Abstract: A heat shrinking apparatus for a shrink film, which can uniformly heat shrink a shrink film covering a part of a whole of an article and can prevent adherence of water droplets on the surface of the article and the shrink film. The heat shrinking apparatus may include a heat treatment chamber installed so as to surround a transfer conveyor for transferring a bottle on which cylindrical label has been fitted, and heating means that heats the cylindrical label fitted on the bottle passing through the heat treatment chamber. The heat treatment chamber may include an external tunnel and an internal tunnel installed in a preheating zone, and an external tunnel and an internal tunnel installed in a main heating zone.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular body for a catheter, sheath or lead comprises extruding a polymer core having an integrally formed core wall, first lumen, and second lumen, placing a first layer over an outer circumferential surface of the extruded polymer core, and bonding the first layer to the circumferential surface of the extruded polymer cover via a reflow process. The first and second lumens are mandrel free during the reflow process, and a temperature of the reflow process is below a softening point of the polymer core to maintain a collapse free first and second lumen.

Abstract: A disposable keg with a disposable fitting and method of making same, which keg is configured to contain a beverage such as mineral water, table water, beer, or a similar beverage, the fitting being held onto a neck of the keg by welding or by deformation of a shrinkable sleeve. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The invention provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical guidewire includes an elongate core member including a proximal region and a distal region, a braid member disposed about at least a portion of the distal region of the elongate core member, a polymer member disposed between at least a portion of the elongate core member and the braid member, and a polymer sleeve member disposed about at least a portion of the braid member. The proximal region of the core member is free of the braid member.

Abstract: A process for at least partially enveloping a pharmaceutical dosage form, in which the dosage form is surrounded by a shrinkable film, and the film is subsequently shrunk is described.

Abstract: A colored heat-shrinkable label and labeling system including a key label and a lock label having a substantially cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface and formed of a colored heat shrink material of a size to fit around a head end of a key and a portion of a lock and to be shrunk to substantially encase the head end of the key (12), and a portion of a lock, forming a flat surface that can be written upon. The key label and the lock label being color coded to indicate that the key and the lock are associated with each other.

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

Abstract: 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 and a pile made at least in part from a low melt fiber or yarn. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the low melt fiber or yarn in the backing and looped ends of the pile be activated to cause the backing of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve to remain in a cylindrical configuration. The activated tubular knitted pile fabric 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 method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular fabric sleeve having at least one of a backing and a pile made at least in part from a low melt fiber or yarn. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the low melt fiber or yarn in the backing and/or looped ends of the pile to be activated to cause the backing of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve to remain in a cylindrical configuration. A liquid adhesive is then sprayed on to the integrally formed core member of the tubular fabric sleeve to provide a uniform layer thereon and allowed to cure, further enhancing the rigidity of the integrally formed core member of the tubular fabric sleeve.

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

Abstract: A shrink-film seal (101, 201, 301, 401) is described having at least one stamped portion (102, 402, 602, 702) which is arranged along the circumference of a container (203, 303) which is to be sealed. The regions which are defined by the stamping lines are designed in such a way that at least one contiguous window is produced by a shrinking process. This achieves a situation where the opening of the sealed container can be immediately detected simply, without aids or expert knowledge and therefore a considerable increase in the product security is ensured. A method is also described for sealing containers with a shrink-film seal (101, 201, 301, 401).

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: Flexible indicia bearing labels are placed on armored electrical cable at spaced apart intervals while the cable is being moving continuously from an armoring station to a takeup reel or accumulator. A label dispenser places labels in a U shaped recess of a body which is moveable toward engagement with the cable. Opposed rollers fold one edge of the label over into engagement with the surface of the cable and the other edge of the label over onto itself in overlapping relationship. The cable is passed through a heat tunnel to shrink the labels into tight engagement with the cable. A controller monitors movement of the cable and controls actuators for applying and folding labels onto the cable at spaced apart intervals.

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 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: In a method and device for mounting an elongated member inside an elongated, elastic, flexible tubing, initially having an inside cross-sectional dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the outside cross-sectional dimension of the elongated member, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the flexible tubing is expanded by applying a pressurized fluid to the inner bore of the tubing, and inserting the elongated member into the tubing while the pressurized fluid is being applied.

Abstract: Novel polymer shrink tubes, such as fluoropolymer shrink tubes and novel uses thereof. The polymer shrink tubes include at least one three-dimensional pattern formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube. The polymer shrink tubes can be used for, for example, embossing a pattern into a polymer tube. Further use includes, for example, forming a catheter with at least one channel located in the catheter wall.

Abstract: A machine for sealing a cryotube with a thermoplastic film, which is heated and shrunk, is disclosed. The cryotube has a cap with threads, a tube body and a tubular thermoplastic film, wherein the cap is threadably connected to an open end of the tube body and the thermoplastic film is received by the cap and the tube body at the connection thereof. The machine includes a holder for holding the cryotube, a rotation mechanism for rotating the cryotube around a longitudinal axis of the cryotube, and a heating mechanism for heating the thermoplastic film of the cryotube hold in the holder, so that the thermoplastic film shrinks.

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 made at least in part from a material having a lower melting point than material used for the pile of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the material having the lower melting point in the backing be activated to cause the backing of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve to remain in a cylindrical configuration. The activated tubular knitted pile fabric 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 container labeling system includes a vertical feed system. The vertical feed system includes a continuous roll of non-seamed shrink film material, where the non-seamed shrink film material shrinks in a cross-machine direction. A severing device is used to sever the non-seamed shrink film material into discrete lengths of non-seamed shrink material. A vertical feed mechanism transfers the discrete lengths of non-seamed shrink material toward a transport mechanism. A labeling apparatus receives the discrete lengths of non-seamed shrink material from the transport mechanism. The labeling apparatus is configured to form a tube from the discrete length of non-seamed shrink material and to apply the tube to a container for a shrinking operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding an opened tubular label from a tube spreader onto a cylindrical object, e.g. a product cylindrical container, being conveyed past the spreader in a manufacturing environment. The spreader is adapted with an array of wires forming a skirt from the lower surface of the spreader to the top of the cylindrical container. The wires are short at the upstream edge of the spreader to not contact the upper surface of the cylindrical container, and long at the downstream edge of the spreader to contact the upper surface of the cylindrical container.

Abstract: A sporting good or other product includes a “shrink-label” formed from a shrink-sleeve, shrink-wrap, or a stretch-sleeve adhered to or otherwise affixed to an outer surface of the item. The shrink-label includes pre-printed graphics and closely conforms to the item's outer surface, including any contours or tapered regions, so that the graphics may be displayed anywhere on the item. The shrink-label may optionally be applied to the item via an automated device. A clear coat or other protective layer may optionally be applied to an outer surface of the shrink-label to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion, which is particularly beneficial when the shrink-label is applied to an item intended for impact applications, such as a ball bat.

Abstract: A guidewire lumen for a catheter includes a tubular member. At least a portion of the tubular member is formed of a compound comprising a polymer and particles or fibers. The particles or fibers can reduce a friction coefficient of the portion of the tubular member while having minimal to no adverse effects with respect to bondability, flexibility, and processability.

Abstract: A method and kit are provided for labeling an object having a generally rounded outer surface, such as a cowboy lariat. The kit includes a label, substantially transparent heat-shrinkable tubing, and packaging suitable for storing, displaying, and distribution. Use of the invention is quick and efficient, providing a durable and easily recognizable label for imprinting an identifying mark thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a sleeve from a flat tube and applying the sleeve to a container. A length of flat tube is advanced from a supply to a position between a pair of movable grippers. The grippers are extended to contact and hold the tube, and a cutter severs the length of flat tube from the supply. A vacuum is applied to the grippers, and the grippers are retracted to open the cut flat tube into a round configuration. A second length of flat tube is advanced, pushing the open cut length tube onto a container that is being moved therebeneath on a conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabrication methods and apparatus for irrigating medical catheters. Such catheters include at least one section of standard thermoplastic catheter tubing coupled to a section of porous tubing (e.g., ePTFE and the like). A source of fluid couples to the porous portion of tubing to dispense diverse fluids. The manufacturing technique overcomes the inability of such porous material to liquefy and/or bond to most available adhesives by creating a mechanical-based coupling. One aspect of the present invention involves pre-treatment of a portion of a porous material such as ePTFE; that is, a “pre-imbibing” process is employed wherein the ePTFE is saturated with a solution of solvent and dissolved thermoplastic resin. After the solution evaporates a resin-based interstitial residue provides suitable structure that fuses to adjacent thermoplastic material during application of heat, such as during thermal bonding.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for constructing a rotatable label and attaching the rotatable label to a container. The rotatable label system comprises an inner label attached to the container and a rotatable outer label. The inner label may have adhesive on a rear surface of a trailing end alone, adhesive on a rear surface of both the leading and trailing end for fixedly attaching it to a container, or adhesive on the entire rear surface. The outer label may only have adhesive on a rear surface at or near a trailing end to secure the outer label to itself. The outer label is temporarily coupled to, the container while the outer label is wrapped around the container. Once the trailing end is attached to a front surface of the outer label at or near a leading end of the outer label, the outer label can be rotated about the container over the inner label.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming a sleeve from a flat tube and applying the sleeve to a container. A length of flat tube is advanced from a supply to a position between a pair of movable grippers. The grippers are extended to contact and hold the tube, and a cutter severs the length of flat tube from the supply. A vacuum is applied to the grippers, and the grippers are retracted to open the cut flat tube into a round configuration. A second length of flat tube is advanced, pushing the open cut length tube onto a container that is being moved therebeneath on a conveyor.

Abstract: An adjusting device of a thermo shrinkable film machine includes first and second blocks movably mounted on two rails between two sideswalls on the base of the machine. Each of the two blocks has a wheel for contacting the film on a shaft. Two rotatable rods have two threaded sections of different directions of threads which rotatably extend through the two blocks respectively. The two respective ends of the two rotatable rods are connected to a rotating piece which is rotatably received in a case located between the first and second blocks. A driving wheel drives one of the rotatable rods so as to move the two blocks in opposite directions and to adjust the distance between the two wheels contacting the film of different thickness.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for attaching a label jacket to objects, such as bottles or similar items, where a jacket label is seized by its forward margin by a spreading jaw unit and pulled in axial direction over the object, where the object, before the pull-over application, is held by the area of its mantle surface, by positive and/or friction lock, the pull-over process is started, the holding device on the mantle surface is temporarily released as soon as the spreading jaw unit at least partially surrounds the object at its mantle surface, and, at the latest before the desired adhesion height of the label jacket on the object is reached, the latter objects is again seized by the area of its mantle surface, which is now covered with the label, and in the process the label is affixed in a non-slip manner, while the spreading jaw unit is pulled off.

Abstract: The tubular banding applicator converts a flat tubular material into a cut length expanded tubular sleeve and mounts the sleeve circumferentially on a container. A driver moves a selected length of flat tubular material from a supply station, around a spreader, and into a hollow former having a retaining gate at an exit thereof. A cutter severs the selected length of tubular material from the supply station and a flow of air directed at a side of the flat tubular length assists in opening the sleeve. A conveyor carries a series of containers along a path to position each container in turn in alignment with the opened tubular sleeve. The driver moves a second selected length of flat tubular material from the supply into the former, thereby ejecting the first open sleeve from the former onto a container aligned below. The sleeve is subsequently caused to shrink to securely enwrap the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a machine for heat-shrinking sleeves made from a film of heat-shrink plastics material and engaged individually on articles such as bottles. In accordance with the invention, the machine comprises a fixed structure, an article support arranged to move along a vertical central axis between a low position in which articles can be put into place or removed, and a high position in which an article is fully received in a pre-heater chamber surmounting a shrinkage chamber, together with a controller governing parameters of temperature, support travel speed, and time, during the operating sequences of the method. This enables ordinary consumers themselves to cause sleeves to be shrunk onto bottles.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon or other expandable tubular medical device or component thereof formed of a compacted porous polymeric material, in which a tube of porous polymeric material is axially compacted, preferably without increasing the outer diameter of the tube, by positioning heat shrink material on the porous polymeric tube and heating the heat shrink material to decrease the length and diameter of the heat shrink material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical vascular catheters adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel from an incision through the skin of a patient for introducing other devices or fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and particularly to an improved distal soft tip or segment attachment with a relatively stiff proximal catheter shaft. A tubular sleeve is bonded through the application of pressure and heat to a distal portion of the catheter shaft and a proximal portion of the distal segment of soft distal tip bridging the attachment junction. In the preferred method, the catheter shaft distal end is aligned with the distal segment or soft tip proximal end and the sleeve is fitted over the attachment junction. A heat shrink tube is fitted over the sleeve and adjoining portions of the catheter shaft and the distal segment or distal soft tip and heat is applied.

Abstract: A film transfer tool which allows a transfer head to be disposed in any of the spaces between letters of normally used word processors for implementation of a smooth transfer operation of film and a method of making the same are disclosed. A feed reel 2 and a take-up reel 3 are adapted to interlock with each other and are disposed within a case 1. A film transfer tape a is fed out from the feed reel 2 to be moved along the surface of a paper S while being pressed thereagainst by a transfer head 4 protruding from the case 1, and is then taken up by the take-up reel 3 as a tape from which film has been transferred.

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 of labeling a product container includes the steps of providing first and second webs of heat shrinkable label material and a heat shrinkable splice tape having an adhesive on a surface of the tape. The webs are arranged such that ends of the webs abut one another and the splice tape is adhered to a portion of each of the webs to extend transversely across a width defined by the webs to form a continuous web. The webs may include separate laminates of heat shrinkable material and ink. The webs have a combined length sufficient to encircle an outer surface of a container and shrink into a substantially conforming relationship thereto when the webs are heated.

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 squeezable tube-shaped plastic container (10, 100) having a one-piece construction formed by extrusion blow-molding techniques. The container (10, 100) has a retractable end wall (26, 126) which is positionable into an outwardly projecting position and an inverted position. The end wall (26, 126), as blown, is in the outwardly projecting position and is thereafter inverted so that a tamper indicating covering (28, 128) can be attached to the end (14, 114) of the container (10, 100) thereby sealing the end wall (26, 126). The inverted end wall (26, 126) permits the container (10, 100) to be free standing on the standing ring (20, 120). In use, the flexible sidewall (12, 112) of the container (10, 100) is squeezed to snap the end wall (26, 126) from the inverted position to an outwardly projecting position to enable ready access to a dispensing opening (32, 132) on the end wall (26, 126).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of joining two reinforced thermoplastic material tubes having the same diameter. Ends of the two tubes are first butt welded along a peripheral weld. After forming the weld, a reinforced thermoplastic material outer jacket is fitted over most of the length of the peripheral weld, extending on either side of the weld over end sections of the two tubes. The outer jacket is heated and pressed radially until the outer jacket and the end sections of the two tubes interpenetrate.

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: Provided is an inexpensive roller brush for painting, which has good paint holdability and good paint releasability and of which the brush face is smooth and homogeneous. Using the roller brush, the painted face is good and its quality is high. The roller brush is fabricated by covering a paint-impervious roll core with a paint holder of a fibrous circular material that contains conjugate fibers comprising a high-melting-point polymer component A and a low-melting-point polymer component B. In this, the fibrous circular material contains thermal-fusing conjugate fibers and at least a part of the fibers are fused to form a porous structure.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing polymer/metal disks in a single piece batch size comprises applying a bonding agent to a metallic hub, pressing a polymeric ring over the metallic hub to form a ring/hub assembly, and heating the ring/hub assembly to cause bonding to occur between the polymeric ring and the metallic hub. The bonding agent may either be sprayed or applied directly to the metallic hub. Other methods of application may also be employed, such as dipping of the metallic hub in the bonding agent. The bonding agent is generally an organosilane, although other compounds capable of bonding a polymer to a metallic substrate can be used. The pressing of the polymeric ring over the metallic hub comprises enlarging the polymeric ring and mounting it over the metallic hub. The enlargement of the polymeric ring is typically effectuated either with heat or by stretching.

Abstract: A method of coating core having a metal surface with a uniform thickness, smooth, thin layer of fluorinated polymer calls for inserting the core into a sleeve of the polymer. The sleeve has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the core so that the sleeve stretches to form a skin-tight fit over the core upon insertion. The assembly of sleeve and core is then subjected, in sequence, to aging under vacuum at a temperature below the softening point of the polymer prior, heating to a temperature above the softening point, and cooling below the softening point to thermally bond the fluorinated polymer to the metal surface. A firm bond is achieved without additional adhesive components or etching of the surface. A fuser roll for suitable for electrophotographic copy machine service can be prepared by this method without the need for a separate, post-bonding burnishing step to smooth the exposed surface of the fluorinated polymer layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing linear small tubular articles to provide tubular medical articles for minimal invasive percutaneous introduction into a mammalian body. The method involves forming layers on a wire mandrel and covering with a heat shrinkable tape.

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 heat-shrinkable multilayer film comprises (A) a first layer, which is an outer layer, and which comprises polyolefin; (B) a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polystyrene, and polyurethane, wherein the second layer has a thickness of from about 10 to 50 percent, based on a total film thickness; (C) a third layer comprising a polyamide having a melting point of 160° C. and below; and (D) a fourth layer, which is an outer layer, the fourth layer comprising polyester. The first layer preferably serves as a seal layer in a heat-shrinkable bag. The third layer provides enhanced orientability of the tape from which the film is formed, thereby providing improved total free shrink and lower shrink temperature. The third layer also provides greater optical clarity and permits the presence of a thicker polyamide layer, thereby increasing impact strength and improving the O2-barrier of the film.

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 of bonding a first tubular member to a second tubular member to form a catheter shaft. The method comprising the step of providing a first tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the step of providing a second tubular member including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end thereof. The method further including the steps of inserting a joining portion of the first tubular member into a joining portion of the second tubular member and applying heat the joining portions.