Abstract: A method of green joining ceramic components is disclosed, particularly for use in forming a discharge body for a ceramic metal halide lamp. The process includes providing a first green ceramic component having a male joining surface, and providing a second green ceramic component having a female joining surface dimensioned to matingly receive the first component. The first and second green ceramic components are assembled along the joining surfaces, the assembled components are uniformly heated to join the first and second components. The joined components are next cooled in a cooling bath that uniformly cools the joined components. Thereafter, the joined green part may be inserted in the furnace for debindering and sintering.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a blank made of metal powder, preferably titanium powder, intended for a dental crown or other product for the human body (spacer, dentine, implant, etc.) comprises at least one first apparatus for powder compression and at least one second apparatus with one or more elastic molds having at least one cavity for a punch (block) and the powder used in the initial stage. The first apparatus comprises a machine operating by impact compaction, and said mold or molds is/are arranged, when the cavity is filled with starting powder, to receive impacts effected by the impaction members in the machine and, as a function of the impact or impacts, to generate an isostatic action during the compression/compaction. The invention also relates to a device, method and use and permits a rapid production procedure while maintaining the current requirements in respect of precision and quality.

Abstract: A ceramic green body is formed by gelcasting. The ceramic green body is heated in the mold so that a solvent contained in the ceramic green body is moved to form a solvent film between the outer surface of the ceramic green body and the inner surface of the mold. The solvent film facilitates release of the ceramic green body from the mold, thereby preventing the occurrence of damage to the ceramic green body as the ceramic green body is released from the mold.

Abstract: Some embodiments of pool cleaner hoses and methods for making the same may include a flexible hose section associated with a pool cleaner that is flexible, but also able to resist substantial compression along its longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the flexible hose section may be formed from a number of segments.

Abstract: A process for producing a ceramic sinter or inorganic film in which anisotropic particles or anisotropic crystals have been oriented; or a process for producing a bonded composite material which comprises a base sample and another material tenaciously bonded to a surface of the base. The processes are characterized by imposing a centrifugal force during buming (heating).

Abstract: A textile sleeve for protecting elongate members and method of construction thereof provides a sleeve having a wall constructed at least in part from generally round monofilaments. The sleeve wall provides a central space extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends for receipt of the elongate members. The monofilaments have a region with a permanently melted and flattened outer surface adjacent at least one of the ends. The melted and flattened region provides an increased surface area to which tape can be adhered, while also acting to reduce the potential for end fray of the filaments forming the textile sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides sintered polymeric materials and methods of making the same which are useful in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a sintered polymeric material comprising at least one plastic and at least one elastomer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of manufacturing a carbon-fiber pipe which is hollow and has a net shape, by knitting carbon fibers and general fibers, applying carbon or ceramic, and heating to burn the general fibers, and a carbon fiber heating lamp using the carbon-fiber pipe. The heating lamp includes a vacuum glass tube, a tubular carbon fiber pipe (30) which is knitted using carbon fiber (6) and general fiber as a raw material and has a hollow part, and a heating element. The heating element comprises the hollow tubular carbon fiber pipe (30) which has a predetermined length and is installed in the vacuum glass tube, and generates heat using power supplied from an exterior through both terminals provided on an outer portion of the vacuum glass tube.

Abstract: A tube system, in particular for a radiant panel heating or cooling, includes a first tube (10) and a sealing element (12), the sealing element (12) being injection molded into the tube (10). Further proposed is a tube (10) including a sealing element (12), in particular for radiant panel heating or cooling systems, producible by a two-component injection molding process, wherein at first the tube (10) made of a first plastic material is injection molded and subsequently the sealing element (12) made of a second plastic material is injection molded into the tube (10) or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hybrid structure (100) having a layer of CMC material (28) defining an interior passageway (24) and a layer of ceramic insulating material (18) lining the passageway. The method includes the step of casting the insulating material to a first thickness required for effective casting but in excess of a desired second thickness for use of the hybrid structure. An inner mold (14) defining a net shape desired for the passageway remains in place after the casting step to mechanically support the insulating material during a machining process used to reduce the thickness of the insulating material from the as-cast first thickness to the desired second thickness. The inner mold also provides support as the CMC material is deposited onto the insulating material. The inner mold may include a fugitive material portion (20) to facilitate its removal after the CMC material is formed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of making ceramic plates are described. The compositions are water-based slurries that include filler material, one or more clay components, one or more strength or processing additives, and/or a carbon source. The filler material can include a first grade of boron carbide having a relatively large average particle size, a second grade of boron carbide having an intermediate average particle size, a third grade of boron carbide having a fine average particle size, and/or a silicon carbide having a fine average particle size. The methods of the invention involve casting and drying the slurry to make a substantially dry preform, providing a silicon loaf having a solid form for supporting one or more preforms, placing the substantially dry preform on top of the silicon loaf inside of an infiltration furnace and heating the substantially dry preform and loaf to melt silicon within the loaf and infiltrate the perform to create a ceramic plate.

Abstract: A prosthetic tri-leaflet valve formed by involuting a portion of a tubular structure inside itself. The valve can be made by a method comprising providing a tubular segment in which three equidistant longitudinal incisions are made in one end of the tube creating three flaps which are involuted, i.e., folded, in toward the inside of the tube and the edges of the flaps secured to the inner wall of the tube to form leaflets. The tube can be formed of a single sheet of synthetic, organic or biological material and can be solid, woven, braided or the like. A braided configuration permits the valve to be annularly compressed and delivered to the site using a minimally invasive delivery mechanism, then expanded at the implantation site.

Abstract: A method for producing ceramic micromanufactured items comprises the following stages: a starting material constituting at least a micromanufactured item (1) is prepared and used to from the micromanufactured item (1); said starting material includes at least a pre-ceramic polymer, and the method further comprises a stage in which the inner structure of the starting material is modified, said structure being turned from a polymeric structure to a ceramic structure after the forming stage of said micromanufactured item (1).

Abstract: The present invention forms screw-like projection at the entrance of ceramic bottle and enables air-tightening with plastic cork, formed with screw-like projection in its body. It guarantees air tightening of ceramic bottle, and does not use imported cork, which decreases the need to import. Moreover, increases productivity by automating the air-tightening process of plastic cork. The present invention can reduce cost of production, at the same time, increasing productivity, and it can be re-used multiple times after the air-tightening.

Abstract: An extrusion molding apparatus comprises a shaping die for producing a ceramic molded product, and a screw extruder having built therein an extruding screw (40) for mixing while leading a ceramic material forward. The extruding screw (40) includes a pressing screw portion (410) having a first lead (411) and a dispersing screw portion (420) having a second lead (421) adjacent to a forward end (412) of the pressing screw portion (410). The second lead (421) is formed in such a manner that the rear ends of all the second lead surfaces (426) at the rear end (422) of the dispersing screw portion (420) and the forward end of the first lead surface (416) at the forward end (412) of the pressing screw portion (410) are displaced from each other.

Abstract: The extruding apparatus has the molding die to form the ceramic molding, the screw extruder containing the extrusion screw to knead and guide the ceramic material toward the molding die. The extrusion screw is comprised of the pressure screw part and the diffusion screw part. The diffusion screw part provided at the front end of the extrusion screw has a diameter greater than the screw diameter of the pressure screw part.

Abstract: A method for producing microneedles. The method including disposing a first layer of a radiation sensitive polymer on to a working surface and selectively irradiating the first layer such that the first layer has at least one irradiated region and at least one non-irradiated region. The method also including developing the first layer so as to selectively remove one of the at least one irradiated region and the at least one non-irradiated region such that, at least part of at least one remaining region at least partially defines a form of at least part of a microneedle structure. A microneedle structure including a plurality of microneedles at least partially formed from a radiation sensitive polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a hollow inorganic membrane that is particularly suitable for solid oxide fuel cell applications, as well as producing hollow inorganic composite laminated membranes having at least one such hollow inorganic membrane. The method comprises electrodepositing an inorganic material that includes at least some electrically conductive metal and some ionically conductive ceramic onto an electrically conductive combustible core, drying the core bearing the deposited inorganic material, then, sintering the core bearing the deposited inorganic material such that the core combusts, thereby producing a hollow inorganic membrane. The method may further comprises electrophoretically depositing a ceramic composition onto the hollow inorganic membrane, to produce an assembly of hollow inorganic composite laminated membranes.

Abstract: A device, and method for making same, for insertion into a hollow organ of an animal, including humans is disclosed. The device includes a first tubular member having a first diameter, a proximal portion, and a distal portion formed to include a first aperture. The device further includes a tubular access assembly comprising a proximal portion having a second diameter and formed to include a second aperture, and a distal portion having said the diameter, where that distal portion of the access assembly is continuously attached to the proximal portion of the first tubular member, and where the second diameter is greater than or equal to the first diameter. The device further includes an inflatable internal retention assembly disposed around the distal portion of the first tubular member, where that inflatable retention assembly comprises a fluorinated siloxane elastomer.

Abstract: A process for making an arc tube comprises the steps of sintering an arc tube composition to form the arc tube; annealing the arc tube in a vacuum; and sealing the arc tube with at least one electrode. Preferably, the arc tube annealed according to the present process is a ceramic arc tube. The annealing of the arc tubes in a vacuum preferably occurs at a temperature of between about 1000° C. and 1500° C.

Abstract: Smokable films, in particular tubular films, comprising i) an aliphatic polyamide and ii) a block copolyetherester elastomer are provided. A process for manufacturing these films is also provided. The films of the invention show excellent water vapor permeability at high temperatures and barrier properties at room temperature. They are suitable for preparation of tubular casings, in particular smoked foodstuff casings.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon, and a balloon catheter formed thereby, in which a layer of a catheter balloon is formed by decreasing the inner diameter of a first end section of a polymeric tube, so that the tube has a reduced diameter first end section with an inner diameter less than the inner diameter of a central section of the tube. The reduced diameter first end section of the tube is bonded to a catheter shaft to form at least a portion of a skirt section of the balloon, and the skirt section has an improved high rupture pressure.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure having, in the axial direction, a number of through-channels separated by partition walls, which honeycomb structure contains refractory particles and a vitreous component and is porous. Although the honeycomb structure contains refractory particles such as silicon carbide particles or the like, it can be produced at a relatively low firing temperature; therefore, the honeycomb structure has a low production cost and a high yield and can be provided at a low price.

Abstract: A ceramic arc tube assembly and a method for making a ceramic arc tube are described which simplify the manufacture of ceramic arc tubes by reducing the number of handling and heat treatments required to assemble arc tubes prior to the final sintering operation. In particular, the invention uses transient assembly buttons during intermediate assembly steps which are removed prior to the final sintering operation.

Abstract: A reinforced catheter having a non-filamentous, seamless metal tube interposed between a polymeric hollow core and a polymeric outer jacket. The metal tube may have a pattern of apertures through which the hollow core and the polymeric outer jacket are adhered to each other. The invention also includes methods of making the reinforced catheter.

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially regular cylindrical body that consists of a deformable material, especially a sintered metal blank. The blank is provided with an interior helical recess. The blank is first produced with a substantially linear course of the interior recess, for example by extrusion. The body is cut to a defined length and is subjected to a rolling movement by a friction surface while being supported across its entire length on a support. The speed of the rolling movement changes in a linear and continuous manner across the length of the body, thereby regularly twisting the body.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb structure has an open frontal area of 50% to 85%, a porosity of 0.1% to 10%, and a proportion of the volume of pores of 1 &mgr;m or larger in diameter, in total pore volume, of 20% or more; a regenerative thermal oxidizer using the ceramic honeycomb structure. The ceramic honeycomb structure has a small porosity and, therefore, has a sufficient heat accumulation capacity and hardly causes floating by gas pressure; has controlled pore diameters and, therefore, hardly shows adsorption of VOC or the like, or rupture; and has controlled contraction and, therefore, has a large GSA.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tubular member having a lumen extending through the elongated tubular member. The elongated tubular member also has an outer surface, a distal end and at least one opening. The opening extends between the inner and outer surfaces, provides communication between the outer surface and the lumen and includes at least two straight edges extending parallel to the lumen of the tubular member.

Abstract: A cannula and a method of inserting the cannula into a bone within a patient. The cannula comprises a distal section, a proximal section, and an intermediate section positioned therebetween. The distal section has a smaller diameter than the proximal section. The smaller diameter assists in inserting the distal section into the bone. The increased diameter of the proximal section gives rigidity and strength to prevent bending or flexing during insertion. The proximal section has a wall thickness greater than the distal section to give rigidity and strength to the cannula.

Abstract: The sink line comprises a plurality of weights attached to a longitudinal supporting structure, preferably in a spaced a part relationship, the weights comprising a core member of a first material entirely enclosed in a coating of a second material, the weights having an outer surface in securing engagement with the supporting structure.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, at least one lumen, and a distal tip having an internal taper. The distal tip has an inner surface tapering distally to an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the shaft proximal to the tapered distal tip. In one embodiment, the distal tip includes an outer surface tapering distally to an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the shaft proximal to the tapered distal tip. In a presently preferred embodiment, the distal tip defines at least in part a guidewire receiving lumen.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic discharge chamber comprising forming a plurality of preform chambers by assembling at least two ceramic components. The preform chambers are axially aligned within a tube, comprised of an alumina cermet. The tube containing the preform chambers is then fired at a temperature of at least 900° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a green ceramic arc tube for a metal halide lamp. A feedstock material comprising ceramic and a binder is prepared and injected into an inner cavity of a mold. The inner cavity of the mold has an inner surface that corresponds to a desired outer shape of a body of the ceramic arc tube. A fluid is injected into the feedstock material to create a cavity in the feedstock material and to force the feedstock material into contact with the inner surface of the mold. The mold is then separated from the formed ceramic green arc tube.

Abstract: A binder system for forming a ceramic body, such as a translucent arc tube for a metal halide lamp, comprises a hydrocarbon, such as a paraffin wax, a copolymer, such as poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), and optionally a surfactant. The binder system is mixed with a ceramic powder and heated to above the melting point of the binder. The heated mixture is formed into a compact having the general shape of the finished ceramic body and then cooled or allowed to cool. The hydrocarbon and copolymer have overlapping freezing points so that when the shaped compact cools, crystalline segments of the copolymer (such as ethylene segments) co-crystallize with the hydrocarbon, while amorphous segments (such as vinyl acetate) form bridges between the crystalline regions. As a result, the cooled compact has improved green strength over conventional binder systems.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays are fabricated by providing a sacrificial mold including a substrate and an array of posts, preferably solid posts, projecting therefrom. A first material is coated on the sacrificial mold including on the substrate and on the array of posts. The sacrificial mold is removed to provide an array of hollow tubes projecting from a base. The inner and outer surfaces of the array of hollow tubes are coated with a second material to create the array of microneedles projecting from the base. The sacrificial mold may be fabricated by fabricating a master mold, including an array of channels that extend into the master mold from a face thereof. A third material is molded into the channels and on the face of the master mold, to create the sacrificial mold. The sacrificial mold then is separated from the master mold. Alternatively, wire bonding may be used to wire bond an array of wires to a substrate to create the sacrificial mold.

Abstract: This invention provides a production method for a ceramic structure capable of making a extrusion rate coefficient, in extruding of a ceramic structure, greater than that of prior art technologies. In a production method for a ceramic structure by the steps of mixing and kneading a ceramic batch material containing at least ceramic powder and water, extruding the mixture so kneaded, and drying and sintering a resulting extrudate, a water-insoluble liquid lubricant consisting of acyl glycerin and/or a derivative is added to the ceramic batch material.

Abstract: A cold isopressing method in which two or more layers of material are formed within an isopressing mold. One of the layers consists of a tape-cast film. The layers are isopressed within the isopressing mold, thereby to laminate the layers and to compact the tape-cast film. The isopressing mold can be of cylindrical configuration with the layers being coaxial cylindrical layers. The materials used in forming the layers can contain green ceramic materials and the resultant structure can be fired and sintered as necessary and in accordance with known methods to produce a finished composite, ceramic structure. Further, such green ceramic materials can be of the type that are capable of conducting hydrogen or oxygen ions at high temperature with the object of utilizing the finished composite ceramic structure as a ceramic membrane element.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter (10,110) having an elongated tubular body with a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular body is formed with polymeric materials, preferably containing no radiopaque filler, and metallic reinforcing braiding (22,130) configured to provide the catheter (10,110) with radiopaque properties and/or kink resistance.

Abstract: A method for producing shaped articles of ceramic composites provides a high degree of dimensional tolerance to these articles. A fiber preform is disposed on a surface of a stable formed support, a surface of which is formed with a plurality of indentations, such as grooves, slots, or channels. Precursors of ceramic matrix materials are provided to the fiber preform to infiltrate from both sides of the fiber preform. The infiltration is conducted under vacuum at a temperature not much greater than a melting point of the precursors. The melt-infiltrated composite article substantially retains its dimension and shape throughout the fabrication process.

Abstract: A method for producing shaped articles of ceramic composites provides a high degree of dimensional tolerance to these articles. A fiber preform is disposed on a surface of a stable formed support, a surface of which is formed with a plurality of indentations, such as grooves, slots, or channels. Precursors of ceramic matrix materials are provided to the fiber preform to infiltrate from both sides of the fiber preform. The infiltration is conducted under vacuum at a temperature not much greater than a melting point of the precursors. The melt-infiltrated composite article substantially retains its dimension and shape throughout the fabrication process.

Abstract: A ceramic arc tube assembly and a method for making a ceramic arc tube are described which simplify the manufacture of ceramic arc tubes by reducing the number of handling and heat treatments required to assemble arc tubes prior to the final sintering operation. In particular, the invention uses transient assembly buttons during intermediate assembly steps which are removed prior to the final sintering operation.

Abstract: A method of modifying a physical property of a nanotube comprises subjecting a nanotube having a defined lattice structure orientation to stress conditions sufficient to disrupt the lattice structure and form a dipole of dislocation cores therein, and wherein the dipole of dislocation cores split and propagate in the nanotube in a manner such that the dipole of dislocation cores are separated by at least one domain of modified structure, and wherein the physical property of the nanotube are altered.

Abstract: A mold for molding a core for use in casting hollow parts includes, a lower mold portion and an upper mold portion defining therein a cavity corresponding to the outer surface of the core. The lower mold portion includes a cutout disposed along a parting line defined between the lower mold portion and the upper mold portion and opening onto the cavity. After introduction of a ceramic slurry mixture into the mold the upper mold portion is removable, to expose a first side of the core and a protective flash formed in the cutout. Desirably, a heat shield is positioned over the protective flash and the exposed portion of the parting line of the lower mold portion so that the lower mold portion is not exposed directly to a flame during a preliminary firing to impart sufficient strength to the ceramic core so that the ceramic core may be handled.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fishing weight prevents environmental pollution. The method includes the steps of molding the fishing weight of a ceramic material and heating the molding material up to a predetermined temperature to convert the heated material into a pure earth material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making straight fuel cell tubes are disclosed. Extruded tubes comprising powders of fuel cell material and a solvent are dried by rotating the extruded tubes. The rotation process provides uniform circumferential drying which results in uniform linear shrinkage of the tubes. The resultant dried tubes are very straight, thereby eliminating subsequent straightening steps required with conventional processes. The method is particularly useful for forming inner air electrode tubes of solid oxide fuel cells.

Abstract: The gas filter module of the invention has: a housing which has a gas inlet port at one end and a gas outlet port at another end, and which is divided into two portions in a longitudinal direction; a filter body consisting of a porous ceramics member which is loaded into the housing and through which an inflow gas passes; and a ring-like support member consisting of dense ceramics which is fittingly coupled to a step portion formed inside the housing and which is joined to the filter body. The ring-like support member is fixed via two metal O-rings to a fixing gap of the step portion of the housing.

Abstract: A process for making bone implants from calcium phosphate powders is disclosed. This process involves selectively fusing layers of calcium powders that have been coated or mixed with polymer binders. The calcium powder mixture may be formed into layers and the polymer fused with a laser. Complex three-dimensional geometrical shapes can be automatically replicated or modified using this approach.

Abstract: 845 A method of producing a ceramic-metal-halide (CMH) discharge lamp having a monolithic seal between a sapphire (single crystal alumina) arc tube and a polycrystalline alumina end cap. The method includes the steps of providing an arc tube of fully dense sapphire and providing an end cap made of unsintered compressed polycrystalline alumina powder. The end cap is heated until it is presintered to remove organic binder material at a low temperature relative to the sintering temperature. The presintered end cap is placed on an end portion of the arc tube to form an interface therebetween. The assembled presintered end cap and arc tube are then heated to the sintering temperature wherein the end cap is fully sintered onto the arc tube and the sapphire tube grows into the end cap. A monolithic seal is formed at the previous interface between the end cap and the arc tube as the sapphire tube grows into the polycrystalline alumina end cap.

Abstract: A method for making very strong gas mantles and other ceramic structures, and the resulting products, are provided. According to the method, an organic or composite structure is first pyrolyzed in the absence of oxygen to remove hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, leaving a porous carbon or composite structure, which is then impregnated with a metal compound-containing solution or slurry which is later fired in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere to produce a refractory metal oxide which has about the same shape as the precursor carbon or composite structure. Due to minimal shrinkage of the mostly carbon or composite precursor, the resulting mantles and other ceramic structures have few defects in the fibers and great strength.

Abstract: A radome is fabricated by mixing a mass of ceramic powders, a dispersant chemical, a prepolymer material, and a solvent together to form a casting mixture, which is then cast into a mold having the shape of a radome. The prepolymer material in the casting mixture is cured, and the casting mixture is dried. The molded article is heated to a burnout temperature sufficiently high to vaporize the prepolymer material and the dispersant chemical, and thereafter the molded article is heated to a sintering temperature sufficiently high to sinter the ceramic particles.