Abstract: A method and apparatus that permits the shrinking of recycled multilayered plastic film by means of two molds which have been treated with a release agent and one of the molds being transparent or translucent that are flat or nearly flat that permits viewing of the sandwiched recycled shrinking plastic film. Also the remolding of a shrunken recycled multilayered plastic film by means of a mold. The recycled shrunk or remolded shrunk plastic film can be used as, but not limited to, ornamental or decorative or fastening. This invention can be fastened to different surfaces or materials.

Abstract: A withdrawal device for blow-molded film has an air turning bar with an air cushioned surface for transporting the film, and the bar surface includes at least in part a sintered material. The sintered material portion of the bar surface provides a region of increased friction for compressed air flow, thus more effectively guiding the withdrawn film in a flat and even form.

Abstract: Shape memory polymers prepared by copolymerizing two monomers, which each separately produce polymers characterized by different glass transition temperatures in the presence of a multi-functional monomer whereby the copolymer formed is cross-linked during the polymerization to form a thermoset network. The transition temperature of the final polymers is adjusted by the ratio of the monomers selected, to from about 150° C. to about 270° C., while the degree of crosslinking controls the rubbery modulus plateau. The shape memory polymers can be processed as castable formulations in the form of bulk articles, coatings and films. The invention also relates to the articles of manufacture thereof and methods of the preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: An insert component (2) is located at a predetermined position between a pair of halves of a mold (1) in an open state while being held by a support (12) for holding the insert component (2) outside the mold. A tubular molten resin (4) is extruded through a die (3) between the pair of halves of the mold (1) to dispose the insert component (2) in the interior space (13) of the molten resin (4). By clamping the mold (1), the insert component (2) is covered with the tubular molten resin (4) in conformity with the contour thereof to result in an insert-mold product (20).

Abstract: A balloon catheter for medical treatment of a patient has an improved tip design and methods of making the tip. The balloon catheter has a flexible shaft with proximal and distal ends, a hub affixed to the proximal end, and a balloon affixed to the shaft near the distal end. At least a distal portion of the shaft includes a tubular inner body, and the balloon has a distal leg affixed to the inner body. A short, tubular tip member is placed in contact with the distal end of the inner body, and a shrink tube is placed around the point of contact. A wire mandrel is passed through a lumen defined by the inner body and tip member. While the shrink tube is heated, compressing the tip member and inner body, the mandrel is moved. This combination of heat, radial pressure, and mandrel movement causes a blending of the materials of the inner body and the tip member. The resulting joint of the tip member and inner body is both strong and flexible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite comprising at least one heat shrinkable adhesive layer stitch-bonded with yarns, which shrink less than the adhesive layer or do not shrink, when the adhesive layer is exposed to heat. The stitch-bonded yarns form loops upstanding from the shrunk adhesive layer and the loops create a textured surface on the composite, and the composite is substantially inelastic after the adhesive layer is shrunk. The composite may further comprise at least one fibrous layer stitch-bonded to the shrinkable adhesive layer, and the fibrous layer is less shrinkable than the adhesive layer or is substantially non-shrinkable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating Alzheimer's disease is disclosed. The method comprises delivering indomethacin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action directly to the hippocampus or the lateral ventricle through an implanted catheter. The catheter has a flexible distal end that is implanted directly in the hippocampus or lateral ventricle as the preferred embodiment. The distal end has either a porous tip or a closed end. Where the distal end is closed, or a plurality of elution holes are present indomethacin is delivered to the hippocampus or lateral ventricle through either the porous tip or the elution holes.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the fabrication of a hard cover for an article is provided. The method includes positioning shrinkable material over at least a portion of the article and shrinking the shrinkable material to form a fitted cover for the portion of the article. A layer of molding material is applied overlying the fitted cover to form a hard cover for the portion of the article. A method for facilitating fabrication of a first article from a second article is also provide. The method includes positioning shrinkable material over at least a portion of the second article and shrinking the shrinkable material to form a fitted cover for the portion of the second article. A first layer of molding material is applied overlying the fitted cover to form a mold. The mold has a surface which is a negative impression of at least a portion of the fitted cover. The mold is removed from the fitted cover and a second layer of molding material is applied overlying the surface of the mold to form the first article.

Abstract: A self-healing tribological surface comprises a shape memory material. The self-healing tribological surface can be used for recovering a scratches and/or indentations in the surface. Processes for recovering scratches or indentations generally comprises forming a shape memory material onto the surface; scratching or indenting the surface; and heating an area about the scratch or indentation, wherein a depth of the scratch or the indentation decreases after heating as compared to the depth prior to heating.

Abstract: The methods of manufacturing molds from shape memory materials and molds made thereby, in accordance with the present invention, provide numerous advantages for molding castable composite parts. The initial mold cost is low enough to accommodate economical production of as few as a single part incorporating high surface definition and intricate three dimensional detail. The preferred methods and molds made thereby are transparent, thereby, curing of the corresponding part by ultra-violet and infra-red light is made possible, as well as, visual inspection during injection and curing of the given resin. Removal of the cured part from within the mold is simplified.

Abstract: A system for molding a jointed linkage support system with joints that allow movement and bending in many directions and degrees of freedom. A chain-like linkage system made up of a series of joints is molded in a single step from materials having different melting temperatures in a series of alternating communicating mold cavities. The jointed linkage support system emerges from the mold fully assembled. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.

Abstract: The texturing, patterning and bending of a solid surface material. The end product can be achieved both through casting technologies and heat pressure processes. Controlled surface deformation can be created in a pre-manufactured flat sheet and the sheet can then be heated and bent using conventional thermoforming technology. This contrasts considerably with the conventional norm, whereby an embossed solid surface sheet, when reheated, loses its embossing.

Abstract: A hybrid stent is formed which exhibits both high flexibility and high radial strength. The expandable hybrid stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, consists of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal axis and interconnected by one or more links. In one embodiment, a dip-coated covered stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer material. In other embodiments, at least some of the rings and links are formed of a polymer material which provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent. These polymer rings and links are alternated with metallic rings and links in various configurations to attain sufficient column strength along with the requisite flexibility in holding open the target site within the body lumen. Alternatively, a laminated, linkless hybrid stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shape memory and/or super-elastic material, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a super-elastic or pseudo-elastic material that has an initial transition temperature Af above a body temperature. The shape memory material can have a super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity property at a temperature below the initial transition temperature Af of the material. For example, the shape memory material can have its workable temperature for producing super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity of about 0° C. to 15° C. below the initial transition temperature Af. The shape memory material can be malleable at a room temperature, and become super-elastic or pseudo-elastic at a body temperature. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of making a shape memory or a super-elastic material.

Abstract: An insulating beverage or food container or sleeve is produced with a foam layer disposed on an inner surface of a paper stock. A polymer shrink film layer is arranged in a position along an inside surface of the beverage container. The foam layer is sandwiched between the polymer shrink film layer and the paper stock and decreases the energy transfer between the beverage and the user's hands allowing the user to hold onto the container for an extended period of time without causing user discomfort or pain. The polymer shrink film layer is produced from a shrink film polymer having a percent shrink in the range of 30% or less, and more particularly a percent shrink range of 5 to 10%.

Abstract: Deformation process of an element through the application of calibrated pressure on it, applied through compression means sensitive to the variation of the chemical-physical characteristics of said element when it is subjected to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A hybrid stent is formed which exhibits both high flexibility and high radial strength. The expandable hybrid stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, consists of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal axis and interconnected by one or more links. In one embodiment, a dip-coated covered stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer material. In other embodiments, at least some of the rings and links are formed of a polymer material which provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent. These polymer rings and links are alternated with metallic rings and links in various configurations to attain sufficient column strength along with the requisite flexibility in holding open the target site within the body lumen. Alternatively, a laminated, linkless hybrid stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer tube.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy and elastically self-expanding endoluminal stents which are at least partially encapsulated in a substantially monolithic expanded polytetrafluorethylene (“ePTFE”) covering. An endoluminal stent, which has a reduced diametric dimension for endoluminal delivery and a larger in vivo final diametric diameter is encapsulated in an ePTFE covering which circumferentially covers both the luminal and abluminal walls along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the endoluminal stent. The endoluminal stent is fabricated from a shape memory alloy which exhibits either shape memory or pseudoelastic properties or from an elastic material having an inherent spring tension.

Abstract: A re-usable shrinkwrap material is defined by a shrinkable material capable of retaining its shape after shrinking. A releasable fastener, such as a zipper, hook and loop fastener or the like is secured to the material and is used to secure the material to an article to be sealed prior to the shrinking thereof. The material is a pre-formed shell which loosely conforms to the shape of the article to be sealed prior to being applied thereover. After shrinking, the shell can be removed by releasing the means for fastening or releasable fastener. Since the shell retains its shape it can then be re-used at a later date by applying it anew over the article and re-fastening together the means for releasing.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the fabrication of a hard cover for an article is provided. The method includes positioning shrinkable material over at least a portion of the article and shrinking the shrinkable material to form a fitted cover for the portion of the article. A layer of molding material is applied overlying the fitted cover to form a hard cover for the portion of the article.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system.

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: 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.

Abstract: A process for installing a shrink sleeve [101] on an asymmetric article [103] comprises placing the shrink sleeve over the article and supporting the sleeved article in an orientation so that the portion of film [321] which will result in the greatest shrinkage is in the lowest vertical position and the longitudinal axis of the article forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with the horizontal. The process reduces wrinkling of high-shrinkage areas of asymmetrical articles such as liquid containers with pour spouts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for camouflaging hunting equipment utilizes one or more pieces of thermoplastic shrink-wrap provided with a camouflage pattern. Each piece of shrink-wrap is positioned around a portion of an item to be camouflaged and is then heat-shrunk to constrict the piece of shrink-wrap around the portion of the item. Once shrunken by applying heat, excess portions of the shrink-wrap can be easily trimmed away, thereby provided a professional-looking camouflage finish. When desired, the camouflage shrink-wrap can easily be removed from the item by tearing a portion of the shrink-wrap and peeling the rest away without damaging the item's original finish.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system includes two separate components for providing protection against both thermal and radiative conduction of energy, is easily installed, capable of easily fitting multiple substrate diameters, space-saving and lightweight, and durable. The system comprises an inner layer of heat shrink foam and an outer layer of reflective material. In the preferred embodiment, the outer layer of reflective material is heat shrink metalized material which has been recovered using known techniques onto the inner layer of heat shrink insulative material. One application for this system is for the insulation of vehicle brake fluid lines.

Abstract: A process of forming a shrink-sleeved bottle with a handle is disclosed. In one embodiment, the process forms a bottle in which the handle is substantially exposed outside the bottle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in: a) forming by extrusion an extruded thermoplastic tube (20) having, when coming out of the extruder, a diameter D1; b) then subjecting said extruded tube of diameter D1 to a radiation treatment, so as to produced a cross-linked tube (21); c) after bringing said cross-linked tube (21) to a temperature not less than a temperature substantially equal to the melting point of its crystalline phase, subjecting it, in displacement, to a radial monoaxial expansion for form an expanded tube (22) of diameter D2, then cooling it down to a temperature, typically room temperature, at which it can be cut into tube portions (23) with length substantially equal to the height of said caps (1); and e) assembling or forming a head (10, 100, 101, 102, 103) on said tube portion (23), so as to obtain a cap or top (1), with heat-shrinkable skirt, economical and having a homogeneous skirt (11, 12) free of axial connection line.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hollow tube of shrinkable polymeric material by providing a hollow tube in an expanded state and partially contracting a portion of the length of the hollow tube. A first length in the expanded state is folded over a second length in the partially contracted state. A body such as a length of electrical cable is inserted into the hollow tube, and the first length is unfolded so that it no longer overlies the second length. The first length and the second length are contracted to the fully contracted state over the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film transfer tool which allows a transfer head to be disposed in any of spaces between letters of normally used word processors for implementation of a smooth transfer operation of film,

Abstract: A wrapped film sealing system includes a conductive stud, a film layer wrapped around at least a portion of the length of the conductive stud, and a bushing including a channel passing between two open ends. The conductive stud passes through the channel and a seal is formed between the conductive stud, the film layer, and the bushing.

Abstract: A catheter which has resistance to collapsing when bent, and a method for producing such a catheter.

Abstract: A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.

Abstract: Polymer composites are comprised of a polymer matrix incorporating heat shrinkable fibres disposed within the matrix to render the composite self-thermally forming. The composite may be an elongate article or a sheet or plate. Application of heat, e.g. —localised heating, causing shrinkage of the fibres with self-thermal forming of the composite.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for thermoplastically forming a contour in a thermoplastic duct defining a passage. The apparatus includes a longitudinal collar that defines a cavity and a rigid inner support structure extending longitudinally in the cavity. The collar and/or the inner support structure define a mold contour. One or more heaters are configured to heat at least a formation portion of the duct to a formation temperature. An expansion member, such as an expandable elastomer, which is disposed between an inner surface of the collar and an outer surface of the inner support structure, is configured to urge the formation portion of the duct against the mold contour to thermoplastically form the duct.

Abstract: A method for providing a thermally stable finish in a plastic container. A finish section is reformed, which in part requires crystallizing a portion of the finish. The finish section has a finish dimension that shrinks to an intermediate finish dimension. Thereafter, the crystallized finish is annealed such that the intermediate finish dimension conforms to a predetermined range.

Abstract: Methods for selectively moving a microelectronic-device substrate assembly in a processing machine having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a processing path extending from the first side to the second side. The processing machine can also include a cassette proximate to a second side of the processing station that moves to position a substrate at the processing path. In one aspect of the invention, the substrate handling apparatus includes a guide member attached to the processing machine, an arm slidably attached to the guide member, and a clamp attached to the arm. The guide member is generally fixedly attached to the processing machine, and the guide member generally has a shape corresponding to the processing path. The arm can include a first section moveably attached to the guide member to translate along the guide member, and a second section projecting from the first section to position at least a portion of the second section at least proximate to the processing path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for mounting a stent onto a balloon on a stent delivery system. A stent is then loaded onto the delivery system and the resulting stent/balloon assembly is positioned in a first section of a mould and a second section of the mould is closed onto the first section and locked in place. Pressure is applied to the delivery system through a luer and the mould is heated. The pressure and heat are discontinued and the mould is cooled; this combination of heat and pressure secures the stent to the balloon. The method may include a cooling cycle to help retain the profile of the final stent delivery assembly.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the fabrication of a hard cover for an article is provided. The method includes positioning shrinkable material over at least a portion of the article and shrinking the shrinkable material to form a fitted cover for the portion of the article. A layer of molding material is applied overlying the fitted cover to form a hard cover for the portion of the article.

Abstract: A bulky sheet material having three-dimensional protrusions comprises a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer provided on at least one side of the first fiber layer. The first fiber layer contains thermally shrunken heat-shrinkable fibers. The second fiber layer comprises heat non-shrinkable fibers. The first fiber layer and the second fiber layer are partly joined together at a large number of joints formed by fusion bonding. The joints are formed by melting and solidification of a heat fusible resin having a higher melting point than the shrinkage starting temperature of the heat shrinkable fiber. The second fiber layer forms a large number of protrusions between the joints by the heat shrinkage of the first fiber layer while leaving the joints as depressions.

Abstract: A jointed linkage support system is provided with joints that allow movement and bending in many directions and degrees of freedom. A chain-like linkage system made up of a series of joints is molded in a single step from materials having different melting temperatures in a series of alternating communicating mold cavities. The jointed linkage support system emerges from the mold fully assembled. An electrical switch may be provided within.one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a heat fusion fitting, which comprises i) forming a body (1) comprising at least a first layer of a first cross-linked polymeric material, ii) embedding or partly embedding a ferromagnetic heating element (11, 12) in a second polymeric material (13, 14) to form an insert (7, 8), the ferromagnetic heating element (11, 12) having a Curie temperature equal to or greater than the crystalline melting point or softening point of the second polymeric material (13, 14), and iii) assembling the body and the insert (7, 8) to form the fitting.

Abstract: A shrink sleeve [101] for a contoured article [103] is made of a preferentially orientated shrink film [102]. The sleeve comprises a contoured side seam [104] defining a contoured shape portion similar to the shape of the contoured article. The contoured shape of the sleeve allows use of lower ratio shrink films and reduces distortion of printing 101F in the contoured shape portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: The specification describes a connector for joining optical elements, especially optical fibers. The connector is a sleeve made of a Simple Shaped Memory Polymer (SSMP) into which the optical fiber is inserted and the sleeve heated to collapse the sleeve around the optical fiber. The SSMP materials are not crosslinked and can be manufactured by a variety of techniques including extrusion. Various methods for forming the bore of the connector and expanding the size of the bore from the memory state to the metastable state are described.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally structured fibrous fabric having elevations and depressions occurring regularly in alternation in relation to the surface plane, includes at least one nonwoven fabric layer and a shrunk fabric bonded thereto. In this context, the nonwoven fabric layer and the shrunk fabric were bonded by heat sealing performed at least perpendicular to the direction of the greatest shrinkage of the shrunk fabric in the form of lines. The fabric may be used as filter materials, in hygiene articles or as the mechanically sticking part of Velcro fasteners.

Abstract: A method for producing open-ended biaxially oriented containers includes forming a biaxially oriented intermediate by blow forming, without plug assist, a sheet of unoriented thermoplastic material into a forming tube to a depth of draw sufficient for full orientation of the side walls. The blow formed intermediate is placed on a male form a predetermined size, shape, and texture. The intermediate is heated above the orientation temperature of the thermoplastic material to heat shrink the intermediate onto the surface of the male form. The formed container is then removed from the male form.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket on a pipe of thermoplastic material is disclosed. In the process, an end section of the pipe is heated in a heating station. Then, the pipe is transferred to a socket-forming station having a socket-forming mandrel. This is followed by the socket-forming mandrel being introduced into the pipe end section, heated to a suitable socket-forming temperature, and the end section being formed into a socket. Prior to the pipe end section being heated in the heating station, a support is introduced into the end section in order to internally support the end section. The support remains in the end section after the socket-forming mandrel is introduced into the pipe and in the process the support is pushed deeper into the pipe.

Abstract: A method for laser edge treating (LET) a slider and a slider with laser edge treatment, wherein the laser treatment is used to modify the curvature along the air-bearing surface, including altering a slider edge ridge that forms at the edges of the air bearing surface due to compressive stresses induced in the air bearing surface by a prior lapping step. The laser makes positive and negative adjustments to crown, cross curve, and twist as measured on the air bearing surface by selectively altering the treatment pattern or the treatment location on the slider's side edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyester heat-shrinkable tube for coating electrolytic condenser molded from a resin composition comprising a) 80 to 99 wt % of a copolymerized polyester resin with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.65 to 1.0 dl/g, which comprises 1 to 15 mol % of polyethylene naphthalate and 85 to 90 mol % of polyethylene terephthalate, and b) 1 to 20 wt % of polybutylene terephthalate resin. The polyester heat-shrinkable tube of the present invention has superior heat resistance, strength and coating-adhesion property, so that no cracks may occur in dry-heat treatment after the coating and contraction step, and also that the tube can be tightly adhered to the condenser.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing linear small diameter thin wall tubular articles, which are useful as hypodermic needles and catheters and in industrial applications.