Abstract: The present invention relates to a MIFA (Molding Impression Fabrication Apparatus) providing the practitioner a quick and accurate means to create an orthotic impression of a patients foot, leg, arm, and torso. Both traditional and intrinsic biomechanical correction modifications, may be incorporated as well. The patient can be placed back into the MIFA impression for immediate feedback of the modifications and changes. MIFA may also be utilized for direct forming to fabricate an orthosis directly to the patient. CAD/CAM scanning can be utilized with MIFA, to both compliment and refine the negative and positive impressions obtained from MIFA.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum infusing resin into a fabric preform within a mold. The methods comprise increasing permeability in a selected region, such as by deploying a VIPR chamber in a location corresponding to the resin injection port corresponding to the resin flow front furthest from the mold vent or a location identified by predictive modeling as best to achieve a desired flow front geometry. Suitable apparatus comprise a VIPR chamber, an image detector for detecting resin flow fronts, a processor programmed to identify a desired location to deploy the VIPR chamber, and an automatic positioner for moving the VIPR chamber to the identified location.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube film includes the steps of: (a) adding a plurality of carbon nanotubes to a solvent to create a carbon nanotube floccule structure in the solvent; (b) separating the carbon nanotube floccule structure from the solvent; and (c) shaping the separated carbon nanotube floccule structure to obtain the carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: A consumable assembly comprising a container portion configured to retain a supply of filament, a guide tube connected to the container portion, and a pump portion connected to the guide tube.

Abstract: In a molding machine, an electrical current is caused to flow to a coil by a high-frequency power supply, and a magnetic field is generated, whereupon lines of magnetic force are generated so as to substantially conform to cavity faces of the stationary mold and the moveable mold. The magnetic field strength is constant with respect to position in the lengthwise direction of the coil, and eddy currents are generated uniformly with respect to the cavity faces. Because the molds have electrical resistance, Joule heat is generated by the eddy currents and electrical resistance, and the cavity faces are heated. When a material in a molten state is injected into the cavities of the heated molds, flowability of the material is promoted, and therefore the quality of the molded article is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods that may be used to form low thermal distortion molds. The composition may include a curable elastomeric silicone composition formed using a de-volatilized polymer and at least one de-volatilized cross-linker. One embodiment of the method may include forming a pattern on a first side of an elastomer that is impregnated with a fibrous material proximate a second side of the elastomer.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter, is formed from a blend of polyurethane and synthetic polyisoprene (SPIR). The blended medical article is preferably selected and prepared to be relatively rigid at room temperature and relatively flexible at body temperature. An intermittent catheter made from the blend provides a degree of stiffness for its insertion into the patient at room temperature. The catheter becomes softer, and therefore more comfortable, at warmer temperatures (e.g., body temperature) which reduce discomfort after insertion. Optionally, the catheter or a portion thereof can have a hydrophilic coating as to avoid the need for external lubricants. Advantageously, the blended catheter can meet the stiffness, tensile strength, and coefficient of friction requirements of intermittent catheterization applications while avoiding the risk of toxic or allergic reactions in sensitive users.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus may include a first spinneret and a second spinneret, each including a reservoir and an orifice. The first and second spinnerets may have first and second electrical charges, respectively. The first spinneret orifice may be located substantially opposite the second spinneret orifice. The first and second spinnerets may be used to prepare a medical device defining a lumen with a proximal end, a distal end, a luminal surface and an abluminal surface. The first spinneret orifice distal end may be configured to be located outside of the medical device lumen and between about 0.1 inches and about 6.0 inches from the medical device abluminal surface. The second spinneret orifice distal end may be configured to be located in the medical device lumen and between about 0.1 inches and about 6.0 inches from the medical device luminal surface.

Abstract: A plastic closure includes a shell having a base wall with a skirt for securement to a container finish and a lip that extends radially inwardly from the skirt at a position adjacent to and spaced from the base wall. A liner is compression molded in situ against the base wall, and between the base wall and the lip. The lip has a plurality of circumferentially spaced passages that extend through the lip for venting air during compression molding of the liner.

Abstract: A process for making molds which do not generate toxic gas in pouring a molten metal into the molds equipped with casting cores or the like even when the binder contained therein decomposes and which are excellent in disintegration characteristics after casting. The process includes mixing a particulate aggregate with one or more water-soluble binders, a surfactant, a crosslinking agent and water under stirring and foaming to prepare a foamed aggregate mixture, charging the foamed aggregate mixture into a mold-foaming cavity, solidifying the charged mixture by evaporating the water contained in the mixture to form a mold, and taking the mold out of the cavity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for longitudinal orientation of thermoplastic film material (4) comprises a width-reduction zone upstream of the longitudinal stretching zone, through which the width of the film is gradually reduced so as to allow longitudinal stretching without necking. The width-reduction zone comprises at least one, preferably several, pairs of pleating rollers (16, 17) comprising intermeshing grooves or discs for pleating the material, the length of said width reduction zone preferably being less than 3 times the original width of the film. The width-reducing zone has upstream (14) and downstream (15) rollers or roller assemblies, with curved axes and optionally also conveyor belts for providing smooth width reduction. Longitudinal stretching is preferably between at least two, and preferably more than two, pairs of stretching rollers (9, 10, 11, 12) which are relatively close together.

Abstract: Methods of producing a custom-fitted prosthetic socket device for a residual limb include covering the distal end thereof with a liner, positioning the covered end within a socket cup to maintain a spaced relationship between the exterior of the liner and the interior of the socket cup, introducing an expandable, hardenable filler material into the socket cup, expanding the material to fill the volume between the liner and the socket cup, hardening the material, and removing the socket cup, hardened filler material, and liner, from the residual limb. Some methods include a filler material that hardens into a flexible solid foam cushioning layer which may optionally form a bond between the socket cup and the liner, embedding the liner in the cushioning layer. Some methods include selecting a socket cup from a plurality of sized socket cups, and/or providing the plurality of sized socket cups.

Abstract: A method of three-dimensional fabrication of an object is disclosed. The method comprises: forming a plurality of layers in a configured pattern corresponding to the shape of the three-dimensional object, at least one layer of the plurality of layers being formed at a predetermined and different thickness selected so as to compensate for post-formation shrinkage of the layer along a vertical direction. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention spread of building material of one or more layers is diluted at least locally such as to maintain a predetermined thickness and a predetermined planar resolution for the layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polyurethane-containing film including: (a) providing as a first component a polyurethane material having isocyanate functional groups; (b) providing as a second component a material having active hydrogen functional groups reactive with isocyanate; (c) combining the first component with a portion of the second component to form a first reaction mixture; (d) allowing the first reaction mixture to react for a time sufficient to increase the viscosity to at least 300 cps; (e) adding the remainder of the second component to the first reaction mixture to form a second reaction mixture; (f) dispensing the reaction mixture onto a support substrate in a substantially uniform thickness to form an at least partial film thereon; (g) heating the film on the support substrate to a temperature and for a time sufficient to yield a cured film; and (h) removing the cured film from the support substrate to yield a non-elastomeric polyurethane-containing free film.

Abstract: A process for producing fiber preforms for composite material components makes it possible to directly produce complex geometries in a flexible and low-cost manner by applying a plurality of dry fiber rovings independently of one another even in spatially uneven contours. It is no longer necessary to use cut fabric strips since fiber preforms are produced straight from the dry fiber rovings. This obviates the need to carry out production, transport and order picking processes. It is not necessary to cut fiber strips to size, and therefore a saving may be made on material. In addition, it is possible to increase the mechanical characteristic values in the composite material because it is not necessary to sew fiber webs. The described process can also readily be scaled since the number of dry fiber rovings arranged next to one another make it possible to vary the area which can be covered.

Abstract: Bio-implantable textured tubular and sheet structures of un-sintered ePTFE are described. Such micro-textured structures stimulate robust development of beneficial bio-integrative scar attachment to adnexal soft tissues. Methods for texturing one side of an un-sintered extruded ePTFE tube or sheet are also described. A select length of tubing of any thickness or diameter is applied over a matching mandrel and adhesively stabilized thereon by applying intense suction. The texture is made by “RIGDA tooling” into the wall thickness of the material and by removing undesired material by distraction and avulsion tooling and methods assisted by vibration, leaving intact the finished product. Disclosed is an implantable, non-attached, enveloping, conforming and supportive drainage cover for breast and other soft implants.

Abstract: A process for producing a graphite cage for an anti-friction bearing, which cage holds a plurality of anti-friction elements. A cage injection molding is injected in an injection molding process from a mass which contains carbon mesophase powder, and this cage injection molding is subsequently heat-treated in order to transform the carbon from the mesophase into pure graphite.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming cavities in pouches. The packages are used for packaging sterile medical products. The apparatus has a frame and a tongue plate member. A pouch is placed onto the tongue plate member to form a cavity into at least one side of the pouch.

Abstract: An improved process and material for making elastomeric nitrile rubber articles is disclosed. In particular, the process and material formulation can produce nitrile rubber based articles, which exhibit force-strain characteristics that are comparable to those of natural rubber latex articles, while maintaining the tensile strength properties of nitrile rubber. The process includes an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage having a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole, and a guanidine compound. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber product made by the process, such as examination, surgical, or work gloves.

Abstract: A device for generating a hollow plastic profile, in particular a plastic tube, having an air guidance system for interior cooling of the tube, wherein said device allows for a more simple design, improved process properties, and better tube quality. The device according to the invention comprises an extrusion die (100) having a melt channel (114) encompassing the extrusion axis, an extruder that feeds plastic melt to the extrusion die (100), and a suction device for suctioning air through the interior of the profile opposite the direction of extrusion, wherein the extruder feeds the extrusion die (100) centrally and the suction device comprises a central suction tube (140) disposed within the melt channel and partial flow suction channels (144) connected to the central suction tube (140); in the suctioning direction and leading out of the interior of the extrusion die (100).