Abstract: According to one embodiment, under a condition that a substrate is installed on a substrate installation unit, a mold is installed on a mold installation unit, and a mask unit is installed in a mask-unit installation unit, a transfer apparatus controls an operation of a mold presser unit so as to press the mold against the substrate, the operation of a first positioning unit so as to position the mask unit with respect to the mold and the operation of an irradiation unit so as to irradiate an uncured material provided on the surface of the substrate with electromagnetic waves of a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing a bearing material having excellent wear-resistance and oxidation resistance. The method of producing a bearing material 10 according to the present invention comprises molding a substrate 12 containing a radical scavenger and a polymer material; washing at least a part 16 of the substrate 12 with a washing liquid; and grafting a polymer chain having a phosphorylcholine group from at least the part 16 of the surface after washing so as to form a polymer film 30 on at least the part of the surface.

Abstract: Two surfaces forming a cutting edge and a ridge of a cutting edge existing along the boundary between the two surfaces intersecting with each other are irradiated with a gas cluster ion beam at the same time, the maximum height of the profile of the two surfaces being equal to or smaller than 1 ?m. A facet is newly formed on the ridge of the cutting edge by performing the irradiation with the gas cluster ion beam in such a manner that the two surfaces are not perpendicularly but obliquely irradiated with the gas cluster ion beam, and at least a part of the ridge of the cutting edge is perpendicularly irradiated with the gas cluster ion beam.

Abstract: Provided is a droplet cutting method capable of cutting a droplet easily to expose its cross-section. Also provided is a droplet cross-section analysis method, including analyzing a cross-section exposed through cutting by such cutting method. A droplet cutting method of the present invention is a method of cutting a droplet to expose a cross-section, the method including: placing a droplet on a surface of a carbon nanotube aggregate including a plurality of carbon nanotubes; cooling the droplet to a cooling temperature equal to or less than a temperature at which the droplet is solidified; and cutting the droplet. A droplet cross-section analysis method of the present invention includes analyzing a cross-section exposed through cutting by the droplet cutting method of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing a crosslinked sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) cation exchange membrane including: preparing a crosslinker mixture of a first crosslinker containing two or more vinyl oxy groups and a second crosslinker containing three or more vinyl groups; preparing a mother liquor containing the crosslinker mixture, a SPEEK polymer substituted with sodium, and a solvent; and casting the mother liquor and then irradiating radiation thereon.

Abstract: an air bag module (5) having an air bag (10), a receiving and retaining element (20) to receive and hold the air bag and an inflator to fill the air bag. To increase the thermal stability the air bag (10) and/or the receiving and retaining element (20) consist at least in part of a radiation crosslinked plastic, in particular of a radiation crosslinked thermoplastic.

Abstract: A method for producing a surface-functionalised object involves: (i) providing negative mould (2) with a surface topography complementary to that desired on the object; (ii) applying a functional entity (20) to the mould surface, in an exciting medium; (iii) forming the object (21) in or on the mould (2), the object being in direct contact, as it forms, with the functional entity (20); and (iv) releasing the object (21) from the mould, wherein during steps (iii) and/or (iv), at least some (22) of the functional entity (20) is transferred from the mould to the object, whilst a proportion remains on the mould (2) surface. The method can be used to functionalise the surface of an object as it is cast, and the mould can be re-used to form multiple replicate objects. The invention also provides an object produced using the method, and a surface-functionalised negative mould for use in the method.

Abstract: Device surfaces are rendered superhydrophobic and/or superoleophobic through microstructures and/or nanostructures that utilize the same base material(s) as the device itself without the need for coatings made from different materials or substances. A medical device includes a portion made from a base material having a surface adapted for contact with biological material, and wherein the surface is modified to become superhydrophobic, superoleophobic, or both, using only the base material, excluding non-material coatings. The surface may be modified using a subtractive process, an additive process, or a combination thereof. The product of the process may form part of an implantable device or a medical instrument, including a medical device or instrument associated with an intraocular procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structured monolayer that is composed of low-molecular aromatics and fully cross-linked in the lateral direction, the monolayer having a pattern of functional groups on one of the two surfaces, and to a method for preparing such a structured monolayer, as well as to the use thereof.

Abstract: A processing system includes a plasma source chamber to generate a plasma; an extraction assembly adjacent the plasma source chamber having an extraction plate and a beam modifier, the extraction plate defining an extraction plate plane and an aperture to extract ions from the plasma source chamber into an ion beam, the beam modifier adjacent to the extraction plate and operative to adjust an ion beam trajectory angle of the ion beam with respect to a perpendicular to the extraction plate plane; and a neutralizer to receive the ion beam extracted by the extraction assembly, convert the ion beam to a neutral beam and direct the neutral beam towards a substrate, the neutralizer having one or more neutralizer plates arranged at a neutralizer plate angle, the extraction assembly and the neutralizer interoperative to provide an ion beam incident angle of the ion beam with respect to the neutralizer plates.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the degradation profile of a biodegradable stent scaffolding are disclosed. Disclosed methods include controlling features of the degradation profile including the time to loss of radial strength and the degradation time of the stent.

Abstract: An imprint method includes contacting an imprint pattern of a mold and a resin material on a substrate. The resin material is cured by irradiating the resin material with light in a state in which the imprint pattern is in contact with the resin material. The mold is parted from the cured resin material, and gaseous molecules are irradiated, in an atmosphere in which the mold is placed, with an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength that is shorter than a wavelength of the light irradiating the resin material. The electromagnetic wave is emitted from an electrification removing light source that is provided in a lateral side of the mold. In the irradiating step, the gaseous molecules are ionized by the irradiation of the electromagnetic wave from the electrification removing light source. The ionized gaseous molecules are supplied into an atmosphere between the substrate and the mold to remove electrification of at least a portion of the mold.

Abstract: Polymer composites directed to single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) dispersed within poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and their methods of synthesis. Composites of the present invention are also formulated as films and spun coat onto desired substrates. Advantageously, both the composites and films of the present invention exhibit resistance to radiation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: Two surfaces forming a cutting edge and a ridge of a cutting edge existing along the boundary between the two surfaces intersecting with each other are irradiated with a gas cluster ion beam at the same time, the maximum height of the profile of the two surfaces being equal to or smaller than 1 ?m. A facet is newly formed on the ridge of the cutting edge by performing the irradiation with the gas cluster ion beam in such a manner that the two surfaces are not perpendicularly but obliquely irradiated with the gas cluster ion beam, and at least a part of the ridge of the cutting edge is perpendicularly irradiated with the gas cluster ion beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: An orthopedic component having multiple layers that are selected to provide an overall modulus that is substantially lower than the modulus of known orthopedic components to more closely approximate the modulus of the bone into which the orthopedic component is implanted. In one exemplary embodiment, the orthopedic component is an acetabular shell. For example, the acetabular shell may include an outer layer configured for securement to the natural acetabulum of a patient and an inner layer configured to receive an acetabular liner. The head of a femoral prosthesis articulates against the acetabular liner to replicate the function of a natural hip joint. Alternatively, the inner layer of the acetabular shell may act as an integral acetabular liner against which the head of the femoral prosthesis articulates.

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of polymeric components comprises the steps of: providing an array of preforms (10), each preform (10) comprising crosslinked polymeric material; providing non-crosslinked polymeric material (28) around at least a portion of each preform (10); fusing the array of preforms (10) to the non-crosslinked polymeric material (28) so as to form a plurality of hybrid components; removing a portion of each preform (10) so as to deposit a crosslinked surface layer on the non-crosslinked polymeric material (28); and fashioning the hybrid components into the plurality of polymeric components. The polymeric components may constitute the whole or a part of a prosthesis, such as an acetabular cup prosthesis for use in hip resurfacing.

Abstract: The invention concerns an accessory for removing material, in particular a file (3) or a cutting block, for prosthesis implantation surgery, in particular for hip or knee prostheses. The invention is characterised in that it comprises at least partly one plastic part and at least one insert (4, 10, 5) made of a material harder than the bone material, in particular of metal, which is fixed to the plastic material such that if the device is brought to a temperature Ti, the insert is separated from the plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked oxidation-resistant polymeric materials and preventing or minimizing in vivo elution of antioxidant from the antioxidant-containing polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of doping polymeric materials with a spatial control of cross-linking and antioxidant distribution, for example, vitamin E (?-Tocopherol), and methods for extraction/elution of antioxidants, for example, vitamin E (?-tocopherol), from surface regions of antioxidant-containing polymeric materials, and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided to generate markings on the side of a substrate. The markings represent information. In an embodiment, the information provided in the markings may be used to collect information during an assembly process.

Abstract: Methods provide a non-eluting antioxidant doped UHMWPE in the form of an implant bearing component. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a preform; (b) irradiating the preform with ?-irradiation to crosslink the UHMWPE; (c) doping the crosslinked preform by exposing it to an antioxidant composition at a temperature below the melting point of the UHMWPE; (d) removing the doped material from contact with the antioxidant composition; and then (e) annealing by heating the doped material at a temperature above 30° C. and below the melting point of the UHMWPE; followed by (f) making an implant bearing component from the doped material, wherein at least 1 mm but no more than about 15 mm of material are removed to make the component.

Abstract: Two surfaces forming a cutting edge and a ridge of a cutting edge existing along the boundary between the two surfaces intersecting with each other are irradiated with a gas cluster ion beam at the same time, the maximum height of the profile of the two surfaces being equal to or smaller than 1 ?m. A facet is newly formed on the ridge of the cutting edge by performing the irradiation with the gas cluster ion beam in such a manner that the two surfaces are not perpendicularly but obliquely irradiated with the gas cluster ion beam, and at least a part of the ridge of the cutting edge is perpendicularly irradiated with the gas cluster ion beam.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a template manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a template for use in an imprint processing in which a pattern having irregularities are formed on a principal surface, and the pattern is brought into contact with a resist member formed on a substrate to be processed, to transfer the pattern to the resist member, the method including implanting charged particles at least into the bottoms of concave portions of the template.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to crosslinkable, flame retardant polymer compositions are provided comprising a polyamide or polyester; a flame retardant system; a crosslinking agent; and a flame retardant system coagent. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for forming microscopic 3D structures. In the method according to the invention a substrate (105) is placed in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The SEM is equipped with a Gas Injection System (GIS) (110) for directing a jet of precursor fluid to the substrate. The substrate is cooled below the freezing point of the precursor gas so that a frozen layer of the precursor gas can be applied to the substrate. By now repeatedly applying a frozen layer of the precursor to the substrate and irradiate the frozen layer with an electron beam (102), a stack of frozen layers (130) is built, each layer showing an irradiated part (131) in which the precursor is converted to another material. After applying the last layer the temperature is raised so that the unprocessed precursor (132) can evaporate. As a result 3D structures with overhanging features can be built.

Abstract: Provided is a sample preparation method, including: while displaying a SEM image of a first cross-section of a sample on a display screen, subjecting the first cross-section to etching processing by scanning and irradiation of a focused ion beam, thereby exposing a second cross-section; and while displaying a SEM image of another cross-section on the display screen, changing a scanning direction of the focused ion beam while performing the scanning and irradiation of the focused ion beam and subjecting the second cross-section to etching processing, thereby exposing a desired cross-section of the sample.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to use of a particle accelerator beam to form thin layers of material from a bulk substrate. In particular embodiments, a bulk substrate (e.g. donor substrate) having a top surface is exposed to a beam of accelerated particles. In certain embodiments, this bulk substrate may comprise a core of crystalline sapphire (Al2O3) material. Then, a thin layer of the material is separated from the bulk substrate by performing a controlled cleaving process along a cleave region formed by particles implanted from the beam. Embodiments may find particular use as hard, scratch-resistant covers for personal electric device displays, or as optical surfaces for fingerprint, eye, or other biometric scanning.

Abstract: A method for producing a molded body, said method comprising: providing a film comprising a thermoplastic plastic and having a film thickness D ranging from 1 ?m to 1000 ?m; irradiating the film with ionizing radiation, to produce irradiated regions in the film; thermally reshaping the film into a molded body and generating at least one hollow structure, wherein a temperature of the thermal reshaping remains below the melting temperature for the thermoplastic plastic; removing the irradiated regions, to create pores having a diameter ? from about 10 nm to about 10 ?m in the molded body; and removing the molded body from a mold.

Abstract: A floor covering comprising an essentially sheet-shaped or plate-shaped matrix made of an elastomeric material. The matrix is provided with particles where the particles are made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped highly crystalline cross-linked polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for curing polymers and polymer composites with X-rays generated by the bremsstrahlung effect, using a high power, high energy electron beam. The process generates X-rays with sufficient throughput and penetration for commercial use. The present invention employs high power, high energy electron beams to create the X-rays. The beams are typically run at energies ranging from 1 MeV to 10 MeV, preferably from 3 MeV to 10 MeV, and more preferably from 5 MeV to 7 MeV. The beams typically have powers ranging from 30 kW or higher, preferably 80 kW or higher, more preferably 100 kW of higher, and ideally at least 200 kW. Suitable polymers and polymer composites include, but are not limited to, polymeric molding materials, fiber reinforced molding materials, reactive monomer impregnated wood, similar and dissimilar materials bonded through adhesives.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a tissue including introducing into the tissue a first thermoplastic material at a first condition; treating the first thermoplastic material to achieve a second condition that includes an at least partially crystalline skin; and introducing a second material into the tissue whereby the first thermoplastic material and the second material are contained by the at least partially crystalline skin. Also a method of fracture reduction in a tissue including exposing to gamma radiation a mass of polycaprolactone characterized by a first shape; heating the mass of irradiated polycaprolactone above its melting temperature; introducing the heated mass of polycaprolactone into the tissue annulus to deform it from the first shape; allowing the material to return to the first shape.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a composition of at least two components, comprising the steps of: providing at least one first fluid component; providing at least one second solid component and processing it so that the first component can diffuse into the second component; and diffusing the first component into the second component. A composition prepared by such a method.

Abstract: There are provided a microstructural material allowing a concavo-convex pattern of a mold to be imprinted thereon by hardening a pattern formative layer through an unprecedented method, and a fabrication method thereof. A PTFE dispersion liquid is used in a pattern formative layer 2a forming an imprint section 2, thereby allowing such pattern formative layer 2a formed on a concavo-convex pattern of a mold 5 to be hardened when irradiated with an ionizing radiation. Accordingly, the fabrication method of a microstructural material 1 of the present invention employs an imprinting method allowing the pattern formative layer 2a to be hardened through an ionizing radiation R, which is completely different from a thermal imprinting and an optical imprinting. That is, the pattern formative layer 2a can be hardened, and the concavo-convex pattern of the mold 5 can thus be imprinted thereon, through an unprecedented method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for implants, where the implants have been machined out of UHMWPE blocks or extruded rods, has anthocyanin dispersely imbedded in the polyethylene. The implant is then exposed to ? ray or electron beam irradiation in an amount of at least 2.5 Mrad followed by a heat treatment to prevent the implant from becoming brittle in the long term as well as to improve strength and wear. The method includes mixing a powder or granulate resin of UHMWPE with an aqueous liquid that contains anthocyanin in a predetermined amount. The water is evaporated in order to deposit the anthocyanin in a predetermined concentration on the polyethylene particles. The doped UHMWPE particles are compressed into blocks at temperatures in a range of approximately 135° C.-250° C. and pressures in a range of approximately 2-70 MPa. Medical implants are made from the blocks.

Abstract: An over-current protection device includes a conductive composite having a first crystalline fluorinated polymer, a plurality of particulates, a conductive filler, and a non-conductive filler, wherein the plurality of particulates include a second crystalline fluorinated polymer. The first crystalline fluorinated polymer has a crystalline melting temperature of between 150 and 190 degrees Celsius. The plurality of particulates including the second crystalline fluorinated polymer are disposed in the conductive composite, having a crystalline melting temperature of between 320 and 390 degrees Celsius and having a particulate diameter of from 1 to 50 micrometers. The conductive filler and the non-conductive filler are dispersed in the conductive composite.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making wear and oxidation resistant polymeric materials by high temperature melting. The invention also provides methods of making medical implants containing cross-linked antioxidant-containing tough and ductile polymers and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: Methods of cyclically heating and cooling an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to reduce an electrical resistivity and/or to increase a tensile strength of the article, and methods of irradiating an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to increase a tensile strength of the article. Also disclosed herein are articles formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, and processed in accordance with methods disclosed herein. Such an article may include, for example and without limitation, a cable strap to wrap, support, and/or secure one or more wires or cables, such as a cable tie.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structured monolayer that is composed of low-molecular aromatics and fully cross-linked in the lateral direction, the monolayer having a pattern of functional groups on one of the two surfaces, and to a method for preparing such a structured monolayer, as well as to the use thereof.

Abstract: A plasticized ceramic-forming mixture and a method for stiffening the mixture, the mixture comprising a combination of inorganic powder, one or more plasticizing organic binders, a radiation-curable monomer, a photoinitiator, and water, and the method comprising stiffening the surfaces of extruded shapes of the mixture by applying electromagnetic energy to the surfaces following extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric device (105), wherein the elastomeric device contains a relief structure with indentations with respect to the base (110), (102) and wherein selected ones of said indentations comprise at least two indentation depths (112), (108) and indentation widths (101), (107). It also relates to a method of making a master for construction of said elastomeric device comprising a procedure to provide a pattern on a substrate of a suitable material. One step in. the construction of said elastomeric device comprises a molding procedure of an elastomer. Methods of using the elastomeric device in printing, fluidic control, sorting, lab-on-a-chip devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clear resin molded body which has high heat resistance that can be used in the reflow soldering process using Pb-free solder, which has high transparency that can be used for an optical member, and which can be easily produced, and also provides a method of producing the same. A clear resin molded body includes a molded body of a resin composition composed of a carbon-hydrogen-bond-containing fluororesin, in which the resin composition is crosslinked by irradiating the molded body with ionizing radiation at least once in an atmosphere at a temperature lower than the melting point of the fluororesin and at least once in an atmosphere at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the fluororesin. A method produces the clear resin molded body.

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

Abstract: A method for making an implantable bone material. The method includes providing a bone composition consisting essentially of demineralized human bone, and irradiating the composition at a temperature less than about 0° C.