Abstract: A method for making apertures in a web comprising providing a precursor web material; providing a pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers, wherein a first roller comprises circumferentially-extending ridges and grooves, and a second roller comprises teeth being tapered from a base and a tip, the teeth being joined to the second roller at the base, the base of the tooth having a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension; and moving the web material through a nip of the counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers; wherein apertures are formed in the precursor web material as the teeth on one of the rollers intermesh with grooves on the other of the rollers.

Abstract: A method for producing a cable-sealing member is disclosed. The method comprises forming a formed rubber including a first plane and a second plane that oppose in a thickness direction and a side plane that bridges a peripheral edge of the first plane and a peripheral edge of the second plane. The method further includes rotating the formed rubber with one axis in the thickness direction as a rotary axis while a holder is applied over the side plane of the formed rubber and, meanwhile, inserting a cutting blade from the first plane into the formed rubber to form a ring-form slit portion and stopping the cutting blade just in front of the second plane, leaving a slit-form ring unbored on one side.

Abstract: A microneedle mold and a method of manufacturing a microneedle mold are provided for use in fabricating microneedles. The method includes providing a microneedle mold base with recesses therein, the recesses corresponding to the microneedles to be fabricated and extending from a first surface of the microneedle mold base; and forming side-port forming holes in the microneedle mold base, the side-port forming holes extend in side surfaces of the recesses within the microneedle mold base at side-port forming positions of the recesses.

Abstract: A lid of a beverage container includes a base portion, a spout framework extending from the base portion, a valve positioned at the end of the spout framework, and a soft spout overmold that leaves the valve exposed. The soft spout overmold is sealingly engaged with the base portion and spout framework to prevent leaking of the contents of a beverage container which may be coupled to the lid. The valve is in fluid communication with the contents of a beverage container which may be coupled to the lid. The valve may contain a slit and when deformed, the slit transforms into an opening to allow contents of an attached beverage container to flow out of the beverage container.

Abstract: A spacer for delivery into the natural or man-made openings to the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, anterior or posterior ethmoid sinuses, or other cells or cavities, anatomical regions such as nostrils, nasal cavities, nasal meatus, and other passageways such as the Eustachian tubes, naso-lachrymal ducts or airway is described. The bioabsorbable polymeric spacers maintain the opening and/or are useful for delivering drugs or other substances to the natural or man-made openings.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of producing a hollow construct, which may be in various shapes such as a fiber or a film as well as in various sizes and has chemical resistance, made of a fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer, a fluorinated carbon polymer or a polymer carrying a nitrogen-containing group, a silicon-containing group, an oxygen-containing group, a phosphorus-containing group or a sulfur-containing group having been introduced into the above-described polymer; and a hollow construct obtained by this method.

Abstract: A reflective mud flap is disclosed. The reflective mud flap includes a front facing covered with reflective material and a rear facing covered with reflective material. A planar attachment tab extends from a top portion of the reflective mud flap, the planar attachment tab includes a pair of attachment apertures disposed on a top portion of the planar attachment tab. The pair of attachment apertures accommodate a pair of fasteners to couple the reflective mud flap to a vehicle. A process for the manufacture of a reflective mud flap includes obtaining a base mud flap, molding a plurality of reflective material into the base mud flap and producing a plurality of attachment apertures disposed on the base mud flap.

Abstract: A method of forming a part includes uni-directionally injecting a mold with material to form a molded part, removing the molded part from the mold, and forming at least one cavity in the molded part, the at least one cavity being defined by a machining process separate from a molding process.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system includes an isolation device for isolating a tissue site from surrounding tissue for reduced-pressure treatment that is formed from a first material having a first bio-absorption term and at least a second material having a second and different bio-absorption term. The different materials allow the isolation device initially to function well for reduced-pressure treatment and then to experience degradation at a quicker pace which facilitates healing.

Abstract: An irrigation emitter and drip line, and methods relating to same, are provided for reducing the flow and pressure of fluid via an emitter or plurality of emitters defined by two concentric tubes. In one form, the first tube defines an emitter inlet and connected pressure-reducing flow channel and the second tube is extruded over the first tube to enclose the emitter inlet and flow channel and defines an outlet connected to an end of the flow channel opposite the inlet to create an emitter for converting fluid flowing at a high flow rate in the lumen and at the first end of the inlet to a fluid with a low flow rate at the outlet of the emitter. In another form, a drip line is provided having a plurality of such emitters. The emitters capable of being provided with pressure compensation structures to compensate or account for fluctuations in supply line fluid pressure and root growth inhibiting members. Various methods related to the emitter and drip line are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making a golf ball that includes a lattice reinforced layer, which is a layer made of at least two materials with different properties, includes various injection and compression molding steps. In some embodiments, the lattice reinforced layer is manufactured using a shutoff molding technique so that the entire lattice reinforced layer is molded in the same mold. In other embodiments, a grid for the lattice layer is formed first, then filled using an injection molding technique.

Abstract: A pattern is used to form a stent scaffold from a polymeric precursor tube having a particular outer diameter. A new pattern can be derived from a base pattern, wherein the new pattern can be used to form a stent scaffold from a precursor tube having an outer diameter ODPR smaller than that needed for the base pattern. The new pattern can be derived by determining the shape of a stent scaffold, having the base pattern, after having been radially compressed to ODPR. The radially compressed shape is used to design the new pattern, which is applied to a precursor tube having an outer diameter ODPR. The new pattern can have a plurality of W-shaped closed cells, each W-shape closed cell bounded by struts oriented in such a way to form interior angles from about 80 degrees to about 95 degrees between every two adjacent struts.

Abstract: A swimming paddle with an upper rounded swimcap-shaped edge terminating in side indentations that define cap-securing temples, and a central goggle-securing notch cooperating with a concave region in the lower edge to store goggles vertically on the paddle. The paddle may further include fingerpad-indexing holes extending through the body of the paddle from the inner face to the outer face, the holes sized to allow only the fingerpads of a swimmer's extended fingers to partially protrude from the inner face. A method for custom fitting a swimming paddle to a particular swimmer's hand includes generating a side-by-side image of the swimmer's hand and a commonly-carried object such as a mobile phone in a common plane. The image is compared to stored dimensional data for the object to remotely determine the dimensions of the swimmer's hand and manufacture a custom paddle.

Abstract: A method, a device (20), an arrangement and a use for applying a reference mark on a rotor blade (1) for a wind power plant. After producing the rotor blade (1) in a manufacturing mold (34, 34?, 35) and before removing the rotor blade (1) from the manufacturing mold (34, 34?, 35), a reference mark is applied in the area of a rotor blade root (5) of the rotor blade (1) by means of a marking device (23), which is connected or can be connected to a holding device (21) disposed at a predetermined or predeterminable position on the manufacturing mold (34, 34?, 35).

Abstract: A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete apertures or depressions. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to force the precursor web into the apertures or depressions of forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements.

Abstract: A drug-impregnated sleeve for encasing a medical implant is provided. In one embodiment, the sleeve may include a body made of a biologically-compatible material that defines an internal cavity configured to receive the medical implant. In one embodiment, the biologically-compatible material is bioresorbable. The body may include a plurality of apertures, such as perforations or holes, extending from the cavity through the body. The sleeve may further include a first end, a second end, and a drug impregnated into the resorbable sheet. In one possible embodiment, the first end of the sleeve may be open for receiving the medical implant therethrough and the second end may be closed. The implant may be encased in the sleeve and implanted into a patient from which the drug is dispensed in vivo over time to tissue surrounding the implantation site.

Abstract: A personalized prosthesis for implantation at a treatment site of a patient includes a self-expanding mesh or membrane having collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed configuration is adapted to be delivered to the treatment site, and the expanded configuration engages the personalized prosthesis with the treatment site. The mesh or membrane is personalized to match the treatment site in the expanded configuration, and has an outer surface that substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh or membrane forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough. Methods of manufacturing and delivery of the personalized prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blow-molding method for forming a squeezable or tubular plastic container is provided. The method includes molding a preform having a sidewall, an interior cavity, an open end, a closed end, and a neck adjacent the closed end of the preform. The neck of the preform has an engagement structure. The method includes providing a blow mold system including a blow mold cavity. The method includes placing at least a portion of the preform into the blow mold cavity, and blow molding a one-piece container body from the preform by inflating the preform within the blow mold cavity. The container body has an open end, a closed end and a neck adjacent to the closed end. Wherein the open end of the container body is formed from the open end of the preform, and the closed end of the container body is formed from the closed end of the preform. The method includes creating a dispensing opening through the closed end of the container body.

Abstract: A partition assembly comprising a partition matrix made up of intersecting first and second slotted partitions, each of the partitions having at least one slot and a rounded edge. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The partitions are made by rounding an edge of a multi-layered blank using a rotatable tool and then cutting the partition material to a desired size. Slots may then be formed in the edge sealed material.

Abstract: A decorative cover is provided with a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. The decorative cover is formed of paper and/or polymeric material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a transmission electron microscope (TEM) micro-grid is provided. A sheet of carbon nanotube structure comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes is first provided. Some carbon nanotubes are removed from selected portions of the sheet of carbon nanotube structure to form a plurality of electron transmission portions. Each of the electron transmission portions includes a hole defined in the sheet of carbon nanotube structure and a plurality of residual carbon nanotubes in the hole. The sheet of carbon nanotube structure having the electron transmission portions is cut into pieces to form the TEM micro-grid.

Abstract: An irrigation emitter and drip line, and methods relating to same, are provided for reducing the flow and pressure of fluid via an emitter or plurality of emitters defined by two concentric tubes. In one form, the first tube defines an emitter inlet and connected pressure-reducing flow channel and the second tube is extruded over the first tube to enclose the emitter inlet and flow channel and defines an outlet connected to an end of the flow channel opposite the inlet to create an emitter for converting fluid flowing at a high flow rate in the lumen and at the first end of the inlet to a fluid with a low flow rate at the outlet of the emitter. In another form, a drip line is provided having a plurality of such emitters. Various other forms and methods relating to the emitter and drip line are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating veins and venous conditions, such as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, are provided. In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter provides an intraluminal scaffold having a generally tubular body with a lumen defined therethrough, the tubular body having a compressed condition for delivery and an expanded condition for implant within a vessel having a distended portion, at least a length of the tubular body configured to form an enlarged portion in the expanded condition to engage a wall of the distended portion of the vessel. Methods for fabricating and using the scaffold, methods for remodeling a vein, and methods of deploying a medical device in a vessel without negatively impacting the function of a valve of the vessel, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for adhering two layers of materials is described. An additional layer of material deposited on one of the layers is used. The additional layer of material is perforated and undercut by etching away one of the layers thereby generating anchor shaped holes. The other layer is then deposited on the additional layer filling the anchor shaped holes therefore, providing adhesion.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for flowable material comprises a valve plate (26) of resilient polymeric material in which at least one elongate discontinuity is formed. The discontinuity defines at least one valve flap (28) which is an integral part of the valve plate but whose margin defined by the discontinuity is not connected to the adjacent material of the valve plate. The valve flap (28) is movable under the application of pressure from a closed position, in which the adjacent margins of the discontinuity form a substantial seal, to an open position, in which the margins for the discontinuity are spaced from one another and material can flow through the valve member. The polymeric material is a polyolefin material and the discontinuity is a rupture line. The margins defining the rupture line are of decreasing thickness towards their free edge and overlie one another.

Abstract: An optimally-shaped single part molded wind turbine blade is provided for small wind turbines. Two mold bodies are brought together to form a cavity, and a third retractable mold body is inserted into the cavity. A flowable material such as filled thermoplastic resin is introduced into the space between the mold bodies and solidified. The retractable mold body is retracted and the mold is opened to reveal a single-part wind turbine blade with a hollow root region.

Abstract: An image transfer belt is provided for use in digital printing applications which includes a base film layer having perforations therein which are filled with a conductive polymer layer to provide controlled conductivity to the belt. The belt further includes a compliant layer over the conductive polymer layer. The resulting belt exhibits electrical properties suitable for digital image transfer. These properties may be varied according to the desired application.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite molded article including: preparing a main body member to which a through hole is formed to a peripheral wall by removing a protruding portion protruding from a face of the peripheral wall surrounding a hollow space in the main body member having the hollow space formed therein along the longitudinal direction; setting the main body member in an injection molding die; forming a cushion member molding cavity by the main body member and a molding die face formed inside the injection molding die in the longitudinal direction of the main body member and allowing the through hole to communicate with the cavity; and filling a heated and melted elastic polymer material injected from an injection gate into the cavity and the hollow space from the through hole, thereby forming a cushion member and a filling portion.

Abstract: A placental membrane including a plurality of slits for increasing the membrane's capacity to expand. The slits are provided through the membrane and provided in sufficient numbers across the surfaces of the membrane to produce a mesh-like pattern in the membrane. The mesh-like pattern enables the placental membrane to be stretched and therefore increased in length and width. For ease of handling and storage, the expandable placental membrane is removably adhered to a backing, rolled into a cylinder and placed within a capped vial containing a solution of amniotic fluid cells for improving the effectiveness of the membrane.

Abstract: A cable assembly configured to prevent the wicking of fluid inside the cable assembly and method for producing same. The assembly includes at least one wire surrounded by an insulative wire jacket. A portion of the wire jacket is removed to expose a portion of the wire. The at least one wire is overmolded with a material that adheres to the wire jacket and the exposed portion of the wire, thereby preventing the wicking of fluid along the inside and outside surfaces of the wire jacket. Solder may be applied to the exposed portion of the wire, thereby providing a fluid barrier within the wire in instances in which the wire is stranded.

Abstract: In order to provide a check valve capable of sufficiently suppressing the mixing of air into the container even if a certain impact is applied to the container and also capable of stably maintaining good pouring of the content, a check valve 10 of the invention is formed of rubber material and manufactured by integral molding. The check valve 10 has a tubular main body 1 having openings 1a and 1b at opposite ends, a lid 3 arranged to close one opening 1a of the main body 1, and a hinge 5 that connects the main body 1 and the lid 3. The lid 3 has a projection 3a on the side surface 3b, the projection 3a coming in contact with a peripheral edge of the opening 1a of the main body 1.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and methods of making the introducer sheath are described. The introducer sheath may include a hub portion and a tubular portion. The hub portion may include a substantially non-planar valve portion in a relaxed state. The valve portion may include an aperture configured to receive a medical device. A hub portion may be formed using a forming device. An aperture may be formed through a distal surface of the valve portion.

Abstract: A component of a laser processing machine includes an aluminum base member in which a duct is constructed in order to convey copper-ionized water. The duct has a corrosion-resistant plastic coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nozzle part for a hand dryer. The nozzle part has a nozzle body and an air outlet aperture in the nozzle body, and the method includes moulding the nozzle body from plastic as a single part and then post-machining the air outlet aperture in the moulded plastic nozzle body.

Abstract: A riser for an archery bow is formed from a fibrous composite material, the matrix of which may be a high heat distortion thermoplastic polymer, a very high heat distortion thermoplastic polymer, or a combination thereof. The riser may incorporate a spine formed from a different polymer or composite than the rest of the riser, or from metal. A method for producing a riser for an archery bow includes the steps of introducing a polymeric composite into a mold from a first end of said mold to facilitate a particular orientation of components of said polymeric composite, molding the polymeric composite to produce a billet that approximates a net shape of the riser, and then machining the billet to the final shape of the riser.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: A method of deforming an outer wall of polymer pipe is provided. The method includes: forming dual-wall pipe having a smooth wall and a corrugated wall; extruding an outer wall of pipe onto the corrugated wall of the dual-wall pipe; penetrating the outer wall of pipe with a vacuum punch; and drawing a vacuum between the corrugated wall and the outer wall via the vacuum punch; wherein the vacuum drawn between the corrugated wall and the outer wall causes the outer wall to deform in a direction towards the corrugated wall. An apparatus for forming an outer wall of pipe and a mold configured to form a coupling preform in a segment of continuously-extruded and molded polymer pipe are also provided.

Abstract: A composite friction unit of a three dimensional composite body is formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers in the form of fabric distributed throughout the body forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout. An alternate friction unit includes a substantially rigid or rigid backing co-pultruded in forming the unit. The units are produced in a pultrusion process wherein the reinforcing fibers and matrix are pulled through a forming die.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing thermoformed articles such as food packagings or parts thereof with a mechanical weakening between adjoining functional areas, which, for utilization by a user, can be at least partly separated at the mechanical weakening, in a thermoforming die having an upper die and a lower die, the mechanical weakening being introduced with a three-dimensional extension during the period of time during which the material to be formed is located in the thermoforming die, and a thermoforming die for implementing the process.

Abstract: A carrier plate for supporting electronic components during processing includes hexagonally-arranged holes for supporting the components. Walls of the holes comprise a gripping resilient material. The hexagonal arrangement provides a strong carrier that improves production yield through an increase in per batch processing and improved locational accuracy over conventional carriers.

Abstract: Embodiments of foldable substrates and methods for making foldable substrates for a motor vehicle are provided herein. The foldable substrate comprises a first wall that has a first outer surface. The first wall comprises a first natural fiber-resin impregnated blank section that is overmolded with a first quantity of polymeric resin that forms at least a portion of the first outer surface. A second wall has a second outer surface. The second wall comprises a second natural fiber-resin impregnated blank section that forms at least a portion of the second outer surface. The first and second walls are hingedly connected together.

Abstract: A partition assembly comprising a partition matrix made up of intersecting first and second slotted partitions, each of the partitions having at least one slot and a rounded edge. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The partitions are made by rounding an edge of a multi-layered blank using a rotatable tool and then cutting the partition material to a desired size. Slots may then be formed in the edge sealed material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cranial shock absorption system. The method is comprised of forming a first layer of elastomer, positioning a thin layer of material on top surface of elastomer such that the top surface is exposed around the entire exterior of the layer of material, allowing the first layer to partially set, positioning a tubular stem or valve on the first layer adjacent to the layer of material, forming a second layer of elastomer, allowing the first layer and second layer of elastomer to fully set around the thin layer of material, removing the thin layer of material from between the first and second layers of elastomer and then introducing a fluid into the chamber through the tubular stem.

Abstract: Porous electrodes in which the porosity has a low tortuosity are generally provided. In some embodiments, the porous electrodes can be designed to be filled with electrolyte and used in batteries, and can include low tortuosity in the primary direction of ion transport during charge and discharge of the battery. In some embodiments, the electrodes can have a high volume fraction of electrode active material (i.e., low porosity). The attributes outlined above can allow the electrodes to be fabricated with a higher energy density, higher capacity per unit area of electrode (mAh/cm2), and greater thickness than comparable electrodes while still providing high utilization of the active material in the battery during use. Accordingly, the electrodes can be used to produce batteries with high energy densities, high power, or both compared to batteries using electrodes of conventional design with relatively highly tortuous pores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling an adhesive device comprising a first matrix-forming material with holes and a second material, the method comprising: (a) compose the first matrix-forming material with holes; (b) compose the second material with a Tm lower than the Tm of the first material, while enabling increase in the Tm of the second material; (c) assemble the adhesive device by filling the holes of the first matrix-forming material of step (a) with the deformable second material of step (b) at a temperature where the second material is deformable and the first material is non-deformable; (d) increase the Tm of the second material.

Abstract: A method for making apertures in a web comprising providing a precursor web material; providing a pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers, wherein a first roller comprises circumferentially-extending ridges and grooves, and a second roller comprises teeth being tapered from a base and a tip, the teeth being joined to the second roller at the base, the base of the tooth having a cross-sectional length dimension greater than a cross-sectional width dimension; and moving the web material through a nip of the counter-rotating, intermeshing rollers; wherein apertures are formed in the precursor web material as the teeth on one of the rollers intermesh with grooves on the other of the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a hydroentangled product comprising cellulose fibers, which includes the steps of (a) extruding a solution comprising cellulose dissolved in an aqueous tertiary amine-oxide through a spinneret into an air gap, thereby forming filaments (b) drawing said filaments by means of a gaseous stream (c) collecting and precipitating said filaments in order to form a web (d) bonding said web by means of a hydroentanglement process (e) contacting said filaments in the air gap with a medium which at least partially coagulates the filaments. Furthermore, the invention relates to products obtainable by said products, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Some embodiments comprise a mechanical thickness regulator for a compression mold, or related systems and/or methods. A regulator can include a thickness regulator pin received by a recess in an extendable and retractable relation. The regulator pin can include a tip, or can be contacted with a tip, defining a predetermined distance from the pin to the end of the tip, the distance defining a gap of well known dimensions for receiving and molding polymer melt.

Abstract: Described herein are microperforated polymeric films comprising: opposed first and second surfaces separated by a first certain distance (40a); and a plurality of channels perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, wherein a first opening (20a-c) of a channel intersects the first surface and a second opening (22a-c) of the channel intersects the second surface; wherein the diameter of the first opening is larger than the diameter of the second opening and the second openings on the second surface are spaced apart by a second certain distance (50a); wherein the ratio of the first certain distance to the second certain distance is at least 0.25; and further wherein the second surface has an open area of at least 10%. Also described are methods of making and using such microperforated polymeric films.