Abstract: The catheter of the invention generally has component parts made of polymeric materials and a fusion bond between these catheter parts containing a compatibilizing material which enhances the miscibility of the polymeric materials to facilitate the formation of the fusion bond. The catheter parts formed of polymeric materials may not be sufficiently miscible to readily form a fusion bond. The compatibilizing material increases the miscibility of the catheter parts in the molten state to effect the fusion bond between the polymeric materials. Chemical primer and plasma surface treatments may be used to provide the catheter parts to be bonded with functional groups which improve miscibility with the compatibilizing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for joining plastics components by a combination of pressing and laser welding, wherein, at the joining points (1) of the components (3, 4), at least a first component (3) has a resilient and/or compressible sealing lip (5), wherein the sealing lip (5) is resiliently deformed by pressing the components (3, 4) together, while the external pressure is maintained, the laser beam is directed onto the joining point (1) and, by purposeful irradiation of the joining point (1), the components (3, 4) are joined together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a porous elastic membrane that may be used in a balloon assembly of a balloon catheter is described. In the method, an elastic membrane material is expanded beyond an intended deployment expansion to a hyper-expanded state. Apertures are then formed in the hyper-expanded material. After contraction, the now-porous membrane can be used to form the outer wall of the balloon assembly. An aperture formed in the hyper-expanded membrane will have a smaller diameter than when the balloon is inflated to a smaller deployment expansion in the patient's body.

Abstract: Laser welding is used to attach a polyolefin air induction component to an elastomeric hose member. One of the hose or induction component includes a portion that is made from a transparent material. In one example, the hose includes a hose end portion that is formed from a transparent material. The transparent material is then positioned in an overlapping relationship to a tube received within an opening in the induction component, which acts as an absorbing component. Contour through transmission welding is used to generate a laser beam that passes through the transparent material, heats the absorbing component, which in turn heats the transparent material and forms a laser weld.

Abstract: The oxides-enclosed fine glass particles are arranged such that two or more pieces of at least two kinds of enclosing particles, which comprise oxides, double oxides, or salts of oxyacids, or double oxides or double salts thereof, are enclosed in each of the fine glass particles. The fine particles can be easily manufactured by mixing a powder material of glass with a powder material of oxides which comprise oxides, double oxides, or salts of oxyacids, or double oxides or double salts thereof that are not made to glass; converting the thus obtained mixture of the materials into a mixture in a vapor-state by supplying the thermal plasma thereto; and quickly cooling the mixture in the vapor-state. Highly-scattered fine particles of oxides can be easily obtained from the fine particles, and thus a plurality of kinds of fine particles of oxides can be evenly and uniformly mixed in a small amount with a mother material without being unevenly scattered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the identification marking of a workpiece which is made of a deformable material. The workpiece identification marking has a plurality of identification elements, each of which comprises elevations that project out of the surface of the workpiece. For each of the plurality of identification marking elements there is an opening in the workpiece identification marking mold of the device, through which thermal radiation can be applied to the surface of the workpiece to generate an image point, so that material that extends through the opening extends into the opening.

Abstract: A method of bonding tubular members comprising the steps of, providing a first generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, the first tubular member including a support member encased in a substrate material, the support member having a plurality of filaments providing a second generally tubular member having a bonding portion disposed proximate a bonding end thereof, an ancillary end, and a lumen extending therethrough, stripping a portion of the substrate material of the first tubular member from the filaments of the support member of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion thereof to create a plurality of exposed filaments, inserting the exposed filaments into the lumen of the second tubular member, positioning the bonding portion of the first tubular member proximate the bonding portion of the second tubular member, and heating the bonding portion of the first tubular member and the bonding

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling twist curvature of a disc head slider is provided, where the slider has a bearing surface, a back surface, which is opposite to the bearing surface, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The apparatus obtains a measure of the twist curvature of the bearing surface and selectively alters material stresses in a working surface of the slider. The material stresses are altered asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis based on the measure of the twist curvature to induce a change in the twist curvature.

Abstract: A stereolithographic (STL) apparatus for forming structures such as semiconductor die packages which uses a laser beam focused to a generally annular “spot” having an annulus of enhanced laser power surrounding a central “hole” of reduced (or no) laser power. The structures are formed of a stack of light-polymerized photopolymer layers. Scanning of a beam having power concentrated in the annulus enables simultaneous production of a self-supporting structure having at least semisolid, smooth lateral outer polymer walls and an upper hardened polymer skin extending over liquid polymer still lying between the walls. The structure may be subjected to heat or broad source light of suitable wavelength after removal from the STL apparatus to accelerate complete polymerization of the structure to a solid state.

Abstract: A method of providing multiple arcuate ablations on a corner portion of a polymeric laminate. The laminate includes more than one layer, with each layer having a an exposed upper surface. The method comprises selectively ablating a first layer in a first arcuate path, and selectively ablating remaining layers, each remaining layer ablated in a separate arcuate path. The arcuate path of any layer neither overlays nor underlies the arcuate path of any other layer.

Abstract: A matrix is formed into a desired shape by pouring transparent liquid material into a mold. The material progressed from the liquid to the gelatinous state. Laser sculpting steps are performed when the material is still in a gelatinous condition to form small spots in the matrix. Because the material is non-solid gel when the laser beam applies its focused energy, there is no cracking or destruction. Intensity and duration of the laser pulse determine the size of the spots as does the timing in relation to the matrix material finally changing from gel to solid. Particular visual effects are produced at different degrees of solidity when sculpting. The liquid in the mold may be pressurized for removal of air bubbles after initial pouring of the matrix material and application of pressure after the laser sculpting controls the size of the spots in the finished product.

Abstract: A method for underfilling and encapsulating flip-chip configured semiconductor devices mounted on a carrier substrate using stereolithography (STL) to form, in situ, at least semisolid dam structures of photopolymeric material about the devices to entrap liquid, unpolymerized resin between the devices and substrate. Prior to the STL process, the carrier substrate and mounted devices are immersed in the liquid polymeric resin, optionally with vibratory energy, to purge contaminants from between the device and substrate, and to fill spaces between the semiconductor devices and carrier substrate with the liquid resin.

Abstract: A method of forming a catheter shaft having a flexible section by selective removal of catheter shaft material using laser radiation, and a catheter produced therefrom. The laser radiation is of an ultraviolet wavelength. The catheter shaft is made more flexible without a disadvantageous decrease in column strength by operating the laser in the UV, which allows for machining recess patterns with smooth and repeatable recess surfaces while producing little or no thermal or mechanical effects on the remaining adjacent polymeric material.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing plastic film having a predefinable outline and/or even or uneven thickness, by machining preformed plastic film for separation and/or ablation. The method is used especially for producing flexible flaps for artificial heart valves. To produce a film having local variations in thickness and smooth edges where the piece of film has been cut, the invention provides for the plastic film to be separated and/or for specific areas to be ablated to the desired thickness by means of a laser beam.

Abstract: An ink jet printhead has a number of nozzles each ejecting drops of ink toward a surface. Each nozzle has a nozzle chamber at least partially defined by an apertured roof portion operatively connected to an actuator such that the actuator moves the roof portion away from the surface to be printed to eject the ink. The ink jet printhead also has a projection within each nozzle for effectively dislodging any dried ink clogging the nozzle rim, hence preventing blocking of the nozzle.

Abstract: A process for producing ceramic molds by sintering selected portions of a ceramic material with a laser beam to form the mold has the following steps:

Abstract: A method of marking a skin for a vehicle interior trim panel comprising providing a skin with a color and an outer skin surface. A laser is applied to the outer skin surface such that a portion of the skin surface contacted by the laser changes color relative to a portion of the outer skin surface not contacted by the laser to create a marking in the outer skin surface indicating the presence of a vehicle component or function.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate by first processing the diamond surface with a laser operating at a first wavelength, and then by processing the diamond surface with a laser operating at a second wavelength.

Abstract: A laminated substrate is prepared, the laminated substrate having two layers including a first film and a second film in tight contact with the first film, the second film being made of a material capable of being etched with synchrotron radiation light. A mask member with a pattern is disposed in tight contact with the surface of the second film of the laminated structure or at a distance from the surface of the second film, the pattern of the mask member being made of a material not transmitting the synchrotron radiation light. The synchrotron radiation light is applied on a partial surface area of the second film via the mask member to etch the second film where the synchrotron radiation light is applied and to expose a partial surface area of the first film on the bottom of an etched area.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a plastic eyeglass lens includes a coating unit and a lens curing unit. The apparatus is preferably configured to allow the operation of both the coating unit and the lens curing unit. The apparatus may also include a post-cure unit and a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of the coating unit, the lens curing unit and the post-cure unit. A lens forming composition may include an aromatic containing polyether polyethylenic functional monomer, a photoinitiator, and a coinitiator. The lens forming composition may be cured by the application of activating light or activating light and heat.

Abstract: A method for shaping an optical fiber with various geometries while minimizing unwanted artifacts in the core of the optical fiber. The method facilitates control of sag in the region of the core that is exposed to a beam of optical energy. The sag is reduced, if not eliminated, by maintaining the cross-sectional area of the core that is exposed to the beam at thermal equilibrium.

Abstract: A method of eliminating flaws on smooth plastic surfaces, the method aims at removing flaws of knots of material, joint lines, weldlines or scrapes formed at joints by mold releasing or processing on the smooth plastic surfaces of shaped plastic articles; thereby the surfaces of the finished plastic article can be smooth and kept intact, and products with flaws can be eliminated. The present invention is characterized mainly by: when a plastic article is injection molded, the areas with flaws on the external surfaces of the finished article is ground to nearly plain, and the external surfaces are separated for windless heating to a melting point to render the flaw areas on the external surfaces of the finished article to melt integrally with the plain areas, and after cooling of the molten areas on the external surfaces of the finished article, smooth surfaces are formed. And products with flaws can be eliminated.

Abstract: A thimble 61 formed with graduations 65 and numerals 67 on the outer circumference thereof at predetermined intervals is molded by double-color molding using two kinds of resin 62, 63 with different colors. After a molding product having the graduations 65 protruding outwardly on the outer circumference of a base tube 64 is formed of the resin 62, an outer skin 66 covering the outside of the base tube 64 except for the graduations 65 is formed of the resin 63. Thereafter, the numerals 67 is formed on the outer skin 66 by means of laser marking. Similarly, an outer sleeve is formed with graduations and numerals on the outer circumferential surface along the axial direction at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: In a method for visually marking bowling pins, a plastic material is blow-molded to form a bowling pin mantle. At least one laser beam is impinged onto the bowling pin mantle and guided in a pattern to create a desired marking by either activating pigments under the mantle skin or making the base color of the bowling pin mantle lighter.

Abstract: Marks having clearly divided plural colors can be formed on a resin molded piece at low cost. A resin molded piece with marks having clearly divided plural colors is obtained. A resin molded piece is formed by combining plural base materials molded and processed by using a mixture of resins and fillers changing in different colors by irradiation with energy ray, and the surface of this resin molded piece is irradiated with energy ray to mark the irradiated positions with plural colors, and forming a marked resin molded piece. Preferably, the resin molded piece is a keytop of keyboard used in an electronic appliance.

Abstract: A disc substrate of synthetic resin used for signal recording/reproduction by a head having a floating slider, in which the disc substrate is deburred to remove defects in appearance and is improved in strength and quality, and the manufacturing method and apparatus for the disc substrate. The manufacturing method includes a step of illuminating the laser light on at least the outer or inner rim portion of the disc substrate 2 of synthetic resin for transiently melting the illuminated portion. The manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a worktable 3 for supporting the disc substrate 2 in rotation, a positioning unit for positioning the disc substrate 2 at a pre-set position on the worktable 3 and a laser light source 4 for illuminating the laser light illuminating the laser light on the disc substrate 2 supported for rotation by the worktable 3. On the outer rim of the disc substrate 2 is formed a raised portion 26 not larger than 15 &mgr;m in height.

Abstract: A method of forming an air bag release score line in a material by forming a ridge in the material along the line to be scored. By heat scoring the material along the ridge a ridge-induced twist prevents the formation of a witness line.

Abstract: Marks having clearly divided plural colors can be formed on a resin molded piece at low cost. A resin molded piece with marks having clearly divided plural colors is obtained. A resin molded piece is formed by combining plural base materials molded and processed by using a mixture of resins and fillers changing in different colors by irradiation with energy ray, and the surface of this resin molded piece is irradiated with energy ray to mark the irradiated positions with plural colors, and forming a marked resin molded piece. Preferably, the resin molded piece is a keytop of keyboard used in an electronic appliance.

Abstract: An article is disclosed that has a patterned surface containing alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface regions. The hydrophobic regions may be sufficiently narrow such that under dew conditions moisture accumulated on the hydrophobic region migrates to the hydrophilic region, thus preventing the accumulation of water droplets. In frost conditions, the hydrophobic region remains relatively frost-free, thus maintaining at least partial transparency of the surface. Inorganic oxide particles on the surfaces of the hydrophobic regions may provide abrasion resistance. A method for making the patterned surfaces is disclosed in which a treatment removes organic binder to expose inorganic oxide particles at the surface of the hydrophilic regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of multi-layer security products and to a security product produced in accordance with the process. The process is distinguished by the fact that the various layers of the security product are produced substantially separately from one another as rolled materials and are provided with security features, and the individual rolled webs are led together and joined to one another in a common processing process. The security products produced in this way are laser-active and can therefore be personalized by means of a laser.

Abstract: A laser joining system deforms a workpiece projection based on collapse of the projection to a predetermined displacement. The laser joining system has a laser system for generating a predetermined level of laser radiation based on radiation control signals. An actuation system directs the laser radiation to the projection and contacts the projection with a laser head based on forced control signals. The actuation system also generates position feedback based on a position of the laser head, wherein the position feedback includes a reference position of the laser head. The joining system further includes a controller communicating with the laser system and the actuation system. The controller generates the radiation control signals and the force control signals based on the position feedback. When the projection collapses to a predetermined displacement with respect to the referenced position, one of the radiation control signals causes the laser system to discontinue generation of the laser radiation.

Abstract: An improved method of machining slots and material feed holes in a molding die such as an extrusion die designed to form a honeycomb structure of ceramics employed as a catalyst carrier of a catalytic converter for automotive vehicles. In one of the preferred embodiments, shallow holes are drilled in a die material and subjected to electrochemical machining to remove material from the bottoms of the shallow holes so that they communicate with the material feed holes without any burrs. In the other embodiment, the slots are cut using a rotary cutter in a given order which will balance reaction forces exerted on the cutter from both side walls of each slot to minimize deformation of the cutter during cutting of the slots, thereby preventing the slots from being curved undesirably.

Abstract: A laser beam is radiated from a laser source. The laser beam radiated from the laser source is converged at a converging point inside of a work member to form cracks at the converging point and in its nearby area, by making a cross section of the laser beam at the converging point have a shape long in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the laser beam. Markers easy to increase contrast can be formed in the work member.

Abstract: A disc of synthetic resin used for signal recording/reproduction by a head having floating slider, in which the disc substrate is deburred to removed defects in appearance and is improved in strength and quality, and the manufacturing apparatus for the disc substrate. The manufacturing apparatus includes a worktable for supporting the disc substrate in rotation, a positioning unit for positioning the disc substrate at a pre-set position on the worktable and a laser light source for illuminating the laser light on the disc substrate supported for rotation by the worktable. On the outer rim of the disc substrate is formed a raised portion not larger than 15 &mgr;m in height. The raised portion has a thickness larger than that of the outermost portion of the disc substrate.

Abstract: A process for preweakening the inside of an automotive trim piece cover layer of various constructions by use of a laser beam so as to enable formation of an air bag deployment opening in the trim piece formed at the time the air bag deploys. The laser beam impinges the inside surface of the cover to form a groove scoring or spaced perforations to form a preweakening pattern. A robot arm may be used to move a laser generator so as to form the preweakening pattern. The laser beam can be controlled in accordance with sensed conditions to achieve accurate preweakening, and may also be used to trim substrate panels and to perform other cutting operations.

Abstract: A process for preweakening the inside of an automotive trim piece cover layer of various constructions by use of a laser beam so as to enable formation of an air bag deployment opening in the trim piece formed at the time the air bag deploys. The laser beam impinges the inside surface of the cover to form a groove scoring or spaced perforations to form a preweakening pattern. A robot arm may be used to move a laser generator so as to form the preweakening pattern. The laser beam can be controlled in accordance with sensed conditions to achieve accurate preweakening, and may also be used to trim substrate panels and to perform other cutting operations.

Abstract: A volume sequential technique allows the production of prototypes from a liquid photopolymer precursor without requiring the CAD model to be decomposed into slices. Inverse Tomographic Construction (ITC) selectively cures the photopolymer in a vat without requiring it translating build platform.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional reinforcement shape. The process comprises the steps of (1) operating a multiple-channel material deposition device for dispensing a liquid adhesive composition and selected reinforcement materials at predetermined proportions onto a work surface; (2) during the material deposition process, moving the deposition device and the work surface relative to each other in an X-Y plane defined by first and second directions and in a Z direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane so that the materials are deposited to form a first layer of the shape; (3) repeating these steps to deposit multiple layers for forming a three-dimensional preform shape; and (4) periodically hardening the adhesive to rigidize individual layers of the preform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for generating a marking on an effect coating or molding compound comprising cholesteric liquid-crystalline main-chain or side-group polymers or comprising a combination of main-chain and side-group polymers, which comprises inducing a color change at the irradiated sites of the effect coating or molding compound by laser irradiation.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate by first processing the substrate surface with a laser operating at a first wavelength to both evaporate a portion of the substrate and structurally weaken the substrate surface, and then by processing the substrate surface with a laser operating at a second wavelength to remove the structurally weakened surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a separation groove and a ditch for cutting a thermoplastic resin sheet by a laser beam is performed as follows. A heat-resistant layer made of thermosetting resin is printed on the rear surface of the resin sheet along the line of the ditch to be formed by the laser beam. A laser beam is radiated on the front surface of the resin sheet and scanned along the line of the ditch and the separation groove. The laser beam melts and evaporates resin and forms the ditch and the separation groove. Since the rear end of the ditch is covered by the heat-resistant layer, the resin sheet is not completely separated along the ditch line, while it is separated along the separation groove line. At the final stage, the resin sheet is cut along the ditch line. A flexible circuit sheet for making electrical connection can be easily and cost effectively processed in this laser beam process.

Abstract: An object comprised of a curable material and formed by stereolithography or another three-dimensional prototyping method, in which the object has undergone initial curing, is subjected to post-curing by ionizing radiation, such as an electron beam having a predetermined beam output energy, which is applied in a predetermined dosage and at a predetermined dose rate. The post-cured object exhibits a property profile which is superior to that which existed prior to the ionizing radiation post-curing.

Abstract: A mastering apparatus for recording optical information onto a glass master 6, includes an objective lens 3, a slider 5 for controlling the movement of the objective lens 3 in the tracking direction, a turn table 7 for rotating the glass master 6, a spindle motor 8 for controlling the rotation of the turn table 7, a positioning beam generator 9, a positioning beam detector 10 for detecting a positioning beam reflected and/or diffracted by positioning units 16 and 17 and a slider controller 11 for moving the slider 5 based on the result of reception of a beam at the positioning beam detector 10. The positioning unit 16 is mounted on the vicinity of the objective lens 3, and the positioning unit 17 is mounted on the upper surface of a spindle stationary portion 13. Since the position of the positioning unit 17 is always stable, relative positional deviation between the positioning units 16 and 17 can be accurately detected by detecting the beam diffracted by the positioning units 16 and 17.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and controlling the excess length of a communications element disposed in a conduit is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring the length of a communications element being disposed within the conduit, placing a mark on the conduit each time a pre-determined length of the communications element is disposed within the conduit, and measuring the distance between the marks on the conduit. The excess length is determined by comparing the distance between the initial mark and the subsequent mark on the conduit to the measured length of the communications element disposed within the conduit. To control the excess length ratio, the conduit may be stretched, or process parameters related to formation of the conduit may be changed.

Abstract: A disk texturing tool is used, for example, to provide textured spots in an annular portion of both sides of a hardfile disk. Disks are moved into and out of the texturing process in cassettes, through two disk-handling stations. An optical system includes a laser directed at a beamsplitter to split the laser beam into two beams having approximately equal power, which are directed along parallel paths through a power control optics block to expose simultaneously opposite sides of a disk to be textured. The power control optics block includes means for attenuating and measuring each of the two beams. A shuttling mirror directs these two beams alternately at a disk within each of the two disk handling stations.

Abstract: A process for steam-sterilizing label-bearing containers stacked with the labels in contact, without destroying the labels such as occurs if the labels are printed by thermal transfer for product-variable data. The process features laser-ablating imagewise the label to remove an ink layer so as to expose either a contrasting ink layer below, or a metal foil or polymer substrate. Such containers are then readily stacked on the labels and sterilized without thermal damage to the labels.

Abstract: A process for performing a laser treatment on discrete sheets of material is disclosed. The present invention provides for shingling discrete sheets of material and for tracking and contacting a laser beam on the continuously moving shingled sheets.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for perforating and/or partially cutting printed laminated composite materials by means of laser beams from at least one laser arranged in a laser station. In order to minimize equipment costs, in particular for the control of the perforation and/or partial cutting processes, without having to renounce to an exact positioning of the perforations and/or partial cuts, a process is disclosed characterized by the following steps: the laminated composite material web is cut into individual blanks (1) according to the printed image and/or folding pattern; the blanks (1) are transported to the laser station; and the perforations or partial cuts are carried out in the stationary blank (1). Also disclosed are means for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A resistor trimming method which brings about a good surge resistance and which allows a quick and reliable trimming, including the steps of forming a first slit 141 from an edge A of a resistor 11 formed between a pair of electrodes 12a and 12b provided on an insulating substrate 13, the first slit being in the proximity of and in parallel to one electrode 12a, forming a second slit 142 as a continuation of the first slit 141 toward the other one of the electrodes 12b, the second slit 142 being perpendicular to the first slit 141, and forming at least one approximately L-shaped slit 143 as a continuation of either one of the first slit 141 or the second slit 142.