Abstract: The present invention is related to a low profile endolumenal prosthesis. The prosthesis comprises a radially expandable tubular wire support and an expanded PTFE membrane. The density, wall thickness and intranodal distance of the ePTFE are selected to inhibit the formation and nourishment of a viable neointima on the inner surface of the prosthesis, through the ePTFE membrane.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure having columnar protrusions extending therefrom comprising the steps of exposing a liquid photosensitive resin to light having an activating wavelength thereby inducing partial curing of the photosensitive resin to form a monolithic slab of partially-cured photosensitive resin; and, including the step of inducing partial curing of a plurality of protrusions on the monolithic slab such that they are joined to and integral with the monolithic slab. The method can further comprise the step of laser etching a plurality of apertures through the forming structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an absorbent article, comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet; an airlaid mixture material disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. In one aspect of the invention, the airlaid mixture material includes a) cellulosic fibers, and b) thermoplastic fibers having a surface treated with a surfactant including a phosphate ester, a sulfate ester, or a derivative thereof. The cellulosic fibers and the thermoplastic fibers are bonded together to form a thermally bonded airlaid matrix which preferably has dry density of from about 0.04 to about 0.11 g/cc under pressure of 20 gf/cm2.

Abstract: A method of contacting a silicide-based Schottky diode including the step of providing a contact to the silicide that is fully bordered with respect to an internal edge of the guard ring area. A Schottky diode having silicide contacting a guard ring of the Schottky diode and a contact to the silicide that is fully bordered by silicide with respect to an internal edge of the guard ring.

Abstract: A method of contacting a silicide-based Schottky diode including the step of providing a contact to the silicide that is fully bordered with respect to an internal edge of the guard ring area. A Schottky diode having silicide contacting a guard ring of the Schottky diode and a contact to the silicide that is fully bordered by silicide with respect to an internal edge of the guard ring.