Having Three Or More Layers Of At Least Two Different Materials Patents (Class 264/171.27)
  • Patent number: 11584058
    Abstract: A method for the production control of an extruded plastic product with the following steps: recording at a first measuring point a first actual temperature of a measuring area provided on the plastic product, recording a second actual temperature of the measuring area at a second measuring point which is arranged at a distance from the first measuring point in a direction of extrusion of the plastic product, determining a setpoint temperature of the measuring area at the second measuring point, and outputting information on whether the second actual temperature is inside or outside a prescribed tolerance range of the setpoint temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: DELFINGEN FR-ANTEUIL S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Rausch, Tobias Thomamüller
  • Patent number: 11425914
    Abstract: A device for orienting wound dough products includes a first conveyor belt circulating with a first conveying speed and transporting a wound dough product having an end protruding from a circumference of the dough product. A second conveyor belt receives the wound dough product from the first conveyor belt and circulates with a second conveying speed which is different from the first conveying speed. The difference between the first conveying speed and the second conveying speed sets the wound dough product received from the first conveyor belt in a desired rolling motion on the second conveyor belt, wherein after the wound dough product has reached a defined end position in which the end of the wound dough product abuts on the second conveyor belt, the rolling motion of the wound dough product stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: FRISCH BAKERY TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Udo Bernhardt
  • Patent number: 10882239
    Abstract: An extrusion head for pipes includes a first female body provided with a first through cavity and a male element inserted and supported in the first cavity, and defining with it a hollow space. A second female body is attached to the first female body and provided with a second through cavity. An interchangeable male body is attached cantilevered on the male element and positioned in the second cavity. The second female body and the interchangeable male body define a passage gap in fluidic communication with the hollow space. In the second cavity, a housing seating is made in which an adjustment ring is positioned, through which the interchangeable male body is positioned through, and adjustment members configured to adjust the position of the adjustment ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: FRIUL FILIERE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Valdi Artico
  • Patent number: 10611129
    Abstract: A method of making thin, annular multilayer coextruded films uses a layer sequence repeater module that 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 cell 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Renolit Nederland BV
    Inventor: Henry G. Schirmer
  • Patent number: 10544036
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the controlled formation of structures, including tubular structures, using microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device includes three or more microfluidic arrays that are provided in a stacking configuration, with an inner streaming layer and an outer streaming layer for flowing a streaming fluid, and at least one intermediate matrix layer for flowing a matrix fluid. Fluid flow in each layer is directed from a peripheral region towards, and distributed around, a common central outlet. Guided by the streaming fluid, a sheath of matrix solution is formed, which may be solidified to form a tubular material. Some embodiments allow for the controlled and continuous extrusion of tubular structures with tailored heterogeneities and/or predictable mechanical and chemical properties. Devices and methods are also provided for the on- and off-chip fixation and optional perfusion of tubular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Haotian Chen, Mark Jeronimo, Adrianna McAllister, Axel Guenther
  • Patent number: 10344244
    Abstract: Disclosed are materials that possess both low adhesion and the ability to absorb water. The material passively absorbs water from the atmosphere and then expels this water upon impact with debris, to create a self-cleaning layer. The lubrication reduces friction and surface adhesion of the debris (such as an insect), which may then slide off the surface. The invention provides a material comprising a continuous matrix including a polymer having a low surface energy (less than 50 mJ/m2) and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The continuous matrix and the inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. The material optionally contains porous nanostructures that inject water back onto the surface after an impact, absorbing water under pressure and then releasing water when the pressure is removed. The material may be a coating or a surface, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Adam F. Gross, Andrew P. Nowak, Larken E. Cumberland
  • Patent number: 10293997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packaging a compressible product in a compressed state, comprising the step of sealing at least two parts of a polymeric machine direction oriented (MDO) film which encloses at least part of the compressible product in the compressed state, characterized in that the seal has a seal elongation at failure of about 20% to about 100%, as measured in accordance with ASTM F88/F88M-09. The present invention also relates to a compressible product in a compressed state packaged in a polymeric MDO film which encloses at least part of the compressible product, wherein at least two parts of the MDO film are sealed and characterized in that the seal has a seal elongation at failure of about 20% to about 100%, as measured in accordance with ASTM F88/F88M-09.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Combipac BV
    Inventors: Bruno Jacobs, Lesley Hoorens
  • Patent number: 10232541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of transforming multilayered and/or multi-component streams into tubular shapes prior to or during extrusion by passing the streams over a deflector. The invention also relates to dies containing spiral, bowtie, circumferential and/or wrapping deflectors and products made by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: GUILL TOOL & ENGINEERING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Richard Guillemette, Robert Peters
  • Patent number: 9635865
    Abstract: A device acts to take mixed dough or semi viscous material and feed this material uniformly and progressively to portioning machines that may not have capacity to hold a full batch from the mixer or require to be fed at a required rate so as to maintain a reasonably uniform or stable height or reserve amount of dough in there infeed hopper of dough portioning machine. The device providing two or more selectable output feeds in operation, providing for easy cleaning through detachable components, and compensating in the output feed variable for variations in the volume of dough in the tote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Norman Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20150057639
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a catheter shaft having an inner surface defining a lumen. A liner may be disposed within the lumen and along the inner surface. At least a portion of the liner may be radially spaced from the inner surface of the catheter shaft so that a space is defined therebetween. The liner may include an inner layer, an outer layer, and a polymeric reinforcing member. At least a portion of the polymeric reinforcing member may be disposed between an outer surface of the inner layer and an outer surface of the outer layer. The polymeric reinforcing member may have a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the inner layer, the outer layer, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Gene T. Storbeck, Jay R. Patel, Christopher L. Nardone, Mayur Kiran Patel
  • Publication number: 20150020685
    Abstract: The invention provides improved hollow fiber membranes having at least two layers, and methods for forming the same. The methods include co-extruding a first composition, a second composition, and a third composition to form a dual layer hollow fiber membrane. The first composition includes a glassy polymer; the second composition includes a polysiloxane; and the third composition includes a bore fluid. The dual layer hollow fiber membranes include a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being a porous layer which includes the glassy polymer of the first composition, and the second layer being a polysiloxane layer which includes the polysiloxane of the second composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dhaval Ajit BHANDARI, Patrick Joseph MCCLOSKEY, Paul Edward HOWSON, Kristi Jean NARANG, William KOROS
  • Patent number: 8920694
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Gold Tip, LLC
    Inventor: Marvin Carlston
  • Patent number: 8870561
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: BBS Corporation
    Inventor: Henry G. Schirmer
  • Patent number: 8834780
    Abstract: A polymer fiber is formed by hydrodynamic spinning. Fluids are forced to flow through a conduit to form a laminar flow comprising three or more layers of generally coaxial fluid flows, at respective flow rates selected to define a cross-section of a tubular middle layer of the fluid flows. The middle layer comprises a cross-linkable polymer precursor. Another layer of the fluid flows comprise a cross-linking agent. The polymer precursor, cross-linking agent and fluids are selected to prevent substantial diffusion of the polymer precursor away from the middle layer, and to allow a portion of the cross-linking agent to diffuse from the another layer into the middle layer to facilitate cross-linking of the polymer precursor in the middle layer to form a tubular polymer layer in a polymer fiber. The polymer layer thus has a cross-section generally corresponding to the cross-section of the middle layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Jackie Y. Ying, Min Hu, Rensheng Deng, Karl Schumacher, Motoichi Kurisawa
  • Patent number: 8834761
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: SpringSeal, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Knapp
  • Patent number: 8734699
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Heideman, Allan M. Fuentes, Richard E. Stehr, Sarah Cumming, Mark Dustrude
  • Patent number: 8734922
    Abstract: Co-extruded multilayer packaging films suitable for packaging fluid products, showing a very good balance of mechanical, chemical and, optionally, barrier properties, good sealability, heat resistance and unexpectedly improved optical properties, a process for their manufacturing, pouches and packages obtained from them, are disclosed. These films comprise a core layer (D) comprising a polyamide; two tie layers (C), directly adhered to the opposite surfaces of the core layer; at least one intermediate layer (B), directly adhered to the opposite surface of a tie layer (C), comprising high density polyethylene; and two outer layers (A) comprising an ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Bellini, Matteo Colaone
  • Patent number: 8734695
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Yago, Nobuharu Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Yoshimoto, Rei Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 8663541
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventors: Iksoo Chun, Mark B. Roller, David Christopher Majercak
  • Patent number: 8562885
    Abstract: Disclosed are multilayer film structures having annular profiles, and methods and apparatus of making the structures disclosed. The annular multilayer articles have a uniform thickness, at least four layers and comprise overlapped and non-overlapped circumferential areas; wherein the layer structure of the non-overlapped area is doubled in the overlapped layer. A method of making the structure includes providing a multilayer flow stream with at least four layers of thermoplastic resinous materials; feeding the multilayer flow stream to a distribution manifold of an annular die to form an annular multilayer flow stream; and removing the annular multilayer flow stream from the annular die to form the annular multilayer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Dooley, Jeffrey M. Robacki, Mark A. Barger, Robert E. Wrisley, Sam L. Crabtree, Calvin L. Pavlicek
  • Publication number: 20130186469
    Abstract: Tubing comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and a middle layer, wherein the inner and outer layers comprise a polyurethane and the middle layer comprises an ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer or an ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer or an anhydride grafted ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, a copolymer of two or more of the acrylate copolymers or a mixture of two or more thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventor: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8491744
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a strand-shaped part, wherein a hollow section (16) of metal is extruded, the extruded metal hollow section (16) cools and/or is cooled, and a plastic strand (28) having one or more layers is extruded into the extruded metal hollow section (16) after or during cooling. The plastic strand (28) passes by a dispensing tool (24), exposed to the heat of the extruded metal hollow section (16) of an extruder (34). The dispensing tool is inserted into the metal hollow section (16) and comprises a dispensing outlet (26), which is disposed inside a region of the metal hollow section (16) in which the dispensing tool is cooled in relation to the temperature thereof during extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Reinhold Freermann, Ralf Winterstein, Franz-Josef Riesselmann
  • Publication number: 20130092590
    Abstract: Co-extruded multilayer packaging films suitable for packaging fluid products, showing a very good balance of mechanical, chemical and, optionally, barrier properties, good sealability, heat resistance and unexpectedly improved optical properties, a process for their manufacturing, pouches and packages obtained from them, are disclosed. These films comprise a core layer (D) comprising a polyamide; two tie layers (C), directly adhered to the opposite surfaces of the core layer; at least one intermediate layer (B), directly adhered to the opposite surface of a tie layer (C), comprising high density polyethylene; and two outer layers (A) comprising an ethylene/alpha olefin copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Laura Bellini, Matteo Colaone
  • Patent number: 8414814
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Biosensors International Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Horng Su, Debashis Dutta
  • Patent number: 8377354
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a film comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic fluoro-polymer and at least one layer of another polymer (A). The inventive method consists in using extrusion blow molding to coextrude a fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) which adhere to one another; with a layer of another thermoplastic polymer (B) such that it forms a layer which is adjacent to the fluoropolymer/polymer (A) layer According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer (B) is incompatible with the fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) and has adequate extrudate behavior to support the layers of fluoro-polymer and/or polymer (A). Once the coextrudate has been cooled, by separating the layer(s) of (B), at least the film is recovered, said film comprising at least one layer of a polymer selected from among thermoplastic fluoro-polymers and polymers (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: David Silagy, Gérard Reignier, Philippe Bussi
  • Patent number: 8137598
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: KEE Action Sports Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Aldo Perrone
  • Patent number: 8105520
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc,
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Miller, Gregory T. Sydney, Kurt Geitz, Peter L. Dayton, Ronald A. Sahatjian
  • Publication number: 20120012222
    Abstract: A fuel hose includes a tube-shaped inner layer made of a resin composition (A) that contains an aromatic polyamide resin as a main component and an organic acid salt having 8 to 28 carbon atoms and an outer layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner layer and made of a resin composition (B) that contains an aliphatic polyamide resin as a main component, wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are bonded to each other through interlayer adhesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Mizutani, Kazutaka Katayama, Daigo Tamura, Kazuhito Kasahara, Yorihiro Takimoto
  • Patent number: 8048352
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, the methods include a method of manufacturing a device including a first layer and a second layer, the method including the steps of selecting a material for the second layer, the material having a viscosity value at a shear rate of about 1 s?1 or less and at a selected temperature; selecting a nanocomposite material for the first layer that has a viscosity within about 20% to about 125% of the viscosity value of the material for the second layer; and co-extruding the first and second layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Devens, Jr., Michele Zoromski
  • Patent number: 8048351
    Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Robert Bentley
  • Patent number: 7972546
    Abstract: Useful composites and methods of using such composites are provided. The composites include an outer layer containing a first polymeric material, an intermediate layer circumscribed by the outer layer and containing a second polymeric material, and an inner layer circumscribed by the intermediate layer and containing a third polymeric material. The inner layer, in combination with the intermediate layer, is structured and effective to reinforce the composite relative to a substantially identical composite without the inner layer. The present composites can be produced using co-extrusion processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tamko Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick E. Hughes, Kevin Fidati, Joe Schiff, Jack Cuttle, George Vuduris
  • Publication number: 20110006453
    Abstract: A polymer fiber is formed by hydrodynamic spinning. Fluids are forced to flow through a conduit to form a laminar flow comprising three or more layers of generally coaxial fluid flows, at respective flow rates selected to define a cross-section of a tubular middle layer of the fluid flows. The middle layer comprises a cross-linkable polymer precursor. Another layer of the fluid flows comprise a cross-linking agent. The polymer precursor, cross-linking agent and fluids are selected to prevent substantial diffusion of the polymer precursor away from the middle layer, and to allow a portion of the cross-linking agent to diffuse from the another layer into the middle layer to facilitate cross-linking of the polymer precursor in the middle layer to form a tubular polymer layer in a polymer fiber. The polymer layer thus has a cross-section generally corresponding to the cross-section of the middle layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Jackie Y. Ying, Min Hu, Rensheng Deng, Karl Schumacher, Motoichi Kurisawa
  • Patent number: 7862872
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer structure based on polyamides and graft copolymers having polyamide blocks, comprising, in this order: a) a first layer (1) formed from a polyamide (A) or else a polyamide (A)/polyolefin (B) blend having a polyamide matrix; b) optionally, a tie layer (2a); c) a layer (2) based on a graft copolymer having polyamide blocks, formed from a polyolefin backbone and from at least one polyamide graft in which: the grafts are attached to the backbone by the residues of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a functional group capable of reacting with a polyamide having an amine end group; the residues of the unsaturated monomer (X) are attached to the backbone by grafting or copolymerization via its double bond; the layers (1), (2a) and (2) being successive and adhering to one another in their respective contact region. One particularly useful application relates to tubes for cooling circuits of internal combustion engines, such as the engines of cars or lorries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Martin Baumert, Sëbastien Micheneau, Thibault Montanari
  • Patent number: 7851024
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a porous membrane including a three-dimensional network structure and a spherical structure is provided. The method includes forming a porous membrane having a spherical structure, applying a resin solution onto at least one surface of the porous membrane having the spherical structure, followed by immersing the membrane in a solidification liquid, thereby forming the three-dimensional network structure on at least one surface of a porous membrane having the spherical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Morikawa, Shin-Ichi Minegishi, Shuji Furuno, Toshiyuki Ishizaki, Masahiro Henmi
  • Patent number: 7674421
    Abstract: A guide catheter shaft is formed from an inner tube structure and a multilayer sheath around the inner tube structure. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate sheath and a shrink tube layer. The intermediate sheath is disposed around the inner tube and realized from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material. The shrink tube layer is disposed around the intermediate sheath and realized from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material) having a shrink temperature range greater than a melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material. The resulting structure is heated at a temperature within the shrink temperature range such that the outer shrink tube layer shrinks and the intermediate layer melts to thereby bond the multilayer sheath to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Engineering Resources Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Daniel Ross
  • Patent number: 7670540
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Keun-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20090286028
    Abstract: The invention describes a flexible tubular article for transport of volatile hydrocarbons comprising: (a) an inner layer of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); (b) an intermediate ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or EVOH/TPU blend or an EVOH/ethylene-acrylate blend layer extruded in tubular form over the inner TPU layer, and (c) a TPU extruded in tubular form over the outside surface of the intermediate layer and being coextensive therewith. Optionally, a fourth outer layer is included and covers layer (c). The tubular articles of the invention have a maximum permeation rating of 15 g/m2/day under SAE J1737 test conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne Edward Garver, Mark Fisher Colton
  • Patent number: 7618570
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Kajikawa
  • Publication number: 20090274857
    Abstract: The invention describes a flexible tubular article for transport of volatile hydrocarbons comprising: (a) an inner layer of a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer or a polyvinylidene difluoride copolymer; (b) an intermediate thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer extruded in tubular form over the inner PVDF layer, and (c) a polyvinyl chloride polymer extruded in tubular form over the outside surface of the intermediate layer and being coextensive therewith. The tubular articles of the invention have a maximum permeation rating of 15 g/m2/day under SAE J1737 test conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne Edward Garver, Mark Fisher Colton
  • Publication number: 20090272454
    Abstract: The invention describes a flexible tubular article for transport of volatile hydrocarbons comprising: (a) an inner layer of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); (b) an intermediate polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer or PVDF copolymer layer extruded in tubular form over the inner TPU layer, and (c) a TPU extruded in tubular form over the outside surface of the intermediate layer and being coextensive therewith. Optionally, a fourth outer layer is included and covers layer (c). The tubular articles of the invention have a maximum permeation rating of 15 g/m2/day under SAE J1737 test conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne Edward Garver, Mark Fisher Colton
  • Publication number: 20090267259
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Devens, JR., Michele Zoromski
  • Publication number: 20090166913
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catheter shaft includes the steps of forming an inner layer of a first polymeric material, forming a plait matrix layer including a second polymeric material about the inner layer, and forming an outer layer of a third polymeric material about the plait matrix layer. The plait matrix layer includes a braided wire mesh partially or fully embedded within the second polymeric material, which is different from at least one of the first polymeric material forming the inner layer and the third polymeric material forming the outer layer. The second polymeric material has a higher yield strain and/or a lower hardness than at least the first polymeric material, and preferably both the first and the third polymeric materials. The first polymeric material and the third polymeric material may be different or the same. The catheter shaft may be formed by stepwise extrusion, co-extrusion, and/or reflow processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Xiaoping Guo, Richard E. Stehr
  • Publication number: 20090123683
    Abstract: A flexible hose having a non-fluorinated rubber inner tube, a non-fluorinated rubber outer cover, an intermediate barrier layer consisting essentially of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) having an ethylene content less than 30 mole %, and preferably a textile reinforcement between said barrier layer and said outer cover. A non-fluorinated rubber tie layer may be included between the barrier and the reinforcement. Permeability to ethanol- and methanol-containing fuels is very low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Lance D. Miller, Dana S. Stripe, Hal Tucker
  • Publication number: 20090065968
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Spring Seal Inc.
    Inventor: MarK Knapp
  • Publication number: 20090026282
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer tube comprising (from the inside to the outside of the tube): an optional layer (C1) consisting of at least one fluorinated polymer; a layer (C2) consisting of at least one radiation-grafted fluorinated polymer which is optionally mixed with at least one fluorinated polymer; an optional layer (C3) of adhesive binder; a layer (C4) consisting of at least one polyolefin or a mixture of at least one polyolefin with at least one functionalised polyolefin; a barrier layer (C5) consisting of a metal shield or comprising EVOH or a mixture based on EVOH, a PVDF or a PGA; and an optional layer (C6) consisting of at least one polyolefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: ARKEMA FRANCE
    Inventors: Anthony Bonnet, Michael Werth
  • Publication number: 20080286512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered laminate for tubes having an embedded aluminum layer, the aluminum layer being surrounded on each side by an oriented co-extruded protective layer which is in each case joined to the aluminum layer by means of an intermediate layer material. The invention relates also to the production of such a laminate and to a tube produced from such a laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Arno Holzmuller, Detlev Schulz
  • Publication number: 20080179780
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Michael E. Broadus, Richard M. Dayrit, Bryan E. Freeman, Frank M. Hofmeister, Brian P. Rivers, Roger D. Vrooman, Christopher K. Robinson, George D. Bolden, Robert W. Campbell, Nathanael R. Miranda
  • Publication number: 20080156389
    Abstract: A fuel hose for a resin fuel tank has a triple layer structure including a barrier layer made of an alloy material consisting primarily of EVOH and modified HDPE, and a pair of welding layers made of HDPE and formed on an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the barrier layer, respectively. An opening portion of the fuel hose at one end is configured in the form of an increased diameter portion and also in the form of a thick-walled portion. The increased diameter portion (or the thick-walled portion) is formed by reducing the speed of movement of dies when a hose base body is extruded into an increased diameter portion of a die surface of the dies during extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazutaka KATAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20080107845
    Abstract: A packaging laminate for a packaging container for a food product, which packaging laminate comprises an outer polypropylene based heat sealable layer, a paper or paperboard based bulk layer, an aluminium gas barrier layer, and an inside comprising an inner polypropylene based heat sealable layer. The inner polypropylene based heat sealable layer is bonded to the aluminium gas barrier layer by intermediate layers of linear low density polyethylene and ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymer or other acid polymer, the ethylene (meth)acrylic acid copolymer or other acid polymer being directly bonded to the aluminium gas barrier layer. The invention also relates to a film intended to form the inside of the packaging laminate, a method in connection with the production of the packaging laminate, and a packaging container formed from the packaging laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA
    Inventors: Kerstin Petersen, Hakan Olsson, Andre Chiquet, Monika Zuppiger
  • Publication number: 20080035228
    Abstract: A hose for use in bio-pharmaceutical applications includes an innermost tubular layer made from a fluoropolymer material. The tubular layer has an inner, relatively smooth and pure surface that defines an opening for transfer of various media. A layer of silicone is disposed next to an outer surface of the innermost tubular layer through use of, for example, an extrusion method. The outer surface of the tubular layer may first be modified by various treatments or chemicals to facilitate the adhesion of the silicone layer thereto. The silicone material may be solid or foamed. A reinforcement layer may be disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the silicone layer. The reinforcement layer may be formed of a wire braid having gaps. An outer jacket of silicone may be attached to the reinforcement layer and to the inner silicone layer through the gaps in the reinforcement layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Bentley