for core alignment, the predetermined reference positions then being the positions of the cores of the fiber ends such as the positions of the center lines or axes of the cores. Also, the method can be used in a procedure in which the self-focusing effect of optical fibers is used for finding the reference positions, which in this case are the positions of the center lines or axes of the total fiber ends, i.e. center lines or axes of the surfaces of the claddings of the optical fiber ends. Finally, the method can be used for the longitudinal positioning of the fiber ends in which the gap between end surfaces of the fiber ends is set to a desired value.

Abstract: A method of applying a length of discontinuous fiber material to a surface comprises placing the material between a roller and the surface, urging the roller toward the surface such that the roller causes at least a portion of the length of discontinuous fiber material to engage the surface, and applying the length of discontinuous fiber material to the surface by moving one of said roller and said surface relative to the other such that the roller rolls along an application path of said surface. The application path may include one or more curves, wherein a first portion of the material lengthens relative to a second portion of the material, thereby allowing the material to lay evenly against the surface through the one or more curves without separating from the surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular assembly is provided, comprising a first iron based tubular having a first non-cladded inner surface; and a second iron based tubular having a second non-cladded inner surface, wherein the first tubular is connected to the second tubular using a non-iron based bonding material. Preferably, the non-iron based bonding material has a lower crack growth rate than the iron based tubulars.

Abstract: A tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints is disposed on a supporting element causing radial expansion of said sleeve (2) starting from axially opposite end portions (7a) of the sleeve (2) itself. The tubular sleeve (2) in a radially expanded condition is installed on the supporting element (3). A apparatus (1) for putting into practice the above described method comprises a support (4) for the tubular sleeve (2) and a pair of expanders (10) to be located to a position substantially coaxial with said sleeve (2), each at a respective end (7) of the sleeve (2) itself. Driving means (11) is used for introducing the expanders (10) into the respective sleeve ends (7) and causing radial expansion. The apparatus (1) further comprises devices adapted to dispose the sleeve (2) in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of connecting the ends of at least two glass yarns, in which the ends are impregnated with a material comprising a thermoplastic or thermosetting material or with a mixture of a thermoplastic material and a thermosetting material in an overlapping area which is calibrated using calibration means such as a mould/counter-mould assembly. According to the invention, the material is introduced into the calibration means either in the molten form or in the solid form. The overlapping zone of said material and the ends of the yarns is subsequently subjected to means for the at least partial and preferably-complete fusion of the material. The invention also relates to the continuous filament yam that can be obtained using said method and to the use of one such yam in a method in which it is used under strong tensile strain and/or in which it is passed through a calibrated nozzle.

Abstract: The application discloses a belt formed of first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet including, respectively, first and second pluralities of tabs spaced apart so as to define first and second pluralities of openings along corresponding first and second edges of the first and second portions of thermoplastic sheet, wherein the first plurality of tabs are joined to the second plurality of tabs so as to join the first edge to the second edge.

Abstract: A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to change the direction of the laser and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.

Abstract: The invention is a new process for the production of a hollow structural column or rod in polymers, obtained by assembling modules having shorter length, comprising two or more elongated modules, each one provided with male-female truncated cone-shaped terminal parts (56, 56), wherein the inner surface of the “female” terminal part (56) has a taper angle that is identical to the taper angle of the outer surface of the “male” terminal part (53), and comprising the following steps: aligning said hollow modules; preparing said male and female terminal parts with adhesive for glueing and insertion in the terminal part of the adjacent, aligned module; applying, preferably at the ends, an axial compression device, so that on compression of the ends of the rod made up of said modules each external male tapering surface adheres to and exerts a suitable pressure on the internal female tapering surface of the adjacent module during the structural joining and glueing of the terminal parts and the polymerisation of the a

Abstract: In order to connect two plastic tubes end to end, the extremities of which are closed by compression and welding or gluing of the tube wall, the two closed extremities of the tubes are axially aligned and placed in abutment, the two closed and abutting extremities of the tubes are heated from a distance and without contact and the two extremities of the tubes are axially brought together, so as to splay and weld together the extremities of the tubes end to end, while constantly maintaining said extremities in abutment.

Abstract: An abrasive material transferring pipe is lined with a cured shape memory retaining elastomeric liner. The inner surface of the pipe is in contact with the outer surface of the elastomeric liner. When the liner is not under tension, the outer diameter of the elastomeric liner is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe. Expansion pressure by the liner maintains the liner in the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and the respective equipment for the manufacture of shaped articles, such as disposable absorbent articles, which have a three dimensional shape, or which comprise closed belt-like structures such as hoops in the leg and/or waist opening. The articles can be produced at high production speeds out of conventional web materials (100, 1010), and can be designed to a wide variety of designs for improved dynamic fit, leakage performance and wearer's comfort.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a first fluid conduit (14) to one or more other fluid conduits (12) or elements such as an electrode (92) or heating element. The method comprises positioning a first fluid conduit (14) substantially in contact with the other fluid conduits or elements (12) wherein a bond region (16) is created. The bond region is wetted with a liquefied thermoplastic polymer (34) which is then subsequently cooled forming a substantially fluid tight bond between the first fluid conduit (14) and the other fluid conduits or elements (14).

Abstract: A long-length hose spliced from two or more hoses containing an inner sealing layer, at least two spirally laid reinforcing plies, and a cover. A liner forming the inner sealing layer is formed by leak-tight splicing of liners of hoses to be spliced and the reinforcing plies are embedded into filling/adhesive material inside of a rigid outer sleeve, at the location of the splicing.

Abstract: The invention is a composite pole with an integral mandrel therein and methods of making the same. A preferred embodiment is a fiberglass reinforced resin composite pole such as a utility pole or a lighting pole. The integral mandrel is preferably an expanded plastic foam such as expanded polystyrene. The integral mandrel is contoured to be in the desired inside configuration of the composite pole and fiber reinforced composite naterial is applied to the mandrel. The pole is used with the mandrel remaining therein, thus strengthening the pole. Passages may be placed into the mandrel for routing conduits and pipes as desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mounting an optical fiber for coupling to a high power light source, the fiber being secured to its mount with a low refractive index adhesive. The low refractive index adhesive serves to reduce the coupling of light traveling within the fiber to the fiber mount, thereby reducing undesirable, potentially destructive heating in the fiber mount. The adhesive preferably comprises sol gel.

Abstract: A conduit (100) comprising a plurality of conduit segments (112A–112C) each having a body (120A–120C) and a segment lining (136A–136C) made of a lining material. Each body includes a joint face (132A–132C) having secured thereto a portion (140A–140C) of the corresponding segment lining. A monolithic lining (108) is formed from the segment linings by abutting the conduit segments with one another so that the joint faces face one another and the portions of the segment linings contact one another. The portions of the lining on the joint faces are heated to a temperature above the melting point of the lining material so that they fuse with one another so as to form a fusion (148A, 148B) located between the joint faces.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for consolidation joining a thermoplastic preform to form a duct. The apparatus includes first and second longitudinally extending support structures. The first support structure at least partially defines a cavity for supporting the preform in a desired configuration of the duct. The second support structure extends in the cavity such that the preform can be supported between the first and second support structures. The second support structures can include an elastomeric device that is configured to adjust radially and urge the interface of the preform against the first support structure. A heater is configured to heat an interface of the preform to above a glass transition temperature. The resulting duct is has a longitudinal consolidation joint and defines a passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and design of a fusion welded pipe wherein the effects of an inner bead of the fusion weld are minimized. The internal shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured in several different shapes so that the beads or lips produced by the fusion welding process are unobtrusive and do not interfere with the function of the pipe. In a likewise manner, the outer shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured so that the lips are unobtrusive on the external surface of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven substrate, and specifically to a nonwoven substrate imparted with a three-dimensional image, wherein the three-dimensional nonwoven substrate is particularly suited as a support substrate for a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and similar application. By the utilization of a hydroentangled, three-dimensionally imaged support substrate impregnated with a durable resinous matrix, PCB's, and similar applications, can be imparted with unique and useful performance properties, to improve structural performance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular film includes the steps of: winding a thermoplastic sheet film on a columnar member with at least two turns so that leading and trailing ends of the film are placed approximately on one normal line of an outer surface of the columnar member without overlapping each other; fitting a tubular molding member on the wound film; and connecting the leading and trailing ends of the film by heating at least the film, thereby forming the sheet film into the tubular film. The resulting tubular film has a high film thickness uniformity and suitable for a fixing film of an image forming apparatus.