Abstract: A system and method are presented in which a flow of plastic is extruded to obtain nano-sized features by forming multiple laminated flow streams, flowing in parallel through the non-rotating extrusion system. Each of the parallel laminated flow streams are subjected to repeated steps in which the flows are compressed, divided, and overlapped to amplify the number of laminations. The parallel amplified laminated flows are rejoined to form a combined laminated output with nano-sized features. The die exit is formed to provide a tubular shape.

Abstract: An extrusion molding die is provided which produces a tube that contains a portion in which the cross-sectional area ratio of an inner layer and outer layer in axial cross-section continuously varies, wherein said cross-sectional area ratio can be changed in a short time. The extrusion molding die 50 moves a second inner layer mandrel 54 in the axial direction and changes the flow passage volume of an inner layer resin flow passage 62a in accordance with changes in supply quantity of an inner layer forming resin.

Abstract: A process is provided for extruding a partially crystalline melt-fabricable perfluoropolymers. The process comprises blow molding from a perfluoropolymer having polytetrafluoroethylene sub-micrometer particles dispersed therein. The perfluoropolymer composition is a core/shell polymer, with pelletized blend, a dispersion blend or a melt-mixed polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-based hollow-fiber membrane and to a production method therefor. The present invention provides: a fluorine-based hollow-fiber membrane which exhibits a sponge-like pore structure even though it has an asymmetrical structure; and a production method therefor. Consequently, the present invention can provide: a fluorine-based hollow-fiber membrane with an outstanding filtering performance and backwash performance despite also having excellent mechanical strength; and a production method therefor.

Abstract: Described are tubular silk fibroin compositions and methods for their manufacture and use. Tubular compositions as described herein can be produced in a range of high burst strengths, can easily be made in a range of inner diameters, can be derivatized with functional moieties, and can be produced in a range of permeabilities suitable for particularized uses. In one aspect, the tubular compositions can be used in the repair or replacement of damaged or diseased blood vessels, including, but not limited to vessels smaller than about 6 mm.

Abstract: A spreader box and method form a bi-laminar paintball shell material. Walls of a box body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a first gel. Walls of a gate body define a reservoir containing, and an aperture dispensing, a second gel. Within the box, the first gel is kept separate from the second gel. The box body aperture dispenses the first gel as a continuous first layer. The gate body aperture dispenses the second gel as a continuous second layer that is adjacent and juxtaposed with the first layer, such that the first gel bonds with the second gel to form the bi-laminar paintball shell material. A paintball, containing a fill material, has a frangible bi-laminar shell including an exterior shell that completely surrounds and contains an interior shell. The paintball is adapted to withstand the normal range of forces sustained in being fired from a paintball gun.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal stents, and stents made by such methods, are disclosed. The methods provide for manufacturing polymeric intraluminal stents by inducing molecular orientation in the stents by radial compression thereby providing stents with low recoil post-deployment.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.

Abstract: An insulating tube for an electrode lead for medical use, particularly a cardiac pacemaker electrode lead, defibrillator electrode lead, electrode lead for nerve stimulation or the like, including a base material made of at least one material of the group consisting of silicones, polyurethanes, polyimide, PTFE, ETFE, and copolymers made of silicones and polyurethanes. In order to improve the functionality of such an insulating tube during friction of the tube with friction partners, at least in one volume region, which preferably forms the lateral surface of the insulating tube, the tube, in addition to the base material, includes a fibrous and/or particulate filler material having a higher abrasion resistance than the respective base material. A corresponding electrode lead is also provided, and a simple and cost-effective method for producing such an insulating tube and such an electrode lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective sheath (12), a conduit assembly (11) including a protective sheath (12), and a method of forming a protective sheath (12). The protective sheath (12) has at least two layers, including: a woven layer (13); and an elastomeric layer (14); the sheath (12) being configured to locate around a length of conduit (15).

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for crimping a polymeric stent onto a catheter for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or other intraluminal interventions. The method comprises crimping the stent onto a catheter when the polymer is at a target temperature other than ambient temperature. The polymer can optionally comprise drug(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally a manufacturing process which results in a completely hydrogel polymer device that maintains lumen patency which allows for numerous applications. Catheters and stents are particular examples, and their composition, mechanical characteristics, and the significantly unique ability to conduct and allow fluids to pass from one end to the other without physiological rejection, inflammation, or manifestation of complications due to implant or otherwise undesirable outcomes when used for ambulatory and or therapeutic interventions is the purpose of the invention.

Abstract: A thermal insulation product includes an infrared radiation absorbing and scattering material dispersed on fibers forming a porous structure. The infrared absorbing and scattering material can include borate compounds, carbonate compounds, and alumina compounds.

Abstract: A separation membrane including a separation-functional layer is provided, wherein the separation-functional layer contains a polyvinylidene fluoride-type resin having a melt viscosity of 3,300 Pa·s or more, and also the separation-functional layer has a three-dimensional network structure. A separation membrane is provided having high virus removal performance, high pure water permeability, and high physical durability and high chemical strength, which can also be used in the field of water treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stretched plastic tube obtainable from a polymer composition comprising a copolyester elastomer, and comprising two end-parts and an elongated part between the end-parts wherein at least one end-part is a stretched end-part obtained by mechanically stretching of at least a section of that end part, characterized in that the stretched end-part comprises an outer surface layer area consisting of a first thermoplastic polymer composition (A) comprising a first copolyester elastomer (A-1) and 0-0.2 wt. % carbon black relative to the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition (A). The invention also relates to a Plastic tube obtainable from a polymer composition comprising a copolyester elastomer, wherein the plastic tube is a plastic tube comprising: (i) an outer surface layer consisting of a first thermoplastic polymer composition (A) comprising a first copolyester elastomer (A-1) and 0-0.2 wt.

Abstract: A graft device comprising a layer of synthetic non-metallic material having a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface. The device further, includes a radiopaque marker at least partially embedded in the layer.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable drug delivery device and various methods of making the same. The devices are preferably formed from bioabsorbable materials using low temperature fabrication processes, hereby drugs or other bio-active agents are incorporated into or onto the device and degradation of the drugs or other agents during processing is minimized. Radiopaque markers may also be incorporated into, or onto, the devices. The devices may be generally tubular helical stents comprised of a solid ladder or an open lattice configuration, or a hybrid combination thereof. The tubular helical stents are generally formed from precursor fibers, films or tubes. The solid ladder configuration provides increased radiopacity and increased radial strength, whereas the open lattice configuration provides better endothelialization and fluid flow through the stent.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing an endless double-walled pipe having corrugated pipe sections and sleeve pipe sections are described. The production is effected by extrusion of an outer tube (Sa), forming the outer pipe of the double-walled pipe, and of an inner tube (Si), forming the inner tube of the double-walled pipe, in a molding passage (10) having sections with a corrugated molding surface and a smooth cylindrical sleeve molding surface. To shape the sleeve section, the outer tube is extruded into the sleeve molding surface and is brought into contact with the sleeve molding surface. The inner tube (Si) is then extruded into the outer tube (Sa), already in contact over the entire axial length of the sleeve molding surface, and is brought in the process into contact with the inner side of said outer tube (Sa) that is in contact.

Abstract: A toneable conduit includes an elongate polymeric tube having a sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a main channel for holding communication or power cables. A sub-channel extends longitudinally between the exterior and interior surfaces of the tube. An electrically continuous, toning signal wire is located within the sub-channel. The toning signal wire is formed of an annealed metal or metals and is capable of elongation to a certain extent without breakage, wherein the certain extent approximates or exceeds the extent of elongation of the tube at the point of failure.

Abstract: A single or multiple lumen catheter is disclosed which includes an expandable lumen. The expandable lumen is movable from a collapsed or sealed configuration to an open or expanded configuration. In the open configuration, the expandable lumen is dimensioned to receive a guidewire or stylet or facilitate the introduction of fluids into a patient.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane comprises a blend of polyethersulfone (PES) and aromatic polyimide polymers that may comprise a plurality of first repeating units of formula (I), wherein X1, X 2 and X3 are herein defined.

Abstract: The present invention is a toneable conduit that can transmit a signal and that can therefore be readily detected by toning equipment. In addition, the conduit of the invention can be readily coupled with other conduit to provide extended lengths of conduit. The toneable conduit includes an elongate polymeric tube having a wall with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a predetermined wall thickness. A channel preferably extends longitudinally within the wall of the elongate polymeric tube and a stabilizing rib extends longitudinally along the interior surface of the wall of the elongate polymeric tube and is located radially inward from the channel. A continuous wire is coincident with the channel in the elongate polymeric tube and is preferably coated with a coating composition that prevents the wire from adhering to the polymer melt used to form the elongate polymeric tube.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow-fibre membrane for ultrafiltration made from a hydrophobic aromatic sulfone polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer, the membrane having an open-pore separating layer on the lumen side, an adjoining supporting layer with asymmetric, sponge-like pore structure without finger pores and an outer layer adjoining the supporting layer towards the outer surface. The separating layer has a cutoff between 20 000 and 200 000 daltons, a thickness of max. 10% of the membrane thickness and an essentially isotropic pore structure. The size of the pores in the supporting layer initially increases up to a zone with maximum pore size, and then decreases towards the outer layer, and the outer layer exhibits a thickness of 10 to 30% of the wall thickness and an essentially isotropic pore structure. The mean size of the pores in the outer layer is larger than in the separating layer, but smaller than in the supporting layer.

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

Abstract: A chip antenna comprising a magnetic substrate comprising Z-type ferrite or Y-type ferrite as a main phase and having a through-hole extending linearly along a center axis, and a conductor penetrating the through-hole, the magnetic phase having a c-axis substantially parallel or perpendicular to the through-hole.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of peroxide crosslinked polymer parts, mainly tubes, in which the crosslinkable polymer is heated in an extruder in a controlled manner to a value above the crystallite melting point of the polymer, but below the crosslinking temperature, and fed continuously to an extrusion die to create the part and in which at least a partial crosslinking of the polymer is achieved in the extrusion die by heating of the polymer above a crosslinking temperature provision.

Abstract: A laminated seamless belt having at least a base layer and an outer layer. The base layer contains a polyester thermoplastic elastomer as its main component. The base layer has a volume resistivity set to not less than 1.0×106(?·cm) nor more than 1.0×1011(?·cm). A volume resistivity of the outer layer is set to not less than 1.0×1011(?·cm) and not less than 10 times as large as that of the base layer. The base layer and the outer layer are formed by laminated extrusion.

Abstract: Polyolefin multilayer pipes consisting at least one of the layers of a ?-nucleated propylene homopolymer and/or ?-nucleated copolymers from 90.0 to 99.9% by weight of propylene and 0.1 to 10.0% by weight of ?-olefins. The pipes are to be classified in ring stiffness class ?4. The pipes are suitable for non pressure pipe applications, preferably for outdoor use, for above as well as underground drainage and sewerage pipe systems, surface water pipes, pipes for cable protection, pipes for cold climate conditions and for indoor use, soil and waste water pipes.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube for medical purposes formed by simultaneous extrusion moulding at least a moulding material mixture comprising styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene block copolymer, polypropylene, polyurethane and mineral oil, and a moulding material comprising polyurethane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a balloon catheter in which a non-contact type laser perforator and printer are separately provided above a primary extruder such that inflation apertures can be uniformly perforated through a non-vulcanized lumen tube and simultaneously, tube cutting positions can be printed on the lumen tube at positions uniformly spaced apart from the inflation apertures without stopping a primary extrusion process. Also, a bond preventing agent layer is coated on the lumen tube at balloon inflating portions prior to cutting the tube, to facilitate a secondary extrusion of the tube. With this configuration, continuous and accurate perforation of inflation apertures is possible and automatic tube cutting can be achieved based on the printed tube cutting positions. Also, the present invention can compensate for a time delay due to a bond preventing agent application process and achieve high productivity and minimized loss of material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single or multi layered food packaging on the basis of plastics wherein the layer or at least one of the layers comprises at least one metal with antimicrobial activity and wherein at least part of the metal with antimicrobial activity is present in finely divided metallic form and the remaining part is present in form of a salt.

Abstract: A method of making a composite filter media includes, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a nonwoven fabric mat that includes a plurality of synthetic fibers by a spunbond process, and calendering the nonwoven fabric mat with embossing calender rolls to form a bond area pattern comprising a plurality of substantially parallel discontinuous lines of bond area to bond the synthetic fibers together to form a nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric having a filtration efficiency of about 35% to less than 50%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure. The method also includes applying a nanofiber layer by electro-blown spinning a polymer solution to form a plurality of nanofibers on at least one side of the nonwoven fabric mat to form the composite filter media, the composite filter media having a minimum filtration efficiency of about 70%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure.

Abstract: Porous polymeric membranes including HALAR® (poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene)) and related compounds and the methods of production thereof which avoid the use of toxic solvents. Preferred solvents, coating agents and pore forming agents are citric acid ethyl ester or glycerol triacetate. The membranes may be in the form of a hollow fiber or flat sheet, and may include other agents to modify the properties of the membranes, such as the hydrophilic/hydrophilic balance. Leachable agents may also be incorporated into the membranes.

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: There is provided a production method of a weather strip for an automobile, comprising a rubber-made installation base member 1 which embeds a plastic-made insert 4, and a holding lip 2 provided inside the groove portion 10, which comprises the following steps. An extrusion-molding process 101 wherein a whole weather strip 100 is integrally extrusion-molded in a state that a portion of a lid member 3 wider than an opening of the groove portion 10 is connected to an end portion of either side wall portion 12. A holding lip manufacturing process 102 wherein the holding lip 2 is processed by inserting a manufacturing tool 8 in the groove portion 10 through the opening. A lid closing process 103 wherein another portion of the lid member 3 is connected to the end portion of the other side wall portion 13 to cover the opening of the groove portion 10 with the lid member 3. A vulcanization process 104 wherein the weather strip 100 is vulcanized.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, the devices include multiple layers, and one or more layers can include a nanocomposite material.

Abstract: Multilayer articles, such as tubing and films, are disclosed which have a soft layer of aliphatic polyurethane and at least one layer of hard aliphatic polyurethane. The articles formed avoid the problem of tackiness when using only a soft aliphatic polyurethane, while maintaining flexibility. The articles are also biocompatible and biostable and are suitable for use in medical applications.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible, extruded plastic wall base with a hollow core is presented. The method includes using extrusion die for heating and extruding plastics using a multi-functional insert within the die and air pressure to create a hollow core in the wall base. The hollow core allows less material to flow though the die so that the die stays hotter and the flow of the extruded plastic is not impeded. The resulting extruded plastic wall base is comprised of a generally thick portion, a generally thin portion and a profile on the face or front of the wall base.

Abstract: A method of making a composite tubular article made up of at least two concentric members, the outer of said members being tubular and the inner of said members being at least cylindrical and preferably tubular, and struts disposed in supporting and positioning orientation between the inner and outer members, by extruding a moldable material into the desired profile; stretching the inner tubular member over a cooling mandrel and disposing a cooling sleeve over the outer tubular member under conditions sufficient to solidify the article; twisting and longitudinally pulling the solidified article, so that it rotates over the cooling mandrel and inside the cooling sleeve while it is moving down stream across the cooling mandrel, whereby causing the extrudate to be twisted into a helical shape.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite of embedded nanofibers in a polymer matrix is disclosed. The method includes incorporating nanofibers in a plastic matrix forming agglomerates, and uniformly distributing the nanofibers by exposing the agglomerates to hydrodynamic stresses. The hydrodynamic said stresses force the agglomerates to break apart. In combination or additionally elongational flow is used to achieve small diameters and alignment. A nanofiber reinforced polymer composite system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of nanofibers that are embedded in polymer matrices in micron size fibers. A method for producing nanotube continuous fibers is disclosed. Nanofibers are fibrils with diameters 100 nm, multiwall nanotubes, single wall nanotubes and their various functionalized and derivatized forms. The method includes mixing a nanofiber in a polymer; and inducing an orientation of the nanofibers that enables the nanofibers to be used to enhance mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.

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: 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 highly crimped conjugate fiber cheese package which is obtained by layering on a paper bobbin a conjugate fiber consisting of a plurality of single filament composed of polytrimethylene terephthalate components having different intrinsic viscosities and consisting of at least 90 mol % of a trimethylene terephthalate unit and no more than 10 mol % of another ester repeating unit and laminated to each other in a side-by-side type, the cheese package being characterized by satisfying the following conditions (1)-(4). (1) The single filament composing the conjugate fiber has cross-sectional shape which is flat cross-section with a flatness of 1.1-3 as the ratio between the long axis and short axis. (2) The developed crimp elongation of the conjugate fiber is 30-200%. (3) The relationship between the contact area (compressed net area) S (cm2) between the paper bobbin and conjugate fiber and the wound weight W (kg) satisfies the following formula (1): 2?W?0.

Abstract: A method for the production of a plastics pipe (9) comprising an inner core and an outer removable skin bonded thereto, which method comprises co-extruding molten polymeric materials forming the inner core and the outer removable skin layer from one or more extruder dies, bringing the polymeric materials together and allowing them to solidify, and conditioning the solidified polymeric materials at a temperature and for a time sufficient to influence the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core, such that on cooling the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core is sufficient to prevent substantial undesired relative movement between the skin layer and the core during installation of the pipe (9), but insufficient to prevent the outer skin layer from being clearly removed by peeling, at least at the ends of the pipe (9), and insufficient to cause a substantial reduction in the impact strength of the inner core.

Abstract: A flexible heat-insulated conduit is described, made up of at least one medium-carrying internal tube, an external tube surrounding the at least one internal tube, and a heat-insulating layer based on polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate foam and located between the at least one internal tube and the external tube, in which 0.1 to 7.5% by weight of hollow spheres are added into the foam, the hollow spheres comprising a casing made of a thermoplastic and being filled with a medium that brings about an inflation of the casing at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: High flow rate catheters, and related methods, are useful in dialysis and other procedures. A catheter according to the invention comprises a hub and a generally elongated conduit. The conduit has a substantially continuous and smooth wall. The conduit also defines at least one lumen and has a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the conduit. The proximal end is coupled to a hub and the distal end has an opening in communication with the lumen. The conduit has a conical shape which tapers along the length.

Abstract: As a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a process for making a heat-shrinkable annular film, comprising: (A) extruding an annular extrudate downward from an annular die; (B) quenching the annular extrudate by applying a quenching liquid to the annular extrudate; (C) reheating the extrudate to an orientation temperature of from 130° F. to 210° F., resulting in a reheated annular extrudate; and (D) orienting the reheated annular extrudate while the reheated annular extrudate is in the solid state, the orientation being carried out with a total orientation factor of at least 2, so that the resulting oriented, heat-shrinkable film has a total free shrink at 185° F. of at least 10 percent. The extrudate comprises at least one semi-crystalline polyamide selected from the group consisting of: (i) polyamide 6, (ii) polyamide 66, (iii) polyamide 6/66, and (iv) polyamide 6/12. The semi-crystalline polyamide makes up at least 5 volume percent of the annular extrudate.

Abstract: In an elastomeric tube and a method for making such a tube, two medical-grade silicone rubber compositions are coaxially coextruded to form a tube. The compositions respectively differ in at least one physical property and respectively have similar curing conditions. The two compositions are blended at an interface formed between the two compositions during the coextruding, so that between 1-99% of the tube forms a blended gradient. The coextruded tube is then cured.