In certain embodiments, a hose includes an inner tube, a filler material, and an outer cover. The inner tube has a cross-sectional shape and includes a cavity for transporting a substance. The filler material is provided around an outer periphery of the inner tube. The filler material includes a self-sealing material or a self-healing material. The outer cover is provided around an outer periphery of the filler material such that the filler material is between the outer cover and the inner tube. The outer cover has a D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

A hose is provided comprising a rubber backing layer directly bonded to a continuous polyamide layer without an intervening adhesive layer, wherein the hose exhibits increased low and high temperature capability and decreased permeation compared to standard automotive refrigerant hoses.

A machine for making a protective joint has a guide system, which is selectively clampable about a pipeline on opposite sides with respect to the annular junction portion and configured for defining an annular path about the annular junction portion; at least one heating unit moveable along the annular path and configured for heating the annular junction portion and moveable along the annular path; at least one spray unit moveable along the annular path and configured for applying at least one polymer material to the annular junction portion; and an extrusion die moveable along the annular path and configured for applying a protective foil about the annular junction portion.

A composite tube includes a first layer including a thermoplastic polymer having a Tg of not greater than about 160° C. and a second layer adjacent to the first layer, the second layer including an extruded silicone material. Further included is a method of forming the composite tube which includes providing a first layer including a thermoplastic polymer having a Tg of not greater than about 160° C.; receiving, by an extrusion system, a silicone material; forming, by the extrusion system, a second layer including the silicone material adjacent to the first layer; and irradiating the silicone material with a radiation source to substantially cure the silicone material.

A composite tube includes a first layer including a thermoplastic polymer having a Tg of not greater than about 160° C. and a second layer adjacent to the first layer, the second layer including an extruded silicone material. Further included is a method of forming the composite tube which includes providing a first layer including a thermoplastic polymer having a Tg of not greater than about 160° C.; receiving, by an extrusion system, a silicone material; forming, by the extrusion system, a second layer including the silicone material adjacent to the first layer; and irradiating the silicone material with a radiation source to substantially cure the silicone material.

A catheter shaft is produced by forming a first polymeric layer onto a flexible inner core while maintaining the inner core in a solid state, and solidifying the first polymeric layer, wherein the solidified first polymeric layer fails to bond with the inner core and is slidable thereon upon flexion of the shaft. A second polymeric layer may be formed over the first polymeric layer, and is slidable thereon when the shaft bends.

A catheter shaft is produced by forming a first polymeric layer onto a flexible inner core while maintaining the inner core in a solid state, and solidifying the first polymeric layer, wherein the solidified first polymeric layer fails to bond with the inner core and is slidable thereon upon flexion of the shaft. A second polymeric layer may be formed over the first polymeric layer, and is slidable thereon when the shaft bends.

Provided are a flexible tube for an endoscope, the flexible tube having a flexible tube base containing metal as a constituent material, a resin cover layer that covers an outer periphery of the flexible tube base, and a primer layer that includes a specific silane coupling agent and that is disposed between the flexible tube base and the resin cover layer, in which the resin cover layer includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyolefins at least on a side of the resin cover layer in contact with the primer layer, an endoscopic medical device including the flexible tube for an endoscope, a method for producing the flexible tube for an endoscope, and a method for producing the endoscopic medical device.

Provided are a flexible tube for an endoscope, the flexible tube having a flexible tube base containing metal as a constituent material, a resin cover layer that covers an outer periphery of the flexible tube base, and a primer layer that includes a specific silane coupling agent and that is disposed between the flexible tube base and the resin cover layer, in which the resin cover layer includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyolefins at least on a side of the resin cover layer in contact with the primer layer, an endoscopic medical device including the flexible tube for an endoscope, a method for producing the flexible tube for an endoscope, and a method for producing the endoscopic medical device.

A method of manufacturing a catheter shaft includes the steps of forming an inner layer of a first polymeric material, forming a plait matrix layer including a second polymeric material about the inner layer, and forming an outer layer of a third polymeric material about the plait matrix layer. The plait matrix layer includes a braided wire mesh partially or fully embedded within the second polymeric material, which is different from at least one of the first polymeric material forming the inner layer and the third polymeric material forming the outer layer. The second polymeric material has a higher yield strain and/or a lower hardness than at least the first polymeric material, and preferably both the first and the third polymeric materials. The first polymeric material and the third polymeric material may be different or the same. The catheter shaft may be formed by stepwise extrusion, co-extrusion, and/or reflow processes.