Abstract: A sputtering target assembly and its manufacturing method are provided for sputtering ceramic material on a substrate. The sputtering target assembly comprises a backing tube having a central portion, a first end and a second end; at least one cylindrical sputtering target member comprising a first ceramic material; and at least one collar comprising a second ceramic material different than the first ceramic material. The cylindrical sputtering target member is coupled to the backing tube at the central portion, and the collar is coupled to the backing tube at an area between one of the first and second ends and the cylindrical sputtering target member. In one embodiment, the sputtering rate of the collar is less than or equal to the sputtering rate of the cylindrical sputtering target member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable graft that includes an elongate graft tube having opposing ends defining an attachment site for attaching the graft to a stent. The graft further includes a reinforcement member attached adjacent to at least one of the ends of the graft for establishing a reinforced attachment site for the graft, thereby preventing elongation of a suture hole in the material. Furthermore, the present invention provides a graft wherein at least one end of the graft is folded over itself and glued or sutured to itself and/or the stent, thereby forming a reinforcement thereto.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition for mineral fibres comprises a water-soluble binder component obtainable by reacting, in one or more steps, at least one alkanolamine, at least one carboxylic anhydride and at least one polyalkylene glycol component selected from polyalkylene glycols, copolymers and derivates thereof and, optionally, treating the reaction product with a base.

Abstract: A hard wood strand lumber or board product including strands of one or more eucalypts bonded together with a binder including an isocyanate resin.

Abstract: A method of making a tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.

Abstract: A baseball bat has a core section formed exclusively of bamboo fibers fused together and an outer section substantially surrounding the core section. In a method for fabricating a blank from which a baseball bat is fabricated, a core section is fabricated through harvesting elongated bamboo pieces, removing the epidermis or skin from the bamboo pieces, cutting the bamboo pieces into a predetermined length, fiberizing the bamboo pieces, fusing the bamboo fibers to form a solid and unitary core blank, and processing the solid core blank to provide a core section have a substantially square cross section having opposite front and rear sides and opposite top and bottom sides.

Abstract: A pre-charged material including silicon-comprising fibres characterised in that two or more of the fibres are bonded together to create both a bonded felt anode structure, with or without a current collector, and a composite anode structure with a current collector and an electrode structure. The structure overcomes problems associated with charge/discharge capacity loss.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of welding a laminate for the production of flexible tubular plastic bodies, which method comprises the following operations: a laminate is shaped around a welding rod; the ends of the laminate to be welded are heated; said ends are pressed together and at least partly cooled; the welded zone is deformed so as to increase its area; and the welded zone is cooled. The invention also relates to a device suitable for using the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter assembly and method of making the catheter assembly is provided that involves providing a plurality of tubes, each tube having a first end, a second end, at least one lumen, and at least one surface, selectively heating at least a portion of the surface of at least a first tube of the plurality of tubes, and contacting the selectively heated portion of the tube with a portion of the surface of a second tube to form a multilumen catheter shaft that is joined together along at least a portion of the length of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft with kink resistance is described. The vascular graft includes a substrate that can be a PTFE, having a self-sealing region that may include several layers of material. The central section of the vascular graft may be constructed differently from surrounding self-sealing regions, in order to provide kink resistance following the clamping of the graft. Also described is a graft with a flared cuff attached to one or both ends, the attachment or transition region including reinforcement beading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binder for the production of bonded mineral wool, wherein a phenol-formaldehyde-binder is applied onto the still hot fibers after the fiberization of a mineral wool, using a binder that comprises hydroxylamine or an amino alcohol with the following general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different from each other, and independently are hydrogen, a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with 1-12 carbon atoms, a saturated or unsaturated alicyclic or heterocyclic hydrocarbon with 5-8 carbon atoms, a carbocyclic or heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with 5-12 ring members or a chain-like or branched alkylether with 1-50 alkoxy units or a chain-like or branched alkylamine with 1-50 alkylamine units; and R3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with 1-12 carbon atoms, a saturated or unsaturated alicyclic or heterocyclic hydrocarbon with 5-8 carbon atoms, a carbocyclic or heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon w

Abstract: A process for the production of a hollow structural column or rod in polymers includes the steps of assembling two or more elongated modules, each one provided with male-female truncated cone-shaped terminal parts. The inner surface of the ‘female’ terminal part has a taper angle that is identical to the taper angle of the outer surface of the ‘male’ terminal part. The process also includes the following steps: aligning the hollow modules; preparing the male and female terminal parts for adhesive bonding and insertion in the terminal part of the adjacent, aligned module; applying, preferably at the ends, an axial compression device, so that on compression of the ends of the rod made up of the modules, each external male tapering surface adheres to and exerts a suitable pressure on the internal female tapering surface of the adjacent module; and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: Non-fractured, non-fibrillatable short fibers, for reinforcing matrix materials such as concrete, have substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional areas along their length for maximum efficiency in pull-out resistance, and two different tapering characteristics along their lengths. Preferred bi-tapered fibers of the invention have a high modulus of elasticity in the range of 5-250 Gigapascal and are preferably modulated in both tapering dimensions. Matrix materials containing the fibers, as well as a method for making the fibers, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for assembling a corrugated double-walled pipe section from pipe segments, having the steps of: providing an inner wall segment which is curved in circumferential direction and straight in longitudinal direction, providing an outer wall segment which is curved in circumferential direction and corrugated in longitudinal direction, connecting the inner wall segment to the concave side of said corrugated outer wall segment, providing a longitudinal profile at the longitudinally extending edges of the wall segment so as to provide a pipe segment, and connecting the adjoining longitudinal profiles of at least two of the pipe segments to each other.

Abstract: An artificial bone capable of being absorbed and replaced by an autogenous bone, which comprises a cylindrical body obtained by rolling a sheet-shaped apatite/collagen composite, a hollow center portion of the cylindrical body penetrating from one end surface to the other end surface having a diameter of 100-1000 ?m.

Abstract: A method for making a heater is provided. A carbon nanotube structure is made, and a first electrode and a second electrode are provided. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous body comprising apatite/collagen composite fibers comprising the steps of gelling a dispersion comprising long apatite/collagen composite fibers having an average length of 10-75 mm, short apatite/collagen composite fibers having an average length of 0.05-1 mm, and a liquid; freezing and drying the resultant gel to form a porous body; and cross-linking collagen in the porous body.

Abstract: A method for joining nanotubes end-to-end, includes contacting the nanotubes with a joining fluid. The joining fluid has at least one property that is different from at least one property associated with ends of the nanotubes. In one embodiment, the method further includes contacting the nanotubes with a first, treating fluid and removing the bulk first fluid before the nanotubes are contacted with the joining fluid. The joining fluid is immiscible in the treating fluid to effect end-to-end joining of the nanotubes.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a balloon catheter with a multilayered polymeric sleeve at the rapid exchange intermediate section, having an outer layer formed of a polymer with a relatively low processing temperature (i.e., melting temperature for semi-crystalline polymers or glass transition temperature for amorphous polymers), and having an inner layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a cellular structure (1) comprising a plurality of elements (2), in which method a first plurality of elements (2) is provided that form a first row (3) of elements, and that furthermore a second plurality of elements (2) is provided that form a second row (4) of elements (2). The second row (4) is parallel to the first row (3) but displaced in phase in relation to this. An adhesive is applied to the elements (2) in at least one of the two rows (3, 4) and at least one of the two rows (3, 4) is brought closer to the other, so that the two rows are brought together and thereby bonded to one another by the adhesive. The invention also relates to a machine for executing the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for creating a building material that makes use of a wheeled, moveable apparatus that moves through a field after the straw or other agricultural waste has been processed into tightly bound cables. Said cables are formed into woven mats, and said mats are bonded together to form flat or curved wall sections or panels.

Abstract: A method is described for making a composite laminate formed by curing a stacked structure comprising at least two layers of strips of fibrous material impregnated with resin, wherein the strips in adjacent layers have different directional orientations. An apparatus is provided for simultaneously separating a band of fibrous material impregnated with resin into strips and depositing the strips between adjacent pin rows of a pinmat to form the stacked structure.

Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus capable of stably and reliably connecting tubes in which liquid is contained and sealed is provided. A tube connecting apparatus 1 equips a first tube-holding assembly 2 and a second tube-holding assembly 3, each holding tube 8, 9 in which blood is contained and sealed in a parallel state. A first clamp 6 and a second clamp 7, each pressing the tubes to a flat state, is provided at the first tube-holding assembly 2 and the second tube-holding assembly 3. A tube-pushing member 10 which presses the tubes to a flat state is disposed movably to and integrally with the first clamp 6 at a side of the second clamp 7. The tube connecting apparatus 1 has a cutting mechanism 4, disposed between the first clamp 6 and the second clamp 7, for melting and cutting the tubes, and has a movement mechanism which moves the first tube-holding assembly 2 and the second tube-holding assembly 3 such that end portions to be connected contact closely each other.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition, useful for making fiber products, especially fiberglass insulation, comprising an aqueous substantially alkaline (pH of at least 5.0) solution of a polyol and a hydrolyzed (solubilized) copolymer of maleic anhydride and a vinyl aromatic compound, preferably styrene (i.e., a SMA copolymer); the copolymer is solubilized using ammonia, an ammine, a primary alkanolamines (preferably monoethanolamine), a secondary alkanolamine (preferably diethanolamine (DEA)), a tertiary alkanolamine (preferably triethanolamine (TEA)), or a mixture thereof and the binder composition is cured as a consequence of cross-linking, esterification reactions between pendant carboxyls on the solubilized (hydrolyzed) copolymer (SMA) chains and hydroxyl groups of the polyol, including the diethanolamine and/or triethanolamine preferably used in the solubilization of the SMA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device which is used, preferably for peritoneal dialysis, and is provided with a film hose.

Abstract: A cuffed silicone tracheostomy tube has two tapered recesses (17) and (18) on its outer surface in which opposite ends (7) and (8) of a resilient cuff 6 are bonded using an adhesive or solvent. Two shallow ribs (22) and (23) extend around the tube on the inner edge of each recess (17) and (18), projecting outwardly to prevent the adhesive or solvent spreading onto the inflatable portion (10) of the cuff (6). The cuff (6) has several shallow ribs (9) extending around the cuff and spaced along its inflatable portion (10) to promote even inflation.

Abstract: A tube for medical applications comprises a chlorine-free material and has a layer defining an outer surface of the tube. The tube is manufactured from a polymer material having a solubility parameter within the range 9.9±1.5 (cal/cm3)1/2.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a bending portion of a medical insertion apparatus includes, preparing a bending tube including cylindrical bending parts coaxially connected to each other and rotatable with respect to each other, preparing a braid tube including liner members made of a thermoplastic resin and forming a netlike shape, covering the braid tube on an outer peripheral portion of the bending tube, pushing-heating of protruding inwardly a part of the braid tube to be pushed into a push-in receiving portion of the bending part and heating the part to soften, and pushing-cooling of cooling the part to set.

Abstract: A cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

Abstract: Methods of forming catheters are disclosed, together with methods of forming split tip catheters. In one aspect of the invention, the manufacturing methods can include the steps of: providing first and second catheter tubes each having a substantially D-shaped cross-section, and attaching at least a portion of longitudinal lengths of the first and second catheter tubes along flat surfaces of the first and second catheter tubes to form a dual lumen catheter assembly. The tubes can be fused along at least about 10%, preferably along at least about 50%, more preferably in some applications along at least about 70%, 80% or 90% of the longitudinal length.

Abstract: Formation of a filled honeycomb structure by interleaving layers of material and pre-formed pins made of a desired filler material is disclosed. In one embodiment, the material layers may be pre-impregnated and the pre-formed pins may be made of a foam, insulating material. The fabric layers and the pre-formed elongated foam members are assembled in an interleaved manner to form a raw assembly, and heat is applied to activate the resin and cure the raw assembly. The technique further involves allowing the raw assembly to cool to form a unitary, integral honeycomb structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the making of a product out of laminated composite material. The process in general comprises preforming at least one layer of material such that it corresponds to a surface of a part; applying layers of fibers to the preformed layer of material; and bonding the fibers by a resin to form a laminated composite material.

Abstract: Provided is a method for bonding glass members for optical communication, which can achieve sufficient bonding strength and resistance to separation between the glass member and the adhesive layer. The method is characterized by vaporizing a silane-coupling agent by heating, treating glass members for optical communication with the silane-coupling agent vapor, and bonding the glass members to each other with an adhesive.

Abstract: A method to join pipe is disclosed using a curable one or two part adhesive composition comprising an effective amount of a boron containing initiator compound such as an organoborate, a stabilized organoborane complex, or combinations thereof; one or more monomers, oligomers, polymers or mixtures thereof having olefinic unsaturation which is capable of polymerization by free radical polymerization; and optionally a decomplexing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of multilayer pipes used to convey liquid media for automotive applications. Disclosed pipes show a balance of properties, in terms of ageing in presence of coolant liquid, burst pressure resistance, permeation rate and coolant liquid absorption compared to conventional pipes.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric substrate comprises contacting a liquid crystalline polymer fibrous web having a thickness of 5 mils (127 micrometers) or less with a resin composition to form a dielectric composite. Contacting is carried out under vacuum, followed by pressure. The dielectric substrate is useful in circuit materials, circuits, and multi-layer circuits, economical to make, and has excellent dielectric strength.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes molding a raw material composition to manufacture a plurality of honeycomb molded bodies. Each of the plurality of honeycomb molded bodies has a number of cells longitudinally placed substantially in parallel with one another with a cell wall interposed therebetween. The plurality of honeycomb molded bodies are fired to manufacture a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies. A water retention adhesive paste containing a water retention agent is prepared. The plurality of honeycomb fired bodies are bonded to one another by using the water retention adhesive paste and forming an adhesive layer to manufacture a honeycomb aggregated body.

Abstract: To provide bent rod-shaped metal particles having at least one bend point, wherein an average bend angle at the bend point is 5° to 175°.

Abstract: The optical fiber 1 for an optical fiber laser is provided with a rare earth element doped core 2 doped with a rare earth element, and a cladding 3 formed at an outer periphery of the rare earth element doped core 2. In the optical fiber 1 for an optical fiber laser, the rare earth element doped core 2 is divided into a plurality of core regions 2a, 2b, . . . , 2n?1, 2n along a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber 1 and dopant concentrations of the rare earth element in respective core regions 2a, 2b, . . . , 2n?1, 2n are different from each other, in order to flatten a temperature distribution of the optical fiber 1 along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first article to a second article is provided. The method involves the use of a flowable, adhesive composition that contains non-aggregated, surface-modified silica nanoparticles dispersed in an epoxy resin.

Abstract: Cloth, in which air permeability is variable by energization, includes: a fibrous object composed of composite fibers, each of the composite fibers including: an electrical-conductive polymeric material; and a material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material, the different material being directly stacked on the electrical-conductive polymeric material; and electrodes which are attached to the fibrous object, and energize the electrical-conductive polymeric material. Each of the composite fibers has a structure in which the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material is stacked on at least a part of a surface of the electrical-conductive polymeric material, or a structure in which either one of the electrical-conductive polymeric material and the material different from the electrical-conductive polymeric material penetrates the other material in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention is a pipe joint that is particularly suitable for joining pipes composed of materials having a low surface energy and excellent resistance to solvents. The major components are an extrudable adhesive; a first pipe having a socket with an inside diameter, where said socket has a mouth, a self-centering bottom, and a substantially cylindrical wall with an inlet, an outlet, and an inner annular channel; a second pipe having an insertion section with an end and an outer annular channel, said second pipe having an outside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the socket, where the difference in diameters defines a cap and where the outer annular channel lines up with the inner annular channel therein forming an interlocking keyway; and a flanged annular ring, where said annular ring has an inside diameter that enables it to be slid over the second pipe and a thickness that is comparable to the gap, and where the flange has a width that is sufficient to cap the mouth of the socket.

Abstract: A sheet comprising thermoplastic polymer (TP) and short high tensile modulus fibers, in which the concentration of TP in the middle of the sheet is higher than at the surface of the sheet, useful for making prepregs with a thermoset resin.

Abstract: A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to change the direction of the laser and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a ceramic block formed by bonding a plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb fired bodies by interposing an adhesive layer therebetween, and a sealing material layer provided on the periphery of the ceramic block. Each of the honeycomb fired bodies has a large number of cells disposed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween. The adhesive layer and the sealing material layer are integrally formed with substantially no interface to divide the two layers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for and a method of bonding a nano-tip using electrochemical etching, in which a good bonding stability can be provided. The nano-tip bonding apparatus comprises a glass plate having a top surface of a certain desired area. An electrolytic solution having conductivity is placed on the top surface of the glass plate by means of surface tension. Means for moving reciprocally a base material having conductivity in opposite direction is provided. A carbon nano-tube is adhered to a pointed tip of the base material by means of an adhesive. An end portion of the carbon nano-tube is to be immersed in the electrolytic solution. A power supply is provided for applying an electric power to the electrolytic solution and the base material.

Abstract: A foldable polymer-based coil structure and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The coil structure has metal wirings and interconnections between the wirings. The wirings and connections are embedded by a polymer. The coil structure is foldable in two or more layers. In the folded condition, coils of one layer overlap the coils of another layer. A stackable structure and jigs for aligning the foldable and stackable structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a nonwoven fabric comprising spinning a set of bicomponent fibers which include an external fiber component and an internal fiber component. The external fiber enwraps said internal fiber and has a higher elongation to break value than the internal fiber and a lower melting temperature than the internal fiber component. The set of bicomponent fibers are positioned onto a web and thermally bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Oriented strand board (OSB), comprising a core layer and two face layers, whereby the face layers comprise an adhesive composition, wherein the adhesive composition in at least one of the face layers comprises a resin composition comprising melamine, formaldehyde, optionally urea and aromatic hydroxyl compounds, wherein the molar ratio of melamine to formaldehyde is 1:0.8-4.0, the molar ratio of melamine to urea is 1:0-2.0 and the molar ratio of melamine to aromatic hydroxyl compounds is 1:0-2.0. In a preferred embodiment, both the face layers and the core layer comprise the said adhesive composition. The OSB's according to the invention can meet the OSB/3 and even the OSB/4 requirements in the EN 300 standards.