Abstract: A one-piece extended dome having a spanning angle greater than 180 degrees. The dome is integrally formed of a Nano/Nano class Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic (NNOC) material. The extended dome comprises seamless first and second non-complementary geometric shapes, such as a first spherical geometry and a second conical or ogive geometry. The Nano/Nano class NNOC material comprises two or more different chemical phases (nanograins) dispersed in one another, each type having a sub-micron grain dimension in at least the direction of light transmission. The material is a true NNOC material in that all of the constituent elements have sub-micron grain dimensions, there is no host matrix.

Abstract: A zirconia-carbon-containing refractory includes aggregate grains, a carbon bond formed between the aggregate grains, 80% by mass or more of a ZrO2 component, and a carbonaceous material, in which the total volume of open pores and the carbonaceous material in the structure of the refractory is in the range of 25% to 42% by volume, open pores each having a diameter of 10 ?m or more account for 30% or less of the total volume of open pores in the structure of the refractory, and carbonaceous material grains each having a maximum length exceeding 45 ?m in the carbonaceous material in the zirconia-carbon-containing refractory account for less than 60% by mass of the total mass of the carbonaceous material except the bonding carbon in the zirconia-carbon-containing refractory.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a sapphire seed for growing a crystal having reduced dislocation density. The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a sapphire seed formed by a sapphire single crystal and used for growing another sapphire single crystal on a (0001) face as a crystal growing surface, the method comprising: preparing a sapphire seed whose side face forms a crystal face within a {1-100} face±10°, and whose shape is processed so as to include a hexagonal prism or a triangle prism; and applying a predetermined thermal treatment to said sapphire seed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and pressure vessels for solid-state microcellular processing of thermoplastic rolls and sheets. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a gas impregnated interleaved roll, which method comprises: providing a pressure vessel having an internal pressure chamber and a rotatable shaft horizontally positioned within the pressure chamber; placing an interleaved roll about the rotatable shaft and within the pressure chamber, wherein the interleaved roll is made from a thermoplastic material sheet interleaved together with a gas-channeling material sheet; pressurizing the pressure chamber to a selected pressure; rotating the rotatable shaft having the interleaved roll thereabouts (thereby rotating the interleaved roll) while under pressure for a selected period of time; and depressurizing the internal chamber to yield the gas impregnated interleaved roll.

Abstract: A system, machine and method of forming a composite structure. The composite may be placed between a first mold half and a second mold half and heated at a first temperature, T1, and held at a first pressure, P1, wherein the first pressure is applied to the structure through the first and second mold halves. In addition, the composite may be cooled at a second temperature, T2, and held at a second pressure, P2, wherein the second pressure is applied to the composite through the first and second mold halves, wherein T1>T2 and P1<P2. The composite may also be removed from the first and second mold halves, wherein the composite has a near-net shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of production of polyamide compounds with natural fibers and polyamide compounds with natural fibers, establishes the fact of using natural fiber to obtain a compound with mechanical properties close to the one obtained with inorganic loads by means of continuous process with extrusion and molding by injection process; the processes presented allows the obtainment, by means of injection, of finished products with precise dimensional and complex features; the fact that the compound with natural Curauá fiber presenting suitable mechanical properties combined to a lesser density than the compound with inorganic load is interesting to the automotive industry as vehicles manufactured with lighter parts consume less fuel.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polymer yarns from ultra high molecular weight homopolymers or copolymers, wherein the process includes the following steps: (a) preparing a suspension of a homopolymer or copolymer and a spinning or gelling solvent of a non polar nature at a weight of homopolymer or copolymer to solvent ratio from 2/98 to 30/70, wherein said ultra high molecular weight homopolymer or copolymer is reactor bimodal or multimodal; (b) feeding said homopolymer or copolymer suspension to an extruder; (c) extruding said suspension under gel forming conditions, at a temperature in excess of 150° C., and under inert conditions; (d) spinning the gel obtained from the extrusion so as to obtain non-stretched filaments with diameters of at least 1 mm, at a temperature in excess of 150° C.

Abstract: An elastomeric gel-filled prosthetic implant having a shell made of a single gel barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of a homogeneous silicone elastomer capable of sterically retarding permeation of the silicone gel through the shell and having a bleed rate that is less than about 40% of the bleed rate of current shells which use a sandwiched construction with an internal barrier layer. Further, the barrier layer shell is made of a material that exhibits a wet strength that is comparable to or greater than current shells. The silicone elastomer may be a polydimethyl siloxane, and the substituted chemical group is a diphenyl group with a minimum mole percent of at least 13%. The implant may be designed for breast reconstruction or augmentation such that the shell is accordingly shaped. The shell wall thickness is at least 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), and desirably about 0.456 mm (0.018 inches). The implant shell may be made by dip-forming, spray-forming, or rotational molding.

Abstract: Method for preparing material containing amorphous iron oxide hydroxide, the method including: mixing an aqueous ferrous salt solution and hydroxide solution or solid hydroxides at the temperature of below 70° C., filtering the reaction solution, washing the filter cake, preparing suspension solution of the filter cake, blowing an oxygen-containing gas into the suspension solution to oxidize the ferrous iron, and then filtering and drying. The material after being used as desulfurization agent can be repeatedly regenerated through oxidation in an oxygen-containing gas. A desulfurization agent, and methods for preparation and repeated regeneration thereof. The desulfurization agent contains the material and organic binders, and may also include a small amount of additives. The organic binders are selected from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sesbania powder, and cellulose powder, and the additives are selected from sawdust, rice husk power, and bran.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conditioning a polymeric stent after sterilization, and/or after crimping and before packaging, such that the properties of the polymeric stent fall within a narrower range of values. The stent is exposed to a controlled temperature at or above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization and/or after crimping and before sterilization. As a result, the polymeric stent properties, particularly radial strength and number-average molecular weight of the polymer of the polymeric stent, fall within a narrower range.

Abstract: Methods of cyclically heating and cooling an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to reduce an electrical resistivity and/or to increase a tensile strength of the article, and methods of irradiating an article formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, such as to increase a tensile strength of the article. Also disclosed herein are articles formed of a static dissipative ETFE resin, and processed in accordance with methods disclosed herein. Such an article may include, for example and without limitation, a cable strap to wrap, support, and/or secure one or more wires or cables, such as a cable tie.

Abstract: A soft magnetic material includes a plurality of magnetic particles, a binder, and a lubricant. The binder binds the plurality of magnetic particles. The lubricant is contained in the aggregate of the bound magnetic particles, and has a melting point less than or equal to 100° C. The method of producing a soft magnetic material includes the steps of forming an additive by mixing a binder and a lubricant including fatty acid monoamide, and binding the plurality of magnetic particles by the additive.

Abstract: A heat-generating composition is produced by blending magnalium (A1), an oxidizing agent (B), at least one binder (C) selected from a cellulose-based water-soluble polymer and a vinyl-based water-soluble polymer, and a solvent containing water as a main component, and drying the mixture thereof. The heat-generating composition has a water content ratio of not higher than 1.0% by mass.

Abstract: A process of production of a monolithic article from a web of fibres of oriented polypropylene polymer, comprising the steps of subjecting the web to elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the polymer and compact it, and then cooling the compacted web, wherein an accelerated rate of cooling is employed down to 100° C. The process is of particular benefit when the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the fibers is 250,000 or below. The resultant articles have good stiffness and strength, yet with reasonable ductility. Similar articles cooled slowly are brittle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for making solid biodegradable articles from wheat gluten. Hydrated wheat gluten is provided in the form of a cohesive, elastic dough. The cohesive, elastic dough comprises at least 8% by weight wheat gluten and wherein the wheat gluten comprises a protein having a primary structure. The cohesive, elastic dough is formed into a shaped article and placed in an environment sufficient to remove excess water from the shaped article without modifying the primary structure of the wheat gluten protein, such that a solid biodegradable article results. The solid biodegradable articles of the present invention comprise at least 8% by weight wheat gluten.

Abstract: A stretched film comprising a dispersion of at least one polyester and/or polycarbonate in a matrix of at least one polyester and/or polycarbonate different from the first polyester and/or polycarbonate, the percentage by weight of the dispersed polyester and/or polycarbonate in the dispersion being less than 50% and the dispersed polyester and/or polycarbonate being in the form of platelets. The stretched film can be used as a dielectric in a capacitor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polymer yarns from ultra high molecular weight homopolymers or copolymers which includes the steps of preparing a suspension of a homopolymer or copolymer and a spinning or gelling solvent, extruding the suspension with the formation of a gel, spinning the gel to obtain non-stretched filaments or yarns, cooling the non-stretched filaments or yarns, feeding the non-stretched filaments or yarns, to an extractor together with the feed of an organic extraction solvent, extracting the non-polar long chain solvent impregnated in the yarns, drying the non-stretched filament bundles or yarns, and stretching said dry yarns at a temperature in excess of 80° C.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to uniaxially-oriented extrudate and methods for processing the same utilizing colloidal size polytetrafluoroethylene resin particles. Still another aspect of the subject invention relates to the advantage of uniaxially paste extruding colloidal size PTFE particles and particularly micron size fillers and additive up to 90% by volume. Another aspect of the subject invention relates to biaxially-oriented PTFE compositions made from uniaxially-oriented paste extrudate of the invention in the hydrostatic pressure coalescible state. The subject invention also relates to methods for preparing porous biaxially-oriented PFTE compositions utilizing fugitive pore-forming materials and methods for forming shapes from the PTFE composition of the subject invention.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument is manufactured by presenting an electrode (1), and attaching a sacrificial portion (6) to the electrode (1) to form a first electrode assembly. An insulating material (9) is moulded over the first electrode assembly to form a second electrode assembly, and the second electrode assembly is subjected to a further process which is capable of removing the sacrificial portion (6) without removing the insulating material (9). The sacrificial portion (6) is removed to form at least one cavity within the electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for saving energy in an extrusion line comprising at least one extruder, an extrusion tool, a cooling section, and an outlet, energy being applied in the form of heat to a plastic for plasticization at least in the extruder, in order to produce a profile (8), and the heat being removed again from the profile (8) after a forming process, at least in the cooling section, in order to achieve shape stability of the same. According to the invention, at least one part of the removed heat is converted to mechanical energy and fed hack into the extrusion process. The invention further relates to a corresponding device.

Abstract: A sheet silicate, a framework silicate, and a process of producing the same.

Abstract: An injection molding machine using a plurality of metal molds 2 and a plurality of stations S1 to S10, for executing molding by moving the metal molds in rotation and in one direction includes on one of the sides of the metal molds a plurality of heat pipes 5 which are fitted into the molds and one of the ends of which protrudes from the metal mold, and a heat transfer plate 6 so disposed as to cover a projection portion 5a of the heat pipe protruding from the metal mold. Temperature adjustment plates 4 connected to a temperature adjustment machine 4 are disposed on the other station side and while the metal mold is halted at the station, the temperature adjustment plates clamp the heat transfer plate and adjust the temperature of said metal mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable molded part, comprising: providing a binding agent which contains a lyzable biopolymer; forming a molded part from the binding agent, wherein the time stability of the molded part to biological lysis is set by at least one of the following measures: adding a pulverized inorganic solid matter in a proportion of 5% to 85% of the mass of the binding agent before forming the molded part; thawing at least one of the surfaces of the molded part using a chemical or biological method such that the surface has a structuring in the range between 1 nm and 10 ?m. The invention further relates to an accordingly produced molded part.

Abstract: Foam wound inserts with high-density and low-density regions, methods for making wound inserts, wound-treatment methods, and wound-treatment systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Fused Deposition Modeling to construct three-dimensional (3D) bioresorbable scaffolds from bioresorbable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL), or from composites of bioresorbable polymers and ceramics, such as polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA). Incorporation of a bioresorbable ceramic to produce a hybrid/composite material support provides the desired degradation and resorption kinetics. Such a composite material improves the biocompatibility and hard tissue integration and allows for increased initial flash spread of serum proteins. The basic resorption products of the composite also avoids the formation of an unfavorable environment for hard tissue cells due to a decreased pH. The scaffolds have applications in tissue engineering, e.g., in tissue engineering bone and cartilage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a structure on the top surface of a substrate. Mold material is dispensed onto an area of the top surface of the substrate. The mold apparatus is positioned over the area. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is positioned above the mold material and the mold material is surrounded with a shroud of the mold apparatus. A seal is formed between the shroud and the top surface of the substrate. The pressure is reduced within the shroud to below the ambient pressure. The mold portion of the mold apparatus is lowered toward the top surface of the substrate, so that at least the outer edge of the mold portion is in contact with the mold material. The pressure within the shroud is raised to at least the ambient pressure, and the mold material is cured to form the structure.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pad transfer printing method for making colored hydrogel contact lenses with good image quality. More specifically, the present invention relates to make and use a pad transfer printing pad comprises an addition-cure room temperature vulcanized silicon, which has subjected to post-heat treating. The post-heat treated pad transfer printing pad is characterized by having a reduced silicone residue release by at least 50 percent relative to a control transfer pad having identical composition without post heat treating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material, a precursor for forming the composite material and a method of forming the composite material from the precursor. The invention also relates to the use of said composite material and in particular to its use as an antibacterial or antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to film products containing desired levels of active components and methods of their preparation. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. Desirably, the films may be exposed to temperatures above that at which the active components typically degrade without concern for loss of the desired activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exemplary process for manufacturing a flexible packaging laminate into a pouch for containing liquids such as edible oil. The process includes taking granules of polypropylene and medium density polyethylene in a proportion of 1-1.5:1.5-2.5, —melting the granules at 200-230 degrees Celsius in a 3 layer blown film extruder to form a co-extruded film, —printing the film by a Rotogravure printing technique at 40-60 degrees Celsius, —laminating the printed film with a conventional 5 layer co-extruded nylon film at 60-80 degrees Celsius, —curing the laminated film at 35-45 degrees Celsius for at least 2 days, —and slitting the cured laminated film to a desired size for using with a Form Fill Seal machine (FFS Machine) at 160-180 degrees Celsius, to make pouches that hold liquids, such as edible oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system for properly implanting a stent in a body lumen generally comprising a catheter having an elongated shaft with an inflatable balloon formed of compliant material and a stent mounted on the working length of the balloon. The balloon material is compliant within the working range of the balloon to provide substantial radial expansion. The wingless radially expansive balloon expands in a uniform manner, thereby producing uniform expansion and implantation of the stent. Another embodiment is directed to a balloon catheter, having a semi-compliant balloon or a noncompliant balloon formed at least in part of a block copolymer.

Abstract: The facility is comprised of an oven (8) fitted with rotating supports (3) disposed parallel to each other, upon which preformed tubes (11) rest and rotate, which are introduced from a feeder (14) where they are contained at room temperature for their homogeneous circumferential heating inside said oven (8). Additionally, transverse displacement means (5, 6) are disposed inside the oven (8) in order to facilitate the elevation and transverse displacement of the preformed tubes (11), in such a manner as to favour the progressive and uniform heating throughout the thickness of said preformed tubes (11). On the other hand, it features assemblies that generate heating currents (15, 10, 2) comprised of elements (15), fans (10) and deflectors (2) longitudinally distributed in sectors or quadrants inside the oven (8), for the purpose of heating and distributing the air over the preformed tubes (11).

Abstract: Thin PTFE layers are described having little or no node and fibril microstructure and methods of manufacturing PTFE layers are disclosed that allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device.

Abstract: A non-woven material, that can be formed into an acoustic ceiling tile, is provided. The material includes a substantially planar and self-supporting core of an inorganic base fiber and a synthetic thermal bonding fiber. The synthetic thermal bonding fiber preferably has an increased bonding surface area that improves adhesion and porosity to provide a base mat or core with a low density to provide sound absorption required by an acoustic ceiling tile.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid crystalline fiber is disclosed. A copolymer having a liquid crystalline side group and a crosslinking side group is crosslinked. A fiber of the crosslinking copolymer is drawn before the crosslinking reaction is complete.

Abstract: Method for handling and heat treatment rectangular bag or film packs with a smaller thickness than length and width, having two longer and two shorter lateral edges, characterized by an orientation of the film packs, in which one main extension plane of the film pack containing the lateral edges forms during handling and/or heat treatment an angle of less than 60° with the vertical and the longer edges are oriented substantially horizontally.

Abstract: A method of modifying compressive strains in formation of a pipe ring groove (16), in which a differential temperature profile is established across the pipe wall in a narrow bending locus (l3) corresponding to the ring groove position, and the material is bent to form the ring groove. The temperature differential creates a differential in elastic modulus between the inner and outer surfaces of the pipe material, modifying the strain induced in inner concave and outer convex surfaces of the ring groove during the bending step.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing architectural preforms and high-temperature composite structures containing high-strength ceramic fibers with reduced preforming stresses within each fiber, with an in-situ grown coating on each fiber surface, with reduced boron within the bulk of each fiber, and with improved tensile creep and rupture resistance properties tier each fiber. The methods include the steps of preparing an original sample of a preform formed from a pre-selected high-strength silicon carbide ceramic fiber type, placing the original sample in a processing furnace under a pre-selected preforming stress state and thermally treating the sample in the processing furnace at a pre-selected processing temperature and hold time in a processing gas having a pre-selected composition, pressure, and flow rate.

Abstract: Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with fishing poles. The grip preferably includes an ethylene vinyl acetate sleeve member and a gripping member having an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer of the gripping member is preferably ethylene vinyl acetate and is preferably bonded or adhered to the sleeve member.

Abstract: A composite structure includes a resin and a plurality of titanium dioxide fibers provided in the resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to film products containing desired levels of active components and methods of their preparation. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. Desirably, the films may be exposed to temperatures above that at which the active components typically degrade without concern for loss of the desired activity.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in an anatomy can include an elongated body, which can have a proximal end and a distal end. The body can also define a lumen from the proximal end to the distal end. The assembly can include at least one electrode, which can be coupled to the distal end to sense an electrical activity within the anatomy. The assembly can include a core wire, which can be received within the lumen from the proximal end to the distal end. The core wire can be configured to move the distal end from a first configuration to a second configuration. The assembly can also include a necked portion, which can be formed between the proximal end and the distal end to provide increased stiffness to the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A method for producing a continuous filament made up of nanofibers is disclosed. A ribbon-shaped nanofiber web is prepared by electrospinning a polymer spinning solution onto a collector 7 applied with a high voltage, the collector 7 consisting of (I) an endless belt type nonconductive plate 7a with grooves having a predetermined width (u) and depth (h) formed at regular intervals along a lengthwise direction and a conductive plate 7b inserted into the grooves of the nonconductive plate, and then the nanofiber web is isolated (separated) from the collector 7, focused, drawn and wound. A continuous filament (yarn) made up of nanofibers can be produced by a simple and continuous process by providing a method for continuously producing a filament (yarn) by an electrospinning technique without a spinning process. The focusability and the drawability can be greatly improved by orienting nanofibers well in the fiber axis direction.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric stent from a polymer sheet with improved strength, modulus and fracture toughness are disclosed. The methods include stretching the polymer sheet along one or more axesto increase the strength, fracture toughness, and modulus of the polymer along the axis of stretching. The methods further include forming a tubular stent from the stretched sheet. The stent can include a slide-and-lock mechanism that permits the stent to move from a collapsed diameter to an expanded diameter and inhibiting radial recoil from the expanded diameter.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal stents are disclosed. Specifically, a method of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal stents by inducing molecular orientation into the stent by radial expansion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreatment of slider layer for extruded handrails has a slider layer source, a means of conveying the slider layer to a heating module which subjects the slider layer to an elevated temperature for a residence time, and a means of conveying the slider layer to an extrusion die head. One or more control feeders may be implemented for maintaining portions of the slider layer in a substantially tension-free loop as the slider layer is conveyed from the slider layer source to the extrusion die head. A cooling zone may be included to ensure adequate cooling between the heating module and the extrusion die head. Means for reducing heat transfer between the extrusion die head and the slider layer is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making continuous filament by electrospinning, wherein electrospun nanofibers are collected on a multi-layer type collector consisting of two or more, rotating disk-shaped conductive materials by electrospinning a polymer dope onto the multi-layer collector with a high voltage applied thereto and which rotates at a rotational linear velocity of 5 m/sec or more, through nozzles having a high voltage applied thereto, and then collecting the nanofibers on the collector in the form of a continuous filament by the use of a collecting roller, and conveying the nanofibers to a canvas through a traverse, or dried, drawn, and wound consecutively.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyarylene sulfide film which has an excellent elongation at break and flatness is provided. The biaxially oriented film may be a biaxially oriented polyarylene sulfide film which is substantially composed of a polyarylene sulfide resin (A), wherein one of the elongations at break in the machine direction and in the transverse direction of the film is not lower than 110%; one of the breaking stresses in the machine direction and in the transverse direction of the film of the film is not higher than 200 MPa; and both of the heat shrinkage ratio in the machine direction of the film and that in the transverse direction of the film at 260° C. for 10 minutes are not less than 0% and not more than 10%.

Abstract: A soft magnetic material includes a plurality of composite magnetic particles (30) each including an iron-based particle (10) containing iron and an insulating coating film (20) surrounding a surface of the iron-based particle (10). The insulating coating film contains an organic group derived from an organic acid having at least one substance selected from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, silicon, calcium, magnesium, vanadium, chromium, strontium, and zirconium. The at least one substance in the insulating coating film (20) is bonded to iron in the iron-based particles (10) through the organic group derived from the organic acid in the insulating coating film (20). Furthermore, a method for producing a soft magnetic material includes the steps of preparing the iron-based particles (10) containing iron and forming the insulating coating film (20) surrounding a surface of each of the iron-based particles (10).