Abstract: A system and method for fluidizing a polymer powder to be sprayed, metering the material into and mixing it with a heated carrier-gas stream to produce a spray, and using the spray to transport the material to a substrate and radiant and convective heating of the material during transport to achieve melting of the polymer powders.

Abstract: An adhesive patch and method of use thereof for forming a plurality of stackable items into a vertically stacked load are described. The method may include delivering an aligned stack of items positioned on a pallet for eventual transportation while minimizing the misalignment of the stackable items.

Abstract: A stopper includes a main body portion defining an open rearward end configured to receive the plunger rod, an engagement portion provided along an inner circumference of the main body portion configured to engage at least a top portion of the plunger rod, a closed front end forming a flexible roof, and a first perimetrical skirt extending around an outer circumference of the main body portion toward the closed front end of the main body portion. When fluid pressure is increased inside the syringe barrel during an injection, the flexible roof expands in a radial direction toward an inner wall of the syringe barrel, the first perimetrical skirt is forced against the inner wall of the syringe barrel, and an engagement between the plunger rod and the engagement portion forces the main body portion to expand in the radial direction toward the inner wall of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A stopper adapted for attachment with a plunger rod for use within a syringe barrel includes a main body portion defining an open rearward end configured to receive the plunger rod. The main body portion is manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material having an elastic modulus in the range of about 0.01 GPa to about 5 GPa. When fluid pressure is increased inside the syringe barrel during an injection, at least one of the following actions occurs: a) a flexible roof of the main body portion expands in a radial direction toward an inner wall of the syringe barrel; b) a first perimetrical skirt extending around an outer circumference of the main body portion is forced against an inner wall of the syringe barrel; and c) an engagement between the plunger rod and an engagement portion provided along an inner circumference of the main body portion.

Abstract: A system (30) and method for fluidizing a polymer powder (11) to be sprayed, metering the material (12) and mixing it with a heated carrier-gas stream (13) to produce a spray (32), and using the spray (32) to transport the material (12) to a substrate (34) and radiant an convective heating of the material (12) during transport to achieve melting of the polymer powders (11).