Abstract: A method for producing a braided preform, includes the steps of: a) creating a braided sleeve from filler threads and braiding threads in a braiding process, for which purpose the filler threads and braiding threads are taken off thread accumulators, b) feeding a core to the braided sleeve, c) continuing the braiding process, wherein the core is advanced such that it is braided along its length, wherein, during step c), the take-off of at least one filler thread is blocked such that the at least one filler thread is pulled out of at least one section of the braided sleeve surrounding the core.

Abstract: A process for forming extruded products using a device having a scroll face configured to apply a rotational shearing force and an axial extrusion force to the same preselected location on material wherein a combination of the rotational shearing force and the axial extrusion force upon the same location cause a portion of the material to plasticize, flow and recombine in desired configurations. This process provides for a significant number of advantages and industrial applications, including but not limited to extruding tubes used for vehicle components with 50 to 100 percent greater ductility and energy absorption over conventional extrusion technologies, while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A method for making carbon fiber film includes growing a carbon nanotube array on a surface of a growth substrate. A carbon nanotube film is pulled out from the carbon nanotube array, and pass through a reaction room. A negative voltage is applied to the carbon nanotube film. A carrier gas and a carbon source gas are supplied to the reaction room to form graphite sheets on the carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel is a tubular fabric including a fiber layer containing an ultrafine fiber(s) and an ultrafine fiber layer in the inside of the fiber layer, the ultrafine fiber layer being composed of an ultrafine fiber(s) having a fiber diameter(s) of not less than 10 nm and not more than 3 ?m, wherein a quaternary ammonium group-containing polymer having alkyl groups each of a carbon number 10 or less is covalently bound to the ultrafine fiber(s); heparin is ionically bound to the quaternary ammonium group-containing polymer; and the residual heparin activity after washing with physiological saline at 37° C. for 30 minutes is 20 mIU/cm2 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas separation membrane comprising as a main component a polyacetal, wherein the polyacetal contains 1.5 to 10 mol of an oxyalkylene unit based on 100 mol of an oxymethylene unit. The gas separation membrane of the present invention has high carbon dioxide gas separating ability and high permeability rate to carbon dioxide gas and is advantageously used as a separation membrane for carbon dioxide gas contained in exhaust gas.

Abstract: Methods to expand polymer tubing with desirable or optimum morphology and mechanical properties for stem manufacture and fabrication of a stent therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an elongated, tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a balloon positioned along the distal end of the shaft. A portion of a wall of the balloon partially comprises a coextruded radiopaque material. Related aspects and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter describes systems and methods of electrospinning a fiber for a variety of applications. An exemplary embodiment includes a medical device application for delivering a therapeutic agent, such as a sclerosing agent, to the walls of a blood vessel to perform sclerotherapy. A method of fabricating a medical balloon comprises charging a polymer material with an electric voltage, dispensing the charged polymeric material through a nozzle, collecting the charged polymeric material on a grounded mandrel, wherein the mandrel includes a tubular body having a plurality of openings extending through the tubular body, and forming an electrospun medical balloon defined by a body having a varied thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a conduit having at least one strip-shaped substrate dividing the conduit into channels. The apparatus contains an extrusion die having an exit and defining a flow direction for polymeric material forming the conduit. The extrusion die contains a first point for the introduction into the extrusion die of polymeric material forming a first polymeric layer of the conduit, a second point for the introduction into the extrusion die of polymeric material forming a second polymeric layer of the conduit, and a slot within the extrusion die having a thickness, a width, a first edge, and a second edge. The slot is configured for receipt of a strip-shaped substrate and extends in the flow direction along the extrusion die. The thickness of the slot varies along the width of the slot and the thickness of the slot is greatest at the first edge and second edge of the slot.

Abstract: A multi-layer heat-shrinkable tubular sleeve (100) comprises an outer layer (110) and an inner layer (120). The outer layer (110) is arranged around the inner layer (120). The outer layer (110) comprises a partially crystalline thermoplastic material with a major part of partially crystalline thermoplastic material with a crystallinity of more than 60%. The inner layer (120) comprises a partially crystalline thermoplastic material or an elastomeric material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite hollow fiber polymer membrane including a porous core layer and a selective sheath layer. The porous core layer includes a polyamide-imide polymer, or a polyetherimide polymer, and the selective sheath layer includes a polyimide polymer, which is prepared from monomers A, B, and C. The monomer A is a dianhydride of the formula wherein X1 and X2 are independently halogenated alkyl group, phenyl or halogen and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are independently H, alkyl, or halogen. The monomer B is a diamino cyclic compound without a carboxylic acid functionality and the monomer C is a diamino cyclic compound with a carboxylic acid functionality. The polyimide polymer further includes covalent ester crosslinks. Also disclosed herein is a method of making the composite polymer membrane and a process for purifying natural gas utilizing the composite polymer membrane.

Abstract: A material layering device may include a first pinning roller and a second pinning roller. A distance between the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller is less than a diameter of a substrate. The device also includes a return system, wherein the return system comprises a plurality of rollers. The device also includes a belt, which may have a first loop portion disposed between and protruding beyond the first pinning roller and the second pinning roller. The first loop portion also wraps about an intended substrate along an arc greater than about 180 degrees. The device further includes a feed portion coupled to the first loop and extending outwardly from the second pinning roller opposite the first loop and providing a surface upon which a sheet can be placed. Furthermore, the device also includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to one of the rollers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer film structure, comprising, in order, a puncture resistant layer comprising at least one cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and at least one ionomer or polyolefin, a tie layer and a sealant layer. The structure can be coextruded and can be prepared using a triple bubble process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular film food casing, a process for its production and a food product comprising the tubular film food casing.

Abstract: A layer sequence repeater module for a co-extrusion die includes a cell formed of a plurality of thin annular disks stacked on top of each other in an axial direction of the co-extrusion die. Each disk includes a plurality of openings aligned with openings in the adjacent disks, thus forming multiple inner and outer melt passages. At least one of the layer sequence repeater module includes at least one first cap disk, at least one second cap disk, at least one distribution disk, at least one repeater disk and at least one spreader disk. The layer sequence repeater module may be a separately assembled and individually removable module of the co-extrusion die. Alternatively or additionally, the layer sequence repeater module may be incorporated into a module of the co-extrusion die.

Abstract: A method facilitates fabricating a cellular cushion. The method comprises injecting material into a mold in an injection molding process to form a cushion first layer that includes a plurality of hollow cells that extend outward from the base and are each coupled together in flow communication, coupling a second layer to the first layer, and coupling an injection stem in flow communication to the plurality of hollow cells to enable an operating pressure within the cells to be changed.

Abstract: A permanently lubricated film gasket for providing a fluid-tight seal between a corrugated pipe and a smooth annular section of an outer pipe or section when the corrugated pipe and the outer pipe or section are in a relative surrounded and surrounding relationship. A first portion of the gasket is shaped to fit within a groove or recess of the corrugated pipe. A second portion of the gasket extends from the first portion. The second portion is at least partially comprised of permanently lubricated film for facilitating in the connection of the pipes along a single direction.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus for extruding multiple streams of extrusion material as extruded end-products and in the coating of substrates. A flow joiner in an extrusion head combines multiple metered streams such as from a gear pump, into a uniform extrusion flow.

Abstract: Multilayer polymer structure comprising at least one couple of adjacent layers (L1-L2), characterized in that: layer (L1) comprises at least one polymer composition (C1) comprising at least one semi-crystalline polyphthalamide and at least one impact modifier (I1), and layer (L2) comprises at least one polymer composition (C2) comprising at least one functionalized polyolefin (FPO2), said functionalized polyolefin comprising functional groups chosen from carboxylic groups, their esters, their anhydrides and their salts. Process for manufacturing said multilayer structure, which comprises co-extruding polymer compositions (C1) and (C2) so as to obtain couple of adjacent layers (L1-L2). Shaped article comprising the invented multilayer structure and process for manufacturing the shaped article.

Abstract: A resin-made fuel inlet pipe having a light weight excellent impact resistance, and causing no fuel leakage, includes: a tubular inner layer; and an outer layer laminated on an outer peripheral surface thereof, in which: the inner layer is formed of a resin having fuel resistance; the outer layer is formed of a resin (A) having a tensile elongation at 8 m/s measured by a high-speed tensile test of 200% or more; and the inner layer and the outer layer are in a substantially non-adherent state.

Abstract: A writing, drawing, painting or cosmetic device having at least one honeycomb body formed from a plastic material and/or a composite material consisting of a natural material and a plastic material. The at least one honeycomb body contains a plurality of hollow longitudinal structures that are axially parallel to one another.

Abstract: A method for the creation of a plurality of continuously folded layers. This approach for creating multilayered products begins with a typical flow channel for a product in which the cross-section of this flow channel is an annular ring. The flow channel is then morphed to create folds in the flow channel. Fold patterns are manufactured into the channel walls so as to gradually modify the contour of the stream. These folds are oriented and propagated in such a way so that the flow can be converged back to a flow passage with a typical cross section but now with a multiplied number of layers. This process may be repeated to multiply the number of layers. The number of folded layers can include 3-10 layers, ten to hundreds of layers and ten to thousands of layers. The layers remain continuous around the product.

Abstract: An endoscope flexible tube comprises: a tubular structure having flexibility; and a shell layer on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular structure, wherein the shell layer has a two-layer structure including a rigid resin layer of a rigid resin and a soft resin layer of a soft resin, and wherein the two-layer structure is maintained over the entire flexible tube in its length direction.

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: The invention is a plank fabricated from a composite fiberglass material. The invention further comprises the method of making the composite fiberglass plank using a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body layer and method of producing a flexible pipe body layer are disclosed. The method includes coextruding an inner sub-layer and an outer sub-layer, wherein the inner sub-layer and outer sub-layer comprise a polymer, and wherein the inner sub-layer has a lower modulus of elasticity than the outer sub-layer.

Abstract: A coextruded multilayer structure which can be oriented and a process therefor are disclosed in which the structure comprises a poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) polymer (PHA) composition layer, a tie layer, and a sealant layer and the process comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of coextruding a PHA composition, a tie layer composition, and a sealant layer composition to produce a tubular multiplayer structure; cooling the multilayer film structure in a first bubble to produce a tubular multilayer structure; orienting the tubular multilayer structure under heating in a second bubble to produce an oriented tubular multilayer structure; and relaxing the oriented tubular multilayer structure under heating in a third bubble. The structure can be used to produce an article such as a packaging article.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a fluorine-containing polymer and 2 to 30 parts by weight of an unsaturated compound containing at least one polar group selected from the group consisting of an epoxy group and a carboxyl group, wherein the fluorine-containing polymer has been graft-modified with the polar group-containing unsaturated compound by irradiation of ionizing radiation, a production process thereof, and formed products such as a heat-shrinkable tube equipped with a layer composed of the adhesive composition.

Abstract: A laminate (C) of a thermoplastic polymer composition comprising: a thermoplastic resin composition (A) having an permeation coefficient of 10×10?12 cc·cm/cm2·sec·cmHg or less, laminated with a thermoplastic polymer composition (B) having a melt viscosity of 500-2000 Pa·s and a Young's modulus at a room temperature of 1-400 MPa, wherein the thickness of a layer of the thermoplastic resin composition (A) is 0.05-10 ?m and the air permeation coefficient of the laminate (C) of 20×10?12 cc·cm/cm2·sec·cmHg or less, and a pneumatic tire using the above laminate (C) as an inner liner.

Abstract: A multilayer balloon catheter is formed to have an inner layer and an outer layer, where the outer layer is adapted to resist shredding and premature rupture. The outer layer is formed of a material having a glass transition temperature that is lower than the transition or melting temperature of the inner layer. By forming the balloon on a mold at a temperature between the glass transition temperature of the outer layer and the glass transition or melting temperature of the inner layer, the outer layer will undergo a thermal relaxation that will alleviate some of the axial orientation of the polymer chains that develop during the formation of the multilayer balloon. This relaxation leads to a resistance to shredding when the balloon is expanded during operation.

Abstract: A hollow fibre containing one or more layers having a mean pore size in one or more of said layers of less than 100?m. The invention also extends to a method for preparing porous hollow fibres and to the apparatus for preparing said fibres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device and method of forming the medical device. In particular, the present invention relates to a medical device having a tubular membrane structure over a radially expandable structural frame, and to a method of forming the tubular membrane on the radially expandable structural frame. In one aspect, a structural frame is placed over a spinning mandrel and a fiber is electro-statically spun over at least a portion of the structural frame forming a membrane. A transfer sheath may be used between the mandrel and structural frame to prevent the electro-statically spun fiber from adhering to the mandrel. In another aspect, a first membrane is spun over the mandrel before the structural frame is placed over the mandrel. In this aspect, at least a portion of the structural frame is sandwiched between the membranes. The membrane or membranes and structural frame form a fiber spun frame assembly. The fiber spun frame assembly may be coated with an elastic polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing of tubular free-shaped articles having an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer by co-extruding at least two different polymers in an extruder apparatus comprising an extrusion die and at least two extruder barrels/heads. The invention furthermore relates to a tubular free-shaped article comprising at least two layers of different polymers and which article is obtained by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable scaffolds made at least in part of a poly(L-lactide)-based composite are disclosed. The composite includes poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) or poly(L-lactide)-b-polycaprolactone block copolymer, which increases the fracture toughness or fracture resistance of the scaffold. The composite can further include bioceramic particles, L-lactide monomer, or both dispersed throughout the composite. The bioceramic particles improve the radial strength and stiffness of the scaffold. The L-lactide monomer is used to control the absorption rate of the scaffold.

Abstract: A multi-layer extrusion die assembly includes a body, a main bore extending longitudinally through the assembly, a core tube, and a plurality of dies. The extrusion die assembly is configured to receive an input stream of material and divide the input stream into a plurality of material streams. Each die is configured to receive one or more of the material streams and to form a single continuous layer of material about the core tube. The layer formed by each die has one or more weld lines running longitudinally along the layer. The dies are arranged along the core tube such that a plurality of concentric layers of material is formed around the core tube. Each die is rotated axially with respect to adjacent dies such that the weld lines of the layer formed by one die.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a separated tip catheter having a separated tip configuration includes the steps of: extruding an extrusion material through a die to form a catheter including a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a first lumen and a second lumen, the catheter body having a septum positioned between the first and second lumens; and feeding a strip into the die so that the strip is positioned between the first lumen and the second lumen along a length of the catheter, the strip having a first proximal section formed of a first material capable of bonding with the extrusion material and a second distal section formed of a second material incapable of bonding with the extrusion material.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on fibers and on a crosslinkable resin, by continuous winding and superposition of several layers of a tape of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising a crosslinkable resin. The process comprises from upstream to downstream, the following steps: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcement fibers (11) and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement (12) of fibers by the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating said arrangement (12) of fibers under vacuum with said resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to make said pre-preg into the form of a tape (21) composed of reinforcement fibers (11) in their liquid resin (17) matrix, the thickness of said tape being less than 0.

Abstract: A fuel line comprising a thermoplastic composition is described. The thermoplastic compositions exhibit high strength and flexibility and can be used to form one or more layers of single layer or multi-layer fuel lines. Methods for forming the thermoplastic compositions are also described. Formation methods include dynamic vulcanization of a composition that includes an impact modifier dispersed throughout a polyarylene sulfide. A crosslinking agent is combined with the other components of the composition following dispersal of the impact modifier. The crosslinking agent reacts with the impact modifier to form crosslinks within and among the polymer chains of the impact modifier. The compositions can exhibit excellent physical characteristics at extreme temperatures.

Abstract: A wet spinning process for forming a tubular fiber membrane is provided. The tubular fiber membrane has a nanoporous skin layer and a microporous lumen layer. The skin layer defines an outer surface of the fiber membrane and the lumen layer defines a lumen surface of the fiber membrane. The pores in the skin layer may have an average pore size of less than about 7 nm, and pores in the lumen layer may have an average pore size of from about 0.5 to about 3 ?m. The fiber membranes may be used in artificial renal proximal tubules, artificial kidneys, bioreactors, or fiber cartridges.

Abstract: A flexible, kink-resistant medical tube and a method and apparatus for making the same are provided. The tube includes a body having a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface. The tube includes a lumen defined by the inner surface of the body and extending between the first end and the second end. The tube also includes a helical structure within in the body.

Abstract: A device for retrieving an intravascular device from a body lumen is disclosed. A retrieval device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a braided member coupled to an elongated shaft member. The braided member may include a number of filaments defining a radially expandable inner lumen configured to receive and encapsulate the intravascular device therein. An elastomeric jacket disposed about at least a portion of the braided member may encase the filaments.

Abstract: A process of making a reinforced hollow fiber membrane comprises flowing a membrane dope through a casting head while drawing one or more yarns or tows of filaments through the casting head. The filaments are spread apart in the casting head, for example by forcing the yarns or tows around a bend or through a narrow gap in the casting head. The filaments are adapted to bond to the membrane dope or the membrane wall. A reinforced hollow fiber membrane comprises a plurality of filaments individually surrounded by, and bonded to, the membrane wall.

Abstract: A preventative maintenance method of strengthening the connection between high pressure, in situ piping. An encapsulation mold is installed over a properly functioning, non-leaking coupling or joint interconnecting pipe sections carrying gas in excess of 60 psi. A resin sealant having tensile strength in excess of 3000 psi fills the mold, so that it circumscribes the coupling and adjacent portions of the pipe sections extending from the coupling, forming a permanent bond to the coupling and pipe sections. The method prevents high pressure pipe connection pullout, which otherwise could lead to catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

Abstract: A resin-made fuel inlet pipe having a light weight excellent impact resistance, and causing no fuel leakage, includes: a tubular inner layer; and an outer layer laminated on an outer peripheral surface thereof, in which: the inner layer is formed of a resin having fuel resistance; the outer layer is formed of a resin (A) having a tensile elongation at 8 m/s measured by a high-speed tensile test of 200% or more; and the inner layer and the outer layer are in a substantially non-adherent state.

Abstract: A medical balloon (10) of a balloon catheter assembly (70) includes a balloon wall (22) formed of at least two layers (30, 32). The first layer (30) is made of an impervious polymeric material. The second layer (32), which is integral with the first layer (30) is made of a radiopaque and/or echogenic material and a polymeric material. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided 60 to 80% by weight of radiopaque material in the second layer (32). It has been found that these concentrations of radiopaque material provide good visibility of the balloon under ultrasonic imaging.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a non stick medical tube is provided. The method includes providing a first plastic resin to a tubing extrusion device and providing a second plastic resin to a tubing extrusion device, the second plastic resin comprising a medical grade amide compound. The method further includes mixing the first plastic resin with the second plastic resin and extruding the resin mixture such that said medical grade amide compound is present on an inner surface of said medical tube after extrusion to promote release of contacting surfaces of said inner surface of the medical tubing after contact.

Abstract: The invention provides foams of desired cell sizes formed from metal or ceramic materials that coat the surfaces of carbon foams which are subsequently removed. For example, metal is located over a sol-gel foam monolith. The metal is melted to produce a metal/sol-gel composition. The sol-gel foam monolith is removed, leaving a metal foam.

Abstract: A catheter shaft including an elongate tubular member including a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer bonded to the first polymeric layer. The first polymeric layer is formed of a polymer generally not bondable to fluoropolymers, and the second polymeric layer is formed of a fluoropolymer bonded to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The fluoropolymer of the second polymeric layer is a functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride which has a bonding affinity to the polymer of the first polymeric layer. The functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride includes reactive functional groups chemically bonded to a polymer chain of a polyvinylidene fluoride which readily bond to the polymer chain of the polymer of the first polymeric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.