Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying adhesive on opposite edges of a longitudinal slit formed in a tubular body of resilient insulation material is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor which moves the tubular body along a conveyor path. A feed assembly feeds a pair of tape strips along separate feed paths so that an adhesive applicator located adjacent to each feed path at an application point applies adhesive to a surface of the tape strip as it is fed along the feed path. A wedge-shaped plow is formed from a pair of flat plates which converge at an acute angle toward one another. The flat plates each have a leading edge which directs each tape strip from the feed paths along an exterior surface of one of the plates along lines parallel with the conveyor path.

Abstract: The shaft of a dilation balloon catheter includes three lumens; a dilation balloon lumen, a guidewire lumen, and an inner balloon lumen. A dilation balloon near the distal near the distal end of the catheter is inflated and deflated through the dilation balloon lumen. An inner balloon within the guidewire lumen provides a means for releasably securing a guidewire disposed within the guidewire lumen, thereby allowing the catheter to be configured as a fixed-wire catheter and an over-the-wire catheter. The inner balloon is inflated and deflated through the inner balloon lumen. A longitudinally-extending separable area in the wall of the guidewire lumen allows the guidewire to pass transversely therethrough, thereby allowing the catheter to be removed from a patient while leaving the guidewire in place within the patient. A method for constructing the shaft is also provided.

Abstract: A process for consolidating a composite material comprising the steps of forming a workpiece including a matrix interspersed with fibers, supporting the workpiece by an electrically conductive support, inductively heating the support and thereby conductively heating the workpiece, and applying pressure to the heated workpiece.

Abstract: The invention provides an expandable double-walled sleeve whose space between the walls is filled with curable material and which is designed for the local support and/or reinforcement of a body vessel, absorbent material being provided between its walls which are fabricated from an essentially non-extensible material. This achieves the advantage that the curable material remains uniformly distributed between the walls of the sleeve even if the sleeve is rolled around a still unexpanded PTA balloon in order to be brought to the desired position by means of said balloon.

Abstract: A coreless filter comprises a pleated, spirally wound loop of material disposed in a housing. The loop includes a layer of filter material, such as a membrane filter, interposed between two support layers.

Abstract: A hose is made by continuously transporting a first strip of plastic film through an assembly station. One or more contiguous molten beads are deposited onto a central region of the film. The beads are formed into a flow regulating passage defined by side walls. A second strip of plastic film, which is narrower than the first strip of film, is sealed to the side walls while molten to form a flow regulating passage between the sidewalls and the first and second strips of film. Inlets to the flow regulating passage and outlets from the flow regulating passage are formed at spaced intervals along the hose. The first strip of film is longitudinally folded to overlap the margins and the overlapping margins are sealed to complete the hose.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for installing a filter sleeve in filtration apparatus is provided. In its basic form, the present invention uses a filter sleeve with a pre-installed end cap bonded to at least one of its ends. Through use of a bonding process such as sonic welding, the end cap and filter sleeve form a tight seal with one another which is durable and quite resistant to leakage. The end cap can be provided with receptacles to allow for ready interface with existing filtration apparatus, eliminating presently utilized mounting procedures which can be ineffective, burdensome, and time consuming. Additionally, improved method is also provided for securely sealing the opposite end of the filter sleeve.

Abstract: A machine for making cups of thermoplastic coated paper, the machine including a frame or housing having a turret rotatably mounted on the frame, a number of work stations mounted on the frame in an equally spaced relation around the turret, a number of mandrels corresponding to the number of work stations mounted on the turret and a curling die mounted on the turret in radial alignment with each of the mandrels. The turret being rotated intermittently to align the mandrels sequentially with the work stations, the work stations being movable radially inwardly into a working relation with each mandrel, the mandrels being moved radially inwardly simultaneously with the work stations to form a tucked curl on the top edge of the cup.

Abstract: A round duct and apparatus and method of forming the duct in which the side edges of the duct are formed to interlock when the duct is folded and the flap is secured in place to provide support when the finishing duct tape is applied to seal the flap and complete the joint.

Abstract: A method for applying a closing tape to an extruded foam article is disclosed. The tape is applied immediately after the article is extruded and while the article is still subject to shrinkage, which is common with extruded foamed products. The tape is prestressed and is of a material to alleviate the problems associated with shrinkage. This method is particularly appropriate for applying a closing tape to an extruded polyethylene pipe insulation product which has been longitudinally slit to allow the pipe to be located interior to the insulation. The tape has one side attached to one side of the slit with the other portion of the tape being positioned for closing the slit by engaging the opposite side of the slit. A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided on the tape and a release liner protects the adhesive on the other portion of the tape.

Abstract: A method for applying a closing tape to an extruded foam article is disclosed. The tape is applied immediately after the article is extruded and while the article is still subject to shrinkage, which is common with extruded foamed products. The tape is prestressed and is of a material to alleviate the problems associated with shrinkage. This method is particularly appropriate for applying a closing tape to an extruded polyethylene pipe insulation product which has been longitudinally slit to allow the pipe to be located interior to the insulation. The tape has one side attached to one side of the slit with the other portion of the tape being positioned for closing the slit by engaging the opposite side of the slit. A pressure sensitive adhesive is provided on the tape and a release liner protects the adhesive on the other portion of the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming a laminated tubular body, disclosing the joining of opposite longitudinal edges of a strip of sheet material (5) to form a tubular body, extruding a hollow plastics lining member (1) within the body, expanding the hollow lining member within the tubular body to form a substantially continuous lining, pressure means (66, 67, 71, 72) for pressing the inner lining into sealing engagement with said inner surface, and cutting means (16) for cutting the continuously formed laminated tubular body into preselected lengths.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a catheter shaft and a balloon carried on the shaft, an inflation lumen being provided. The balloon comprises a plurality of holes of a size to permit medication delivered through the lumen to pass outwardly through the holes. The balloon carries on an outer surface a substantially hydrophilic, tubular microporous membrane covering the holes, to break up streams of flowing medication.

Abstract: An improved orthopaedic support (10) is provided in the form of an elongated, open-ended tubular body (12) having a continuous sidewall (13), with the latter presenting a recessed region (18) intermediate the ends (14, 16) for anatomically conforming with a limb joint such as a knee. The sidewall (13) is entirely free of transverse dart-defining seams at the recessed region (18). In preferred forms, the body (12) is fabricated with only a single seam (26) extending the length thereof. The body (12) is formed from fabric-faced closed cell neoprene rubber synthetic resin material, and the seam (26) is adhesively formed and covered with heat-applied seam tape (28, 30).

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a flexible polymeric structure comprising a sealant barrier, consisting of a multilayer film a few microns thick, oriented longitudinally, in a continuous manner, whereby all of the components of said flexible structure are intimately bonded by a final heat treatment. Flexible polymeric structures manufactured according to this process. Application to the fields of the transport of all fluids and protection against external aggressive agents.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a flexible tubular structure comprising a sealant barrier, consisting of a monolayer film a few microns thick, oriented longitudinally, in a continuous manner, whereby all of the components of said flexible structure are intimately bonded by a final heat treatment. Flexible tubular structures realized according to this process. Application to the fields of the transport of all fluids and protection against external aggressive agents.

Abstract: The invention comprises a filter cartridge including a cylindrical filter medium potted into a top cap, and having an internally potted bottom closure molded in place inside the filter medium.

Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a movable dispensing head provided with a supply of material which solidifies at a predetermined temperature, and a base member, which are moved relative to each other along multiple axes in a predetermined pattern to create three-dimensional objects by building up material discharged from the dispensing head onto the base member at a controlled rate. The apparatus is preferably computer driven in a process utilizing computer aided design (CAD) and computer-aided (CAM) software to generate drive signals for controlled movement of the dispensing head and base member as material is being dispensed.Three-dimensional objects may be produced by depositing repeated layers of solidifying material until the shape is formed. Any material, such as self-hardening waxes, thermoplastic resins, molten metals, two-part epoxies, foaming plastics, and glass, which adheres to the previous layer with an adequate bond upon solidification, may be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention refers to that position in which an assembling position of the shoulder bladder is connected with the expansion part thereof and stress is accumulated, and the expansion of the bladder and the assembling part are all wrapped with core-rubber composition to form a body.

Abstract: A drip irrigation tape consists of a strip of flexible material having an elongated, indented channel formed along a first side edge, the channel being of serpentine configuration, the strip being folded lengthwise so that the side edges overlap to form a first conduit, and the opposite side edges being joined together at least along spaced seal lines along opposite edges of the channel to define a secondary conduit. Inlets and outlets are provided along the length of the channel. A method for manufacturing the tape includes the steps of forming the indented channel on a mandrel before sealing the overlapping edges of the strip together by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a filtering apparatus and a method for manufacturing a filtering apparatus comprising a housing and a filter arrangement disposed within the housing. The housing may have first and second identical body portions. The filter arrangement, which may include an end cap and a filter element, may be secured within the housing solely by mechanical compression between the first and second body portions.

Abstract: A flexible duct adapted to be suspended from a support and method of making same. The duct comprises a conduit of heat-sealable plastic film having a longitudinally extending fin on the conduit for suspending the conduit. The fin comprises first and second face-to-face layers of heat sealable film. The fin includes spaced apart reinforced regions which are adapted for engagement with fasteners for suspending the conduit. The reinforced regions comprise portions of the first and second layers which are heat-sealed together. According to the method, a duct is made from an elongate tube of flexible heat sealable material. The sidewall of the tube is joined to itself along a longitudinal line to define a first relatively larger tube forming a longitudinally extending conduit, and a second relatively smaller tube forming a longitudinally extending double-walled fin for suspending the duct.

Abstract: A handled, open-ended, single layer, elastic and resilient thermal insulator for cylindrical beverage containers made in the form of a flat rectangular strip of foamed cross-linked polyolefin which is slightly longer than the circumference of the container to be insulated and has a pair of overlapping inter-engaging tabs at its opposite end portions and integral closed handle elements extending radially outwardly from above and below the tabs when the strip is applied to such a container. The insulator is made by a method in which a generally rectangular strip is cut from a panel of such flexible expanded thermal insulating material and, at the same time, a U-shaped cut is made in the interior of each of the opposite terminal portions of the strip to thereby produce flexible tabs, with the open end of each of the U-shaped cuts facing each other.

Abstract: An improved system for fabricating convolutely wound tubes includes a supply roll support for supporting a large supply of paperboard, an adhesive applicator for receiving paperboard from the supply roll and applying a coating of adhesive to one side thereof, a cutting station for cutting the paperboard across its length to form sheets of paperboard, and a winding station including a mandrel about which cut sheets of adhesive bearing paperboard are wound into a tubular configuration. As the paperboard is drawn from the supply roll, one of its edges passes sequentially through three corrugating nip rolls, which alternately deform the material of the edge to render it more pliable and flexible. This flexible edge, then, becomes the trailing edge of paperboard sheets that are wound into tubes such that the edge can be easily conformed to the contour of and adhered to the outer surface of the finished tube.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite composed of a scrim/mat. The scrim/mat includes a layer of fiber scrim to which is bonded a layer of fiber mat. This product can be formed into a tubular member such as a fuse tube. The tube is made by pultruding the scrim/mat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving confidential facsimile messages includes a receiver to receive a sheet of facsimile paper having two margins each coated with a heat-molten adhesive strip and to form the sheet of facsimile paper into a paper roll, a first rolling means and a second rolling means to roll the paper flat, and a heating element to melt the heat-molten strip so that the margins are sealed.

Abstract: Cured perfluoroelastomer, including rod stock, can be spliced using perfluoropolymer bonding agents in conjunction with moderate pressure and concentrated heat.

Abstract: A multiple chamber hose for drip irrigation and the like, with a primary chamber for fluid flow therethrough and a multiple layer section having a primary layer, a mid layer and a secondary layer, and with a secondary chamber in said mid layer for fluid flow therethrough. The primary layer is positioned between the primary chamber and the mid layer, and the secondary layer is positioned between the mid layer and the exterior. The hose includes an inlet opening for fluid flow from the primary chamber to the secondary chamber and an outlet opening for fluid flow from the secondary chamber to the exterior. The invention also includes methods of making such a hose.

Abstract: This invention supplies an adhesive construction for insulation, preferably pipe insulation, having at least one coat of adhesive on at least a part of a face of the slit with a release member to keep the adhesive from adhering to the second face and a method of making the same article.

Abstract: A filter cartridge comprising a pleated, cylindrical filter element is provided with an end densification ring to cause the ends of the pleats to pack together more tightly. In this configuration they can be more easily and securely sealed in an end cap closing off an end of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating at least two strips of strip material and forming the laminate into lightweight, thin-walled tubular members that may be used in the construction of non-combustion smoking articles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving confidential facsimile messages includes a receiver to receive a sheet of facsimile paper having two margins each coated with a heat-molten adhesive strip and to form the sheet of facsimile paper into a paper roll, a first rolling means and a second rolling means to roll the paper flat, and a heating element to melt the heat-molten strip so that the margins are sealed.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a tubular article such as a component for deformation into the shape of a pneumatic tire utilizes a flexible carrier (15) for transfer and deformation of sheet material (9) to extend in a tubular form between the carrier and a former (25). The carrier (15) may extend around the former and support the sheet material between the former (25) and carrier (15) particularly if the former is of a type expansible to press the sheet material outward against the carrier. The axial ends (35) of the carrier (15) when in a tubular form around the former may be used axially to space and support a pair of tire beads (36). The sheet material (9) may have an axial length sufficient for it to extend beyond each axial end of the carrier whereby it may be turned radially outward around the respective tire beads.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter element made wholly of fluorocarbon resin and production thereof. As the filter element is wholly made of fluorocarbon resin, it has an excellent chemicals resistance, and temperature resistance and is free from metal leaching. Though it has been difficult to produce such a fluorocarbon filter element free from leakage, in the present invention it can be produced at high yield.

Abstract: An improved system for fabricating convolutely wound tubes includes a supply roll support for supporting a large supply of paperboard, an adhesive applicator for receiving paperboard from the supply roll and applying a coating of adhesive to one side thereof, a cutting station for cutting the paperboard across its length to form sheets of paperboard, and a winding station including a mandrel about which cut sheets of adhesive bearing paperboard are wound into a tubular configuration. As the paperboard is drawn from the supply roll, one of its edges passes sequentially through three corrugating nip rolls, which alternately deform the material of the edge to render it more pliable and flexible. This flexible edge, then, becomes the trailing edge of paperboard sheets that are wound into tubes such that the edge can be easily conformed to the contour of and adhered to the outer surface of the finished tube.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a label about a container by employing a solvent activated adhesive composition. The method includes either a shrink wrap method, a mandrel wrapping method or a method employing a preformed roll of flat seamed tubular film. The roll of flat seamed tubular film is bonded at its seam by solvent activated adhesive. A roll for any of these methods with such adhesive, and a container covered by a film which includes strips of such adhesive is provided. A preferred adhesive comprises thermoplastic polyurethane with or without suitable additive.

Abstract: A masking tape (10), for example for spray-painting, comprises a strip (11) of tearable material such as paper having an upper face, a lower face; a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (12) covering said lower face of said strip from one side edge thereof to the opposite side edge; a second pressure sensitive layer (13) applied to said upper face of said strip, said second layer having a longitudinal extent co-extensive with that of said strip and a transverse extent less than half that of said strip and being positioned close to one edge (11B) of said strip; and a release liner (14) covering said second adhesive layer. The masking tape is to be fixed to a surface to be painted in such a position that the free-edge (11A) of said strip forms a border to the area to be painted. The release liner is removed and a masking paper is fixed to said adhesive layer and cut clean along the inner edge thereof.

Abstract: A laminated tubular body comprising; an outer layer and an inner layer which contacts the inner surface of the outer layer; wherein the outer layer is penetrated by at least one aperture and the inner layer extends into said at least one aperture.

Abstract: Method for continuously manufacturing plastic-lined metallic pipe. The method includes an extruder having an output providing a plastic sleeve and further includes a continuous roll-forming tubing mill production line. This production line includes a series of forming rolls which progressively deform a substantially flat steel strip to a generally tubular configuration as the strip moves along a straight-line longitudinal path. The production line further includes an electrical resistance or high frequency welder which continuously welds the lateral edges of the moving strip to complete the pipe. The method also includes a feed for the plastic sleeve into the incipient metal pipe upstream of the welder. The plastic sleeve has an outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the metallic pipe in its as-formed condition. Furthermore, the plastic sleeve maintains a generally tubular configuration from the time it enters the pipe until the manufacture of the plastic-lined pipe is completed.

Abstract: A sheet made from a foamed polystyrene resin which is heat-shrinkable in one axial direction and has a heat-insulatingness is prepared. A printing process is applied to this sheet to produce a label. A container made from a thermo-plastic resin is covered with said cylindrical label and is put in a furnace in order to heat-shrink the label to be fitted on the container.The container with the label manufactured in accordance with the present invention has a superior heat-insulatingness, and thus can maintain the temperature of water contained therein for a longer time. Also, when it is used in a electronic-range, a temperature of an outer wall surface of the container can be prevented from increasing, and thus the container can be held by a bare hand even immediately after cooking.

Abstract: The method of this invention includes the step of providing a mandrel sleeve shaped on the inside to fit over the small diameter end of a contoured container and being of an outer diameter substantially equal to the large diameter portion of the container. After applying a solvent of the plastic sheet material to the trailing edge of a length thereof, the sheet is wrapped around the container and the mantrel sleeve so that the trailing edge overlaps the leading edge and the solvent forms a firm bond between the overlapped edges. The mandrel sleeve is then withdrawn from the wrapped length, leaving it around the container, and the sheet material is heat shrunk to fit tightly over its full height around the contoured container. Before the sheet is wrapped around the mandrel and container, an adhesive, such as a hot melt glue, may be applied too that portion of the sheet that is wrapped in direct contact with the container.

Abstract: A cylindrical screen construction for a filter and a method of producing the screen. A sheet of metal screen containing a multiplicity of holes is rolled into cylindrical form and the longitudinal edges of the sheet are joined by a thermoplastic connecting strip. The strip is generally H-shaped in cross section having a pair of opposed longitudinal grooves that receive the respective edges of the sheet. Heat and pressure are applied to the strip causing the thermoplastic material to fuse and penetrate the holes along the side edges of the screen to provide a smooth surfaced mechanically interlocked joint between the edges.

Abstract: A thermo-shrinkable polyester type film having the following shrinking properties:a shrinking ratio in one axis is not less than 30% at 80.degree. C. and not less than 50% at 100.degree. C., anda shrinking ratio in a perpendicular axis to the former axis shows the minimum value at a temperature range of 80.degree..+-.25.degree. C., and the process therefor.This film shows an excellent shrinking properties for packaging.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for fabricating belts are disclosed comprising conveying a first mandrel to a wrapping station, supplying the leading edge of a web from a web supply roll to the first mandrel at the wrapping station, retaining the leading edge of the web on the first mandrel by means of a partial vacuum, wrapping the web around the first mandrel by rotating the first mandrel for about one revolution, severing the web at the wrapping station to form a trailing edge which overlaps the leading edge of the web to form a first belt having a seam, substantially simultaneously conveying the first mandrel to a welding station and conveying a second mandrel to the wrapping station, and substantially simultaneously wrapping the second mandrel with fresh web material from the web supply roll and welding the seam on the first belt on the first mandrel to form a unitary belt. These welded belts may be automatically removed from the mandrels at a belt discharge station.

Abstract: An end-cap for a filter cartridge is formed by melting the thermoplastic material of a supporting cage and of a support pleated together with the filter medium against a heated die and embedding the end of the filter medium in the material while it is molten. Extra thermoplastic material may be melted in the die. If all of the components of the cartridge are thermolplastic, then they all fuse together and contribute to the end-cap.

Abstract: A back-up pad is provided over an anvil surface of a back-up plate, and between the anvil surface and a sealing surface of a sealing die, in an apparatus for forming seals between layers of film material. The back-up pad has a slip surface on one side thereof and a spring surface on an opposite side thereof, the slip surface opposing the sealing face of the die so that the layers of film material pass between the sealing die and the back-up pad during seal formation. The spring surface is comprised of a plurality of outwardly extending resilient spring loops that act against the back-up plate during seal formation, the spring loops resiliently urging the layers of film material against the sealing face to effect seal formation between the film layers while cushioning the film layers to prevent damage to the film layers due to drag between layers and the die face.

Abstract: A sealing strip, particularly for making a telecommunications splice case comprises a sintered ultra high molecular weight polyethylene strip that can weld together parts of, for example, a wrap-around sleeve.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing uniform fin-type back seals with flexible packaging material for use in conjunction with form-fill-and-seal machines is disclosed which utilizes a moveable tucker plate disposed between the mated edges of the flexible packaging material and the body of the packaging material. When sealing, the tucker plate moves against the body of the packaging material and prevents lateral movement of such material during the sealing operation. The tucker plate is joined to a sealing platen in a manner which maintains a fixed distance between the tucker plate and the sealing platen until a threshold sealing pressure is exceeded.

Abstract: A quick-sealing assembly and method for forming an adhesive seal on opposite sides of a mechanical seal for a flexible containment bag of the type used for working with radioactively contaminated objects. The assembly includes an elongated mechanical fastener having opposing engaging members affixed at a predetermined distance from each of the elongated edges, with an adhesive layer formed between the mechanical fastener and the elongated edge such that upon engagement of the mechanical fastener and adhesive layers to opposing containment fabric, a neat triple hermetic seal is formed.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a plastics coated metal tube comprising means for forming a continuous strip of metal into a U-shape and a forming sleeve for folding the strip into an overlapping tube. A mandrel is also provided which extends through the forming sleeve and through a locating sleeve. The locating sleeve centralizes the tube as it passes over the mandrel and welding means are provided for welding the overlapping tube as it passes through the locating sleeve. Both the forming sleeve and the locating sleeve are mounted on the mandrel so as to float with the mandrel.