Patent attributes
Apparatus and method for attaching an encapsulated marker to a flexible hose, such as a hose or cable. The method involves providing a flexible hose (100) having a rubber or plastic outer cover (202) positioned over an inner layer (203, 204). An annular segment of the outer cover is separated and removed to form an annular groove in the outer cover. A marker (101) is then positioned over the inner layer (203, 204) within the groove and a transparent encapsulating component (201) applied over the marker. A containment means (200) is then overlaid on the encapsulating component and overlaps onto a region of the outer cover either side of the groove. The cover assembly is then heated at elevated temperature. After cooling, the containment means (200) is removed. The encapsulated marker assembly is therefore provided which is chemically bonded or fused to the outer cover (202) of the flexible hose and is aligned flush with the external surface of the flexible hose.
