Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion mat 1 for integration into an automotive seat, comprising a set of metal wire springs 10, plastic connectors 20, connecting the wire springs 10 with each other to form a cushion mat 1, and at least one pressure sensor 30 directly connected to one of the plastic connectors 20 for providing a seat occupation signal. Further a method for the production of cushion mats 1 for integration into an automotive seat is disclosed, comprising the following steps (a) injection molding of plastic material around a set of metal wire springs 10 to form a cushion mat 1 with plastic connectors 20, wherein the plastic connectors 20 having at least one assembly area 24 for a pressure sensor 30, (b) arranging at least one pressure sensor 30 at the assembly area 24, and (c) connecting the pressure sensor 30 at the assembly area 24.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material that exhibits a first durometer. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible support sheet. The frame assembly includes an aperture that receives a layer of heated liquid gel which cools to form the layer of resilient gel material exhibiting the first durometer. In one embodiment, a barrier layer exhibiting a second durometer is situated on the gel layer that exhibits the first durometer. In one embodiment, the barrier layer prevents the flow of oils from the gel layer to a flexible base sheet disposed on the barrier layer. In another embodiment, the flexible base sheet may exhibit a second durometer. In either embodiment, the layers exhibiting the first and second durometer cooperate to influence the feel of the mat to the user.

Abstract: A method of connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece and a device for carrying out the method are shown and described. The object of providing a method with which a positive-locking connection between a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece can be produced in a short time and without considerable outlay in terms of apparatus is achieved by a method comprising the following steps: providing a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece, placing the further workpiece against the plastic workpiece, providing a connecting element on a surface of the plastic workpiece, this surface being opposite the surface against which the further workpiece bears, producing a recess in the further workpiece, this recess being provided on the surface bearing against the plastic workpiece, heating the connecting element, so that the material of the connecting element is plasticized, and pressing plasticized material into the recess.

Abstract: A basket is made from embedded recycled container sheet. The basket includes: a side wall and a bottom, the side wall and the bottom being connected to one another in the shape of a basket with an open top, the side wall being, at least in part, a plurality of flattened recycled containers embedded therein, and each of the plurality of flattened recycled containers being visibly recognizable. In some embodiments, the basket also includes a hanging mechanism attached to at least one of the side wall and the bottom. The side wall has a footprint that may be circular, conical, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal or irregular.

Abstract: A method and product thereby for generating a biocompatible balloon, comprising, in combination: compressing with a first die at least two porous membranes enclosed by a releasing agent between the first die and each of the at least porous membranes, wherein the releasing agent has a melting point above that of the porous membranes; heating the porous membranes to a temperature between the melting point of the porous membranes and the melting point of the releasing agent; and removing the first die; whereby the releasing agent provides support to the porous membranes by cohesive forces between the releasing agent and the porous membranes, such that the porous membranes maintain, after the compressing with the first die, a form defined by the compressing with the first die.

Abstract: A method of fabricating and using a honeycomb core structure for aircrafts. The honeycomb core structure may comprise a septum positioned within and integral to a honeycomb core. The method may comprise sandwiching the septum between two sections of a die. Each section of the die may comprise a plurality of spaced apart columns, each having a hexagonal cross-section. The method may further comprise injecting melted thermoplastic throughout both sections of the die between the columns and cooling the thermoplastic, thereby hardening and integrating the thermoplastic and the septum together to form the honeycomb core structure. The method may also comprise affixing the honeycomb core structure within an aircraft structure to provide a structural load path for a primary component of the aircraft.

Abstract: One or more method(s), system(s), and/or device(s) produces an assembly for securing a product to a dissimilar material, such as a magnet to plastic. A magnet assembly may include a plastic cap having one or more wings extending laterally from a side surface of the plastic cap. A plastic holder defines a product cavity and has one or more grooves formed to integrally fit with the one or more wings of the plastic cap. A magnet is positioned within the product cavity. The plastic cap is joined to the plastic holder, such as through staking or welding, to capture the magnet within the product cavity.

Abstract: A method for the at least partial connecting of walls of a hollow body of an elastic material with at least one opening, wherein a connecting material is introduced in viscous form into the opening of the pre-formed hollow body, the walls of which form a cavity, between two wall sections or surfaces of the wall sections facing each other are melted on for the purpose of the formation of a viscous connecting material, and then the connecting material is transferred into an elastic state with chemical or physical linking with the surfaces of the hollow body, so that the wall sections of the hollow body are at least partially connected with each other in the region of the connecting material, and a corresponding hollow body.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric pad from a preselected polymer material includes the steps of providing a preform including a substantially solid body having a predetermined cross-section disposed normal to a central axis of the preform and a pair of axial ends, each having a substantially flat surface disposed normal to the central axis and a central socket formed within at least one substantially flat surface. Next, providing a pair of forming plates, at least one of the pair of forming plates having a raised annular ring and an axially aligned cavity provided on one surface thereof. Then, positioning the preform between the pair of forming plates and axially aligning the exterior peripheral edge of the annular ring with a peripheral edge of a respective central socket. Finally, forming the pad and removing the pad from engagement with the pair of forming plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding two or more subcomponents together is described. The subcomponents may be welded to one another along seams, whereby sections of the seam that comprise similar materials are heated to a degree suitable for joining together those particular portions of the seam. Other sections of the seam may be heated to a different degree depending upon the material characteristics employed in that section of the seam. Embodiments of the apparatus include features for holding the subcomponents, simultaneously heating seams of each component, positioning the mating subcomponents together, and applying pressure between mating subcomponents to join them together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary face shield for a sports helmet. The shield includes a first portion which is comprised of a transparent polymeric material and a second portion comprised of a structural polymeric material. The second portion has a plurality of openings defined therethrough, and the first and second portions are fusion bonded together in an edge-to-edge relationship so as to produce a unitary body. The face shield may include still further portions and these may be structural or transparent portions. The transparent portions are fabricated from a high-impact material such as polycarbonate or impact-modified acrylic, and the structural portions are fabricated from high strength structural polymers such as nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ASA, and various combinations. The structural polymer may include reinforcing materials. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the shield by composite molding processes.

Abstract: A method for coaxially connecting a first plastic tube (10, 110) to a second plastic tube (20, 120), said plastic tubes (10, 20). In particular being provided as part of a medical catheter (102), the two plastic tubes (10, 20) being connected by way of a tubular connecting piece (50), characterized in that the first plastic tube (10) and/or the second plastic tube (20) are integrally molded from the outside onto the tubular connecting piece (50) using a forming process such that an adhesive and/or positive connection is produced.

Abstract: A golf club grip includes a first grip member and a second grip member. The first grip member has a dark color and a first material density. The second grip member which has a light color and a second material density which is greater than the first material density, wherein the first grip member is integrated with the second grip member in an edge-to-edge manner to form an elongated tubular structure. When the first grip member and the second grip member is heated to integrate with each other, particles of the second grip member crosses over the first grip member to form a predetermined amount of light color at the first grip member, while the light color formed at the first grip member is adapted to be overlaid by the dark color so as to render the light color and the dark color sharply distinguishable on the gold club grip.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a structure using a single, hollow primary tube, preferably of a composite material, wherein ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube through aligned holes on opposite sides of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics, and aesthetics of the structure.

Abstract: A method of laminating a sheet or sheets to a substrate and a method of laminating a plurality of articles. The substrate is inserted into a press. The sheet is inserted into the press over the substrate. Liquid thermoset polymer is injected into the press. Heat and pressure are applied forcing the liquid thermoset polymer against the sheet and forcing the sheet against the substrate. The liquid thermoset polymer is allowed to cure under heat and pressure forming a cured silicone rubber sheet. The cured silicone rubber sheet is removed from the press. A plurality of articles may be laminated by laminating the second of the articles while the first article is cooling.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding. In the process according to the invention continuous extrusion of at least two preforms in web form of plasticized material is effected by means of a plurality of extrusion devices. The preforms are jointly shaped to form a hollow body in the still plastic condition, that is to say in the first heat, within a multi-part tool forming a mold cavity. In that case a wall thickness profile is imparted to at least one preform during the extrusion operation independently of the respective other preform by continuous nozzle gap adjustment during the extrusion operation.

Abstract: A vessel-loop having an elastic tube and a needle attached to one end thereof for use in various surgical procedures, and a method for forming same. The method includes the steps of positioning a heat-sensitive element within a section of elastic tubing, applying tensile forces to the opposed ends of the tubing section, and heating the heat-sensitive element and the portion of the tubing adjacent the heat-sensitive element so that the heat-sensitive element adheres to the adjacent tubing portion. The heat-sensitive element and the adjacent tubing portion are allowed to cool until a conjoined reduced-diameter portion is formed. The reduced-diameter portion is cut to form two ends, each having a reduced-diameter end. The reduced-diameter ends are then each secured to a needle, forming two vessel loops.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a partitioning device for separating a chamber of a patient's heart into a productive portion and a non-productive portion. The device is particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure. The partitioning device has a frame-reinforced, expandable membrane which separates the productive and non-productive portions of the heart chamber. Elements of the frame include ribs that are secured to the expandable membrane, to form an integrated structure that may be unilaminar or bilaminar in form. The proximal ends of the ribs of the frame have tissue-penetrating elements about the periphery thereof which are configured to penetrate tissue lining the heart wall at an angle approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the partitioning device. The partitioning device has a hub with a non-traumatic distal end to engage the ventricular wall.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bearing includes a metallic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an embedded wireless device such as a RFID tag molded into separate housing formed of any thermoplastic material compatible to that of the plastic material as the device to which the housing is to be attached. Subsequently, the housed tag assembly can be thermally bonded onto the device through many means which are well known and accepted in the industry.

Abstract: An method of making an orthopaedic bearing includes securing polymer composite to a metallic component. An orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a composite stringer. A method is used for manufacturing a hollow composite stringer. Foam is formed with a mandrel installed into the foam. A composite material and the foam is laid up onto a tool in a form of a stringer. The composite material and the foam in the form of the stringer is cured to form a cured stringer. The mandrel from the foam is removed to form the hollow composite stringer.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bearing includes a ceramic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for producing a coated composite component, an injection-molded part is produced in a first cycle by introducing a melt into the cavity of a first mold. A polyurethane layer is then applied to the cavity surface of an open polyurethane mold half. The mold half with the injection molded part produced in the first cycle is associated with the polyurethane mold half, and the so formed second mold is closed. The polyurethane layer is pressed or embossed onto the injection-molded part in the second mold, and the coated injection-molded part is removed once the second mold has been opened.

Abstract: A method of making a lasted skate boot having an upper for enclosing and supporting a human foot having an ankle, a plantar surface, a lateral side, a medial side, and toes. The method comprises (a) forming lateral and medial quarter panels by thermoforming a sheet of foam material such that at least one of the quarter panels comprises an inner surface shaped to substantially conform to one of the lateral and medial sides of the foot; (b) assembling to the quarter panels a toe box for enclosing the toes of the foot, an inner lining having an inner surface adapted to contact the foot in use, and a tongue extending upwardly and rearwardly from the toe box to form the upper; and (c) affixing to the upper an insole for facing the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for seamless manmade leather ball, wherein composites such as soft bioplastic resin or manmade leather, etc are injected, extruded or hot compressed to form upper and lower half bowl type thin covers to completely matchingly sleeve and sphere the corresponding ball bladder, next it is pressingly combined in the one step or two steps curing molds to fusionly paste with the reinforcement layer on said ball bladder to become an initial blank with waterproof layer which is further pressingly combined and cooled down to a fixed form in another set of forming molds with its outside surface formed with pre-formed lines and is further treated with a surface cortex layer and put in forming molds once again allowing surface decorative lines to be pressingly combined at second time, thereby allowing the ball to appear a better simulated leather ball outlook.

Abstract: Composite bodies, processes for making them, and their uses are disclosed, the composite bodies comprising a polyacetal portion and a modified thermoplastic vulcanizate portion bonded together, wherein the modified thermoplastic vulcanizate portion comprises a modified thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer having a hardness of 30 to 90 Shore A and wherein the modified thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer comprises: (a) 2 to 75% by weight of an at least partially crosslinked ethylene-propylene-diene rubber in from 1 to 50% by weight of a polyolefinic matrix further comprising 0.05 to 10% by weight of an ingredient selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, crosslinking aids, and mixtures thereof; (b) 1 to 30% by weight of a compatibilizer; and (c) 10 to 70% by weight of a non-olefinic thermoplastic material, all percentages by weight based on a total weight of the modified thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer.

Abstract: A polymeric fuel tank having a first body joined to a second body is constructed having a substantially continuously barrier layer surrounding the tank. The first body has an inner surface terminating at a free edge and a first mating surface adjacent the free edge. A first barrier layer is fixed adjacent the inner surface of the first body. The second body has an inner surface terminating at a free edge and has a second mating surface adjacent to the first mating surface and the free edge of the second body to define a fuel cavity. A second barrier layer is fixed adjacent the inner surface of the second body. At least one weld joint joins the first mating surface to the second mating surface and the first barrier layer to the second barrier layer to provide the continuous barrier layer in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A metal mold is prepared, which has a gate, a cavity in which a virtual curve is formed, which forms at least a welding target part of a laser beam transmitting member along the virtual curve, and in which a filling terminal wall is formed along a curve parallel to the virtual curve, and a throttle part for reducing the flow of a resin flowing from the gate toward the cavity, which is connected to the cavity, and whose connection boundary is formed along a curve parallel to the virtual curve. Then, a resin is injected into the gate and a crystalline laser beam transmitting member is molded out of the injected resin using the metal mold.

Abstract: First and second semi-finished molded articles and a third semi-finished molded article are molded simultaneously so as to have joint end faces by using a slide die, a fixed die, and first and second slide cores fitted to the fixed die. The slide die with the third semi-finished molded article remaining thereon is moved toward the first and second slide cores, and their respective joint end faces are registered. Heating surfaces are inserted between the joint end faces. After melting the joint end faces, the heating surfaces are retracted, and the molding device is closed to weld the joint end faces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of imparting constraint in a biaxially elastic nonwoven laminate, and the constrained laminate itself, the method comprising providing a biaxially elastic nonwoven laminate comprising at least one meltspun elastic fabric and at least one extensible fabric or film; and fusing at least, or preferably, only a portion(s) of the at least one meltspun elastic fabric to at least one of the extensible fabrics to create at least one inelastic zone. Desirably, the at least one meltspun elastic fabric and at least one extensible fabric or film is biaxially elastic, and referred to as being “nonwoven” due to the at least one layer of meltspun elastomer. The meltspun elastic fabric may comprise a polyolefin-based elastomer or blend of an elastomer with a thermoplastic.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for designing improved flexible tubes and production methods which have improved flexibility and resistance to collapsing under load or during bending. Methods for injection molding a flexible tube (2) and providing at least one support member (4) that is arranged to provide improved lateral support to reduce lateral collapsing of the flexible tube (2). Methods for using and fabricating flexible tubes (2) are also provided for various shapes of support members (4) including annular ribs, helical ribs, spaced apart coils (128), narrow ribs, wide supports, as well as for various cross sectional shapes of flexible tubes (2), including streamlined elongated hydrofoil shaped cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis of flex tube (2).

Abstract: A method of connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece and a device for carrying out the method are shown and described. The object of providing a method with which a positive-locking connection between a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece can be produced in a short time and without considerable outlay in terms of apparatus is achieved by a method comprising the following steps: providing a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece, placing the further workpiece against the plastic workpiece, providing a connecting element on a surface of the plastic workpiece, this surface being opposite the surface against which the further workpiece bears, producing a recess in the further workpiece, this recess being provided on the surface bearing against the plastic workpiece, heating the connecting element, so that the material of the connecting element is plasticized, and pressing plasticized material into the recess.

Abstract: A process for forcibly infusing liquid potting compound into the strands of a cable in order to attach an anchor to the cable. The process uses a strand cavity within an anchor that encloses the exposed strands. The strand cavity is sealed. Liquid potting compound is then forced into the strand cavity, where it runs around and through the exposed strands. A second venting passage is preferably employed, so that the liquid potting compound flows through the mold without trapping any substantial air pockets.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a dilation balloon and a shaft having a coaxial portion including an outer tubular member having a bore, a proximate end and a distal end and a transition neck formed at the distal end of the coaxial portion, the transition neck having a proximate end at the distal end of the outer tubular member and a distal end, an access fitting adjacent the proximate end of the catheter shaft for directing a guidewire into the catheter shaft, an inflation port for directing an incompressible inflation medium into the catheter shaft, a guidewire tubular member disposed coaxially in the outer tubular member and extending continuously through the outer tubular member to the distal end of the outer tubular member and through the transition neck, the outer tubular member and guidewire tubular member defining a first, annular inflation/deflation lumen therebetween in fluid communication with the inflation port, at least one second inflation/deflation lumen formed through the transition neck,

Abstract: A method of producing a composite recycled bottle sheet product, which includes: (a) providing a plurality of empty, cleaned, recycled plastic bottles; (b) stacking the bottles in a molding member having a predetermined width, the stacking having an uncompressed height of at least six inches; (c) compressing and heating the bottles to partially melt and fuse the bottles to create a compressed flat composite recycled bottle sheet so as to visibly display a plurality of deformed identifiable bottles; and, (d) creating a product from the compressed flat composite recycled bottle sheet so as to retain the visible display of the plurality of deformed identifiable bottles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resin polymer blend comprising at least two dry blended, non-melt processible resin polyimide particulates, wherein the non-melt processible resin polyimide articulates are molded by compression molding.

Abstract: Introduction guides 12 are provided above and below a sheet-introduction opening portion of a pressure-reduced chamber 10, and heating means 17 is provided between the introduction guides. Each resin sheet 3 is attracted and attached respectively to the circumferential surface of a corresponding emboss roller 11 by reducing pressure. Pins 112 of the emboss roller 11 are truncated cone-shaped. The ratio of the total area of the lower bases of the pins 112 to the area of the circumferential surface of the emboss roller is 0.5 or more. The rising angle ? of the pin side face, in the vertical plane including the central axis of the pins 112, is in the range from 50 degrees to 70 degrees. Furthermore, a multilayered hollow structure plate 140 is formed by attaching non-air-permeable sheets 130 onto both the front and back of a core member obtained by fusing together hollow protrusions 112 in two thermoplastic resin sheets.

Abstract: A product and method where a multi-colored product is rotationally molded with no or essentially no blending of the colors. A separation sheet is positioned in the mold to separate relatively adjacent portions of the mold cavity that contain differently colored resins. The separation sheet acts as a barrier to prevent the differently colored resins from blending during the molding process. During the molding process, the molten resins may fuse to opposite sides of the separation sheet, or the separation sheet may melt and disperse, all or in part, within the mold while maintaining a distinct color difference between the differently colored portions of the molded product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an anti-fatigue mat that employs a layer of resilient gel material. The method employs a frame assembly that receives a flexible sheet to form the base sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a movable frame member having an angled aperture for controlling the geometry of the gel layer when heated gel is dispensed into the aperture. In one embodiment, the frame assembly receives another flexible sheet disposed on the gel layer to form the support sheet of the mat. In one embodiment, the frame assembly may further include a cooling channel for convective or liquid cooling of liquid gel dispensed into a gel receiving cavity formed by the aperture.

Abstract: The method employs a stationary mold having depositing recesses equipped in its inside with a deposition element such as a target electrode, and movable molds made slidable. A primary molding is performed to form a body portion and a cover member to have joint portions around their opening. The body portion left in the vertically sliding mold is deposited after it was densely covered with the depositing recesses. Next, the deposited body portion and the cover member, as left in the molds, are registered and mold clamped, and the molten metal is injected to integrated the joint portions.

Abstract: This invention discloses a casing and a method for manufacturing the same. The casing includes a fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymeric mat and a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymeric mat. The fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymeric mat is molded to have a predetermined shape with a curved inner surface. The fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymeric mat is molded on the inner surface of the fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymeric mat and agrees with the curved inner surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film comprising individual anchored filaments. More specifically, the invention relates to the female part of a hook-and-loop self-adhering support, comprising a plastic film and independent filaments which are fixed to one of the faces of the film. The invention is characterized in that part of the length of each filament is anchored to the plastic film, while the remainder thereof is disposed at a distance from the film, such as to form loops. According to the invention, the film is made from a non-elastic and non-heat-shrinkable material and the filaments have a count of less than 10, preferably less than or equal to 7.7, for example between 2 and 5 decitex.

Abstract: Medical devices including a proximal tubular member, a distal tubular member, and an intermediate tubular member connecting the proximal tubular member to the distal tubular member, and related methods.

Abstract: A process for producing a resinous laminated member, which is provided with an inclining first resinous layer, a decorated layer disposed parallelly to the first resinous layer, a second resinous layer disposed parallelly to the first resinous layer and an engaging portion extending obliquely to the first resinous layer, includes the steps of molding a primary molded product by molding the first resinous layer with a first forming mold's first-inner-surface molding cavity surface and at the same time shaping a film, which makes the decorated layer, with the first-inner-surface molding cavity surface while extending the film parallelly to the first-inner-surface molding cavity surface's extending direction, and molding the second resinous layer integrally with the primary molded product with a second forming mold while disposing the primary molded product parallelly to the obliquely-extending direction of the produced resinous laminated member's engaging portion in the second forming mold.

Abstract: A macrocell structure 20 having a honeycomb form is preheated to cure to a cure depth falling within a range where a flexibility of prepregs in the macrocell structure remains. Subsequently, prepregs 31, 32 are arranged along a side wall of the preheated macrocell structure 20, so as to make a preliminary structure 40. Then, the preliminary structure 40 is heated while the inside of the prepregs 31, 32 in the preliminary structure 40 is vacuumed. Thereafter, the preliminary structure 40 is heated while imparting an internal pressure thereto within a mold 5, so as to be cured, whereby a resin structure 1 is produced.

Abstract: The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, relates a method of manufacturing an animal chew by molding two body portions of a first material each having at least one concave surface and one or more through holes, attaching the two portions together such that the concave surfaces face one another to form a hollow body portion, injecting a second material into the hollow body portion to fill at least a portion of the hollow body and form areas of exposed regions of the second material by filling the one or more through holes. In a second exemplary embodiment, the two portions may have the concave surfaces over-molded with a second material which fills the one or more through holes. In a third exemplary embodiment, a separate shape of a second material may be molded in a configuration having dimensions complementary to the two half portion and holes when the portions are combined.

Abstract: A method of pre-applying a bolster assembly to an interior trim part includes the steps of applying a base skin layer to a groove of a first nest, applying a bolster skin layer to a second nest, positioning the first nest in an open position, and inserting a leading edge of a bolster skin layer in the groove of the first nest when the first nest is in the open position until the bolster skin layer engages the base skin layer. The bolster assembly can be attached to the interior trim part by a Foam-In-Place (FIP) or Low-Pressure Molding (LPM) operation. The interior trim part may comprise a dashboard garnish, an instrument panel (IP), a door panel, and the like. A boss locating portion can be integrally formed within the base skin layer and is used for locating the bolster assembly on the interior trim piece during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A guide catheter shaft is formed from an inner tube structure and a multilayer sheath around the inner tube structure. The multilayer sheath includes an intermediate sheath and a shrink tube layer. The intermediate sheath is disposed around the inner tube and realized from a melt-processible first polyether-block amide material. The shrink tube layer is disposed around the intermediate sheath and realized from a different second polyether-block amide (e.g. a cross-linked polyether-block amide material) having a shrink temperature range greater than a melt temperature range of the first polyether-block amide material. The resulting structure is heated at a temperature within the shrink temperature range such that the outer shrink tube layer shrinks and the intermediate layer melts to thereby bond the multilayer sheath to the inner tube.

Abstract: A cover for a utility trench includes upper and lower surfaces enclosing a hollow cavity, which is subdivided by multiple, transverse channels recessed into an extending transversely across the lower surface. The channels form fused engagements or “kiss offs” with the upper surface, which increase the transverse rigidity of the cover for enhanced load-bearing capacity spanning across the opening formed by the trench. The hollow construction of the cover, which can comprise a suitable plastic, tends to minimize its weight A pair of flanges extend along respective sides of the cover and are bolted to the trench sidewall top edges in overlying relation. A pair of shoulders are formed inside the flanges and are adapted to extend into the trench with the cover positioned thereover. A method of manufacturing a utility trench cover includes rotary molding a hollow cover with kiss offs.