Abstract: The invention discloses a vertical pipe lining method comprising placing a repair material having a first end and a second end into a pipe having a bottom opening and a top opening. The repair material is inflated to press the repair material against the inside wall surface of the pipe; and heated air is conveyed through the inflated repair material from the bottom opening to the top opening to cure or mold a thermal responsive component of the repair material to the pipe. The invention also teaches a repair material for vertically oriented pipes comprising a multi-layered lining comprising a first outer layer and a second inner layer wherein the first outer layer comprises a resin impregnated fiber and the second inner layer is air impermeable. The invention also teaches a system for repairing. vertical pipe utilizing a repair material inflation device, an air blower and an air heater.

Abstract: A pipe or tube article is disclosed that comprises an innermost layer wherein the innermost layer has a thickness of about 6.3 to about 102 mm and comprises an ionomer composition prepared from an acid polymer comprising an ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbons and about 5 to about 25 weight % based on the total weight of the acid polymer of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons; and about 5 to about 90% of the carboxylic acids are neutralized with a metal ion to provide long lifetime, highly abrasion-resistant pipes for mining and other transportation uses. Methods for preparing the article and transporting abrasive materials through the article are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a hollow tubular member to a cast member. The cast member has a hollow socket cavity. A body of uncured adhesive is positioned in either the hollow socket of the cast member or the hollow interior of the hollow tubular member. The hollow tubular member is inserted in the hollow cavity. The adhesive is forced to flow into the space between the outside of the tubular member and the socket of the cast member, and the adhesive is then cured.

Abstract: A tube shaped and fluid inflatable and electrically heatable in-situ pipe repair device comprising a first outer elastomeric tube layer and a resistive heating component comprised of electrically conductive fibers braided over an elastomeric core. The tube shaped device also contains an inner annulus. The device is fluid sealable and is connectible to a fluid supply and vacuum source. It is also connectible to an electrical power source. The device may also comprise two tube shaped layers configured to fit snuggly together with a resistive heating component held between the two layers. The resistive heating component may be a braided fiber-elastomeric core combination or a conductive fiber configured in a sinusoidal wave or similar pattern.

Abstract: A lateral pipe lining material is comprised of a tubular resin absorbing material impregnated with a setting resin and has a flange formed on one end thereof. A peeling tube is mounted to an outer periphery of an area around the flange. A tubular peeling end, one end of which closed off, is mounted to an outer peripheral part of the other end of the tubular resin absorbing material. The other end of the peeling tube is mounted to a pressure bag, compressed air is fed into the pressure bag in a state in which the flange of the lateral pipe lining material is attached to a peripheral edge of an opening of a lateral pipe of a main pipe, and the lateral pipe lining material is everted and inserted into the lateral pipe from the main pipe side toward ground level via air pressure. The lateral pipe lining material is then heated while being pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the lateral pipe.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: The invention relates to reinforced composite articles for conveying and/or storage of liquid and gaseous media comprising an internal sealing layer of polyolefin, a sevilene layer applied thereon, an external load-bearing layer of a polymerized composite material and an additional layer formed by a fibrous structure providing for an efficient cohesion of said sealing and load-bearing layers, and disposed between the layers of sevilene and of the composite polymer material. The fibrous structure can be made of glass fiber, aramide fiber, carbon fiber and basalt fiber. A process for producing the disclosed articles is also proposed.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for inserting a flexible, inflatable and electrically heatable bladder conveying and installing a thermally responsive repair material into the interior of a pipe. The device is portable and can be used to repair pipe accessible from only one location.

Abstract: An electrophoresis analysis method and apparatus capable of maintaining high reliability upon a repeated use of the same gel. A heat transfer medium selected from the group consisting of solids, liquids and gels is filled in substantially all of the gaps between the electrode and each capillary. A hollow electrode into which a capillary is inserted has a plurality of retaining shapes such that the capillary can be fixed at the center of the electrode. The heat from the capillary can be efficiently dissipated via the electrode, and also the temperature increase in the capillary can be prevented. Further, temperature increases due to the heating of the capillaries during operation can be controlled and thereby thermal deterioration of the gel can be prevented.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular fabric sleeve having a backing made at least in part from a material having a lower melting point than material used for the pile of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the material having the lower melting point in the backing be activated to cause the backing of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve to remain in a cylindrical configuration. The activated tubular knitted pile fabric may be finished into paint roller covers by combing and shearing the pile fabric to a desired length, beveling the edges of the paint roller covers, and vacuuming stray fibers from the paint roller covers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for everting a tubular pipe lining material for rehabilitating an existing pipe. The apparatus has a sealed storage container storing a rotary body around which the pipe lining material is wound in a roll. An electric motor undergoes rotation in a first rotational direction to rotate the rotary body to wind the pipe lining material on the rotary body and undergoes rotation in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. An eversion nozzle is attached to the storage container for everting the pipe lining material. When fluid pressure is supplied into the storage container to pull the pipe lining material out from the storage container and evert it via the eversion nozzle, the electric motor is caused to rotate in the second rotational direction due to the pulling out of the pipe lining material and to function as an electric generator to brake the pullout of the pipe lining material.

Abstract: A component of a fluid handling system has a wall that separates an interior of the component from an exterior of the component. A channel passes completely through the wall for receiving a conduit therein. A trough is formed on an exterior of the component. A sidewall of the trough has an opening that aligns with the channel. The opening is for receiving the conduit therethrough before the channel receives the conduit.

Abstract: A method and a device for connecting a plastic line part in a plastic socket. A head end (9) of the line part (6) is heated contactlessly all the way round until the end curls over to a diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the socket (5). The line part is then pushed into the socket without using a mandrel or insert, so that the head end (9) forms a liquid-tight fused connection of high tensile strength with molten wall material of the socket (5).

Abstract: The object is to provide a manufacturing method of various elastic rollers whose rubber hardness is remarkably reduced. A hollow cylindrical rubber tube (1) is prepared. Thereafter, a metal shaft (2) is inserted in the rubber tube and the rubber tube is secured to the shaft. Thereafter, a coating layer (1a) on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber tube is removed. The rubber roller is located in a chamber and is subject to one or more pressuring operations and one or more evacuating operations to transform the continuous cell rubber layer into an open cell rubber layer. After that, a fluororesin tube is provided to cover the rubber tube or silicone oil is impregnated in the rubber tube, in accordance with the purpose of use of the rubber roller.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for joining structural members. In one embodiment, an apparatus for joining a first member to a second member includes a first part and a second part configured to be engaged with and bonded to the first part. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first part includes a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction different than the first direction, a first recess at least proximate to the first surface, and a second recess at least proximate to the second surface. In another aspect of this embodiment, the second part includes a third surface facing a third direction, a fourth surface facing a fourth direction different than the third direction, a first protuberance at least proximate to the third surface, and a second protuberance at least proximate to the fourth surface.

Abstract: A method for making a lubricating fast-setting epoxy compound comprising: mixing under vacuum dispersion a first micro-crystalline filler, a first talc, and a titanium oxide into a hardenable epoxide containing liquid forming an epoxy base. A second micro-crystalline filler, a second talc, and a hydrocarbon resin are mixed forming an accelerator mixture. A methylamino accelerator is mixed into the accelerator mixture forming an epoxy accelerator. Substantially equal amounts of the epoxy base and the epoxy accelerator are mixed to form the lubricating fast-setting epoxy compound having a high lubricity and a curing time ranging from two minutes to twelve minutes. Adjusting the mixing speed and temperature of the epoxy base, the accelerator mixture, and the epoxy accelerator is contemplated to promote homogeneity. The epoxy base can also include a flatting agent. The epoxy accelerator can also include a modified aliphatic amine, an acrylic resin, a coloring agent, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to an intraluminal catheter with an improved transition between a proximal shaft portion and a more flexible distal shaft portion and a method for making the same. The improvement provides enhanced flexibility, reduced bunching, and kink-resistance, thus, facilitating advancement through tortuous anatomy. The present catheters may be used for either or both angioplasty and stent deployment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in repairing an underground conduit, such as a sewer pipe. A tubular bladder is filled within a selected portion of the length a conduit to occupy a large part of the interior while a sealant material in a fluid state is forced into the conduit to flow along the bladder to plug and seal defects in the conduit and at least partially fill voids in adjacent soil. A slender object such as a smaller tubular bladder extends along the bladder to provide a passageway for flow of sealant to defects in the conduit. A special plug may be used to direct the sealant into a selected portion of the conduit.

Abstract: Adhesive is applied to an inner surface of a sleeve housing, and a sleeve is inserted from a lower end part thereof into the sleeve housing. An outer edge of the lower end part of the sleeve is provided with an adhesive holding portion in a chamfered shape, and a part of the adhesive is held between the adhesive holding portion and the inner surface of the sleeve housing.

Abstract: A lateral pipe lining material comprises a tubular resin absorbing material impregnated with a setting resin, which has a flange at one end thereof and whose outer surface is coated with a highly airtight film. A sealing tube is detachably attached to the outer circumferential surface of the tubular resin absorbing material. The lateral pipe lining material is introduced inside a main pipe and its flange is brought into tight contact with the lateral pipe opening. The lateral pipe lining material including the sealing tube is then everted and inserted by fluid pressure inside a lateral pipe toward the ground level. After the setting resin is cured, the sealing tube is removed from the lateral pipe lining material. This enables the lining of a lateral pipe to always be performed reliably, regardless of the aboveground circumstances.

Abstract: A stop collar for securing a centralizer in place on a large diameter easing segment comprises a collar adapted for forming an annular chamber when received onto a casing segment. The stop collar is adapted for receiving and retaining a liquid gel epoxy adhesive in the annular chamber until the epoxy sets or cures to secure the stop collar in place on the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a flexible liner 2 including a layer 3 of composite material comprising thermoplastics material and reinforcing fibres, into a structural member within a duct 1, has a front portion 6 for insertion in the liner 2, a central portion 7 for heating one side of the layer 3 and a rear portion 20 which forces the heated layer 3 against the duct 1 for consolidation and cooling under pressure. The central portion 7 has heating means 8 producing hot gas which is forced under pressure through the layer 3 of composite material to heat the layer 3, and provides an air gap 14 on the opposite side of the layer 3 while heating takes place. This ensures uniform heating of the layer 3, to melt the thermoplastics material which then mixes intimately with the reinforcing fibres, and is consolidated and cooled to form the structural member.

Abstract: A vehicle vibration-damping device including a rigid housing and an independent mass member housed in the housing and having a metallic mass of circular shape in section and a rubber elastic body layer adhered to the metallic mass. A distance of a gap between opposing surfaces of the housing and the metallic mass in the radial direction, with the housing and metallic mass disposed coaxially, is set to between 0.5 and 2 mm. The rubber elastic body layer is formed around an entire outer peripheral surface of the metallic mass by a vulcanization molding of a rubber material filling the gap, and thermal contraction is used both to cause the rubber elastic body layer to peel from the housing and to cause it to adhere onto the outer peripheral surface of the metallic mass to thereby fabricate a small gap of no more than 0.1 mm. A method of manufacturing the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for eliminating ground water infiltration while stabilizing the ground and repairing underground pipe/conduit and connections is taught in this art. The steps are to first inject, under pressure, expandable structural foam in the space adjacent and outside the pipe while blocking any infiltration of the foam into the interior of the pipe, conduit or connection. Concurrently or separately the inside diameter of the pipe is receiving a structural repair. The result is stabilized ground, elimination of ground water infiltration and repair of the host pipe conduit or connection. The invention also teaches a novel method of utilizing a tensioned and compressive support on the outer pipe surface.

Abstract: A belt or a roller for OA apparatus, in which a top layer includes a base material formed from PTFE, PFA or a mixture thereof and having a continuous structure and the PTFE, the PFA or the mixture thereof occupies at least 70% of the base material in weight excluding a conductive agent, is provided. The belt or the roller for OA apparatus can attain sufficient toner detachability with respect to toner including chemical toner, and has excellent resistance to physical and/or mechanical stress and resistance to electrical stress. A method of manufacturing the belt or the roller for OA apparatus and an OA apparatus employing the belt or the roller are also provided.

Abstract: There are provided an endless belt having a structure containing at least three layers, a middle layer being disposed between the outermost layer and a bottom layer, and the middle layer being composed of a material having a thermal decomposition temperature lower than the deposition temperature of each of the outermost layer and the bottom layer, and provided a method for manufacturing the endless belt. There are provided an endless belt having high surface resistivity, an excellent toner releasing property, an excellent non-contaminated property, stable volume resistivity, excellent adhesion between a surface layer and an elastic layer, and the like without the occurrence of disadvantageous bleeding of a contaminant, and a method for manufacturing the endless belt.

Abstract: A polymeric material may be bonded to a polymeric catheter tube by generating at least one annular beam of electromagnetic energy at a wavelength that is at least partially absorbed by at least one of the polymeric material and the polymeric catheter tube, controllably directing the annular beam of energy onto the polymeric material to concentrate the energy in a bond site circumscribing the catheter tube to at least partially melt at least one material selected from the group consisting of the polymeric material and the polymeric catheter tube along the bond site and the immediate region thereof and allowing the at least one partially melted polymeric material to cool and solidify to form a fusion bond between the tube and the polymeric material.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter seal which may be used for attaching an inflatable balloon to a catheter body, especially when the balloon and catheter body are formed from dissimilar materials. The seal is formed by applying a layer of adhesive material between the inflatable balloon and the catheter body, and crimping a retaining ring over each seal junction. The invention is especially useful when joining a compliant balloon made from silicone to a catheter body made from polyurethane.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: A device for collecting a blood sample from a plastic segment tube into a receptacle uses a cylindrical housing containing a hollow needle to puncture the segment tube as it is inserted into the upper port of the device. A series of ribs with medial edges are arranged in a radial pattern around the needle within the upper port to guide and support the segment tube as it is inserted. The ribs are separated by slots that also guide the sealed end of the segment tube. An annular recess around the lower port of the device holds the rim of the receptacle and allows blood released by the punctured segment tube to drain into the receptacle. The annular recess accommodates a wide range of test tube diameters, and exerts only a downward force on the rim of the receptacle when a segment tube is inserted into the upper port of the device.

Abstract: An activatable material and articles incorporating the same is disclosed. The activatable material includes at least three of an epoxy resin; a thermoplastic polyether; a blowing agent; a curing agent; and a filler. The activatable material is preferably used for sealing, baffling or reinforcing an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a rotor of an electric motor to be arranged inside a stator, a permanent magnet is formed in a ring-shape, and a rotating shaft and the permanent magnet are concentrically arranged in a mold. Then, a rubber material in a fluid state is poured into a space between the permanent magnet and the rotating shaft to vulcanize and mold a cushioning member having predetermined hardness. The permanent magnet and the rotating shaft are integrally coupled through the cushioning member.

Abstract: A composite lined tube is disclosed having end couplings. The tube includes a resin impregnated fiber preform pressed progressively along an inner wall of the tube. The tube may further include an inflatable bladder inserted into the tube. The bladder is adapted to inflate along a length thereof on application of increasing pressure to the interior of the bladder. The bladder has disposed on its exterior surface the fiber preform impregnated with resin, which is adapted to fit within the tube. The bladder is then inflated along its length by applying increasing pressure to the bladder. The preform is clamped to a shoulder of one of the couplings at another end of the tube, and the end of the preform is trimmed to conform to the shoulder. Pressure is maintained in the bladder while curing the resin.

Abstract: A method for installation of a resin impregnated cured in place liner with an inner impermeable layer is provided. The liner is formed from a resin impregnable material having an impregnable layer bonded thereto. The material is formed into tubular shape with the impermeable layer on the outside of the tube about a tubular forming member and continuously everted into the tubular forming device to place the impermeable layer on the inside. An outer impermeable wrapping can be applied after wetting out the inner tubular member. A pull-in fitting with a steam connection is inserted into the leading end of the liner and the liner is pulled to an installation access. Prior to reaching the installation access a receiving canister with steam connection is attached to the end of the liner and pull-in completed. This permits inflation of the pulled in liner with an air curing of the resin with steam. All steaming is done below grade with minimal entry to underground access points.

Abstract: A method for providing a seal in an annular space between a rehabilitative pipe liner and a conduit wall is provided. Areas on the surface of a section of a conduit wall surrounding lateral connections are provided with an expandable sealing agent, preferably during an investigative and/or cleaning inspection of the conduit section and preferably without repeated withdrawal and insertion of equipment between the provision of the agent at successive lateral connections. The rehabilitative pipe liner is then installed in the conduit section and a curing agent or agents such as heat, visible light, ultraviolet light, chemical agents, sonic energy or other radiant energy means is applied to cure or form the rehabilitative pipe liner and to cause the expandable sealing agent to expand and fill at least a portion of the annular space that may exist between the rehabilitative pipe liner and the conduit wall.

Abstract: Method of fitting products with stretchable sleeves. A stretchable sheath is placed on a reel by forming a tubular sheath made from a stretchable plastic material of the dimension required to fit the product, flattening the sheath whilst forming a gusset in each side of the contour to reduce the width of the flattened sheath, and winding the sheath onto a reel. The stretchable sleeves are placed on the products by unreeling the sheath with its gussets, aligning the sheath with the production line, feeding the flat sheath into the cutter in order to cut a sleeve, and picking up the cut sleeve in order to place it on the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing the juncture or intersection of a first conduit and a second conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a main body for transporting and positioning a repair material impregnated with at heat curable resin system or matrix. An inflation device carried within the main body positions and compresses the repair material against the intersection. This includes a portion of the interior of the second conduit and flange portion in the first conduit. The inflation device includes conductive fibers that are electrically conductively heated to effect curing of the resin in the repair material.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and longitudinally flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands at the patient's bedside. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A tubular coupling element for producing a glued joint with a fluid line and a method for producing such a glued joint. The coupling element includes an inner tube that is insertable into a fluid line and an outer tube that is constructed concentric to the inner tube and integrally connected to the rear end of the inner tube by a connecting wall. An annular gap is present between the two tubes and is designed to receive an end section of the fluid line and a hot-melt type adhesive in a compacted solid form shaped as a ring. A connection between the coupling element and the fluid lines can be easily established by first introducing the adhesive in the annular gap and then melting it by rapidly supplying heat while the end section of the fluid line is pressed into the annular gap of the coupling element.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is generally characterized by a heating/inflation module having pressurizable interior and an attached heat curable pre-preg. In particular, an elastomeric, seamless composite is provided that includes a heating element disposed within a thermoset resin matrix. The composite adapted to maintain a consistent temperature profile and an internal air pressure. A first end piece is attached to a first end of the composite and has an air port for communication with a compressed air source, a vacuum port for communication with a vacuum supply source and at least one electrical cable port for communication with a power supply source. A second end piece attached to a second end of the composite. The apparatus further includes a pre-preg removably attached to an outer surface of the composite. The pre-preg includes a structural fiber matrix supporting a heat curable resin.

Abstract: A process for the bonding of a plastics pipe to another plastics part by ultrasound welding using sound waves which act longitudinally with respect to the pipe axis, while the arrangement of the areas to be welded is substantially parallel to the pipe axis. The welding procedure is combined with the forced insertion of the other plastics part into the plastics pipe in such a way that there is at least some overlap between the exposure to sound and the forced insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a collimator by attaching a glass tube assembly, which includes a pigtail having a fiber, and a GRIN lens, which is coaxially arranged with the pigtail, into a metal sleeve having a tube shape. The apparatus includes a supporting part, a sleeve grip part connected to the supporting part and having at least one holder for disposing the metal sleeve therein, a fiber chucking part provided above the sleeve grip part and chucking the fiber, and a lift unit lifting and lowering the fiber chucking part to control the glass tube assembly inserted in the metal sleeve to move up and down along a longitudinal direction of the metal sleeve. With this configuration, the glass tube assembly is conveniently fixedly fitted into the metal sleeve.

Abstract: A cylindrical filter element which comprises a folded filter medium, in particular having a pleated configuration, which is annularly secured to a hollow cylinder, two expanded film axial end plates, and a support tube which is integrated into the cylindrical filter element and upon which the folded filter medium may be affixed. The support tube has an annular components adjacent respective axial end plates which has an interlocking fit with the film end plates and which may be connected to a sealing element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implantable stent prosthesis comprising a sidewall and at least one channel for containing a biologically active material. A method for making such stent prosthesis is also disclosed. In the method, at least one tube or mandrel is placed in contact with a covering material on a stent and surrounded by the covering material to form a channel. Alternatively, a channel can be formed by covering the tube or mandrel with a channel material and exposing the covered tube or mandrel to an appropriate treatment. The channel can be attached to a sidewall of a stent or attached to a strut material to form a stent wire. A method of treating an afflicted area of a body lumen by implanting the stent prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter seal which may be used for attaching an inflatable balloon to a catheter body, especially when the balloon and catheter body are formed from dissimilar materials. The seal is formed by applying a layer of adhesive material between the inflatable balloon and the catheter body, and crimping a retaining ring over each seal junction. The invention is especially useful when joining a compliant balloon made from silicone to a catheter body made from polyurethane.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: A composite, chemically integrated material structure bearing load around a close-loop structural configuration in cross-section, has a plurality of regions through the cross-sectional thickness imparting at selectively predetermined locations within the cross-section, high tensile strength and high compressive strength. A method for forming such an integrated, composite material structure onto and incorporating an established or pre-existing, but likely deteriorated, concrete or brick structure, while achieving precise, predetermined resulting interior diameter and other structural dimensions is described.

Abstract: The manufacturing method for the air intake apparatus has a holding-portion forming step, a temporarily fixing step, and a joining step. In the holding-portion forming step, a holding portion is formed. In the temporarily fixing step, the porous member is held by the holding portion. In the joining step, the holding portion and the porous member are joined together. Thus, an air intake apparatus, in which the opening is reliably covered with the porous member, can be manufactured. In the air intake apparatus manufactured by this manufacturing method, a peripheral portion of the porous member is doubly sealed with the holding portion that is an outer edge part of the opening. Consequently, the opening is reliably covered with the porous member, so that intake noise is reliably reduced.

Abstract: The apparatus for joining and sealing conduits, includes edge trim, a sleeve, and a retaining element. The edge trim is shaped to mount upon and engage an end of a conduit. The sleeve extends between the conduits and at least partially surrounds the edge trim. The sleeve may be made of compressible material, such that when the retaining element surrounds a portion of the sleeve and the edge trim, the retaining element generally compresses the portion of the sleeve portion underlying the retaining element and displaces the sleeve material to expand on either side of the retaining element and limit movement of the retaining element. The method of joining and sealing conduits includes mounting the edge trim and a retaining element upon an end of a conduit, extending a sleeve between the conduits, and sliding the retaining element over the sleeve toward the end of the conduit.