The disclosure describes an automated system and method to manufacture extruded split tees, spherical tees, and full encirclement saddle (FES) component parts. The system and method provide for the manufacture of pipe reinforcement components from raw material plates, comprising: an input storage for the raw material plates; one or more ovens for heating the plates; one or more extrusion presses for extruding the heated raw material plates into one or more pipe reinforcement components and an output storage for the pipe reinforcement components. A robotic device is adapted to automatically access and perform operations at the input storage, at the one or more ovens, at the one or more extrusion presses, and at the output storage.

An air duct for transferring air or the like includes a tubular body, an internal cuff that is secured to and extends axially from the tubular body, and an external cuff that is secured to and extends radially from at least the internal cuff. A method for manufacturing an air duct includes providing a tubular body having at least one open end which is inserted into an internal cuff mold to form an internal cuff that is secured to and axially extends from the tubular body. The tubular body and the internal cuff are removed from the internal cuff mold and then inserted into an external cuff mold to form an external cuff that is secured to and radially extends from at least the internal cuff. The tubular body with the internal cuff and the external cuff is then removed from the external cuff mold.

A motor vehicle assembly unit having a connector, in particular a quick connector, and having a motor vehicle fluid line, wherein the connector includes an insertion end for inserting the fluid line, wherein there is a securing spike on the insertion end, which is encompassed by an outer sleeve. An annular insertion space for the fluid line or a fluid line end of the fluid line is disposed between the securing spike and the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is connected to the securing spike by means of at least one break-away element, that breaks when the fluid line is inserted in the annular insertion space, such that the outer sleeve can be slid onto the securing spike, or further slid onto the securing spike from, or with, the fluid line.

A method of manufacturing a composite (e.g. fibre-reinforced polymer) connector comprises: manufacturing a tubular hub portion which extends substantially parallel to a central axis C, the hub portion comprising a thermoplastic polymer reinforced with continuous, circumferentially-oriented fibre reinforcement; placing the hub portion into a mould featuring at least one cavity; and introducing polymer into the mould so as to fill the at least one cavity to form a flange portion around the hub portion.

A flexible ferromagnetic strip is used to induction-weld seams in polymer pipes. The strip is a blend of strontium ferrite, a surfactant, and an LDPE binder. A process to produce the profile is to mix the ingredients together followed by granulation and extrusion or calendering. The strip is used in conjunction with an induction coil sized to fit over a polymer pipe coupling containing the strip and separate segments of polymer pipe. The strip is heated by induction current induced by an electromagnetic field generated by the coil. The heated strip causes the polymer pipe segments to be thermoplastically welded together.

Various improved designs for expansion tool heads are disclosed herein that are structured (1) to provide improved and more-evenly distributed strain in the pipe during the expansion strokes of the tool head which can include more gradually inducing the strain in the pipe and/or (2) to avoid the induction of plastic deformation of the pipe in regions of seal formation between the radial-inwardly facing surface of the pipe and the radially-outward facing surface of the fittings (i.e., the ribs of the fitting) especially in instances in which the tool head is not rotated between separate expansion steps. This may be achieved, for example, by the use of convexly curved outer profiles that limit initial insertion depth of the tool in the pipe prior to expansions and/or by the use of a hybrid toothed profile.

A method for producing a pre-insulated fitting including providing a mould, wherein the mould has open end faces and an inner contour, wherein the inner contour corresponds to the fitting outer contour of a pre-insulated fitting including applying a coating to the inner contour, wherein the applied coating, after demoulding, forms the outer jacket of the pre-insulated fitting. Then, installing a fitting internally in the mould, wherein the internal fitting forms the fitting through which medium flows in the pre-insulated fitting. Closing the end faces of the mould by means of closure caps. Introducing a liquid insulating material into the cavity formed between the inner contour of the mould, the closure caps and the internal fitting, and removing the mould and the closure caps.

An apparatus and method for joining pipes includes a plate for melting mating surfaces of the pipes to be joined. Additionally, the apparatus utilizes a vacuum in order to push the first and second pipes together in lieu of hand or mechanical pressure which may be inconsistent. Additionally, the vacuum allows the pipes to be joined to settle on each other in order to create a pressure about a periphery of the end of the pipe being joined to the other pipe. The consistent pressure creates a very strong joint between the first and second pipes.

An apparatus and method for joining pipes includes a plate for melting mating surfaces of the pipes to be joined. Additionally, the apparatus utilizes a vacuum in order to push the first and second pipes together in lieu of hand or mechanical pressure which may be inconsistent. Additionally, the vacuum allows the pipes to be joined to settle on each other in order to create a pressure about a periphery of the end of the pipe being joined to the other pipe. The consistent pressure creates a very strong joint between the first and second pipes.