Abstract: A method of forming a part with a feature having a die-locked geometry is disclosed herein. A molding tool used in the method includes at least one die having a cavity defined in a surface thereof, and a protrusion formed in the cavity. The method includes disposing a shape memory polymer insert on the protrusion, where the shape memory polymer insert has i) the die-locked geometry as its temporary shape, and ii) a geometry that is removable from the die-locked geometry as its permanent shape. A material is established in the cavity such that at least a portion of the material conforms to the die-locked geometry, thereby forming the part having the feature with the at least one die-locked geometry.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.

Abstract: Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body.

Abstract: Certain polymer materials, including perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers, have been found to be capable of being deformed from an initial permanent shape into three or more temporary shapes. An article thus formed from such a polymer material may be used initially in a final temporary shape. As the article is progressively heated, the polymer composition reverts successively from its final temporary shape through its intermediate temporary shapes. If a suitable temperature is reached, the original permanent shape is recovered. The article may be devised to serve successive functions in each of its several shapes.

Abstract: A product, and a method for forming a product, that includes a composite material having a polymeric carrier resin and a shape memory polymer material capable of transformation between a temporary shape and a permanent shape in the presence of an external stimuli, wherein said transformation from said temporary shape to said permanent shape changes at least one property of said composite material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns shape memory materials comprising polyelectrolyte segments. These segments can be used for fixing a permanent shape and/or such segments can also be employed as switching segments responsible for the fixation and release of the temporary shape.

Abstract: A method for forming a clay slab includes providing a frame, a first panel supported on the frame in a vertical orientation and a second panel supported on the frame in a vertical orientation, with the first panel and the second panel defining a gap therebetween. The method further includes positioning a block of clay adjacent the gap defined by the first panel and the second panel, moving at least one of the first panel and the second panel from an initial position to an intermediate position to draw the block of clay between the first panel and the second panel and thereby form the clay slab, and moving at least one of the first panel and the second panel from the intermediate position back to the initial position to withdraw the clay slab from between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security label for identifying products comprising a layer comprising a shape memory polymer, wherein a surface profile comprising information for identifying the product is embossed in the layer and wherein the layer has a smooth surface in a first state and the layer has the embossed surface profile in a second state, wherein the security label is adapted such that the layer can be changed from the first or second state to the second or first state upon reading out the security label and to a connection means for connecting the layer to the product.

Abstract: A method for preparing an asymmetric porous material by depositing a porous material film on a flexible substrate, and applying an anisotropic stress to the porous media on the flexible substrate, where the anisotropic stress results from a stress such as an applied mechanical force, a thermal gradient, and an applied voltage, to form an asymmetric porous material.

Abstract: Curling of a laminated film is efficiently corrected. The water vapor is brought into contact with the base layer on the outside of the laminated film in a curled state during the first phase transition process. The glass transition temperature of the base layer is lowered. In the base layer, phase transition from the glass state to the rubber state occurs. Supply of the water vapor to the base layer is stopped in the second phase transition process. In the base layer, phase transition from the rubber state to the glass state occurs. The phase transition creates curling that can correct the original curl. The original curl can be corrected by continuously carrying out the first phase transition process and the second phase transition process. The cooling process for cooling the hard coating layer is carried out while the first phase transition process is carried out.

Abstract: A method is provided for a ablating dilation beads on a balloon with a laser. The laser removes integral dilation beads from the neck regions and/or the tapered regions of a blow molded balloon. Part of the neck portions of the dilation beads may remain on the body of the balloon after the dilation beads have been removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a SMP apparatus from within a cured composite part. The method may comprise the steps of triggering the SMP apparatus from a rigid state to a malleable state, inducing a pressure differential that drives the SMP apparatus, in the malleable state, away from the cured composite part and toward an inner mandrel tool, and removing the inner mandrel tool with the SMP apparatus resting thereon out of the cured composite part. The inner mandrel tool may comprise an outer surface having varying contours such that a surface area of the outer surface is great enough to prevent the SMP apparatus from folding over onto itself or creasing when driven toward the inner mandrel tool. A maximum straight line distance between points on the outer surface may be small enough to allow the inner mandrel tool clearance for removal from the cured composite part.

Abstract: Extruded, stretched, sintered tubular PTFE materials are produced which are suited for use in the medical field as liners and covers for expandable stents. The PTFE materials have an unusually low REC (Radial Expansion Coefficient) and RER (Radial Expansion Ratio).

Abstract: Surgical implants include a surgical mesh which includes at least one shape memory polymer capable of transitioning the surgical mesh between a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A method of reducing if not eliminating the possibility of tearing or ripping of a mesh screen of a filter during the manufacturing process includes the step of intentionally deforming the mesh screen. With this technique, as the plastic material that forms the frame of the filter begins to expand or change shape, as a result of the heating and squeezing steps involved with the molding process, the deformed mesh screen will be able to accommodate the relative changes in shape without tearing or ripping of the mesh screen. With the invention, numerous shapes and configurations of tools may be used to provide the intentional deformation of the mesh screen during the manufacturing process as well as to provide for control over the amount and degree of mesh screen deformation. Also, the resulting filter will have a mesh screen that has improved retention capabilities which will enhance the performance of the filter.

Abstract: One method of forming a part includes deforming a shape memory polymer from a permanent shape into a temporary shape, where the permanent shape of the shape memory polymer is a predetermined part shape and the temporary shape is a shape larger than the predetermined part shape. The shape memory polymer in each of the permanent shape and the temporary shape defines a cavity therein. The method further includes introducing a molding material into the cavity of the shape memory polymer, and reverting the shape memory polymer back into its permanent shape. Other methods for forming the part are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A polymer is formed into the shape of a one-piece composite part and then solidified by curing, setting, hardening or otherwise solidifying the polymer to form a shaped polymer form having a shape that does not draw. Composite material is laid up on the form and solidified to from the composite part. The rigidity required of the form to lay up the composite part can he provided by operating in the polymer form's glassy state, forming the shaped polymer form with a hollow core and placing a rigid insert designed to draw inside the hollow core with the polymer form in its elastomeric state or through a combination of both. In its elastomeric state the form becomes pliable (without relaxing to a different memorized shape) and can he drawn out of the one-piece composite part. Because the shape of the form does not draw, the form deforms as it is drawn. If used, the rigid insert is drawn out prior to removing the shaped polymer form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing oriented slit film tapes, comprising the following steps: extruding melt polymer through a die (2); simultaneous quenching and melt-drawing of the molten polymer in the cooling device to form a film sheet (3); slitting the initial film sheet into a plurality of relatively narrow slit film tapes (4); stretching (8) at elevated temperature, by passing the slit film tapes through a heating medium (7) at a temperature just below the softening temperature of the slit film tapes; y annealing and cooling the oriented slit film tapes (10, 11); winding the slit film tapes (13); characterized in that before the stretching step, it has a stage of pre-stretching (108) made by passing the slit film tapes through one set of heated holding rollers (107) turning at a given speed and one set of cooled pre-stretch rollers (109) turning faster than the heated holding rollers, wherein at least one of the rollers of the set of holding rollers is heated and at least one of the roller

Abstract: A composite textile fabric that includes a first (face) fabric layer, and a second (back) fabric layer that is formed concurrently with the first fabric layer in a plaited construction. The second fabric includes a plurality of anchored regions at which the second fabric layer is anchored to, and in intimate contact with, the first fabric layer. The second fabric layer also includes a plurality of floating regions, overlying and unattached to the first fabric layer, interspersed between the anchored regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydrolyzing polyphosphoric acid in shaped articles.

Abstract: Joint assemblies for joining sheaths for use in medical devices are provided, as are methods of manufacturing the joint assemblies. An elongate first sheath has a distal end portion having melt bonding material. A second sheath has first and second end portions, the second end portion having melt bonding material. An outer sleeve body includes proximal and distal engaging portions that have melt bonding materials. The proximal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the first sheath distal end portion. The distal engaging portion is disposed about and melt bonded to the second sheath proximal end portion. In one embodiment, one or both sheaths have an inner layer, a coiled middle layer optionally stopping short of the joint assembly, and an outer layer that has said melt bonding materials. In one embodiment, the sheaths are used in a rapid insertion catheter delivery system.

Abstract: A reversible, heat-set covered fiber is described, the covered fiber comprising: A. A core comprising an elastic fiber comprising a substantially crosslinked, temperature-stable, olefin polymer, and B. A cover comprising an inelastic fiber. The fiber is heat-set by a method comprising: (a) Stretching the covered fiber by applying a stretching force to the covered fiber; (b) Heating the stretched covered fiber of (a) to a temperature in excess of the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to at least partially melt the olefin polymer; (c) Cooling the stretched and heated covered fiber of (b) to a temperature below the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to solidify the polymer; and (d) Removing the stretching force from the covered fiber.

Abstract: Biomimetic stimuli-responsive surfaces and articles of manufacture, together with methods of fabrication and related methods of use.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for actuating variable stiffness material (VSM) structures and achieving deformation of the structures. The apparatus and the associated methods use internal embedded actuation elements and/or externally attached elements to the VSM structures to achieve the desired deformation. In particular, the actuation can be changed due to the variable stiffness nature of the materials. That is, the invention provides the ability to control the deformation of structures using local stiffness control over subregions of the component in addition to or in substitution for actuation. Furthermore, the invention exploits the variable stiffness properties of the VSM structures to enable new functionalities impossible to realize with conventional constant stiffness materials.

Abstract: An end plug (1) for insertion into an end of a paper roll includes an inner (2) and an outer piece (3), the pieces being rotatably attached to each other and prevented from axial movement in relation to each other by at least one protrusion (6) of one of the pieces running in an annular groove (7) in the other of the pieces. A method of manufacturing such an end plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment method, especially for the adjustment of optical or fiber optical components, whereby a partial region of an actuator is locally heated in such a defined manner that compressive stresses are created therein as a result of the restricted thermal expansion of said heated partial region, caused by at least one other partial region of the actuator. If the yielding point ? of the material of the partial region is exceeded, said compressive stresses lead to the plastic compression of the heated partial region. Furthermore, said heated partial region is contracted during cooling and leads to a defined modification of the geometry of the actuator following the cooling process. Tensile stresses are created as a result of a restriction of said contraction by means of at least one other partial region in the previously heated partial region, and compressive stresses are frozen in the at least one other region.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer composition is described comprising an alkyne component and a thiol component.

Abstract: Methods and systems for relaxing stresses in polymeric articles by application of laser energy are disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation crosslinked (50 kGy), pressure-treated UHMWPE material has been developed by applying compressive force on a crosslinked polymer in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction. The deformed material is then cooled while held in a deformed state. The resulting material is anisotropic, with enhanced strength oriented along the axial direction. The directionally engineered material is oxidatively stable even after four weeks of accelerated aging in a pressure vessel containing five atmospheres of oxygen (ASTM F2003). Because of its oxidative stability, the deformation processed material is a suitable candidate for air-permeable packaging and gas sterilization, which has thus far been reserved for remelted highly crosslinked UHMWPEs.

Abstract: In a mold, at least a first half includes an insert member forming a cavity surface on one end side; a body member having an insertion part into which the insert member is inserted; and an insert member fixer interposed between the insert member and the insertion part, for holding the insert member. The insert member fixer is made of a shape memory alloy, and presses and holds the insert member when the insert member fixer restores its memorized shape, to make a center axis alignment of the insert member with respect to the body member.

Abstract: A method of making a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film includes continuously heat treating of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film 2 while the latter is jointed to a sheet-like support member 4, and subsequently separating the heat-treated thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film 2 from the support member 4. The continuous heat treatment of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film 2 then jointed to the support member 4 is carried out for a predetermined heating time within the range of 5 to 60 seconds at a predetermined heating temperature T° C. equal to or higher than the melting point Tm° C. of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film less 15° C. (i.e., Tm?15° C.), but lower than the melting point Tm° C. (thus, Tm?15° C.?T° C.<Tm° C.), to thereby increase the thermal expansion coefficient of the thermotropic liquid crystal polymer film.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a stabilized product from a pledget, including the steps of providing a pledget, a transfer member having an expandable portion, and a stabilization mold having an interior surface defining an interior cavity. The pledget is pushed into the mold by the transfer member so that the expandable portion is within the interior cavity of the mold. The pledget is compressed in the mold by the transfer member to form a compressed pledget. The expandable portion of the transfer member is expanded to form a seal with the interior surface of said mold. The compressed pledget is stabilized to form a stabilized product, while the compressed pledget is maintained in compression and the expandable portion of the transfer member remains expanded.

Abstract: A process for creating a stop surface on a plunger rod of a syringe is disclosed. The process includes the step of providing a preformed or molded plunger rod, and the step of forming a radially-extending deformation on the molded plunger rod. The presently disclosed in-line process allows for the use of a single molding rod to form plunger rods having one or more selectively located stop positions.

Abstract: A microporous polyolefin film which comprises 5 to 95 wt. % polyethylene (A) having a viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) of 2,000,000 or higher, a first-melting-peak signal height as determined by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) of 3.0 mW/mg or higher, a specific surface area of 0.7 m2/g or larger, and an average particle diameter of 1 to 150 ?m and 95 to 5 wt. % polyethylene (B) having an Mw of 10,000 to 200,000, excluding 10,000 and 200,000, wherein the ratio of the Mv of the compound (A) to that of the compound (B), (A)/(B), is 10 or higher, the film as a whole has a molecular weight of 300,000 to 1,500,000, and the film has a fuse temperature of 120 to 140° C., a breaking temperature of 150° C. or higher, and a ratio of the piercing strength at 25° C. to the piercing strength at 140° C. of from 0.01 to 0.25.

Abstract: A method of producing a transparent thermoplastic film comprising transversely stretching a film by 1 to 200%, in which the ratio (L2L1) of a length (L2) of a transverse stretching zone to a length (L1) of a preheating zone is within the range of 0.5 to 30.

Abstract: The present invention concerns shape memory polymers and shape memory polymer composition sensitive towards two different external stimuli.

Abstract: A molding method includes inserting a preform having a predetermined part shape into an external mold having the predetermined part shape. The preform has therein a perforated shape memory polymer mandrel in its temporary shape, and a bladder positioned within the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The shape memory polymer mandrel has i) the predetermined part shape as the temporary shape and ii) a shrunken shape as its permanent shape, wherein the shrunken shape is configured such that it is removable from the predetermined part shape. The method further includes configuring the bladder such that it substantially blocks perforations of the mandrel in its temporary shape, injecting resin into the external mold between an inner surface of the external mold and an outer surface of the preform such that the resin impregnates the preform, and curing the injected resin, thereby forming a molded part.

Abstract: A shape-changing structural member has a shape-changing material, such as a suitable foam material, for example a polymer foam capable of withstanding at least 300% strain or a metal alloy foam capable of withstanding at least 5% strain. Springs, such as one or more coil springs, provide structural support for the shape-changing material. The springs may also be used to provide forces to expand and contract the shape change material. The springs may include pairs of concentric springs, one inside of another. The concentric springs may surround an underlying skeleton structure that supports the shape-changing material and/or aids in changing the shape of the material. The concentric springs may or may not be wrapped around the underlying skeleton structure. Multiple springs or pairs of springs may be coupled together using a sheet metal connector.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a variable stiffness structure is provided having constant stiffness material layers and variable modulus material layers arranged in alternating layers. The variable modulus material layers have a material with a changeable elastic modulus in response to an applied energy field so as to allow reversible coupling and decoupling of stress transfer between successive layers of the constant stiffness material layers to provide a change in a bending stiffness of the variable stiffness structure. The constant stiffness material layers may include segmented portions. The constant stiffness material layers may have segmented portions arranged such that successive layers of the plurality of constant stiffness material layers have overlapping segmented portions. The variable modulus material layers may have shaped structures, for example, corrugation, pillars, striations, tubular, or honeycomb configurations.

Abstract: The invention concerns the manufacture of a part comprising a foam layer borne by a support. The invention concerns a manufacturing method including providing a foam layer (18) on a surface of a mold part (10), while the mold is open, closing the mold so that it defines a cavity between the foam layer (18) and another mold part (14), and injecting into the cavity a non-cellular plastic material designed to form the support (20). The method includes, after injecting the plastic material of the support (20), a step of gradually spacing apart at a predetermined speed the two parts of the mold (10, 14), in a direction having a component in the direction of the thickness of the foam layer (18). The invention is applicable to motor vehicle interior trims.

Abstract: A shrink film comprising a polyethylene film of thickness 5 to 500 ?m, wherein the polyethylene comprises an ethylene homopolymer-copolymer mixture having a molecular weight distribution in the range of 5 to 40, and a weight average molecular weight of at least 100 kD.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a medicine to a patient via the patient's respiratory system with control and efficiency. A nebulization catheter is positioned in the patient's respiratory system so that a distal end of the nebulization catheter is in the respiratory system and a proximal end is outside the body. In a first aspect, the nebulization catheter may be used in conjunction with an endotracheal tube and preferably is removable from the endotracheal tube. The nebulization catheter conveys medicine in liquid form to the distal end at which location the medicine is nebulized by a pressurized gas or other nebulizing mechanism. The nebulized medicine is conveyed to the patient's lungs by the patient's respiration which may be assisted by a ventilator. By producing the aerosol of the liquid medicine at a location inside the patient's respiratory system, the nebulizing catheter provides for increased efficiency and control of the dosage of medicine being delivered.

Abstract: A method of reducing if not eliminating the possibility of tearing or ripping of a mesh screen of a filter during the manufacturing process includes the step of intentionally deforming the mesh screen. With this technique, as the plastic material that forms the frame of the filter begins to expand or change shape, as a result of the heating and squeezing steps involved with the molding process, the deformed mesh screen will be able to accommodate the relative changes in shape without tearing or ripping of the mesh screen. With the invention, numerous shapes and configurations of tools may be used to provide the intentional deformation of the mesh screen during the manufacturing process as well as to provide for control over the amount and degree of mesh screen deformation. Also, the resulting filter will have a mesh screen that has improved retention capabilities which will enhance the performance of the filter.

Abstract: A method of mounting a mounting member onto a member to be mounted, at least one of which is resin-molded is carried out by molding the mounting member and the member to be mounted and mounting the mounting member to the member to be mounted, utilizing post-molding shrinkage. Accordingly, neither formation of fitting portions of the pivot member and the hub member nor pressing of the pivot member into the hub body is needed, whereby reels can be manufactured with high productivity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating and using a removable, inflatable mandrel of shape memory polymer for use in manufacturing composite parts including the steps of providing a processed pre-form of shape memory polymer, replicating a mold with the shape memory polymer, using the mold as a mandrel in the creation of composite parts, and removing the shape memory mandrel quickly and easily from the part without damage to the finished part.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a method of treating plastics material fibers, filaments or film to improve their resistance to degradation by UV radiation and/or increase their resistance to gas (oxygen) transmissivity and an improved plastics material so treated, the method including stretching the fiber, filament or film beyond its yield point and allowing the film to at least partially relax.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a RF connector includes the following steps. First, a first workpiece with first assembly units is provided. Each first assembly unit includes a first joint piece with a first joint portion, a metal shell with a ring and soldering tags extending therefrom, and a first connection portion connecting the first joint piece and the ring. Next, a second workpiece with second assembly units is provided. Each second assembly unit includes a second joint piece with a second joint portion, a center contact with a base and a center pin disposed thereon, and a second connection portion connecting the second joint piece and the base. Then, the first and second joint portions are positioned to contact with each other and then riveted together. Then, dielectric bodies are formed to at least correspondingly cover part of each ring and each base. Thereafter, a singularizing process is performed.

Abstract: A catheter can be formed from an elongate shaft and a distal tip. The catheter can be formed by flaring a proximal end of the distal tip to form a flared proximal end and positioning the distal tip such that the flared proximal end of the distal tip overlaps a distal end of the outer layer. Heat and pressure are applied to melt and flow together a portion of the outer layer proximate the distal end of the shaft and the overlapped portion of the flared proximal end of the distal tip, thereby forming a joint between the elongate shaft and the distal tip.

Abstract: A method for making an encapsulated stent-graft having an essentially tubular configuration with a central longitudinal lumen and having a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The stent-graft may include a self-expanding stent and a first and second tube of biocompatible material between which the stent is positioned. The stent-graft may also include an interlayer member between the first and second tube. The method generally includes applying pressure and heat to a stent-graft assembly to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material around the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to recycling polymeric articles, in particular plastic receptacles and can be used for reutilizing plastic receptacles made of a heat-shrinkable material. The inventive method for reutilizing plastic receptacles consists in cutting said receptacles into hole-type elements in the form of small tubes and cylinders in order to use them afterwards as heat-shrinkable elements for coating and/or connecting construction elements by heat shrinkage while producing elongated articles which are used mainly as construction and/or advertising elements.