Abstract: An apparatus for cooling and calibrating and extruded plastic profile (2) is described, with a cooling tank (4) which receives a cooling liquid (12) and can be charged with a pressure below atmospheric, and with at least one calibrating device (5) arranged within the cooling tank (4) for the plastic profile (2) pulled through the cooling tank (4), with the calibrating device (5) being composed of individual parts extending in the direction of passage of the plastic profile (2). In order in to provide advantageous construction conditions it is proposed that the parts of the calibrating device (5) form calibrating elements (8) which are distributed over the circumference of the plastic profile (2) by leaving out gaps (15) for the passage of cooling liquid.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter assembly includes a tube made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a catheter tip positioned on the distal portion remote from the proximal portion. A lumen extends through the tube, substantially co-axially with the tube, from the proximal portion, through the distal portion and through to the catheter tip. The lumen cross-section at the proximal portion is larger than the cross-section at the distal portion. A shoulder is disposed in the lumen between the distal portion and the proximate portion. A catheter land, having a predetermined length, is defined as the portion of the lumen disposed in the distal portion of the tube between the shoulder and the distal end. A needle is disposed in the lumen and has a substantially circular cross-section. A discontinuity is located on the needle at a predetermined position with respect to the needle tip.

Abstract: A method for producing a tube section from thermoplastic material, in which a tube section is extruded by means of an extruder which is provided with an extruder die having an inner core, which inner core defines an axial hollow space in the tube section, the tube section coming out of the extruder die downstream of the extruder die being internally cooled by means of an internal cooling member and externally cooled by means of an external cooling device. Immediately after the tube section leaves the extruder die, the internal cooling member brings about internal cooling of the tube. The external cooling device is positioned downstream of the internal cooling member, so that the external cooling of the tube section is brought about after the internal cooling.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in: a) forming by extrusion an extruded thermoplastic tube (20) having, when coming out of the extruder, a diameter D1; b) then subjecting said extruded tube of diameter D1 to a radiation treatment, so as to produced a cross-linked tube (21); c) after bringing said cross-linked tube (21) to a temperature not less than a temperature substantially equal to the melting point of its crystalline phase, subjecting it, in displacement, to a radial monoaxial expansion for form an expanded tube (22) of diameter D2, then cooling it down to a temperature, typically room temperature, at which it can be cut into tube portions (23) with length substantially equal to the height of said caps (1); and e) assembling or forming a head (10, 100, 101, 102, 103) on said tube portion (23), so as to obtain a cap or top (1), with heat-shrinkable skirt, economical and having a homogeneous skirt (11, 12) free of axial connection line.

Abstract: Process for producing fibres, film, casings and other products from modified soluble cellulose wherein the initial cellulose is hydrothermally treated at a temperature in the 100-200° C. range, under a pressure in the range from about 0.1 to 1.5 Mpa in a water/cellulose ration on a weight basis of at least 1:1 in the presence of a complex activator composed of Lewis acids and/or bases and/or their salts in an amount of at least 0.0001% by weight calculated on cellulose. The obtained modified cellulose pulp after, a possible purification, is in a dry or never dried condition, dissolved in an aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxides. The dissolving is carried out at a temperature not lower than 0° C. for 1-120 minutes to obtain a homogenous spinning solution with the cellulose concentration at least 1% by weight. The alkaline cellulose solution is filtered, deaerated and coagulated by contacting it with water or aqueous acidic solutions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rubber sheet containing short fibers. The method includes the steps of: mixing short fibers in a flowable rubber matrix; forming the flowable rubber matrix with the fibers therein into a cylindrical shape with a circumferential extent; separating a portion of the circumferential extent from the cylindrical shape, and forming the cylindrical shape with the portion separated into a sheet form.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic extrusion sizing tube having a cylinder with a split along its length to allow for radial expansion and reduction of the sizing tube. The cylinder has holes to allow an extrusion within the cylinder to be drawn to the cylinder by a vacuum outside the cylinder. The cylinder also has extensions on opposite sides of the split with an adjustment screw connecting the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the adjustment screw is turned in respective directions. A set screw can be connected to one of the extensions. The diameter of the cylinder can be expanded or reduced when the set screw is turned in respective directions. The diameter of the cylinder can be locked in a desired position when the adjustment screw and the set screw are turned in the same direction. The adjustment screw and the set screw can be located in a flange at one end of the cylinder. The holes in the cylinder can be slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of piping profiles (10), comprising at least two forming strands (12, 14), each consisting of individual forming components (18) which are allocated in groups and which are held against each other over a predetermined (20) forming distance, while also being provided with a forming material, in such a way that the profile (10) is obtained upon separating the groups of forming components (18). Very high production speeds for producing profile material are possible with the inventive method, allowing a low-cost overall system for the production of fixing systems for automobiles in particular, without the risk of quality defects or similar.

Abstract: Multilayer polymeric shells for spas, bathtubs and shower enclosures having a textured and marbled surface layer. The shells are produced by forming by extrusion a multilayer polymeric sheet having a marbled appearing top layer, passing the sheet between rollers to impart a textured surface to the marbled top layer of the sheet, and thermoforming the sheets into the structural shells for spas, bathtubs and shower enclosures.

Abstract: An epidural catheter with a soft tip is formed by extruding a two-layer tube where the inner layer is stiffer than the outer layer. The inner layer is then removed, such as by machining, from a short length at the tip, which is subsequently end-formed closed and a side opening cut into it.

Abstract: A branched pipe (5) is manufactured by continuous extrusion in such a manner that a manifold (5a) of a branched pipe (5) is manufactured by extruding plastic material into the space defined by moving chill moulds (1, 2) and a mandrel (10) arranged therein with an extruder (4). The manifold (5a) is provided with branch pipes (5b) simultaneously with the extrusion thereof.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter assembly includes a tube made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a catheter tip positioned on the distal portion remote from the proximal portion. A lumen extends through the tube, substantially co-axially with the tube, from the proximal portion, through the distal portion and through to the catheter tip. The lumen cross-section at the proximal portion is larger than the cross-section at the distal portion. A shoulder is disposed in the lumen between the distal portion and the proximate portion. A catheter land, having a predetermined length, is defined as the portion of the lumen disposed in the distal portion of the tube between the shoulder and the distal end. A needle is disposed in the lumen and has a substantially circular cross-section. A discontinuity is located on the needle at a predetermined position with respect to the needle tip.

Abstract: The present invention includes biodegradable plant protein composites.

Abstract: Improvements in preventing heat- and moisture-shrink problems in specific polypropylene tape fibers are provided. Such fibers are basically manufactured through the initial production of polypropylene films or tubes which are then slit into very thin, though flat (and having very high cross sectional aspect ratios) tape fibers thereafter. Such fibers (and thus the initial films and/or tubes) require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target polypropylene tape fiber after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target polypropylene after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and upon allowing such a melt to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target polypropylene without the nucleating agent during cooling.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter which has a lubricious catheter shaft formed from a polymeric blend comprising a thermoplastic polymeric component and a lubricious polymeric component. The lubricious polymeric component is immiscible in the thermoplastic polymeric component and exists as elongated fibers having a high aspect ratio. The lubricious component exists as a separate phase of elongated fibers which provide improved lubricity to an extruded catheter shaft formed of the polymeric blend of the invention. The aspect ratio of the lubricious component fibers is about 10 to about 100, and preferably at least about 20. The high aspect ratio of the lubricious component fibers increase the surface area of the lubricious component on the surface of the catheter shaft, and consequently increase the lubricity of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: An extrusion method and an extruder, the material to be extruded being fed with a material feeding device (1) into a radial pump unit included in the equipment. The radial pump unit comprises conical gearwheels (2) which are adjacently positioned and rotate in opposite directions. The radial pump unit transfers the material in an annular flow into the extruder's nozzle (4). Additional material (20) can be supplied into the product through the radial pump unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a polymeric pressure vessel includes two, coaxial plastic extruders separated by a hole-forming laser and connected to a variable die, a vacuum/blow molding apparatus, a fusing device, a braiding mechanism, and an overcoat applicator. The first extruder forms a tubular core, and the laser forms axially-spaced apertures in the core. The second extruder forms an outer tube coaxially over the tubular core and the variable die is alternately opened and closed to form parisons of increased material at axially-spaced locations along the outer tube. The parisons are moved into the molding apparatus and are expanded in a vacuum/blow molding process into hollow chambers of preferably ellipsoidal shape. The fusing device fuses the outer tube to the tubular core at locations between the spaced-apart hollow chambers, the braiding mechanism then applies a layer of interwoven reinforcing filament fiber, and the overcoat applicator applies a protective polymeric coating over the fiber layer.

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 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A process for forming an end cap in an extruded ceramic tube. An end cap forming cavity of an end cap forming die is positioned so that, when the body of the end cap forming die is situated against an extrusion die, ceramic material is able to be forced into the end cap forming cavity, through a passageway communicating between the end cap forming cavity and a backfill reservoir, and into the backfill reservoir. A plunger projects into the backfill reservoir to force the ceramic material from the backfill reservoir back through the passageway and into the end cap forming cavity to compact the ceramic material so that the ceramic material within the end cap will be provided with a substantially uniform density.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a green fluoropolymer tube which has a wall thickness of about 250 microns or less, preferably about 200 microns or less, and more preferably about 125 microns or less. With such thinness, the green tube may be formed into a tube of expanded fluoropolymer having a wall thickness of about 250 microns or less, preferably about 200 &mgr;m or less and more preferably about 125 microns or less. Such an expanded fluoropolymer tube is particularly well-suited for use as an endovascular prosthesis, such as a graft, or in a stent-graft, because of its flexibility and strength.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods involving rewetting of expandable polymers with a wettable liquid to allow for enhanced expansion at or below room temperature without breakage, and in some cases, allows one to achieve a greater expansion ratio than that allowed at elevated temperatures using known methods. The wettable liquid can be formed of a drug and/or an agent, such that the resulting polymer contains and emits the drug upon positioning at a target location of a patient body. The present invention also allows one to achieve material with unique properties and handling characteristics. These properties included decreased material thickness, increased density, an altered node/fibril morphology, and a more consistent web in the case of flat material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition for use in dental flosses or tapes. More particularly, it relates to novel compositions containing a base polymer, a block copolymer and a nonmigrating compatibilizer or plasticizer that, in combination in a blend, result in a floss or dental tape having good breaking strength, elongation, tenacity, nick resistance and gentleness to the gums.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for continuous pressing of a plastically deformable blank (15) into a three-dimensional section with a predetermined cross-sectional area, comprising a substantially cylindrical, fixed die (10), an opening (11) formed in the die, through which the plastic blank (15) is intended to be pressed, and at least one rotary die (12) arranged adjacent to the opening (11), the rotary die having one or more recesses in its peripheral surface for forming the blank, during the rotation of the die, into at three-dimensional section with transverse sectional parts. According to the invention, the rotary die (12) has a varying pitch radius as measured from the axis (C), which allows pressing of sections with varying cross section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for startup of extruded film tubes. A controller member is utilized to provide control signals to a supply blower which supplies air to the extruded film tube in an amount corresponding to a supply control signal, and an exhaust blower which exhausts air from the extruded film tube in an amount corresponding to an exhaust control signal. The controller member executes program instructions which define at least one control routine for automatic and coordinated control of the supply blower and the exhaust blower during starting of the extruded film tube, by directing a series of supply control signals to the supply blower and exhaust control signals to the exhaust blower.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a curved hose. The method is comprised of the steps of forming a hose pre-assembly, partially curing the hose on a linear mandrel, and then completing the curing of the hose pre-assembly on a curved mandrel.

Abstract: An elongated composite tube made up of an inner tube 42 and an outer tube 44 (see FIG. 3) with a plurality of elongated helical ribs disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube in a supporting relationship to both. A slinky like toy made from the composite tube is also disclosed, as is a method of making both.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a ceramic solid electrolyte separator for a high temperature electrochemical cell from a particulate starting material capable of being sintered to form a unitary polycrystalline solid electrolyte ceramic artifact. The method includes admixing the particulate starting material with a binder to form an extrudable mixture, extruding the mixture to form a unitary sinterable green artifact including a multiplicity of at least five tubes interconnected together in side-by-side relationship and sintering the green artifact to form a sintered polycrystalline ceramic solid electrolyte artifact. The artifact includes a multiplicity of at least five ceramic solid electrolyte separator tubes interconnected together by sintering and arranged in side-by-side relationship.

Abstract: LLDPE films with superior impact strength are obtained by blowing lightly crosslinked LLDPE resins under film extrusion conditions typically used for blowing HDPE film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tubular member made of synthetic material, the method being of the type in which the tubular member is extruded. In the method, during extrusion of the tubular member, the extruded synthetic material is subjected to a flow of water in liquid or steam form that comes into contact with the inside or the outside surface of the tubular member in such a manner as to form crevices in the surface of the tubular member that comes into contact with the flow of water. The extruded synthetic material is preferably subjected to a flow of water in liquid form. The surface including the crevices forms a low-friction surface. Application to making optical fiber cable networks in which the cables are inserted into tubes by carrying or blowing methods.

Abstract: A tube with a thin thickness or a thin tube made of a synthetic resin material having high heat-resistance and high strength (for example, PEI material, PEEK material or the like) is produced by means of extrusion molding. An extrusion molding method forms a continuous product (5) for a thin tube by plasticizing and kneading a raw material (1) composed of a synthetic resin material having high heat-resistance and high strength by means of an extrusion molding machine (2), extruding the plasticized and kneaded raw material from a molding die (3) to form a tubular body (51) having a circular cross section, further passing the tubular body (51) on a sizing die (4) to give a final inner diameter to the tubular body (51), cooling and hardening the tubular body (51). The molding die (3) and sizing die (4) are coupled to each other by a connecting pipe (6). The sizing die (4) is made of a carbon material. A first air (81) is supplied to an interior of the sizing die (4) through the connecting pipe (6).

Abstract: A process is disclosed producing an intermediate transfer member used in an image-forming apparatus in which an image formed on a first image-bearing member is transferred to a second image-bearing member. The process has the steps of melt-extruding an extrusion material from a circular die by means of an extruder and thereafter making the same into a desired shape to obtain a cylindrical extruded product, and forming the resultant cylindrical extruded product into the intermediate transfer member. The cylindrical extruded product contains a thermoplastic resin and an ion-conductive resistance control agent, and a ratio of the diameter of the intermediate transfer member obtained to the die diameter of the circular die is from 0.5 to 4.0. Also disclosed are an intermediate transfer member obtained by the production process, and an intermediate transfer member having the intermediate transfer member.

Abstract: Improved polymer blends, and polymer blend membranes having improved mechanical properties are provided by alteration of the critical solution temperature of the polymer blend spinning solution through the incorporation of organic or inorganic complexing agents.

Abstract: A branched pipe (5) is manufactured by continuous extrusion in such a manner that a manifold (5a) of a branched pipe (5) is manufactured by extruding plastic material into the space defined by moving chill molds (1, 2) and a mandrel (10) arranged therein with an extruder (4). The manifold (5a) is provided with branch pipes (5b) simultaneously with the extrusion thereof.

Abstract: A mold block which is used in a moving mold tunnel comprises first and second mold block sections which meet at their parting faces to close the mold block. Each mold block section has a product shaping interior surface and an air movement passage having an entrance at the base of each mold block section, a first opening to the interior surface and a second opening to the parting face of each mold block section. An air flow controller is provided between the parting face opening and the interior surface opening of the passage in the first mold block section and an air flow controller is provided between the entrance and the interior surface opening in the passage in the second mold block section.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating hollow chamber sheet extruded lines out of thermoplastic resin includes a vacuum housing and a planar intake area at a first end of the vacuum housing. The planar intake area is configured to receive the extruded line. Support rollers within the vacuum housing are configured to support the extruded line. The extruded line exits the vacuum housing through a planar outlet area located at a second end of the vacuum housing opposite the first end.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of an environmental friendly paper from about 56% to about 80% by weight of inorganic mineral powders, about 43% to 18% by weight of polyethylene, and about 1% to 2% by weight of additives is disclosed. A composition for the manufacture of an environmental friendly paper, comprising about 56% to 80% by weight of inorganic mineral powders, about 43% to 18% by weight of polyethylene, and about 1% to 2% weight by additives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A branched pipe (5) is manufactured by continuous extrusion in such a manner that a manifold (5a) of a branched pipe (5) is manufactured by extruding plastic material into the space defined by moving chill moulds (1, 2) and a mandrel (10) arranged therein with an extruder (4). The manifold (5a) is provided with branch pipes (5b) simultaneously with the extrusion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shrinkable film characterized by being a laminate film having at least one layer formed of a gas barrier resin composition satisfying the following expressions (1) and (2) and by having an average shrinking rate in its longitudinal and transverse directions after immersion in a 120° C. oil bath for ten seconds of 45% or more: ln(OTR/22.5)+0.0698(Tim−157)<−0.06  (1) T2−T1≦20  (2) (where in the expression (1), OTR and Tim are, respectively, an oxygen transmission rate (cc/m2·day·atm) of a 1-&mgr;m thick portion of a film formed of the gas barrier resin composition at 23° C. and a relative humidity of 0% and a melting point of the gas barrier resin composition, and in the expression (2), T1 is a haze (%) of a 30-&mgr;m thick film of the gas barrier resin composition left at 23° C.

Abstract: The present invention that also possesses provides a method for producing a seamless tubular film based on cellulose comprising extruding an aqueous cellulose-N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) spinning solution through an annular die in a spinning bath, wherein the spinning solution forms the tubular film. The film is laterally drawn in an air gap between the annular die and the spinning bath by stabilizing air pressure in the tubular film. The level of hydrostatic pressure from an inner spinning solution formed inside the tubular film extends above the spinning bath, the inner spinning solution comprising an aqueous NMMO solution that supports and intensifies said lateral drawing. The tubular film that has been expanded by the lateral drawing process is passes by a turning point in the spinning bath, and directed out of the spinning bath.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sequentially forming, wrapping and compressing a catheter balloon either during the initial manufacturing process or after a medical procedure. The balloon may be formed, wrapped and compressed by simply advancing the balloon through a balloon wrapping tool and selectively inflating and deflating the balloon therein. The balloon wrapping tool preferably includes a flap forming bore, a flap wrapping bore and a flap compression bore which form, wrap and compress the balloon, respectively, when the balloon is advanced therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially forming, wrapping and compressing a catheter balloon either during the initial manufacturing process or after a medical procedure. The balloon may be formed, wrapped and compressed by simply advancing the balloon through a balloon wrapping tool and selectively inflating and deflating the balloon therein. The balloon wrapping tool preferably includes a flap forming bore, a flap wrapping bore and a flap compression bore which form, wrap and compress the balloon, respectively, when the balloon is advanced therethrough.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: An injection hose intended for sealing expansion joint in concrete structures. The hose is in the form a continuous hollow extrusion (12), made of elastic, flexible material, with a continuous longitudinal bore (10) and at least one longitudinal groove (16). The groove (16) is connected to the bore (10) by means of apertures (22) in the wall of the extrusion and is fitted with a sealing strip (24), made of compressible, elastic material, which extends over the apertures (22). Production of the hose is made particularly simple and inexpensive by virtue of the fact that the width of the groove openings (26) is less than the diameter of the sealing strip (24) and that the means of holding the sealing strip (24) in place are formed by making undercuts in the side (30) of the groove (16).

Abstract: A method of forming a thin-walled polymeric tubular member for an intralumenal device, and the member produced thereby. The thin-walled tubular member extruded using the method of the invention is suitable for use a sleeve for a catheter shaft or balloon. The thin-walled tubular member has a single wall thickness of not greater than about 0.003 inch (0.0076 cm). In the method of the invention, the thin-walled tubular member is formed by co-extruding a thin-walled first polymer layer with a removable second polymer layer, and the two layers are separated by dissolution or physical removal of the second layer, to leave the first layer, with the first polymer layer forming the thin-walled tubular member. Because the method of the invention involves co-extruding a removable second polymer layer along with the thin-walled first polymer layer, conventional tooling dimensions in the extruder may be used.

Abstract: A seamless tubular composite film wherein a seamless tubular film comprising fluororesin with a film thickness of 5-20 &mgr;m stretched 2-10% in circumferential direction is fitted on the outside of a seamless tubular film comprising a thermosetting polyimide resin, or the precursor polyamic acid and heated at 200-400° C. for anchorage. In addition, in order to give thermal conductivity and antistatic properties leading to inhibition reduction of heating time and inhibition of adhesion of dirt, boron nitride and compatible thermal conductive agents may be dispersed in the polyimide resin, and carbon black and like electric conductive agent may be dispersed in fluororesin. The film is useful as toner fusing member, such as in electrophotographic copying machines and in laser printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for preforming an extruded plastics parison including a nonplanar conveyor belt. It also relates to a method for preforming an extruded parison, including a step during which the parison is deposited on a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is not planar. This step may be accompanied by a step in which the parison undergoes transverse deformation. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing at least one article, including such a preforming step.