Hollow Article Patents (Class 264/209.1)
  • Patent number: 11819629
    Abstract: A catheter shaft includes an inner layer defining an innermost circumferential surface of the catheter shaft and defining a lumen of the catheter shaft, and an outer layer defining an outermost circumferential surface of the catheter shaft. The inner layer is formed by a first polymer having a first durometer and a first melting temperature. The outer layer is formed by alternating first and second segments of the first polymer and a second polymer, respectively, that alternate in a circumferential direction. The second polymer has a second durometer softer than the first durometer and a second melting temperature lower than the first melting temperature. Each segment of the alternating first and second segments extend in an axial direction for substantially an entire length of the catheter shaft. A method of forming the catheter shaft via extrusion is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC CV LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Susheel Deshmukh
  • Patent number: 11662150
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a gas turbine engine includes a heat exchanger body having a first surface and a second surface oriented at least partially at an oblique angle relative to the first surface. The heat exchanger body defines a plenum extending between the first and second surfaces. Furthermore, the heat exchanger body defines a fluid passage extending through the second surface such that the fluid passage is in fluid communication with the plenum. The fluid passage, in turn, includes first and second portions. The first portion intersects the plenum at an intersection and defines a line of projection extending normal to the second surface. The second portion defines a line of projection extending normal to the first surface. The fluid passage further includes a curved portion extending from the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ramon Martinez, Raymond Floyd Martell, Donald Lee Gardner
  • Patent number: 11485162
    Abstract: A protective film that can be included in multi-layer film laminates for use in marketing, advertising campaigns, particularly outdoor or other environment impacted promotions and safety applications. The film includes at least two different polyurethane polymers and is free or substantially free of polyvinyl chloride based polymer. One polyurethane has an ultimate elongation less than 200%, and another polyurethane has an ultimate elongation more than 400%. The film may be transparent, translucent, clear or have other desirable optical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Schaner, Michael Ramsay, Steven Reekmans, Xiang Liu
  • Patent number: 11298864
    Abstract: A group of hollow modules through which the material to be extruded flows, is provided that includes at least: a rectangular heating-shaping module, in which the material undergoes a temperature increase and takes on the desired shape; and a tubular cooling-solidification module, in which the material changes from liquid to solid. A heating-reaction module is provided upstream of the heating-shaping module. The heating-reaction module includes an interchangeable hollow tube with an external heating system. The heating-shaping module includes detachable parts and includes another external heating system based on the auto-acceleration of the curing reaction and of the heat supply from said external heating system. The tubular portion between the heating-reaction module and the heating-shaping module includes a shaping coupling equipped with a through-hole. The extrusion module includes a circuit through which the polymer flows into at least two push compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Pablo Rodriguez Outon
  • Patent number: 10450414
    Abstract: Powder compositions and articles and methods of forming articles from powder compositions are provided. The powder compositions include at least one powder that preferably includes an amount of one or more branched polymers such as, for example, one or more branched polyamide polymers. The powder composition is preferably capable of being formed, via a layer-by-layer sintering process such as, for example, selective laser sintering, into a three-dimensional article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raffaele Martinoni, Paul Boehler, Paul Stenson, Jurgen Spindler, Eberhard Kinkelin, Gerhard Possnecker
  • Patent number: 10184594
    Abstract: A composite pipe and method of manufacture comprises an inner core coated with a resinous material, a prepreg material helically wound about the inner core and an outer shell covering the wound prepreg materials. The materials are applied at preselected melt temperatures to assure coherence among the materials and preclusion of voids and/or annuli therebetween. The melt temperature of the inner core is greater than the melt temperature of the coating and prepeg layers such that the heating needed to cohere these materials has no deleterious effect on the integrity of the inner pipe core. A cooling of the inner pipe core during initial application of the tape layer of prepreg materials stabilizes the radial configuration of the pipe core during tape wrapping and thus the appearance of undesirable voids and/or annuli in the composite pipe mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Todd A. Volker
  • Patent number: 10086172
    Abstract: An introducer sheath is configured to inhibit or prevent a distal section from being curled even when the wall thickness thereof is reduced, an introducer sheath is formed from a sheath tube that has a hollow section into which an elongated body can be inserted, and includes a sheath distal section and a sheath main body section. In the sheath for an introducer, the sheath distal section is formed to be harder than the sheath main body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryo Okamura
  • Patent number: 10029404
    Abstract: A film layer is disclosed that is capable of shrinking when subjected to energy, such as heat. The film layer, for instance, can be formed and then stretched in one or two directions at a relatively low temperature. In particular, the film is stretched while the film layer is at a temperature near the glass transition temperature of the polymer used to form the film. Drawing the film at a relatively low temperature has been found to improve the shrink properties of the film. In one embodiment, the film layer is comprised of a non-modified polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate. For example, the polyethylene terephthalate can be made by reacting terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Polyester Film, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Alfaro, Bob Finke, Ghulam Mustafa A. Sange
  • Patent number: 9931310
    Abstract: The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Carolyn L. Twomey, Gareth Clarke, Samuel J. Zaidspiner
  • Patent number: 9901706
    Abstract: A medical device may include an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft may further include a reinforcement member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may include a polymer having a first degree of crystallinity. The second portion may include a second degree of crystallinity different than the polymer of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Thomas Storbeck, Timothy Lawrence Rubesch
  • Patent number: 9789280
    Abstract: An antimicrobial lubricant applied to an outer surface of an introducer needle as part of a catheter assembly device. The catheter assembly device further includes a blood control septum having a slit through which the introducer needle is threaded. The antimicrobial lubricant is squeegeed, or removed from the outer surface of the introducer needle as the needle is removed from the slit following catheterization. The removed antimicrobial lubricant forms a deposit on the septum at a location proximate to the slit, thereby preventing colonization and growth of pathogens on the septum and other adjacent components and surfaces of the catheter assembly device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Yiping Ma
  • Patent number: 9750927
    Abstract: An antimicrobial lubricant applied to an outer surface of an introducer needle as part of a catheter assembly device. The catheter assembly device further includes a septum having a slit through which the introducer needle is threaded. The antimicrobial lubricant is squeegeed, or removed from the outer surface of the introducer needle as the needle is removed from the slit following catheterization. The removed antimicrobial lubricant forms a deposit on the septum at a location proximate to the slit, thereby preventing colonization and growth of pathogens on the septum and other adjacent components and surfaces of the catheter assembly device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Yiping Ma
  • Patent number: 9675793
    Abstract: Various methods can be employed to apply an antimicrobial coating to the outer surface of catheter tubing. The antimicrobial coating minimizes the risk of microbe colonization on the outer surface of the catheter tubing when the catheter tubing is positioned within the vasculature of a patient. A catheter can be manufactured using a pre-treatment process which applies the antimicrobial coating to the catheter tubing prior to applying a lubricant over top of the coating. The lubricant can function to retain the coating on the outer surface and also to limit the diffusion of the antimicrobial agent from the coating. A catheter can include an antimicrobial coating that does not block the visibility of flashback. Because the antimicrobial coating can be minimally transparent, the coating can be applied to the outer surface in a striped pattern or other pattern that leaves a portion of the outer surface uncoated or minimally coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Siddarth K. Shevgoor
  • Patent number: 9676134
    Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion head and a method with which the thickness distribution of hollow bodies, for example, can be further improved. The extrusion head consists of at least one mandrel (1) and one nozzle (2), which have a rigid geometry and therefore cannot be varied or can also be deformed flexibly in some areas and form a flow channel (3), wherein the positions of the mandrel (1) and the nozzle (2) can be varied relative to one another, so that the geometry of a discharge gap (s) of the flow channel (3) can be varied while a melt is being discharged, wherein each head part has at least one head section with a uniform cross-sectional area in a discharge area (A) of the extrusion head, and wherein at least one head part has at least two head sections (B) and (C), each of which has a predominantly uniform cross-sectional area within the head section (B), (C), which are spaced axially apart from one another and which have mutually different cross-sectional areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: HEINZ GROSS
    Inventor: Heinz Gross
  • Patent number: 9475245
    Abstract: A honeycomb extrusion apparatus includes a die body and a mask defining a peripheral gap. The peripheral gap includes a first extrusion cross section at a first radial location relative to the extrusion axis and a second extrusion cross section at a second radial location relative to the extrusion axis. An overall flow area of the first extrusion cross section is less than an overall flow area of the second extrusion cross section. In further examples, methods include co-extruding a honeycomb body with an integral skin with the overall flow area of the first extrusion cross section being less than the overall flow area of the second extrusion cross section. In further examples, methods include compensating for different skin flow characteristics associated with a particular honeycomb network configuration of discharge slots in a die body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas William Brew, Timothy Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 9157544
    Abstract: A valve section that functions as a solenoid valve device that includes a pressure adjusting section that adjusts fluid pressure supplied from a fluid pressure source; a pump section that sucks and discharges working fluid in a reservoir; and a single solenoid section that drives the pressure adjusting section and the pump section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimizu, Kazuhiko Kato, Naoyuki Fukaya, Kazunori Ishikawa, Kenichi Tsuchida, Akitomo Suzuki, Noriomi Fujii
  • Patent number: 9044311
    Abstract: An aortic graft device (10) is provided with a graft portion (12) integrally fixed to a corrugated trunk portion (14). A fixing ring (16) is provided between the graft and trunk portions. The trunk portion (14) can be everted into the graft portion, leaving the fixing ring (16) at an extremity of the device for suturing purposes. The fixing ring (16) is preferably made from a relatively stiff material such as a compressed foam or rubber like material, which provides a relatively solid component for a surgeon to hold during suturing and which can provide a strong support for sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Erik E. Rasmussen, Frank K. Christiansen
  • Publication number: 20150099079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a piece made of silicone including: (a) the blending of 100 parts by weight of an HCR silicone base having a viscosity of greater than 106 mPa.s with from 0.3 to 7 parts by weight, such as from 0.5 to 5 parts by weight, of an amphiphilic copolymer including hydrophobic polydiorganosiloxane blocks and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide) or ethylene oxide and propylene oxide copolymer blocks, until a homogeneous blend of HCR base and amphiphilic copolymer is obtained, (b) the shaping of the homogeneous blend obtained, and (c) the curing of the shaped blend by heating or irradiation. It also relates to a piece, in particular a tube, manufactured according to this process and to a device comprising such a tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Alban Letailleur, Boris Jaffrennou, Christophe Le Baron
  • Publication number: 20150088100
    Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in accessing a vasculature of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter body that includes a flattened oval outer surface and defines first and second lumens. The catheter body defines a distal tip region that includes a venous lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and includes a distal-facing portion. The distal tip region further includes an arterial lateral opening that is in fluid communication with the second lumen, includes a distal-facing portion, and is substantially un-staggered with respect to the venous lateral opening. A distal end opening is in fluid communication with a power injectable third lumen. In another embodiment, the first and second lumens each generally include a reniform cross-sectional shape. In yet another embodiment, a dual-lumen catheter includes first and second lumens that each define a modified ellipse cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Kelli D. Oborn, Ryan T. Moehle, Randy Barron, Christian W. Crook
  • Publication number: 20150061179
    Abstract: Ceramic die pin for molten thermoplastic extrusion, apparatus for molten thermoplastic extrusion including a ceramic die pin, and methods of molten thermoplastic extrusion with a ceramic die pin. The ceramic head member can have a mounting cavity formed therein. The ceramic head member can be made of high purity aluminum oxide, and have an outer surface finish of between about 4 RMS and about 275 RMS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward A. Hoffman, Larry M. Taylor, Gannon T. Kupko
  • Publication number: 20150001755
    Abstract: Systems (200) and methods for making different plastic products (202, 204) in a single melting process are provided. A method includes melting a plastic resin in a first extruder (104) to form a melt (106) and transferring at least a portion of the melt to a second extruder (114). Any portion of the melt (106) that is not transferred to the second extruder (114) is formed into a first plastic product (202). Additives (116) are blended with the melt in the second extruder to form a second melt (118), and a second plastic product (204) is formed from the second melt (118).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daudi A. Abe, Simon J. White
  • Publication number: 20140333001
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from 1,3-propylene glycol and a dicarboxylic acid; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate has a number average molecular weight from 500 to 10,000; and wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender. This thermoplastic polyurethane is unique in that it has a greatly reduced tendency to bloom. This is highly desirable in applications where high clarity is desired because blooming causes articles containing the thermoplastic polyurethane to be hazy or foggy in appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Julius Farkas, Charles P. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20140322393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular film food casing, a process for its production and a food product comprising the tubular film food casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: PODANFOL S.A.
    Inventors: Zoran SAVIC, Olaf WOZNIAK
  • Publication number: 20140319723
    Abstract: A method of making a catheter tube includes extruding a first resin having a first predetermined rigidity through a first extruder; extruding a second resin having a second predetermined rigidity through a second extruder; controlling a mixing ratio of the first and second resins extruded from the first and second extruders; and molding the first and second extruded resins to form an integrally molded tube having at least a first region, a second region which possesses a rigidity greater than the first region, and a transition region between the first region and the second region and which possesses a rigidity varying from the same rigidity as the rigidity of the first region to the same rigidity as the rigidity of the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noriyuki KITADA, Yuichi TADA
  • Patent number: 8859703
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bimodal Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polyethylene, having a density of from 0.930 g/cc to 0.960 g/cc, and a molecular weight distribution of from 10 to 25, wherein an article formed therefrom has a PENT of at least 1500. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a tubular article including obtaining a bimodal polyethylene having a density of from 0.930 g/cc to 0.960 g/cc and a molecular weight distribution of from 10 to 25, and processing the polyethylene under conditions where a specific energy input (SEI) is less than 300 kW·h/ton, and wherein the article has a PENT of at least 1500. Further disclosed is a method for controlling the degradation of polyethylene including polymerizing ethylene monomer, recovering polyethylene, extruding the polyethylene, and controlling the degradation of polyethylene by measuring the SEI to the extruder and adjusting throughput and/or gear suction pressure keep SEI less than 300 kW·h/ton, and forming an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Coffy, Steven Gray, David Knoeppel, Cyril Chevillard, David Rauscher, Carlos Corleto, Gerhard Guenther, Brian B. Cole, Stan Biesert, Vincent Barre, Ruby L. Curtis, Son Nguyen, Danielle Childress
  • Publication number: 20140296869
    Abstract: A surgical instrument may include a shaft, a force transmission mechanism, and an end effector. The shaft may have a proximal end and a distal end. The force transmission mechanism may be coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The end effector may be coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft may include a body having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may surround a lumen configured to receive a drive member that extends through the lumen. The outer surface of the body may form an outer surface of the shaft. The body may be made of a single material from the inner surface of the body to the outer surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicole KERNBAUM, Samuel T. CREWS, Harsukhdeep Singh RATIA
  • Publication number: 20140230946
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal insulating element. The element comprises a base material comprising one first series of hole configurations, said first series comprising a plurality of elongated interior holes. Each comprises a central hole axis (A) along its elongation, each central hole axis extending substantially mutually in parallel to each other along a first longitudinal direction. Each hole in a plane perpendicular to the first general longitudinal direction comprises a cross sectional hole shape. The elastic modulus E of said base material along said first longitudinal direction is equal to or larger than 1.5 GPa. The thermal insulating element is suitable for varying and high pressure environments. Further, the invention relates to armored unbonded flexible pipes comprising such a thermal insulating element. Further, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing such an element and a method of manufacturing such an armored unbonded flexible pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Inger-Margrete Procida, Allan Boye Hansen
  • Patent number: 8808488
    Abstract: A method for producing a connecting part (30), such as a connecting rod for an aircraft, made from a composite material, the connecting part including at least one hollow body (32) and at least one yoke (34) at each of the ends (36) of the body (32), is characterized in that the body (32) and the yokes (34) of the connecting part (30) are produced from a single section (P, P1, P2) made from a composite material and obtained using a continuous production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Epsilon Composite
    Inventors: Dominique Nogues, Frederic Louart, Jean-Pierre Maumus
  • Publication number: 20140187683
    Abstract: A composition for making polymeric fiber membranes, for use in non-cryogenic separation of gases, substantially improves product flow, with only a small decrease in the recovery ratio. The composition is a spin dope including tetrabromo bis-phenol A polycarbonate (TBBA-PC) and tetrabromo bishydroxyphenylfluorene polycarbonate (TBBHPF-PC), in proportions, by weight, ranging (in percent) from about 60/40 to 40/60, and n-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP) and triethylene glycol (TEG), wherein the ratio of the amounts of NMP to TEG, by weight, is in the range of about 1.6-2.5. The spin dope is used to make hollow fibers for use in gas-separation membrane modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Generon IGS, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Jensvold, Frederick L. Coan, Arthur J. Barajas
  • Publication number: 20140186564
    Abstract: A flexible tube includes a polymer composition of a poly vinyl chloride having a molecular weight greater than about 1.0 inherent viscosity (IV) and a bio-based plasticizer. Further, a method of forming a flexible tube is provided. The method includes compounding a poly vinyl chloride having a molecular weight greater than about 1.0 inherent viscosity (IV) with a bio-based plasticizer to form a polymer composition and extruding the polymer composition into the flexible tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Josef E. Guesman, Wayne E. Garver, Kathryn J. Morris, Nathan Klettlinger, Mark F. Colton
  • Patent number: 8758661
    Abstract: A device for generating a hollow plastic profile, in particular a plastic tube, having an air guidance system for interior cooling of the tube, wherein said device allows for a more simple design, improved process properties, and better tube quality. The device according to the invention comprises an extrusion die (100) having a melt channel (114) encompassing the extrusion axis, an extruder that feeds plastic melt to the extrusion die (100), and a suction device for suctioning air through the interior of the profile opposite the direction of extrusion, wherein the extruder feeds the extrusion die (100) centrally and the suction device comprises a central suction tube (140) disposed within the melt channel and partial flow suction channels (144) connected to the central suction tube (140); in the suctioning direction and leading out of the interior of the extrusion die (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Kraussmaffei Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Johannes Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140162007
    Abstract: A writing, drawing, painting or cosmetic device having at least one honeycomb body formed from a plastic material and/or a composite material consisting of a natural material and a plastic material. The at least one honeycomb body contains a plurality of hollow longitudinal structures that are axially parallel to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: J.S. Staedtler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Thies
  • Patent number: 8734699
    Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes at least one flat wire and a corresponding lumen through which the flat wire may travel. The steering mechanism may also include at least one pull ring to which the flat wires are attached. A layer of heat shrink material may encompass the outer layer. A braided wire assembly may also be provided in the outer layer, and may be formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires into a wire mesh. The overall cross-section of the catheter assembly is preferably substantially circular. A catheter shaft may include a plurality of segments of differing hardness characteristics. The outer layer typically comprises a melt processing polymer such that the catheter assembly may be laminated using heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Heideman, Allan M. Fuentes, Richard E. Stehr, Sarah Cumming, Mark Dustrude
  • Patent number: 8728370
    Abstract: A molding composition is suitable for the production of pipes having improved resistance to thermooxidative degradation when these pipes are in long-term contact with liquids comprising disinfectants having an oxidizing effect. Such molding composition comprises, in addition to thermoplastic polyolefins, a polyoxy compound and/or a polyhydroxy compound as additive in an amount of from 0.01 to 1.0% by weight. In addition, the molding composition can further comprise an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon in an amount of up to 5% by weight. The invention also relates to a process for improving the long-term resistance of water pipes to damage caused by oxidizing disinfectants from the water by use of this molding composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Basell Polyolefin GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Vogt, Hansjörg Nitz
  • Publication number: 20140120062
    Abstract: Disclosed are composites comprising water-soluble polymeric fibers dispersed in a biodegradable polymer matrix, as well as methods of making and using such composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Carlos A. Cruz
  • Patent number: 8703030
    Abstract: A method for producing a high strength, flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) material is provided wherein the base polymer is intermixed with a polymer modifier which affects the amorphous region of the polymer, leaving the crystalline portion of the base polymer virtually unaffected. Consequently, the amorphous region's density is lowered, resulting in a more flexible final product, while the crosslinked molecular structure and/or crystalline portion of the polymer, which controls the strength of the base polymer, remains strong. The polymer modifier can comprise a hydrocarbon fluid such as PAO, Group III basestocks, or a gas-to-liquid hydrocarbon. The plastic material has particular utility in the production of tubing, piping, and conduits for transporting gases, liquids, and the like, as well as wire and cable coatings such as jacketing and insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc., Zurn Pex, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Russell, Rodney Mize, Gary Lee Runyan, Bruce A. Harrington, Bryan R. Chapman, David B. Dunaway, Gerd Arthur Allermann
  • Patent number: 8696974
    Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a fluorine-containing polymer and 2 to 30 parts by weight of an unsaturated compound containing at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of an epoxy group and a carboxyl group, wherein the fluorine-containing polymer has been graft-modified with the polar group-containing unsaturated compound by irradiation of ionizing radiation, a production process thereof, and formed products such as a heat-shrinkable tube equipped with a layer composed of the adhesive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Fine Polymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoaki Moriuchi, Hiroshi Hayami, Shinya Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140096682
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. Contacting of the sorbent with the gas mixture and/or desorption of the carbon dioxide from the liquid sorbent utilize hollow fiber contactors that have permeable walls and incorporate particles distinct from a remainder of the walls to influence wetting properties of the contactors. Polytetrafluoroethylene particles may be homogenously disposed throughout hollow fiber contactors to influence wetting properties of the contactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Clint P. Aichele, Imona C. Omole
  • Patent number: 8673100
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making one or more tubular components of medical catheters or other tubular bodies using a strip of polymer material including a length, a width, and a first surface including a lubricious or other coating or surface modification. The strip is directed adjacent an elongate mandrel, such as beading, such that the length of the strip extends along the mandrel and the coating is disposed towards the mandrel. The strip is rolled at least partially around the mandrel such that the coating or surface modification is disposed inwardly towards the mandrel, and one or more strip-constrainment members are wrapped around the rolled strip. The directing, rolling, and wrapping steps may be substantially continuous to create one or more strip-mandrel-constrainment member subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen A. Leeflang
  • Patent number: 8658074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic elastomer extrusion apparatus and method. An apparatus 400 for in-situ extrusion of an elastomeric coating 410 on a profiled helical surface 450 can include a template (100, 200) forming a gap between the profiled helical surface 450 and an adjacent profiled helical surface (102, 202) of a template (100, 200) itself to extrude an elastomer therethrough. A tracking mechanism 302 and/or carriage 300 can allow a template to follow the contours of the profiled helical surface 350. The apparatus can include means for providing relative movement between the profiled helical surface and the template. The apparatus (500, 600) can include a cleaning module (502, 602), an adhesive application module (504, 604), an elastomer deposition module (506, 606), and/or a curing module (508, 608). Each module can further include a template (100, 200) and/or a tracking mechanism 302.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Geoff Downton, Lawrence Lee
  • Patent number: 8647551
    Abstract: A process for producing moldings with condensing-up of a polyamide molding composition whose polyamide component contains, as a result of the method of preparation, at least 5 ppm of phosphorus in the form of an acidic compound by means of a compound having at least two carbonate units, wherein a) from 0.001 to 10% by weight, based on the polyamide, of a salt of a weak acid is added to the polyamide molding composition prior to compounding or during compounding, b) a mixture of the finished composition and the compound having at least two carbonate units is prepared, c) the mixture is, if appropriate, stored and/or transported and d) the mixture is subsequently processed to produce the molding, with the condensing-up occurring only in this step, effects a significant increase in the melt stiffness combined with moderate processing pressures, which considerably simplifies, in particular, the production of hollow bodies and hollow profiles having large diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Dowe, Rainer Goering, Martin Himmelmann, Sonja Bollmann, Franz-Erich Baumann, Roland Wursche
  • Patent number: 8628718
    Abstract: Polymeric compositions and processes of forming the same are discussed herein. The processes generally include contacting a polylactic acid with a reactive modifier selected from epoxy-functionalized polybutadiene, ionic monomer, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fengkui Li, John Ashbaugh, David Rauscher, Robert Dotter
  • Patent number: 8618200
    Abstract: An insulating tube for an electrode lead for medical use, particularly a cardiac pacemaker electrode lead, defibrillator electrode lead, electrode lead for nerve stimulation or the like, including a base material made of at least one material of the group consisting of silicones, polyurethanes, polyimide, PTFE, ETFE, and copolymers made of silicones and polyurethanes. In order to improve the functionality of such an insulating tube during friction of the tube with friction partners, at least in one volume region, which preferably forms the lateral surface of the insulating tube, the tube, in addition to the base material, includes a fibrous and/or particulate filler material having a higher abrasion resistance than the respective base material. A corresponding electrode lead is also provided, and a simple and cost-effective method for producing such an insulating tube and such an electrode lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Guenther, Gernot Kolberg
  • Patent number: 8608995
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separated tip catheter having a separated tip configuration includes the steps of: extruding an extrusion material through a die to form a catheter including a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a first lumen and a second lumen, the catheter body having a septum positioned between the first and second lumens; and feeding a strip into the die so that the strip is positioned between the first lumen and the second lumen along a length of the catheter, the strip having a first proximal section formed of a first material capable of bonding with the extrusion material and a second distal section formed of a second material incapable of bonding with the extrusion material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Michael R. Sansoucy
  • Patent number: 8585947
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on fibers and on a crosslinkable resin, by continuous winding and superposition of several layers of a tape of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising a crosslinkable resin. The process comprises from upstream to downstream, the following steps: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcement fibers (11) and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement (12) of fibers by the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating said arrangement (12) of fibers under vacuum with said resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to make said pre-preg into the form of a tape (21) composed of reinforcement fibers (11) in their liquid resin (17) matrix, the thickness of said tape being less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Meraldi, Antonio Delfino
  • Publication number: 20130300024
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for making a conduit divided into channels by one or more strip-shaped substrates. The channels may be used for cables, such as fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, electrical cables, electrical wiring, and the like. Each divided conduit provides channels that allow e.g., cables to be pulled through without snagging or excessive heat build-up due to friction. In addition, the divided conduits do not allow contact or alternation losses between adjacent cables in other channels of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Milliken & Company
  • Publication number: 20130302548
    Abstract: Silicone tube structures are formed having a particular dimensional accuracy. In one embodiment, a silicone tube structure can include an extruded hollow body having an inner bore. The extruded hollow body can have an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a length of at least approximately 20 m. The extruded hollow body can also have a dimensional accuracy that is measured by the standard deviation of the inner diameter being no greater than approximately 0.8% of an average inner diameter of the extruded hollow body over the length. In an embodiment, the silicone tube structure can be cut to form a number of silicone tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Adam P. Nadeau, Michael E. Cahill, Michael J. Tzivanis, Ashok Mohanty
  • Patent number: 8568860
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiwall sheets and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises: main layers and transverse walls. The multiwall sheet comprises: a total thickness of greater than or equal to about 45 mm, a weight of greater than or equal to about 4.5 kg/m2, and/or greater than or equal to about 8 cells and a U-value of less than or equal to about 1.2 W/m2K. The multiwall sheet further comprises greater than 75 wt % branched polycarbonate resin, based upon a total weight of the multiwall sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Christianus Johannes Jacobus Maas, Johann Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130255498
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a polyolefin-composite hollow-fiber membrane and a manufacturing method for the same, said polyolefin-composite hollow-fiber membrane having: a homogenous membrane layer formed from polyolefins having a metal flow rate measured in accordance with JIS K7210 code D of 1.0 g/10 minutes, or less, and an Mw/Mn ratio of not more than 4.0; and a porous membrane layer which is formed from polyolefins having an Mw/Mn ratio of 8.0-12.0. The present invention also pertains to a hollow-fiber membrane module which is equipped with the polyolefin-composite hollow-fiber membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noritaka Shibata
  • Patent number: 8545742
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating a low crystallinity polymer tube for polymers subject to strain-induced crystallization. The low crystallinity tube may be further processed to make an implantable medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Manish B. Gada, Lothar W. Kleiner, Bethany E. Steichen