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 an insulation material with improved loft characteristics and methods for producing such insulation. The preferred insulation comprises a multiple layered insulation material with discrete fibers having energy expandable thermoplastic microspheres interspersed and contained therein. The use of expandable microspheres allows for (1) the introduction of unexpanded microspheres into pre-constructed insulation; and (2) expansion of the microspheres within the insulation to a diameter greater enough that the microspheres are retained in place. The insulation of the present invention exhibits many improved properties over conventional insulations, such as improved loft, better thermal insulation, improved compression resistance, and improved resilience.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulation material with improved loft characteristics and methods for producing such insulation. The preferred insulation comprises a multiple layered insulation material with discrete fibers having energy expandable thermoplastic microspheres interspersed and contained therein. The use of expandable microspheres allows for (1) the introduction of unexpanded microspheres into pro-constructed insulation; and (2) expansion of the microspheres within the insulation to a diameter greater enough that the microspheres are retained in place. The insulation of the present invention exhibits many improved properties over conventional insulations, such as improved loft, better thermal insulation, improved compression resistance, and improved resilience.

Abstract: Improved insulative cable assemblies and methods for producing them are disclosed. The insulative cable assemblies comprise 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: The present invention provides improved compositions of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and similar polymers and methods for forming and using such compositions. In its preferred embodiment, the present invention employs a mixture of PTFE and expandable thermoplastic microspheres. Through application of an energy source to the mixture, a coherent three dimensional expansion of PTFE can be achieved. The expanded mixture has many of the same beneficial properties of mechanically expanded PTFE and numerous properties previously unavailable with expanded PTFE products.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemically protective laminate comprising a thin thermoplastic barrier layer, having a consistent thickness, laminated between two porous polymeric membrane layers. The porous polymeric membrane may be of porous polytetrafluoroethylene, preferably expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene. The chemically protective laminate may be subsequently adhered to a backing to form a fabric laminate capable of being assembled into a chemically protective article.

Abstract: A fiber of expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene in which an amount of a conductive particulate filler is incorporated imparting a measure of conductivity to the fiber is disclosed. The fiber may be twisted along its length. The fiber may be a continuous monofilament fiber, a tow, a staple, or a flock.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device having a cannula for piercing a stopper and a surrounding shroud to guide the cannula during piercing. The cannula is positioned parallel to and off-center from the shroud axis in a position opposite to the direction of the taper of the point of the cannula to compensate for the sideways movement created during the piercing of the closure and to cause the cannula tip to be located approximately on the receptacle axis after piercing.