Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the processing of perfluoropolymer materials, and to the use of the resultant products in different potential applications, such as in the medical device field. The process can include, for example, the steps of: (i) dissolving one or more uncured perfluoropolymer materials in a solvent containing one or more liquid perfluorinated solvent(s) to form a solution; (ii) optionally adding one or more porogens and/or one or more functional additives to the solution formed in (i) to form a mixture; (iii) applying the resultant solution or mixture formed in steps (i) and (ii) to a substrate to form one or more partial or continuous deposited layers on the substrate; (iv) curing the perfluoropolymer within the deposited layer to form a perfluoroelastomeric product; and (v) optionally removing the porogen from the perfluoroelastomeric product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the processing of perfluoropolymer materials, and to the use of the resultant products in different potential applications, such as in the medical device field.

Abstract: A fishing rod, and a method of manufacturing a tubular structure such as a fishing rod. The fishing rod extends within a plane (210). At least a portion of the rod (202) has a flexural rigidity in a first direction (B) within the plane different from the flexural rigidity in the opposite direction (A) within the plane. The difference in flexural rigidity between said directions is at least 5% of the value of the flexural rigidity in the first direction.

Abstract: A fishing rod, and a method of manufacturing a tubular structure such as a fishing rod. The fishing rod extends within a plane (210). At least a portion of the rod (202) has a flexural rigidity in a first direction (B) within the plane different from the flexural rigidity in the opposite direction (A) within the plane. The difference in flexural rigidity between said directions is at least 5% of the value of the flexural rigidity in the first direction.

Abstract: Closed-cell and/or open-cell cellular perfluoroelastomeric materials are described which may be adapted for use in sealing members and laminates which improve low temperature elastomeric properties of perfluoroelastomeric materials. A variety of unique medical devices based on cellular and solid perfluoroelastomers are also described. The closed-cell cellular perfluoroelastomers are formed by combining a perfluoroelastomeric composition and a curing agent with a plurality of microspheres and/or a gas generating agent at a temperature high enough to soften the perfluoroelastomeric composition, but not high enough to expand the microspheres or activate the gas generating agent and then further heating the composition, microspheres and/or gas generating agents to cure the elastomer, expand the microspheres and/or activate the gas generating agent.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is adapted for use as an access graft having a permanent set, kink-resistant U-bend section. A method for making the access graft includes the utilization of a tube of implantable material adapted to be attached in a blood circulatory system and to provide thereby a site for access for cannulation, the tube having a permanent set, kink-resistant U-shaped bent section and the method including the steps of forming a straight tube by a process which yields a set, dryable tube; taking a length of the tube and inserting in it along its length a flexible rod-like support member; wrapping the tube containing the support member around a core so as to define a bend in the tube, the bend being wet at this stage; drying the wet tube containing the support member while wrapped around the core to permanently shape the tube into a bent form; removing the dried tube from the core and removing the support member so as to form an access graft, U-shaped bent section.