Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plastic composition, comprising: mixing thermoplastic polymer material particles and thermoset composition particles comprising cured thermoset polymer, the mixing comprising rising the temperature of the composition and at least partly melting the surface of thermoplastic polymer material particles, and simultaneously mixing the particles allowing thermoset composition particles adhere to the thermoplastic polymer material particles, and cooling the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion blow molded tube, which is filled or can be filled by way of its rear end, and the body, shoulder and neck of which are produced in one piece by extrusion blow molding. The tube has an LLDPE-rich layer with an LLDPE content of 50 to 95% by weight, and the average wall thickness of the tube in the region of the body is 0.3 to 0.85 millimeters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protection device for a blind string. The protection device includes a bellows tube provided in a tubular structure, allowing the blind string to pass through an inner part thereof, and having a length increased or reduced in a longitudinal direction of the blind string, a first module coupled with a lower end portion of the bellows tube and having an inner part to which an end portion of the blind string is locked, and a second module decoupled from the first module at an upper portion of the first module while the bellows tube is interposed between the first module and the second module, such that the bellows tube is folded. The bellows tube has a difference in the thickness of the skin thereof such that the bellows tube is automatically spread due to elasticity thereof when the second module is moved up from the first module.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that is used for making flexible tubing with annular corrugations from a sleeve of uncured rubber. The sleeve is positioned on a mandrel and radially expanded by fluid pressure into an external forming member that includes a plurality of annular discs loosely connected to a support and positioned in approximate axial alignment. A disc aligning tube is located around an axial length portion of the external forming member. While the sleeve is radially expanded, the aligning tube is slid in an axial direction to engage the discs and to urge any misaligned discs into accurate axial alignment.

Abstract: The present invention involves a fabrication of plastic-tube-screen-fill using plastic tubes. The plastic-tube-screen-fill consists of several plastic tubes suspending between top and bottom tube holding perforated frames in the shape of a rectangular thin plate as a vertical string screen. The tube holding perforated frames are in same configuration to be used in two ways and fabricated by assembling a perforated frame and tube holding frame. The tube holding frame is a straight male band connector with several short solid rods positioned and fixed on band for push-fitting into the holes on perforated frame. The short solid rod on tube holding frame has a male push-fit connector on its lower part to be push-fitted into one edge of tube. The tubes used in the present invention are spiral corrugated tubes. Fabrication and assembling method of perforated frames, tube holding frames, and spiral corrugated tubes are described in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to branched reactive water-soluble polymers comprising at least two polymer arms, such as poly(ethylene glycol), attached to a central aliphatic hydrocarbon core molecule through heteroatom linkages. The branched polymers bear at least one functional group for reacting with a biologically active agent to form a biologically active conjugate. The functional group of the branched polymer can be directly attached to the aliphatic hydrocarbon core or via an intervening linkage, such as a heteroatom, -alkylene-, —O-alkylene-O—, -alkylene-O-alkylene-, -aryl-O—, —O-aryl-, (—O-alkylene-)m, or (-alkylene-O—)m linkage, wherein m is 1-10.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite article by injecting at least two composite materials comprising metal carbides into a mold to form a green compact is disclosed. The composite materials may be metal powders comprising a binder metal, a hard particle. The composite material may further comprise a plastic binder. The two different composite materials are injected into the mold to form the green compact. Additionally, the composite materials may be injected through a die before entering the mold. In a specific embodiment, the die forms at least one internal channel within the green compact.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a medical article that include radial deformation of a polymer tube are disclosed. A medical article, such as an implantable medical device or an inflatable member, may be fabricated from a deformed tube.

Abstract: A method for enabling a lining (14) to be applied to a pipe elbow or bend C comprises the steps of connecting a tie member (12) to an end of a flexible elongate mandrel (1), drawing the tie member through the elbow or bend so as to draw the mandrel therethrough and locate opposing ends of the mandrel adjacent to opposing respective ends of the elbow or bend, and securing the mandrel ends in relation to the respective ends of the elbow or bend. The mandrel can be adapted to the elbow or bend by locating the elbow or bend in a given orientation and deriving a profile S of the elbow or bend while in that orientation, removing the elbow or bend and then locating the mandrel in the given orientation, and adjusting the mandrel in relation to the profile of the elbow or bend to adapt it thereto.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, profiling a tube to form at least one profiled product having a first open end and a second open end. The tube (30) is supported on a support (19) which supports the tube along at least a substantial part of the length of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. At least a portion of the tube is heated to form at least one heat-softened portion of the tube in the region(s) corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. A fluid pressure change (28) is applied to the region(s) of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed to form at least one profiled product having a first open end, a second open end, and a predetermined shape with one or more three dimensional profile features.

Abstract: A device for producing a tubular object from thermoplastic material includes a die, a plunger, and a withdrawal unit. The movements of the withdrawal unit, plunger and die body are controlled such that the movement of the withdrawal unit is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the path of the withdrawal unit. Movement of the plunger is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the plunger path and movement of the die body is carried out according to a freely adjustable position profile over the path of the withdrawal unit or plunger. In this manner, the wall thickness of the tubular object may be adjusted with high accuracy over its length.

Abstract: A bellows for a joint arrangement may include pleats, an axis and a joint end, a zone of the joint end being produced by blow molding and forming a receiver for a retaining ring. The receiver, in the proximity of the pleats, has a plurality of outward-pointing bulged portions that form a recess and at least one inclined receiving edge.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing reinforced tubing suitable for medical device applications are disclosed. An inner layer is molded around a core to define an inner surface adjacent to the core and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The outer surface includes one or more recessed pathways defined therein. A reinforcement member is then formed in each of the one or more recessed pathways of the molded inner layer. An outer layer including an inner surface and an outer surface is subsequently molded over the inner layer and the reinforcement member. The inner surface of the outer layer substantially conforms to the outer surface of the inner layer and the reinforcement member. The core is then removed from within the inner layer to provide a lumen through the inner layer.

Abstract: A device for making a profiled insulation having an extrusion die with an extrusion tip and a polymer chamber surrounding the extrusion tip. The polymer chamber has at least one air chamber therein. The air chamber is held in place and coupled to the outside of the extrusion die by a vertical fin extending outwards from the extrusion tip. When molten polymer flows through the polymer chamber around the air chamber, an opening is introduced into the polymer such that the profiled insulation is formed as the polymer exits the extrusion die, having a longitudinal cavity therein corresponding to the location of the opening formed by the at least one air chamber.

Abstract: A piece of corrugated pipe cut from a longer length of pipe is provided with a pipe coupling part by subjecting one or more of the corrugation crests on the pipe to heat and pressure. This reshapes the one or more corrugations to form a seal receiving recessed spigot on the piece of pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible tube with at least one folding bellows which has a plurality of convolutes which have been formed in the wall of the tube and which run across an external surface of the tube, where there is no separation between the convolutes in an axial longitudinal direction of the tube and the folding bellows has at least one convolute which has two opposite bending zones and two restricted elongation zones, where the arrangement has the restricted elongation zones between the opposite bending zones, and the height of the external surface of the convolutes in the restricted elongation zones is below the height of the external surface of the convolutes in the bending zones but still above external surface of the tube, and the wall thickness of the flexible tube in at least one restricted elongation zone in at least one convolute, preferably in all convolutes, of the restricted elongation zones of the tube is specifically greater than the wall thickness in the bending zones.

Abstract: In at least one method for manufacturing a double-walled, thermoplastic tube with a connecting sleeve, which enables precise and complete moulding of the connecting sleeve by simple means, it is provided that a) a first tube (1) is extruded into a mould tunnel (4) comprising at least one row of moulds (5) guided on a path, b) the first tube (1) is given a corrugated shape in at least one first section and expanded into a connecting sleeve in at least one second section, c) a second tube (6) is extruded into the first tube and pressed against the corrugation troughs (8) of the first tube (1), d) while the first tube (1) is being given a corrugated shape and the second tube (6) extruded into the first, the space (A) between the two tubes (1, 6) is subjected to a pressure p1 that is above atmospheric pressure, e) the space (A) between the two tubes (1, 6) is subjected, at a specified time before or after expansion of the first tube (1) into a connecting sleeve, to an essentially constant pressure p2?p1 above atm

Abstract: A method of forming hollow tubular members may include providing a mold defining a surface corresponding to a configuration of the hollow tubular member. A fabric material may be placed in the mold for bonding with a resin to form the hollow tubular member. A bladder may be placed in the mold next to the fabric material to form a substantially air tight region around the fabric material. A pump may be used to apply a sub-atmospheric pressure in the substantially air tight region and thereby press the fabric material against the mold. The sub-atmospheric pressure may also be used to draw the resin material into the mold in contact with the fabric material. Once the resin and fabric material have adequately cured, the hollow tubular member may be removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, profiling a tube to form at least one profiled product having a first open end and a second open end. The tube (30) is supported on a support (19) which supports the tube along at least a substantial part of the length of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. At least a portion of the tube is heated to form at least one heat-softened portion of the tube in the region(s) corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. A fluid pressure change (28) is applied to the region(s) of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed to form at least one profiled product having a first open end, a second open end, and a predetermined shape with one or more three dimensional profile features.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic container includes a cylindrical body defining a longitudinal axis. The plastic container has an upper portion, a sidewall portion and a base portion. The base portion defines a radial sidewall and a continuous contact surface formed around a central pushup portion. A plurality of modulating vertical ribs are defined on the base portion generally at a transition between the continuous contact surface and the radial sidewall. The sidewall portion can be integrally formed with and extends from the upper portion to the base portion. According to one example, the plastic container can have six (6) modulating ribs. The base portion can define a plurality of facets formed between adjacent modulating vertical ribs.

Abstract: A joint boot which is made of resin comprising a small-diameter cylinder part, a large-diameter cylinder part and a bellows part interlinking both is molded by injection blow molding. While forming the bellows part by blow molding, the exterior boundary between an injection molding section and a blow molding section is set in a cutout portion formed in a shoulder portion of the recess for fixation.

Abstract: A fuel hose for a resin fuel tank has a triple layer structure including a barrier layer made of an alloy material consisting primarily of EVOH and modified HDPE, and a pair of welding layers made of HDPE and formed on an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the barrier layer, respectively. An opening portion of the fuel hose at one end is configured in the form of an increased diameter portion and also in the form of a thick-walled portion. The increased diameter portion (or the thick-walled portion) is formed by reducing the speed of movement of dies when a hose base body is extruded into an increased diameter portion of a die surface of the dies during extrusion.

Abstract: A method of crimping a varied diameter graft is includes the steps of (i) providing a flat-woven tubular graft having an enlarged woven bulbous portion disposed between flat-woven tubular ends, wherein the flat-woven diameter of the bulbous section is greater than the flat woven diameters of the tubular ends; (ii) providing a mandrel shaped and sized to the woven bulbous section and having a curved crimping surface; and (iii) positioning the curved crimping surface within the bulbous woven section so that the bulbous woven section contours to the curved crimping surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container which is formed at the upper portion of the main body with the foldable portion having folding lines for easily folding the foldable portion. Processes for forming the container include a first step for forming a perform by injection molding and a second step for forming the finished product having the foldable portion by blow molding.

Abstract: A vulcanization mold (2) includes several segments (8a, 8b; 10a, 10b; 12a, 12b; 14a, 14b) which define two end profiles (8, 10) and two inner profile shells (12, 14) having concave surfaces. With synchronous movement sequences, which take place via linear controls from both ends, the segments (8a, 8b; 10a, 10b; 12a, 12b; 14a, 14b) are moved together under simultaneous shaping pressure. The outer profile shells (8, 10) pass through twice the distance as the inner profile shells (12, 14). The forming of the work blank (20) is completed via the shaping pressure when the mold (2) has reached the closed position. Preferably the upper profile half shells (8a, 10a, 12a, 14a) and the lower profile segments (8b, 10b, 12b, 14b) are operatively connected to each other via toothed racks (40a, 46a, 48a, 54a; 40b, 46b, 48b, 54b) and gear wheels (42a, 44a, 50a, 52a; 42b, 44b, 50b, 52b) including additional sets of teeth (42a?, 50a?; 42b?, 50b?).

Abstract: Transparent polyamide molding materials are provided which are characterized in that they have a melting enthalpy between 0 and 12 J/g and the polyamides are constituted of 100 mole-% of a diamine mixture having 10-70 mole-% of PACM [bis-(4-amino-cyclohexyl)-methane] with less than 50 wt.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the manufacture of pipes of thermoplastics with transverse profile features comprises mold segment halves which are circulated by twos on a molding path. A conveying device of the type of a gantry crane is provided for recirculation of the mold segment halves. On a conveying bridge that bridges the molding path, provision is made for two conveying carriages, which are movable in opposite directions and cross-wise of the direction of production and which have mounted on them a downward conveying arm with a holding device for a respective mold segment half. Provided downstream of the downstream end of the molding path are parking positions for additional mold segment halves, those of which that are closest to the molding path being carriages which are movable out of the path of displacement of the conveying arms.

Abstract: A plastic hollow preform is drawn through a mold passage formed in a closed mold by applying a generally constant suction to a downstream end of a conduit having an upstream end connected to an output end of the mold passage. A flow cross section of the conduit is varied between its upstream and downstream ends so as to vary a rate at which the preform is drawn through the passage by the suction. The flow cross section is varied by displacing a valve element in the conduit between positions in which it differently blocks flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A hose 20 made of thermoplastic resin is heated by flowing high temperature such as vapor into the hose, the flow of the high temperature fluid is restricted downstream of he hose to pressurize an interior of the hose. The hose heated in this manner is bent by bending jigs 51 and 52. Lastly, cold temperature fluid such as water is allowed to flow into the hose to cool and harden the hose, thereby producing a flexion resin hose. Alternatively, the hose is formed with a corrugated portion having uneven characteristics in its circumferential direction with respect to tensile strength in the axial direction. High temperature and high pressure fluid is allowed to flow into the hose to heat and pressurize the hose, thereby bending the corrugated portion by an internal pressure. Then, cold temperature fluid is allowed to flow into the hose to cool and harden the hose, thereby producing the flexion resin hose.

Abstract: This invention relates to the post-formation processing of extruded or injection molded profiles in an economic manner without the need to purchase a blow molding machine, yet still effect post-formation radial expansion or contraction by the application of sufficient degree of heat or the performing of the operation sufficiently quickly to permit the utilization of the retained latent heat from the extrusion or injection molding process.

Abstract: Mold blocks and methods for thermoforning corrugated plastic pipe that provide a uniform vacuum on the internal lateral surface and optimize forced convective cooling on exterior surface is disclosed. Mating mold blocks have an interior surface with transverse corrugations and an exterior lateral surface having transverse channels containing radial slots that intersect circular slits formed in the interior mold surface. The channels are fitted with a dual cover arrangement that serves to provide (1) a low-resistance vacuum path to the slits located on the interior surface and (2) a forced convective heat transfer path to cool the mold blocks. The cover arrangement is removable, providing a convenient means of inspecting, maintaining and modifying the mold blocks.

Abstract: This invention relates to the post-formation processing of extruded or injection molded profiles in an economic manner without the need to purchase a blow molding machine, yet still effect post-formation radial expansion or contraction by the application of sufficient degree of heat or the performing of the operation sufficiently quickly to permit the utilization of the retained latent heat from the extrusion or injection molding process.

Abstract: A fuel hose should reduce noise during fuel injection into an engine, and should not interfere with other engine components. The fuel hose supplies fuel drawn up from a fuel tank to the fuel injection valves of the engine, and is formed from a resin material which is resistant to fuel. The fuel hose comprises a hose main body having a fuel passage, and an non-circular component formed as a result of at least part of the cross sectional shape of the hose main body being non-circular. The non-circular component has a plurality of ribs running in the axial direction along the hose main body, and absorbs pulsation by the varying of the cross sectional shape of the ribs in response to variations in the pressure on the fuel flowing through the fuel passage, thereby resisting alterations to the shape in the axial direction.

Abstract: Bellows-shaped pleats are formed by a corrugator on bellows portions of a cylindrical hose formed by extrusion from a thermoplastic resin. The height of the pleats of the hose is uniform in a circumferential direction, and the numbers of the pleats on the bellows portions are different from one another. When water is encapsulated in the hose and the hose is heated, the pleats having different circumferential shapes from one another are stretched by the pressure of a vapor generated from the water, whereby the bellows portions of the hose are bent automatically with the portions corresponding to generating lines and free from the pleats being on an inner side. The bending angle at that time is determined depending on the numbers of the pleats. Thus, it is possible to provide a resinous hose at a low cost, which is formed, so that even if the hose is used in a high-temperature and a high-pressure environment, the bent shape of the hose can be maintained over a long period of time.

Abstract: A hollow article is manufactured to have a configuration in which the wall thickness of each of both end portions changes multidirectionally with extremely high accuracy.

Abstract: This invention relates to the post-extrusion processing of extruded profiles in an economic manner. The first process step involves heating at least a portion of the extruded profile in a preheated profile heating means to a first temperature at which the essentially linear profile becomes formable or pliable or bendable, yet which still has at least some degree of structural integrity at this point which permits it to be physically manipulated without compressing the profile by the application of external pressure or by the weight of gravity itself. This first temperature is less than a subsequent second temperature, at which the profile becomes melt processable effecting radial expansion under pressure or melt fusion under pressure. At least one end of the profile remains unheated, and preferably, two ends remain unheated.

Abstract: Bellows-shaped pleats are formed by a corrugator on bellows portions of a cylindrical hose formed by extrusion from a thermoplastic resin. The height of the pleats of the hose is uniform in a circumferential direction, and the numbers of the pleats on the bellows portions are different from one another. When water is encapsulated in the hose and the hose is heated, the pleats having different circumferential shapes from one another are stretched by the pressure of a vapor generated from the water, whereby the bellows portions of the hose are bent automatically with the portions corresponding to generating lines and free from the pleats being on an inner side. The bending angle at that time is determined depending on the numbers of the pleats. Thus, it is possible to provide a resinous hose at a low cost, which is formed, so that even if the hose is used in a high-temperature and a high-pressure environment, the bent shape of the hose can be maintained over a long period of time.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite parts includes positioning a plurality of composite layers on an application surface formed by a plurality of tooling members and filler members on a mandrel. A part formation aid is disposed on the composite layers above each tooling member. The filler members are then removed, and the composite layers slit over the recesses. The mandrel, the tooling members, the composite layers, and the part formation aids are placed in a vacuum bag. As the bag is evacuated, each part formation aid forces the side edge of the composite layers formed by the slit around the respective tooling member, thereby forming a composite part with a desired shape, thickness, and density. In an alternate embodiment, a flanged composite panel is formed around a rectangular mandrel after positioning composite layers on an outer surface of the mandrel and an outer surface of a filler member disposed on one end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A blow molded product which is generally tubular having a first and second open ends, a bellows section intermediate said first and second ends so that the product is flexible, and a skirt adjacent the second end, the skirt having an outer cylindrical outer surface and a lobed inner surface. The bellows section is formed in a blow molding operation and the skirt is formed by injection molding. The final product is formed by thermally fusing the two portions together. This process enables molding of a product with an external surface which may substantially cylindrical with an internal surface which has lobes, or other internal projections or non-cylindrical surface.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible resin boot of which the noise-preventing effect lasts long and which ensures improved sealability and durability. The boot is formed from a base resin of a thermoplastic elastomer resin, and has a large port and a small port that are connected with each other via a bellows therebetween. For this, mineral oil or vegetable oil is added to the thermoplastic elastomer resin. Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer resin is a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, and the mineral oil is process oil having an aromatic content of at most 13%. The boot is used for covering the constant velocity joint in an automobile.

Abstract: A thermoplastic multilayer composite, and articles made therefrom, which has at least one layer I of a thermoplastic molding composition, at least one layer II of a further thermoplastic molding composition, bonded together with at least one layer of an adhesion promoter disposed between at least one layer I and at least one layer II. The adhesion promoter is at least 5% by weight of a graft copolymer prepared from 0.5 to 25% by weight, based on the total amount of graft copolymer, of a polyamine having at least 4 nitrogen atoms and having a number average molecular weight Mn of at least 146 g/mol, and polyamide-forming monomers selected from lactams, &ohgr;-aminocarboxylic acids, equimolar mixtures of diamines and dicarboxylic acids, and their mixtures.

Abstract: Blow molding processes developed for producing plastic containers having an integral collapsible spout with self-latching bellow characteristics whereby, the centerline of integral collapsible spout (10) can be located either off centerline (34) or is centrally positioned (38) with containment body (32). In producing containers with integral collapsible spout (10) off centerline (34), the blow molding methodolgy requires parison flashing (12) to encapsulate integral collapsible spout (10) on both sides, along mold parting line (24), thereby, maintaining symmetry of the thickened cross-sectional wall portion, created by parison flashing (12). This technique improves the functionality of integral collapsible spout (10) and also allows it to maintain stability when collapsed to fully retracted position (14). Captive parison (36) is an alternate method that can be utilized when integral collapsible spout (10) is located in central position (38) of containment body (32).

Abstract: A hose of impermeability has a wall corrugated along at least a part of its length, and formed by an inner thin resin layer, a laminated layer including a metal film, or a layer formed by a metal film, and an outer thin resin layer. It has a very high fluid impermeability owing to its wall layer including or formed by a metal film, and is also very flexible, capable of absorbing vibration, light in weight and strong. A tubular inner thin resin layer is formed by extrusion as the innermost layer of a multi-layered hose wall, and a laminated tape including a metal film, or simply a metal film is spirally wound or longitudinally lapped about the inner resin layer. An outer thin resin layer is formed about a layer formed by the laminated tape, or metal film, and the whole is at least partly corrugated. Alternatively, corrugation is done before an outer thin resin layer is formed by electrostatic powder coating.

Abstract: A blow molded product which is generally tubular having a first and second open ends, a bellows section intermediate said first and second ends so that the product is flexible, and a skirt adjacent the second end, the skirt having an outer cylindrical outer surface and a lobed inner surface is provided. The bellows section is formed in a blow molding operation and the skirt is formed by injection molding. The final product is formed by thermally fusing the two portions together thereby forming a product with a substantially cylindrical external surface and a non-cylindrical internal surface which has lobes or other internal projections.

Abstract: Blow molding processes developed for producing plastic containers having an integral collapsible spout with self-latching bellow characteristics whereby, the centerline of integral collapsible spout (10) can be located either off centerline (34) or is centrally positioned (38) with containment body (32). In producing containers with integral collapsible spout (10) off centerline (34), the blow molding methodolgy requires parison flashing (12) to encapsulate integral collapsible spout (10) on both sides, along mold parting line (24), thereby, maintaining symmetry of the thickened cross-sectional wall portion, created by parison flashing (12). This technique improves the functionality of integral collapsible spout (10) and also allows it to maintain stability when collapsed to fully retracted position (14). Captive parison (36) is an alternate method that can be utilized when integral collapsible spout (10) is located in central position (38) of containment body (32).

Abstract: A blow molded product which is generally tubular having first and second open ends and, a bellows section intermediate said first and second ends so that said product is flexible, has a skirt adjacent one of said first and second ends. The bellows section is formed in a blow molding operation and the skirt section is formed by compression molding. A preferred embodiment of the product has a rib extending internally of the wall of the blow molded section to strengthen the transition region between the bellows section and the compression compresses the steps of confining a parison in a mold and then introducing a core into the parison in the mold. The core moves thermoplastic material axially and possibly also radially and circumferentially. This process enables molding of a product with an external surface which may be substantially cylindrical with an internal surface which has lobes, ribs or other internal projections.

Abstract: A method of producing an elongated member having a main body portion and terminal portions extending form ends thereof includes bending an elongated strip between circumferential faces of first forming rolls and second forming rolls having parallel central rotational axes. The circumferential faces of the first forming rolls include annular main body portion bending sections that form the main body portion in the strip and adjacent transition portion bending sections that form adjacent transition portions in the strip, thereby forming an intermediate stage elongated member. The transition portions have a cross-section that changes continuously from the annular cross-section of the main body portion to a different cross-section of the terminal portions.

Abstract: A method of reshaping a hollow tube having a circumferential wall defining an inside and an outside of the tube and formed from at least one layer of a thermoformable plastic, with the outside of the wall having at least one decoration, which method includes the steps of juxtaposing one side of the tube with a forming element having a surface in the shape of a pattern, so that the pattern confronts the side of the tube; and heating the tube wall to an elevated forming temperature at which the plastic is capable of being thermoformed and applying a differential fluid pressure to the tube so that the prevailing pressure on the side of the tube opposite the forming element exceeds the pressure prevailing on the side with the forming element, so that the heated tube wall contacts the forming element surface pattern and is thereby formed into conformity with the shape of the pattern. Methods in which a mandrel is used as the forming element are described.

Abstract: Provided is a blow-molded article which can be readily formed with good Gloss and with substantially no surface unevenness, even without application of surface coating, and which can be used as a finished product without further treatment. The blow-molded article has a base layer and a surface layer. The base layer is formed from a thermoplastic resin material having a melt index (MI) of about 0.05-2.0 and a flexural modulus of 1,470 MPa (15,000 kgf/cm.sup.2) or more. The surface layer is formed from a colored or transparent thermoplastic resin material having an MI of about 1-30 provided that it is higher than that of the base layer, and excellent weather resistance. The thermoplastic resins used to form the base and surface layers should be resins of the same family.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose and method and apparatus of making the same are provided, the hose having opposite ends and a plurality of annular corrugations between the opposite ends thereof, the corrugations comprising a plurality of alternating annular crests and annular valleys that are interconnected together by annular sidewalls, each valley and each crest defining a radius at the apex thereof, each valley being narrower than the crests and having a smaller radius than the crests.