Abstract: The present invention provides a tubing assembly having a sidewall having a first layer. The first layer is fabricated from a first polymer blend comprising a first component of a material not thermally responsive to laser beam and selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, ethylene and lower alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene and lower alkyl substituted alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polybutadienes, polyesters, polyamides, and styrene and hydrocarbon copolymers. A second component of the blend is a laser responsive material having low solubility in aqueous medium; and the blend being sufficiently thermally responsive to exposure to a laser beam having a wavelength within a range of wavelengths from about 700 nm to about 1500 nm to melt upon exposure to the laser beam for a short period of time. The assembly also has an end cap film covering the fluid outlet.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency (“RF”) susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within a range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25 to 250° C. of the composition; h sample creep measured at 121° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubing assembly having a sidewall having a first layer. The first layer is fabricated from a first polymer blend comprising a first component of a material not thermally responsive to laser beam and selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, ethylene and lower alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene and lower alkyl substituted alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polybutadienes, polyesters, polyamides, and styrene and hydrocarbon copolymers. A second component of the blend is a laser responsive material having low solubility in aqueous medium; and the blend being sufficiently thermally responsive to exposure to a laser beam having a wavelength within a range of wavelengths from about 700 nm to about 1500 nm to melt upon exposure to the laser beam for a short period of time. The assembly also has an end cap film covering the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple-layer structure for fabricating medical products. The multiple-layered structure has a first layer of a polyester; a second layer attached to the first layer, the second layer of an ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymer; and wherein the structure has a modulus of elasticity of less than about 60,000 psi.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple layer thermoplastic structure of a (1) skin layer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, ethylene homopolymers having a density of from about 0.930 g/cc to about 0.960 g/cc, and ethylene homopolymers having a density of from about 0.930 g/cc to about 0.960 g/cc blended with an ethylene and a-olefin copolymers having a density less than about 0.930 g/cc, the skin layer having a thickness of greater than about 3.0 mils; (2) a radio frequency susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer, the radio frequency susceptible layer having a dielectric loss greater than 0.05 at 1-60 MHz and at temperatures of ambient to 250° C.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency (“RF”) susceptible polymer; and a compatibilizing polymer.

Abstract: A multilayered film (220) suitable for medical uses is coextruded in a machine direction and comprises a first layer (222) defining a pair of peripheral edges (225,227) extending in a direction parallel to the machine direction. The film has a second layer (224) adhered to the first layer (222). The second layer (224) is positioned within the peripheral edges (225,227) defining a stripe (223).

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple layer structure (10) for fabricating medical products. The layer structure (10) has a core layer (14) of an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of about 25-45 mole percent, a solution contact layer of a polyolefin positioned on a first side of the core layer, an outer layer (12) positioned on a second side of the core layer opposite the solution contact layer (16), the outer layer (12) being selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters and polyolefins; two tie layers (18)—one of each adhered to the first and second sides of the core layer (14) and positioned between the solution contact layer (16) and the core layer (14) and between the outer layer (12) and the core layer (14), and wherein the structure (10) is produced in a cast coextrusion process.

Abstract: A multiple layer structure comprising a skin layer composed of a polypropylene copolymer with styrene ethylene-butene styrene block copolymer within a range of 0-20% by weight skin layer, and, a radio frequency (“RF”) susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer. The RF layer has a first component of a propylene based polymer, a second component of a nonpropylene polyolefin, a third component of a radio frequency susceptible polymer, and a fourth component of a polymeric compatibilizing agent wherein the radio frequency susceptible polymer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers, polyimides, polyurethanes, polyesters, and polyureas.

Abstract: A multiple layer structure comprising a skin layer composed of a polypropylene copolymer with styrene ethylene-butene styrene block copolymer within a range of 0-20% by weight skin layer, and, a radio frequency (“RF”) susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer. The RF layer has a first component of a propylene based polymer, a second component of a nonpropylene polyolefin, a third component of a radio frequency susceptible polymer, and a fourth component of a polymeric compatibilizing agent.

Abstract: A multiple layer structure comprising a skin layer composed of a polypropylene copolymer with styrene ethylene-butene styrene block copolymer within a range of 0-20% by weight skin layer, and, a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer. The RF layer has a first component of a propylene based polymer, a second component of a nonpropylene polyolefin, a third component of a radio frequency susceptible polymer, and a fourth component of a polymeric compatibilizing agent.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within the range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within the range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within the range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A web of film for use in manufacturing flexible containers is provided. In an embodiment, the film comprises a first layer constructed from a non-RF responsive material and a second layer constructed from a RF responsive material. The second layer has a sufficiently greater thickness than the first layer that when sufficient RF energy is applied to the second layer, the first layer is sealed to a second film surface. In an embodiment, the film has three layers. A container constructed from the film is also provided.

Abstract: A web of film capable of being constructed into a flexible container is provided. The web of film comprises: a first layer of polyester; a second layer of polyvinyl chloride that does not include a DEHP plasticizer or epoxidized oil; a third gas barrier layer; a fourth layer of polyvinyl chloride that does not include a plasticizer; and a fifth layer of polyester. A container made from the film is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides film structures for creating two identical webs of film. Preferably, the so created webs of film include a sterile surface. The webs of film are suitable for being processed into flexible containers.

Abstract: A sleeve of plastic material from an extruder is molded by a blow molding apparatus into a tubular structure which includes two top walls longitudinally connected at base ends and apex ends. A splitting apparatus splits the longitudinally connected base ends apart to form two top walls. The top walls are oriented with their base ends upward. An extruder extrudes a flow of softened plastic which is divided by a manifold into four flows. Four applicators connected with the manifold apply beads of softened plastic along each top wall base end. A ribbed roller presses flexible strips against the plastic beads on each of the top walls. The flexible strips are fed from rolls of finite length mounted on a stand. The stand holds operating rolls and back up rolls. A splicing apparatus splices the trailing end of each operating roll with a leading end of the corresponding back up roll.

Abstract: A plurality of internal couplers (A, B, C, D) are integrally connected end to end in a single tubing construction of indeterminant length. Between each coupler is an annular, frangible region (14, 24) of thin plastic. In the field, the individual couplers are readily broken manually from the tubing construction. Each coupler includes a plurality of cleats (40) which are partially surrounded by a region (50) of relatively thin plastic material. The couplers are manufactured by continuously blow molding a sleeve of softened plastic into the tubing construction of indeterminent length.

Abstract: A plurality of internal couplers (A, B, C. D) are integrally connected end to end in a single tubing construction of indeterminant length. Between each coupler is an annular, frangible region (14, 24) of thin plastic. In the field, the individual couplers are readily broken manually from the tubing construction. Each coupler includes a plurality of cleats (40) which are partially surrounded by a region (50) of relatively thin plastic material. The couplers are manufactured by continuously blow molding a sleeve of softened plastic into the tubing construction of indeterminent length.