Importance

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Abstract

A method of manufacturing a cured, non-reinforced hose exhibiting one or more desirable configuration features molded onto the outer surface of the hose; and a cured, non-reinforced hose exhibiting such desirable configuration features molded on the outer surface thereof, manufactured in accordance with such method are described. The method comprises: providing a raw, non-reinforced polymeric tubular structure having an outer surface, an inner surface, an orifice, and a cylindrical channel extending longitudinally throughout the raw tubular structure defining the inner surface of the raw polymeric tubular structure; providing a mold apparatus having a cavity configuration corresponding to the shape and size of a desired cured, non-reinforced hose; inserting the raw polymeric tubular structure into the cavity configuration of the mold apparatus; inserting a first plug means having an aperture therethrough into a first end of the raw polymeric tubular structure; inserting a second plug means having an aperture therethrough into a second end of the raw polymeric tubular structure; providing a source of steam under elevated pressure to cure the raw polymeric tubular structure, wherein the first plug means having an aperture therethrough serves as an inlet for the steam and the second plug having an aperture therethrough serves as an outlet for the steam; and recovering a cured, non-reinforced hose having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface exhibits one or more desirable characteristic features molded onto the outer surface of the cured, non-reinforced hose.

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First Claim