Abstract: The invention concerns a method of welding a laminate for the production of flexible tubular plastic bodies. The method comprises the following operations: a laminate is shaped around a welding tool, the ends of the laminate to be welded are heated, the ends are pressed together and at least partly cooled, the welded zone is deformed so as to increase its area, and the weld zone is cooled. The invention also concerns a device that is suitable for using the method mentioned above.

Abstract: A method of welding a thermoplastic sheet, having a first side and a second side, into a cylinder, the method comprising the steps of folding the thermoplastic sheet into a cylinder such that the first side and the second side overlap, positioning the thermoplastic sheet in a cylinder tube having a longitudinal opening such that the overlapping portions of the first and second sides of the thermoplastic sheet are aligned with the longitudinal opening, and activating a heat welder so that a press of the heat welder moves into the longitudinal opening of the cylinder tube and presses the thermoplastic sheet against an opposing surface to weld the overlapping portions of the first and second sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating a structural part comprising a tubular portion from which there projects a structural element made of composite material, the method comprising the steps of: shaping a plane preform comprising a stack of a plurality of superposed fiber plies such that over at least a fraction of the preform that is to form a structural portion, the plies are secured to one another, and over at least another fraction of the preform that is to form a portion for connecting to the tube, the plies are separable so as to form two facing sheets; inserting a tube between the sheets of the connection portion so that the sheets surround the tube at least in part; and bonding the tube to the preform such that the tube forms the tubular portion and the preform forms the structural element of the structural part.

Abstract: A method for bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process uses a novel tool. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool.

Abstract: A label for a container is formed by wrapping a length of label material around a cylindrical mandrel and introducing heat, adhesive or other sealing means into a gap between the leading end portion of the label material and the trailing end portion as the label material is wrapped around the mandrel. The cylindrical sleeve is slid off of the mandrel and telescoped over a container passing thereunder. The container with a cylindrical sleeve therearound is then moved to a heating station which heats the label material, preferably foam polystyrene, to cause it to shrink into conformity with the contour of the container.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a jacket for a storage-type water heater includes applying a coating to a sheet of metal, printing content on the coating to form a printed sheet, and forming the printed sheet into a finished jacket. The coating may be a thin film or may be a layer of paint. The content may be printed with an inkjet printer.

Abstract: A small-diameter composite tube may be formed by hand rolling. A slip sheet may be placed on a work surface, and then a composite sheet may be placed on the slip sheet. A mandrel may be placed at a first edge of the composite sheet, and a portion of the slip sheet may be folded over the mandrel, and the first edge of the composite sheet, such that the mandrel is enclosed in the slip sheet. A compression bar may then be placed on the folded-over portion of the slip sheet and force may be applied, causing the slip sheet to contact the mandrel. Then, the folded-over portion of the slip sheet may be pulled away from the mandrel while force is maintained on the compression bar. As the folded-over portion of the slip sheet is pulled, the composite sheet may wind around the mandrel, forming the composite tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for manufacturing an object closed onto itself, which machine comprises first means for guiding and carrying a tire material to be arranged round the first means, characterized in that the first means can change form in controlled manner between a first form and a second form. The invention also relates to a machine for manufacturing an object closed onto itself, which machine comprises first means for guiding and supporting a tire material to be arranged round the first means, characterized in that the machine also comprises sixth means for folding the tire material arranged round the first means, for which purpose the sixth means comprise a number of folding members movable relative to each other, which folding members can engage on the tire material for folding and can therein move inside recesses provided for this purpose in the first means.

Abstract: A method for producing insulation tape. A strip of fabric is provided and a layer of insulation powder material is deposited onto the fabric. The fabric is folded over the insulation powder to form insulation tape that may be wrapped around pipes. The method of folding the fabric includes first bending the fabric into a trough shape that has a bottom portion and lateral upstanding flaps that terminate in lateral edges. The insulation powder may be deposited onto the bottom portion of the trough. The insulation powder is packed onto the bottom portion. Tape with adhesive on both sides is placed on one of the flaps so that when the flaps are folded in overlapping contact over the insulation powder the powder is enclosed and the flaps remain secured to each other. Stitching may be added to further secure the adhered flaps to each other and to the bottom portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated material for forming a flexible container for holding a hair dye or the like, the laminated material having a first surface which, in use, forms the internal surface of the container, and a second surface which, in use, forms the external surface of the container, the laminated material comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and an intermediate metal foil barrier layer, wherein the inner layer is on the first surface side of the metal foil barrier layer, and wherein the outer layer is on the second surface side of the metal foil barrier layer, wherein the laminated material has a total thickness of at most 240 ?m, and wherein the inner layer comprises polyethylene and has a mean density of 0.92 to 0.94 g/cm3.

Abstract: Method of welding a strip for the production of flexible tubular bodies made of plastic, comprising the following steps: shaping of a strip (1) around a welding rod; contacting of the ends (3, 4) of the strip; formation of a welded zone (5) by heating and compressing said ends (3, 4) and then by cooling them, said method being characterized in that the strip (1) is also heated outside the welded zone (5).

Abstract: A method of welding a thermoplastic sheet, having a first side and a second side, into a cylinder, the method comprising the steps of folding the thermoplastic sheet into a cylinder such that the first side and the second side overlap, positioning the thermoplastic sheet in a cylinder tube having a longitudinal opening such that the overlapping portions of the first and second sides of the thermoplastic sheet are aligned with the longitudinal opening, and activating a heat welder so that a press of the heat welder moves into the longitudinal opening of the cylinder tube and presses the thermoplastic sheet against an opposing surface to weld the overlapping portions of the first and second sides.

Abstract: A method of forming a barrel for a tampon applicator assembly including molding a barrel then forming a rearward taper region in an area of the barrel is provided. The method includes molding a first portion of the barrel in a first mold part and a second portion of the barrel in a second mold part, the first and second mold parts meeting at a maximum outer dimension of the first portion, ejecting the barrel from the first and second mold parts, and forming a flared region in an area of the second portion.

Abstract: A wrinkle control process for manufacturing a closed cross-sectional, composite laminate structure on a male tool cured under temperature and pressure. The process includes the step of creating a plurality of filled or unfilled depressions at strategic locations in the laminate prior to curing. The depressions are created by depression forming elements that have a predetermined size designed to create a depression in under plies, alone or combined with intensification techniques. The depressions may be left unfilled or be partially or completely filled. Depression forming elements are removed after cure or remain part of the structure.

Abstract: A hollow filter tube is produced with a longitudinal seam and a fixed diameter. In the formation of the hollow tube glue is applied along a longitudinal side edge portion of an endless strip, and the strip is then formed into a tubular shape with an unglued longitudinal edge portion tucked directly under and against the glued side edge portion. The hollow tube is then heated to drive moisture from the glue and size and shape the hollow tube. Ultimately the formed hollow tube is cut into specific lengths.

Abstract: Absorbent pods comprise a pouch formed of a porous material. The pouch contains an absorbent polymer in an amount sufficient to absorb at least about 20 mL of fluid. Preferably, the absorbent polymer is sodium polyacrylate and the porous material is a hydrophilic material. The absorbent pods absorb and retain fluids, including saliva.

Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of upstanding pleats each having first and second pleat legs, wherein the first pleat leg of one pleat is joined to the second pleat leg of a preceding pleat by a medial pleat section; moving the upstanding pleats into an overlapped condition wherein each medial pleat section becomes part of the second leg of a preceding pleat; and forming the overlapped pleats into a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peripheral nerve growth conduit for peripheral nerve repair, in particular conduits through which peripheral nerves can grow. The conduit includes poly-?-caprolactone (PCL). Preferably, the inner (luminal) surface of the conduit comprises pits having a depth of 1-4 ?m. Suitably, the conduit may also include poly-lactic acid (PLA). The inner surface of the conduit may have been treated with an alkaline composition. The present invention also provides a method for treating a peripheral nerve damage using a peripheral nerve growth conduit including poly-?-caprolactone (PCL). The present invention also provides a kit for treating a peripheral nerve damage having a peripheral nerve growth conduit including poly-?-caprolactone (PCL).

Abstract: A fabric includes a synthetic leather and a substrate containing Lyocell. The substrate backs and adheres to the synthetic leather. A method for producing a fabric includes providing a substrate containing Lyocell and adhering a synthetic leather to the substrate containing Lyocell. The synthetic leather may be formed of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A 360° tool for making a one-piece composite tubular structure, such as a skin of an acoustic liner, is adjustable between a molding position and a non-molding position. The tool includes a base, a fixed segment mounted to the base, first and second doors hingedly connected on either side of the fixed sector, and third door hingedly connected to the second door. The third door has a circumferential extent that is less than one-fourth that of either the first or second door. Sealing members are provided between the doors. Collectively, the fixed sector, and the first, second and third doors have a predetermined shaped surface that corresponds to a portion of the contour of the tubular structure to be formed. After composite material is applied on the outer surfaces of the fixed sector and the doors, a vacuum bag is formed to surround the composite material and also the joint areas on the inner surface of the tool. The entire tool may be placed in an autoclave for curing.

Abstract: A packaging material includes a substrate and a heat seal layer. The heat seal layer comprises polyvinylidene chloride. The packaging material includes at least about 8 wt % moisture for increasing the hot tack of a seal formed between a first portion of the heat seal layer and a second portion of the heat seal layer relative to a packaging material with less than about 8 wt % moisture. If desired, the packaging material including the at least about 8 wt % moisture may be formed into a roll.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: A tube forming apparatus sequentially performs a forwardly rotating step in which a main roll (2) is rotated forwardly with a pair of subsidiary rolls (3) in a forming position during a move of a contact position between the main roll (3) and a work (W) from a first end (W1) of the work (W) to a central portion (W3) of the work (W), a feeding step in which the main roll (2) is rotated forwardly with the pair of subsidiary rolls (3) in a retracted position during a move of the contact position between the main roll (2) and the work (W) from the central portion (W3) of the work (W) to a second end (W2) of the work (W), and a reversely rotating step in which the main roll (2) is rotated reversely during a move of the contact position between the main roll (2) and the work (W) from the second end (W2) of the work (W) to the central portion (W3) of the work (W), while rotating the pair of subsidiary rolls (3) in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the main roll (2) in each of the steps.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material, in particular a process for the production of fuel tanks of plastic material. In the process according to the invention preforms in web or band form of plasticised plastic material are shaped in a multi-part tool forming a mould cavity by expansion of the preforms and causing them to bear against the internal contour of the mould cavity. The process firstly includes the production of two mutually complementary intermediate products in the form of shell portions. Then respective built-in fitment components are secured to the respective insides of the shell portions, which face towards each other in the installation position, wherein at least some built-in fitment components of mutually complementary shell portions are respectively of mutually complementary configuration, in the sense that they can be joined to provide an assembled component or to provide a functional unit.

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: A label for a container is formed by wrapping a length of label material around a cylindrical mandrel and introducing heat, adhesive or other sealing means into a gap between the leading end portion of the label material and the trailing end portion as the label material is wrapped around the mandrel. The cylindrical sleeve is slid off of the mandrel and telescoped over a container passing thereunder. The container with a cylindrical sleeve therearound is then moved to a heating station which heats the label material, preferably foam polystyrene, to cause it to shrink into conformity with the contour of the container.

Abstract: There are provided apparatuses and related methods for preforming sheets to form preforms for forming ducts. The preforms can be formed of a thermoplastic material, such as flat sheets of reinforced thermoplastic, which can be lightweight, strong, and perform well in flammability, smoke, and toxicity tests. The apparatus includes a heater for heating the sheet to a processing temperature and a structure for configuring the sheet to a desired shape of the duct. For example, rollers, rods, tubes, or a funnel can be used to bend the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with bicycle handles. The grip preferably includes a multi-layered gripping member. The outer layer of the gripping member preferably includes a thin layer saturated by polyurethane. The outer layer of the gripping member can be attached to an inner base layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular-design drum composed of a plurality of geometrically differently or equally shaped individual components, which are first fabricated as separate parts from a thermoplastic polymer and thereafter the components are assembled to the drum, wherein at least one of the components is at least partly laminated with an intermediate layer and a decorative layer, with an intermediate layer and a heat-cured outer layer or with an intermediate layer, a decorative layer and a heat-cured outer layer and to processes for the production of the modular-design drum, and to its use as inner part of tumbler dryers, washing machines, or spin-dryers.

Abstract: A package particularly for horticultural products and food products in general, which can be manufactured with automatic packaging machines, comprising a sheet-like element in reel form, which is constituted by a biaxially-stretched polyethylene net which has a first plurality of filaments arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal unreeling direction of the reel and a second plurality of filaments which are substantially perpendicular to the first plurality of filaments, the sheet-like element being folded and welded to itself at least at portions of the edges of the manufactured package.

Abstract: A method for making a flexible fibrous continuous tape containing 60 to 98 wt % fiber based on the weight of the tape, from multifilament yarn selected from aramid, glass, aromatic polyester, and rigid rod polymer, comprising the steps: a1) spreading the filaments of the yarn to obtain a filament layer having a cross sectional aspect ratio (w/h) of 2 to 2000; and b1) treating the spread filaments with a curable resin, or a liquid thermoplastic resin or wax; or a2) treating the yarn with the curable resin, or the liquid thermoplastic resin or wax; and b2) spreading the filaments of the yarn to obtain a filament layer having a cross sectional aspect ratio (w/h) of 2 to 2000; followed by c) fixating the filaments by curing or solidifying the resin to obtain the tape, wherein steps a1-b1, respectively a2-b2, and c are performed in-line.

Abstract: A container is disclosed. The container comprises a side portion including a plurality of side panels. The container further comprises a bottom portion including a plurality of bottom panels. Each of the plurality of bottom panels extend from a respective one of the plurality of sides. The container includes a first linerboard, a second linerboard, at least one corrugated medium positioned between the first and second linerboards, and at least one additional linerboard being coupled to at least a portion of the first linerboard.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a can body (2) which is characterized in that a film piece (3c) is cut from a film web (3b), said film piece (3c) is wound up on a winding spindle (7) from its front edge to its rear edge and is maintained on the winding spindle (7) so that it somewhat overlaps. The film piece (3c) is transferred from the winding spindle (7) to a concave inner surface (11a) and the film areas of the front edge and the rear edge resting against each other are sealed with each other on the concave inner surface (11a) in the area of overlapping (14). According to the invention, a closed film piece (3d) can be transferred without complication onto a can body (2), thereby conferring on the can body (2) the function of the stable structure and on the film piece (3d) the function of the décor or the inner barrier in such a manner that both functions can be optimized in a substantially independent manner.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of manufacturing a stent. The stent (40) includes a stent body having a plurality of struts (46). The struts (46) are positioned to minimize overlap one to another when the stent is rolled at an angle. The rolled stent is in a compressed configuration. The system further includes a catheter and the stent disposed on a portion of the catheter. The manufacturing method includes providing a stent body including a plurality of struts, and helically rolling the stent at an angle to minimize overlap of the struts one to another.

Abstract: A device for the application of adhesive and machine and method for manufacturing paper cups. The invention relates to a device for applying adhesive, more particularly for the manufacture of a paper cup from at least one paper segment, comprising a stamp for the application of the adhesive. According to the present invention, the stamp is made of a compression-resistant porous sintered material. The use thereof in the manufacture of paper cups from single-sided coated paper material.

Abstract: A method of making a tampon applicator having four separable components includes forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, forming a fingergrip having a barrel end and a plunger end, where the fingergrip has an axially extending channel between the barrel end and the plunger end and the plunger end has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the barrel end, forming an insertion tip having a first end and a second end, forming a plunger having a forward end, connecting the barrel end of the fingergrip with the rearward end of the barrel, where the barrel end of the fingergrip and the rearward end of the barrel create a continuous surface flush with the barrel when connected, connecting the second end of the insertion tip to the forward end of the barrel, and inserting the forward end of the plunger into the channel of the fingergrip.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining “shrink sleeve” labels, comprises a carousel that is provided peripherally with a plurality of spindles configured for being wound from portions of plastic film, a sealing device cooperating with said spindles means for sealing opposite edges of said portions for obtaining said “shrink sleeve” labels, said sealing device comprising a laser device; a method for labelling containers, comprises in sequence: advancing a plastic film in an advancing direction; cutting said plastic film transversely to said advancing direction to obtain a portion of plastic film; winding said portion in such a way as to make opposite edges of said portion overlap one another; joining together said edges to obtain a “shrink sleeve” label, said joining comprising sealing by means of a laser beam.

Abstract: Wrappers having cord reservoirs are provided. A feminine device having an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a withdrawal member, the withdrawal member having a proximal end nearest the withdrawal end of the feminine device and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end is provided. The feminine device can be at least partially enclosed by a wrapper. The wrapper can have a first end disposed adjacent to the insertion end, a second end opposite the insertion end, and a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the wrapper can have a cord reservoir at the second end of the wrapper, the cord reservoir being adapted to contain at least a portion of the withdrawal member within the cord reservoir. In addition, the cord reservoir can have a length measured along the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the feminine device to the second end of the wrapper of at least about 1 mm.

Abstract: A composite film for the production of receptacles, in particular tubes, is proposed, the outer layers (1, 3) of which consist of a sealable material and between them contain an intermediate layer (5) serving as a print carrier for a decorative imprint. The sealing layers (1, 3) are laminated against the intermediate layer (5). At least the sealing layer pointing outward in the receptacle consists of transparent material. Since the intermediate layer (5) does not have to assume any sealing tasks, it can be optimized from the standpoint of printability, this being beneficial to the quality of the imprint. The margins (21) of a cut-to-size film piece (23) of the composite film which are to be connected flush to form a tubular tube blank contain clearances (25) which run along the margins (21) and which are filled, during sealing, with a material, in particular sealable material, which bonds fixedly with the outer layers (1, 3). The mechanical strength of the flush seam can be improved in this way.

Abstract: A 360° tool for making a one-piece composite tubular structure, such as a skin of an acoustic liner, is adjustable between a molding position and a non-molding position. The tool includes a base, a fixed segment mounted to the base, first and second doors hingedly connected on either side of the fixed sector, and third door hingedly connected to the second door. The third door has a circumferential extent that is less than one-fourth that of either the first or second door. Sealing members are provided between the doors. Collectively, the fixed sector, and the first, second and third doors have a predetermined shaped surface that corresponds to a portion of the contour of the tubular structure to be formed. After composite material is applied on the outer surfaces of the fixed sector and the doors, a vacuum bag is formed to surround the composite material and also the joint areas on the inner surface of the tool. The entire tool may be placed in an autoclave for curing.

Abstract: A composite stent structure and methods of manufacturing same, include a stent wall having two or more layers of the same or different material. The wall provides various means of drug delivery while maintaining the stent's overall structure. The outer layers and/or inner layers may have holes, reservoirs, or openings that allow for the delivery of drugs or other therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for creating tubular devices, e.g., as components for catheters, sheaths, and or other devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a method is provided for making a tubular device using a sheet of material including a coated first surface. The sheet is rolled around a mandrel until longitudinal edges of the sheet are disposed near or adjacent one another, e.g., without attaching the longitudinal edges together. A tubular braid is positioned over the sheet-wrapped mandrel, one or more tubular segments are positioned over the tubular braid, and heat shrink tubing is positioned over the tubular segments. The resulting assembly is heated to cause the tubular segments to at least partially reflow and/or otherwise laminate the tubular segments to the tubular braid and sheet. The heat shrink tubing and mandrel are then removed to create the tubular device.

Abstract: A bio-degradable cup includes an IXPE foam cup and a paper cup which is securely received in the foam cup. The paper cup includes a bio-degradable film coated to an inside thereof. The paper cup is made from a paperboard with a bio-degradable film coated and the paperboard is cut, folded and heat-pressed to be the paper cup. The foam cup is made from a foam board made by IXPE and the foam board is cut, shaped and folded into pieces and each piece is made to be the foam cup by way of heat pressing. A heat treatment is applied to an inside of the foam cup to obtain a sticky inner surface of the foam cup and the paper cup is securely connected to the sticky inner surface of the foam cup. A lip is made around an outer top edge of the foam cup.

Abstract: A process for labelling containers or bottles by applying tubular labels made of heat shrinkable film which completely surround an outer surface area of the bottle. The process and machine include winding a precut label from a reeled film on a rotating tubular round plate supported by a roundabout labelling machine, the bottle abuts on the round plate and the label is wound on the underlying tubular portion. The tubular surface of the round plate is provided with a plurality of holes alternatively supplying or drawing air for establishing a positive or negative pressure respectively on the label surface. The overlapped vertical ends of the label are heat sealed by an electrically heated bar located at each round plate or are chemically bonded. The tubular round plate and the container on it can vertically move to transfer the container into the tubular label.

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 for making a tubular device includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, rolling the sheet such that side edges of the sheet are disposed adjacent one another with the coating disposed inwardly, creating a longitudinal seam along the side edges to create a sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the sleeve. In another embodiment, the method includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, wrapping the sheet partially around a mandrel with the coating disposed inwardly, positioning a slotted tube around the sheet and mandrel, attaching the tube to the thin, and trimming any excess material of the sheet. In another embodiment, the method includes coating an outer surface of a thin sleeve, inverting the sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the inverted sleeve, thereby providing a tubular device including a lubricious, hydrophilic, and/or otherwise coated inner surface.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for consolidation joining a thermoplastic preform to form a duct. The apparatus includes first and second longitudinally extending support structures. The first support structure at least partially defines a cavity for supporting the preform in a desired configuration of the duct. The second support structure extends in the cavity such that the preform can be supported between the first and second support structures. The second support structures can include an elastomeric device that is configured to adjust radially and urge the interface of the preform against the first support structure. A heater is configured to heat an interface of the preform to above a glass transition temperature. The resulting duct is has a longitudinal consolidation joint and defines a passage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for substantially continuously forming thin-walled sleeves that may be incorporated into tubular devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a pair of sheets including coated surfaces oriented towards one another are directed through a cutting apparatus to cut the sheets into multiple pairs of strips. The pairs of strips are bonded together to create a plurality of sleeves having lumens defined by the coated surfaces. In another embodiment, a sheet having a coated surface is fed through a cutting tool to separate the sheet into a plurality of strips, and the strips are formed into sleeves, e.g., by feeding the strips through a die or mandrel using a substantially continuous process. Optionally, the sleeves may be subsequently cut into individual tubular devices and/or further processed, e.g., by providing one or more layers around the sleeves to create catheters, sheaths, or other apparatus.