Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric stent with improved fracture toughness including radial expansion of a polymer tube along its entire length at the same time and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A molding method which includes charging a resin composition in molten state containing not less than 7 wt % to less than 30 wt % of a fibrous fiber (A) and more than 70 wt % to not exceeding 93 wt % of a resin (B) into a die for shaping purpose when a temperature of the die is in the range of [the Vicat softening point minus 20° C.] of resin (B) to less than a melting point thereof, when resin (B) is crystalline resin, or when a temperature of the die is in the range of [the Vicat softening point minus 20° C.] to [the Vicat softening point plus 20° C.] of the resin (B), when resin (B) is non-crystalline resin, cooling the die after shaping to temperature which allows taking-out of a molded product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a throttle for an injection molding machine for injection molding rubber or elastomeric material and comprises a throttle block, an inlet channel and an outlet channel provided therein as well as a throttle means. The inlet channel can be provided at an angle relative to the outlet channel. The throttle means comprises a throttle piston, which serves both to reduce the material flow and inject the rubber or elastomeric materials into the injection mold. A system and method for tempering rubber or elastomeric material in injection molding can be realised with the throttle of the invention, wherein in particular shorter cycle times can be achieved.

Abstract: A monoaxially-oriented polymeric film material formed from an impact copolymer and having increased toughness relative to films that are monoaxially-oriented at conventional temperatures. A process for imparting high cross machine toughness to polymer films comprises forming a film; subjecting the film to monoaxial orientation, drawing the film; tempering the film, and annealing the film.

Abstract: A solid state foaming process permits the use of up to 100% recycled pre- and post-consumer polymer for the manufacture of foamed polymer material and thermoformed foamed polymer articles. The process enables the optional formation of integral unfoamed skins of controllable depth and crystallinity on foamed polymeric materials suitable for a wide variety of applications. Because this process does not alter the underlying chemistry of the material all scrap from the manufacturing process may be reused without additive to form new foamed polymeric materials and articles.

Abstract: A process for forming a stent of a polymer material which includes the steps of: a) forming a generally tubular stent; b) radially expanding the stent to produce an expanded diameter stent; and then, c) annealing the expanded diameter stent to shrink its diameter to a reduced diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic part. According to said method, a plastic mass is heated to a moulding temperature which is equal to or higher than a melting temperature. Said plastic mass can be moulded by heat from the melting temperature. Plastic mass is moulded when it has reached the moulding temperature, the temperature of the moulding part is adjusted to a conversion temperature which is dependent on the type of plastic and which is lower than the melting temperature, and the moulded part is maintained at a conversion temperature for a defined conversion time frame. The invention also relates to a device comprising a plastic part which is produced according to said inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a flexible plastic substrate, its manufacturing process and optical components for optical display applications. In so doing, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is placed between upper and lower heat-resistant sheets, then heated and pressurized by hot press to form a COC film. Next, the film is subjected to quenching treatment in ice water, and then heat treatment in vacuum drying oven after being placed between two flat plates. Finally, a COC plastic substrate with a high degree of optical penetration, low water permeability and low roughness is shaped, which can be efficiently applied to optical display thanks to its simple processing, lightweight, thin-profile and flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a thin film, in which not only high crystallinity and surface flatness can be realized but also dopant doping can be performed at high concentration. The method includes a low temperature highly doped layer growing step of performing dopant doping while growing the thin film at a given first temperature; an annealing step of interrupting the growth of the thin film and annealing the thin film at a given second temperature higher than the first temperature; and a high temperature lowly doped layer growing step of growing the thin film at the second temperature.

Abstract: A porous polyethylene hollow fiber membrane having a pore-size gradient across the inner and outer surfaces thereof is prepared by introducing, during the cooling step of a melt-spun polyethylene hollow fiber, a nitrogen flow and a solvent having a boiling point in the range of 30 to 80° C. to the inner and outer surfaces of the melt-spun hollow fiber, respectively.

Abstract: A method for improving adhesion between two adjacent layers of a laminate membrane includes annealing the laminate membrane at a temperature above a thermal transition temperature of at least one polymeric component of at least one of two adjacent layers for a time sufficient for the at least one polymeric component of at least one of the adjacent layers to partially diffuse into the other adjacent layer. A sealed, inflated bladder of the invention prepared from the laminate membrane can experience high strains without layer separation or peeling of the laminate layers, even at a seam.

Abstract: Multilayered web stock is directed toward a curved surface and at least one layer of the web stock is heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the at least one layer of the web stock. The heating can occur just before or upon engaging the curved surface. The temperature of the at least one layer remains above the glass transition temperature while engaging the curved surface, allowing reshaping and/or realignment of the at least one layer relative to other layers of the web stock according to conformance to the curved surface. The web stock is cooled before it disengages from the curved surface. The heating can be done with a high power infrared lamp focused into a line across the web stock, and the cooling can be done with a cooled fluid jet. Additionally, a preheater can be employed, and a supplemental cooler can be used.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressed part from a soft magnetic composite material. A starting mixture is provided that includes an iron powder and an auxiliary pressing agent. The starting mixture is pressed to form a pressed part and annealed at temperatures between 380° C. and 450° C. in a mixture of an inert gas and oxygen that has an oxygen concentration between 1% and 10% by volume. A second embodiment of a method for manufacturing a pressed part from a soft magnetic composite material in which a starting mixture is provided that includes an iron powder and an auxiliary pressing agent. The starting mixture is pressed to form a pressed part, annealed, and then postformed and re-annealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(arylene ethers) used as low k dielectric layers in electronic applications and articles containing such poly(arylene ethers) comprising the structure: wherein n=5 to 10000 and monovalent Ar1 and divalent Ar2 are selected from a group of heteroaromatic compounds that incorporate O, N, Se, S, or Te or combinations of the aforesaid elements, including but not limited to:

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for decreasing the resistivity of a non-machined conductive flow field plate for use in a fuel cell. The process includes the step of annealing the conductive flow field plate by heating the conductive flow field plate to a temperature between 25° C. (room temperature) and a temperature slightly lower than the material softening temperature of the material composition of the conductive flow field plate; maintaining the conductive flow field plate at that temperature for an effective period of time; and, cooling the conductive flow field plate to room temperature.

Abstract: A resin molded article and a production method thereof, including the processes of heat-molding a molding material containing a biodegradable resin and a reinforcing fiber or a biodegradable resin, a reinforcing fiber after controlling a water content thereof, or non-controlling. The resin molded article according to the present invention has sufficient heat resistance so that they are not deformed even after being temporarily left in a high temperature environment such as that in an automobile in the daytime in summer seasons and being heated to a high temperature, without deteriorating the properties thereof as members for recording materials, and therefore cause no environmental problems when left in nature since they can be finally decomposed by microorganisms.

Abstract: A group of multiple hollow fibers may be shaped to introduce angular divergence among the fibers, or to introduce a selected longitudinal oscillation into the fibers. In one shaping technique, the fibers are held in parallel while upper and lower crimping assemblies of parallel crimping bars are drawn together on opposite sides of the parallel fibers. When bars of the opposing assemblies draw sufficiently close, they sandwich the fibers in between them, causing each fiber to assume a shape that oscillates as the fiber repeatedly goes over and then under successive bars. Since the crimping bars are aligned at oblique angles to the fibers, the peaks and troughs of successive fibers are offset. While in this position, the fibers are heated and then cooled to permanently retain their shapes. A different shaping technique utilizes a lattice of criss-crossing tines defining multiple apertures. In this technique, the lattice and fibers are positioned so that each fiber passes through one of the apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-component composite separate membrane and a method for preparing the same, and to a multi-component composite membrane comprising a support layer and active layers, wherein the support layer is located between the active layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon nanotube device including an inner electrode, having connecting step, connecting a carbon nanotube to the inner electrode, wherein the connecting step comprises: attaching a conductor to an end or periphery thereof of a needle-shaped or rod-shaped carrying electrode; arranging the carbon nanotube in contact or close to a predetermined connection part of the inner electrode; approaching the end of the carrying electrode on which the conductor is carried to the connection part; and transferring the conductor carried on the carrying electrode to the connection part or periphery thereof to connect the carbon nanotube to the inner electrode.

Abstract: A method for improving adhesion between two adjacent layers of a laminate membrane includes annealing the laminate membrane at a temperature between an ?-transition temperature and a ?-transition temperature of at least one polymeric component of at least one of two adjacent layers for a time sufficient for the at least one polymeric component of at least one of the adjacent layers to partially diffuse into the other adjacent layer. A sealed, inflated bladder of the invention prepared from the laminate membrane can experience high strains without layer separation or peeling of the laminate layers, even at a seam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical mechanical polishing pad having reduced stress windows. In addition, the present invention provides a method of forming a chemical mechanical polishing pad, the method comprising, primary annealing a window separate from a polishing pad material and providing the polishing pad material in a periphery of the primary annealed window before a predetermined quench temperature of the primary annealed window. The method further comprises secondary annealing the window and the polishing pad material together and cutting the secondary annealed window and the polishing pad material to a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-treated plastic pressurized container that is resistant to polar liquids and impact stresses and the process for making such container.

Abstract: A machine (M) for producing blister packs (10) includes unrolling means (3,7,21) for unrolling a band of heat-formable material from a bobbin (2) and for feeding the band (1) along a predetermined path (P) extending through subsequent stations (5,6,30,8,9,13), in which the band (1) is processed. The above-mentioned stations include a heating station (5), where the band (1) of heat-formable material is heated, a forming station (6), where a plurality of blisters (20) are formed on the band (1), a filling station (8), where the blisters (20) are filled with products, a sealing station (9), where the blister band (1a) is closed with a sealing band (11), and a cutting station (13), where the closed blister band (1ac) is cut into blister packs (10). A further heating station (30) is provided for heating the blister band (1a) along the path (P) upstream of the filling station (8), so as to heat the band (1a) to cause a thermal stabilization treatment of the blister band (1a).

Abstract: A high-CHDM PET-based support for an imaging element can be annealed relatively rapidly to achieve acceptable core-set and post-process curl properties. The fast annealing response of this material allows effective in-line annealing of the film support, yielding a more efficient manufacturing process with less annealing-induced defects in the imaging support.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal prostheses include annealing the polymeric material to selectively modify the crystallinity thereof. Annealing may be utilized to selectively modify various properties of the polymeric material of an intraluminal prosthesis, including: selectively increasing the modulus of the polymeric material; selectively increasing the hoop strength of the intraluminal prosthesis; selectively modifying the elution rate (increase or decrease) of a pharmacological agent subsequently disposed on or within the annealed polymeric material; selectively increasing/decreasing stress in the intraluminal prosthesis; and selectively modifying the polymeric material such that it erodes at a different rate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for post-cure correction (PCC), either partial or substantial, of various tire nonuniformities which have been detected during a tire manufacturing process by a tire uniformity machine (TUM), preferably testing a tire which has been nominally cooled down (i.e., nominally completed curing) after removal from a tire curing mold.

Abstract: A hybrid material is provided which comprises a first single-walled nanotube having a lumen, and a fill molecule contained within the lumen of the single-walled nanotube. A method for producing the hybrid material is also provided wherein a single-walled nanotube is contacted with a fill molecule to cause the fill molecule to enter the lumen of the single-walled nanotube.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon, and a balloon formed thereby, in which a polymeric tube is radially expanded in a mold having a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface defining a chamber, and having at least a section with one or more channels in the wall. The channels result in improved transfer of heat to the polymeric tube within the chamber of the mold during blow molding of the tube to form a balloon, so that the tube is heated more quickly and evenly. One aspect of the invention is directed to a balloon having sections with improved thin walls.

Abstract: Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) tetrachannel cross-section staple fibers, as well as yarns, fiberfill webs, batts and products, and fabrics made therewith. Also, the process of making such staple fibers, yarns, fiberfill webs, batts and products, and fabrics.

Abstract: According to the invention, laminated glazing is treated with a view to a subsequent operation in which the glazing will be subjected to substantial thermal stressing, especially taken to a temperature of at least 80° C., by subjecting the glazing to thermal conditioning in which it is gradually heated to a maximum temperature of 150° C. for a total time of at least 1 hour.

Abstract: A plastic component, usable in a combustion engine, is made by forming an elastomeric seal onto at least one support element. The support element, complete with the seal, is placed in a cavity or fixture of a plastic injection mold, and the plastic component is created only by forming plastic material onto the support element. The finished plastic component with the molded-on seal is removed from the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is an extruded hollow thermoplastic sheeting, which is made of a pair of flat and parallel sheets spaced apart and interconnected by extending ribs of shifted patterns, e.g. of a sigmoid pattern, is disclosed in this invention. The thermoplastic sheeting of the invention has stronger tear strength and balanced physical properties as compared to hollow thermoplastic sheeting with extending ribs of straight pattern of the same specification. The present invention also provides a method for production thereof, wherein a fixing and cooling assembly is oscillated relative to a die, or vice versa, to create the ribs of shifted patterns.

Abstract: A method for annealing a structure formed by electrodeposition including providing the electrodeposition structure, the electrodeposition structure including an eletroformed mold, the electroformed mold having a nominal thickness between and including 0.5 mm to 8.0 mm and having a melting temperature; heating the electrodeposition structure to a temperature between ambient temperature and the melting temperature of the electrodeposition structure; isostatically pressurizing the electrodeposition structure to a pressure above ambient pressure; cooling the electrodeposition structure to ambient temperature; and depressurizing the electrodeposition structure to ambient pressure.

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: Systems, devices and methods are provided that are related to cellular materials that have a precisely-determined arrangement of voids formed using surface transformation. In various embodiments, the cellular materials are suitable for use in various structural, mechanical and/or thermal applications. One aspect of the present subject matter is a method of forming cellular material. According to various embodiments of the method, a predetermined arrangement of the plurality of holes is formed in a volume of material through a surface of the volume of material. The volume of material is annealed such that the volume of material undergoes a surface transformation in which the arrangement of the plurality of holes is transformed into a predetermined arrangement of at least one empty space below the surface of the volume of material. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A process of manufacture of pipes and of fittings comprising a first stage of utilising a propylene polymer based compound comprising: from 76 to 98 parts by weight of a crystalline homopolymer of propylene or of a crystalline statistical copolymer (A) of propylene which may contain up to 1.5% molar of monomer units derived from ethylene and/or from an alpha-elefin containing from 4 to 6 carbon atoms; from 24 to 2 parts by weight of a statistical copolymer (B) containing from 40 to 70% molar of monomer units derived from ethylene and/or from an alpha-olefin containing from 4 to 6 carbon atoms, so as to obtain a pipe or a fitting, and a second stage of annealing said pipes or fittings by heating for a perior of between one hour and three days at a temperature between 110 and 155° C.

Abstract: A method including forming a pseudo-gel of a semi-crystalline polymer material and a solvent. The pseudo-gel is shaped into a first form and stretched. A portion of the solvent is removed to create a second form. The second form is stretched into a microstructure including nodes interconnected by fibrils. A method including forming a first form of a pseudo-gel including an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material and a solvent; stretching the first form; removing the solvent to form a second form; stretching the second form into a microstructure including nodes interconnected by fibrils; and annealing the stretched second form. An apparatus including a body portion formed of a dimension suitable for a medical device application and including a polyolefin polymer including a node and a fibril microstructure. An apparatus including a body portion including an ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin material including a node and a fibril microstructure.

Abstract: A process for forming a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) component is disclosed. The PPS is molded at a temperature of about 110° C. to about 150° C. After molding, the PPS has a morphology that is at least fifty percent polycrystalline. The component is then annealed to further increase the polycrystalline portion of the PPS morphology. To effect this increase, the component is annealed at a temperature that is at least above the glass transition temperature of the molded PPS component but below its melting temperature. The component is used in optical applications and other applications in which alignment tolerances are small.

Abstract: A method of making a plastic container having a body and a finish with at least one external thread includes injection or compression molding a plastic preform having a body and a finish with at least one external thread, blow molding the body of the preform to form the body of the container, and either prior to, subsequent to or both prior and subsequent to blow molding the container body, expanding the injection or compression molded preform finish to form a container finish having at least one injection or compression molded external thread. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the finish is expanded after the container body is blow-molded. The invention can be implemented to expand a narrow-neck preform or container finish to a wide-mouth preform or container finish.

Abstract: A method of making a plastic container having a threaded wide-mouth finish includes providing a preform having at least an exterior surface of molded polyester construction. The preform is placed in a mold cavity having a first portion for forming a container body, a second portion adjacent to the first portion for forming a cylindrical finish wall without threads, and a third portion adjacent to the second portion for forming a trim dome or moil. The preform is expanded within the mold cavity to form a one-piece intermediate product that includes a body, a cylindrical wide-mouth finish wall and a moil. After removing the intermediate product from the cavity, the moil is severed from the end of the finish wall. At least one thread is then formed on the finish wall by engaging the finish wall with at least one thread-forming tool, which may be heated to facilitate the forming operation.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof. The method comprises the steps of providing a forming structure being moveable upon a forming drum and comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the forming structure, the protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1. The forming structure is disposed adjacent a vacuum chamber and vacuum is applied at a sufficient level to induce a sufficient partial pressure to conform a precursor web to the forming structure, thereby forming the polymeric web. The precursor web can be cast directly onto the forming structure, or it can be re-heated by re-heat means to elevate its temperature sufficiently to permit vacuum formation.

Abstract: A process of making polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, including (a) providing polytrimethylene terephthalate, (b) melt spinning the melted polytrimethylene terephthalate at a temperature of 245-285° C. into filaments, (c) quenching the filaments, (d) drawing the quenched filaments, (e) crimping the drawn filaments using a mechanical crimper at a crimp level of 8-30 crimps per inch (3-12 crimps/cm), (f) relaxing the crimped filaments at a temperature of 50-120° C., and (g) cutting the relaxed filaments into staple fibers having a length of about 0.2-6 inches (about 0.5-about 15 cm), and polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fibers, yarns and fabrics. Further, a process of optimizing the crimp take-up of a polytrimethylene terephthalate staple fiber including determining the relationship between denier and crimp take-up and manufacturing staple fibers having a denier selected based upon that determination.

Abstract: New fibrous nonwoven webs are taught that comprise a mass of polyethylene terephthalate fibers that exhibit a double melting peak on a DSC plot: one peak is representative of a first molecular portion within the fiber that is in non-chain-extended crystalline form, and the other peak is representative of a second molecular portion within the fiber that is in chain-extended crystalline form and has a melting point elevated over that of the non-chain-extended crystalline form. Webs comprising fibers having such a morphology have a unique combination of durability and dimensional stability. The fibers are generally autogenously bonded at points of fiber intersection.

Abstract: A process for making a heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool and the resultant cutting tool. The process includes the steps of: providing an uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool having at least a portion thereof ground; and heat treating the uncoated ground ceramic cutting tool so as to form the heat treated ground ceramic cutting tool.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent formed from helically wound and braided filaments of bioabsorbable polymers such as PLA, PLLA, PDLA, and PGA.

Abstract: Zr(1−x)XxW2O8 in which x represents a substituent element for zirconium Zr, and 0≦x<<1, having negative thermal expansion coefficient synthesized previously is heated and melted, or a starting material formed by mixing 2 mols of tungsten trioxide WO3 and 1 mol of the sum of zirconium oxide ZrO2 and a substituent element X in accordance with a substitution amount x at a stoichiometrical ratio and then quenching the same by being placed in a casting mold of an arbitrary shape and annealing the obtained castings by being heated at 120 to 500° C., whereby negative-thermal-expansion ceramics can be molded to arbitrary size and shape without press molding the starting powder and with no formation of voids and crackings in the inside.

Abstract: A method for forming a balloon for a dilation catheter is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: (i) positioning a tube in a preconditioned mold; (ii) expanding the tube in a preconditioned mold to form a parison; (iii) positioning the parison in a balloon mold; and (iv) expanding the parison within the balloon mold to form the balloon. Thus, the tube is initially expanded into a parison in the preconditioned mold. Subsequently, the parison is expanded into a balloon in the balloon mold. Because of this unique manufacturing process, polyester block copolymers can be formed into balloons. Some of these polyester block copolymers could not be formed into a balloon using prior art blow molding processes. The resulting balloon exhibits superior characteristics, including relatively thin and consistent walls, soft texture, low uninflated crossing profile, expansion in a predictable fashion, and good tensile strength.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a resin molded article, which includes the steps of: (1) molding a thermoplastic resin to obtain a resin molded articles; and (2) flame-treating the surface of the resin molded article to obtain a flame-treated resin molded article; wherein the process does not comprise after the step (2) any further step of printing, adhesive-coating or painting the flame-treated surface of the flame-treated resin molded article obtained in the step (2).

Abstract: A method for forming monodispersed magnetic nanoparticles of manganese zinc ferrite is provided which includes reversed micelle synthesis. The method includes preparing a micelle solution of zinc, manganese and iron salts, a surfactant and a hydrocarbon and mixing a second micelle solution of ammonium hydroxide, a surfactant and a hydrocarbon with the first solution to precipitate a ferrite precursor precipitate. The ferrite precursor precipitate is recovered, washed and annealed to produce nanoparticles of manganese zinc ferrite having a spinel crystal structure. Advantageously, the resulting nanoparticles of manganese zinc ferrite have a length no greater than 50 nm in any of the three spatial dimensions and the particle size distribution has a standard deviation of greater than 12% of the mean value.