Abstract: A novel polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material includes a plurality of aggregates connected together by a plurality of relatively long fibrils. Each of the aggregates are formed of PTFE nodes that are connected together by relatively short fibrils. Preferably, the long fibrils have lengths of 500 to 1000 microns and the short fibrils have a lengths of 10 to 30 microns. The aggregates have densities of less than 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter which is lower than the densities of the solid PTFE nodes which have densities of about 2.0 to 2.2 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A compact, easy-to-use, hand tool which is made for the use of installing “Ductmate Clips” on Heating and Air Conditioning sheet metal ductwork utilizing a “Ductmate”, “TDC”, or “TDF” assembly system. The tool is further used in the removal of said “Ductmate Clips”, when ductwork demolition is required.

Abstract: A method of producing a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material including the steps of extruding a first material to form a first extrudate, and extruding a second PTFE material to form a second extrudate, wherein the first PTFE material is more expandable than the second PTFE material. A stack is formed from at least one layer of the first extrudate and at least one layer of the second extrudate, and the stack is expanded and sintered to form the article.

Abstract: A composite expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) article includes at least two different component layers. At least one of the layers includes a node-fibril structure presenting nodes that are connected together by a first plurality of relatively short fibrils. At least one additional layer of the article includes a plurality of aggregates connected together by a plurality of relatively long fibrils having an average length of greater than about 100 microns. In addition, each of the aggregates are formed of ePTFE, including nodes that are connected together by a second plurality of relatively short fibrils. Preferably, the short fibrils have a length of 10-100 microns, and the nodes found in the article have a density of about 2.0-2.2 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A patch electrode for use with defibrillators is provided. The patch electrode comprises a soft, flexible patch of polymeric material and bonded to it, a smaller patch of polymeric material that has been metal-plated. A lead wire is attached to the patch by a polymeric boot. A defibrillator system is also provided wherein two electrodes and lead wires are attached to a generator typically used for cardioventing and defibrillization. The invention is particularly useful for cardiac muscle stimulation but can also be used for muscle stimulation.