Abstract: A surfacially ultraviolet radiation-crosslinked article formed of a homogeneous composition including an elastoplastic material, a cross-linker component that is cross-linkable by free-radical polymerization, and a free-radical source material generating free radicals in exposure to ultraviolet radiation, wherein the elastoplastic material is surfacially cross-linked by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, wherein the sub-surface bulk volume of the article is non-cross-linked, and the article is resiliently deformable from and resiliently recoverable to a shape of the article when it was exposed to ultraviolet radiation for surfacial cross-linking thereof. The article is particularly amenable to embodiment as a catheter, or other similar medical device for cardiovascular or other medical procedures.

Abstract: Polyols useful for preparing foamed polyurethane systems are produced by reacting a feed stock of agricultural origin with a multifunctional hydroxyl component in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst suitable to polymerize the agricultural feed stock. The reaction may further include a di basic acid, such as phthalic or adipic acid, or a diol, DEG, or PEG. The resultant polyol is then purified and blended with other ingredients to produce a formulated polyol suitable for specific polyurethane foam systems. The polyols produced in accordance with the method are also described.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A,B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A,B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A,B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A,B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A,B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: A seamless knitted glove with a cuff having an ambidextrous and universal size made from crimped and textured stretchable continuous filament nylon yarn of four ply of about 70 deniers or less. Also, a method of making a seamless knitted glove with a cuff having an ambidextrous and universal size comprising the steps of knitting an eight and a half inch to nine inch glove using crimped and textured stretchable continuous filament nylon yarn of four ply of about 70 deniers or less with a 13 gage knitting machine, heat shrinking the glove to less than seven inches, and heat stretching the glove to about seven inches.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity. A glove is made of polyurethane film layers having a weld around the periphery of the layers.

Abstract: Dip molding of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers to form medical and surgical gloves, condoms, instrument and appliance covers, and other rubber goods is improved by a controlled viscosity, controlled rate of evaporation solvent system, including a strong polar solvent, a weak solvent or non-solvent to control viscosity, and a blush resistor to control the rate of evaporation and the effects of humidity. For particularly enhanced barrier film formation, a leveling agent is also included. One or more layers are dipped in sequential steps in thicknesses of 0.5 to 1.5 mils per layer, with complete integral film formation and substantially complete freedom from porosity and pin holes. Cross-linkable polyurethanes may be cured after fully molded.

Abstract: Dip molding of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers to form medical and surgical gloves, condoms, instrument and appliance covers, and other rubber goods is improved by a controlled viscosity, controlled rate of evaporation solvent system, including a strong polar solvent, a weak solvent or non-solvent to control viscosity, and a blush resistor to control the rate of evaporation and the effects of humidity. For particularly enhanced barrier film formation, a leveling agent is also included. One or more layers are dipped in sequential steps in thicknesses of 0.5 to 1.5 mils per layer, with complete integral film formation and substantially complete freedom from porosity and pin holes. Cross-linkable polyurethanes may be cured after fully molded.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: X-ray attenuation, particularly for protective garments is provided by a film of a thermoplastic elastomer containing from about 60 to about 90 weight percent of barium sulfate or other barium salt. Films having a thickness of about 1 mm provide attenuation equivalent to that of about 0.2 to 0.25 mm of lead foil. The film is pliant, durable, and resistant to cracking from normal flexure during use and wear.

Abstract: Angioplasty and related medical dilatation balloons are molded from a polyurethane in which the "soft" segment is a minor segment by weight and the "hard" segment is the major segment by weight and which polyurethane has a hardness of at least 75D and a glass transition temperature of more than about 38.degree. C. The balloons can be integrally molded on one end of a catheter fabricated from the above type of polyurethane. Alternatively, the balloon is formed from polyurethane of the above type and the catheter is formed from elastomeric polyurethane and like polymers commonly employed in preparation of catheters. The balloon is then bonded to the catheter by conventional procedures.

Abstract: Polyurethane polyether-based elastomers are described which are thermoplastic, recyclable and have increased high temperature resistance which permits fabrication by injection molding. The elastomers are the product of reaction of 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), a particular group of polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide block copolymers and an extender [straight chain aliphatic diols C.sub.2-6 or the bis(2-hydroxyethyl ether) of hydroquinone or resorcinol]. The block copolymers have at least 50 percent primary hydroxyl groups, a pH in the range of 4.5 to 9, a content of alkali metal ion less than 25 ppm and a molecular weight of 1000 to 3000. The minimum ethylene oxide (E.O.) residue content (percent by weight) of the polyether for any molecular weight (M.W.) is governed by the equation: ##EQU1## In a particularly preferred embodiment the elastomers are prepared by replacing up to 25 percent by equivalents of the extender by certain diols (polyethylene glycols up to 1500 M.W. preferred).

Abstract: Two solvent soluble thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers and blends thereof are characterized by a hardness from about 67 Shore A to about 58 Shore D. The softer of the two elastomers is derived from the reaction of 4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) and a poly(1,4-butylene adipate) which has a molecular weight of 600-750. The harder of the two elastomers is derived from the reaction of the same isocyanate and a combination of a major portion of poly(neopentylene adipate) of M.W. circa 450-550 and a minor portion of a poly(1,4-butylene adipate) of M.W. circa 300-360. The elastomers find particular utility as solution grade materials for various types of coatings and the like.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable element for the preparation of relief printing plates. The element comprises an addition polymerizable monomer (e.g. trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate), a free radical initiator for polymerizing the monomer (e.g. benzophenone) and a polyester-based polyurethane binding agent which is the reaction product of 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), a polycaprolactone diol having a molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 2,500, and a mixture of at least two aliphatic diol extenders. Optionally the photopolymerizable element is provided with a support layer such as a polyester film or paper.Processes for the preparation of relief printing plates from said elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyurethane polyether-based elastomers are described which are thermoplastic, recyclable and have increased high temperature resistance which permits fabrication by injection molding. The elastomers are the product of reaction of 4,4'-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), a particular group of polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide block copolymers and an extender [straight chain aliphatic diols C.sub.2-6 or the bis(2-hydroxyethyl ether) of hydroquinone or resorcinol]. The block copolymers have at least 50 percent primary hydroxyl groups, a pH in the range of 4.5 to 9, a content of alkali metal ion less than 25 ppm and a molecular weight of 1000 to 3000. The minimum ethylene oxide (E.O.) residue content (percent by weight) of the polyether for any molecular weight (M.W.) is governed by the equation: ##EQU1## In a particularly preferred embodiment the elastomers are prepared by replacing up to 25 percent by equivalents of the extender by certain diols (polyethylene glycols up to 1500 M.W. preferred).