Abstract: The present invention provides bimodal polyethylene resins in which the high molecular weight ethylene copolymer component typically has a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution, with short chain branching content being substantially constant across its molecular weight distribution. The resins of this invention are typically characterized by improved toughness and resistance to slow crack propagation properties making them useful for pressure pipe applications.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide an ion exchanger having excellent electric properties, a low electric resistance, excellent mechanical strength and, at the same time, having excellent contamination resistance. [Means for Solution] An ion exchanger comprises a melt-extrusion-formed body of a resin composition containing a granular ion-exchange resin and a low-melting polyolefin resin having a melting point of not higher than 170° C., the melt-extrusion-formed body: (a) containing the granular ion-exchange resin at a ratio of not less than 30% by weight but less than 50% by weight, and the low-melting polyolefin resin in an amount of more than 100 parts by weight but not more than 150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the granular ion-exchange resin; (b) having a melt index in a range of 1 to 5 g/10 min. as measured at 190° C.; and (c) having a water content of not less than 30%.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyamide moulding compositions containing: (A) at least 20% by wt. polyamide and/or at least one copolymer containing at least 20% by wt. polyamide structural units; (B) 0.01% by wt. to 2% by wt., relative to the polyamide portion and/or the portion of polyamide structural units, of the composition of a copper-containing stabiliser; and (C) 0.01% by wt. to 3% by wt., relative to the polyamide portion and/or the portion of polyamide structural units of the composition, of at least one organic compound containing metal complexing groups, so that the copper ions are present in complexed form through binding to the metal-complexing groups. These moulding compositions may be used as coating material for coolant lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extrusion line for producing plastic profiles, preferably plastic tubes, comprising at least one extruder (1), a tool (2), a calibrator (3) and additional subsequent devices (4, 5). According to the invention, for cooling the profile (9), the tool (2) has a recess and/or a chamber (11) is arranged about the extruded pipe in order to be able to change the air counter to the direction of extrusion (7). The invention also relates to a method for extruding a plastic profile, in particular a plastic tube, in an energy-efficient manner, said method consisting of the following steps: a) the plastic is melted in an extruder (1); b) a plastic strand is formed and is fed to a tool (2); c) a plastic profile is formed by means of the tool (2) and d) the profile is calibrated and hardened by cooling in a calibrator (3). The profile (9) is externally cooled as well as internally cooled in the calibrator (3).

Abstract: A system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with soil and sediment samplers, including direct push technology, rotary and coring systems, is disclosed. The liner is pre-scored along its length by one or more score lines formed in the exterior surface or the interior surface of the liner. After removal from the sampler, the liner can easily be opened to expose the contained sample without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects, in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include hexalobal bulked continuous filaments with three axial voids, spinneret plates with a capillary design for producing the hexalobal, tri-void bulked continuous filaments (BCFs) of the present disclosure, articles made from the hexalobal filaments of the present disclosure, methods of making the hexalobal, tri-void filaments of the present disclosure, and the like.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing of an asymmetric hollow fiber membrane, comprising the steps of extruding a polymer solution through the outer ring slit of a hollow fiber spinning nozzle, simultaneously extruding a center fluid through the inner bore of the hollow fiber spinning nozzle, into a precipitation bath, whereby the polymer solution contains 10 to 26 wt-% of polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES) or polyarylethersulfone (PAES), 8 to 15 wt-% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), 55 to 75 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 3 to 9 wt-% water the centre fluid contains 70 to 90 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 10 to 30 wt-% water, and the precipitation bath contains 0 to 20 wt-% N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (NAP) and 80 to 100 wt-% water.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally a manufacturing process which results in a completely hydrogel polymer device that maintains lumen patency which allows for numerous applications. Catheters and stents are particular examples, and their composition, mechanical characteristics, and the significantly unique ability to conduct and allow fluids to pass from one end to the other without physiological rejection, inflammation, or manifestation of complications due to implant or otherwise undesirable outcomes when used for ambulatory and or therapeutic interventions is the purpose of the invention.

Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A membrane which can be used for cultivating cells, in particular adherent cells. The membrane permits the adhesion and proliferation of the cells based on its specific composition comprising polyurethane. The resulting surface characteristics further permit the membrane to be used without any pre-treatment with surface modifying substances. A method for preparing a membrane which can be used for cultivating cells, in particular adherent cells. Methods of using the membrane for cultivating cells, in particular adherent cells.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiwall sheet comprises a first sheet comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, a second sheet comprising a first surface and a second surface; and a rib disposed between the inner surface and the first surface. The outer layer can have surface features and has a surface area of greater than or equal to 140% of a planar, flat, non-profiled surface area for a same unit area.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of flexible pipe from a composition comprising: a polymeric part (a) consisting of a thermoplastic polymer obtained by homopolymerisation or copolymerisation of a monomer of butene-1, or a blend of a thermoplastic polymer obtained by homopolymerisation or copolymerisation of a monomer of butene-1 with one or more compatible thermoplastic polymers, a polydiorganosiloxane (b) having a minimum Williams plasticity of 30 determined by the ASTM 926 test method and an average of at least 2 alkenyl radicals per molecule, an organohydrido silicon compound (c) having an average per molecule of at least 2 silicon atoms bound directly to a hydrogen atom, a hydrosililation catalyst (d) which process comprises (i) the provision of a cured polydiorganosiloxane (B1) obtained by crosslinking of the compounds (b) and (c) in the presence of catalyst (d), (ii) causing the cured polydiorganosiloxane (B1) to be dispersed in the polymeric part (a) thus obtaining a thermoplastic elastomer and (iii) moul

Abstract: Various embodiments of a medical device tube having scaffolding-supported inner and outer walls are provided. In particular, the medical device tube may include a plurality of struts extending from an inner wall to an outer wall of the medical device tube. In certain embodiments, each of the individual struts may connect to adjacent struts at the inner wall and the outer wall. As such, the plurality of struts may comprise a zigzag pattern circumferentially around the medical tube device. In other embodiments, the struts may extend radially from the inner wall to the outer wall of the medical tube device. Regardless, the area between the struts and the inner wall and/or the outer wall form a plurality of lumens, which may be used for suctioning, blowing, and various other applications of the medical device tube.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing multi-lumen catheter tubes are disclosed. The described methods may be employed to manufacture a reinforced catheter tube suitable for use in power injectable and torqueable multi-lumen catheters, for example. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a multi-lumen catheter tube comprises first clamping a flexible sheet of catheter tube material between first and second mandrels. The mandrels may be D-shaped, or may include another suitable cross sectional profile. The first and second mandrels are rotated with respect to the flexible sheet so as to wrap the flexible sheet about the mandrels. Adjacent portions of the flexible sheet are joined along a longitudinal length thereof to define a closed catheter tube including first and second lumens. The first and second lumens may conform to the D-shaped profile of the respective mandrels.

Abstract: An electric cable for conveying signals, the cable having a diameter of less than 2 mm and comprising at least one conductor in an insulating sheath, the sheath having a dielectric constant ? of less than 1.7. To achieve this, the sheath is made of PTFE and it includes at least one continuous cell.

Abstract: A tampon applicator is described which comprises an ejector tube and an outer tube. The outer tube is dimensioned to fit closely and telescopically over the ejector tube. The outer tube has a distal discharge end. The distal end of the ejector tube is formed with one or more radially inwardly slanted fingers. The outer tube can comprise supporting means configured to restrict radially outward expansion of the fingers of the ejector tube when the tampon applicator is in telescopically compacted position.

Abstract: A new polymeric composition of extruded conduits and pipes is described, which is free of fluoroelastomer processing additive whilst maintaining superior processability.

Abstract: A device for making a profiled insulation having an extrusion die with an extrusion tip and a polymer chamber surrounding the extrusion tip. The polymer chamber has at least one air chamber therein. The air chamber is held in place and coupled to the outside of the extrusion die by a vertical fin extending outwards from the extrusion tip. When molten polymer flows through the polymer chamber around the air chamber, an opening is introduced into the polymer such that the profiled insulation is formed as the polymer exits the extrusion die, having a longitudinal cavity therein corresponding to the location of the opening formed by the at least one air chamber.

Abstract: A medical catheter tube containing a tetrafluoroethylene polymer, which has a wall thickness of 0.1 mm or below and exhibits a tensile strength (S1) at 1.0 mm displacement of 5.0 N/mm or above; and a process for the production of medical catheter tubes, characterized by molding a composition both a tetrafluoroethylene polymer and a lubricant having high affinity for the polymer by paste extrusion. The invention provides thin-wall medical catheter tubes excellent in elongation resistance, kink resistance and internal cavity lubricity.

Abstract: A method and extrusion line for producing peroxide-cross-linked polyethylene pipes in an extrusion line having an extruder, a cross-linking furnace and a flue. The extruded tube is subjected to a stretching process, and the cross-linking furnace has a first heating section that extends from its inlet to an actuated deflection roller and a second heating section from the deflection roller to its outlet. The stretching process in the first heating section and the stretching process in the second heating section are monitored and regulated in such a manner that the necessary stretching of the pipe takes place primarily in the first heating section, and the stretching of the pipe in the second heating section is subjected to zero adjustment. In this case, the height of the deflection roller(s) of the cross-linking furnace and the angle of the heating sections to the horizontal plane can be height-adjustable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable molded part, comprising: providing a binding agent which contains a lyzable biopolymer; forming a molded part from the binding agent, wherein the time stability of the molded part to biological lysis is set by at least one of the following measures: adding a pulverized inorganic solid matter in a proportion of 5% to 85% of the mass of the binding agent before forming the molded part; thawing at least one of the surfaces of the molded part using a chemical or biological method such that the surface has a structuring in the range between 1 nm and 10 ?m. The invention further relates to an accordingly produced molded part.

Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane is produced through a thermally induced phase separation process by dissolving a highly hydrophilic polyamide resin in a high-boiling-point solvent such as an aprotic polar solvent at a temperature of not lower than 100° C. The hollow fiber membrane has a membrane surface having a water contact angle of not greater than 80 degrees, and has a water permeability of not less than 100 L/m2·atm·h and a 0.1-?m particle rejection percentage of not less than 90%.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene resin comprising polytetrafluoroethylene having a two-dimensional branched structure in the molecule is produced by exposing polytetrafluoroethylene to an ionizing radiation at a dose of no more than 10 kGy.

Abstract: In a method of making a food casing a mixture is extruded to form a seamless tube. The mixture comprises at least 10% of cellulose fiber and at least 50% of nylon-6 content. The nylon-6 content has a weighted average viscosity number of at least 155 ml/g and at most 230 ml/g. The seamless tube is oriented by at least 10% in the machine direction with at most 0% orientation in the transverse direction to form an oriented seamless tube.

Abstract: This invention provides a tube having durability against harsh flexion, shrinkage, torsion, or the like and reduced slip resistance between tubes or upon contact with another member. Such tube is used for a product comprising a site at which a plurality of tubes are fixed at both ends and tied together with each other and/or in contact with another member, and the sites of fixation at the both ends are sites of motion at which reciprocal movement is repeated. Such tube is obtained via extrusion molding of a thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer and has a satin-finished outer surface. The invention also provides a method for preparing such tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze, and comprising immiscible blends of at least one polyester comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles, having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend which have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about ?0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce shaped articles having oxygen-scavenging properties.

Abstract: A polyamide moulding composition with the following constitution is described: (a) from 40 to 90% by weight of a copolyamide, where this is composed of (a1) 1,6-hexanediamine and 1,10-decanediamine and also (a2) terephthalic acid and at least one other polyamide-forming monomer selected from the group of: dicarboxylic acid having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, laurolactam, aminolauric acid, and/or mixtures thereof; (b) from 10 to 40% by weight of macromolecular plasticizers, with the proviso that these can have been replaced to some extent by low-molecular-weight plasticizers; (c) from 0 to 20% by weight of additives and/or added substances. Uses of this type of moulding composition are also described, in particular for the production of a fuel line, cooling line, oil line or urea line for the automobile sector, as also are production processes to give mouldings.

Abstract: Extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation, the method for extruding such products, and the windows and doors made with such plastic extrusions. The plastic extrusions may additionally include a low heat build-up capstock system comprising an acrylic cap and pigment system that is substantially IR transparent. The extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation are recyclable using conventional plastic extrusion process and are fully weldable in conventional window and door manufacturing.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device and methods and apparatuses for making same is provided. The fluid transfer device comprises a conduit configured to transfer a fluid. The fluid transfer device further comprises a sheath surrounding the perimeter of the conduit and extending along at least part of the length of the conduit. In some embodiments, the interior of the sheath may be grooved to facilitate movement of the fluid from the location or locations of a leak or leaks along the length of the fluid transfer device. The sheath comprises one or more leak detection portions configured to provide an indication of fluid leaking from the conduit.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable drug delivery device and various methods of making the same. The devices are preferably formed from bioabsorbable materials using low temperature fabrication processes, hereby drugs or other bio-active agents are incorporated into or onto the device and degradation of the drugs or other agents during processing is minimized. Radiopaque markers may also be incorporated into, or onto, the devices. The devices may be generally tubular helical stents comprised of a solid ladder or an open lattice configuration, or a hybrid combination thereof. The tubular helical stents are generally formed from precursor fibers, films or tubes. The solid ladder configuration provides increased radiopacity and increased radial strength, whereas the open lattice configuration provides better endothelialization and fluid flow through the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of copolyester elastomer compositions for manufacturing articles by melt extrusion processes at high extrusion rate, which articles exhibit higher quality smooth surface appearance than the articles made from compositions of the state of the art.

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.

Abstract: A single or multiple lumen catheter is disclosed which includes an expandable lumen. The expandable lumen is movable from a collapsed or sealed configuration to an open or expanded configuration. In the open configuration, the expandable lumen is dimensioned to receive a guidewire or stylet or facilitate the introduction of fluids into a patient.

Abstract: Method for making a hollow body comprising, as sole layer(s), at least one layer L1 consisting of a polyamide composition comprising an aromatic polyamide and an impact modifier, said method comprising extruding the polyamide composition through a die.

Abstract: Polypropylene composition comprising a propylene homopolymer (A) and a random propylene-butene copolymer (B) or a random propylene-ethylene copolymer (B?) wherein the polypropylene composition is ?-nucleated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a polymer layer of a flexible unbonded offshore pipe. The process comprises the steps of shaping a polymer material by extrusion into or onto a supporting unit in an extrusion station and cross-linking said extruded polymer material, said polymer material comprising a polyethylene and a peroxide for providing a cross-linking of the polymer material. The peroxide has an activation temperature substantially above the temperature of the polymer material during the extrusion thereof. The cross-linking of the extruded polymer material is carried out by exposing the extruded polymer material to electromagnetic waves, selected from the group consisting of infrared radiation and microwave. The invention also relates to a flexible unbonded offshore pipe comprising such polymer layer.

Abstract: A dual-layer dilatation balloon, and a process of making such balloon, which includes an inner layer that includes a plasticizer and a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, a copolymer thereof, and a combination thereof, and an outer layer that includes an ethylene-propylene rubber. The dual-layer balloon optionally further includes a stent disposed on the balloon. The stent is optionally a drug-eluting stent.

Abstract: Polyesters whose polycondensation is catalyzed by titanium-containing catalysts and which are susceptible to acetaldehyde formation during polycondensation or subsequent molding operations are prepared with low finished acetaldehyde content and reduced acetaldehyde generation by adding an ammonium or amine salt of an oxyphosphorus-acid. Polyesters, especially polyethylene terephthalate, may be produced with high inherent viscosity in reduced processing time, without the necessity of further polymerization in the solid state.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A bioerodible stent, having a composition comprising Fe, Mn, Si and C has desirable mechanical, erosion, and physiological characteristics.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus and method for producing a resin film product from a thermoplastic resin in a stable manner without damage to the product, wherein the resin film product is thin and has a uniform, flat surface. A mandrel 7 that comes into proximity or contact with the surface of a moving resin film to guide the movement of the resin film when a resin film in continuous form is continuously produced, the mandrel comprising: a mandrel main body 71 having an opening; and a guide part 72 that is composed of an elastic member attached to the opening 71a and that can advance and retract relative to the resin film, and an apparatus and method for producing a resin film using the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of producing a tubular member which includes providing at least one micro-extruder configured to extrude at least one material and providing a surface configured to accept the material extruded from the micro-extruder.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced building product from garbage, comprising the steps of sorting garbage, shredding plastics within the garbage, shredding fibers within the garbage, heating the shredded plastics, forming a slurry from the plastics and fibers, disposing the slurry within an extrusion cavity, extruding the fluid through a venturi, and allowing the extruded materials to cool. Garbage is separated into plastics, fibers, and other materials. Plastics are shredded to facilitate melting. Fibers are shredded to macroscopic lengths no greater than a maximum internal diameter of a venturi. The plastics are melted. The melted plastics are mixed with fibers and other material to form a slurry that is extruded from a cavity through a venturi, thereby causing significant alignment of the shredded fibers within the slurry in an outer region of the extruded slurry. Cooled, there is reinforced building material.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly that includes an elongated hollow structure comprising a thermoplastic material that is extrudable having a first end and a second end. A first end cap attached to the first end. A vent tube attached to the first end cap, the vent tube extending from the first end cap. A second end cap attached to the second end. The mandrel assembly adapted to shape and form a composite structure in or outside an autoclave.

Abstract: Supporting device for a plastic profile (2), in particular for a plastic pipe, in a calibration device which has a supporting region (1), in which it supports the plastic profile (2), wherein the contour (3) in the supporting region (1) is adapted to the contour of the plastic profile (2). According to the invention, provision is made in that the contour (3) in the supporting region (1), in particular the radius (4), can be changed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for changing a supporting region of a supporting device, in which the position of one or more series-arranged supporting devices with continuously changeable supporting region are changed as a function of a predetermined theoretical diameter such that the predetermined diameter is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding die for molding a hollow molding article, including: a pin plate having an inflow port for molding material, a tubular bushing forming a molding path continued from the inflow port, an outlet of the die positioned in the extending direction of the molding path, a conical pin provided perpendicularly to the pin plate and disposed inside the molding path, a gap, that is continuous in the longitudinal direction, being provided between an inner wall surface of the molding path and an outer surface of the conical pin, an adjusting device for adjusting a width of a standard annular gap when a gap formed between a specified position in the longitudinal direction of the molding path and the outer surface of the conical pin opposing to the position.

Abstract: A catheter, formed in part of a polymer with a plurality of metal-coated nanotubes dispersed therein, is provided, along with methods of making and using such catheters. The method includes heating a polymer above a melting point of the polymer; dispersing a plurality of metal-coated nanotubes within the polymer; and forming the polymer having the plurality of metal-coated nanotubes dispersed therein into a catheter component. Methods of imaging a catheter including a polymer having a plurality of metal-coated nanotubes dispersed therein also is provided, which includes inserting a portion of a catheter into a body lumen; exposing the portion of the catheter to x-ray radiation; and obtaining an x-ray image of the portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of peroxide crosslinked polymer parts, mainly tubes, in which the crosslinkable polymer is heated in an extruder in a controlled manner to a value above the crystallite melting point of the polymer, but below the crosslinking temperature, and fed continuously to an extrusion die to create the part and in which at least a partial crosslinking of the polymer is achieved in the extrusion die by heating of the polymer above a crosslinking temperature provision.

Abstract: Medical device polymeric tubing segments suitable for forming catheter shafts or as balloon parisons are formed with discrete regions having different orientation relative to each other. Wall thickness may also be varied of the length of the segment.