Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes an array of filament engagement elements, a mandrel extending from the center of the circular array, a plurality of actuators disposed operably about the array, and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The plurality of filaments are loaded onto the mandrel by looping a middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments over an end of the mandrel and extend radially toward and contact the circumferential edge of the circular array of filament engagement elements. The plurality of actuators are operated to engage a first subset of the plurality of filaments and move the engaged filaments in a generally radial direction to a position beyond the circumferential edge of the array. The rotating mechanism is operated to move the engaged filaments about the mandrel axis.

Abstract: A system to manufacture an object includes a headstock, a tailstock, and a mandrel having a first end coupled to the headstock and a second end coupled to the tailstock. The system also includes an actuator coupled to one or more of the headstock, the tailstock, or the mandrel, the actuator operable to apply a force to the one or more of the headstock, the tailstock, or the mandrel, to oppose deformation of the mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to an apparatus for providing a coiled collagen carrier. An apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises a device for applying moisture to a collagen carrier prior to coiling of the collagen carrier and a coiling device. The coiling device preferably comprises rotatable gripping means for gripping the collagen carrier along an edge and coiling the collagen carrier, and a support device supporting the collagen carrier while being coiled. In another aspect, the invention relates to a production facility wherein an apparatus according to invention is arranged.

Abstract: A sleeve for decorative lighting helps prevent tangled lighting wires. The sleeve has clamps at each end that clamp the lighting wires. The sleeve is flexible and may be elastic. The sleeve may be a light diffuser so that the decorative lighting can be used while in the sleeve. A decorative lighting string has retractable lights and may be at least stored in the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention is related in general to equipment and methods for preparing curved fibers in a batch or continuous process. Fiber strands comprising a thermoplastic material are placed on a cylindrical surface and heated such that they soften and become malleable. The fiber strands assume the curvature of the cylindrical surface and, upon cooling below their softening temperature, retain the curvature. The curved-fiber strands are then cut to a desired length.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to an apparatus for providing a coiled collagen carrier. An apparatus according to the invention preferably comprises a device for applying moisture to a collagen carrier prior to coiling of the collagen carrier and a coiling device. The coiling device preferably comprises rotatable gripping means for gripping the collagen carrier along an edge and coiling the collagen carrier, and a support device supporting the collagen carrier while being coiled. In another aspect, the invention relates to a production facility wherein an apparatus according to invention is arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a rolled compressed collagen carrier and a process for un-rolling said rolled compressed collagen carrier. Said rolled compressed collagen carrier is ready for use in minimally invasive surgery. The invention also relates to a rolled compressed collagen carrier for use in the prevention or treatment of injury associated with performing minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for preparing curved fibers in a batch or continuous process. Fiber strands comprising a thermoplastic material are placed on a cylindrical surface and heated such that they soften and become malleable. The fiber strands assume the curvature of the cylindrical surface and, upon cooling below their softening temperature, retain the curvature. The curved-fiber strands are then cut to a desired length.

Abstract: Methods and systems of forming barbed sutures from blown films are provided. A method for forming a barbed suture includes providing a blown film, cutting slits into an outer edge of the blown film, and twisting the blown film such that the slits protrude from the twisted blown film to form a barbed suture. A system for forming a barbed suture includes a set of heating rollers configured for stiffening an outer edge of a blown film, a set of cutting rollers configured for forming slits in the outer edge, a set of twisting rollers configured for twisting the blown film into a suture, and a heat source to set the suture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing coils (9) with longitudinal sections (9a) and narrow deflection bends (9b) by winding wires (8) on winding mandrels (4) with complementary cross sections with the supply of heating energy and subsequent fixing by cooling. To attain the object to rule out the spring rebounds of the coils (9) at the points of narrowest radii of curvature as far as possible and to produce coils (9) with high precision with high efficiency, it is proposed according to the invention that the heating energy is brought to act on the coils (9) at least mainly in the region of the narrow deflection bends (9b). This can be carried out by the targeted application of heating gases or hot air, laser radiation, contact heating, plasma radiation and ultrasound.

Abstract: Methods and systems of forming barbed sutures from blown films are provided. A method for forming a barbed suture includes providing a blown film, cutting slits into an outer edge of the blown film, and twisting the blown film such that the slits protrude from the twisted blown film to form a barbed suture. A system for forming a barbed suture includes a set of heating rollers configured for stiffening an outer edge of a blown film, a set of cutting rollers configured for forming slits in the outer edge, a set of twisting rollers configured for twisting the blown film into a suture, and a heat source to set the suture.

Abstract: A stiffened mandrel used in the manufacture of a composite tubular. The mandrel is placed on a filament winding machine and is comprised of an outer and inner shell. A pressure source is connected to the mandrel to exert a tensile force on the outer shell to stiffen the mandrel and thereby prevent sagging and bending of the mandrel. The stiffened mandrel allows for the manufacture of a composite tubular without undesirable flexing, wrinkling, or contamination of the uncured composite.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for winding a composite strip onto a spool having a hub in which the strip includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart lengthwise extending rib portions upstanding from the base portion. The method comprises the steps of feeding the strip towards the hub of the spool; driving the fed strip through a roller set so as to plastically deform the strip to give it a curved base portion; and winding the deformed strip onto the hub to form spooled strip, the winding creating tension in the strip. The plastic deformation of the strip through the roller set substantially reduces the tension in the strip that would otherwise occur.

Abstract: There is provided a nanoimprint apparatus. The nanoimprint apparatus transfers a pattern formed on a surface of a mold to a transfer layer which is formed partially or entirely on a side surface of a substantially cylindrical or columnar substrate. The nanoimprint apparatus includes: a first jig which is in contact with the substrate 102; a second jig which rotatably supports the first jig; a press unit which is connected to the second jig to press the substrate on the mold 104 through the first and second jigs; and a movable holding unit which holds the mold and moves the mold 104 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a pressing force.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for preparing curved fibers in a batch or continuous process. Fiber strands comprising a thermoplastic material are placed on a cylindrical surface and heated such that they soften and become malleable. The fiber strands assume the curvature of the cylindrical surface and, upon cooling below their softening temperature, retain the curvature. The curved-fiber strands are then cut to a desired length.

Abstract: A stiffened mandrel used in the manufacture of a composite tubular. The mandrel is placed on a filament winding machine and is comprised of an outer and inner shell. A pressure source is connected to the mandrel to exert a tensile force on the outer shell to stiffen the mandrel and thereby prevent sagging and bending of the mandrel. The stiffened mandrel allows for the manufacture of a composite tubular without undesirable flexing, wrinkling, or contamination of the uncured composite.

Abstract: A method of winding a length of plastic ribbon (such as a zipper of the type used in reclosable packaging) around a cylinder of a spool having a first flange at one end and a second flange at the other end, comprising the following steps: (a) winding the ribbon with a winding tension in a first range when the portion of the ribbon being wound is within a first volume surrounding a central region of the cylinder; and (b) winding the ribbon with a winding tension in a second range when the portion of the ribbon being wound is within second and third volumes surrounding respective portions of the cylinder disposed between the central region and the first and second flanges respectively. To reduce camber in the portions of the wound ribbon disposed in the second and third volumes, i.e., near the respective spool flanges, the upper limit of the second range of winding tension is less than the lower limit of the first range of winding tension, i.e.

Abstract: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene compositions of highly beneficial sintering characteristics are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: A combination book binding machine with a plastic coil forming machine, whereby a plastic spiral coil is formed at a first raised temperature, then cut to a length sufficient for the plastic spiral coil to bind a book, cooled and then advanced toward a receiving coil conveyor of a coil binding machine, for binding the book with a plastic coil at the lowered cooled temperature. The binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate the cooled flexible plastic spiral coil into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the plastic spiral binding coils. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding coil is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lining an underground conduit is disclosed. The apparatus 10 comprises: an annular frame 40 having a crown portion 42 and a base portion 49; a strip guide disposed around and supported by the annular frame 40, the guide arranged to guide a strip 12 around a helical path; a pair of strip pinch rollers mounted to the frame 40 at a position circumferentially about halfway between the crown portion 42 and the base portion 49; a drive assembly mounted to the frame for driving the strip 12 downwards into the helical path in a winding direction so as to present an incoming first edge to an adjacent second edge of a wound convolution of the strip; a liquid remover mounted to the frame, the liquid remover arranged to prevent liquid that has adhered to and ascended with the second edge from descending down towards the incoming first edge; and an extruder 80 mounted to the frame 40 for extruding a molten bead of plastic onto the strip 12 at a position just before said overlap.

Abstract: Method of producing spring wires shaped as a cylinder. The wire includes at least one first plurality of layers of wound fibres, the layers being disposed on top of one another and impregnated with a matrix. The first plurality of layers includes at least two stacked layers of fibres which are wound in opposing directions along two coaxial helices around the same axis to the left and right thereof respectively. The tangents to the two helices together with the axis (10) form respectively two angles having values ?x-1 and ?x which are respectively equal to ?+k? and ??? k?, ? being a function of the value of the modulus of elasticity for the spring to be produced and k being a factor of between 0 and 1. The method is suitable for the production of helical cylindrical-type spring wires for the suspension systems of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite coil spring includes the following steps: preparing a mold, winding a coil former around a mandrel of the mold, winding composite material pre-preg, compressing and heating, opening the mold and detaching the mandrel and the coiled coil former.

Abstract: A combination book binding machine with a plastic coil forming machine, whereby a plastic spiral coil is formed at a first raised temperature, then cut to a length sufficient for the plastic spiral coil to bind a book, cooled and then advanced toward a receiving coil conveyor of a coil binding machine, for binding the book with a plastic coil at the lowered cooled temperature. The binding machine and method for spirally binding a sheaf of papers into a book uses an adjustable speed drive to rotate the cooled flexible plastic spiral coil into respective holes in the book. The book has a plurality of holes in a row adjacent one edge of the book to receive the leading edge of the plastic spiral binding coils. A cylindrically shaped mandrel is spaced apart from a glidable block. The plastic pre-formed spiral binding coil is fed onto the mandrel from the distal end thereof, with the leading edge of the binding element facing and spaced apart from the book.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand extremely high internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, high pressure underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), modulus strength allowances to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific fabric articles which permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations. A simplified, potentially on-site production method for producing more uniform, better-performing pipes as well as a specific molding dorn for such a purpose are also contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A continuous thermoplastic wire is heated and fed into a coil forming apparatus having a rotative drum holding an injection nozzle so that it registers with and be linked in a common rotative movement to a threaded mandrel also supported by the drum. The wire discharged by the nozzle slidably engages the threads of the mandrel into a helical pattern, the mandrel being radially and coaxially surrounded by a cooled sleeve. The wire will thus solidify along the helical thread of the mandrel, to form a continuous plastic coil being discharged at the downstream extremity of the mandrel and sleeve assembly. Due to the fact that the drum, mandrel and nozzle all rotate in a common rotative movement, it is possible to select the direction and speed of rotation of the three last-mentioned elements so that the coil being discharged have an ouput discharge translational speed, while being exempt of any absolute rotational movement about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A transfer/injection molding apparatus and process is defined that includes a charge forming unit. The charge is formed so that the fibers therein are randomly oriented in substantially parallel horizontal planes such that they are always substantially parallel to the direction of initial flow into the cavity of the molding unit. The charge forming unit includes a cutter for cutting sheet material into strips and a wind-up fork for rolling the strips into wrapped charges. The wrapped charges are formed by winding the strips around prongs extending from the wind-up fork. Further, the fork is attached to a robotic arm which loads the wrapped charge into the molding die.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus in which decorative ribbons of varying thickness, width, and material can be automatically curled. The apparatus serves to impart a tendency to curl the strand in a helical formation by drawing the ribbon in a helical path around a curling tube. The tube is divided into two parts, so that the first part heats the ribbon while in a helical configuration and the second part cools the ribbon while still in the helical configuration, thereby setting into the ribbon material a tendency to curl. The helical path on the tube is defined between convolutions of a helically-wound fin on the exterior of the tube. The tube is hollow and has apertures opening into the helical path, so that temperature-controlled air may be blown into the two parts of the path through the hollow interior of the tube.

Abstract: A split sealing member for a rotary shaft comprising a coiled body, with non-adjoined ends, having a plurality of turns about a central axis, bent along the course of the body such that the body is divided into a radially-inner portion and a radially-outer portion wherein the radially-inner portion defines a first plane and the radially-outer portion defines a second plane which is substantially transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: A very light weight high pressure coiled retractable hose kit for marine vehicles and outdoor use which uses a helical structure to automatically retract when not used. The helical structure allows the hose to extend substantially the length of a typical fishing boat. A UV and thermal resistant material is used to withstand damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat or cold. The material is also corrosion resistant to withstand damage from salt water. A high pressure rating allows a narrow diameter hose which occupies a small storage area to be attached to a conventional spigot and provide an increase in water velocity when the nozzle is activated. Input and output fittings and a nozzle retention bracket hold the hose structure in a tight helical spring configuration for storage. The light weight allows easy manipulation of the hose kit and provides improved safety by enhancing the ability to move the hose kit from underfoot during periods of intense activity such as when gaffing fish onboard a boat.

Abstract: A synthetic resin monofilament being continuously supplied is intermittently stamped to form head portions as flattened protuberances bulging laterally. Then the stamped monofilament is bent at the head portions to form leg portions and turnover portions bridging the leg portions of adjacent head portions, forming an continous coupling element row. While the continous coupling element row is conveyed by a conveying section, the head portions are heated and softened by a heating section, and a head-portion shaping tool having arcuate recesses is brought into contact with the individual outwardly curved softened head portions to shape the external shape of each head portion into an arcuate shape.

Abstract: A heating mechanism for zipper forming machines includes a mold base, a support seat, a seat cover, a screw sleeve and a heating element. The support seat has a clearance at a central portion and a heat insulation pad is fitted into the clearance for dividing the support seat into a heating area and a cooling area. The heating element is disposed in the heating area and a cooling element is disposed at the cooling area for enhancing heat energy efficiencies and reducing noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for manufacturing parts made from resin and reinforcing fibers by winding. Molding means including a plurality of female forms corresponding each to a print of the part to be manufactured are produced. The forms are arranged one after the other, substantially helically, so as to make a continuous groove, then said groove is filled by winding with fibers coated with a polymerizable resin by rotating the prints round the axis of the helix.

Abstract: Tube multi-pack methods of manufacture are disclosed. The tube multi-packs that are produced by the method of the present invention are one-piece tube multi-pack including an elongated thin-walled tubular element made of transparent flexible plastic material with inner and outer peripherally extending walls. At least one thin-walled web section is integrally connected to the inner peripheral extending wall of the tubular element and has greater flexibility than the tubular element in order to adjustably accommodate a plurality of separate discrete products positioned on opposite sides of the at least one integral web section. The at least one integral thin-walled web section may be connected to the inner peripherally extending wall of the tubular element at different relative locations, for example, in a spiral or curvilinear or other shaped path throughout the tubular element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously extruding a product, and forming it into a bend by applying a force to it at a point of application downstream of where its surface becomes solid. The force has a transverse component relative to the die axis, and performs work upon the extruded material, extra to the work that has already been performed to extrude it. Non-contact members of applying the force are described, and various ram-type contacting members are illustrated. Alternative means of operation are described in which the point of application of the force to the extrudate during bending varies relative both to the extrudate and to the die, relative to the extrudate only, and relative to the die only. Means to alter the direction of bending are described, and to diminish the necessary bending force by creating a fluctuating melt pressure within the die.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for helically winding pipes from tube forming plastics strip comprising a single fixed rigid loop formed from a length of metal band, wherein the inner surface of the loop forms a spiral path along which the strip is directed when helically wound, strip guide means for guiding the strip into the path of the loop, and driven roller means for driving the strip around the spiral path and for joining together adjacent edges of adjacent convolutions of the strip, whereby during the helical winding process, the strip is driven around the spiral path in frictional engagement with the loop inner surface, maintaining intimate contact therewith, to thereby form the pipe.

Abstract: A packing material for formation of a seal for a rotary or reciprocating shaft is disclosed wherein a core element is enveloped by a sheet of expanded graphite material. The core element is preferably formed of a wire mesh and solid graphite. The enveloping process is accomplished in such a manner as to wrap the core element with a self-lubricating surface material. The packing material of the present invention provides the advantages of graphite packings and metallic core packings.

Abstract: A device (24) for aligning with a feeding line (8) of a moving transfer conveyor (3) and for bending a round elongated dough piece (13) randomly placed on the moving transfer conveyor for transfer, comprising a pair of stoppers (26, 26) symmetrically arranged in a funnel-shape above the moving transfer conveyor (3) so that the dough piece (13) can be moved to a central position between the stoppers (26) and (26). The stoppers are rotatable to bend the dough piece (13) and movable to release it on the moving transfer conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously winding a length of material into a helical form includes a frame structure and a plurality of rollers mounted on the frame structure. Each roller has a non-grooved surface with portions of a different diameter, a longitudinal axis and oppositely positioned first and second ends, and the plurality of rollers are arranged about a winder axis in a substantially circular fashion. The rollers are individually rotatably driven and the first and second ends of each roller are offset with respect to one another as viewed from one end of the respective roller along a line parallel to the winder axis and passing through the longitudinal axis of the respective roller at the one end of the respective roller. The method includes continuously feeding a length material onto a plurality of rollers that are arranged in a substantially cylindrical manner about a winder axis so that the outer surfaces of the rollers define a cylindrical winder surface about which the material is to be wound.

Abstract: Addition of a polyhydric alcohol to creping adhesive formulation comprising a water soluble binder increases operational efficiency.

Abstract: This invention provides for a continuous PTFE fiber having on its surface a substantially round profile and a single spiralling seam formed from a continuous sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene which is helically rolled and self-adhered. The PTFE sheet may include microporous PTFE as well as expanded microporous PTFE. The PTFE sheet may be filled with particulate fillers or coated with polymeric coatings prior to the formation of the inventive fiber. The PTFE sheet may be used to contain various filamentary or sheet-like elements with the inventive fiber.The method for producing the inventive fiber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A large-diameter plastic pipe is made by extruding from an extruding-nozzle assembly a hollow thermoplastic strip having an outer rectangular cross section and formed with longitudinally extending outer walls and webs having inner surfaces and defining a plurality of longitudinally extending internal cells separated by the webs from one another. Substantially only the inner surfaces of the outer walls and the cell-forming webs are then cooled to size the strip and provide it with a predetermined compressive strength stable up to a predetermined critical pressure of the design strength while externally shielding external surfaces of the strip and thereby preventing cooling of same.

Abstract: Process for making coiled brake Tubing for truck/trailer rigs formed of a blend of polyolefin materials.

Abstract: In the method for the manufacture of curved plastic pieces, such as brassiere underwires, the plastic pieces are formed from hot plastic material in a selected mold and are cooled to solidify the plastic material. In the improved method, a continuous thermoplastic wire in its thermoplastically formable state is coiled into a coil and simultaneously cooled thus forming turns of a solidified coil. The turns are subsequently cut along the axis of the coil over the entire length of the coil to produce the curved plastic pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for stamping a monofilament to form shaped portions for slide fastener coupling elements, including: a stationary shaft having a mandrel extending from its one end; a pair of stamping rollers comprising a cylindrical roller and an annular roller; and a monofilament supply roller for supplying a monofilament. The apparatus stamps a monofilament so as to provide coupling head portions, leg turnover portions, deformed portions, grooves, etc. of slide fastener coupling elements.

Abstract: Plasticized polyvinyl butyral sheet optionally containing a gradient color band is formed by continuously extruding a sheet having a predetermined region across its width formed from melt issuing from a die at an increased mass flow rate in comparison with other portions of the melt forming the rest of the sheet and then forwardly distorting such sheet immediately after forming by preferentially stretching the side containing the predetermined region to form an arcuate shape of substantially uniform thickness. Arcuately shaped sections are then cut from the sheet to form discrete, shaped interlayer blanks having improved thickness uniformity and dimensional stability providing improved performance when used in laminated safety glass.

Abstract: An applicator is utilized in applying a thermoplastic composite filament to a mandrel so as to form a structure. The filament and the surface of the mandrel are caused to move simultaneously and in a common direction relative to the applicator so that the filament is continuously fed from the applicator into engagement with the surface of the mandrel. At least one stream of heated fluid is applied to the filament so that it impinges thereon not only at a location preceding the location of the applicator, but also along the length of the filament to and beyond the applicator and up to and including the region where the filament first comes into contact with the mandrel. At the same time a stream of heated fluid is applied directly to the surface of the mandrel within that region so that the mandrel is heated prior to being contacted by the filament.

Abstract: An insulating architectual glass unit for residential, nonresidential and commercial applications having at least two panes of glass plate separated by an encapsulated air space is constructed with an injection molded frame of relatively low thermal conductivity material wherein a secondary seal between the individual glass plates and a frame structure surrounding the glass plates are molded as a single piece continuous structure in a single step operation.

Abstract: A helical spacer, e.g. made of stiffly flexible nylon and having flat axially-presented surfaces, in slid onto a cylindrical mandrel, e.g. a die inside body. Flexible corrugated ribbon of expanded graphite is helically wound onto the mandrel between turns of the spacer. This assembly is placed in a tubular die outside body and tubular punches are run into the die outside body, and moved axially towards one another telescopically of the mandrel. The punches, engaging opposite turns at ends of spacer axially compress and radially expand the helix of graphite, raising its density and producing a product which, in transverse cross-section, closely resembles conventional pre-formed stuffing box packing rings made of the same ribbon starting material. The helical graphite packing stock is disassembled from the spacer and mandrel by rotation, and supplied to the trade. In use, some of the stock is telescoped onto a valve stem, or a mandrel of the same diameter as the valve stem, and cut to length, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a curved tube, the apparatus comprising an extruder for extruding a tube having a wall including a first portion having a thickness, and a second portion diametrically opposite the first portion and having a thickness less than the thickness of the first portion, and rollers for forming the tube into a curve with the first portion being radially outward and with the second portion being radially inward so that the thickness of the first portion becomes substantially equal to the thickness of the second portion.

Abstract: The specification describes and claims a method of making therapeutic rings from a curable silicone rubber based composition. The rings are capable of controlled release of the therapeutic agent in the human or animal body. The method includes the steps of:(i) extruding a first composition comprising a therapeutic agent and a first elastomer-forming silicone composition to provide a core;(ii) extruding a second composition comprising a second elastomer-forming silicone composition to provide a sheath enclosing the core;(iii) bringing together end portions of a piece of extruded core and sheath to form a ring,(iv) effecting crosslinking of the extruded core, and(v) effecting crosslinking of the extruded sheath.