Of Wire, Rod, Tube Or Filament Patents (Class 156/158)
  • Patent number: 6918986
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming plastic frames. Frames are joined to bring heated, soften ends into engagement, causing some softened material to be forced out from between the engaged portions, forming a flashing. This flashing is trimmed by a pair of trimming blades moved along associated guide members. The trimming assembly is mounted directly upon clamps holding the frame members, enabling performance of the trimming operation and eliminating the need for moving to a separate trimming/finishing station remote from the joining equipment. Excellent cutting action is assured by locking the guide blocks preparatory to a trimming operation. Various combinations and sequences of repetitive trimming operations may be selected whereby the cooperating blades are moved in selective cooperating directions to provide a trimming operation which avoids the need for further finishing. Trimming may also be performed simultaneously on multiple stacks of members being joined using the above technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: John P. Cupp
  • Patent number: 6872448
    Abstract: The invention relates to a splice between two ends of yarn, the ends of yarn, positioned to point at each other without increase in diameter, each being joined over a length of yarn to at least one longitudinal strip. The longitudinal strip is provided on its side facing the ends of yarn with a joining agent, said joining agent permanently binding the ends of yarn over the respective length of yarn to the longitudinal strip in frictional non-positive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Falk-Hayo Sanders
  • Patent number: 6835005
    Abstract: In a method for fusing splicing optical fibers having different diameters of fiber coating portions, the fiber coating portions of optical fibers to be spliced are clamped on V-groove boards and end faces of the optical fibers are aligned. Then, the end faces of the optical fibers are fused spliced by a discharged heating. An inclination angle &thgr;g of glass fibers of the fusion spliced optical fibers is measured from an observed image of a fusion splicing portion after fusion splicing the optical fibers to estimate a splice loss of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Kobayashi, Hiroshi Ohzeki, Kimiyuki Tominaga, Hidemitsu Hisata
  • Publication number: 20040256049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing flexibility of joints between areas of plastic materials, and in particular the joint between a catheter shaft and a balloon neck involving welding the overlapping portions to create a joint region and applying a tensile force to the joint region, the force being of sufficient strength to elongate the joint region, thus thinning the joint region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Donagh O'Shaughnessy, Alan O'Driscoll
  • Publication number: 20040200047
    Abstract: The invention relates to a splice between two ends of yarn, the ends of yarn, positioned to point at each other without increase in diameter, each being joined over a length of yarn to at least one longitudinal strip. The longitudinal strip is provided on its side facing the ends of yarn with a joining agent, said joining agent permanently binding the ends of yarn over the respective length of yarn to the longitudinal strip in frictional non-positive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Falk-Hayo Sanders
  • Patent number: 6793750
    Abstract: A hand held device for joining monofilament lines together. Then device has a set of clamping jaws that can be manipulated so as to firmly position the monofilament lines in an abutting relationship in physical contact to each other. The device includes a source of electrical power and a heater, such as resistance, RF energy or ultrasonic energy, to heat the monofilament lines to a temperature exceeding the melting temperature of the monofilament lines so as to weld the monofilament lines together. A sleeve may be slipped over the monofilament lines and welded to the lines to form a more stable junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Edward S. Bittar
  • Patent number: 6778754
    Abstract: A wiring substrate; a wiring head which guides optical fibers to the lead end thereof and forms an optical fiber path; an optical fiber feed mechanism which feeds the optical fiber into the optical fiber path; an optical fiber contact mechanism which brings the optical fiber, which has been guided to the lead end of the wiring head, and the wiring substrate into contact; an XY movement mechanism, which moves the wiring substrate and the wiring head relative to one anther in the X and Y directions; and an optical fiber affixing mechanism which successively affixes, to the wiring substrate, the optical fiber which has been brought into contact with the wiring substrate during movement by the XY movement mechanism; are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Hirayama, Koichi Arishima, Tsuneo Tamagaki, Masayuki Sasaki, Chikao Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20040134592
    Abstract: A conduction welding apparatus and method for bonding abutted thermal plastic tubular end portions is particularly suitable for welding PFA. In a preferred embodiment, a folding weld head embraces the abutted the tubular end portions to be welded, each tubular end portion including a flange spaced from the surfaces to be joined. The weld head includes means for securing the flanges within the weld head and further include bias means. The bias means provide an inward axial bias on the adjoined tubular end portions when the tubular end portions are displaced axially outward from the weld head due to the expansion of the plastic during the weld process. The bias means in a preferred embodiment is substantially inoperative prior to the weld and provides bias, or a substantial increase in bias, when the flanges are displaced due to the expansion of the molten PFA during the weld process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Michael W. Johnson, Jeffrey J. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6757474
    Abstract: A co-doped silicate optical waveguide having a core including silica, and oxides of aluminum, germanium, erbium and thulium. The composition concentrations are: Er from 15 ppm to 3000 ppm; Al from 0.5 mol % to 12 mol %; Tm from 15 ppm to 10000 ppm; and Ge from 1 mol % to 20 mol %. In a specific embodiment, the concentration of Er is from 150 ppm to 1500 ppm; Al is from 2 mol % to 8 mol %; and Tm is from 15 ppm to 3000 ppm. A boron-less cladding surrounds the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark T. Anderson, Craig R. Schardt, James R. Onstott, Kenton D. Budd
  • Patent number: 6705372
    Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sano, Narukuni Nakada, Akihiko Iguchi, Yoshiyuki Yamada, Masashi Yanagawa, Takeshi Minatani
  • Patent number: 6688362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-functional press for welding plastic tubes and joints particularly polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene and polyvinyldifluoride tubes and joints, comprising a first fixed base and a second base, movable with respect to said first base along sliding guides, a first vise group, mounted on said first base and a second vise group mounted on said second base, a thermo-element, provided on a guide parallel with respect to said first and second base and coupled with said guide in such a way to be provided in a working position between said vise groups, and in a rest position, completely out of the operation field of said vise groups, and in a lowered position with respect to the operation field of said vise groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Giovanni Meirana
  • Patent number: 6685786
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to improve a cutting reliability, to facilitate automation of the connection of wires and to allow for a reliable detection of wire joints. Ends of wires (a, a′) to be connected along their longitudinal directions are linearly placed, and a tape (t) is wound over and around the both wire ends. An adhesive layer of the tape is faced up, and the tape (t) is wound as the wire ends are rolled, thereby connecting the wires (a, a′). Since the tape displays a strong tear resistance in its longitudinal direction, the wires are strongly connected. The tape may contain reinforced fibers to display a stronger tear resistance. The wires (a, a′) are rolled by being held between plates (11, 33) and moving the plate (33) with respect to the plate (11). The tape (t) is placed on an auxiliary base plate (12) and is wound by the rolling movement of the wires (a, a′). The plate (33) is moved back after winding of the tape (t) to untwist the wires (a, a′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Matsuzawa, Tomiyuki Takeda
  • Patent number: 6677880
    Abstract: There is provided a chopper type voltage comparator for comparing a sampled input voltage with a ramp voltage that is changed with a time, in which a bias voltage is changed according to the ramp voltage, and then the bias voltage comes up to a predetermined voltage value that is able to bring the chopper type voltage comparator into a comparing operation state when the ramp voltage becomes substantially equal to the input voltage. Accordingly, a voltage comparator whose consumption power can be suppressed rather than the prior art and an analog/digital-converter using the same can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Innotech Corporation
    Inventor: Shyuji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20030223710
    Abstract: Optical systems that include optical fiber splices are provided. Such an optical system includes first and second optical fibers, each of which has an end surface and a side surface adjacent to the end surface. An adhesive joins the end surface of the first optical fiber to the end surface of the second optical fiber. Additionally, at least a portion of the end surface of the first optical fiber exhibits a wettability for the adhesive that is higher than a wettability for the adhesive exhibited by at least a portion of the side surface of the first optical fiber. Methods and other systems also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Rene P. Helbing, Annette Grot, Fred Sugihwo
  • Patent number: 6656318
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of joining two reinforced thermoplastic material tubes having the same diameter. Ends of the two tubes are first butt welded along a peripheral weld. After forming the weld, a reinforced thermoplastic material outer jacket is fitted over most of the length of the peripheral weld, extending on either side of the weld over end sections of the two tubes. The outer jacket is heated and pressed radially until the outer jacket and the end sections of the two tubes interpenetrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Seva
    Inventors: Alain Sabouraud, Alain Tournier, Michel Derycke, Gerard Joly
  • Patent number: 6647140
    Abstract: A spectrum inverter receives optical values from a scanning device and applies a spectrum inversion method to the optical values. The spectrum inversion method is selected based on a medium identifier that identifies the medium upon which the scanned image is formed. The resulting spectral space values are then output and may be used by an image output device to reproduce the scanned image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Bank One
    Inventors: Shen-Ge Wang, Gaurav Sharma
  • Patent number: 6637489
    Abstract: A wafer for use in selectively connecting and disconnecting plastic tubes is in the form of a heatable plate having side walls and having a leading end and a trailing end. An outwardly extending scoop is formed on each of the side walls between and spaced from the leading end and the trailing end. A pair of slits is formed in the trailing end in line with the scoops for reducing the amount of plastic material remaining on the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Denco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dudley W. C. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6632306
    Abstract: A method of splicing together the ends of two lengths of drip irrigation tape is disclosed in which a tubular insert having an inner layer of high melting point material and an outer layer of bonding material is placed into the end of a first length of drip irrigation tape so that a portion of the insert projects outwardly from the end of the tape. The end of a second length of drip irrigation tape is then placed over the projecting end of the tubular insert so that the two tape ends are butted up against one another or close to one another. Both lengths of tape are then sealed to the outer bonding layer of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Roberts Group Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Roberts, Jack Butler
  • Publication number: 20030168154
    Abstract: A composition of phosphate-based glass fiber capable of being fused directly to a silica-based glass fiber includes from about 60 mole % to about 75 mole % P2O5, from about 8 mole % to about 30 mole % X203, from about 0.01 mole % to about 25 mole % of R2O. X is selected from the group of Al, B, La, Sc, Y and combinations thereof. R is selected from the group of Li, Na, K and combinations thereof. Optionally, the phosphate-based glass fiber may include 0.5 to 10 mole % MO, where M is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, and combinations thereof. The composition preferably further includes from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of an additional component from the group of Si, Ge, Pb, Te and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: John D. Myers, Michael J. Myers
  • Publication number: 20030141009
    Abstract: A laser strikes and aseptically heats or sterilizes the end of two flexible tube ends for connection. Tube holders are pushed toward each other to bring the tube ends into contact. A weld detector checks the characteristics of the weld. A laser optics assembly may be used to change the direction of the laser and focus the laser at the tube ends. In addition, a crimping device is used to compress a single flexible tube for disconnection. The laser strikes the compressed area. The crimping device continues to pinch the area and forms a seal in the tube. The tube is separated into two tube segments, each segment has a sealed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Frank J. Landherr, John A. Biewer, Shahid Din, David Do, Rick Gilbert, James J. Alberti, David W. Pennington, Joe Romack
  • Publication number: 20030143352
    Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer blend for fabricating a laser-weldable article having a first component of a material not thermally responsive to a 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 a laser responsive material having low solubility in an aqueous medium and present in an amount by weight of from about 20 ppm to about 2000 ppm; 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 at melt upon exposure to the laser beam for a short period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Tahua Yang, Sherwin Shang
  • Patent number: 6596122
    Abstract: A method for production of simultaneous lap and butt joints directs electromagnetic radiation (12) through a radiation transmitting material (40) to an absorbing material (44a, 44b, and 44c) that absorbs radiation (12) with the generation of heat. The heat provides sufficient molten material in interfaces (50a, 50b, and 50c) to fuse and bond: 1) pipe ends (14, 24) to each other in a butt joint (22), 2) pipe end portion (16) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28a), and 3) pipe end portion (26) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28b). Use of a sufficiently clear material for sleeve (40) allows visual inspection of joints (22, 28a, and 28b). Butt joint (22) can be formed by conductive heating without absorbing material (44a) to provide a smooth interior bore useful for transporting high purity fluids without risk of absorbent contamination or debris and organism collection in gaps found in previous joining techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Savitski, Robert A. Grimm
  • Patent number: 6572719
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for positioning a plurality of reinforcement strands including a spliced reinforcement strand in a desired spatial relationship prior to a forming die. The process comprises the steps of: positioning a plurality of uninterrupted reinforcement strands moving toward a forming die so that the uninterrupted strands extend from a first location upstream of the forming die to the forming die in a space-apart converging configuration; and positioning at least one spliced reinforcement strand so that it extends generally centrally through the center of the converging configuration of the uninterrupted strands. The apparatus comprises first and second guide structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Fecko, David V. Stotler, Glen F. Day, Brent A. Carver
  • Publication number: 20030089446
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus wherein each pair of jaws (42) is mounted on a carriage (29, 31) freely mobile on longitudinal slide rails and subjected to the action of springs (28, 32) pushing them towards a retractable stop borne by the frame of the other carriage, while the frame (1) of one of the carriages (29) is itself mounted sliding on transverse slide rails (8) and is coupled to drive means (10) capable of moving it on said rails (8) between an initial position, wherein the pairs of jaws (42, 43) are aligned, and a connecting position, wherein the pairs of jaws are offset and the retractable stops retracted, and the hot blade is borne by a carriage vertically mobile, in both directions, on vertical slide rails (20), said carriage (27) having the shape of a wedge whereof the two lateral sides are profiled and co-operate each, after the retractable stops are retracted and while the blade (27) is being raised, with a roller having a horizontal axis projecting rearward of the corresponding frame or
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Baradon, Pierre Francois Leon Mellinger, Michel Thoinet
  • Patent number: 6559296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting nucleic acid molecules such as target DNA molecules and mRNA molecules by using a DNA probe, and provides a DNA capillary, comprising a fluid passageway formed of a cylindrical capillary made of glass, a plurality of independent probe regions formed in the inner wall of the fluid passageway, and DNA probes each immobilized in the probe region, the immobilized DNA probes differing from each other. For performing the measurement, a sample is introduced through an open portion into the capillary so as to perform reaction and, then, fluorimetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Suyama
  • Publication number: 20030079332
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods permit splicing or joining a plurality of tubing ends. A central tubular member has a fluid passage therethrough. The tubing ends are mounted over the extremities of the tubular member, and are held in place by a multi-part sleeve around the central member and cooperating detents (on the exterior of the tubular member and on the interior of the sleeve) that pinch or bite the tubing when the sleeve is actuated (such as via a turnbuckle action) to force cooperating pairs of the detents toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Olson Irrigation Systems
    Inventor: Donald O. Olson
  • Patent number: 6554930
    Abstract: An apparatus for welding monofilaments at a loom makes possible a method for a continuous process for weaving monofilaments into fabric. The apparatus comprises a stand (15) on which is mounted welding apparatus (16) and a filament alignment block (20). In the method, a monofilament (30a) in the loom is welded to the leading end of a monofilament (30) on a new spool of monofilament. By welding new monofilament to monofilament in the loom, restringing of the loom is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Robert John Gartland, Kenneth Michael Kot, Jimmy Lee Richards
  • Publication number: 20030070743
    Abstract: In a technique for joining ends of coaxial tubular members, adhesive is applied to their external surfaces at their ends and an expandable insert assembly is positioned longitudinally within them so as to be coextensive with the adjoining ends. Planar side pieces on the assembly are advanced into conforming engagement with the inside surfaces of the tubular members at their adjoining ends, the adhesive is cured to fixedly join the tubular members together, then the side pieces are withdrawn. Simultaneously, the external surfaces of the tubular members are clamped in the region of their adjoining ends until full curing of the adhesive has been achieved. The insert assembly includes a bladder of flexible material with planar side pieces being attached to the inside or outside surfaces and the insert assembly advanced so the bladder engages the internal surfaces of the tubular members at their adjoining ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: John Kesapradist, Brian G. Robins
  • Patent number: 6548010
    Abstract: A method of bonding tubular members comprising the steps of, providing a first generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, the first tubular member including a support member encased in a substrate material, the support member having a plurality of filaments providing a second generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, stripping a portion of the substrate material of the first tubular member from the filaments of the support member of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion thereof to create a plurality of exposed filaments, inserting the exposed filaments into the lumen of the second tubular member, positioning the bonding portion of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion of the second tubular member, and heating the bonding portion of the first tubular member and the bonding
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Stivland, Michael W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6540859
    Abstract: A method for splicing hose comprises applying a non-toxic anti-bonding agent (117) to an inside surface (102) of a first end (104) of a first hose segment (101). The first end (104) of the first hose segment (104) is then inserted into a second end (101) of a second hose segment (107) so that the first hose segment end (104) is completely circumscribed by the second hose segment end (110). This creates an overlapping portion (113) of the two hose segment ends (104) and (110). A structural integrity material (120) is applied to the overlapping portion (113) proximate the first end (104), and then the first hose segment end (104) and the second hose segment end (110) are then fused together to create a hose splice (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Alfred Alvidrez
  • Patent number: 6521072
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a substantially flush joint or coupling between two profile wall thermoplastic pipes. The method comprises removing substantially all of the helical rib and inner wall of a first pipe for a distance from an end of the first pipe and removing a portion of the helical rib for a distance from an end of a second pipe. By so doing, the outer wall of the second pipe can be deflected radially inward and the end of the second pipe can thereby be coupled with the first pipe by overlapping the outer walls adjacent the ends of the first and second pipes, with the outer wall of the first pipe being on the exterior. When overlapped, the second walls of both the pipes can then be fused together. Alternatively, the outer wall of the first pipe can be removed rather than the inner wall, and the inner wall of the second pipe deflected radially outward such that the inner wall of the second pipe can be positioned around the inner wall of the first pipe and fused thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: C&S Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Steve Campbell
  • Publication number: 20030021938
    Abstract: Methods for creating relatively wide surface coverings and surface covering components by seaming together relatively narrow surface coverings and surface covering components are disclosed. The surface coverings are seamed together with a barely visible or invisible seam by lining up two sheets together and taping them together on one surface at the seam. In one embodiment, the taped surface is the top surface of a surface covering, i.e., the surface that includes the design. The sheets can include thermoplastic polymers. The taped surface is placed downward, and a gluing surface is exposed. The gluing surface is the surface on the two surface coverings to be joined that are in contact with each other. The gluing surface can either be exposed by raising the taped region or by lowering one or both sides adjacent the taped region. A suitable adhesive is applied to the gluing surface, and the raised region is lowered or the lowered sides are raised to the original height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: David A. Kraft, Jennifer W. Sager
  • Patent number: 6500285
    Abstract: A method of bonding a first tubular member to a second tubular member to form a catheter shaft. The method comprising the step of providing a first tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the step of providing a second tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the steps of inserting a joining portion of the first tubular member into a joining portion of the second tubular member and applying heat the joining portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry John Pepin, Michael William Sterud, Anne Victoria Rossi
  • Patent number: 6488799
    Abstract: Core-type structures are formed by extruding elongated tubular members or sheets of a thermoplastic material that are subsequently cut into segments or plates having a defined length and then assembled into a bundle. The bundle is then simultaneously cut at a number of spaced-apart locations along the length of the bundled segments, or plates, whereby a plurality of separate core structures are simultaneously formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Newcourt, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin L. Court, Tawne L. Castorina, Calvin L. Court, Melvin T. Court
  • Patent number: 6485592
    Abstract: A continuous precursor fiber bundle for manufacture of carbon fibers comprising a plurality of precursor fiber bundles each of which comprises at least 30,000 filaments, having a joined portion formed by joining at the terminal end of one of the precursor fiber bundles and the starting end of another one of the fiber bundles directly or through an intervening fiber bundle comprising a plurality of filaments, wherein the individual filaments at the joined portion are substantially uniformly interlaced with each other and wherein the interlacing of filaments is in a pattern selected from the group consisting of continuous substantially uniform interlacing in the transverse direction of said fiber bundles, interlacing at many joints on the joining portion, and interlacing of the entire face of said joining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kousuke Yoshimura, Toshihide Sekido, Makoto Endo, Takao Sano
  • Patent number: 6485593
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterilely coupling two bodies of fluids in fluid communication utilizes a clamp transportable into a sterile enclosure. A pair of tubing segments, each communicating with one of the fluid bodies, is preferably retained in the clamp and transported into the sterile enclosure. The clamp maintains the shape of the tubing segments during the process. Portions of the tubing segments are severed within the enclosure and the remaining ends are heated. The heat may be provided with a hollow disk into which is blown heated air. The ends of the tubing segments are transported out of the enclosure and bonded together while held within the clamps. The clamps prevent deformation of the tubing segments during the process. The process may be partially or fully automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Kurt J. Christoffersen
  • Publication number: 20020170654
    Abstract: In a method of the present invention for producing an unvulcanized-rubber/steel-wire composite, steel wires are continuously drawn, and the drawn steel wires are not taken up but fed to a rubber coater so that the steel wires are coated with unvulcanized rubber. An apparatus of the present invention for producing an unvulcanized-rubber/steel-wire composite comprises a wire drawer for drawing steel wires continuously, and a rubber coater for coating the steel wires with unvulcanized rubber, and the steel wires drawn by the wire drawer are not taken up but are led to the rubber coater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Susumu Imamiya
  • Patent number: 6463979
    Abstract: A buckle pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 12 of a first tube holder 1 is attached with play to a buckle 120 pivotally arranged in a movable clamp 82 of a second tube holder 2. When tubes are held in the first and second tube holders 1 and 2, release of the tubes from the holders 1 and 2 is prevented by a movement of a plunger 203 in correspondence of excitation and demagnetization of a solenoid 202 for a predetermined period of operation of the apparatus after holding the tubes (i.e., for a period required from the locking of the buckle 120 until the completion of moving-down of a wafer holder).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sano, Narukuni Nakada, Akihiko Iguchi, Yoshiyuki Yamada, Masashi Yanagawa, Takeshi Minatani
  • Patent number: 6375774
    Abstract: An intravascular medical catheter and method of manufacturing a medical catheter are provided herein. The medical catheter includes a catheter shaft having an inner liner, a reinforcing section and an outer shell. As provided herein, a groove is formed in the outer shell of the catheter shaft near a distal end of the catheter shaft with a laser. The groove can be filled with a fill section which is made of a relatively soft material. This improves the flexibility of the distal end so that the medical catheter has improved tracking and movement in the body vessel. Further, because the reinforcing section is continuous under the groove, the catheter shaft is durable and inhibits kinking during movement in the body vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Lunn, Nasser Rafiee, Charles Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6358348
    Abstract: A method of butt welding two generally rod-shaped structures of a fluorine-containing plastic material includes the steps of placing end faces of the structures in a contacting relationship by supporting each structure in a clamping device, applying heat to the end parts of the structures that project from the clamping device, and pressing the end faces together by moving the clamping devices towards each other to apply a welding pressure of between 0.05 and 0.5 Nmm−2 perpendicular to the end faces. The heating element surrounds the end parts along a substantially closed contour, and may comprise two segments which can be hinged into an open or closed position to be removed from the completed weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Pollack, Robert Martin Hobson, René Perratone
  • Publication number: 20010045257
    Abstract: A method of bonding a first tubular member to a second tubular member to form a catheter shaft. The method comprising the step of providing a first tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the step of providing a second tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the steps of inserting a joining portion of the first tubular member into a joining portion of the second tubular member and applying heat the joining portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: HENRY JOHN PEPIN, MICHAEL WILLIAM STERUD, ANNE VICTORIA ROSSI
  • Publication number: 20010039995
    Abstract: To prevent formation of a welding bead in the area of the weld on at least one wall when hollow section strips (1) are being joined by butt welding, on at least one wall of the ends of the hollow section strips (1) to be joined to one another by welding, edges (7) are produced which are set back relative to the end faces (5) of the hollow section strips (1) and the ends of the hollow section strips (1) are moved so close to one another in the execution of the welding process that the edges (7) touch and the welding process ends as soon as the edges (7) touch one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 6248196
    Abstract: A microcannula suitable for cannulation of very small blood vessels having a sharp pointed trochar tightly but removable placed in the lumen of the microcannula. The trochar is held in place by contact friction from an area of reduced inside diameter distal to the tip end, formed by welding the end distal of the microcannula to a tube having a slightly larger diameter. A process for making a microcannula is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: BioTime, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold D. Waitz, Hal Sternberg, Paul E. Segall, Bruce Cohen
  • Patent number: 6217233
    Abstract: A quick restoration splice block comprises a rectangular block of transparent material including an opening for accepting the prepared endfaces of the pair of fibers to be spliced. A brightly colored indicator stripe is formed on the underside of the fiber opening. As the fiber endfaces are moved toward each other, the indicator stripe will be covered. When the stripe is no longer visible, butt-to-butt coupled of the fibers is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: AT&T Corporation
    Inventors: Hossein Eslambolchi, John Sinclair Huffman, Ronald L. Sims
  • Patent number: 6214143
    Abstract: A tubular fibrous blanket is formed using a rotary fiberizer which produces a tow of substantially continuous thermoplastic fibers and a suction chamber with an annular, vertically extending, collection surface spaced from and surrounding the rotary fiberizer. The fibrous tow is collected on the annular, vertical collection surface or on a foraminous backing sheet passing over the collection surface in a spiral of very low pitch with succeeding portions of the tow at least partially overlapping and preferably, substantially completely overlapping preceding portions of the tow to form the tubular blanket. The tubular fibrous blanket and the backing sheet, when used, can then be slit longitudinally and unfolded to form a flat blanket having continuous fibers extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Johns Mansville International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stuart Robertson, Michael Dean Peterson
  • Patent number: 6197401
    Abstract: Disclosed is concrete comprising: a plurality of fiber rings for reinforcing a tensile strength of the concrete, each of the plurality of fiber rings forming a closed loop. The plurality of fiber rings included in concrete according to the present invention can remarkably increase a tensile strength of the concrete, are prevented from being entangled and poorly distributed, and do not hurt the human body and prevent an object from being damaged and thereby being broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Jeong Ho Ahn
  • Patent number: 6197015
    Abstract: A catheter having at least two lengths of tubular material axially joined together by a scarf joint with no perceptible change in outer diameter at the joint; the scarf joint including a substantially axially oriented seam component between the two lengths of tubular material with the seam visible along the peripheral surfaces of the axially joined sections and extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the catheter; and wherein one of the at least two lengths of tubular material includes an inner tubular reinforcement layer, wherein the reinforcement layer forms part of the scarf joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Medi-Dyne Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6183584
    Abstract: A splicing coupling and a method using a splicing coupling is provided for splicing a pair of drip irrigation hoses. The splicing coupling has an inner and outer member. Each member has a heat activatable bondable surface opposite a non-bondable surface. Each member is circuitous. The inner member is formed with the bondable surface on the outside and the non-bondable surface on the inside, while the outer member is formed with the bondable surface on the inside and the non-bondable surface on the outside. Typically, the inner member is preferably bonded to the outer member along a bond line midway between the members and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the members. To form a splice, an end of a first hose is slid over the inner member but under the outer member until it abuts against the bond line. An end of a second hose to be spliced is slid over the other end of the inner member and underneath the outer member until it abuts the bond line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: T-Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott K. Avenell
  • Patent number: 6156144
    Abstract: A process for fusion jointing or joining of pipe sections includes the steps of covering planed ends of the pipe pieces with an electric socket. The electric socket has a heating device disposed therein, and a heating output of the socket is such that an effective butt-jointing occurs between the pipe pieces. A bellows can be placed within the pipes to prevent collapse thereof, and to improve an inner bead quality of the pipe parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Alois Gruber Ges.m.b.H.
    Inventor: Albert Lueghamer
  • Patent number: RE37097
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for splicing together a pair of drop irrigation hoses using splicing means internal to the pair of hoses. The pair of hoses are joined in axial alignment to form a junction with the splicing means interposed internal to each hose. A splicing means is bonded to an inside surface of each hose to fashion the pair of hoses and splicing means into a unitary structure using means for fixing the splicing means to another surface. A seal is formed using means for sealing circumferentially at the junction to create a water-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: T-Systems, International
    Inventors: Harold Daigle, Scott Avenell