Abstract: A tubular tissue scaffold is described which comprises a tube having a wall, wherein the wall includes biopolymer fibrils that are aligned in a helical pattern around the longitudinal axis of the tube where the pitch of the helical pattern changes with the radial position in the tube wall. The scaffold is capable of directing the morphological pattern of attached and growing cells to form a helical pattern around the tube walls. Additionally, an apparatus for producing such a tubular tissue scaffold is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a biopolymer gel dispersion feed pump that is operably connected to a tube-forming device having an exit port, where the tube-forming device is capable of producing a tube from the gel dispersion while providing an angular shear force across the wall of the tube, and a liquid bath located to receive the tubular tissue scaffold from the tube-forming device. A method for producing the tubular tissue scaffolds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of production of tubes comprising, on an extruder, extruding molten plastics through die formations of a die head so as to extrude tubes each including at least one internal longitudinal web, and subsequently cooling the extruded tubes. In addition, when advancing molten plastics through a die hole (110) of the die head, the die head includes a die mandrel (122) having a first portion (124) attached to the die body and a second portion (126) extending in the die hole (110) so as to extrude the tube with at least one internal longitudinal web, the advancing including conveying molten plastics along a flow passageway (134) in the first portion (124) of the die mandrel (122) towards a central longitudinal region of the die hole at the second portion (126). The die body advantageously has a die mandrel locating device (118) arranged at the upstream side of the die body for locating the die mandrel (122) centrally of the die hole (110) of the die body.

Abstract: An elongated building element (14) to form a series of walls (10) to (13). The elements (14) each have longitudinally extending flanges (21) that snap engage with longitudinally extending grooves (19) in the next adjacent element (14). Accordingly the wall (10) is constructed by joining the elements (14) in a direction transverse their general direction of extension. If so required the elements (14) may be filled with concrete.

Abstract: An implantable, radially distensible stent includes a tubular structure having opposed open ends. The wall of the stent is made from a shape memory polymeric material. Grooves may be disposed within an outer surface of stent wall to improve flexibility and drainage of the stent.

Abstract: A method includes forming an elongated member having a tubular shape. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen. A spiral-shaped opening is formed in the sidewall such that the elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a distal retention structure. The distal retention structure can be disposed at a distal end of the elongated member and can define a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: A method for extrusion molding a medical tube from a soft thermoplastic resin. The method requires the use of a mold that provides flow paths sandwiching the axial portion. The mold comprises a mold body, a pin, and a land portion. The extrusion method involves three processes.

Abstract: Abrasion resistant polymer pipe and a process for the production thereof. The pipe comprises a first, abrasion resistant inner layer (1) and a second, structural layer (2), which is placed on the outer side of the inner layer. The first and the second layers comprise extrudable polymer materials and they are preferably separated by an alarm layer which indicates wear or depletion of the inner layer. The pipe is suitable for use in the mining industry and generally for conducting liquid and gaseous fluids containing abrasive particles.

Abstract: A catheter shaft including an elongate tubular member including a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer bonded to the first polymeric layer. The first polymeric layer is formed of a polymer generally not bondable to fluoropolymers, and the second polymeric layer is formed of a fluoropolymer bonded to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The fluoropolymer of the second polymeric layer is a functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride which has a bonding affinity to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride includes reactive functional groups chemically bonded to a polymer chain of a polyvinylidene fluoride which readily bond to the polymer chain of the polymer of the first polymeric layer.

Abstract: A piece of corrugated pipe cut from a longer length of pipe is provided with a pipe coupling part by subjecting one or more of the corrugation crests on the pipe to heat and pressure. This reshapes the one or more corrugations to form a seal receiving recessed spigot on the piece of pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful as a barrier layer in, for example, packaging products. The compositions generally comprise a blend of (i) a polyester resin, preferably an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and (ii) a polyamide material (e.g., MXD6). The blend optionally may further comprise (iii) an oxygen scavenging material. The present invention also provides containers (e.g., containers formed by expansion of preforms) having a multilayered body-forming portion including: a core layer comprising the aforementioned blend; and inner and outer layers of a formable polymer composition. The present invention also provides methods of making such containers.

Abstract: A pipe or comprising a melt-mixed blend of polyamide and incompatible polyolefin and a compatibilizing agent where the polyamide exists as a discontinuous phase that is dispersed in a polyolefin matrix and wherein nanoclay is exfoliated in the polyamide phase. The pipe has enhanced resistance to the permeation of hydrocarbons relative to polyethylene. A method for making a pipe having enhanced resistance to the permeation of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A toneable conduit includes an elongate polymeric tube having a sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a main channel. A sub-channel, smaller in cross sectional area than the main channel, extends longitudinally between the exterior and interior surfaces of the tube. A continuous toning signal wire is located within the sub-channel. The sub-channel has a larger cross sectional area than a cross sectional area of the toning signal wire, so that an air gap exists within said sub-channel around portions of the toning signal wire.

Abstract: A multicapillary bundle for use in a gas chromatograph. Each of the capillaries in the bundle is formed using a coating solution containing a stationary phase and a solvent. The capillaries are coated with stationary phase by reducing pressure at a vacuum end of the capillary and creating a moving interface between the coating solution and a film of stationary phase deposited on each of the capillaries. The reducing pressure at the vacuum end of the capillary and the temperature of the capillary are controlled to maintain motion of the moving interface away from the vacuum end of the capillary. Maintained movement of the interface prevents recoating of the stationary phase. A heating wire and capillaries are embedded in a thermally conductive polymer to create a highly responsive method of heating the multicapillary column. An electronic control device controls the feedback temperature of the multicapillary column using the heating wire.

Abstract: A hose consisting of a smooth tubular wall and a rib wound spirally on the smooth tubular wall. The hose includes at least one duct portion and at least one connection portion; in the connection portions, the rib is wound spirally with a narrower pitch than on the duct portions.

Abstract: A molded article comprises an ionomer composition and has improved optical properties. The ionomer composition comprises an ionomer that is produced by partially neutralizing a precursor acid copolymer ant that has a melt index of about 400 g/10 min or less. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an a-olefin having 2 to 10 carbons and, based on the total weight of the precursor acid copolymer, about 19.5 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons.

Abstract: A method of producing a polyolefin resin film comprising melt-extruding a polyolefin resin from a circular die toward the antigravity direction to form a tubular film and cooling the tubular film while receiving the film toward the antigravity direction, wherein a water-absorbing material containing water and having a width in the gravity direction of 5 mm or more is brought into contact with the peripheral surface of the tubular film to cool the film, at any position distant by 0 to 200 mm toward the gravity direction from the frost line obtained by air cooling.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure 100 includes: a honeycomb structured portion 4 having partition walls separating and forming a plurality of cells 1 functioning as fluid passages and extending through from one end face 6 to the other end face 7 and having a plurality of partial segments 3 separated and formed by a plurality of slits 2 extending in a cell extension direction and not reaching at least one of the end faces, and a buffer portions 5 formed by filling a filler in the whole slits 2. The honeycomb structured portion 4 preferably has a plurality of partial segments 3 separated and formed by the plurality of slits 2 extending from the one end face in a cell extension direction and not reaching the other end face 7. The honeycomb structure has excellent thermal shock resistance.

Abstract: A water transmission tubing for controlling the flow of water under pressure comprises a tubular inner liner of generally uniform cross-sectional configuration continuous with the length of the tubing and having an anti-bacterial agent for preventing the growth of bacteria on the inside wall of the tube. The inner liner contains a dispersed slip additive that forms a low friction surface inside the tubing for preventing adherence of slime to the inside of the tubing. The slip additive can comprise a fluoroelastomer, a fluoropolymer, a silicone resinous material, or mixtures thereof. The liner can be a separate inner layer of a multi-layer dripline, a monolayer form of the dripline or the inside of a drip irrigation emitter. The invention is particularly useful in subsurface treatment of wastewater.

Abstract: The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises a low-molecular-weight (LMW) ethylene polymer component and a high-molecular-weight (HMW) ethylene polymer component coupled with a polysulfonyl azide. Preferably, the LMW polyethylene component and the HMW polyethylene component co-crystallize in the composition such that it exhibits a single or substantially single peak in a lamella thickness distribution (LTD) curve. The ethylene polymer for the LMW and the HMW polyethylene components can be either homopolymer or ethylene copolymer. Preferably, both components are an ethylene copolymer of the same, or different, composition (that is, with the same or different comonomers). A method of making a pipe that includes selecting a polymer composition having a substantially single peak in the LTD curve is described. Compositions comprising a chromium-catalyzed ethylene polymer, coupled with a polysulfonyl azide are also described herein.

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 laminated and molded body obtained by coextruding and molding at least two kinds of resin materials is preferable as a blow-molding aimed preform, a direct-blow molded bottle, a tube, or a blow molded tube, and has at least one layer constituted of a colored layer having a thickness continuously or intermittently varied in a direction parallel to the extruding direction of the at least one layer and/or in another direction intersecting the extruding direction, thereby enhancing the gradation effect.

Abstract: Multilayer articles, such as tubing and films, are disclosed which have a soft layer of aliphatic polyurethane and at least one layer of hard aliphatic polyurethane. The articles formed avoid the problem of tackiness when using only a soft aliphatic polyurethane, while maintaining flexibility. The articles are also biocompatible and biostable and are suitable for use in medical applications.

Abstract: An mandrel for extrusion of hollow bodies, such as, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hard, compact, and foamed pipes, includes an inner collar and an outer collar, and webs radially joining the inner collar and outer collar. The webs can be arranged twisted and/or offset in radial direction.

Abstract: A method for electrospinning nanofibers having a core-sheath, tubular, or composite structure is disclosed. The process uses a spinneret having first and second capillaries that channel first and second fluids in the spinneret, the second capillary surrounding the first. A high voltage is applied between the spinneret and a spaced conductive collector. In one embodiment, the first fluid is a mineral oil and the second fluid is a polymeric solution that may include a polymer, a catalyst, a solvent, and a sol-gel precursor. The as-spun nanofiber includes an oil core and a composite sheath. The oil may be removed to produce a composite tubular fiber or the polymer and oil may be removed by calcination to produce a ceramic tubular fiber. In other embodiments, miscible fluids are used to produce porous nanofibers, selected additives functionalize the surfaces of the nanofibers and/or conjugated polymers are used.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an actuator includes: creating a semi-cured product in a semi-cure state in such a manner that an element material that is to be a string-shaped actuator element of all actuator that is made of dielectric elastomer and includes the actuator element is formed in a string shape and that the element material is heated to its cure temperature or higher at least one of in and after formation; and creating a fully-cured product with a cure reaction of the semi-cured product completed in such a manner that the semi-cured product is heated while elongated in its axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow body, in particular a tube or pipe, comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, each made from a thermoplastic material, and two barrier layers provided between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: Both a system and method for marking honeycomb structures is provided. The system includes a printing station having a print head moveable relative to a log that prints an identification mark for each structure to be cut from the log; an elevation mechanism that positions the log relative to the printing station, sensors for determining a distance between the print head and log; and a length measuring sensor. A processor is connected to the printing station, elevation mechanism, and length measuring sensor which (a) associates an identification code with the log, (b) generates a separate identification mark for each honeycomb structure to be cut from the log, (c) controls the elevation mechanism to place the log at a desired location relative to the print head of the printing station, and (d) receives length data from the length sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A method and a device for coating an inner surface of a hollow endless geometry, in particular of a pipe/tube includes introducing a gas mixture comprising at least one precursor into the endless geometry, in which the endless geometry is passed through at least one electrode unit, in which an alternating electric voltage is applied to the electrode unit, so that the gas mixture inside the endless geometry is at least partially transformed into a plasma state in the region of the electrode unit. A reaction product is produced in the gas mixture from the precursor by the plasma and the reaction product is deposited on the inner surface of the endless geometry.

Abstract: A multi-layer odor barrier catheter tube for a fecal drainage catheter. The external surface has a low coefficient of friction, as does the internal surface. The layers of the catheter tube may be co-extruded, or formed as a heat-laminated film rolled into a cylindrical shape and heat-welded. A flexible scrim may be included intermediate the first and third layers. One or more tie layers may be included between at least one of the first and second layers, or the second and third layers. A combination of a multi-layer odor barrier catheter tube with an odor barrier collection bag is also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a hollow fiber membrane includes discharging a polyvinylidene fluoride solution comprising a polyvinylidene fluoride resin and a poor solvent at a temperature above a phase separation temperature into a cooling bath at a temperature below the phase separation temperature to coagulate the polyvinylidene fluoride resin. The hollow fiber membrane comprises a polyvinylidene fluoride resin having spherical structures that have an average diameter in the range of 0.3 to 30 ?m.

Abstract: In an elastic member for electrophotography, having a conductive or semiconductive elastic layer, the elastic layer contains a vulcanized rubber obtained by vulcanizing a material rubber in the presence of a specific sulfur-atom-containing compound as a vulcanization accelerator that can not easily cause any scorching at the time of high-temperature kneading and extrusion, and yet has relatively high vulcanization rate and also can provide vulcanized rubbers with superior quality.

Abstract: Process for the production of an electrically conducting carbon nanotube polymer composite material with reduced surface resistance, in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a polymer melt in a twin-shaft screw extruder to form a mixture, and the mixture is then extruded.

Abstract: A submersible pump drop pipe and casing assembly and method of manufacture is disclosed. The drop pipe/casing has a seated connector and base. The seated connector has a first and second cylinder section, the first cylinder section being used to align and direct the base into the seated connector and to provide lateral strength to the pipe.

Abstract: A method for dispersing sepiolite-type clay particles in a polyester matrix by melt-compounding a mixture of: sepiolite-type clay, at least one linear polyester oligomer, and at least one polyester polymer to produce a nanocomposite composition; and, optionally, subjecting said nanocomposite composition to solid state polymerization to increase polyester molecular weight. Further described is a method for preparing a polyester nanocomposite composition from a masterbatch, comprising melt-compounding a mixture of: sepiolite-type clay, at least one polyester oligomer, and at least one polyester polymer to produce a nanocomposite composition containing a greater concentration of sepiolite-type clay than is desired in the final resin composition; optionally, subjecting said nanocomposite composition to solid state polymerization to increase the polyester molecular weight; and further melt compounding said nanocomposite composition with polyester polymer and, optionally, additional ingredients.

Abstract: There is now provided a polyester polymer particle having an It.V., a surface, and a center, wherein the It.V. at the surface of the particle is less than 0.25 dL/g higher than the It.V. at the center of the particle. The polyester polymer particle is desirably crystalline to prevent the particles from sticking to each other while drying, and desirably contains less than 10 ppm acetaldehyde. A polyester container, preferably a preform or beverage bottle, is made by feeding crystallized polyester particles having an It.V. of at least 0.70 dL/g to an extrusion zone, melting the particles in the extrusion zone to form a molten polyester polymer composition, and forming a sheet or a molded part from extruded molten polyester polymer, wherein at least a portion of the polyester particles have an It.V. at their surface which does not vary from their It.V. at their center by more than 0.25 dL/g, and the particles have not been solid state polymerized. Such polyester compositions have an It.V.

Abstract: The present invention relates to An in-line system of mini sprinklers, comprising a tubular conduit having inner and outer surface areas, fitted for a liquid flow under pressure through it and formed with at least one opening along its length; and at least one mini sprinkler unit that is at least substantially embedded within said tubular conduit, coupled to flow of said liquid within it and mounted to it around said opening, and comprises—a mobile liquid distributing assembly movable through said opening, such that when liquid's pressure in said tubular conduit increases, said liquid distributor moves and protrudes beyond said outer surface area of said tubular conduit in order to sprinkle said liquid outwards of said tubular conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for the production of at least one container filled with a medium, said container being made of a plastic material. The plastic material is extruded in a tubular manner and is applied to the inner walls of a moulding tool in order to mould the respective container by means of differential pressure. The respective container is filled with a medium via the inlet opening with the aid of a filling device and the inlet opening of the container is closed by a lock. A coextrusion method is used for the extrusion of different plastic materials, whereby the respective container is made at least partially of several layers of plastic materials. At least one of the layers is used at a barrier layer.

Abstract: A process for altering the properties of extruded tubing by applying a solid particulate material to a tacky outer surface of the tubing as the tubing exists the extrusion head or die and prior to the tubing entering a cooling system of the extrusion line. The particulate material may act as a tie layer to improve the adherence of a second material to the outer surface of the extruded tubing, thus altering the tensile strength, elongation, and/or stiffness properties of the extruded tubing. In addition, the application of particulate material may be chosen to provide radiopacity to the extruded tubing. The solid particulate material may be deposited on the extruded tubing by vacuum deposition, magnetism, or pressurized means.

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: The components of a hand-held shower assembly, namely the hose and spray head, are each made of a polymeric material that has an antimicrobial additive embedded therein or coated on the water passages of each.

Abstract: Biodegradable endoprostheses are formed from amorphous polymers having desirable biodegradation characteristics. The strength of such amorphous polymers is enhanced by annealing to increase crystallinity without substantially increasing the biodegradation time.

Abstract: A polymetaphenylene isophthalamide porous hollow fiber membrane is produced by extruding a film-forming solution comprising polymetaphenylene isophthalamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone and an inorganic salt through a concentric double annular spinning nozzle while keeping the film-forming solution at 70° C. or higher, thereby conducting dry-and-wet spinning, followed by moisture retention treatment, where it is preferable to subject the resulting porous hollow fiber membrane obtained by dry-and-wet spinning to heat treatment in water at 80° C. or higher before the moisture retention treatment. The polymetaphenylene isophthalamide porous hollow fiber membrane resulting from wet heat treatment under wet heat conditions at the temperature of 100° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a food casing based on cellulose hydrate that further includes nanoscale additives. The nanoparticles measure from 0.5 to 1000 nm in at least one dimension. The nanoparticles can have uniform distribution in the cellulose hydrate matrix, or be on the surface, or can have been concentrated in those regions of the casing that are in the vicinity of the surface. The invention moreover relates to a process for production of the food casing and to its use as synthetic sausage casing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tube (8) is disclosed. The method comprises forming a tube (8) by extrusion, causing a body (24) to move longitudinally relative to the internal bore of the tube (8), and determining whether the body (24) ceases to move relative to the tube (8) At least part of said extrusion step and said step of causing a body (24) to move relative to the internal bore of the tube (8) are carried out simultaneously, and the body (24) is caused to move relative to the internal bore of the tube (8) by means of at least one first tensile element (22) attached to said body (24).

Abstract: Dosing elements for a drip irrigation tube are produced in the form of a band. On one side of this band, structured elements are formed, disposed one behind the other. The band is connectible by this one side to the walling of a drip irrigation tube. Each structured area here has an inlet region, a dosing region, and an outlet region. The band consists of a support band which is longitudinally stable and flexible, which is provided on one side with a layer, in which layer structured areas are made. Described furthermore is a method for producing these dosing elements as well as a device for carrying out this method.

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: There is provided a porous membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin which has pores of appropriate size and distribution and also excellent mechanical strength represented by tensile strength and elongation at break and is useful as a microfiltration membrane or a separator for batteries. The porous membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin is characterized by the presence in mixture of a crystalline oriented portion and a crystalline non-oriented portion as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, and is produced by subjecting a melt-extruded composition obtained by mixing a vinylidene fluoride resin having a molecular weight distribution which is appropriately broad and high as a whole with a plasticizer and a good solvent for vinylidene fluoride resin, to cooling for solidification from one surface, extraction of the plasticizer and stretching.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a polyimide hollow fibre comprising: (i) providing a dope solution comprising one or more polyimides dissolved in a solvent comprising 60-100 wt % N-methylpyrollidone and 0-40 wt % ethanol, (ii) providing a bore fluid, (iii) generating a tube of the dope solution filled with the bore fluid, (iv) bringing the product of step (iii) into contact with a coagulation solvent to form a hollow fiber.