Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A,B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A,B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A,B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A,B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A,B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: A seamless knitted glove with a cuff having an ambidextrous and universal size made from crimped and textured stretchable continuous filament nylon yarn of four ply of about 70 deniers or less. Also, a method of making a seamless knitted glove with a cuff having an ambidextrous and universal size comprising the steps of knitting an eight and a half inch to nine inch glove using crimped and textured stretchable continuous filament nylon yarn of four ply of about 70 deniers or less with a 13 gage knitting machine, heat shrinking the glove to less than seven inches, and heat stretching the glove to about seven inches.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity. A glove is made of polyurethane film layers having a weld around the periphery of the layers.

Abstract: Dip molding of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers to form medical and surgical gloves, condoms, instrument and appliance covers, and other rubber goods is improved by a controlled viscosity, controlled rate of evaporation solvent system, including a strong polar solvent, a weak solvent or non-solvent to control viscosity, and a blush resistor to control the rate of evaporation and the effects of humidity. For particularly enhanced barrier film formation, a leveling agent is also included. One or more layers are dipped in sequential steps in thicknesses of 0.5 to 1.5 mils per layer, with complete integral film formation and substantially complete freedom from porosity and pin holes. Cross-linkable polyurethanes may be cured after fully molded.

Abstract: Dip molding of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers to form medical and surgical gloves, condoms, instrument and appliance covers, and other rubber goods is improved by a controlled viscosity, controlled rate of evaporation solvent system, including a strong polar solvent, a weak solvent or non-solvent to control viscosity, and a blush resistor to control the rate of evaporation and the effects of humidity. For particularly enhanced barrier film formation, a leveling agent is also included. One or more layers are dipped in sequential steps in thicknesses of 0.5 to 1.5 mils per layer, with complete integral film formation and substantially complete freedom from porosity and pin holes. Cross-linkable polyurethanes may be cured after fully molded.

Abstract: A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A, B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A, B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A, B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A, B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A, B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity.

Abstract: X-ray attenuation, particularly for protective garments is provided by a film of a thermoplastic elastomer containing from about 60 to about 90 weight percent of barium sulfate or other barium salt. Films having a thickness of about 1 mm provide attenuation equivalent to that of about 0.2 to 0.25 mm of lead foil. The film is pliant, durable, and resistant to cracking from normal flexure during use and wear.