Abstract: The present invention A process for providing an extended tubular article or one or more sections of the extended tubular article with a corrosion protecting system, wherein (a) a layer of an adhesive composition is applied to the surface of the extended tubular article or the one or more sections of the extended tubular article, and (b) a corrosion protecting layer is applied to the layer of the adhesive composition, the adhesive composition comprising a polyolefin blend, wherein the polyolefin blend comprises 30% to 100% by weight of a polyisobutene and 0% to 70% by weight of an olefin polymer, based on the total weight of the polyolefin blend, wherein said polyisobutene is has a glass transition temperature of lower than ?40° C. and a number average molecular weight Mn of 1300 to 1,000,000.

Abstract: A multi-section tubular member including a sleeve surrounding and bridging a joint between a first section and a second section of the tubular member, and a method of forming a multi-section tubular member are disclosed. A polymeric sleeve may extend over a portion of the first section and an adjoining portion of the second section. A length of heat shrink tubing may be placed over the sleeve and heated, thereby compressing the heat shrink tubing around the sleeve. The sleeve may then be thermally bonded to each of the first section and the second section. The heat shrink tubing may then be removed, leaving the sleeve securely joining the first section and the second section to form a multi-section tubular member.

Abstract: A stent is formed by encasing or encapsulating metallic rings in an inner polymeric layer and an outer polymeric layer. At least one polymer link connects adjacent metallic rings. The stent is drug loaded with one or more therapeutic agent or drug, for example, to reduce the likelihood of the development of restenosis in the coronary arteries. The inner and outer polymeric materials can be of the same polymer or different polymer to achieve different results, such as enhancing flexibility and providing a stent that is visible under MRI, computer tomography and x-ray fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A heat-delivery apparatus (12) heats a heat-shrinkable sleeve (10) on a pipe (2). The heat-delivery apparatus (12) includes one or more heater elements (20) which define an interior heating surface that surrounds the sleeve (10). An air space is thus defined between the exterior of the sleeve (10) and the interior heating surface. The flow of air, that would otherwise be generated by the step of applying heat, within said air space is controlled or restricted for example by means of fins (50, 50s, 60) that control or restrict the airflow, fully or partially sealing the air space with one or more sealing members (70), or fans (80) that generate an opposing airflow (82).

Abstract: Provided are a temporal fixation method in processing of optical members and a resin composition suitable therefore, which uses a composition which is characterized by containing the following (A3), (B3) and (D3), wherein (A3) is a urethane(meth)acrylate; (B3) is one or more (meth)acrylic acid derivative monomers selected from the group consisting of n-(meth)acryloyloxyalkyl hexahydrophthalimides, carboxyl group-containing (meth)acrylates and (meth)acrylic acid derivative monomers represented by the formula (C3): Z—O—(R2O)p—R1??Formula (C3): wherein Z represents a (meth)acryloyl group, R1 represents a phenyl group or a phenyl group having an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R2 represents —C2H4—, —C3H6—, —CH2CH(CH3)—, —CH2CH(OH)CH2—, —C4H8— or —C6H12—, and p represents an integer of from 1 to 10; and D(3) is a photopolymerization initiator, along with methods for temporarily fixing a member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular knitted pile fabric sleeve that is installed onto a core member. To facilitate the manufacture of the paint roller covers, the outside of the core member is provided with an adhesive bonding material on the exterior surface thereof that has a relatively non-tacky outer surface. The knitted pile fabric sleeve is installed onto the exterior surface of the core member over the adhesive bonding material. The adhesive bonding material is then rendered tacky, whereupon the knitted pile fabric sleeve becomes adhesively secured by the adhesive bonding material to the exterior surface of the core member. The pile fabric covered core member may be finished into paint roller covers by combing and shearing the pile fabric to a desired length, beveling the edges of the paint roller covers, and vacuuming stray fibers from the paint roller covers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for forming sleeved containers. The system includes a conveyor for transporting a row of containers, a sleeving unit for arranging sleeves around containers and a heat oven for attaching the sleeve around the container by heat shrinking. The conveyed containers are provided with a sleeve and the sleeved container is transported in the oven to allow the sleeve to shrink. According to the invention, part of the sleeve is removed using a removal unit. The part is removed after heat shrinking. Removing the part allows to uncover part of the container otherwise covered by sleeve.

Abstract: Microwave ablation applicators and methods for manufacturing the microwave ablation applicators are disclosed. A microwave ablation applicator includes a feed-line segment, a step-down segment, and a radiator base segment. The feed-line segment includes a first inner conductor, a first dielectric disposed on the first inner conductor, and a first outer conductor disposed on the first dielectric. The step-down segment includes a second inner conductor, a second dielectric disposed on the second inner conductor, and a second outer conductor disposed on the second dielectric. The radiator base segment includes a third inner conductor disposed on the third inner conductor, a third outer conductor disposed on the proximal end of the third dielectric so as to form a feed gap at a distal end of the radiator base segment, a balun dielectric disposed on the third outer conductor, and a balun outer conductor disposed on the balun dielectric.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a balloon catheter including providing an inner tubular member having a distal section and a distal end with a lumen extending therein and forming a balloon having a distal leg with a first segment having a first diameter and a first wall thickness and a second segment having a second wall thickness. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter and the first wall thickness is greater than the second wall thickness. The distal end section of the inner tubular member can be positioned in the balloon and bonded to the first segment while reducing the diameter of the second segment. Method also provided for fabricating a multilayer balloon catheter including removing at least a portion of an outer layer from the distal leg of the balloon.

Abstract: A woven sleeve, sleeve assembly and methods of construction thereof are provided. The sleeve has a flexible, abrasion resistant, circumferentially closed and continuous elongate wall extending lengthwise along a central axis between opposite ends. The wall is woven with warp yarns extending generally parallel to the central axis and at least one heat-shrinkable weft yarn extending generally transversely to the warp yarns. The warp yarns provide the sleeve with coverage, abrasion resistance and flexibility and the weft yarn provides the ability to shrink the wall about an elongate member being protected within a cavity of the sleeve, as well as providing enhanced crush strength and abrasion resistance. At least one of the warp yarns and/or weft yarn includes at least one low melt, heat-fusible yarn served therewith to enhance resistance to end-fray during a cutting operation.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable having an optical connector, includes: an optical connector assembled on a tip portion of an optical fiber cable, including a ferrule in which an optical fiber protruding from a terminal of the optical fiber cable is inserted and fixed; and a reinforced portion formed by heating and shrinking a heat-shrinkable tube and by solidifying a hot-melt adhesive of an inner portion of the heat-shrinkable tube after melting the hot-melt adhesive so as to integrate a rear end portion of the ferrule, the tip portion of the optical fiber cable which is disposed so as to be separated in a rear side of the ferrule, and the heat-shrinkable tube which accommodates the rear end portion of the ferrule and the tip portion of the optical fiber cable and in which the hot-melt adhesive is disposed in the inner portion of the heat-shrinkable tube.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable tube mount method includes fitting a terminal of a terminal-equipped electric wire to a terminal fit recess of a lower frame provided on a base, sheathing a core wire crimp section of the terminal led out of the lower frame with a heat shrinkable tube containing therein an adhesive and bringing a one tube end into contact with a dam wall of the lower frame, restricting movement of the terminal, by covering the terminal fit recess with an upper frame that is joined to the lower frame in a turnable manner, pinching a portion of a peripheral wall of the heat shrinkable tube between a tube fixing claw on the upper frame and the terminal at an instant when the upper frame covers the terminal fit recess, and turning a clamp lever to a pinching position.

Abstract: A method for producing a fixing-unit member including a base, a rubber elastic layer, and a PFA layer includes a step of forming a primer layer by applying a primer containing a low-melting fluorocarbon resin to the outer circumferential surface of a rubber roller having the rubber elastic layer on the outer circumferential surface of the base; a step of sheathing the rubber roller with a thermally shrinkable tube formed by diametrically expanding a PFA tube so as to have an inner diameter more than the outer diameter of the rubber roller; a step of forming the PFA layer from the thermally shrinkable tube by heating the thermally shrinkable tube so as to be thermally shrunken and fused with the rubber roller; and a reheating step of heating the PFA layer to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the PFA contained in the PFA layer.

Abstract: An inspectable joint in a medical device is disclosed that includes at least one medical-grade tube having an end, a medical-grade fitting having at least one joining surface configured to accept the end of the tube, and a joining material disposed between the tube and the joining surface. The joining material includes a first component configured to couple the tube to the fitting and a second component configured to provide observable evidence of the presence of the joining material between the tube and the joining surface.

Abstract: A solvent comprising 40 to 100 wt % of 1,3-dioxolane and 0 to 60 wt % of tetrahydrofuran, wherein the solvent further comprises 30 ppm to 800 ppm of an antioxidant, based on the total weight of the solvent, provides a long shelf life with good adhesive strength even after exposure to air. The solvent can be effectively used for labeling of heat-shrinkable polyester-based labels.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of methods of forming a tapering distal tip for a catheter. An exemplary method includes providing a mandrel and a holding hypotube, placing a tip first material with a first outer diameter over the mandrel and the hypotube, placing a tip second material with a second outer diameter over the mandrel and under the first material, placing a shrink tube of heat-shrink material around at least a junction of the first material and second material, heating the shrink tube, cooling the first material and second material, and removing the shrink tube and the hypotube. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a sheath for a rotational intravascular probe for insertion into a vasculature. An exemplary sheath includes a flexible portion having a lumen for receiving an ultrasound probe, a distal portion that includes a flexible multi-layer tip, and a transition portion that couples the proximal portion and the distal portion. The multi-layer tip defines a guide wire lumen having a distal guide wire opening and a proximal guide wire opening through a sidewall. In some embodiments, an area between the proximal guide wire entry opening and the flexible proximal portion is supported to prevent kinking and prolapse.

Abstract: A prong style file fastener, and method of manufacturer, is disclosed which has a protective element to prevent damage to paper documents and personal injury. In one embodiment, the prongs of the fastener is covers with a heat shrinkable sheath. In another, the prongs are overcoated with a powder coating which is melted thereon. A method of applying the sheath to the prongs uses a pair of jaws to drive the sheath onto the prongs. In the case of the powdercoat covering, the production line uses a cam drive sprocket retractor to release the line onto a takeup.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes at least one flat wire and a corresponding lumen through which the flat wire may travel. The steering mechanism may also include at least one pull ring to which the flat wires are attached. A layer of heat shrink material may encompass the outer layer. A braided wire assembly may also be provided in the outer layer, and may be formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires into a wire mesh. The overall cross-section of the catheter assembly is preferably substantially circular. A catheter shaft may include a plurality of segments of differing hardness characteristics. The outer layer typically comprises a melt processing polymer such that the catheter assembly may be laminated using heat.

Abstract: High radiopacity is achieved in a polymeric marker by combining a polymeric resin, a powdered radiopaque agent having uniformly shaped particles of a specific particle size distribution and a wetting agent. The method to produce the marker calls for the blending and pelletization of these materials followed by extrusion onto support beading. The resulting supported tubing is subsequently cut to length with the beading still in place. After ejection of the beading remnant the marker is slipped into place on the device to be marked and attached by melt bonding. Marking of a guidewire allows lesions to be measured while the marking of balloon catheters allow the balloon to be properly positioned relative to a lesion.

Abstract: Method for fabricating a balloon catheter including providing an inner tubular member having a distal section and a distal end with a lumen extending therein and forming a balloon having a distal leg with a first segment having a first diameter and a first wall thickness and a second segment having a second wall thickness. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter and the first wall thickness is greater than the second wall thickness. The distal end section of the inner tubular member can be positioned in the balloon and bonded to the first segment while reducing the diameter of the second segment. Method also provided for fabricating a multilayer balloon catheter including removing at least a portion of an outer layer from the distal leg of the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for medical structure embellishments. The apparatus includes a medical structure that facilitates the mobility or healing of a patient. The apparatus also includes a heat source that outwardly radiates heat. Further, the apparatus includes a shrink-film structure cover that shrinks around a surface of the medical structure when the shrink-film structure cover is exposed to heat radiated from the heat source and a marking instrument adapted to mark the shrink-film structure with an embellishment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular fabric sleeve having a backing or base fabric having pile strands knitted thereinto which pile strands extend outwardly from the base fabric to form the pile of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a segment of film wound onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the segment of film to fuse with the base fabric to support the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve in a cylindrical configuration. The tubular knitted pile fabric having the segment of film fused thereto may be finished into paint roller covers by combing and shearing the pile fabric to a desired length, beveling the edges of the paint roller covers, and vacuuming stray fibers from the paint roller covers.

Abstract: A pipe-joining method for building a hydrocarbon pipeline, in particular an underwater pipeline, includes welding two adjacent pipes to form a cutback, and forming a protective coating about the cutback. Forming the protective coating includes applying an LE (liquid epoxy) resin or a powdered FBE (fusion bonded epoxy) resin to the cutback to form a primer coat; and applying a powdered polypropylene adhesive on top of the still-wet primer coat to form an auxiliary adhesive coat. Forming the protective coating also includes fitting a polypropylene heat-shrink sleeve around the auxiliary adhesive coat; and heating the sleeve to shrink and bond the sleeve to the auxiliary adhesive coat.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable tubular article for forming a wire splice is both resistant to high temperatures and capable of rapid installation. The heat-shrinkable tubular article includes a heat-shrinkable jacket material and an inner adhesive layer having a thixotropic heat-flowable additive. The tubular article having at least one of a maximum internal diameter of no more than 15 mm or a maximum length of no more than 100 mm.

Abstract: A massage apparatus is provided to enable an individual to perform a variety of massages by applying targeted pressure to effected muscle groups. In one embodiment, the massage apparatus includes a plurality of generally spherical balls and an oversleeve shrink-fitted over at least a portion of the plurality of balls. The oversleeve includes a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a massage apparatus includes selecting a plurality of balls having a desired density, shape, and outer diameter, arranging the plurality of balls within an oversleeve, and subjecting the oversleeve to heat to longitudinally and radially contract the oversleeve between an original position and a contracted position around at least a portion of the balls.

Abstract: An attachment configuration for a vascular filter assembly including a self-expanding filter member attached to a catheter body and constrained from expansion in a first configuration by a constraining sheath is presented. The attachment configuration includes an outer tube of material that is overlaid over an end of the filter member and bonded to the catheter body through cutouts disposed through the end of the filter member.

Abstract: A system includes a hydrocyclone liner. The hydrocyclone liner includes a head section having a fluid inlet and an overflow outlet. The hydrocyclone liner also includes a separation section having an underflow outlet and a first sidewall. A diameter of the separation section of an outer surface of the first sidewall is constant along a length of the outer surface of the first sidewall. The head section and the separation section are joined together via a bond at an interface between the head section and the separation section. The hydrocyclone liner includes a sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the head section, the separation section, and the interface. The sleeve is configured to hold the head section and the separation section together if the bond fails.

Abstract: A polymeric sheet having low density and comprising a low to non-existent amount of cyclic olefinic polymers (COP) and/or cyclic olefinic copolymers (COC). The overall density of the sheet may be lower than water. The sheet may be stretched and then heat shrinked onto an article. The sheet may be used as a label or package to wrap articles therewith.

Abstract: A tubing includes an inner tube, an inner middle insulation layer, an outer middle securing layer, and an outer shrinkable cover that shrinks upon exposure to heat.

Abstract: A catheter and method of making it are disclosed. The catheter includes a swellable inner element and a non-swellable outer sleeve covering an outer wall of the inner element. The inner element absorbs liquid from infusate administered through the catheter and swells in size. Outward swelling of the inner element is restrained by the non-swellable outer sleeve. The inventive catheter can be substituted for a conventional catheter that is used in an insulin infusion system.

Abstract: Method to improve the barrier properties of composite gas cylinders and high pressure gas cylinder having enhanced barrier properties The instant invention pertains to a new method for improving the barrier properties of composite gas cylinders for the storage of gas, by sheathing the outer surface of a composite gas cylinder with a tubular plastic film comprising a barrier material and shrinking it by heat treatment to approach a strong connection. The composite gas cylinder comprises an inner liner made of polyolefin and an outer fibre-reinforced, pressure supporting layer. The barrier material may comprise polyamide, polyester, halogen substituted polymer, EVOH or a metallization. The invention pertains also to a high pressure composite gas cylinder having enhanced barrier properties and its use as a fuel tank in gas driven automotive vehicles equipped with a combustion engine.

Abstract: A pipe connection system and method of forming the pipe connection system. The pipe connection system includes at least one tubular conducting element including an inner pipe and an outer casing and at least one coupling element including an inner component and a coating. The at least one tubular conducting element and the at least one coupling element respectively include plastic and are connected to one another. Further, the coating is welded to the outer casing and the inner pipe is welded to the inner component.

Abstract: A label for application to a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The label comprises a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including an elliptical cross-sectional profile configuration that enhances fluid flow rate while minimizing the average diameter of the catheter body is disclosed. In one embodiment the catheter includes an elongate catheter tube defining a plurality of lumens. At least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube may define an elliptical cross section, in turn defined by a major axis and a minor axis. In one embodiment, a ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical cross section is between about 1.3 and about 1.4. The catheter body can define two, three, or more lumens. In one embodiment, a dual-lumen catheter tube includes an aspect ratio of about 1.1:1, and each lumen thereof includes an inner surface defined by a plurality of radii and an hourglass-shaped septum.

Abstract: A label for application to a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The label comprises a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between two tubular sections, said casing member having a first, cross-linked, heat shrinkable plastic layer, and a second, inner, non-crosslinked (or less cross-linked) layer. The casing member also has an electrically heatable member spaced inwardly from the first layer, for fusion bonding the second layer to the tubular sections.

Abstract: A method for increasing a fatigue strength of a hollow body with respect to internal pressure and to such a hollow body itself. For this purpose, the hollow body has a plastic encapsulation which is applied in a sealing layer to a circumferential surface of the hollow body.

Abstract: A reinforced multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing the same. An assembly for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter includes a proximal catheter body substrate including a septum, a first and second distal catheter body substrate, a first and second mandrel, a reinforcing element and a sleeve. The reinforcing element is positioned over the proximal catheter body substrate and at least a proximal region of the first and second distal catheter body substrates.

Abstract: Thermal spray wire and method of forming thermal spray wire. The thermal spray wire includes an inner layer, a powder material layer surrounding the inner layer, and an outer layer coaxially surrounding and compressing the powder material layer around the inner layer.

Abstract: A label of the present invention is characterized by a three-dimensional design image printed theron on the basis of two-dimensional image data obtained by three-dimensionally correcting at least one data selected from two dimensional data (X,Y) and color data (R,G,B) to two-dimensionally convert height data (Z) among three-dimensional data (X,Y,Z) and the color data (R,G,B) obtained by actually measuring a surface of a three-dimensional model. Such a label can be provided with printed images giving three-dimensional impressions close to the three-dimensional model (real model).

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: A portfolio of components and a method for creating an embellishment for an orthopedic cast comprising a shrink-film in a sleeve like configuration that conforms to the cast in a substantially circumferential relationship and the shrink-film having at least one decoration.

Abstract: A fiberglass-binder insert is made by fabricating a shape-constant, cured fiberglass-binder mixture, into a shape-constant insert core, and shrink-wrapping the core while leaving exposed any bore which extends into the core. The core is fabricated by mixing fiberglass and uncured binder in a mixer, dropping the mixture into a conforming guide such as a funnel, and moving the mixture through the conforming guide and into a mold. A tamper can tamp the mixture to move the mixture from the conforming guide into the mold, and to distribute portions of the mixture vertically in the mold. Rotation of the mold effects circumferential distribution of the mixture in the mold. The mixture in the mold is heated to cure the binder, thus to establish a fixed shape of the resultant core product. A shrink film is shrunk about the core, providing apertures in the shrunk film at bore openings in the core.

Abstract: A catheter basically has a catheter shaft in which a catheter tip of which is provided with a joint made of a material which is more flexible than the material of the catheter shaft. The joint is disposed between the distal end of the catheter shaft and the distal end of the catheter tip. The front end consists of a material being the same or more rigid than that of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A machine for labelling containers (100), comprising first transport means (2) for positioning at least a container (100) at a time in a labelling position, second transport means (3) for positioning an annular heat-shrinkable label (200) below the at least a container (100) in a labelling position, raising means (50, 52) for raising the label (200) for inserting the label from below onto a container (100) in a labelling position, and dispensing means (51, 53) for investing the label (200) with a hot fluid; the dispensing means (51, 53) being unconstrained to the second transport means (3) such as to be stationary with respect to the labels (200) which advance, activated by the second transport means (3), and are configured such as to perform heat-shrinkage of at least a portion of the label (200) inserted on the at least a container (100) in a labelling position thereon, in which the portion extends over an entire axial development of the label (200).

Abstract: A label for application to a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The label comprises a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.

Abstract: A method of disposing a tubular covering sleeve for electric-cable joints on a supporting element may include arranging the sleeve in a rest and not yet expanded condition; causing radial expansion of the sleeve starting from axially opposite end portions; and arranging the sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element. Radial expansion of the sleeve may be carried out gradually, starting from the end portions of the sleeve toward an axially intermediate portion of the sleeve. The method of may include arranging the sleeve; arranging a pair of expanders, each at a respective end of the sleeve and at a substantially coaxial position relative to the sleeve; introducing the expanders into the respective ends of the sleeve; abutting distal ends of the expanders against each other at an axially intermediate portion of the sleeve; and arranging the sleeve in a radially expanded condition on the supporting element.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing and a bladder located within the casing. The casing may include a plurality of panel elements joined to each other with welds, and portions of the panel elements that include the welds may project toward an interior of the ball. A method of manufacturing a sport ball may include providing a plurality of casing elements that include a thermoplastic polymer material. Edges of the casing elements are welded to each other to join the casing elements. The casing elements may then be turned inside-out through an aperture formed by at least one of the casing elements, and the aperture may be sealed.