Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.

Abstract: Three dimensional objects are formed by scanning a liquid thermosensitive resin with a laser beam causing imagewise heating of the resin. Because thermosensitive compositions do not obey the law of linear superposition, the problem of stray exposure is eliminated allowing the thermal polymerization of any point within the volume of the liquid without affecting adjacent points.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing/curing a photopolymerizable monomer composition comprising at least one diepisulfide monomer which comprises the steps of: a) mixing to the monomer composition an effective amount of a cationic photopolymerization initiator, and b) irradiating the mixture of a) with an ultraviolet radiation to at least partially cationically photopolymerize the monomer composition.

Abstract: A curing apparatus wherein rapid curing is provided by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. An air-tight chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus provides an automated system for curing the polymerizable material under light and pressure in the same unit. A purge cycle may be included to minimize or eliminate bubbles and provide an oxygen-free atmosphere.

Abstract: A photocuring sheet wherein a photocuring resin composition (A) comprising an acrylic resin with a photopolymerizable functional group on the side chains (a-1) and a photopolymerization initiator (a-2), is laminated on a transparent base sheet (B), photocuring decorative sheets and photocuring insert molding sheets employing it, and molded articles and a process for their manufacture, in which the sheets are used.

Abstract: A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing or near net-shape bearing is provided. The method includes providing a cross-linked plastic resin preform in a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing and molding the cross-linked preform. The molding is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired solid plastic shape. The heating and pressure is sufficient to melt the plastic resin so that the plastic resin flows under pressure and quench remaining free-radicals.

Abstract: A method for making a structure including applying a multiphoton-curable composition to a molded article, wherein the composition comprises a curable species and a multiphoton photoinitiator system, and at least partially curing the multiphoton-curable composition to form a structure on the article.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in an electrical device which includes at least a layer of a ferroelectric polyvinylidine flouride polymer that has been processed to exhibit an electrostrictive strain of 4% or more when an electric field gradient of 50 megavolts per meter or greater is applied thereacross. The processing of the polymer preferably involves subjecting it to either electron beam radiation or gamma radiation. The polyvinylidine flouride polymer is selected from the group of: polyvinylidine fluoride, polyvinylidine fluoride-trifluoroethylene P(VDF-TrFE), polyvinylidine fluoride tetrafluoroethylene P(VDF-TFE), polyvinylidine fluoride trifluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene P(VDF-TFE-HFE) and polyvinylidine fluoride-hexafluoropropylene P(VDF-HFE).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for continuously producing a polymer sheet having an excellent surface smoothness, an apparatus for producing such a polymer sheet, and an optical polymer sheet produced by such a process. The process for producing a polymer sheet comprises coating or laminating, on a polymer base sheet, an ultraviolet-curing resin composition, adhering the coated or laminated polymer base sheet to a member having a smooth surface whose maximum surface roughness (Rmax) satisfies Rmax≦0.1 &mgr;m, in a state that the ultraviolet-curing resin composition is soft, and applying an ultraviolet light to transfer smoothness of the smooth surface of the member onto the polymer base sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention and decrease of osteolysis produced by wear of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Methods are disclosed for the isolation of wear particles, preparation of implants exhibiting decreased wear in comparison to conventional UHMWPE and preparation of implants that cause decreased biological response in comparison to conventional UHMWPE. The implants created by these methods are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that allows ultra-precisely bonding by which a complete sealingly bonded molded article can be produced in a simple manner. This method includes (1) fixing an injection molded article (a) at a position (predetermined bonding position) formed with a mold; (2) mounting and moving a molded article (b) to be bonded to the injection molded article (a) to the predetermined bonding position within the mold; (3) positioning the molded article (b) at the predetermined bonding position; and (4) closing the mold for bonding.

Abstract: Mechanically embossed resilient surface coverings having superior textural fidelity are prepared by mechanically embossing a polyurethane coated floorcovering before the polyurethane is cured. The mechanical embossing is conducted when the polyurethane is dry and the underlying plastic layer and the polyurethane are softened by heating. After the mechanical embossing step, the polyurethane is cured using ultraviolet (UV) light. The product can be cooled before or after UV curing. The invention is applicable to a variety of resilient surface covering products including floor and wall coverings which otherwise have a wearlayer which can be softened by heating. This includes surface coverings having the full range of decorative effects available in the art, including surface coverings which also have been, for example, chemically embossed, mechanically embossed, chemically and mechanically embossed or not embossed at all prior to application of the process of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymeric compositions that exhibit Reverse Thermal Gelation (RTG) properties for use as Support Materials (SM) in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects. These polymers are Temperature Sensitive Polymers that respond with a significant change of properties to a small change in temperature. Temperature Sensitive Polymers exhibit cloud point (CP) or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solutions. Water-soluble Temperature Sensitive Polymers are chosen to give low viscosity liquid at low temperature when dissolved in water and by that to permit easy dispensing at low temperature. Raising the temperature above their gelation temperature (Tgel) will result in solidification of the composition. At its gel position the material has favorable characteristics as a support and building material. The gel layers have the appropriate toughness and dimensional stability to support the model layers during the building process.

Abstract: Compositions for use in the manufacture of 3-D objects including compositions for use as a support and/or release material in the manufacture of said 3-D objects are provided. The compositions for use in the manufacture of 3-D objects comprise at least one reactive component, at least one photo-initiator, at least one surface-active agent and at least one stabilizer. The compositions for use as a support and/or release material comprise at least one non-reactive and low-toxicity compound, at least one surface-active agent, at least one stabilizer and optionally at least one reactive component and at least one photo-initiator. Methods for manufacturing a 3-D object using the compositions of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a triazine type monomer, and more particularly, to a 1,3,5-triazine type monomer characterized by having at least one amine group and at least two sulfur atoms, which can be used in manufacturing transparent optical resins having excellent refractive index, surface hardness and absorbance as well as an improved workability and the ability to control a wide range of refractive index according to the change in composition by the monomer itself at room temperature or by polymerizing the monomer with a comonomer in the presence of an organic solvent or an initiator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a medical tubing with a pump for administering measured amounts of a beneficial fluid over time to a patient. The method includes the steps of providing a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene copolymers are obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with a comonomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl olefins, alkyl esters of a carboxylic acid and lower alkene esters of a carboxylic acid, or blends thereof; providing an extruder with an extrusion die; extruding the material into a medical tubing; providing a surface modifier solution; preheating the surface modifier solution to a temperature within the range of 30-95° C.; applying the preheated solution onto the tubing at it exits the extrusion die when the tubing is in a molten state or a semi-molten state; and pumping fluid through the tubing with the pump.

Abstract: An active energy beam-curable composition comprises a photo-cationic polymerizable substance; a photo-cationic polymerization initiator; and an oxetane compound such as 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyloxetane, di[1-ethyl(3-oxetanyl)]methyl ether, and 3-ethyl-3-(2-ethylhexyloxymethyl)oxetane. Owing to the oxetane compound contained in the composition, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of odor and cloudiness even when the composition is heated after being cured.

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: The invention concerns a method for cross-linking photosensitive inks in particular polymersible inks (36) by ultraviolet radiation consisting in a step (35) inking dots (31) on a base (38) and a subsequent step consisting in applying a concentrated ultraviolet beam (32) on the inked dots (31), except for the base non-inked surfaces (30). The beam is in particular an ultraviolet laser beam. The invention is applicable to jet dot-matrix printing and polychromy.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic part having a first component and a second component connected to the first component. The method includes molding a temporary connection between the first component and a preliminary second component, coating at least a surface region of the first component, separating the first and preliminary second component, and then molding the second component to the first component. The plastic part can be an injection molded part and the components of the plastic part can be made using the same or different plastics.

Abstract: Surface modifications of a mold used during semiconductor device fabrication provide non-stick characteristics and a mold surface that is resistant to abrasion or wear. Such surface modifications are particularly useful in a mold having a quartz planar surface adapted to contact a photocurable polymer material applied to a semiconductor wafer surface during a fabrication process. The planar surface of the mold is capable of allowing transmission of ultraviolet light therethrough to cure the polymer material. A non-stick film is formed on the planar surface of the mold by a coating or deposition process in order to modify the mold surface. The non-stick film can be formed of a fluoroalkylsilane compound. or a hard material such as diamond or diamond-like carbon. The non-stick film of diamond or diamond-like carbon provides protection against abrasion or wear on the planar surface of the mold.

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: It is an object to establish a sterilization condition and means for decreasing the amount of a remaining sterilization agent as much as possible after sterilizing a rubbery sealing tool. In a sterilizing method using gaseous hydrogen peroxide, a filling rate of a sample in a sterilization bag for a normal type is set to 45% or more and a sterilization condition is set to a hydrogen peroxide treatment of 3 pulses and an aeration pulse of 20 pulses, thereby carrying out a sterilization treatment. Furthermore, it is preferable that a volume rate in a bag of an outer bag accommodating the sterilization bag should be set to 55 to 12%. By such setting, a survival ratio of 0/10 of a bacteria cell could be realized at first to fifth times of repetition of the sterilization treatment.

Abstract: A thin-well microplate and methods of manufacturing same are provided, wherein the thin-well microplate is conducive for use with automated equipment, such as robotic handling equipment, and in high temperature procedures, such as thermal cycling. The thin-well microplate is constructed of two components including a skirt and frame portion and a well and deck portion with a plurality of sample wells; both portions being joined to form a unitary microplate. Each of the skirt and frame and well and deck portions is constructed of a suitable material that imparts a specific combination of physical and material properties to the thin-well microplate. The skirt and frame portion and the well and deck portion are each constructed of the material that will allow each portion to withstand high temperature conditions and use of automated equipment, while retaining the physical characteristics each portion requires for optimal performance of the thin-well microplate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of adhesive closure parts, wherein a partial segment of the surface of a support element (1) is provided with adhesive closure elements (3) which stand out from the plane thereof by applying a plastic material that forms adhesive closure elements on the support element (1). The adhesive closure elements (3) are formed without any forming tools, at least in a given area, by depositing the plastic material in successively delivered droplets using at least one applicator (9).

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an energy efficient polymerization method comprising irradiating a polymerizable composition and a photoinitiator with a source of essentially monochromatic radiation where the photoinitiator and the wavelength of the radiation source are selected such that the extinction coefficient of the photoinitiator at the peak wavelength of the source is greater than about 1000 M−1 cm−1 and such that the photoinitiator absorbs at least two percent of the actinic radiation incident on the coating. In another aspect the invention provides energy efficient methods of polymerizing polymerizable compositions and crosslinking crosslinkable compositions by irradiating the respective compositions with a low power source of essentially monochromatic radiation. The low power energy sources have an input power of less than about 10 W/cm.

Abstract: This invention provides improved methods and compositions for achieving material coloration using particle scattering. These coloration effects can be designed to be either highly stable or dependent upon the switching effects of either temperature, integrated thermal exposure, moisture absorption, or exposure to actinic radiation. Articles employing materials with these coloration effects are described. Composition comprise a solid, light-transmitting matrix component having a non-liquid particle scattering colorant dispersed. Articles are produced wherein another solid second matrix component has an electronic transition colorant dispersed therein and the first and second compositions are disposed on one another and optionally interpenetrate each other. Colored articles are produced in the form of fibers, films and molded articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a shaped article suitable for use as the load bearing component of a prosthetic device formed from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a conformable device (20) including a light cure material (37) for customizing a portion of an article of footwear (53) in order to enhance conformance or fit, support, comfort, and cushioning, in partial or complete combination. In particular, a custom conformable device (20) consisting of an insole, or portion thereof, can serve to accommodate the unique anatomical features and characteristics of an individual wearer. Further, the present invention teaches a method of making a conformable device (20) including the use of a light table (120) that can be part a point of purchase display (206), or alternately, the floor (222) of a retail store (220).

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic polyolefin compositions having enhanced surface durability and products thereof which include a thermoplastic polyolefin base component at least one radiation-crosslinkable component present in an amount sufficient to enhance the surface durability of the thermoplastic polyolefin component when radiation-cured and at least one photoinitiator present in an amount sufficient to initiate crosslinking of the radiation-crosslinkable component upon exposure of the thermoplastic polyolefin composition to radiation.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object in accordance with a computer-aided design of the object in a layer-by-layer but not point-by-point fashion.

Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor chip package by attaching a chip to a dielectric layer; placing the dielectric layer and chip into a mold; disposing a thixotropic composition that has been sheared to reduce its viscosity into the mold and curing the thixotropic composition after the chip and dielectric layer have been removed from the mold. A method of making a semiconductor chip package without using a mold by disposing a sheared thixotropic composition between a semiconductor chip and a dielectric layer and then curing the thixotropic composition to form a cured encapsulant.

Abstract: A polyolefin plaque is made by hot compaction of an assembly of fibers of the oriented polymer. It has been found to be beneficial to subject the fibers to a prior crosslinking process. Hot compaction is then less temperature-sensitive and produces plaques with excellent hot strength properties. Preferably the fibers have been subjected to prior stages of irradiation and annealing, both in a non-oxidising environment, for example acetylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet of crystallizable material, having opposed first and second surfaces, the sheet comprising: (a) a plurality of crystalline regions located in the first surface; and (b) an amorphous matrix surrounding and separating the crystalline regions from one another. The present invention also provides a method of making a flexible, cut resistant, and abrasion resistant sheet material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sheet of crystallizable amorphous material having opposed first and second surfaces; (b) crystallizing discrete regions of the first surface of the sheet of material, the discrete regions being separated from one another by a continuous amorphous matrix.

Abstract: A method for producing a tamper evident security holographic label and overlaminate using UV casting techniques, and a security device so produced, comprising a clear protective layer; a thin layer of clear UV cured resin cast partly onto the protective layer following a designed pattern; another layer of UV cured resin bearing a cast holographic image, wherein the bond of the holographic image layer is stronger toward the surface of the protective layer than it is toward the surface of the pattern layer; a reflective layer strongly attached to the adjacent holographic layer; and an adhesive layer bonded to the reflective layer. Such a composite product when adhered to a base substrate via the adhesive layer will show no visible security feature to the unaided eye due to the thin nature of the clear security pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an articulating bearing surface for use in an orthopaedic implant is disclosed. A block of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is irradiated with sufficient radiation energy to crosslink at least a portion of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The irradiated block is placed within a reforming apparatus having a complimentary articulating bearing surface. The block is heated and pressed against the complimentary articulating bearing surface, thereby forming the articulating bearing surface.

Abstract: Small particles of polymeric material are produced by expansion of a mixture of monomers and a propellant. The size and shape of the particles can be precisely tailored by materials selection and expansion conditions. Particles of 10 nanometers to 100 microns can be produced. If monomers exhibiting solid state reactivity are utilized, the particles thus formed can be polymerized at any time after formation. The particles produced by this method can be molecularly imprinted by incorporating a template into the particle prior to fully curing the particle, in a manner which allows selective extraction of the template from the cured particle after formation without deformation of the imprint site. A two step polymerization process allows the particles to be deposited on and adhered to a wide variety of substrates without additional agents.

Abstract: A liquid, radiation-curable coating suitable for coating thermoplastic substrates is described. The coating composition can be formulated to achieve very low gloss at both high and low angles of incidence, and is suitable for application to moldable thermoplastic sheet, and in particular is suitable for application to thermoplastic olefin moldable sheet. Such coatings are useful in protecting thermoplastic substrates and achieving a low-gloss surface in a wide variety of applications including automotive interior parts, furniture, and artificial leather articles.

Abstract: A rolling boot for sealing a universal joint, having a first collar with a larger diameter to be secured to the outer joint part of the universal joint and having a second collar with a smaller diameter to be secured to a shaft at the inner joint part of the universal joint, and having a semi-toroidal boot wall connecting the collars, wherein the rolling boot is an injection-moulded or blow-moulded product, the rolling boot consists of a thermo-plastic elastomer and the elastomer is irreversibly cross-linked up to a degree ranging between 15 and 85%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing ordered parts by from non-ordered liquid crystal monomers. Liquid crystal monomers contain stiff, rod-like mesogenic segments which can be aligned by an external force such as shear, electric field or magnetic field, causing an anisotropy in properties. When cured in the aligned stated by photopolymerizing the aligned monomers the anisotropic structure is “locked in” resulting in materials with anisotropic physical and mechanical properties. The rigid structure of the mesogenic segments can result in cured networks with high glass transition temperatures if the spacer groups which connect the mesogenic core with the reactive end groups are kept short. Glass transition temperatures of postcured parts ranged from 75 to 148° C. depending on resin and processing conditions. A mechanical anisotropy on the order of two was measured for aligned samples.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object in accordance with a computer-aided design of the object in a layer-by-layer but not point-by-point fashion.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic medical device having improved wear resistance and toughness is provided in the present application. A method is provided to selectively cross-link the polymeric matrix comprising the medical device by employing an interrupting means such as a mask, wire mesh or chopper wheel placed in between the medical device and irradiation source. In addition, the medical device may be translated while being irradiated to further effect the selective cross-linking. The present invention also provides for an injection molding process wherein a prosthetic medical device is formed in a single step, then selectively cross-linked.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of kinds of sheets is provided. Each of sheets has a substrate and an ionizing radiation curing type resin layer on at least one of the substrate. There is carried out formation of the ionizing radiation curing type resin layer for each of the sheets, while changing forming conditions based on preset values for each of the sheets.

Abstract: This invention discloses a continuous production method of water-absorbing composite which comprises a complexation step for producing a particle-substrate composite by dropwisely supplying an aqueous solution of polymerizable monomers consisting mainly of an unsaturated carboxylic acid where 20% or more of the carboxyl groups in the unsaturated acid is neutralized, while allowing polymerization to proceed in the droplets, onto a fibrous substrate fed to the drop point to allow the incompletely polymerized polymer particles to adhere thereon, and by completing the polymerization thereafter; and a surface crosslinking step for reacting the composite with a crosslinking agent, having two or more functional groups capable of reacting with carboxyl group and/or carboxylate group, in the presence of 1 to 100 weight parts of water per 100 weight parts of polymer particles derived from the polymerizable monomer contained in the composite.

Abstract: A manufacturing method comprising the steps of forming at first solidified wax layer of a desired shape, depositing onto the first solidified wax layer at least one layer of a liquid resin formulation, solidifying the layer of liquid resin formulation, depositing a second wax layer on to the combination of the first solidified wax layer and the layer of solidified resin formulation, solidifying the second wax layer, and separating the solidified resin formulation from first and second wax layers. Preferably, the resin formulation comprises at least one monofunctional water soluble vinyl or acrylic monomer in combination with a low molecular weight aliphatic polymer having acrylic or methacrylic acid functionality. The solidified wax and resin formulation layers can be machined as may be desired to form mold of a given shape comprising wax layers when the layer of formulation is separated from the wax layers.

Abstract: A structure includes a layer which includes a first cured portion and a second cured portion which are formed from a same light curable material. The first cured portion is cured to a first amount, and the second cured portion is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result in a visible discontinuity on the surface of the structure.

Abstract: The invention includes a semiconductor processing method of forming a die package. An insulative substrate is provided. Circuitry is over a topside of the substrate, and a slit extends through the substrate. A semiconductive-material-comprising die is provided beneath the substrate, and has a surface exposed through the slit in the substrate. The die has an edge. There is a gap between the die and an underside of the substrate. A radiation-curable material is injected through this slit and into the gap. Radiation is directed from over the edge to the gap to cure at least a portion of the radiation-curable material within the gap and thus form a dam which impedes non-cured radiation-curable material from flowing beyond the edge.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making densified glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube, drying the pellets and encapsulating them in a polymeric composition. The resulting pellets exhibit enhanced degradation resistance during bulk storage and handling.

Abstract: A photocurable resin composition suitable for photo-fabrication. The resin composition capable of being promptly cured by photo-irradiation, thereby reducing fabricating time and providing cured products having excellent mechanical strength and minimized shrinkage during curing to ensure high dimensional accuracy. The composition includes (A) an oxetane compound, (B) an epoxy compound, and (C) a cationic photo-initiator.

Abstract: Membranes made from amphiphilic copolymers are disclosed. The amphiphilic copolymers can be ABA copolymers, where one of A and B is hydrophilic and the other is hydrophobic. The copolymers may be crosslinked to form more stable structures. Crosslinking can be accomplished using a variety of methods, including end to end polymerization of copolymers having terminal unsaturated groups. Molecules such as membrane proteins can be incorporated into the membrane to allow the transport there through of selected components.