Abstract: There is provided a wire harness including a bundle of electric wires round which an adhesive tape made of resin composition, the principal component of which is polyolefine, the coefficient of heat-contraction against adhesion at 180° C. of which is not less than 30%, is wound.

Abstract: A computer controlled labeling apparatus having a label applying mechanism for applying labels to containers. The labeling apparatus has a motor for driving a container transport and a sensor for providing transport status information to a controlling computer. The apparatus contains at least one labeling station. Each labeling station also has a motor and a sensor, the motor drives the labeling station and the sensor provides labeling station status information to the controlling computer. The computer is programmed to process status information in conjunction with prestored information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, containers, and desired labeling and generated suitable control signals for labeling apparatus operation. Computer control for the application of stretch type label material from a continuous web of material is described.

Abstract: The process for applying labels to articles by first adhering a limited portion of the label to the article and subsequently rendering additional portions of the label adhesive so that they will adhere to the article after the label is affixed to the article. The leading and trailing edges of the label may be bonded to the article or each other to affix the label to a container or other such article. The portions of the label between the leading and trailing edges may be either provided with an adhesive agent that is in a non-adhesive state or be formed from a label material which is not normally adhesive but can be rendered adhesive through an additional process step. For example, coated polyethylene film can be applied to a container by means of a hot melt adhesive and then subsequently heated to a temperature at which the polyethylene material becomes adhesive causing it to stick to the container.

Abstract: A method of applying a label to a container which includes an intermediate portion of the sidewall thereof which has an annular curved surface wherein the vertical height of the portion having a curved surface is a minor portion of the entire height of the container. A narrow rectangular label of shrinkable material is first provided with one or more longitudinally extending strips of adhesive extending intermediate the longitudinal edges of the label at the area of the label which is to contact the portion of greatest diameter on the curved portion of the container. The strip of adhesive material is shorter than the length of the label so that the adhesive material does not contact the overlapping edges of the label. An adhesive is applied to the trailing edge of the label only and the label is wrapped about the compound curved portion with the adhesive strip engaging the curved portion of the container at the area of greatest diameter.

Abstract: A structure is defined for supplying heat shrinkable labels to a labeling machine. Two elongated webs of a heat shrinkable laminate are provided having a continuous series of printed labels positioned end to end thereon. A clear heat shrinkable splice, having an adhesive on one surface, is used to secure the ends of the two webs such that they are positioned adjacent one another and such that they form a single continuous web. The material of the labels and the material of the splice have substantially equivalent shrinkage values such that, upon application of heat to the label and splice within the label machine, the label shrinks along with the splice without causing substantial distortion to the printing on the label. Because the splice is clear or transparent, it can be positioned on the outside of the label, over the printing without obliterating same.

Abstract: A process of forming a shrink-sleeved bottle with a handle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process forms a bottle in which the handle is substantially exposed outside the bottle.

Abstract: Rotatable plastic rollers are produced by either injecting between a roller shaft and an outer running roller layer a thermoplastic material which, during cooling down, shrinks toward the roller shaft and away from the outer running roller layer on account of a contraction in volume or, in the multi-component injection-molding process, by first injecting the outer running roller layer and then injecting between the latter and the roller shaft a thermoplastic material which then likewise shrinks toward the roller shaft and away from the outer running roller layer. The process produces plastic rollers comprising an inner running roller layer (2), which is bonded solidly with the roller shaft (1), and an outer running roller layer (3), which can rotate freely with respect to said inner layer by means of a sliding gap (6). The roller shaft may optionally also be sheathed with a thermoplastic elastomer. This may take place in the same process during the multi-component injection molding.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the production of labeled plastic bottles, to produce labeled bottles at a high output rate and with a reliable label hold wherein the bottles are labeled in a continuous flow directly after leaving the blowing machine. The bottles are still clean and dry, and allow for a reliable attachment of the labels at a high rate.

Abstract: Splice kits and methods of environmentally sealing spliced electrical conductors are provided wherein exposure to sealant material can be eliminated. A sealed, flexible container, such as a bag, is provided that contains a two-part liquid sealant. Each portion of the two-part sealant is maintained within respective compartments of the sealed, flexible bag via a removable divider or other device. Prior to use, the divider is removed and the respective portions of the two-part sealant are mixed together by squeezing the sealed, flexible bag to produce a flowable, uncured sealant. The sealed, flexible bag is applied to an electrical conductor splice. The electrical conductor splice and sealed, flexible bag are then covered with heat shrinkable material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.

Abstract: Method of applying elastic material or the like to containers or the like wherein the labels are in stretched condition as they are applied to a container, the container being caused to move and/or to spin to wrap the label around it. Also articles so labeled.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between tubular sections. The member has heat shrinkable end portions, for connecting on respective adjacent end surfaces of the tubular sections adjacent the joint, and a middle portion for spanning between the end surfaces of the tubular sections. The end portions are formed integrally with at least a portion of the middle portion and have a zone that has a relatively small wall thickness while the middle portion having a relatively large wall thickness. This member may be made by heat shrinking a sleeve on an inner core on a mandrel or by uniting opposed ends of a heat shrink sheet having one or more auxiliary layers bonded to it. The properties of the core or auxiliary layer or layers may be tailored to provide desired properties or capabilities.

Abstract: A body is enclosed by an elongated tube of shape-recovering tubing having a direction of elongation and having materials properties described by a recovered state and an expanded state which contracts toward the recovered state upon heating. The piece of shape-recovering tubing is processed to have a first region in the recovered state, the first region being in the form of a stripe extending parallel to the direction of elongation, a second region in the expanded state, and, optionally, printed matter on the first region. The tube is positioned overlying the body, and the second region is heated so that it contracts toward the recovered state.

Abstract: A method of applying a label to a container which includes an intermediate portion of the side wall thereof which has an annular curved surface wherein the vertical height of the portion having a curved surface is a minor portion of the entire height of the container. A narrow rectangular label of shrinkable material is first provided with one or more longitudinally extending strips of adhesive extending intermediate the longitudinal edges of the label at the area of the label which is to contact the portion of greatest diameter on the curved portion of the container. The strip of adhesive material is shorter than the length of the label so that the adhesive material does not contact the overlapping edges of the label. An adhesive is applied to the trailing edge of the label only and the label is wrapped about the compound curved portion with the adhesive strip engaging the curved portion of the container at the area of greatest diameter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wall thickness program onto an elastomeric tubular component, such as an expandable bladder and/or cover element, for incorporation into a packing device for use in a subterranean well includes steps of contouring upon a surface a diametrical configuration defining a wall thickness program for the tubular component. The diametrical configuration is transferred from the surface onto at least one of the walls of the tubular component as a wall thickness program whereby the transfer diametrical configuration conforms substantially as a mirror image of the program on the contoured surface. An elongated mandrel may be provided as the surface onto which the diametrical configuration of the wall thickness program is contoured, such as by machining. Thereafter, the elastomeric tubular component may be prepared on the mandrel, such as by wrapping elastomeric ribbon in layers therearound as the mandrel is manipulated.

Abstract: A method for forming a longitudinally water-tight section in a predetermined area of a multi-conductor wiring system. The multi-conductor wiring system has a plurality of individual conductors, each individual conductor being encased in an insulative sheath.

Abstract: A computer controlled labeling apparatus having a label applying mechanism for applying labels to containers. The labeling apparatus has a motor for driving a container transport and a sensor for providing transport status information to a controlling computer. The apparatus contains at least one labeling station. Each labeling station also has a motor and a sensor, the motor drives the labeling station and the sensor provides labeling station status information to the controlling computer. The computer is programmed to process status information in conjunction with prestored information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, containers, and desired labeling and generated suitable control signals for labeling apparatus operation. Computer control for the application of stretch type label material from a continuous web of material is described.

Abstract: A method for making a cut and puncture resistant laminated fabric under a laminating pressure including the steps of rolling a thermoplastic film and a fabric constructed with a substantial majority of a high performance fiber around a small diameter core to form a wound bundle. The wound bundle is heated at a temperature of between about 250 and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit for a sufficient length of time to laminate the thermoplastic film to the fabric.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is formed by a heat shrinkable tube. In the method, a rod member is inserted into the shrinkable tube, and parts of the shrinkable tube are heated so that the parts of the shrinkable tube shrink to thereby form end portions of at least one balloon portion while a portion away from the end portions does not shrink. Two end portions of the balloon portion are processed to have a small diameter. Then, the rod member is removed from the shrinkable tube, and a catheter shaft is inserted into the balloon portion to completely pass therethrough. Finally, the two end portions of the balloon portion are fixed onto the catheter shaft. Since the heat shrinkable tube with the constant thickness is used, high quality catheter can be formed without fail.

Abstract: A method for improving the radial enlargeability and other properties of tape-reinforced tubular vascular graft formed of sintered fluoropolymer(s), such as expanded, sintered PTFE. Broadly, the method comprises the step of radially shrinking the reinforcement tape layer of the graft, or the entire tape-reinforced graft, after sintering thereof. Such radial shrinkage of the reinforcement tape layer, or of the entire graft, renders the graft subsequently radially enlargeable by more than 5%, without tearing or breaking of the reinforcement tape layer of the graft. Radially enlargeable grafts of the present invention may be combined with various types of stents or anchoring systems, to form endovascular graft devices which are transluminally insertable and implantable within the lumen of a host blood vessel.

Abstract: An in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine labels containers, such as beverage containers, in an in-line fashion maintaining the elevation of the containers during their linear transport. The in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine of the present invention receives bottles in flood feeder or linear fashion. A timing screw or the like properly separates, and both spatially and temporally disposes, the containers for sleeving. The timing screw propels the containers onto a pedestal system. The pedestals of the pedestal system maintain their horizontal nature due to offset pivotable attachments to the track system upon which they travel. In coordinated fashion with the travel of the pedestal system, iris carriers carrying sleeves upon articulating radial arms descend upon the bottles. Once the label sleeve has reached the appropriate point (generally adjacent to the central portion of the bottle), the iris carrier allows the label sleeve to engage the central portion of the bottle.

Abstract: A dimensionally heat recoverable tubular article (1) is made by spirally wrapping cross-linked polymeric sheet (3) a number of times, and directly fusing together overlapping layers (5) of the cross-linked sheet (3) to form a consolidated tubular article. The final article has a wall thickness of at least 2.2 mm. Articles according to the invention may be made of different diameter and different wall thickness, starting from the same thickness initial sheet material, simply by changing the circumference of wrapping or the number of spiral wraps. Articles according to the invention are particularly useful as casings over joints between district heating pipes.

Abstract: A curable polymeric composition which is a liquid at 20° C. and which comprises 25 to 60% by weight of a resin component which comprises an epoxy, 5 to 25% by weight of a curing agent which comprises two components, a first component which is a cycloaliphatic amine or an aromatic amine, and a second component which is a polyamide amine, and 20 to 65% by weight of an inert inorganic filler. The curable composition can be used in a method of protecting a substrate such as a pipe or a pipe joint from corrosion or mechanical damage. In the method, the curable composition is first applied to the substrate, polymeric covering layer is applied over the curable composition with an innermost layer of a heat-activatable sealant in intimate contact with the curable composition, and the curable composition is then cured. During the curing process, the heat-activatable sealant, e.g. a hot melt adhesive, remains in contact with the curable composition and interacts therewith.

Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: The invention is a device for providing a clamping force about a connection end of elastomeric hose or tubing. The device includes an at-least-twice-oriented polymer having a shrinkage response to each of at least two diameter reducing release temperatures, which is sized and formed into a band. The clamp is self-adjusting over a substantial working life. The band may be installed onto connection ends of hose or tubing and fixtures such as couplings, inserts or stems without the external application of heat, preferably preselecting the first diameter reducing release temperature to be at roughly room temperature. The clamp displays improved constrictive forces over prior art polymer clamps.

Abstract: A method for sheathing a substrate with a fluorine resin tube in accordance with the present invention includes placing a substrate sheathed with a heat-shrinkable fluorine resin tube into a cylindrical surface transfer member and heat-pressing the heat-shrinkable fluorine resin tube between the substrate and the cylindrical surface transfer member so that the heat-shrinkable fluorine resin tube is melt-bonded to the substrate. The fluorine resin tube after sheathing has excellent heat resistance and strength, and has a desired surface unevenness.

Abstract: An electric wire-connecting portion (11) is formed by connecting together conductive ends of a plurality of electric wires (W). One end of a heat shrinkable tube (12) is sealed with hot melt adhesive (15). The heat shrinkable tube (12) is attached onto the electric wire-connecting portion (11). A tube holding tool (13) for protecting the one end of the heat shrinkable tube (12) against heat is attached to the one end of the heat shrinkable tube (12). The heat shrinkable tube (12) is heated to shrink thereby sealing the electric wire-connecting portion (11). The tube holding tool (13) includes a holding portion (13a) for holding the one end of the heat shrinkable tube (12), and a shaft portion (13b) integrally formed with the holding portion (13a).

Abstract: A tape covering for elongate substrates such as metal pipes is provided. At least one edge of the tape is chamfered. and in preferred embodiments the angle of the chamfer is no greater than 25.degree. especially no greater than 7.degree.. In other preferred embodiments the tape comprises a backing layer and an adhesive layer, both of which preferably include a chamfered edge, the chamfer preferably extending through both the backing layer and the adhesive layer. The tape is preferably heat recoverable, and the adhesive, if present, heat activatable. The tape may be installed according to a preferred method of the invention using induction heating, preferably at such high frequency that the ratio of the thickness of the substrate to the skin depth is at least 25:1.

Abstract: A shampoo and hair conditioner containers indicating system for systems for distinguishing shampoo and hair conditioner containers. The system includes first and second raised letters. The first raised letter is configured to resemble the letter S and the second raised letter is configured to resemble the letter C. The first raised letter is adapted for attachment to a shampoo container. The second raised letter is adapted for attachment to a hair conditioner container. The first and second raised letters have tactilely distinguishable exteriors from one another.

Abstract: In a method for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container, the leading end of the label is joined to the bulbous sidewall region by adhesive bonds above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. While being pressed to the bulbous sidewall region, the label is wrapped about the container, and the trailing end of the label is then adhesively joined to the bulbous sidewall region, or to the overlapped leading end of the label. An apparatus for applying labels about a bulbous sidewall region of a container employs a label transfer drum which cooperates with an adhesive applicator to apply spaced adhesive patches to the leading end of the label above and below a major diameter section of the bulbous sidewall region. The label transfer drum also cooperates with the adhesive applicator to apply a continuous strip of adhesive to the trailing end of the label.

Abstract: A method of continuously forming a packaging sleeve of heat-shrinkable thermoplastic with an integral tear strip, the sleeve comprising a flattened tube having a first wall and second wall connected along parallel first and second lines of connection; lines of weakness formed in the first and second walls proximate to one of the lines of connection; the lines of weakness and the line of connection defining tear strip zones therebetween; a reinforcing-levering band in the tear strip zones formed by welding superimposed portions of the first and second walls; the reinforcing levering band being disposed parallel to the lines of weakness and in combination with the zones and lines of weakness establishing a tear strip for opening the sleeve.

Abstract: A horizontal type thermo-shrinking film labeling machine includes a tubular thermo-shrinking film dispensing wheel controlled to let off a thermo-shrinking film, a film delivery uni controlled to deliver the thermo-shrinking film forwards, a central guide shaft which guides the thermo-shrinking film in an opened status, a cutter unit controlled to cut the thermo-shrinking film being delivered from the central guide shaft, a packing wheel rotated to pick up the cut pieces of the thermo-shrinking film, permitting the cut pieces of the thermo-shrinking film to be sleeved onto products carried thereon individually, a feed unit controlled to feed products to respective receiving troughs on the packing wheel, a conveyer controlled to carry thermo-shrinking film packed products to a heating unit for heating, enabling each cut piece of the thermo-shrinking film to shrink and to be firmly secured to the periphery of the corresponding piece of product.

Abstract: The process calls for extrusion of a multilayer tubular structure with semiconducting innermost layer. In production of the sleeve the inner layer is partially removed leaving only a central portion forming an electrode. In addition the intermediate layer is made with a compound having pre-determined relative dielectric constant and dielectric rigidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for transfer printing and decorating metal objects of complex configuration. The process yields decorated objects with high clarity and uniformity of print quality. The process includes the steps of providing an object of complex configuration having a layer of thermosetting coating material formed thereon, aligning and fixing a piece of transfer paper having a transferable image formed thereon over the layer of coating material, placing a section of heat shrinkable plastic film over the transfer paper, and then heating the object so as to cause the film to shrink and facilitate the transfer of the image into the coating material.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism installed in a thermal-shrinking film labeling machine around a cylindrical guide shaft and controlled to cut a tubular thermal-shrinking film being sleeved onto the cylindrical guide shaft, including an annular mounting plate fixedly mounted around the cylindrical guide shaft; a plurality of cutting tool assemblies respectively mounted on the annular mounting plate and equiangularly spaced around the guide shaft, each cutting tool assembly including a rotary tool holder alternatively turned back and forth about an axis within a set angle, a double-edge cutting blade fixedly fastened to the rotary tool holder and turned with it to move over an annular groove around the cylindrical guide shaft in cutting off cut the tubular thermal shrinking film; anddriving means controlled to turn the rotary tool holder of each cutting tool assembly back and forth.

Abstract: A method is used to produce thermally shrinkable and electromagnetic wave proof tube and the product thereof which is internally or externally covered with a metallic net-like sleeve woven by soft zinc coated copper wires so as to make the electric cords arrangement in the tube neat, signal transmissions in a higher quality, appealing to eyes and durable against abrasion in use. The net-like sleeve can be woven by means of a weaving machine with different number of soft zinc-coated wires, such as 16, 24, 32 and 48 wires to obtain net-like sleeves of various densities and sizes. A so woven net-like sleeve is expandedly supported by a hollow metallic rod into shape and it can be adhered to the outer or inner surface of a thermally shrinkable tube. The metallic net-like sleeve can shrink along with the plastic tube when heated. It not only can neatly bind electric cords in a tube but also makes the tube appealing to eyes, durable against abrasion and anti-electromagnetic wave in practical operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making a thinwall guide catheter useful in delivery of therapeutic devices through a body vessel. The method comprises braiding a flat wire over the surface of a cylindrical core, placing a heat bondable polymer tube over the braid, surrounding the polymer tube with a heat shrink sleeve, heating the assembly to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to expand the core into braid interstices and bond the polymer tube to substantially only the outer surface of the braid and finally removing the heat shrink sleeve and core. The resulting guide catheter has approximately half the wall thickness of prior guide catheters and has excellent column stiffness and kink resistance.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis assembly for percutaneous deployment on a balloon catheter is disclosed. The assembly includes a radially expandable stent overlied by a tubular, low profile stent cover wrapped over the stent. The wrapped cover is thermally set to maintain its low profile wrapped configuration during deployment of the assembly. At the treatment site, the balloon portion of the catheter is inflated causing the stent to expand radially and the stent cover to unwrap and open to conform to the expanded configuration of the stent.

Abstract: The support is designed to keep in expanded condition an elastic covering sleeve for elongated cylindrical elements such as electric cable joints and the like. The support comprises a tape wound spirally in side-by-side turns so as to take on a cylindrical tubular form and mutual constraint means between the turns to keep the tape in wound condition. In accordance with the invention the tape and the constraint means are provided in different materials.

Abstract: A method for applying a corrosion-protective coating, with a heat-shrinkable tube, to a joint between welded end portions of corrosion-protectively coated steel pipes, has a configuration comprising the steps of: preparing a coating implement having a releasant layer formed on the outer circumferential portion of the heat-shrinkable tube, and a heating layer formed on the outer circumferential portion of the releasant layer; positioning the coating implement so as to cover the welded portion of the joint and its adjacent portions; thermally shrinking the coating implement in a state in which the gap between the coating implement and the aforementioned portions is kept in a vacuum; and removing the releasant layer and the heating layer, whereby the aforementioned portions are corrosion-protectively coated by the heat shrinkage of the tube.

Abstract: In a joint between welded end portions of corrosion-protectively coated steel pipes, a heat-shrinkable tube is positioned so as to cover the outer circumference of a welded portion and the outer circumferences of its adjacent portions, and the heat-shrinkable tube is thermally shrunk in a state in which a gap between the heat-shrinkable tube and the aforementioned portions is kept in a vacuum so that the aforementioned portions are corrosion-protectively coated with the heat-shrinkable outer layer of the heat-shrinkable tube thus thermally shrunk.

Abstract: A propane fuel storage tank having a fuel-containing tank body with an outer printed sleeve made of linear heat-shrink plastic material heat-shrunk in tight fitting encircling relation about the tank for preventing viewing of surface imperfections in the tank beneath the sleeve. A method of making and reconditioning propane fuel tanks is disclosed which includes loosely positioning a sleeve of such linear heat-shrinkable plastic material about the tank body and exposing the plastic sleeve to a temperature above its heat-shrink temperature to cause it to contract and tightly conform about the outer perimeter of the tank. The sleeve preferably encompasses a central cylindrical side wall of the tank, portions of the upper and lower semi-spherical end walls of the tank, and the lower foot ring, which results in a like-new reconditioned tank without the necessity for complete removal of surface imperfections and prior adhesively applied labels, or the need for complete repainting of the tank.

Abstract: A reinforced wood bat has a solid wood core with the same shape as standard wood bats but with slightly smaller dimensions. One or more continuous, uninterrupted layers of a conformable fabric sleeve, constructed of high strength fibers, snugly fitting over substantially the entire outer surface of the core forms a preformed bat assembly. The fabric sleeve is dimensioned to expand slightly over the barrel of the core and compress over the handle of the core. A fiberglass braided sleeve, with strands initially aligned at about +45.degree./-45.degree. orientation, is preferred. When the braided sleeve strands are tensioned over the handle portion, they align more longitudinally, and tend to lock, which significantly increases the reinforcing strength in the handle portion of the bat. An epoxy resin, which self-cures at or near room temperature, laminates and bonds the sleeve layers to the wood core to the full size dimension specified for wood bats.

Abstract: The process for applying labels to articles by first adhering a limited portion of the label to the article and subsequently rendering additional portions of the label adhesive so that they will adhere to the article after the label is affixed to the article. The leading and trailing edges of the label may be bonded to the article or each other to affix the label to a container or other such article. The portions of the label between the leading and trailing edges may be either provided with an adhesive agent that is in a non-adhesive state or be formed from a label material which is not normally adhesive but can be rendered adhesive through an additional process step. For example, coated polyethylene film can be applied to a container by means of a hot melt adhesive and then subsequently heated to a temperature at which the polyethylene material becomes adhesive causing it to stick to the container.

Abstract: Method for applying heat shrinkable segments of material (16) (e.g., labels or ornamental bands) to articles (25) (e.g., containers or ornaments) which have convex surfaces. The segment (16) is attached at both ends by adhesive to the convex surface (46) (or the trailing end of the segment (16) may be lapped over and adhesively attached to the leading end of the segment (16)). The adhesive attachments are confined to a narrow sector, e.g., the sector of widest diameter, or a circumference of a sphere, leaving major portions of the segment (16) on either side of such narrow sector unattached. These major portions are then heat shrunk onto the convex surface (46).

Abstract: A process for forming a multi-lumen catheter which includes the steps of providing a multi-lumen first tube, winding a flexible filament onto the first multi-lumen tube, and positioning a second tube over the wound filament layer of the first tube is disclosed for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter. The second tube is melted and bonded to the first tube and an occluding member is mounted onto the second tube to occlude a patient's ascending aorta when the occluding member is expanded.

Abstract: Heat-shrinkable sleeves of relatively opaque polymeric material having a relatively transparent integral strip (or other formation) to facilitate positioning of the sleeve on an article about which it is to be shrunk. The opaque portions of the sleeves preferably incorporate sufficient flame-retardant additives to compensate for the absence of such additives from the transparent portions, which transparent portions preferably occupy less of the sleeve surface than the opaque portions.

Abstract: A computer controlled labeling apparatus having a label applying mechanism for applying labels to containers. The labeling apparatus has a motor for driving a container transport and a sensor for providing transport status information to a controlling computer. The apparatus contains at least one labeling station. Each labeling station also has a motor and a sensor, the motor drives the labeling station and the sensor provides labeling station status information to the controlling computer. The computer is programmed to process status information in conjunction with prestored information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, containers, and desired labeling and generate suitable control signals for labeling apparatus operation. Computer control for the application of stretch type label material from a continuous web of material is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling containers allows labeling of containers by wrap around labeling without applying an adhesive on the leading edge of the label. Labels are held on a label drum and moved into a label applying position while containers are fed into the label applying position. Air is blown from a first position on the label drum onto the leading edge of the label at an angle to the label drum surface and in a direction backward along the label from the leading edge to force the leading edge of the label against the container, while also minimizing the laminar flow of air under the label. After the leading edge of the label has engaged the container, air is blown from a second position on the label drum spaced from the first position onto the label and container at an angle to the label drum surface to maintain a laminar flow of air over the label and maintain the label tight against the container during container rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat shrink clad core optical conduit and to an optical conduit having either a thermoplastic, thermoset or liquid, light transmitting core surrounded by, preferably a fluoropolymer cladding which is in turn surrounded by a tight-fitting, finish polymer jacket which may be either transparent or translucent, and is preferably made of a polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acrylic or silicone material. Numerous fillers and inserts may be used in the finish jacket polymer and the finish jacket polymer may be formed into various shapes. Bondable jacket materials may be used. The preferred method of forming the manufacturing jacket around a heat shrinkable fluoropolymer cladding is by extruding a low extrusion temperature polymer over a heat shrink clad in its expanded form into which an increased interior pressure is maintained to prevent shrinkage during the extrusion process.