Abstract: A method of mechanically treating alloy metal surgical needles to improve bending strength is disclosed. The needles are curved and reverse-curved in this method to improve bending strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating and coloring a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a system for providing a gas mixture containing a fractional concentration of oxygen to oxidize and colorize the surfaces of the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of suture needles pass through the housing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible medical device conduit includes forming an elongated framework of flexible material (e.g., Nitinol), and creating a sharp head on a distal end of the elongated strip using, for example, an isotropic etching technique, a stamping technique and/or a coining technique. The method also includes the step of jacketing the elongated framework with a flexible tube such that the flexible tube and the elongated framework define at least one conduit therebetween.

Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle. A Fixture and an apparatus for forming refractory alloy surgical needles using this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle.

Abstract: A method for making a curved tungsten alloy suture needle comprising the step of heating tungsten alloy needle blanks or a tungsten alloy suture needle to a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. The tungsten alloy suture needles described herein have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength, ductility, and surface color.

Abstract: A medical device, particularly a suture needle, comprising a tungsten alloy and having a blue, yellow or black surface coloration.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a wound, said method comprising the step of injecting an effective amount of an oxygen-containing fluid into said wound at a location below a surface of said wound, said step of injecting being carried out through a conduit having one or more outlets for said fluid, wherein substantially all of said outlets are positioned below the surface of the wound during said step of injecting. Injection of oxygen directly into the wound tissue below the wound surface provides enhanced wound healing.

Abstract: A composite part made from a sheet molding compound is disclosed as having improved characteristics over traditional sheet molding compound composite parts. The fibrous material is introduced as a veil layer adjacent a paste layer, the veil flows well during the molding process. The improved flow and surface characteristics of a composite part are attributed to the elongation of the veil during molding and to the improved filling capabilities.

Abstract: A moldable pellet used for making high impact, non-abrasive recyclable structural composites consisting of a thermoplastic polymer or polymers, with or without fillers and additives, and a synthetic cellulosic fiber in yarn or tow form such as Rayon or Lyocell. The concentration of cellulose fiber within the pellet may vary from approximately 2–80 percent by weight or higher. This moldable pellet is suitable for molding in current molding applications such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding.

Abstract: A moldable pellet used for making high impact, non-abrasive recyclable structural composites consisting of a thermoplastic polymer or polymers, with or without fillers and additives, and a synthetic cellulosic fiber in yarn or tow form such as Rayon or Lyocell. The concentration of cellulose fiber within the pellet may vary from approximately 2-80 percent by weight or higher. This moldable pellet is suitable for molding in current molding applications such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding.

Abstract: A moldable pellet used for making high impact, non-abrasive recyclable structural composites consisting of a thermoplastic polymer or polymers, with or without fillers and additives, and a synthetic cellulosic fiber in yarn or tow form such as Rayon or Lyocell. The concentration of cellulose fiber within the pellet may vary from approximately 2-80 percent by weight or higher. This moldable pellet is suitable for molding in current molding applications such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding.

Abstract: A composite part made from a sheet molding compound is disclosed as having improved characteristics over traditional sheet molding compound composite parts. The fibrous material is introduced as a veil layer adjacent a paste layer, the veil flows well during the molding process. The improved flow and surface characteristics of a composite part are attributed to the elongation of the veil during molding and to the improved filling capabilities.

Abstract: A moldable pellet used for making high impact, non-abrasive recyclable structural composites consisting of a thermoplastic polymer or polymers, with or without fillers and additives, and a synthetic cellulosic fiber in yarn or tow form such as Rayon or Lyocell. The concentration of cellulose fiber within the pellet may vary from approximately 2-80 percent by weight or higher. This moldable pellet is suitable for molding in current molding applications such as, but not limited to, injection molding, extrusion compression molding, and compression molding.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for infiltrating a liquid composition, such as a molten metal or thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, into a porous solid material, such as a ceramic or porous metal, by contacting the porous material with the liquid composition at a first pressure and then increasing the pressure by at least the critical capillary pressure for the liquid composition/porous solid material system to effect infiltration. The infiltrated liquid composition may then be solidified inside the porous material, such as by cooling, to produce composite materials including ceramic-metal composites as well as ceramic-polymer, metal-polymer, and metal—metal composites.