Abstract: A method for effecting a repair and/or strengthening of a pipe. The method comprises cleaning an affected area of a surface of the pipe to provide a cleaned surface of the pipe surface for an area requiring repair; applying a continuous strip around the pipe from a portion prior to the effected area and allowing the continuous strip to extend to a portion after the affected area. The continuous strip forms a spiral sleeve spaced from the pipe surface to provide an annular chamber between the pipe surface and the spiral sleeve.

Abstract: A method of winding a holding sealing material includes providing a mat-shaped holding sealing material including inorganic fibers. An exhaust gas treating body is provided having cell walls extending along a longitudinal direction of the exhaust gas treating body to define cells. The mat-shaped holding sealing material is wound around an outer peripheral portion of the exhaust gas treating body to form multiple layers including a first layer and a second layer wound around the first layer. Each of the multiple layers is shifted along the longitudinal direction in a winding order such that the first layer is placed closer to one end face of the exhaust gas treating body than the second layer. A shift between the first layer and the second layer is from about 0.15% to about 15% of a length in a width direction of the holding sealing material.

Abstract: An ornamental rod-like body includes a strap-shaped ornamental body 1 for ornamental purposes includes a multiple granular ornamental bodies 2 selected from the group consisting of jewel, artificial jewel 2A, bead, noble-metal ball, and metal ball; a connecting member 3 configured to arrange the granular ornamental bodies in a plurality of rows and connect them to each other; and an adhesion member having a adhesive layer 4 made of hot-melt adhesive configured to be adhered to a backside of the connecting member. The strap-shaped ornamental body is adhered and secured via the adhesion member in a state where granular ornamental bodies are wound and exposed radially outward of the adhesion member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for wrapping a conductor bar with an insulation. The apparatus has at least one supply roll for feeding an insulating tape to the conductor bar. The insulating tape can be wound around the conductor bar by the supply roll rotating relative to the conductor bar. At least one pressure roll is provided, and the insulating tape can be pressed against the conductor bar by means of the pressure roll. A method is also provided for wrapping a conductor bar with insulation, with an insulating tape being pressed against the conductor bar by means of a pressure roll.

Abstract: A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft, including coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, disposing a length of the polymer clad member in an overlapping helical manner about a longitudinal axis, joining and sealing adjacent overlapping regions of the polymer clad member to form a stent-graft, manipulating the stent-graft from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath at the second diameter, the restraining sheath preventing expansion of the stent-graft from the second diameter to the first diameter.

Abstract: A non-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer embedded in a continuous matrix of thermally-weldable polymer material defining a barrel wall, cone walls and neck walls. The fibers of the first fiber layer run substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fibers of the first fiber layer have a pattern of different lengths and are divisible into a first group and a second group based on length. Each fiber of the first group begins in the neck wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the neck wall at the opposite end of the balloon. Substantially all of the fibers of the first group have a generally uniform length. Each fiber of the second group begins in the cone wall at one end of the balloon, extends continuously in the longitudinal direction and terminates in the cone wall at the opposite end of the balloon.

Abstract: Described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process.

Abstract: An adhesive tape has a preferably textile carrier and of a pressure-sensitive adhesive which is applied on at least one side of the carrier and is in the form of a dried polymer dispersion. The polymer being synthesized from (a) 5% to 25% by weight, preferably 10% to 22% by weight, of ethylene, (b) 30% to 69% by weight, preferably 40% to 60% by weight, of alkylacrylic ester having C4 to C12 alkyl radicals, (c) 20% to 55% by weight, preferably 28% to 38% by weight, of vinyl acetate, (d) 0% to 10% by weight of other ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising between 15 and 100 parts by weight of a tackifier (based on the mass of the dried polymer dispersion).

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.

Abstract: A method for improving strength of the finished product in paint roller manufacturing processes and other continuous processes for producing tubular goods from polymers. The method utilizes a substrate such as a polypropylene strip with grooves on its surface. The grooved substrate is fed onto a mandrel to form a tube. Adhesive is applied upon the grooved surface of the grooved substrate. A cover may be applied about the tube, and the resulting product is then cut into finished-size paint rollers. The hardened adhesive in the grooves may operate to reduce the hoop-force which would otherwise tend to unwind the wound substrate. The method in certain embodiments provides a reduction in cost and weight of the finished product.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for applying tape on a plurality of wire to form a harness thereof, the apparatus comprising a casing defining a fixed portion adapted to rotatably receive a moveable portion rotatable about a moveable portion axis, the moveable portion being adapted to secure a roll of tape thereon such that the roll of tape revolves with the moveable portion in a fashion allowing unwinding of the tape on the plurality of wires, the fixed portion and the moveable portion defining cooperating indentations encompassing the moveable portion axis, the indentation in the moveable portion being adapted to be selectively aligned with the indentation of the fixed portion to receive and allow positioning of the plurality of wires about the moveable portion axis such that the tape on the rotating moveable portion being unwounded on the plurality of wires to secure the plurality of wires in a harness.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a wrap-around tube from at lest one strip-shaped material, the wrapping is brought about by at least one rotating wrapping element which is indirectly or directly in engagement with the wrap-around tube, and the strip-shaped material is wrapped onto a stationary wrapping core. An apparatus for manufacturing a wrap-around tube from at least one strip-shaped material is distinguished by the fact that it has a rotating wrapping element, which is indirectly or directly in engagement with the wrap-around tube, and a stationary wrapping core, onto which the at least one strip-shaped material is wrapped.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing an embedded cylinder pipe by applying a composite structural reinforcement within the pipe through in situ stratification of at least one band of reinforcement fibers and a resin or a resin including matrix comprising the steps of applying said band onto a contact area on an internal face of said pipe by means of a contacting member; moving said contacting member along an helical path so that said contact area follows said path; moving a main pressing member behind said contacting member along said path, to apply pressure to said band in a main pressure area separated from said contact area. Related device for reinforcing an embedded cylinder pipe by applying a composite structural reinforcement within the pipe.

Abstract: In a method and a tool for forming an elongate, hollow article of a fiber-reinforced composite material one end of an article laminate applied to a tool bar is placed in engagement with or is supported by an anvil of the tool so as to control the direction of longitudinal movement of the cured article relative to the tool bar during the cooling and dismantling phase.

Abstract: Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft, including coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that adjacent windings include regions of polymer cladding that overlap, heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another, manipulating the stent-graft from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath, wherein the restraining sheath prevents the stent-graft from reverting to the first diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing extruded coiled tubes for medical purposes is provided which includes rotary shafts protruding from a spindle, each rotary shaft being coupled to a respective flexible shaft resting on a series of supporting elements substantially equidistant to each other and supported by a main central shaft; at least an extrusion head to extrude a ribbon, and at least an extrusion head to extrude a rib; the ribbon and the rib being co-extruded, side by side, and being wound on an ideal surface formed by the external surfaces of the flexible shafts. The apparatus is characterized in that for changing the pitch with which the rib is wound on a base tubular element, formed on its turn by the winding coil of the ribbon, at least two twisting bars operated by a crank are used to rotate the supporting elements with a pre-defined angle.

Abstract: Described are methods of making a paint roller using an adhesive made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using preformed strips or core material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight. Described are methods of making a paint roller using a composite cover material made from a compound of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips, adhesives and/or the backing of a composite cover material. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process.

Abstract: Described is a paint roller cover strip for use in manufacturing paint rollers. The paint roller cover strip being formed from a length of foam base shaped in a trapezoidal cross section with two parallel sides, the foam base having a scrim affixed along the length of the narrower one of the two parallel sides. The paint roller cover optionally comprising a microfiber lamination along the length of the wider of the two parallel sides. Also described are methods of making a paint roller having a foam cover. On or two strips of material are helically advanced about a mandrel, a layer of adhesive is placed on the strip(s), and a cover material having the trapezoidal cross section is helically wound about the adhesive.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided that has a grip end opposite a head end and defining a length of the shaft extending between those two ends. The shaft has a tubular cross-section over at least one portion of the shaft length which cross-section has a substantially circular outer periphery and a polygon inner periphery formed of a plurality of between 4 and 24 flats, and preferably formed of 8-16 flats. A mandrel having the shape of the inner periphery of the shaft is also provided, as is a method of forming the shaft that uses the mandrel and composite matrix materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blade is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of first plies, each of the first plies sized to extend substantially the length of a span of the blade and providing a plurality of second plies, each of the second plies sized to extend only partially the length of the span of the blade. The method also includes layering the plurality of first plies and the plurality of second plies in a mold such that the plurality of second plies is interspersed throughout the plurality of first plies to spread apart the plurality of first plies to facilitate increasing a cross-sectional area of the blade and bonding the plurality of first plies to the plurality of second plies to facilitate forming a structural core of the blade.

Abstract: Process for assembling, by fusion bonding using IR laser radiation, plastic multilayer tapes that comprise an oriented layer that is transparent to the radiation and a layer that absorbs this radiation, the tapes being fusion-bonded using the same technique to a plastic preformed support. Composite tube resulting from the fusion bonding of these tapes to a plastic core.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating reinforced tubular. In some embodiments, the fabrication system includes a plurality of iso-containers positioned at a site where a reinforced tubular is to be installed and equipment disposed within each of the plurality of iso-containers, the equipment operable to produce the reinforced tubular. The equipment includes a caterpullar operable to receive a tubular and push the tubular through the equipment downstream of the caterpullar and a winder operable to wrap the tubular with a reinforcing material to produce the reinforced tubular.

Abstract: A prosthesis including a support structure for enhancing kink and/or crush resistance. The support structure is connected to an outer surface of the prosthesis and includes at least two components, one of which has a lower melting point than the other. The component with the lower melting point is used to connect the support structure to the outer surface of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fiber application method and a fiber application machine for producing parts in composite material, such as for the application of a band of fibers on convex surfaces and/or with edges. The machine comprises a fiber application head and a moving system for moving the application head. The application head comprises a compacting system including a compacting roller intended to come in contact against the application surface to apply the band, and a compacting member placed downstream from the compacting roller and exhibiting a substantially planar contact surface, said compacting member being capable of being pressed by its contact surface, against an application surface, substantially on the entire width of a band, by at least one contact line.

Abstract: A spool winding assembly for winding a composite strip onto a spool having a hub is disclosed. The strip includes an elongate plastic strip having a flat base portion and a plurality of laterally spaced apart lengthwise extending rib portions upstanding from the base portion; and a plurality of elongate reinforcing members extending lengthwise within respective rib portions, the rib portions and the reinforcing members forming composite ribs. The assembly includes: a main frame, a spool holder for rotatably supporting the spool relative to the main frame, a spool drive unit for driving the spool with respect to the main frame, a carriage mounted for lateral movement with respect to the spool, a bender mounted to the carriage for receiving the strip as it is fed towards the hub of the spool and for deforming the strip to give it a curved base portion, and a bender drive unit operably connected to the bender for driving the strip through the bender.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally a manufacturing process which results in a completely hydrogel polymer device that maintains lumen patency which allows for numerous applications. Catheters and stents are particular examples, and their composition, mechanical characteristics, and the significantly unique ability to conduct and allow fluids to pass from one end to the other without physiological rejection, inflammation, or manifestation of complications due to implant or otherwise undesirable outcomes when used for ambulatory and or therapeutic interventions is the purpose of the invention.

Abstract: Electrical devices having electrodes containing carbon nanotubes infused to a substrate are described herein. The electrical devices contain at least a first electrode material containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a first substrate and a second electrode material containing a second plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a second substrate. The first electrode material and the second electrode material are wound in a spiral configuration about a central axis. The electrical devices can be supercapacitors, which also contain at least an electrolyte in contact with the first electrode material and the second electrode material, and a first separator material disposed between the first electrode material and the second electrode material. Methods and apparatuses for making the electrical devices are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tubes formed from fiber reinforced composite material, the apparatus including: an elongate hollow mandrel (3) having an internal mandrel cavity (5), the mandrel having an external surface (7) upon which reinforcing fiber material (9) can be wrapped to provide a composite lay-up (10) supported thereon; and fluid flow means (11) for enabling heat transfer fluid of different temperatures to be circulated through the mandrel cavity (5), such that when fluid at an elevated temperature is circulated, heat is transferred from the fluid, through the mandrel (3) to the composite lay-up (10) for curing or forming said lay-up.

Abstract: A tubular body comprises an inner hollow core and an outer casing of one or more strips of self mechanically inter-engaging helically wound material having a higher yield strength than that of the core material. Also provided is a method of forming the tubular body comprising the steps of winding the outer core onto the inner core and an end connector for use with said tubular body when said body is provided with helically extending detents on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided that has a grip end opposite a head end and defining a length of the shaft extending between those two ends. The shaft has a tubular cross-section over at least one portion of the shaft length which cross-section has a substantially circular outer periphery and a polygon inner periphery formed of a plurality of between 4 and 24 flats, and preferably formed of 8-16 flats. A mandrel having the shape of the inner periphery of the shaft is also provided, as is a method of forming the shaft that uses the mandrel and composite matrix materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for retaining and recirculating cells in a vessel through which flow passes continuously or batchwise. In addition, the invention relates to a method of producing a device by which cells can be retained and recirculated in a vessel through which flow passes continuously or batchwise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular helical support (1) for the radial support of resiliently expanded tubing (27), a process and a device (18) for the production thereof, and a tubing arrangement (26) comprising a helical support (1) according to the invention, the helical support (1) being made of at least one extruded element (2), which is wound to form a plurality of windings (11, 12, 13) and the connection portions (7, 8) of which are connected to one another at least in portions by a connection seam (15), preferably formed as a laser weld seam. To produce a helical support (1) which reliably withstands the compression forces of the tubing (27), can easily be removed from the expanded tubing (27), and is easy and cheap to produce, it is provided in accordance with the invention that at least the interconnected connection surfaces (9, 10) of the connection portions (7, 8) of the extruded element (2) are not transparent to laser beams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for forming a filter element including a media pack in the form of a coiled fluted filter media, by winding the web of fluted filter media around a pair of tools of a mandrel. The tools engage the sides of the filter media. The tools define a major to provide the media pack with a oblong or elongated shape. The web may be fed at constant linear speed, and/or a motor may be controlled in a manner to provide constant driving torque to maintain a constant tension on the web. The winding apparatus and methods may include apparatus or methods to modify the feed path of the web to adjust the tension of the web as it is being wound. Further, the coiled media packs can be fixtured to prevent relaxation. A method may form various shaped media packs with the same apparatus.

Abstract: Adhesive tape intended more particularly for wrapping cables, comprising a textile backing and, coated on at least one side thereof, an adhesive comprising at least one vinylaromatic block copolymer and an at least partly hydrogenated tackifier resin.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for propellants, an explosion preventing method of the same, and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The pressure vessel for propellants comprises a body provided with a cylindrical portion between a forward dome and an aft dome, and has an inner space where propellants are arranged. The pressure vessel also includes an insulation layer disposed on an inner wall of the body and configured to insulate the body from the inner space when the propellants are ignited; and a nozzle mounted at the aft dome and through which combustion material from the propellants is exhausted out. The body comprises a first hybrid fiber layer which forms the cylindrical portion, the forward dome, and the aft dome, and has a mechanical property lowered at a temperature more than a specific temperature such that the forward dome and the aft dome collapse by an inner pressure when the propellants are abnormally combusted.

Abstract: A hose assembly comprises: a flexible corrugated inner hose suitable for conveying and dispensing loose-fill insulation material, and a non-conforming outer hose snugly fitted about the inner hose, the outer hose having a substantially cylindrical outer surface that is substantially free of corrugations.

Abstract: Described is a method of making a laminated paint roller wherein a perforated strip of thermoplastic material is advanced, the perforated strip having holes there-through. A lubricant is applied to the inner surface of the advancing perforated strip of thermoplastic material. The lubricated, perforated strip of thermoplastic material is helically wound around a cooled mandrel so as to form a helically wound strip wherein the inner surface of the perforated strip faces the cooled mandrel and the outer surface of the perforated strip faces away from the cooled mandrel. The wound perforated strip is advanced along the cooled mandrel. A layer of adhesive is applied onto an outer surface of the wound perforated strip. A strip of composite cover material is helically wrapped about the wound strip and over the layer of adhesive, the outer surface of the composite cover material comprising a pile fabric, and the inner surface of the composite cover material comprising thermoplastic.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Abstract: The invention resides in enabling high-mix low-volume production by a compact apparatus for a rubber sheet reinforced with a cord of a belt material for a tire, a body-ply material, etc. variously changing a cord material, cord arrangement angle, width of sheet, etc. and relates to manufacturing apparatus and method for a rubber sheet reinforced with a cord according to wrapping around a rubber coated cord group continuously on a surface of a pair of a cylindrical rotating body rotating in the same direction or on a surface of a cylindrical rotating body disposed small diameter roller groups of plural number on a side surface of a cylinder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided, comprising: providing a polishing layer; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly, comprising: a subpad layer having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two wrap around tabs; a backing plate having a top side and a bottom side; a sacrificial layer having at least two recessed areas designed to facilitate attachment of the subpad layer to the backing plate; an unset reactive hot melt adhesive applied to the top surface of the subpad layer, wherein the unset reactive hot melt adhesive is applied in a pattern of parallel lines; wherein the subpad layer is disposed on the top side of the backing plate and the sacrificial layer is disposed on the bottom side of the backing plate, and wherein the at least two wrap around tabs extend to the bottom side of the backing plate; stacking the polishing layer and the chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly with the unset reactive hot melt adhesiv

Abstract: A composition for production of a prepreg for manufacture of thermoset composite laminates, a method for the production of a prepreg, the prepreg, and a thermoset glass fibre reinforced composite laminate manufactured by curing the prepreg. The composition includes unsaturated polyesters or vinylesters, a catalyst, a thickening agent, and a crosslinking initiator. A first component of the unsaturated polyesters or vinylesters includes reactive groups that react with the thickening agent. A second component of the unsaturated polyesters or vinylesters does not include any groups that react with the thickening agent. The composition also includes a polyether polyol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement over the flexible composite tubing described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,491,779, 6,804,942, and 7,073,978, wherein said improvement provides for void space or otherwise insulating region along the length of the tubing. The present invention is additionally directed to methods for implementing such improvement.

Abstract: A method for improving strength of the finished product in paint roller manufacturing processes and other continuous processes for producing tubular goods from polymers. The method utilizes a substrate such as a polypropylene strip with grooves on its surface. The grooved substrate is fed onto a mandrel to form a tube. Adhesive is applied upon the grooved surface of the grooved substrate. A cover may be applied about the tube, and the resulting product is then cut into finished-size paint rollers. The hardened adhesive in the grooves may operate to reduce the hoop-force which would otherwise tend to unwind the wound substrate. The method in certain embodiments provides a reduction in cost and weight of the finished product.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of an elongated, multilayered tubular body (1) comprising an elongated, tubular inner hollow core (5), optionally an elongated, tubular inner casing (4) and an elongated, tubular outer casing, the inner casing, when present, surrounding the hollow core, the outer casing surrounding the inner casing, when present, or otherwise the hollow core, the outer casing comprising at least two layers (2, 3), each layer consisting of one or more longitudinally preformed, flat elongated metal strips, the preforming of the strips such that the strips have been bent helically in such a way that the consecutive windings of the helix or helices touch or almost touch to each other, each strip in one layer overlapping with other strips in other layers, the layers in the outer casing being bound to each other by an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of at least one longitudinal section of a catheter, wherein the method comprises the winding of film, and the film is provided in the form of strips, the film strip is wound in the manner of a screw such that the side edges of the film strip extending in the manner of a thread overlap the film strip, and further a bonded connection is created in the overlapping region such that the longitudinal section has a closed and at least fluid-tight surface. The invention further relates to a catheter produced according to the method, and a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided that has a grip end opposite a head end and defining a length of the shaft extending between those two ends. The shaft has a tubular cross-section over at least one portion of the shaft length which cross-section has a substantially circular outer periphery and a polygon inner periphery formed of a plurality of between 4 and 24 flats, and preferably formed of 8-16 flats. A mandrel having the shape of the inner periphery of the shaft is also provided, as is a method of forming the shaft that uses the mandrel and composite matrix materials.

Abstract: A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft. The method includes coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that the polymer cladding has overlapping regions that form seams, and heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another.

Abstract: Coated devices for introduction into bodies and methods for making and using them are provided, such as delivery sheaths, guidewire lumen cores, and elongate leads. In one embodiment, a tubular device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes a relatively thin inner polyurethane liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, e.g., providing a lubricious and/or hydrophilic lumen, and an outer layer surrounding the liner. In another embodiment, a lead is provided that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one electrode on the distal end. A polyurethane cover surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the lead that include a coating, e.g., including a lubricious and/or hydrophilic material. Optionally, the cover may be removable from around the lead body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a papermaker's or industrial fabric, which includes the application of a polymeric resin material onto preselected discrete locations on a base substrate in a controlled manner in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) to point bond yarns, bond spiral wound strips together or to bond layers of a fabric together.