Abstract: Damage of the outer surface of a rubber hose due to friction can be prevented while the sealing performance and the productivity are ensured. The following components are provided: a pipe 11 whose one end is connected to a vulcanization pipe and in which pressed liquid is pumped from an inlet 11a disposed at the side face of the other end side; an annular member 12 which is attached to the pipe 11 so as to close an opening of the other end side of the pipe 11, and includes a hole 12a whose diameter is larger than the outer diameter of a rubber hose and in which the rubber hose passes through; and a pump which pumps more liquid than the liquid discharged outside the pipe 11 through the gap between the hole 12a and the rubber hose into an inlet 11a.

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers may be provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that may be used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: A polymer fiber is formed by hydrodynamic spinning. Fluids are forced to flow through a conduit to form a laminar flow comprising three or more layers of generally coaxial fluid flows, at respective flow rates selected to define a cross-section of a tubular middle layer of the fluid flows. The middle layer comprises a cross-linkable polymer precursor. Another layer of the fluid flows comprise a cross-linking agent. The polymer precursor, cross-linking agent and fluids are selected to prevent substantial diffusion of the polymer precursor away from the middle layer, and to allow a portion of the cross-linking agent to diffuse from the another layer into the middle layer to facilitate cross-linking of the polymer precursor in the middle layer to form a tubular polymer layer in a polymer fiber. The polymer layer thus has a cross-section generally corresponding to the cross-section of the middle layer.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a medical article that include radial deformation of a polymer tube are disclosed. A medical article, such as an implantable medical device or an inflatable member, may be fabricated from a deformed tube.

Abstract: A biopolymer blown film extrusion system comprising an extruder receiving polymer pellets and at least two additives, and generating a molten mass having at least one layer; a die receiving the molten extrudates and generating a bubble having at least one layer from a die orifice; an internal bubble blower operably connected to maintain air inside the bubble; a bubble collapsing frame receiving the bubble and generating a biopolymer film having at least one layer, the film having a selected elongation at break of 180% or more in one direction and heat sealing at 195° F. or less; a nip roller operably connected to draw the biopolymer film from the bubble collapsing frame; a turning bar operably connected to change a travel angle of the biopolymer film; and a travel roller operably connected to direct travel of the biopolymer film.

Abstract: An endoscope flexible tube comprises: a tubular structure having flexibility; and a shell layer on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular structure, wherein the shell layer has a two-layer structure including a rigid resin layer of a rigid resin and a soft resin layer of a soft resin, and wherein the two-layer structure is maintained over the entire flexible tube in its length direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Methods of inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for enabling a lining (14) to be applied to a pipe elbow or bend C comprises the steps of connecting a tie member (12) to an end of a flexible elongate mandrel (1), drawing the tie member through the elbow or bend so as to draw the mandrel therethrough and locate opposing ends of the mandrel adjacent to opposing respective ends of the elbow or bend, and securing the mandrel ends in relation to the respective ends of the elbow or bend. The mandrel can be adapted to the elbow or bend by locating the elbow or bend in a given orientation and deriving a profile S of the elbow or bend while in that orientation, removing the elbow or bend and then locating the mandrel in the given orientation, and adjusting the mandrel in relation to the profile of the elbow or bend to adapt it thereto.

Abstract: A single-sided, slip resistant, self-adhesive material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior layer capable of being treated or coated to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive, a middle layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent to produce a single-sided slip resistant material. A number of in-line rollers are provided after a pair of rollers, which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies) the film prior to the film being coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a composite block of closed geometry, in the form of a continuous ring, based on fibers and on a crosslinkable resin, by continuous winding and superposition of several layers of a tape of reinforcement fibers embedded in a matrix based on a composition comprising a crosslinkable resin. The process comprises from upstream to downstream, the following steps: producing a rectilinear arrangement (12) of reinforcement fibers (11) and conveying this arrangement in a feed direction (F); degassing the arrangement (12) of fibers by the action of a vacuum (13); after degassing, impregnating said arrangement (12) of fibers under vacuum with said resin composition in the liquid state (17); passing the pre-preg thus obtained through a die (20) to make said pre-preg into the form of a tape (21) composed of reinforcement fibers (11) in their liquid resin (17) matrix, the thickness of said tape being less than 0.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance crosslinked membranes are described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after the membrane is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production of a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) asymmetric hollow fiber membrane. The invention comprises preparing a dope solution of PVDF-HFP with an additive of lithium chloride or glycerol dissolved in a solvent such as N-methylpyrollidone (NMP). The dope solution is spun to form a PVDF-HFP asymmetric hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

Abstract: A preventative maintenance method of strengthening the connection between high pressure, in situ piping. An encapsulation mold is installed over a properly functioning, non-leaking coupling or joint interconnecting pipe sections carrying gas in excess of 60 psi. A resin sealant having tensile strength in excess of 3000 psi fills the mold, so that it circumscribes the coupling and adjacent portions of the pipe sections extending from the coupling, forming a permanent bond to the coupling and pipe sections. The method prevents high pressure pipe connection pullout, which otherwise could lead to catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Process for making a film or pipe by compounding an uncompounded polyolefin powder having a particle size distribution such that D95 is less than 355 ?m and (D90?D10)/D50 is less than 1.2, where D95, D90, D50 and D10 are defined such that 95 wt %, 90 wt %, 50 wt % or 10 wtl % of the polymer particles have a diameter of less than D95, D90, D50 and D10 respectively, to form pellets; and then forming the pellets into a film or pipe.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a film comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic fluoro-polymer and at least one layer of another polymer (A). The inventive method consists in using extrusion blow molding to coextrude a fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) which adhere to one another; with a layer of another thermoplastic polymer (B) such that it forms a layer which is adjacent to the fluoropolymer/polymer (A) layer According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer (B) is incompatible with the fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) and has adequate extrudate behavior to support the layers of fluoro-polymer and/or polymer (A). Once the coextrudate has been cooled, by separating the layer(s) of (B), at least the film is recovered, said film comprising at least one layer of a polymer selected from among thermoplastic fluoro-polymers and polymers (A).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.

Abstract: A dry fabric seal for use with tooling for liquid resin molding processes and a method for creating the seal are disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the seal comprises an annular resin reservoir, a level of resin within the reservoir, a device for controlling the resin level, and a perforated pressure plate that forms one wall of the reservoir. The seal is created by controlling the level of resin between the tooling (e.g., the inner and outer molds, etc.) so that air cannot leak in (for vacuum processes) or out (for pressurized processes) between the fibers in the fabric near the top of the molds.

Abstract: An apparatus for stuffing a pasty food that includes an applicator sleeve arranged between the inlet end and the outlet end of a stuffing tube. At least a portion of the applicator sleeve surrounds the stuffing tube about part or its complete circumference and the applicator sleeve supplies one or more strips coated and/or impregnated with transferable additives to the stuffing tube, with the strips being ultimately applied to the pasty food. The innovation further relates to a foodstuff in a tubular casing (e.g. sausage skin), in which at least one strip is arranged between the foodstuff and the surrounding casing, the strip being coated and/or impregnated with at least one transferable additive.

Abstract: A device and a process are employed to prepare sheets from a film tube. The process steps include extruding the film tube, laying the film tube flat and squeezing it, reversing the film tube, and cutting the extruded film tube. The film tube is cut before the squeezing step and at least one resulting sheet runs through only one reversing device before the sheet is fed to a stationary processing device or storage device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Some embodiments may include inducing molecular orientation by expansion of a molten annular polymer film. Other embodiments may include inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer. In certain embodiments, circumferential orientation may be induced by expansion of a polymer tube. Further embodiments may include manufacturing an implantable medical device from a biaxially oriented planar polymer film.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.

Abstract: An electric cable for conveying signals, the cable having a diameter of less than 2 mm and comprising at least one conductor in an insulating sheath, the sheath having a dielectric constant ? of less than 1.7. To achieve this, the sheath is made of PTFE and it includes at least one continuous cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, from a tube with desirable mechanical properties, such as improved circumferential strength and rigidity, are described herein. Improved circumferential strength and rigidity may be obtained by inducing molecular orientation in materials for use in manufacturing an implantable medical device. Some embodiments may include inducing molecular orientation by expansion of a molten annular polymer film. Other embodiments may include inducing circumferential molecular orientation by inducing circumferential flow in a molten polymer. In certain embodiments, circumferential orientation may be induced by expansion of a polymer tube. Further embodiments may include manufacturing an implantable medical device from a biaxially oriented planar polymer film.

Abstract: Disclosed are blown films prepared from poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) compositions comprising a poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid), an ethylene ester copolymer, and a nucleator.

Abstract: The present invention’ provides extrusion-processable materials having a plurality of capillary channels therethrough, and apparatus and methods for manufacturing such materials. The capillaries may be occupied by gases, liquids or other phases. The materials may be anisotropic foams which have high voidage. The methods and apparatus include quench cooling (11) of an extrudate (2) as it exits a die (14).

Abstract: A device and a process for the preparation of sheets (7, 17) are specified. The following work steps are involved in the preparation of the sheets: extruding a film tube (1) laying the film tube flat and squeezing it (1) reversing the film tube (1) cutting the extruded film tube (1) In addition the invention contains following new characteristics: the film tube (1) is cut before the squeezing follows and at least one resulting sheet (7, 17) runs through (1) only one reversing device (100) before it is fed to a stationary processing device or storage device.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced growth in the cross direction with concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of manufacture is disclosed which includes a post-extrusion temperature conditioning step.

Abstract: The technical problem of this invention is to establish a method of processing a synthetic resin tube, in which the shape of a part of the tube wall is changed to form easily an attractively hollowed and/or raised portion in a fairly wide area of the tube wall. The object of this invention is to provide a tubular container having excellent decorativeness, appearance, or functionality that has never been found before.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extruding plastic profiles, preferably plastic tubes, to which plasticized bulk plastic can be fed, and comprising a plurality of ring channels (5) combined by means of a flow conjunction (4) to a common melt channel (2). According to the invention, the tool (1) is divided into three functional areas, wherein the three functional areas are a distribution area (7), a cooling area (8), and a forming area (9), wherein cooling channels (3) are disposed about the ring channels (5) in the cooling area (8).

Abstract: Continuous molding process and apparatus forms a hot melt of thermoplastic material against a mandrel disposed between revolving belt molds to make hollow product having surface patterns and textures of a variable configuration. The hot melt is delivered to the nip region of the revolving belt molds. The mandrel extends downstream of the nip region and provides resistance to the molding pressure to prevent the collapse of the hot molded product and to define the size and shape of the hollow in the formed product until it cools and sets.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing, nucleating agents, or both are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct that is completely amorphous or that has a very low crystallinity is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. Alternatively, the polymer construct includes nucleating agent. The crystallinity of the polymer construct is increased with a high nucleation density through an increase in temperature, deformation, or both. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the increase in crystallinity.

Abstract: A laminated seamless belt having at least a base layer and an outer layer. The base layer contains a polyester thermoplastic elastomer as its main component. The base layer has a volume resistivity set to not less than 1.0×106(?·cm) nor more than 1.0×1011(?·cm). A volume resistivity of the outer layer is set to not less than 1.0×1011(?·cm) and not less than 10 times as large as that of the base layer. The base layer and the outer layer are formed by laminated extrusion.

Abstract: The invention provides a spinnerette assembly for forming hollow fibers. The spinnerette assembly contains an extrusion orifice and a fiber-forming material passage in communication with the extrusion orifice. A hollow needle extends through the extrusion orifice in a concentric manner to define an annular passage surrounding the needle. The fiber-forming material passage includes a fiber-forming material inlet port extending from a surface of the spinnerette assembly to an interior of the assembly and a transverse passage extending from the fiber-forming material port to the annular passage surrounding the needle. A bore forming fluid passage communicates with the interior of the needle.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell involves forming a tubular anode comprising an electrolyte substance and an oxide of an electrochemically active metallic substance without a distinct pore forming substance, sintering the tubular anode, forming an electrolyte onto the sintered anode, forming a cathode onto the electrolyte, and after forming the electrolyte and the cathode, reducing the oxide of the electrochemically active substance in the sintered anode to form pores in the anode.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and methods of forming thereof made from polymers with end groups providing improved thermal stability are disclosed. Implantable medical devices made from such polymers including stabilizing agents are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.

Abstract: The invention provides polylactic acid (PLA) films substantially free of plasticizers and methods of manufacturing same by blown film process are provided. PLA films are environmentally degradable and have applications in, at least, packaging and labeling.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method are provided for manufacturing stably from a thermoplastic resin a resin film product having a small and uniform thickness and smooth surfaces, which has been impossible with a conventional tube extruding method or and blown film extrusion method. It comprises a heating extruder (1) for extruding a molten thermoplastic resin in a tubular form, and a core unit (2) opposed to an inner surface of said thermoplastic resin extruded in the tubular form, and molding said thermoplastic resin to a tubular resin film (20) while exuding a gas to said inner surface. A stabilizing device (4) is disposed between a nozzle (3) of said heating extruder (1) and said core unit (2) for stabilizing a shape of said thermoplastic resin extruded in the tubular form.

Abstract: The invention describes-an extrusion device (1) for extruding a film tube in a direction (z) of movement, said extrusion device (1) comprising a nozzle head with an annular gap from which the film tube exits and said extrusion device (1) comprising an interior cooling device with which the extruded film tube can be cooled from the inside after its exit from the annular gap. Novel and inventive is the cooling element, which has the same cross-sectional form as the film tube and which has, in the direction (z) of motion of the extruded film tube, a surface which can be moved.

Abstract: A composition suitable for molding is provided having the following components: I. from 97 to 80 parts by weight of a polyetheramide, having units based on one or more linear aliphatic diamines having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms, one or more linear aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acids having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms, and one or more polyetherdiamines having at least 3 carbon atoms per ether oxygen and having primary amino groups at the chain ends, II. from 3 to 20 parts by weight of a rubber containing one or more functional groups; and where the total of the parts by weight of I and II is 100; and moldings produced therefrom.

Abstract: A method of making a composite tubular article made up of at least two concentric members, the outer of said members being tubular and the inner of said members being at least cylindrical and preferably tubular, and struts disposed in supporting and positioning orientation between the inner and outer members, by extruding a moldable material into the desired profile; stretching the inner tubular member over a cooling mandrel and disposing a cooling sleeve over the outer tubular member under conditions sufficient to solidify the article; twisting and longitudinally pulling the solidified article, so that it rotates over the cooling mandrel and inside the cooling sleeve while it is moving down stream across the cooling mandrel, whereby causing the extrudate to be twisted into a helical shape.

Abstract: A process for extruding a partially crystalline melt-fabricable perfluoropolymer. The process comprises blowing film from a perfluoropolymer having polytetrafluoroethylene sub-micrometer particles dispersed therein. The perfluoropolymer composition is a core/shell polymer or a dispersion blend or a melt-mixed polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cooling an extruded thermoplastics pipe (1) by directing a gaseous cooling medium tangentially towards the inner surface of the thermoplastics pipe (1) along its whole periphery, whereby the interior of the thermoplastics pipe (1) is divided by means of a protecting pipe (8) into an outer ring-shaped flow channel (9) for the cooling medium along the inner surface of the thermoplastics pipe (1), and a central return channel (10) through which a part of the cooling medium is intended to be sucked back influenced by the flow of cooling medium in the outer ring-shaped flow channel (9), and to be redirected towards the inner surface of the thermoplastics pipe (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating film for manufacturing packaging material in situ, wherein the apparatus comprises an inflating unit, a film conveying provision, a sealing unit and a film receiving means for receiving a film roll, wherein the apparatus is a compact apparatus with a relatively small footprint and wherein the inflating unit, film conveying provision and the sealing unit are provided in a central unit on the apparatus and are operatively positioned with respect to a center of the film to be inflated and sealed viewed in a direction at right angles to a film conveying direction, wherein the film to be inflated is operatively engaged only in or near the center thereof by the central unit, for inflating the film from or from near the center, then sealing the film tight and conveying it, as well as a method for manufacturing packaging material.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for setting the sizes of film tubes (1), which are extruded by blow film plants (15), in which method the film tube size is changed from an initial size of a film tube (1) to a final size of a film tube (1), and in which the location of the frost area (3) is optimized during the size change by setting the output of the cooling fan. Physical parameters of the initial and final size of the film tube (1) are stored in the control device (31). The control device (1) takes these physical parameters into account when generating control signals.

Abstract: Plastics pipes comprise polyolefins which can be prepared by means of a fluorine-modified chromium catalyst and are used for transporting gases and liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel prosthesis or patch, made from a biocompatible polymer with microporous, finely-fibrillated structure and a method for improving the e-modulus of said vessel prostheses or patches. According to the invention, the vessel prostheses or patches are subjected to a full stretching (extension) with a degree of extension between 30% and 250% and subsequent restoration.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell involves forming a tubular anode comprising an electrolyte substance and an oxide of an electrochemically active metallic substance without a distinct pore forming substance, sintering the tubular anode, forming an electrolyte onto the sintered anode, forming a cathode onto the electrolyte, and after forming the electrolyte and the cathode, reducing the oxide of the electrochemically active substance in the sintered anode to form pores in the anode.