Abstract: A beverage coupler device is well suited for extending the use of insulated beverage containers/cups. This coupler reversibly couples two insulated containers/cups successfully into a new and improved cocktail shaker that thermally insulates the hands, decreases the condensation on the shaker, and improves the grip on the shaker. In an embodiment, a strainer may be incorporated into the coupler that allows the liquid components of a drink to pass from a first container into a second container, while restricting passage of botanicals or larger pieces of ice. The strainer may be of a size that allows the passage of small shards of ice to be incorporated into the finished drink. The process of using the strainer may enhance the aeration and texture of the beverage. While the coupler would enhance preparation of a cocktail, additional beverage applications could include a protein drink, smoothies, supplement drinks, wine, coffee and/or tea.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) microparticles with a Dv50 of about 20 ?m to about 30 mm and a specific surface area (SSA) of at least about 3.0 m2/g when measured by a multipoint BET method of ISO 9277. Such PTFE microparticles can be obtained via a method including thermomechanically degrading scrap PTFE in the presence of air and/or oxygen and reducing the particle size of the resultant degraded PTFE.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to ultra high molecular weight poly(ethylene) (“UHMWPE”) tubes with an average wall thickness of 0.2 mm or less; a tensile stress at break greater than 40 MPa; and a storage modulus of greater than 500 MPa at 23° C. The disclosure further relates to preparing and using such tubes and to constructions (e.g., catheter constructions) and components thereof including such tubes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides extruded PTFE composite tubes with a reduced coefficient of friction (COF). In some embodiments, such extruded PTFE composite tubes may exhibit a reduced change in coefficient of friction between about 20° C. and about 40° C. with the inclusion of secondary polymeric particles with small particle sizes (<100 ?m) at loading percentages of less than about 50 weight %.

Abstract: A heat shrink tubing is provided exhibiting various desirable properties, which generally comprises at least one fluorinated polymeric resin. The tubing can exhibit desirable physical properties such as heat shrink capability, high expansion/recovery ratio, low longitudinal shrinkage, low temperature recovery, and an average wall thickness of less than about 0.003 inches.

Abstract: A sanitary hand-held disposable portable urinal device is well suited for male use. In an embodiment, this easy to use device has a leak and splash resistant flexible, sealable opening that is attached to two flexible transparent plastic bags. In an embodiment, bags are nested inside of each other and are joined together to provide entry only to the inner bag. The bags are odor and vapor sealable and made of a hydrophobic polymer that may be biodegradable. In the space between the two bags a dry gel polymer is present. After the urine is collected in the inner bag the top of the bag is sealed. The contents of the inner bag are then exposed to the space containing the gel through a water soluble, or mechanical means. After use, the disposable urinal may be discarded.

Abstract: A heat shrink tubing is provided exhibiting various desirable properties, which generally comprises at least one fluorinated polymeric resin. The tubing can exhibit desirable physical properties such as heat shrink capability, high expansion/recovery ratio, low longitudinal shrinkage, low temperature recovery, and an average wall thickness of less than about 0.003 inches.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to tubes, such as thin walled catheter liners with small wall thicknesses (e.g., less than 1 mm), including crosslinked fluoropolymers, e.g., crosslinked poly(tetrafluoroethylene). The disclosure further provides methods of manufacturing such tubes and systems for manufacturing such tubes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) microparticles with a Dv50 of about 20 ?m to about 30 mm and a specific surface area (SSA) of at least about 3.0 m2/g when measured by a multipoint BET method of ISO 9277. Such PTFE microparticles can be obtained via a method including thermomechanically degrading scrap PTFE in the presence of air and/or oxygen and reducing the particle size of the resultant degraded PTFE.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides extruded PTFE composite tubes with a reduced coefficient of friction (COF). In some embodiments, such extruded PTFE composite tubes may exhibit a reduced change in coefficient of friction between about 20° C. and about 40° C. with the inclusion of secondary polymeric particles with small particle sizes (<100 ?m) at loading percentages of less than about 50 weight %.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides composite prosthetic devices including two or more layers of electrospun polymers and methods of preparation thereof. In some embodiments, the two or more layers can be porous and in other embodiments, one or more components is nonporous. The composite prosthetic devices can include various materials and the properties of the prosthetic devices can be tailored for use in a range of different applications.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a PTFE mat is described. The process includes providing a dispersion with PTFE, a fiberizing polymer and a solvent wherein said dispersion has a viscosity of at least 50,000 cP. An apparatus is provided which comprises a charge source and a target a distance from the charge source. A voltage source is provided which creates a first charge at the charge source and an opposing charge at the target. The dispersion is electrostatically charged by contact with the charge source. The electrostatically charged dispersion is collected on the target to form a mat precursor which is heated to remove the solvent and the fiberizing polymer thereby forming the PTFE mat.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a PTFE mat is described. The process includes providing a dispersion with PTFE, a fiberizing polymer and a solvent wherein said dispersion has a viscosity of at least 50,000 cP. An apparatus is provided which comprises a charge source and a target a distance from the charge source. A voltage source is provided which creates a first charge at the charge source and an opposing charge at the target. The dispersion is electrostatically charged by contact with the charge source. The electrostatically charged dispersion is collected on the target to form a mat precursor which is heated to remove the solvent and the fiberizing polymer thereby forming the PTFE mat.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of forming a prosthetic device is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. A tubular frame is positioned over a tubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto the tubular frame to form a prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is heated.

Abstract: A stent or other prosthesis may be formed by encapsulating a scaffold or frame with a polymer coating. The polymer coating may consist of layers of electrospun polytetrafluoroethylne (PTFE). Electrospun PTFE of certain porosities may permit endothelial cell growth within the prosthesis. The stent may be applicable to stents designed for the central venous system, peripheral vascular stents, abdominal aortic aneurism stents, bronchial stents, esophageal stents, biliary stents, or any other stent.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of forming a prosthetic device is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. A tubular frame is positioned over a tubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto the tubular frame to form a prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is heated.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process for forming a multilayered electrospun composite is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto a first ePTFE layer. A second ePTFE layer is applied onto the nanofibers to form a composite structure. The composite structure is heated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides composite prosthetic devices comprising two or more layers of electrospun polymers and methods of preparation thereof. In some embodiments, the two or more layers can be porous and in other embodiments, one or more components is nonporous. The composite prosthetic devices can comprise various materials and the properties of the prosthetic devices can be tailored for use in a range of different applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides composite prosthetic devices comprising two or more layers of electrospun polymers and methods of preparation thereof. In some embodiments, the two or more layers can be porous and in other embodiments, one or more components is nonporous. The composite prosthetic devices can comprise various materials and the properties of the prosthetic devices can be tailored for use in a range of different applications.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a PTFE mat is described. The process includes providing a dispersion with PTFE, a fiberizing polymer and a solvent wherein said dispersion has a viscosity of at least 50,000 cP. An apparatus is provided which comprises a charge source and a target a distance from the charge source. A voltage source is provided which creates a first charge at the charge source and an opposing charge at the target. The dispersion is electrostatically charged by contact with the charge source. The electrostatically charged dispersion is collected on the target to form a mat precursor which is heated to remove the solvent and the fiberizing polymer thereby forming the PTFE mat.