Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure the prongs of the carrier mold flex to completely or substantially close one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.

Abstract: A balloon folding apparatus is provided for use in the manufacture of balloon catheters. The balloon folding apparatus includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of blades attached to the plurality of arms such that the plurality of blades is capable of translating in a radial direction. Preferably, a plurality of stepper motors coupled to the plurality of arms provides precise radial movement of the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades is profiled to create a plurality of folds in a balloon catheter. A balloon wrapping apparatus is also provided and operates in a similar manner. The balloon wrapping apparatus includes a plurality of blades configured to wrap a folded balloon catheter around a catheter shaft so as to minimize the diameter of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing a composite component, a tubular hollow section blank is placed into a die cavity of a combination tool comprising an inner high-pressure shaping tool and an injection-molding tool. The combination tool is filled with a fluid in such a way that the blank is wetted from the inside by the fluid, and the ends of the combination tool are sealed by two axial molding plugs. The filled blank is then expanded under pressure . The finished hollow section is plastic-coated in the same tool. The hollow section is emptied after shaping in the sealed state, at least until it is no longer dripping, the pressurized fluid being expelled under pressure from the hollow section through at least one discharge channel formed in the axial molding plugs.

Abstract: A tubing expansion device is adapted to be advanced axially, without rotation, through tubing to be expanded. The device comprises a body and a plurality of expansion members mounted on the body, the expansion members being independently radially movable. The expansion members may be rotatable, or may be non-rotating.

Abstract: A system and method for creating fiber optic terminations includes a fiber optic connector tooling device and an improved hot plate termination plate or oven. The device cooperates with the oven to produce a fiber optic termination end with optimal light diffusion qualities. The device properly aligns a plastic fiber optic cable and connector with each other and perpendicularly aligns both with the oven. The device provides gradual forward pressure to seat the plastic cable in the connector to melt the second end of the cable and form an optical lens with optimal light diffusion qualities. A method of creating optically clear lens at a termination end of the plastic fiber optic cable uses the fiber optic connector tooling device to assist in holding and guiding the fiber optical cable to the improved oven in proper axial alignment to create a defect free lens.

Abstract: An extruded, low-density, ethylenic polymer foam including from about 86% by volume to about 98% by volume open cells and a continuous, impervious surface skin is disclosed. The foam possesses superior compression recovery and lower compression resistance when compared with similarly comprised ethylenic closed-cell foams and superior moisture resistance and handling characteristics when compared to open-cell foams. A precursor composition and method for making the extruded, low-density, ethylenic polymer foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: A core adapter is provided for adapting a larger diameter core to be mounted on a winding machine designed for a smaller diameter core. The core adapter includes a cylindrical body having a wall, a central bore, an outer surface, and a discontinuity in the form of a slit extending axially along and completely through the wall. The core adapter can be inserted in an end of a core and progressively secured by expanding the body, facilitated by a widening of the slit, until the body wedges against the inside surface of the core. Adhesive can be applied to the adapter or the core or both to secure the core adapter in place. The body can be expanded with screws progressively threaded through the core and into the body of the core adapter, or vice versa. Alternatively, the body can be expanded by urging a wedge into the slit to widen the slit and consequently expand the body of the core adapter radially.

Abstract: The invention under consideration concerns a device for the production of corrugated pipes made of thermoplastic, in which mold jaws, which complement each other in pairs, are conducted jointly in a cycle along a mold section that leads away from an extruder head; they are moved apart at the end of the mold section and are returned to its beginning separately from one another with a mold section device for the movement of the mold jaws along the mold section, which has a supporting table with drive means for the mold jaws on the mold section, and with a return conveying device for the return conveyance of the mold jaws from the end of the mold section to its beginning, which has an outlet assembly to move apart the mold jaws at the end of the mold section and/or an inlet assembly to move in the mold jaws at the beginning of the mold section.

Abstract: A reshaping tool incorporates a tool head and clamp for reshaping the cross section of a tube constructed from one or more polymer materials. The clamp holds the tube in place while the head portion of the tool, which is moveable with respect to the clamp, engages the tube for reshaping its profile cross section.

Abstract: A portable conduit bending frame assembly has a support member, a shoe and a heating device. The support member has a first alignment end, a second alignment end, and a first conduit measuring device that extends an approximate width of the support member. The support member also has a flat conduit support surface fixed thereto, and extending substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member. The top surface has at least a portion of a first attachment strip located thereon. The shoe has a first alignment surface extending substantially perpendicular to a second alignment surface, an arcuate conduit bending surface extending between the first and second alignment surfaces, and a complementary attachment strip extending at least partially on a major surface of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inserting a pipe (4) via a pit (1) into an underground borehole, wherein the pipe is flattened before entering the pit, and wherein the pipe is redirected within the pit in the direction of the axis of the borehole, so as to re-deform the pipe before entering the borehole.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of pipe ends, prior to jointing them together using an inserted close-fitting spool and an external close-fitting sleeve, consists of a plain cylindrical mandrel (10) adapted to be firmly fixed centrally inboard of an end zone of the bore of a pipe (12) so as to project from the end of the pipe, a hydraulic cylinder (46) adapted to be removeably mounted co-axially on the projecting end of the mandrel, and a piston (48) in the cylinder slideable along the mandrel and adapted to carry an interchangeable annular tool, whereby the tool can be force fed axially along the mandrel into the pipe to modify the bore thereof.

Abstract: A belling machine (1) forms end sockets equipped with an integrated seal on pipes (3) made of thermoplastic material using a forming mandrel (4) on which an annular seal (5) was previously placed, diametrically expanded, coaxially and in a predetermined position. A loader (8) for loading the annular seal (5) on the mandrel (4) is able to move between a arming position, in which the loader is spaced from the belling axis (b) and does not interfere with the mandrel (4) movement along the belling axis (b), and a loading position, in which the loader is coaxial with the belling axis (b) and is located between the mandrel (4) back position, disengaged from the pipe (3) and the mandrel (4) forward position, inserted in the end (30) of the pipe (3). An annular seal (5) is placed in a positioner (10) which holds it in an operating position for the action of an arming device (9).

Abstract: An optical transmission medium shaping method and an optical transmission medium shaping apparatus can accurately adjust desire curvature radius without cracking the optical transmission medium. The optical transmission medium shaping method for bending an optical transmission medium using a transferring means and a noncontacting heating means, includes a transferring and heating process for heating part of the optical transmission medium by the noncontacting heating means while transferring the transferring means, and a bending process for bending the optical transmission medium.

Abstract: This specification discloses fiber additives for reinforcing matrix materials and an apparatus for forming the same, said fibers having flattened shanks terminated with egg-shaped nodules. The apparatus comprises a roller-former-cutter assembly that forms the fibers in a single operation from continuous filaments using compressive force and a unique cut-out and blade assembly. The fibers described are designed to have an increased pull-out resistance compared to other fiber morphologies.

Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure by a pushrod the prongs of the carrier mold flex to substantially or partially open one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.

Abstract: A piece of corrugated pipe cut from a longer length of pipe is provided with a pipe coupling part by subjecting one or more of the corrugation crests on the pipe to heat and pressure. This reshapes the one or more corrugations to form a seal receiving recessed spigot on the piece of pipe.

Abstract: An improved pipe belling process is shown which features a mandrel having a specially designed backup or forming collar. The backup collar has an outer contact surface which forms an undulating pattern when viewed in cross section. The undulating surface reduces the contact area between the outer contact surface of the collar and the lip region of a plastic pipe being belled, thereby lowering the coefficient of friction that exists between the pipe lip region and the collar.

Abstract: A balloon folding device comprises a first die having an external contacting surface and a second die having a cavity. A portion of the cavity comprises a contacting surface shaped complimentary to the external contacting surface of the first die. The second die is movable with respect to the first die. A balloon catheter having a primary balloon and a secondary balloon is oriented with the secondary balloon located between the first die and the second die. The secondary balloon is folded by moving the second die toward the first die until the contacting surfaces of the dies contact, fold and deflate the secondary balloon. In some embodiments, the dies are moved until at least a portion of the external contacting surface of the first die is oriented within the cavity of the second die.

Abstract: A balloon folding system specifically configured to reduce a side branch balloon of a bifurcated balloon catheter assembly includes a die that defines at least one chamber for receipt of the sidebranch balloon, and at least one pin sized to fit into the chamber and reduce the balloon to a substantially flattened state. The system also may include a housing for the reduction and folding of a primary branch balloon. The system is configurable to fold and reduce both branches simultaneously or separately.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring objects includes a receiving arrangement, a transferring arrangement for transferring an object towards the receiving arrangement, the transferring arrangement having a recess for receiving the object, the recess being defined by a wall arrangement, and a driving arrangement arranged for moving at least part of the wall arrangement so as to change a passage section of the object through the recess.

Abstract: A pipe end is expanded with the aid of an expander tool (1). The expander tool (1) comprises a plurality of jaws (10) that are radially movable between a retracted and an expanded position. The jaws (10) have outer jaw surfaces which are intended for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe end and which lie adjacent to one another in the retracted position of the jaws (10) and have an at least generally circular arcuate shape in cross-section. The expander tool (1) further comprises a piston (2) or cone with a tapered end for moving the jaws (10) between the retracted and the outer expanded positions and the piston (2) is moved in a reciprocating manner in the axial direction before expanding the pipe end gradually in the stages. The axial reciprocating movement of the piston (2) is guided to rotate the jaws (10) to a certain extent in a circumferential direction after each expansion stage.

Abstract: A device is described for implementing a socket on an end of crosscut plastic pipes (3) having a framework (4), having a transverse conveyor (27) for the plastic pipes (3), having at least two units situated along the transverse conveyor (27) in the framework (4), on the one hand, for heating the pipe ends (2) and, on the other hand, for widening the heated pipe ends (2) to form a socket, the units having jaw tools (16, 17), which externally enclose the pipe ends (2), and which can be fed transversely to the conveyance direction with the aid of actuators (18) mounted in the framework (4), and having at least one tool (7, 8), which is axially insertable into the pipe end (2) for at least one of the units.

Abstract: An aging apparatus has a roller group consisting of a front roller, a middle roller and a rear roller, and a table for supporting the roller group. The middle roller takes a press state pressing a flexible tube with a constant force and a retraction state staying away from the flexible tube. In aging operation, while the middle roller comes in the press state, the table moves from a start position being a farthest end of the flexible tube to an end position. After the aging operation, the middle roller comes in the retraction state and the table returns to the start position. The aging operation is performed a predetermined number of times on the same flexible tube, so that the flexible tube is bent more largely with increase in the number of execution.

Abstract: A portable conduit bending frame assembly comprises a support member having a conduit support surface extending substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the support member. A shoe is attached to the top surface of the support member. The shoe has a first alignment surface extending substantially perpendicular to a second alignment surface. A conduit bending surface extends between the first and second alignment surfaces and has a substantially arcuate configuration. The conduit bending surface faces the conduit support surface. A heating device is arranged proximate the conduit support surface for heating a conduit prior to bending the conduit at least partially about the conduit bending surface.

Abstract: A balloon folding apparatus is provided for use in the manufacture of balloon catheters. The balloon folding apparatus includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of blades attached to the plurality of arms such that the plurality of blades is capable of translating in a radial direction. Preferably, a plurality of stepper motors coupled to the plurality of arms provides precise radial movement of the plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades is profiled to create a plurality of folds in a balloon catheter. A balloon wrapping apparatus is also provided and operates in a similar manner. The balloon wrapping apparatus includes a plurality of blades configured to wrap a folded balloon catheter around a catheter shaft so as to minimize the diameter of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: A carrier mold having prongs that produces shaped tampons is provided. When subjected to pressure the prongs of the carrier mold flex to completely or substantially close one end of the carrier mold. A method of forming a shaped tampon using the carrier mold is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of stents having profiles that improve gripping of the stent on a stent delivery system are provided. Additionally, embodiments of molds for fabricating the stents are provided.

Abstract: A mold and a method for molding high strength, non-metallic fiber reinforced composite parts having a variety of (e.g., cylindrical) shapes that are lighter in weight than similar parts manufactured from metal. An unmolded non-metallic pre-form having long continuous fibers is placed around a mandrel, and a segmented, adjustable diameter compression ring is disposed in surrounding engagement with the pre-form at an upper position within an inwardly tapered compression ring support. The compression ring is formed from a plurality of loose compression ring segments that are initially spaced circumferentially from one another at the upper position of the compression ring support. The mandrel and the pre-form are first heated and then located in a press.

Abstract: A stationary frame is positioned in surrounding relation with the surface of a polyethylene conduit to be prepared for scraping preliminary to performing electrofusion on the conduit by a keyhole operation in an excavated underground location. A scraper tool is mounted on the frame in a fixed longitudinal position to rotate around the surface of the conduit. A cutting blade of the scraping tool extends longitudinally a preselected length on the conduit into contact with the surface of the conduit. Rotation of the scraper tool carries the cutting blade completely around the surface of the conduit to remove a uniform layer of material from the surface of the conduit. Any out of roundness existing in the conduit is removed before the scraping operation is commenced. Uniform compression is applied by split clamps surrounding the conduit. Compression of the clamps restores the conduit to a concentric configuration preliminary to the electrofusion operation.

Abstract: A film die for the production of tubular film made of thermoplastic synthetics has at least one feed channel for the synthetic fused material which ends in a ring-shaped discharge nozzle with an interior and/or exterior cooling ring that is adjusted to the diameter of the extruded synthetic tube, in which physical parameters of the air blown onto the extruded film tube can be variably changed sector by sector. The film die is divided into sections, in which the temperature is individually variable, and/or additional bores are arranged across the circumference of the film die, which are essentially aligned vertical to the exterior cooling ring, whereby air of variable temperatures can be blown from them, the physical parameters of which are variable. The film die has at least one control unit that controls or operates the various measures for influencing the film thickness.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for making a seamless tube from a liquid. A mandrel may be provided having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a length. A liquid material may be applied to the outer surface of the mandrel by one or more doctor blades, spaced apart from the mandrel outer surface and inclined at an angle ? with respect to the mandrel longitudinal axis, which may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel while rotating the mandrel around its longitudinal axis. One or a plurality of fingers may overly the mandrel and be positioned upstream of the one or more of blades, relative to the direction of movement of the blades along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The liquid material may then be converted to form a seamless tube.

Abstract: A method and a device for processing preforms which are made of a thermoplastic plastic material and are blow molded into containers. In a first production process, the preforms are produced by injection molding in the area of an injection molding tool. At least some areas of the preforms are impinged upon by a cooling device. The preforms are deformed by applying negative pressure, wherefore the cooling device can be made at least in part of a porous material.

Abstract: An extrusion molding die, for extruding a medical treatment tube, in which is formed a flow path, and the like, between dividing wall portions, is structured from an outer shape molding die, wherein indented portions are formed, and a pin that is provided with a land portion. Additionally, a space that is formed between the outer shape molding die and the pin is structured from a rear portion side molding space portion, which forms the molding material into a cylinder that is pointed at the tip, and a tip side molding space portion, provided with a cross-sectional shape capable of forming the medical treatment tube. In addition, in the cross-sectional shape of the tip side molding space portion, the cross-sectional shape at the tip portion is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the medical treatment tube, and the cross-sectional shape of the rear side portion is shaped as the portion that shapes the flow path in the land portion, with the portions that shape the flow paths removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming a portion of a blow molded plastic container includes directing energy from a heater onto the portion of the container so as to heat the portion while leaving the remainder of the container relatively unheated. The heated portion of the container is then engaged by a reforming tool having an embossed or imprinted characteristic on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and form a three-dimensional feature thereon which is not reproducible without using the method and/or apparatus of the present invention. Alternatively, the heated portion of the container is engaged by a reforming tool having a transferable element on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and transfer the transferable element to the portion of the container.

Abstract: Balloon pleating mechanism includes a plurality of pleating dies, each having a first planar guiding surface, a second planar guiding surface, a bearing surface, a first working surface, and a second working surface. The plurality of pleating dies are arranged in a generally circular orientation with the first planar guiding surface of each die being in sliding contact with the second planar guiding surface of an adjacent die and the first working surface and the second working surface of each die of the plurality of dies cooperating to define a central cavity. The plurality of pleating dies is further arranged for relative radial movement between an open position and a closed position. A driving mechanism is coupled to each die and designed to move the plurality of dies between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a molded plastic article having a stretched and crystallized neck finish. In one embodiment, a series of platforms are carried by a conveying apparatus for transporting a series of molded plastic articles along a predetermined path of travel through one or more treatment stations. At a finish widening station, the molded article, having a relatively wide and thin-walled blow-molded body portion, and a relatively narrow and thick-walled unexpanded neck finish portion, is positioned to enable insertion of a mandrel into an open top aperture of the finish portion to widen the finish. The mandrel may include a lower heated tapered portion for expanding the finish, and an upper cooled body portion on which the expanded finish may be cooled. The article may then be sent to a finish crystallizing station having a heating device that heats the widened finish portion for a time and temperature selected to crystallize at least a portion of the widened finish.

Abstract: Improved electronic display module for surface mount construction. Plastic components are heat-stake mounted to a printed circuit board substrate. Providing recesses for the reflowed plastic heat stakes reduces or eliminates rework required to provide flat surface needed for surface mounting.

Abstract: A production apparatus for bending a multi-channel tube having an outer tube and a partition partitioning an interior of the outer tube into two or more channel holes is provided with a bending mold configured to bend the multi-channel tube in a bend radius; a pressure mold configured to press the multi-channel tube toward the bending mold; a chuck portion configured to hold and draw the multi-channel tube along the bending mold; and mandrels respectively inserted into the channel holes, each of the mandrels including; a mandrel body configured to support inner surfaces of each channel hole; a support device rotatably and movably supporting the mandrel body.

Abstract: A pipe molding apparatus includes a plurality of mold blocks (9) which move along a molding path to form double wall plastic pipe having an outer pipe wall with corrugations which set outside diameter of the pipe and an inner wall around a bore through the pipe. The mold blocks (9) have profiled faces which determine shape of the pipe. The profiled faces are reconfigureable in profile between first depth of the corrugations and diameter of the bore through the pipe without varying external diameter and while maintaining essentially constant wall thickness of the pipe.

Abstract: A tube shaped and fluid inflatable and electrically heatable in-situ pipe repair device comprising a first outer elastomeric tube layer and a resistive heating component comprised of electrically conductive fibers braided over an elastomeric core. The tube shaped device also contains an inner annulus. The device is fluid sealable and is connectible to a fluid supply and vacuum source. It is also connectible to an electrical power source. The device may also comprise two tube shaped layers configured to fit snuggly together with a resistive heating component held between the two layers. The resistive heating component may be a braided fiber-elastomeric core combination or a conductive fiber configured in a sinusoidal wave or similar pattern.

Abstract: A tool for imparting a plurality of folds to a balloon comprises a housing, which defines a passage therethrough. The passage has a longitudinal axis and a first opening at a first end of the passage, and a second opening at a second end of the passage. The passage has an inner surface, which defines a plurality of peaks and valleys, wherein the height of each peak is greater at the first end of the passage than at the second end of the passage and the height of each valley is greater at the first end of the passage than at the second end of the passage.

Abstract: A method of modifying compressive strains in formation of a pipe ring groove (16), in which a differential temperature profile is established across the pipe wall in a narrow bending locus (l3) corresponding to the ring groove position, and the material is bent to form the ring groove. The temperature differential creates a differential in elastic modulus between the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe material, modifying the strain induced in inner concave and outer convex surfaces of the ring groove during the bending step.

Abstract: A turning bar draw-off device for a tubular film extrusion installation, with a plurality of turning bars which can be rotatingly driven around a common axis of rotation or in reverse by rotary drive mechanisms. For the rotating or reversing guidance of the turning bars around the axis of rotation, the ends of each turning bar are connected with guide carriages, which are guided on guide rails arranged in a circle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container and preform for blow-moulding the bag-in-container. An inner layer and an outer layer are used, wherein the preform forms a two-layer container upon blow-moulding, and wherein the obtained inner layer of said container releases from the thus obtained outer layer upon introduction of a gas at a point of interface between the two layers. At least one of the inner and outer layers includes at least one additive allowing both inner and outer layers to reach their respective blow-moulding temperatures substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for reforming an annular end sealing surface of a molded plastic container includes a head having an annular contact surface and a drive for bringing the annular contact surface into contact with the annular end sealing surface of the container. The head and the container do not rotate relative to each other during this contact reforming operation. Heat is applied through the contact surface to the end sealing surface while the surfaces are in contact to raise the temperature at the end sealing surface to at least the softening temperature of the plastic material, so that the end sealing surface is softened and reformed by heat and contact with the contact surface.

Abstract: A mold for a medical device balloon has a cavity adapted to receive a hollow parison expandable therein to form the balloon. The cavity has a cone region and a body region. The cone region is heated to a higher temperature, or the mold wall is formed to deliver applied heat more efficiently to the cone region, relative to the body region of the mold.

Abstract: An object of the invention is a method of forming by hot stamping pieces of complex sheeting, composed of a one-piece element comprising several parts of relatively low thickness arranged in different intersecting planes, proceeding from a blank composed of at least one layer of fibers, which have been pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin, in which said preheated blank is formed in an assembly composed of a punch and a die. The method includes the steps of a first phase, the part of said blank that is to comprise the bottom or analog of the piece to be obtained is pressed against the bottom of the die, then the second phase, the part or parts of the blank comprising the flanged edge or flanged edges of said piece are pressed against the sides of the die, the work piece that has been obtained in this way then being removed from the jig.

Abstract: A roll assembly and a pipe extrusion plant for producing pipes with a variable diameter, includes an extruder, an adjustable calibration device, and a cooling device, whereby a pipe to be produced is guided at least in part during the production process. In order to be able to provide a guide that is suited to different pipe diameters, a roll assembly is provided to include a row of rolls which are placed one behind the other in a take-off direction, with each roll mounted in a bracket and supported to allow vertical positioning thereof in dependence on the pipe diameter.

Abstract: In a continuous molding apparatus equipped with a long core 10 having a curvature disposed on a plane, a release film supplied from a lower release film feeder 20 is sent onto the core 10, and prepreg sheets supplied from a prepreg sheet feeder 30 are laminated thereon and preformed. A release film supplied from a release film feeder 40 is disposed on top of the laminated body, before the body is sent into a hot press 50. A puller 60 moves the laminated body without loading tension thereto. The laminated body enters a postcure device 70 in which thermosetting of the material is completed.