Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fixing a part and a part support for mounting the part by use of adhesive via an intermediate member are disclosed. The adhesive is implemented by photocuring adhesive while the intermediate member is formed of a material transparent for light. The intermediate member is free from coloring and deformation when illuminated by light for curing the adhesive. The adhesive is prevented from dropping or turning round to other portions during assembly.

Abstract: A process for installing a shrink sleeve [101] on an asymmetric article [103] comprises placing the shrink sleeve over the article and supporting the sleeved article in an orientation so that the portion of film [321] which will result in the greatest shrinkage is in the lowest vertical position and the longitudinal axis of the article forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the horizontal. The process reduces wrinkling of high-shrinkage areas of asymmetrical articles such as liquid containers with pour spouts.

Abstract: A shrinking device (1) for the thermal clamping and release of tools in shrink chucks has a preferably inductively operating heating device (17) for heating tool reception sections of shrink chucks and a cooling device for the active cooling of the heated shrink chucks. The device has several, particularly three work stations (5, 6, 7) and in each work station it is possible both to heat a shrink chuck and also actively cool the shrink chuck received. By pivoting a column (16) carrying the heating device it is possible to interchange between the workstations. The shrinking apparatus makes it possible on a continuous basis to shrink large numbers of tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for camouflaging hunting equipment utilizes one or more pieces of thermoplastic shrink-wrap provided with a camouflage pattern. Each piece of shrink-wrap is positioned around a portion of an item to be camouflaged and is then heat-shrunk to constrict the piece of shrink-wrap around the portion of the item. Once shrunken by applying heat, excess portions of the shrink-wrap can be easily trimmed away, thereby provided a professional-looking camouflage finish. When desired, the camouflage shrink-wrap can easily be removed from the item by tearing a portion of the shrink-wrap and peeling the rest away without damaging the item's original finish.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hollow tube of shrinkable polymeric material by providing a hollow tube in an expanded state and partially contracting a portion of the length of the hollow tube. A first length in the expanded state is folded over a second length in the partially contracted state. A body such as a length of electrical cable is inserted into the hollow tube, and the first length is unfolded so that it no longer overlies the second length. The first length and the second length are contracted to the fully contracted state over the body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a panel substantially stretched on a frame stretched homogeneously in all directions. The panel (1) is obtained from a sheet cut out in web of soft textile material produced from knitted synthetic textile yams forming deformable stitches in all directions. The textile web is coated with a coating mixture comprising an elastomeric polymerised polymer and a covering colouring substance. The peripheral edges of the sheet are engaged in retaining profiled sections (2) forming a closed frame (2) fixed on a support (3). Said sheet is stretched by local heating in at least a zone causing it to be heat-shrunk and stretched on the frame (2). The invention is applicable to false ceilings, advertising boards, and all types of wall decorations.

Abstract: A process for producing a chip, comprising the steps of: setting an object to be diced on a pressure sensitive adhesive sheet for producing chip comprising at least one layer of shrinkable film, an expansible film and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for setting the object; fixing edges of the pressure sensitive adhesive sheet for producing chip; dicing the object into chips, and shrinking the shrinkable film to thereby expand chip spacings. In the process for producing small chips such as semiconductor chips, chip spacings can be expanded without the need to conduct the conventional expansion step.

Abstract: A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.

Abstract: A range of damage and wear-susceptible articles, including such as drinkware and flatware, and heat-susceptible articles, have a tough, protective plastic coating applied in sealing, protective relation with a surface portion. The protective coating may hermetically seal underlying decorative material, including toxic materials. Digital ink jet printing may be applied directly or by transfer, including pad transfer. A plastic undercoating incorporating an adhesion promoting additive may first be applied by DIJ printing or by flow coating. The impact resistance of drinking glasses can be improved ten-fold with a hard, visually undetectible 5-mil outer coating selected from polyesters and other polymers, polyurethanes and acrylates having the desired visual, toughness and bonding characteristics. With u.v. curing, high speed economic automated line production, the process is applicable to a wide range of articles.

Abstract: A microelectronic element is with a connection component having a polymeric body, and a bonding material is provided between contacts on the microelectronic element and conductive features of the connection component. The microelectronic element is heated so as to activate the bonding material, and then cooled, leaving said contacts on said microelectronic element bonded to said conductive features on the connection component. The connection component is maintained at an average temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer in the connection component during the heating and cooling steps.

Abstract: A fibrous closure comprises a dimensionally stable, heat resistant fibrous backing layer and a layer of high shear strength pressure sensitive adhesive. The closure is used in conjunction with a heat shrinkable, wraparound sleeve for sealing cable jackets, connectors and joints between lengths of pipe or other elongate objects. The sleeve is wrapped around the object such that its ends overlap. The closure is then applied over the overlapping ends of the sleeve to prevent slippage of the overlapping ends during heat shrinking, and to prevent subsequent creeping of the overlap joint due to hoop stresses in the shrunken sleeve. The closure avoids use of a relatively inflexible polymeric backing layer, and is therefore able to conform to objects having a relatively small diameter or irregular shape.

Abstract: A method of making a component of a ceramic discharge chamber comprising the steps of forming a ceramic composition including an aluminum powder, a binder and a grain growth inhibitor. The alumina powder has a tap density greater than 1.0 gram per cc. The ceramic composition is then die pressed to form a component preform. Next, the component preform is heated to remove at least a substantial portion of the binder.

Abstract: Method or applying heat shrinkable segments of material (16) (e.g., labels or ornamental bands) to articles (25) (e.g., containers or ornaments) which have convex surfaces. The segment (16) is attached at both ends by adhesive to the convex surface (46) (or the trailing end of the segment (16) may be lapped over and adhesively attached to the leading end of the segment (16). The adhesive attachments are confined to a narrow sector, e.g., the sector of widest diameter, or a circumference of a sphere, leaving major portions of the segment (16) on either side of such narrow sector unattached. These major portions are then heat shrunk onto the convex surfaces (46).

Abstract: A method of finishing an enclosure formed from sheet metal includes the step of providing a tube formed from a film of a heat shrink polymer. The enclosure is inserted into the tube. Heat is applied to shrink the tube about the enclosure. Another method of finishing the enclosure includes the step of providing a sheet of a heat shrink polymer. The sheet is wrapped about the enclosure. The wrapped sheet may be affixed to the enclosure mechanically, chemically, or some combination thereof. Heat is applied to shrink wrap the sheet about the enclosure. In various embodiments the heat shrink polymer comprises at least one of the following polymers: irradiated low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyolefin, poly-ethylene terephthalate (PET), poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), and fluoropolymers such as poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poly-vinylidene di-fluoride (PVDF), fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP), and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing nonwoven fabrics having an improved balance of properties in the machine and cross-directions. More specifically, the invention utilizes nonwoven webs that include relatively low levels of multiple-component fibers having latent three-dimensional spiral crimp combined with fibers that do not develop spiral crimp. The latent spiral crimp of the multiple-component fibers is activated, such as by heating, under free shrinkage conditions, after formation of the nonwoven web to achieve re-orientation of the non-spirally-crimpable fibers and an improved balance of properties such as tensile strength and modulus.

Abstract: Folded film (10) used to create a lap seal using an L sealer (50) includes a first film (12) folded substantially in a form of a “J” and a second film (14) overlapping at least a portion (16) of the first film. The first film and the second film are coupled together (19) in at least a portion of an overlapping area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the backsheet is comprised of a microporous polymer film printed with multicolored graphics and a nonwoven material laminated to the film, wherein the film has a “b” value between about 0.0 and about 0.5 and exhibits less than about 4.0% thermal shrinkage at about 50° C. and about 50% relative humidity for one week.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable film suitable for use in cook-in applications is provided which exhibits a transverse direction free shrink at 50° C. of less than about 2% and a transverse direction free shrink at 57° C. of at least about 3%. The food contact layer includes a polymer having a surface energy of at least about 0.034 J/m2 and a second layer includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide and polyalkylene carbonate. Preferably, the desired shrink properties are attained by annealing the film under controlled conditions.

Abstract: A composite material, including at least one nonwoven fabric and a reinforcing material, thermally connected to it, situated in the form of regularly recurring patterns, which is derived from sheeting made of thermoplastic material. The new composite material may be used, for example, as an operating room coat, a textile outer material for one-time use, as a belt or in absorbent products, such as diapers or feminine hygiene products.

Abstract: Light fibers comprising: (a) an elongate polymeric core having an input end for receiving light from a light source, an output end for emitting light transmitted through the core, and a lateral surface extending along a longitudinal axis of the core between the input end and the output end; (b) a light-emitting region directing light traveling though the light fiber out of at least a portion the lateral surface of the light fiber in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, the light-emitting region comprising at least one optical element; and (c) a continuous outer cladding layer comprising a polymeric material having a lower index of refraction than the core extending over the lateral surface of the core and the optical elements. Methods of making the light fibers using an embossing process are also reported.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet comprising a shrink substrate and, superimposed on one side thereof, an energy radiation curable pressure sensitive adhesive layer and, superimposed on the other side thereof, a removable pressure sensitive adhesive layer composed of an adhesive having a modulus of elasticity at 120° C. of 5×105 Pa or less.

Abstract: Decorated personal grooming devices, and particularly, decorated toothbrushes, comprise a handle, a neck and a head. The devices further comprise a plastic film having a decorative pattern thereon, said film being in conforming contact with at least a portion of the handle. When the device of the invention is a toothbrush, it further comprises bristles attached to said head. A toothbrush of the invention may be decorated by providing a toothbrush body having a handle, a neck and a head; providing a heat-shrinkable plastic film in tubular form having a decorative pattern thereon; positioning the tubular film around at least a portion of the handle such that the portion of the handle is contained in the interior region of the tubular film; and heating the film to a temperature and for a time sufficient to cause the film to shrink into conforming contact with the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet comprising a shrink substrate and, superimposed on both sides thereof, pressure sensitive adhesive layers, at least one of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers being composed of an energy radiation curable pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet enables efficient processing of a work piece with high precision. In particular, the pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet is suitable to a process capable of producing IC chips of high thickness precision with high yield by reducing warpage and minimizing carrying breakage in the grinding of extremely thin or large diameter silicon wafers and capable of performing back grinding and dicing in the same configuration.

Abstract: A reflective hood system for heat-shrinking a film onto an open-topped container includes a radiant energy source located above the mouth of the container, and a reflective hood which serves to concentrate the energy from the a radiant energy source located above the mouth of the container and redirect energy radially inwardly onto the area of the film which is to be shrunk. A reflective hood system may also include a reflective shield located at or near an opening in the reflective hood above the mouth of the container.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter (10,110) having an elongated tubular body with a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular body is formed with polymeric materials, preferably containing no radiopaque filler, and metallic reinforcing braiding (22,130) configured to provide the catheter (10,110) with radiopaque properties and/or kink resistance.

Abstract: A multilayer film including an outer layer that includes a homo- or interpolymer of propylene and, directly adhered to the outer layer, a layer that includes a homogeneous ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer having a density of no more than about 0.91 g/cm3 exhibits good seal strength and good adhesion between the two layers, even in areas where the film is sealed, even after the film is oriented, even when the film is subjected to the elevated temperatures involved in cook-in procedures, and even where the film is subjected to, e.g., grease from fatty foods. The film also can include one or more, for example, bulk layers, O2-barrier layers, and/or abuse layers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A method of heating a substrate and a coating on the substrate. A susceptor element is applied on the coating and the element and the substrate are inductively energized to cause the substrate and the coating to be heated.

Abstract: A method for surface mounting electrical components to a substrate, such as a printed circuitboard, involves use of an anisotropically conductive adhesive or Z-Axis adhesive between facing conductive surface areas on the component and substrate. Pressure is applied to the conductive adhesive by a nonconducting adhesive that is first cured between oppositely facing nonconductive surface areas of the component and substrate. This fixes the thickness of each layer of the conductive adhesive at a dimension no greater than its design conductive thickness. In a first submethod, the nonconducting adhesive is a fast setting adhesive subjected to mechanical pressure only as it is assembled on the substrate prior to the subsequent curing of the conductive adhesive. In a second submethod, it is a high shrinkage adhesive that applies compressive force between the component and substrate as it cures and shrinks dimensionally while at a temperature below the subsequent curing temperature of the conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A process for producing a head slider wherein a floating surface is formed on a slider substrate by photolithography. The process for the production of a head slider has a step of forming, on a slider substrate by photolithography, a patterned floating surface having a resist material on its upper surface; a step of sticking an adhesive sheet on the upper surface of the resist material present on the floating surface; and a step of peeling off the adhesive sheet together with the resist material from the floating surface.

Abstract: A structure is defined for supplying heat shrinkable labels to a labeling machine. Two elongated webs of a heat shrinkable laminate are provided having a continuous series of printed labels positioned end to end thereon. A clear heat shrinkable splice, having an adhesive on one surface, is used to secure the ends of the two webs such that they are positioned adjacent one another and such that they form a single continuous web. The material of the labels and the material of the splice have substantially equivalent shrinkage values such that, upon application of heat to the label and splice within the label machine, the label shrinks along with the splice without causing substantial distortion to the printing on the label. Because the splice is clear or transparent, it can be positioned on the outside of the label, over the printing without obliterating same.

Abstract: A composite cord assembly is used to fabricate high performance structures. In one form the cord assembly is composed of an inner composition of structural fibrous material and an external cladding. Resin is impregnated into the fibrous material. The external cladding functions as a containment device for liquid resin material during the fabrication of structural parts. The cured resin surrounds the fibrous material, and provides support to the fibers, as well as load transfers between the fibers. In addition, the cord assembly may contain an inner core and other enhancements to promote resin flow through the assembly during the resin infusion/injection process used for part fabrication. Applications for composite cord assemblies of this type include composite coil springs, structural fencing, golf club shafts, fishing rods, and other products composed of structural rods and tubes of simple or complex shapes.

Abstract: A method for forming convexities and/or concavities on cloths for a garment at almost entire portions of the garment or any desired portion of the garment without any substantial limitation from a design point of view. The method for forming a garment having convexities and/or concavities which can expand and contract in both the weft and wrap directions like a knitted fabric. Cloths including thermoplastic fiber are cut into parts of the garment, the parts are sewn in a shape of the garment. The garment is overlaid on a thermo-shrinkable cloth. They are sewn together with stitches of water-soluble threads. The sewn cloths are heated under dry heat and without applying any pressure to the cloths so as to permit the thermo-shrinkable cloth to shrink and form convexities and/or concavities on the cloths of the garment. The water-soluble threads are solved and removed, and the cloths of the garment are separated from the thermo-shrinkable cloth.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet comprising a shrink substrate and, superimposed on both sides thereof, pressure sensitive adhesive layers, at least one of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers being composed of an energy radiation curable pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet according to the invention enables efficiently processing a work piece with high precision. In particular the pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet is suitable to a process capable of producing IC chips of high thickness precision with high yield by reducing warpage and minimizing carrying breakage in the grinding of extremely thin or large diameter silicon wafers and capable of performing back grinding and dicing in the same configuration. Further, the invention provides a process of producing semiconductors of high reliability in which the above pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing semiconductor pellets that are bonded on a wafer substrate that is comprised of a base plate, a heat-shrinkable adhesive agent and a radiation-curable adhesive agent. Prior to supplying the wafer substrate to a pellet pickup section, the adhesive strength of the radiation-curable adhesive agent is weakened by irradiating the wafer substrate with, for instance, ultraviolet light, then a heat treatment is performed by a heater so as to cause heat shrinkage of the heat-shrinkable adhesive agent and to reduce the bonded area between the radiation-curable adhesive agent and the semiconductor pellets. Afterward, the wafer substrate is supplied to the pellet pickup section, and the semiconductor pellets on the wafer substrate are picked up by a suction-chucking nozzle.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between tubular sections. The member has heat shrinkable end portions, for connecting on respective adjacent end surfaces of the tubular sections adjacent the joint, and a middle portion for spanning between the end surfaces of the tubular sections. The end portions are formed integrally with at least a portion of the middle portion and have a zone that has a relatively small wall thickness while the middle portion having a relatively large wall thickness. This member may be made by heat shrinking a sleeve on an inner core on a mandrel or by uniting opposed ends of a heat shrink sheet having one or more auxiliary layers bonded to it. The properties of the core or auxiliary layer or layers may be tailored to provide desired properties or capabilities.

Abstract: A shrinking device (1) for the thermal clamping and release of tools in shrink chucks has a preferably inductively operating heating device (17) for heating tool reception sections of shrink chucks and a cooling device for the active cooling of the heated shrink chucks. The device has several, particularly three work stations (5, 6, 7) and in each work station it is possible both to heat a shrink chuck and also actively cool the shrink chuck received. By pivoting a column (16) carrying the heating device it is possible to interchange between the workstations. The shrinking apparatus makes it possible on a continuous basis to shrink large numbers of tools.

Abstract: In manufacture of a fluid passage forming member by heating and joining passage members formed of a thermoplastic synthetic resin, there is provided a method for forming the external configurations of the fluid passages and the fluid passage forming members to virtually predetermined configurations despite the heating. In this method, to join passage members 1a through 1c made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin, fluid passages formed by apertures 3 or grooves 4 in junction surfaces 2 between the passage members are formed by allowing expected shrinkage of the passages beforehand so that they are formed to have predetermined design sections by the shrinkage when heating and joining the passage members. The passage members are closely fitted in a forming mold 10, sealed in a state wherein the jointing surfaces to be joined with each other are pressed into contact, and heated and softened to join them.

Abstract: A pottery article decorated with a selected rock, such as a lava rock, is prepared by shaping a pottery article, such as a vase, from pottery clay, then partially drying the vase and forming a hole in the side of the vase, large enough to force the rock into so that it will be held in place by the surrounding pottery clay. The edges of the hole are cut to a sharp angle. A multiplicity of smaller holes are formed in the pottery clay in the region around the rock to inhibit the cracking of the pottery from cracking due to shrinkage during subsequent drying and firing. The pottery is then dried at room temperatures for about two weeks. Optionally, the holes may be filled with a moist clay/glaze mixture and dried again. The article is then fired at a cone 08 for about twelve hours and cooled, then glazed by dipping in a glaze bath and firing again at a cone 05 for about six hours.

Abstract: A conformable coating composite, comprising a heat-shrink polymeric matrix sheet embedded with low signature functional material and coated with an adhesive layer, is used for the permanent retrofit to the surface of a vehicle to reduce detection. The method of utilization comprises the steps of applying the matrix sheet, followed by thermally conforming the matrix sheet to the vehicle, and finally thermally activating the adhesive to achieve permanent coating attachment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95° C. to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A method for making a cut and puncture resistant laminated fabric under a laminating pressure including the steps of rolling a thermoplastic film and a fabric constructed with a substantial majority of a high performance fiber around a small diameter core to form a wound bundle. The wound bundle is heated at a temperature of between about 250 and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit for a sufficient length of time to laminate the thermoplastic film to the fabric.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is formed by a heat shrinkable tube. In the method, a rod member is inserted into the shrinkable tube, and parts of the shrinkable tube are heated so that the parts of the shrinkable tube shrink to thereby form end portions of at least one balloon portion while a portion away from the end portions does not shrink. Two end portions of the balloon portion are processed to have a small diameter. Then, the rod member is removed from the shrinkable tube, and a catheter shaft is inserted into the balloon portion to completely pass therethrough. Finally, the two end portions of the balloon portion are fixed onto the catheter shaft. Since the heat shrinkable tube with the constant thickness is used, high quality catheter can be formed without fail.

Abstract: A dimensionally heat recoverable tubular article (1) is made by spirally wrapping cross-linked polymeric sheet (3) a number of times, and directly fusing together overlapping layers (5) of the cross-linked sheet (3) to form a consolidated tubular article. The final article has a wall thickness of at least 2.2 mm. Articles according to the invention may be made of different diameter and different wall thickness, starting from the same thickness initial sheet material, simply by changing the circumference of wrapping or the number of spiral wraps. Articles according to the invention are particularly useful as casings over joints between district heating pipes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the peeling of a resist material with a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet which involves the improvement in the removal of resist material or the enhancement of peelability of resist material to certainly remove the resist material from the object regardless of the properties or treated state of the resist material. The process comprises (1) after the application of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, effecting a stress-imparting treatment which causes shrinkage or expansion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet so that a stress develops at the interface between the resist material and the object or (2) prior to the application of the resist material to the object, effecting surface treatment to the object such that the surface of the object has a surface free energy of to not greater than 60 dyne/cm.

Abstract: The present invention provides elastomeric sleeves, such as, for example, grips for hand tools or sports equipment such as golf clubs, tennis racquets, baseball bats and the like, or sleeves for covering joints and/or splices in conduits or electrical devices. The invention also relates to swelling solvents and the use of swelling solvents to expand such a sleeve. In accordance with the invention, the expanded sleeve may be fitted over an elongate article, such as a grip-receiving portion of a golf club shaft or a tool, and contracted by evaporating the swelling solvent therefrom to bring the sleeve into tight contact with the elongate article.

Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: The present invention is generally characterized in an angled rotary tissue cutting instrument including an outer blade assembly, having a rigid tubular member with proximal and distal portions connected by a bead, and an inner blade assembly rotatably disposed within the outer blade assembly and including a tubular drive shaft at a proximal end, a cutting tip at a distal end, and a flexible coupling disposed between the drive shaft and the cutting tip. The drive shaft and cutting tip include neck portions which are disposed telescopically within proximal and distal ends of the coupling.