Abstract: A method for producing a hollow body for storing gases, the hollow body including at least one boss part having a projection. The method includes providing a sheathing composed of a plastic material or a reactive material, over the at least one boss part, at least in a region of the projection. The sheathed at least one boss part is then heated and introduced into a blow mould, where it is surrounding with a plastic tube to form the hollow body. The plastic tube is then brought into permanent contact with the sheathing on the projection to thereby obtain a permanent material connection between the plastic of the plastic tube to the plastic or the reactive material of the sheathing. An internal pressure is then applied to the plastic of the plastic tube to obtain a final shape of the hollow body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a matched die mold including a male die mold and a female die mold wherein the male die mold includes a first contoured surface and the female die mold includes a second contoured surface. The apparatus further includes a frame which defines an opening wherein the frame is positioned between the male die mold and the female die mold such that the frame is adapted to position a film layer across the opening and the opening is positioned in alignment with at least one of the first contoured surface and the second contoured surface.

Abstract: A shaping method and a shaping device are provided which can easily and inexpensively form a curved face in a film including a micropattern. A shaping method is for forming, in a predetermined shaping-target area of a film including a patterned face with a micropattern, and a rear face opposite to the patterned face, a curved face beyond the thickness of the film, and includes a fixing step for fixing an outer edge of the shaping-target area of the film by fixing means, a first heating step for heating the film 20 by heating means 95, and a pressure adjusting step for producing a predetermined pressure difference between both faces of the film by the pressurizing means in such a way that pressure at a side where the film is fixed in the fixing step becomes small to form a pre-curved face.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating plastics material pre-forms includes a conveying device which conveys the plastics material pre-forms along a pre-set conveying path (P). A plurality of holding elements for holding the plastics material pre-forms and a plurality of screening elements for screening off heat are arranged on the conveying device. The apparatus has a plurality of carrier units on which at least parts of the holding elements and at least parts of the screening elements are arranged and these carrier units are capable of being removed from the conveying device jointly with the parts of the holding elements and screening elements which are arranged thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating plastic receptacles includes a transport device which transports the receptacles along a predetermined transport path and at least one heating device for heating the plastic receptacles. The heating device includes at least one radiation source which directs radiation at the plastic receptacles and at least one first reflector element which reflects radiation emitted from the radiation source. The apparatus includes a proportional reflection device which transmits radiation emitted by the radiation source with wavelengths in a first predetermined wavelength range onto the receptacle and reflects radiation with wavelengths in a second predetermined wavelength range onto the radiation source.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a polymeric stent with improved fracture toughness including radial expansion of a polymer tube and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube are disclosed. The polymer tube is disposed within a mold and may be heated with radiation. The heated tube radially expands within the mold.

Abstract: A rotary-type furnace for conditioning preforms with a heating wheel at which several heating modules for heating one preform each are arranged, wherein the heating modules are each a heating chamber and a holding device for the preform. The furnace has a lifting device for lifting and lowering the holding device and/or the heating chamber to change between a loading or withdrawal position, in which the preform does not overlap with the heating chamber in the direction of its main axis, and a radiation position in which a section of the preform is arranged within the heating chamber, a particularly quick and reliable transfer from an infeed starwheel can be realized.

Abstract: A method of making a personal care product that is capable of dispensing a composition onto a surface in the form of a film without the use of an additional applicator. The method includes providing a collapsible bag at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable member and, optionally, an outer container body. Potential energy is generated by stretching the elastically deformable member, which is used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant or pump. The personal care composition may be a skin care composition, an antifungal, or an enzyme inhibiting composition.

Abstract: Installation for heating the bodies (1) of thermoplastic preforms (2) with a view to manufacturing containers by blow-molding or stretch-blow-molding, while the preforms (2) are being moved along with their bodies (1) following a predetermined path (T), this installation comprising at least one directional source (5) of electromagnetic radiation directed towards a location (E) on the path (T); the source (5) is inclined by an angle (?) of between about 60° and 10° and preferably less than about 45°, with respect to the tangent (6) to the path (T) at the location (E); thus, the electromagnetic radiation can pass through several preform bodies or parts of bodies without being appreciably reflected back towards the source (5).

Abstract: Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container having at least two distinct chambers, and is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a container (14) from a blank (2) of thermoplastic material having a body (4) extending along a principal axis (A), which comprises: A selective heating step in which the body (4) of the blank (2) is exposed to monochromatic or pseudo-monochromatic infrared radiation, the power of which is modulated along the principal axis (A) of the body (4) in such a way that said body has alternating hot annular regions (4A, 4C, 4E, 4G, 4I), the temperature of which is far higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material, and comparatively colder annular regions (4B, 4D, 4F, 4H), the temperature of which is close to the glass transition temperature (Tg); A forming step in which a fluid under pressure is injected into the blank (2) thus heated, said step being carried out in free expansion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container having a local recessed or relief impression, from a blank (2) of thermoplastic material. The method includes a heating step in which the blank (2) is exposed to infrared radiation and in which the infrared radiation is monochromatic or pseudo-monochromatic, the intensity of which locally has an extremum in front of a localized zone (11) of the blank, in such a way as to generate a temperature extremum in the zone (11). The method also includes a forming step in which a fluid under pressure is injected into the blank (2) thus heated, and in which the recessed or relief impression is formed at the localized zone (11).

Abstract: Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container that is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a polymeric stent with improved fracture toughness including radial expansion of a polymer tube and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube are disclosed. The polymer tube is disposed within a mold and may be heated with radiation. The heated tube radially expands within the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a container from a thermoplastic blank (2), comprising: a step in which the blank (2) is heated using at least one beam (22) of coherent electromagnetic radiation, and a step in which the container is formed from the blank (2) thus heated. The invention also relates to an installation (1) which is used to produce containers (2) and which comprises a unit (16) for heating the blanks (2) in order to form containers from the blanks (2) thus heated. The inventive installation (1) defines a path (23) along which the blanks (2) travel inside the heating unit (16). In addition, the heating unit (16) comprises at least one coherent electromagnetic radiation source (26) which is directed towards a zone (25) that is located on the aforementioned path (23).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for blow-molding containers. A preform produced of a thermoplastic material is subjected to a thermal conditioning process along a transport path in the region of a heating section. The preform is then shaped in a blow mold by the effect of a blowing pressure to give the container. The preform is subjected to a temperature profile at least along part of its transport path in the region of the heating section, said temperature profile being generated by at least one tubular radiation heater. The temperature profile extends in a longitudinal direction of the preform. The radiation emitted by the radiation heater is emitted in different spatial directions with different intensities by a heating device positioning the radiation heater.

Abstract: A method of making a personal care product that is capable of dispensing a composition onto a surface in the form of a film without the use of an additional applicator. The method includes providing a collapsible bag at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable member and, optionally, an outer container body. Potential energy is generated by stretching the elastically deformable member, which is used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant or pump. The personal care composition may be a skin care composition, an antifungal, or an enzyme inhibiting composition.

Abstract: Catheters, balloons, and methods of manufacturing balloons for balloon catheters using lasers are disclosed. A catheter with a shaft sized for use with a 0.014 inch guide wire includes a polymeric balloon having a body portion with an inflated outer diameter of more than 6 millimeters. An inflatable balloon includes an inflated outer diameter to inner waist diameter ratio of 12.5 to 1. An inflatable polymeric balloon that has a body portion with two regions that have different molecular orientations is also provided. A method of processing an elongate polymeric material includes heating a portion of the polymeric material with a laser while longitudinally stretching the portion of the polymeric material. A method of manufacturing a balloon includes heating and longitudinally stretching a first and second portion of an elongate polymeric tube to form first and second end portion. The remaining body portion is radially expanded to form the balloon.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of heating a preform (50) of thermoplastic material prior to blow molding the same to form a container, with the preform (50) being held at a threaded region (58) during heating thereof. A neck portion (48) of the preform (50) close to the threaded region (58) is temporarily heated more strongly as compared to other regions. The invention further relates to a tempering device for heating such a preform (50), including at least one radiation and/or heat source acting on the preform (50) and defining several impact regions on the preform (50) with different heating intensities each. The preform (50) has associated therewith at least one reflector (52) disposed in the threaded (58) and/or neck region (48) for deflecting radiation proportions piercing the neck region (48) and for heating the neck region (48) on an inside of the preform (50).

Abstract: The present invention provides a new monomer and methods of using the monomer to fabricate robust polymer surface coatings with controlled thicknesses between 1 and 5 nanometers. The coatings are composed of a new material containing polymerized monomers of 4-vinylbenzenepropanethiol. The polymer surface coating may be applied to metal and silicon. The method includes exposing a metal substrate to a solution of the monomer in hexanes in order to deposit a monolayer of the monomer onto the metal surface. The substrate is then irradiated with ultraviolet radiation in order to graft a thin polymer coating onto the surface. The procedure can be repeated in order to control the thickness of the coating between about 1 nm and 5 nm. Alternatively, thermally initiated polymerization or deposition of partially oligomerized monomers onto the surface provides nanothin coatings with identical performance.

Abstract: Material dispensing systems and methods for make such systems are described. The material dispensing systems employ a collapsible container that is at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable band. The band stretches as the container is filled with a flowable composition, thereby creating potential energy which can then be used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant and/or pressurized container.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furnace (10) for heating preforms (20), of the type that comprises a preform-heating tunnel (12). According to the invention, the tunnel consists of a heating module (18) comprising vertical walls (14, 16) between which the preforms (20) travel. Moreover, at least one wall (16) of the module (18) is provided with at least one heating means (32) which is mounted to supports (34) such that it can move transversely and means (40) for adjusting the transverse position of the heating means (32) comprising at least one member (42) for controlling the movement of the heating means (32) between at least two indexed positions. The invention is characterized in that the control member (42) comprises an indexing boss (54) which can deform elastically such as to fit inside the complementary indexing notches (56, 58) on the corresponding support (34) at proximal and distal positions respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing plastic containers, where the plastic containers are produced from a plastic material such as recycled plastic. The plastic preforms are heated in a heating unit and expanded into plastic containers in an expansion device. An infrared absorption degree of the plastic material or of the plastic preforms produced from said plastic material is then examined at least once in the course of the production process. From this examination conclusions can be drawn with respect to the quality of the preforms and their behavior when they are being heated.

Abstract: A method and device serve the tempering preforms of a thermoplastic material. The preforms are modeled subsequent to tempering into a container inside a blow-molding mold by the action of a medium under pressure. During tempering, the preforms are heated by being acted upon by a heat radiation as well as cooled by being blown upon with cooling air, at least in the surface region. For compensation of a change in the surface temperature of the preforms due to operating ambient parameters, a change in the intensity in the subjecting of the preforms to cooling air is conducted. This takes place such that with simultaneous heating and cooling a basically constant surface temperature of the preform is attained. In addition, the intensity of heat radiation can be regulated for adaptation to at least one operating parameter.

Abstract: A multilayer plastic container comprises a layer of a polypropylene and an intermediate layer directly adjacent the layer of polypropylene wherein at least one of the polypropylene and intermediate layers comprises an adhesive such as maleic anhydride incorporated therein to adhere the layer of polypropylene to the layer of EVOH.

Abstract: A system for direct injection of selected thermal-infrared (IR) wavelength radiation or energy into articles for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. These purposes may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of articles, or stimulating a target item in a range of different industrial, medical, consumer, or commercial circumstances. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.

Abstract: An oven for heating moving thermoplastic blanks (preforms, intermediate containers), which includes conveying devices for supporting and moving the blanks sequentially while rotating each of them about its own axis. A heating device is arranged laterally to the conveying device for heating the moving blank bodies, and the conveying device includes at least two parallel conveying branches, proximate each other and having opposite conveying directions, the two branches being traveled along one after the other by the blanks. The heating device is arranged between the two conveying branches so as to heat simultaneously on both sides of the blanks moving in opposite directions respectively on the two branches.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: A stretch blow molding system that condition preforms such that the temperature distribution within the cross-section of each preform is optimized prior to blow molding operations is provided. The system has a temperature measurement and control system capable of directly monitoring both the outside as well as inside surface temperature of preforms at different stages of transport throughout the thermal conditioning section of the system.

Abstract: A seamless collapsible container has a molded finish, configured and adapted for sealing with a closure and, optionally, for attachment to a dispensing apparatus, and a seamless, blow molded body portion, comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a wall, where the wall is sufficiently thin to allow the body portion to collapse, and the molded finish and at least an inner layer of the body portion together comprise a seamless, single piece of thermoplastic material. The seamless collapsible container may be used in such applications as a bag-in-box, a carton liner, and a beverage pouch.

Abstract: A device for heating parisons made of a thermoplastic material and having a supporting ring for blow molding hollow bodies, having a conveyor means, a plurality of holding means which are arranged on the conveyor means and grip the head area of the parisons between the supporting ring and the mouth and radiant heaters arranged on the path of movement of the parisons carried by the holding means, a shield supported by the conveying means being assigned to each holding mandrel in the form of a cover plate which is located at the height of the supporting ring and has a borehole to receive the supporting ring. Furthermore, there is also a cooling device, which acts directly on the exposed head area. This permits optimum protection of the head area of the parisons, which is not to be shaped or deformed, to prevent unacceptable heating.

Abstract: A process for producing microstructured tool insert for injection molding a part, the part being fabricated of a synthetic material, a metal or a ceramic material and including an arrangement of microstructures which are formed on an outer surface of the part and have two different predetermined depths.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a film having at least one layer comprising an interpolymer of ethylene and at least on comonomer selected from the group consisting of C3-C20 ?-olefins, dienes, and cycloalkenes, wherein the interpolymer is characterized as having a high degree of processability, good optical performance, and good mechanical properties. The subject invention further provides film fabrication processes and polymer compositions which are useful in preparing the subject films.

Abstract: A housing is mounted to a slide that transports a series of preforms downward under the influence of gravity through a pre-heating apparatus toward a reheat blow molding machine. The housing is coupled to the slide so that a selected portion of each of the series of preforms is shielded from the general enviroment, and heating elements and directing elements are fixed within the housing so that heat from the heating elements is directed toward the selected portion of each series of preforms as the preforms desend down the slide to achieve a persistent thermal gradient in the preforms prior to the re-heating and blow-molding of the preform.

Abstract: An automobile interior trim component includes a molded substrate laminated onto a cover sheet including a foam backing and a skin film having a surface texture. The cover sheet is preheated so the skin film is in a melted viscous liquid state above its melting temperature, and the foam backing remains in a solid elastic foam state below its melting temperature. The preheated cover sheet is mechanically pre-molded by a back mold into a front mold. Pressurized air is applied through the back mold, to blow-mold the cover sheet against the front mold, so the melted skin film reproduces a surface texture of the front mold surface while the solid foam backing acts as a buffer and air barrier layer. Vacuum is applied through the front mold surface. The mold is opened, a substrate is introduced, and the back mold then molds and thermally laminates the substrate against the foam backing of the cover sheet.

Abstract: A reheat stretch blow-molding process comprises providing a polypropylene preform, and heating the preform utilizing a plurality of infrared energy sources positioned adjacent-said preform at distances inversely proportional to the wall thickness of said preform directly apposing said infrared energy sources.

Abstract: An automobile interior trim component includes a molded substrate laminated onto a cover sheet including a foam backing and a skin film having a surface texture. The cover sheet is preheated so the skin film is in a melted viscous liquid state above its melting temperature, and the foam backing remains in a solid elastic foam state below its melting temperature. The preheated cover sheet is mechanically pre-molded by a back mold into a front mold. Pressurized air is applied through the back mold, to blow-mold the cover sheet against the front mold, so the melted skin film reproduces a surface texture of the front mold surface while the solid foam backing acts as a buffer and air barrier layer. Vacuum is applied through the front mold surface. The mold is opened, a substrate is introduced, and the back mold then molds and thermally laminates the substrate against the foam backing of the cover sheet.

Abstract: A machine and method for blow molding a polyester bottle for carbonated beverages with an internal web structure positioned between two hand-grip depressions. The machine and method uses an injection-molded preform having a web feature and maintains the web of the preform in a precise position during heat-treatment and eventual blow molding into the bottle. Heat-treatment involves an oven capable of heating and cooling selected regions of the preform by using a combination of shields, heat energy reflective surfaces, and cooling airflows. Bottle blow molding involves precise placement of the preform relative to hand-grip surfaces in a blow mold cavity and cooling airflow of the internal web structure before bottle removal.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a molded crystalline resin article which enables a higher crystallization degree and to mass-produce the molded crystalline resin articles. The method comprises molding a molded resin article from a thermoplastic resin containing a crystalline resin followed by performing a heating process to obtain a molded crystalline resin article having a surface layer whose crystallization index is 0.9 or higher when determined by IR spectrometry. It is preferable that the temperature of the heating process is within the range of 20° C. lower than the crystallization temperature of the molded resin article to 30° C. higher than the crystalline temperature, and that the crystalline resin is a polypropylene resin.

Abstract: A heater assembly (20) for heating blow molding plastic preforms (14) includes a plurality of elongated heaters (26) mounted by a housing (24) and extending along a path of conveyance of the preforms in a parallel relationship to each other, and each heater includes an elongated parabolic reflector (44) that reflects radiation from an adjacent elongated bulb (36) to irradiate the conveyed preforms. The heater assembly (20) also includes a quartz window (58) located between the elongated heaters (26) and the conveyed preforms (14) to transmit infrared radiation while blocking longer wavelength radiation so as to provide uniform heating of the conveyed preforms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using spinel pigments to increase the infrared heat-up rates of thermoplastic resins and specifically polyester bottle resins. In particular, the method comprises adding spinel pigments to polymerized resins to increase the reheat rates of the resulting polyester pre-forms. When uniformly distributed, these spinel pigments absorb applied energy and thereupon transfer the energy to the polyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using spinel pigments to increase the infrared heat-up rates of thermoplastic resins and specifically polyester bottle resins. In particular, the method comprises adding spinel pigments to polymerized resins to increase the reheat rates of the resulting polyester pre-forms. When uniformly distributed, these spinel pigments absorb applied energy and thereupon transfer the energy to the polyester.

Abstract: A stretch blow molding process and apparatus for the manufacturing of plastic containers includes the step of preheating the preform. In particular the preheating step includes directly heating the inside of the preform. This is particularly important during the processing of polypropylene. The method for heating plastic preforms for the stretch blow molding thereof comprises the steps of heating the outside of the preforms with at least one infrared radiation lamp and directly heating the inside of the preforms. Preferably the heating of the outside and the heating of the inside is performed concurrently. The apparatus for use in the preheat step of a preform during a stretch blow molding process includes a channel; a plurality of chucks and a method of directly heating the inside of the preforms. The plurality of chucks are movably connected to the channel and each chuck is adapted to receive a preform. The inside of the preform is heated as the chuck moves along the channel.

Abstract: A blank (2) is molded for the manufacture of a multi-layer preform (1). The blank possesses protrusions (5). After the protrusions (5) have been brought to a plasticized state under the action of heat, those surfaces that contain protrusions (5) are covered by a layer of plasticized material. The blank (2) becomes connected to the layer (6) in the area of the protrusions (5). After cooling of the preform created from the blank (2) and the layer (6), the blank (2) will be connected with the layer (6) by means of microweld positions (7) in the area of the said protrusions (5). With that, delamination of the preform (1) during further processing or use will be effectively prevented.

Abstract: A pipe (4) is rehabilitated by means of a tubular liner (5) which is introduced into the pipe in a contracted form, expanded into contact with the pipe wall, and hardened to retain its form. The liner (5) comprises composite material formed by knitting, braiding or weaving tows of intermingled filaments of thermoplastic and reinforcing fiber, the liner being heated during application to the pipe in order to melt the thermoplastic. The composite material may be created as a sleeve. Alternatively, a sheet of the material may be calendered and rolled up into a tubular form, overlapping edge margins of the sheet being bonded together after expansion of the tube into contact with the pipe wall.

Abstract: An extruded composite structural artificial lumber product is manufactured from wood fiber and polyethylene, including recycled polyethylene, by reducing the wood fiber and polyethylene each to a finely divided particles, mechanically mixing the wood fiber and polyethylene particles together with a measured amount of a powdered endothermic foaming agent, mechanically mixing the mixture, without pre-pelletization, in a twin-screw extruder where it is compressed and heated until it becomes plastic and homogenous, and then extruding the plastic mixture, using vacuum to remove vaporized moisture and other excess volatiles, through a molding die which forms structural profile of the desired product.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described that provide three-dimensional fibrillar matrices useful as, among other things, structural prosthetics and scaffolds for cells. The porous fibrillar matrices of the present invention have desirable mechanical properties suitable to a variety of applications, including platforms for in vitro cell cultivation, implants for tissue and organ engineering, implants as tendon and facia prosthetics, and product packaging.

Abstract: A method of producing an extruded plastics foam of enhanced physical strength includes intimately mixing a blowing agent incorporation CO.sub.2, the major portion of which is a natural gas, in a plastics resin melt to form a homogenous resin mix, and extruding the resin mix through an exit die into a region of lower pressure. At the point of extrusion out of the exit die, the temperature of the resin mix is adjusted so that it is below the critical temperature.