Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for making a variable textured breast implant when used in conjunction with a breast implant mandrel having a molding surface and a stem depending therefrom.

Abstract: A method of making garment material, the method having the steps: applying coagulant (34) to a substrate (32); applying a foam (38) of the polymeric material to the substrate (32); allowing the coagulant (34) to coagulate some of the foam (38); and removing uncoagulated foam (38) from the substrate (32) to leave a layer of coagulated polymeric material on the substrate (32).

Abstract: An automated mandrel dip coating process assembly for RTV silicone dispersions is described, including an enclosure adapted to hold a moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium for mandrel dip molding and at least one mandrel having a surface for contacting the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium. An automated motive drive assembly is arranged to removably translate one or more of the mandrel(s) into contact with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure, and to subsequently translate at least one mandrel contacted with the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium into at least one of (A) contact with a bubble crusher in the enclosure, and (B) disengagement from the moisture-cure ambient temperature curable medium in the enclosure and rotation of the mandrel at a vertical displacement angle of from 70° to 110°.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making articles of semiconducting material and semiconducting material articles formed thereby, such as articles of semiconducting material that may be useful in making photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A low-density ceramic proppant is formed from a light aggregate of a natural mineral and a ceramic binding material in the form of a proppant granule. The light aggregate expands in volume when burnt so that the density of the aggregate is changed. A method of preparing a proppant material is carried out by pre-crushing and pre-mixing of raw components. This is followed by their granulation into proppant granules, drying and screening of the granules to a selected size. The raw components include at least a ceramic binding material and a light aggregate of a natural mineral that, when burnt, expands in volume so that the specific volume of the aggregate is changed. The burning of the light aggregate may be accomplished before or after the aggregate is mixed with the binding material.

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

Abstract: A polylactide hydrosol polymer formulations suitable for thin film articles and methods of making the thin film articles are provided. The formulations and methods can be use to make articles such as gloves, condoms, catheters and the like using dip forming, and various casting processes.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses for making carbon nanotube (CNT) papers are provided. In one embodiment, a method for making a CNT paper may include disposing a structure having an edge portion including a relatively sharp edge into a CNT colloidal solution and withdrawing the structure from the CNT colloidal solution.

Abstract: A filter element, and filter apparatus, include a filter pack, a seal member, and a seal support frame operatively connecting the seal member to the filter pack. The seal support frame includes an annular extension, which is preferably canted at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis, for supporting the seal member. The seal support frame also preferably includes a first end thereof including the annular extension, and a second end thereof spaced from the first end thereof along the longitudinal axis, with the first and second ends of the seal support frame joined by a hub of the outer peripheral sidewall of the seal support frame to define a cavity within the seal support frame for receiving the filter pack. The first and second ends of the seal support frame, and the filter pack are preferably joined and sealed to one another by a single bead of adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mold assembly system include a mold defining at least one trench along a surface of the mold and two or more hook fastener elements disposed on the surface of the trench in an end-to-end relationship. Each hook fastener elements includes: (1) an elongated base, (2) a plurality of hooks extending upwardly from an upper surface of the base, and (3) a magnetic material disposed within the base. The hook fastener elements are unattached to each other and are separately disposed within the trench, and the magnetic portion of the trench is configured to attract the hook fastener elements toward the magnetic portion and hold the hook fastener elements adjacent thereto in an end-to-end relationship substantially along the length of the trench. In one embodiment, the hook fastener elements are substantially the same length and are usable in straight trenches, curved trenches, or trenches having various lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cellular or foamed, cast concrete bodies that are reinforced with metallic reinforcements, and to a reinforcement support frame for use in the production of cellular or foamed, cast concrete bodies that are reinforced with metallic reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A porous carbon membrane has as a loaded component water, alcohol, ether, or ketone loaded on a surface or in a pore, or on the surface and in the pore thereof. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably having a molecular weight of 100 or less. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably being linear alcohol or linear ether. The carbon membrane has the loaded component preferably being at least one selected from methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol. There is provided a carbon membrane having high separation performance and little change in the separation performance with the passage of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for making a seamless tube from a liquid. A mandrel may be provided having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a length. A liquid material may be applied to the outer surface of the mandrel by one or more doctor blades, spaced apart from the mandrel outer surface and inclined at an angle ? with respect to the mandrel longitudinal axis, which may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel while rotating the mandrel around its longitudinal axis. One or a plurality of fingers may overly the mandrel and be positioned upstream of the one or more of blades, relative to the direction of movement of the blades along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The liquid material may then be converted to form a seamless tube.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite material is disclosed, and the method includes providing a sheet object, submerging the sheet object in a thermosetting resin to form a compound, rolling up the compound to a hollow formation, stuffing a substance into the hollow compound, and heating up and solidifying.

Abstract: A membrane is produced by dissolving one or more polymers, at least one of which is a block copolymer, in a liquid which includes a solvent, to produce a casting solution. The casting solution is formed into film, and the film is immersed into a precipitation bath which contains at least one non-solvent for the block copolymer so that the film forms a membrane. The membrane is used for filtering a fluid that contains colloidal particles or proteins, and/or for ultrafiltration or nanofiltration, by flowing the fluid through the membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a formula and process for making elastomeric rubber thin film articles. In particular, the formula and process is a system which produces non-Hevea or Guayule natural rubber latex (GNRL) thin film articles which have a thickness of 30-80 microns (0.03-0.08 mm), and preferably less than 40 microns (0.04 mm). These thin film articles exhibit physical strength properties similar to that of Hevea brazilensis natural rubber latex (NRL). More specifically, the disclosed thin rubber thin film articles exhibit unaged tensile strength of at least 24 MPa (about 3500 psi) and aged tensile strength of at least 19 MPa (about 2800 psi).

Abstract: A drug delivery device for placement in the eye includes a drug core comprising a pharmaceutically active agent, and a holder that holds the drug core. The holder is made of a material impermeable to passage of the active agent and includes an opening for passage of the pharmaceutically agent therethrough to eye tissue. The device includes a layer of material permeable to passage of the active agent. In assembling the device, a pin or weight, having a shape similar to the drug core, is used during curing of the permeable material.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing lenticular lens sheets having improved optical characteristics. The method includes the steps of providing a platen having a series of grooves formed therein so as to define a series of parallel ridges, positioning a sheet of formable material next to the platen, heating the sheet to render it formable, and applying a pressure differential to the sheet that forces the sheet into contact with the ridges on the platen. This process produces a lenticular lens sheet having a plurality of parallel lenticules. Each lenticule has a catenary surface having a non-uniform radius of curvature that is greatest at the center of the lenticule and smallest at its outer edges.

Abstract: An electrical circuit board fluoropolymer substrate and method of manufacture thereof, comprising a fluoropolymer matrix that includes a mixture of a granular first fluoropolymer resin and a dispersion second fluoropolymer resin. Preferably, the first and second fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This mixture is suitable for forming unfilled or filled casting compositions to form thick films, or for dip-coating glass webs.

Abstract: Methods for making microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes from vinylidene fluoride polymers and the products produced. The PVDF microporous membranes have a significantly faster flow rate at a given pore size as compared to equally-sized microporous membranes made by conventional procedures. The PVDF microporous membranes also have significantly smaller pore sizes than conventional microporous PVDF membranes. The present membranes have unique macrostructural features responsible, in part, for their unique functional properties. The process includes dissolving the polymer in a liquid that includes a solvent and a co-solvent for the polymer. The dissolution of the polymer can be at temperatures ranging from about 20.degree.C. to about 50.degree.C. while the formation of the microporous membrane can be at temperatures ranging from about -10.degree.C. to 50.degree.C.

Abstract: A sponge cloth of decrystallized cellulose modified by the acetyl group content, where the average degree of substitution is 0.2 to 1.5. The cloth does not contain any organic or inorganic sulfur compounds. The sponge cloth is produced by treating wood pulp with sodium hydroxide solution, then treating it with acetylating substances, drying and dissolving in an organic solvent with the addition of a pore-forming salt, fibers and optionally pigment dyes and foaming agents, spreading the mixture on a web and boiling in water with subsequent drying to form a finished cloth.

Abstract: Certain polyester-based polyurethaneureas in solutions of organic solvent at a 12 to 20% concentration are particularly suited for use in a mandrel-dipping process for producing thin-walled elastic articles, such as surgical gloves, which are more resistant to puncture and tear than conventional surgical gloves made from rubber latex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water based binder for use in a slurry for investment casting. The binder includes a mixture of a colloidal silica sol and at least one latex polymer. The latex polymer is preferably an acrylic latex or a styrene butadiene polymer (or a combination of these) which reduces the processing time between dips during shell mold making for investment casting. The latex polymer further lowers a critical concentration point or gelation point of the colloidal silica sol. The binder may be used as a primary binder or a backup binder in the shell mold making process. To make the slurry, the binder is combined with at least one refractory powder, preferably a refractory powder selected from the group of: aluminosilicates, fused silica, quartz silica, alumina, zircon, and zirconia.

Abstract: A flexible open-cell polyurethane is described that is the reaction product of a mixture comprising(a) a polyisocyanate component comprising monomeric or polymeric MDI, and(b) a polyol component having at least 50% of its 0H functional groups as secondary OH groups.

Abstract: Certain polyether-based or polyester-based polyurethaneureas in solutions of organic solvent at a 12 to 20% concentration are particularly suited for use in a mandrel-dipping process for producing thin-walled elastic articles, such as surgical gloves, which are more resistant to puncture and tear than conventional surgical gloves made from rubber latex.

Abstract: A method of forming a lipid planar membrane of a bilayer membrane composed of lipid and protein comprises the step of immersing a substrate, which has a long-chain hydrocarbon group at least on the surface of one side thereof, in a suspension of liposome or proteoliposome, respectively. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is introduced into the substrate by bonding a long-chain alkylsilane coupling agent or a long-chain alkyltitanate coupling agent.

Abstract: A ultra-thin dense skin gas-controlling membrane that is impermeable to liquids, bacteria, and viruses, yet is permeable to small molecular weight gases, such as O.sub.2, CO.sub.2, NH.sub.3, N.sub.2, and water vapor, and a method for making the membrane. The membrane possesses specific gas transfer characteristic making it suitable for use in the culturing of biological materials. The membrane is incorporated into cell culture apparatus, such as roller bottle caps, for the benefit of optimally maintaining O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 levels in the tissue culture container during all phases of cell growth. The membrane also acts as an absolute barrier to microbial contamination of the culture media within the culture container.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparation of a fluoro-polymeric film on a carrier, covering:(a) preparing an aqueous dispersion of polymeric material;(b) dipping a fluoropolymer pre-treated carrier belt through the dispersion so that a coating of the dispersion is formed on the carrier belt;(c) passing the coated carrier belt through a metering zone to remove excess dispersion;(d) drying the metered coated carrier to remove the water from the dispersion; and(e) heating the dried coated carrier to a temperature sufficient to consolidate the dispersion. The carrier belt is formed from a material of low thermal mass having chemical and dimensional stability at the consolidation temperature of the dispersion and a work of adhesion between the carrier belt and the dispersion that does not exceed the yield strength of the consolidated fluoropolymeric film.

Abstract: Natural rubber latex compounds are modified by the addition of a high styrene content styrene-butadiene copolymer. The films prepared from these modified NR latex compositions exhibit improved tear strength and a good balance of other properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparation of a fluoropolymeric film on a carrier, comprising:(a) preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising a fluoropolymer;(b) dipping a carrier belt through the dispersion such that a coating of the dispersion is formed on the carrier belt;(c) passing the coated carrier belt through a metering zone to remove excess dispersion;(d) drying the metered coated carrier to remove the water from the dispersion; and(e) heating the dried coated carrier to a temperature sufficient to consolidate the dispersion, wherein the carrier belt is formed from a material of low thermal mass having chemical and dimensional stability at the consolidation temperature of the dispersion and a work of adhesion between the carrier belt and the dispersion that does not exceed the yield strength of the consolidated fluoropolymeric film.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a tear-off section of a sealing cap with a pulling member including positioning means for orienting the sealing cap relative to the mould parts with the attachment part enclosed within the mould cavity and a chamber to receive a quantity of plastic material and communicating with the mould cavity via passages so that when the mould parts close the plastic will flow from the chamber into the mould cavity and envelop the attachment part.

Abstract: This invention concerns non-porous, polymeric articles having active properties, and methods for producing such articles. Plastic, rubber, or other natural and synthetic polymeric articles are provided with active chemical and/or physical properties, such as, antibacterial, antifungal, pesticidal, insecticidal, animal repellent, odorous, antistatic, electrically conductive or other properties or combinations of properties, by applying to a surface of the article selected activating agents which are capable of migrating or moving throughout the body of the article to impart an effective level of activity throughout the article and/or on a surface other than the one to which the activating agents have been applied.

Abstract: Membrane forming polymers are converted to hydrophilic polymeric membranes by (a) grafting a polyoxyethylene chain to a membrane forming polymer structure and thereafter forming a membrane; (b) coating a membrane with a polymer to which a polyoxyethylene chain has been grafted; or (c) grafting in situ a polyoxyethylene chain to a formed membrane polymer.

Abstract: A cannula/catheter is provided which is suitable for long term or semi-permanent through-the-skin function while permitting tissue ingrowth which promotes healing and seals out sources of infection. The catheter is provided with a sheath formed of an elastomeric coating which is glow discharge treated, folded back on itself to form a cuff and surgically implanted and anchored in place. The cuff portion of the sheath is advanced outwardly by the growth of skin adherent to its periphery while the catheter is maintained in its original position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement of a manufacturing process for making a filament directly from a molten material. The process consists of the ejection of a liquid filament which solidifies in air by making a rotating disc touch the surface of a liquid. The improvement consists in the stabilization of the meniscus which appears upon the wheel near the surface of the liquid and thereby fixing the point where the filament leaves the wheel in order to obtain a constant cross section of the filament. The meniscus is stabilized by the interposition of a body: a rod or a convex piece of a material which does not react with the melt.

Abstract: Capsule body, in particular for use with a joined capsule for a pharmaceutical preparation, and method of and apparatus for producing it.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of abrasive material in which (1) an abrasive mix is brought to fusion as in an electric arc furnace, (2) a relatively cold substrate is dipped into the molten material whereby a layer of solid abrasive material is quickly frozen (or plated) on the substrate, (3) the plated substrate is withdrawn from the molten material and (4) the solidified abrasive material is broken away from the substrate and collected for further processing to produce abrasive grain.