Abstract: A method for producing a laminate including a substrate and a rubber layer, the rubber layer having a thickness of 200 ?m or more from the surface of the substrate, the method including contacting the substrate in a heated state with a polymer latex having a viscosity of 2,000 to 100,000 mPa·s at 25° C. to thereby coagulate the polymer in contact therewith to form the rubber layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a tank includes connecting a pressure source to a nozzle on a male mold, inflating the male mold via the nozzle, forming a tank by applying at least one layer over the outer surface of the male mold, the tank having a port formed about the nozzle, deflating the male mold, and withdrawing the male mold through the port. A method of fabricating a tank includes 3D-printing a male mold, connecting a pressure source to a nozzle on the male mold, inflating the male mold via the nozzle, forming a tank by applying at least one layer over the outer surface of the male mold, the tank having a port formed about the nozzle, deflating the male mold, and withdrawing the male mold through the port. A method of fabricating a tank includes forming a tank on a mold formed from a foam blocks.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a composition for treating gastrointestinal or neurological disorders, constipation, functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, travelers diarrhoea, chronic idiopathic nausea, IBD-associated constipation and diarrhoea, pseudo-obstruction, diabetic gastroparesis, cyclic vomiting, reflux oesophagitis, autism enteropathy, flatulence, halitosis, chronic fatigue, bloating, proctalgia fugax, Parkinsons disease, MS, Alzheimers Disease, Motor Neurone Disease or autism, the composition comprising: (i) at least two anti-clostridial agents selected from the group consisting of: vancomycin, vancomycin derivatives, a multi-valent polymer of vancomycin, aminoglycosides, nitroimidazoles, ansamysins, nifuroxazide, colchicine, prucalopride, prokinetic agent and 5-aminosalicylic acid; or (ii) at least one anti-clostridial agent selected from the above combined with an opioid blocking agent.

Abstract: A latex composition has a latex of a carboxyl group-containing conjugated diene rubber and a metal compound including a trivalent or higher metal, wherein a content of the metal compound is 0.1 to 1.5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the carboxyl group-containing conjugated diene rubber.

Abstract: Expandable introducer systems are provided. An expandable introducer system can include an expandable introducer, an expander, a support member, and/or an exchange dilator. The expandable introducer may be configured to transition from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. For example, the expander may be displaced through the expandable introducer and transition the expandable introducer from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration. The support member may be disposed within the expandable introducer that is in the expanded configuration to maintain the expandable introducer in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: This present invention discloses hydroxypropyl starch vacant capsules and a process for producing them, wherein said hydroxypropyl starch vacant capsules are made of hydroxypropyl starch and water and optional light-screening agent, colorant, aromatics, and flavoring agent through the processes of raw material mixup, gelatinization, stabilization, and capsule-forming. The hydroxypropyl starch capsules disclosed in this invention have such advantages as extensive source of raw material, high safety level, disintegrating property and friability over the products prepared through existing technologies.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a transitional layer and related methods, used to increase the transmission or reflection of light between two mediums having different indices of refraction. The transitional layer is disposed between the two mediums and the transmission or reflection of light is increased by the interaction of light with the transitional layer. The transitional layer has light scattering particles dispersed therein, a single-layer gradient index-of-refraction, a multi-layer gradient index-of-refraction, alternating layers of high and low index-of-refraction, or a combination thereof, in order to increase the transmission or reflectance of light between the two mediums.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aqueous compositions for use in the manufacture of capsule shells and capsules with a functional polymer dispersion. The present disclosure relates to aqueous compositions for use in the manufacture of capsule shells endowed with controlled release properties. The present disclosure also relates to aqueous compositions for use in the manufacture of capsule shells and capsules endowed with moisture barrier properties. The present disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing the capsule shell and capsules, and to capsule shells and capsules obtained therewith.

Abstract: An automated mandrel dip coating process assembly for RTV silicone dispersions is described, including an enclosure adapted to hold a moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium for mandrel dip molding and at least one mandrel having a surface for contacting the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium. An automated motive drive assembly is arranged to removably translate one or more of the mandrel(s) into contact with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure, and to subsequently translate at least one mandrel contacted with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium into at least one of (A) contact with a bubble crusher in the enclosure, and (B) disengagement from the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure and rotation of the mandrel at a vertical displacement angle of from 70° to 110°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new acid resistant hard pharmaceutical capsules, a process for their manufacture and use of such capsules particularly but not exclusively for oral administration of pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, food and dietary supplements to humans or animals. The capsules of the invention are obtained by aqueous compositions comprising a water soluble film forming polymer and gellan gum in a mutual weight ratio of 4 to 15 weight parts of gellan gum for 100 weight parts of film forming polymer.

Abstract: A method of making garment material, the method having the steps: applying coagulant (34) to a substrate (32); applying a foam (38) of the polymeric material to the substrate (32); allowing the coagulant (34) to coagulate some of the foam (38); and removing uncoagulated foam (38) from the substrate (32) to leave a layer of coagulated polymeric material on the substrate (32).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article including a absorbent core having a plurality of first regions and a second region, each one of said first regions being arranged in spaced relationship from each of the other first regions and each of the first regions being entirely surrounded by the second region. The present invention also relates to a method of making such a core structure.

Abstract: A single opening permanent breast prosthesis includes an envelope made of a flexible, hermatic and biologically inert material having a flat rear surface (3) and a curved front surface (2). The prosthesis thus defines a closed pocket (5) which contains a physiological serum. There are at least two compartments (6, 7, 8) in the pocket (5) which are separated by at least one membrane (10, 11, 12) extending in the form of an arch from the front surface (2) to the rear surface (3) of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter, is formed from a blend of polyurethane and synthetic polyisoprene (SPIR). The blended medical article is preferably selected and prepared to be relatively rigid at room temperature and relatively flexible at body temperature. An intermittent catheter made from the blend provides a degree of stiffness for its insertion into the patient at room temperature. The catheter becomes softer, and therefore more comfortable, at warmer temperatures (e.g., body temperature) which reduce discomfort after insertion. Optionally, the catheter or a portion thereof can have a hydrophilic coating as to avoid the need for external lubricants. Advantageously, the blended catheter can meet the stiffness, tensile strength, and coefficient of friction requirements of intermittent catheterization applications while avoiding the risk of toxic or allergic reactions in sensitive users.

Abstract: An improved process and material for making elastomeric nitrile rubber articles is disclosed. In particular, the process and material formulation can produce nitrile rubber based articles, which exhibit force-strain characteristics that are comparable to those of natural rubber latex articles, while maintaining the tensile strength properties of nitrile rubber. The process includes an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage having a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole, and a guanidine compound. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber product made by the process, such as examination, surgical, or work gloves.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles includes providing a template that has a plurality of discrete surface portions, each discrete surface portion having a surface geometry selected to impart a desired geometrical property to a particle while being produced; depositing a constituent material of the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles being produced onto the plurality of discrete surface portions of the template to form at least portions of the particles; separating the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles comprising the constituent material from the template into a fluid material, the particles being separate from each other at respective discrete surface portions of the template; and processing the template for subsequent use in producing additional at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles.

Abstract: An elastomeric article comprising at least one elastomer and precipitated calcium carbonate particles, wherein the sphere equivalent particle size of said precipitated calcium carbonate particles is less than 1.0 ?m. The elastomeric article is preferably produced using a latex dipping process, and is particularly suitable for use as a glove, a condom, or a balloon.

Abstract: Accelerator composition for a rubber latex derived from a conjugated diene and optionally a vinyl aromatic comonomer including: (i) a diisopropyl xanthogen polysulphide (DIXP), (ii) an alkyldithiocarbamate wherein the alkyl chain contains from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, and (iii) diphenylguanidine (DPG), a curable aqueous synthetic rubber latex composition including said accelerator composition, a process for the water-based solvent-free manufacture of synthetic shaped synthetic elastomeric articles, prepared by using the accelerator composition.

Abstract: A particulate cellulose derivative is obtained in a process of grinding and drying a moist cellulose derivative which comprises the steps of A) providing a cellulose derivative having a moisture content of from 60 to 95 percent, based on the total weight of the moist cellulose derivative, B) grinding and partially drying the moist cellulose derivative in a gas-swept impact mill; and C) contacting the ground and partially dried cellulose derivative with an additional amount of a drying gas outside the gas-swept impact mill. The obtained particulate cellulose derivative has a high untapped bulk density and a good flowability.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making articles of semiconducting material and semiconducting material articles formed thereby, such as articles of semiconducting material that may be useful in making photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration and expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as ureteroscopy, cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, and spinal access.

Abstract: An automated mandrel dip coating process assembly for RTV silicone dispersions is described, including an enclosure adapted to hold a moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium for mandrel dip molding and at least one mandrel having a surface for contacting the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium. An automated motive drive assembly is arranged to removably translate one or more of the mandrel(s) into contact with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure, and to subsequently translate at least one mandrel contacted with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium into at least one of (A) contact with a bubble crusher in the enclosure, and (B) disengagement from the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure and rotation of the mandrel at a vertical displacement angle of from 70° to 110°.

Abstract: A method for producing a pacifier teat, and a pacifier teat with a teat section which forms a hollow space and which is adjoined by a stem, wherein an elastic hollow body comprising the teat section and the stem is injection moulded or pre-formed by a dipping method, and opposite wall sections of the pre-formed hollow body are connected to each other in the region of the stem.

Abstract: A method of making an article of a semiconducting material involves selecting a target thickness for the article and then submerging a mold into a molten semiconducting material for a submersion time effective to form a solid layer of semiconducting material over an external surface of the mold where the thickness of the solid layer is substantially equal to the target thickness. The submersion time is selected to be substantially equal to a transition time, which is determined from a plot of solid layer thickness versus submersion time for a mold having particular attributes, including mold composition, mold thickness and initial mold temperature. The transition time, and thus the submersion time, corresponds to a maximum in solid layer thickness in the solid layer thickness versus submersion time curve for the particular mold.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aqueous composition comprising hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) polymer dispersed in water, wherein the dispersed polymer is partially neutralized with at least one alkaline material. The instant disclosure also relates to compositions for use in methods of making capsule shells endowed with bulk enteric properties. The present disclosure also relates to capsules made according with the compositions and methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A substantially biodegradable and water soluble tampon applicator comprising: a plunger and a barrel, said plunger being of a predetermined length, and having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said plunger being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a first diameter at said first end and a second diameter at said second end, wherein said first diameter tapers downwards to said second diameter, proximate said first end, said plunger further comprises a first mating portion, said barrel having a first end and a second end, said second end being a predetermined distance from said first end, said barrel being substantially cylindrical in shape and having a diameter greater than the first diameter of said plunger, proximate said first end of said barrel, there is provided a second mating portion to matingly engage said first mating portion of said plunger to maintain said plunger in relation to said barrel in a first position, proximate said f

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making articles of semiconducting material and semiconducting material articles formed thereby, such as articles of semiconducting material that may be useful in making photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: An inflatable device, in particular a device including a body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface accessible through an orifice in the body, the body including a prolamine protein that exhibits air or gas impermeability for a suitable period of time, and yet is biodegradable upon exposure to the environment. The device can be utilized as a balloon for personal uses such as toys, gifts or balloon releases at events, or as a medical device.

Abstract: Condoms, condom formers, and methods for forming condoms are disclosed. A condom includes an open end, a closed end, a tubular sheath extending from the open end to the closed end, a tip portion adapted to cover a glans of a penis, disposed adjacent to the closed end, and a plurality of raised features disposed on the tubular sheath, having a top surface area and a base surface area, wherein the total raised top surface area is greater than the total base surface area of the condom.

Abstract: A multi-piece mold for use in a method for making a slurry distributor includes a plurality of mold segments adapted to be removably secured together. The mold segments are configured such that, when the mold segments are assembled together, the assembled mold segments define a substantially continuous exterior surface adapted to be a negative image of an interior flow region of a slurry distributor molded thereupon. Each mold segment has a maximum cross-sectional area in a plane substantially transverse to a direction of movement of the mold segment along a removal path out of a respective opening of the molded slurry distributor. The maximum cross-sectional area of each mold segment is up to about 150% of the smallest area of the interior flow region of the molded slurry distributor through which the mold segment traverses when moving along the respective removal path.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for forming a three-dimensional polymer based part including a die tool having a specified shape and size and exhibiting an exposed polymer adhering surface corresponding in configuration to a polymeric based part to be created. A volume holding bin supports a three-dimensional article including at least one exposed and pattern defining surface. A volume of a granulated polymer material is deposited into the bin and around the article. A sub-volume of the material adheres to and forms a hardened layer upon the exposed pattern defining surface, a corresponding part created having a specified thickness and matching configuration.

Abstract: A lightweight thin flexible latex glove article having a polymeric latex coating that penetrates the front portion of a knitted liner half way or more through the liner thickness and for at least a portion of the knitted liner, not penetrating the entire thickness. For example, the liner can be knitted using an 18-gauge needle with 70 to 221 denier nylon 66 multi-filament yarn. The polymer latex coating can be 0.75 to 1.25 times the thickness of the knitted liner. Over 30% reduction of glove thickness is achieved resulting in three times greater flexibility. The polymer latex coating may be foamed with 5 to 50 vol % air content. Open celled foamed latex coating may be coated with a dispersion of fluorochemical dispersion to prevent liquid permeation into the glove. The process can include steps to gel the latex emulsion at interstices of the yarn to prevent further penetration of the emulsion into the liner.

Abstract: An improved process and material for making elastomeric nitrile rubber articles is disclosed. In particular, the process and material formulation can produce nitrile rubber based articles, which exhibit force-strain characteristics that are comparable to those of natural rubber latex articles, while maintaining the tensile strength properties of nitrile rubber. The process includes an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage having a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole, and a guanidine compound. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber product made by the process, such as examination, surgical, or work gloves.

Abstract: There is provided an artificial cardiac or heart valve, more particularly a flexible leaflet heart valve used to replace natural aortic or pulmonary valves of the heart in which the leaflet geometry is defined by a parabolic function and a method of manufacturing said artificial cardiac valves. In addition, there is provided leaflets which have geometry defined by a parabolic function.

Abstract: Techniques for forming a carbon nanotube (CNT) structure are disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous sericin solution and a polar organic solvent are mixed together to prepare a sericin-containing solution, then the sericin-containing solution is added into a synthetic resin solution, followed by drying, to produce an synthetic leather wherein sericin is present as discrete particles of not larger than 3 ?m in diameter within the synthetic resin of a skin layer almost uniformly at least 1.0×106 particles per square centimeter. The skin layer of the synthetic leather has a soft and moist touch like that of the natural leather and is superior in moisture absorbing and releasing properties and further superior in processing stability.

Abstract: Methods for making a molded beverage container insulator from a slurry including water and a polysaccharide by presenting at least one male mold, which may have an elliptical cross section, therein and causing a portion of the slurry to temporarily adhere to the at least one mold. After a suitable period of time, removing the mold from the slurry and then removing the insulator. At such time, and particularly if the mold is not characterized as elliptical in cross section, the insulator is subject to bidirectional compression in order to collapse the same. Opposing hinge elements may be formed in the insulator, either at the time of molding or subsequently, to localize stresses resulting from the collapsing of the insulator. The resulting insulator is fully recyclable/compostable and possesses a constricting bias to mitigate container slip issues.

Abstract: This application describes a condom having a clitoral stimulation system (CSS) integrated to the outer surface of the condom or as a separate system that may be selectively attached to the condom.

Abstract: A glove with an integrally formed arm trough has a hand portion, arm portion and a cuff portion. The arm portion is provided with a first ridge, a second ridge with a larger diameter compared to the arm portion, and a third ridge. During use, the third ridge is pushed towards the first ridge by the user to extend the second ridge away from the arm and towards the hand portion forming a liquid capturing trough while the cuff portion protects from the arm from liquid exposure. The length between the third ridge and the second ridge is larger than the length between the first and second ridge so that the trough created has a positive cone angle and a depth to sufficient to provide liquid volume capacity. The ridges are shaped as sharp edges or C-sections to provide easy forming of the liquid capturing arm trough.

Abstract: A net shaped latex vacuum bag as used in the fabrication of composite structural parts having complex shapes. Liquid latex is first allowed to air dry in the form of a thin flat, flexible sheet. The latex sheet is then vacuum formed over a tool having the complex shape of the part to be fabricated and assumes the shape and configuration of the tool's outer surface. The latex sheet is then rapidly cured at an elevated temperature, so as to permanently assume the part's shape for subsequent use in forming composite structural parts of the same complex shape. In one embodiment, the latex sheet may be formed on the tool by dipping the tool in liquid latex, allowing the latex coating to dry, and cutting the dry latex coating to permit separation of the tool from the latex coating which is then used in composite part fabrication.

Abstract: A dip-forming composition is provided, which can give a dip-formed article that exhibits good softness of touch and comfortable fittingness, an excellent tensile strength and a high flexural fatigue resistance, and which is less likely to color even when worn and subjected to working for a long time period. The above problem is solved by the dip-forming composition which is obtained by converting an organic peroxide, which is solid at 30° C. under normal pressure, to an aqueous dispersion in the presence of a surfactant and a polymeric protective colloid, adding the dispersion to a conjugated diene rubber latex, and aging the mixture. The organic peroxide is preferably dibenzoyl peroxide or dilauroyl peroxide.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes with a uniform length includes the steps of: (a) forming an array of carbon nanotubes on a substrate; (b) submerging the carbon nanotubes in liquid macromolecular material; (c) solidifying the liquid macromolecular material; (d) cutting the solidified liquid macromolecular material; and (e) removing the macromolecular material to obtain the carbon nanotubes with a uniform length. The method is simple, and carbon nanotubes with a desired length can be easily obtained. The length of the carbon nanotubes can be precisely controlled. Furthermore, each carbon nanotube is open at both ends thereof.

Abstract: Thin-walled rubber articles for use contact with living tissue or with materials to be delivered to living tissue are prepared from aqueous latex of either natural rubber or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene by vulcanization to produce both carbon-carbon and carbon-(sulfur)n-carbon crosslinks, the vulcanization being performed in the absence of any compounding components that contain secondary amine groups or any components that have a tendency to produce nitrosamines. While sulfur activators may be included, it is preferable that no sulfur accelerators at all be included. Thin-walled rubber articles formed from the latex surprisingly exhibit a combination of high tensile strength, high ultimate percent elongation, and low 500% tensile modulus. The process is particularly effective in the manufacture of thin-walled articles from synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene.

Abstract: A method of producing a green form for use in manufacturing a composite, ceramic ion transport membrane is provided in which first and second ceramic powder mixtures are used to produce first and second layers of the green form. The first and second ceramic powder mixtures have ceramic particles and a pore former. After formation of each of the first and second layers or after formation of the second layer, heat is applied to burn out the binder and form pores. This heating is completed prior to application of a dense layer to prevent production of defects within the dense layer. The dense layer contains an ion transport material. Defects are also prevented by grading particle size from the first layer to the dense layer. This allows the second intermediate layer to fill in larger pores of the first layer and to present a smooth surface to the dense layer. Additionally, the second ceramic powder mixture contains in part material used in forming the dense layer for thermal expansion compatibility purposes.

Abstract: A method of making a non-tacky, powder-free neoprene article, preferably by dipping a former in a neoprene or neoprene copolymer latex, comprises the use of one or more anionic anti-tack agents in order to prevent any significant development of tack for a period of up to at least seven days when the article is stored at 70° C. or at least 90 days when stored at 45° C. Preferably, the article is a glove or condom further comprising a layer of hydrogel.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a catheter shaft, having an inner lumen defined by a layer of polymer coating, and a method for forming such a medical device. In some embodiments, the method generally includes the steps of applying a polymer coating to an elongated mandrel, and constructing the remainder of the catheter shaft body around the polymer coated mandrel. In some embodiments, the polymer coating layer is made from water dispersible polymer or water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A bladder shell for inflatable balls having a layer of blended synthetic latex and natural rubber latex compounded with an anti-oxidant, an activator, an accelerator, a thickening agent, a wetting agent, and a stabilizer etc. to form a low air permeability and high bounce bladder shell having thickness of between 0.25 mm to 3.0 mm. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of the bladder shell that includes dipping former in a bath of blended natural rubber latex and synthetic latex.

Abstract: A method of making a cannula includes providing a plurality of polymer reservoirs with each reservoir containing a polymer material and providing a nozzle mounted within each reservoir of the plurality of reservoirs. The method further includes one or more of preheating the mandrel, generating a polymer material wave from each nozzle, rotating the mandrel over the nozzles to form an initial coat on the mandrel, curing the initial coat, depositing a reinforcing material around a selected section of the mandrel and ensuring that the reinforcing material is held in place at the selected section of the mandrel. The method further includes rotating each section of the mandrel over a selected nozzle to form an additional coat, curing the additional coat, and removing the tubular structure from the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of making a cannula utilizing dispense molding includes providing at least one dispense nozzle that dispenses a polymer material, providing a mandrel, moving at least one of the mandrel and at least one dispense nozzle relative to one another to produce an alternating pattern of polymer material along a longitudinal axis of the mandrel to form a tubular structure, and removing the tubular structure from the mandrel.