Abstract: The present invention is an improved material and method for use for providing diffuse transflectance of light. By employing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils, the material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity and transmission of light across a wide spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in highly diffuse transflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at relatively thin cross-sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved vascular prostheses derived from mammalian blood vessels. The prostheses are fabricated from arterial segments from which the donor endothelium has been removed. A key aspect of this invention is the preservation of the subendothelial extracellular matrix that will serve as the blood interface of the vascular prostheses. The vessel segments are treated to reduce the likelihood of calcification and fixed with a tissue preservative. This invention results in vascular prostheses that are particularly useful for small diameter applications, such as arterial replacement requiring a diameter of 6 mm or less.

Abstract: Improved insulative cable assemblies and methods for producing them are disclosed. The insulative cable assemblies have a conductor housed within a polymeric insulation layer expanded with expandable thermoplastic microspheres. The use of a relatively inelastic outside sheath controls the expansion of the insulative layer and assures a snug fit between the insulation and the conductor. The insulation layer is highly resilient and resistant to dielectric changes due to compression or damage from mechanical manipulation of the cable. Additionally, the ability to expand the insulative layer after cable assembly is completed provides far greater freedom in cable processing without compromising low dielectric constant.

Abstract: A surgical staple line reinforcement device for use with a variety of surgical staplers to protect against tissue damage from surgical staples. The device comprises a tube of bio-implantable material that can be quickly and readily applied by a surgical team to provide tissue reinforcement. The device preferably comprises a stretched or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with pre-established tear lines therein. The device allows for fast and safe staple reinforcement and rapid stapler separation and removal following installation.

Abstract: Improved material and method for reflecting light in a photoinduction chamber is provided. The material comprises one or more layers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane. Employing an ePTFE membrane as a reflective surfaces is demonstrated as providing excellent diffuse reflective properties, especially in the ultraviolet and visible ranges of light. Additionally, the material of the present invention has many other properties that make it particularly desirable for use in various photoinduction chamber applications, including inertness, flexibility, ease in shaping and installation, etc.

Abstract: A retractable device for mounting a length of high speed coaxial cable is taught. The device allows for easy connection of coaxial cable to various electronic devices while also being readily disconnected and stored as needed. The device comprises a compact housing containing a thin coaxial cable having connectors at each end. The cable can be dispensed from the housing as needed and then drawn back into the housing using an actuator, such as a crank handle, following use. The device is particularly effective for establishing temporary electronic signal connections, such as connecting a television to a cable television signal source or a computer to a computer network. The coaxial cable used in the present invention is capable of high speed signal transmission, such as accurately transmitting a primary signal frequency in excess of 40,000 Hz.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved catalytic filter material for use in removing contaminants such as NO.sub.x from a fluid stream. The filter of the present invention employs composite fibers of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with catalytic particles. The composite fibers are chopped into staple fibers and made into a felt material. Preferably, the felt material is then laminated on at least one side with a protective microporous membrane. The combined filter removes both macro-particles, such as dust, from the filter stream before the dust can clog active catalytic sites and effectively catalytically coverts undesirable contaminants in the fluid stream to acceptable end products.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved material and method for use for providing diffuse reflectivity of light. By employing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils, the material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity across a wide spectrum of visible and infrared light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in highly diffuse reflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at relatively thin cross-sections.

Abstract: The present invention is an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber with improved handling properties. Unlike previous expanded PTFE fibers, the fiber of the present invention employs a fiber of increased thickness so that the fiber is maintained in an unfolded orientation. The improved processing steps of the present invention create a fiber that has a number of improved properties, including more uniform dimensions along its length, improved compressibility and handling, and when woven into a fabric, the fabric is more easily processed, is of higher quality, and is more uniform.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sheath for use with vascular prostheses derived from donor blood vessels, particularly mammalian blood vessels. A vascular prosthesis of the present invention employs an external sheath around a donor blood vessel. The sheath prevents access to the donor vessel wall by host cells originating from perigraft tissue. While resistant to host cell ingrowth, the external sheath is permeable to the flux of macromolecules across its thickness. The exclusion of host cells by the external sheath and the bi-directional flow of macromolecules through the external sheath assists in maintaining the original function of the underlying donor vascular tissue of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An improved insertable member is provided suitable for use as a seal monitoring gasket. In one embodiment, the insertable member employs an embedded electrically conductive element responsive to stresses placed upon it. When fatigue or a break occurs along the member body, changes in the electrical transmission properties of the conductive element provides data warning of changes or risks to the seal between component parts. The insertable member can include different conductive elements providing changes in signal from a variety of stresses which may be placed upon it, including tension, pressure, and/or temperature. Additionally, by forming the insertable member and/or the conductive element from material which will undergo changes in electrical properties upon compression, the insertable member can also provide feedback of the amount of constriction between component parts for proper installation and maintenance.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for installing a filter sleeve in filtration apparatus is provided. In its basic form, the present invention uses a filter sleeve with a pre-installed end cap bonded to at least one of its ends. Through use of a bonding process such as sonic welding, the end cap and filter sleeve form a tight seal with one another which is durable and quite resistant to leakage. The end cap can be provided with receptacles to allow for ready interface with existing filtration apparatus, eliminating presently utilized mounting procedures which can be ineffective, burdensome, and time consuming. Additionally, improved method is also provided for securely sealing the opposite end of the filter sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved flosser device for holding and manipulating floss during flossing. The flosser employs a forked tine design for retaining the floss, whereby the floss is maintained in an orientation essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle of the flosser, but offsets the tines both onto one side of the handle to make it much easier to view the area being flossed. A slanted base is also provided to allow the flosser to be stored on end, with the tines kept away from contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and apparatus for monitoring the status of particle filtration devices found in various filter units. The invention employs one or more light sources aimed across the filter units and one or more corresponding detectors that detect changes in light intensity from the light source. When a leak occurs whereby dust is released into the atmosphere around any given filter, the detectors will note a decrease in light intensity and will signal a problem. By using multiple light sources and detectors, or by getting signals from different angles from a single light source and detector, the present invention allows for quick and accurate pin-pointing of leakage problems.

Abstract: An improved clean environment container for semiconductor wafers that can have more than one port for interfacing with a clean environment. The multiple ports permit interfacing with more than one type of clean environment interface. A diagonal seal surface provides a tight clean seal around the container door and the interface between the door and the clean environment, maintaining utmost cleanliness.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved vial-type floss dispenser. The floss dispenser has a spool of floss mounted upright in a cylindrical container with a unique cap design that allows floss to be smoothly dispensed through the cap of the dispenser, essentially parallel to the axis of the spool of floss. Tangling and snagging problems previously encountered with top-dispense floss vials of this type are avoided by the improved cap design that allows the free spinning of the spool within the container. The top-dispense mechanism of the present invention enables the use of a number of other improved features, including a protective lid that fully covers an exposed leader of floss between uses.

Abstract: Tube units useful for a variety of application are provided. Preferably, individual laminated tubes are joined to each other by intermediate pieces to produce a wide ribbon of parallel tubes. The tubes are porous to certain substances, allowing them to serve as an apparatus to exchange material between two or more fluid streams. The tubes are particularly useful as membrane modules for exchange of material between two fluids. Continuous and discontinuous methods for constructing such tube units are also taught.

Abstract: An improved composite fiber of fiberglass and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided. The composite fiber comprises a coherent strand of commingled filaments of fiberglass and PTFE which is far more resistant to flex, abrasion, and chemical attack than previous fiberglass fibers. Preferably filaments of expanded PTFE tow yarn and filaments of PTFE are combined through a process of air-jet texturing. The fibers of the present invention have a wide range of possible uses, including being formed into a fabric and employed as filter media.

Abstract: A thermally conductive interface is provided suitable for thermal conduction, especially between electronic components. The preferred thermally conductive interface comprises an open structure fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, with uncoated thermally conductive particles attached to solid portions thereof. The interface has numerous benefits over previously available material, such as improved thermal conductivity, high conformability, better compressibility, inherent porosity so as to provide air relief, improved stress relief, and high material compliance and resistance to fatigue during thermal cycling.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus for capping the end of a pleated filter cartridge. The apparatus includes a two section assembly having a first end section with at least an inner flange and a flared second section that nests within the first end section and defines an annular space adapted to receive a pleated filter media. The pleated filter media is preferably potted within the annular space to form a tight seal that is not prone to leakage. The filter assembly of the present invention is a distinct improvement over previous filter end cap assemblies, having fewer parts and being easier to manufacture, install, and use.