A method for expanding an end of a pipe made of plastics having shape memory with the aid of an expander tool having a tool head having an expansion member arranged to be insertable inside the end of the pipe. The method includes steps of measuring the temperature of the pipe to be expanded, adjusting at least one of the expansion control parameters of the tool head on the basis the measured temperature of the pipe, and expanding the end of the pipe utilizing the adjusted expansion control parameter of the tool head. The expander tool includes a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of the pipe to be expanded and/or ambient temperature, and an electronic control unit for adjusting at least one of the expansion control parameters of the tool head on the basis the measured temperature value.

A method for expanding an end of a pipe made of plastics having shape memory with the aid of an expander tool having a tool head having an expansion member arranged to be insertable inside the end of the pipe. The method includes steps of measuring the temperature of the pipe to be expanded, adjusting at least one of the expansion control parameters of the tool head on the basis the measured temperature of the pipe, and expanding the end of the pipe utilizing the adjusted expansion control parameter of the tool head. The expander tool includes a temperature sensor for measuring temperature of the pipe to be expanded and/or ambient temperature, and an electronic control unit for adjusting at least one of the expansion control parameters of the tool head on the basis the measured temperature value.

A tube assembly including a cross-linked polyethylene tube having a radial projection and a coupler, and a method for forming the tube assembly. A forming assembly is configured to dispose the radial projection of the cross-linked polyethylene tube through the coupler after the completion of the cross-linking process.

A bioprocessing system comprising a series of processing stations for performing operations for bioprocessing is disclosed. The bioprocessing system includes an automated system comprising means for manipulating a fluid connection between a first container and a separable second container whereby to create an aseptic connection that enables a controlled transfer of fluid or cell material between the first container and the second container, wherein the means for manipulating a fluid connection is configured to create an aseptic connection that can be disconnected after the transfer of fluid or cell material is complete to enable a further such fluid connection to be manipulated between the first container and a separable third container, and means for controlling an automated sequence of operation of the processing stations.

A method for molding a composite pressure vessel liner to secure a boss to the liner is described. The method comprises providing a moldable liner having an end section with a neck and a port. A boss is positioned around the neck of the liner and the liner is heated and pressure is applied to mold the liner to form to the shape of the boss. The angle of the molded liner secures the boss in place around the liner and it is able to withstand high pressures. A tool for molding the liner and a method for using the tool is also described. The tool comprises a tool body and a pipe having external threads. The tool body abuts the liner and the boss. Winding the pipe exerts pressure on the liner, which when heated, forces the liner to mold to the shape of the boss.

The invention provides a polyamide resin composition (1) containing a polyamide (A) and a free volume modifier (B), and having a free volume, as measured according to a positron annihilation method, of 0.0545 nm.sup.3 or less. The invention also provides a polyamide resin composition (2) prepared by adding from 0.005 to 1.200 parts by mass of a polysilsesquioxane (B) whose main chain is comprised of siloxane bonds, to 100 parts by mass of a polyamide (A) that contains a diamine unit including an aromatic diamine unit represented by the following general formula (I) in an amount of 70 mol % or more and a dicarboxylic acid unit including at least one of a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid unit represented by the following general formula (II-1) and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid unit represented by the following general formula (II-2) in a total amount of 50 mol % or more: ##STR00001##
wherein n in the general formula (II-1) indicates an integer of from 2 to 18, and Ar in the general formula (II-2) represents an arylene group.

A method of and apparatus for forming one or more flanges or formations, which may conveniently be inwardly facing, on or in a hollow continuously wound structural member, such as a hollow pole, the method including the steps of providing a tapered mandrel on which to continuously wind a loop of filament or filaments to form a hollow structural member, providing an end-forming plate at at least one end of the mandrel, placing one or more formers on the outside of the mandrel adjacent to and spaced from the or each end plate by a required amount to form one or more flanges when the member has been fully wound and set within a resin, and subsequently removing the continuously wound structural member from the mandrel.

A method of and apparatus for forming one or more flanges or formations, which may conveniently be inwardly facing, on or in a hollow continuously wound structural member, such as a hollow pole, the method including the steps of providing a tapered mandrel on which to continuously wind a loop of filament or filaments to form a hollow structural member, providing an end-forming plate at at least one end of the mandrel, placing one or more formers on the outside of the mandrel adjacent to and spaced from the or each end plate by a required amount to form one or more flanges when the member has been fully wound and set within a resin, and subsequently removing the continuously wound structural member from the mandrel.

The invention relates to a modification process for modifying a biaxially oriented pipe, comprising a) providing a biaxially oriented pipe made by stretching a tube made of a thermoplastic polymer composition in the axial direction and in the peripheral direction, b) placing an insert within an end portion of the pipe, wherein the outer periphery of the cross section of the insert substantially matches the inner periphery of the cross section of the pipe and c) heating the end portion such that the end portion axially shrinks while the inner periphery of the cross section of the end portion is substantially maintained, to obtain a modified biaxially oriented pipe with a thickened end portion.

A composite transmission shaft includes a shaft portion, and a flanged end fitting. The flanged end fitting comprises a flared sleeve comprising a tubular portion and a flared portion, and a reinforcement portion fixed to the flared portion of the sleeve. The flanged end fitting and shaft portion have been resin transfer moulded together to form the transmission shaft.