Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes: a first mounting block configured such that a fixed mold is able to be mounted thereon; a second mounting block configured such that a movable mold facing the fixed mold is able to be mounted thereon, provided with a first through hole through which a first diver is inserted, and configured to move back and forth with respect to the first mounting block along the first diver; and an injection unit configured to inject a molten material into a cavity defined by the fixed mold and the movable mold. In a state where the movable mold is mounted on the second mounting block, the second mounting block includes, between the movable mold and the first through hole, a heat conduction prevention portion configured to prevent conduction of heat from the movable mold.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a large-sized thin-walled tubular part by gas-liquid internal high pressure forming (IHPF). A gas and a liquid are filled at a certain volume ratio into a thin-walled blank. The pressure of the gas-liquid mixed fluid is mainly determined by the gas pressure. During the deformation of the thin-walled blank, due to a large compression ratio of the gas, the gas-liquid pressure will not basically change with the change of the volume of a blank cavity. A support pressure on the cavity of the thin-walled blank is stable in the entire forming process. In addition, even if there is a slight leakage of the liquid or gas during the forming process, the medium pressure inside the blank will not fluctuate largely. In this way, embodiments lower the requirements for the sealing effect during the tubular part forming process.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of forming a composite structure. Composite material is placed into a cavity of a mold. A layup support is placed over the cavity. A number of composite plies is laid up over the layup support, the composite material, and the cavity.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for preparation of a balloon expandable biodegradable polymer stent with thin struts (strut thickness 130 ?m or less, preferably 100-110 ?m) with high fatigue and radial strength. The invention discloses a process for the preparation of a biodegradable polymer stent which involves deforming an extruded biodegradable polymer tube axially at a first predefined temperature by applying an axial force for a first predefined time interval. The process further includes radially expanding the axially stretched tube at a second predefined temperature by pressurizing the tube with an inert gas in one or more stages, the pressure applied in each successive stage being higher than the pressure applied in a previous stage.

Abstract: A preform is infused with a resin to form a composite laminate. The preform is placed between a mold and a vacuum bag. An offset tool is placed to permit the vacuum bag to lift away from a surface of the preform in a controlled amount. A charge of the resin is injected between the vacuum bag and the preform to lift the vacuum bag off the surface of the preform and move the vacuum bag toward the offset tool, so that the resin occupies a volume between the vacuum bag and the preform. The preform is infused with the resin by applying a super-atmospheric pressure to an outer surface of the vacuum bag to transport the resin from the volume between the vacuum bag and the preform into a volume within the preform. The resin in the preform is cured, forming the composite laminate.

Abstract: A method for forming a hollow cylinder, in a single step or in as small a number of steps as possible, into a quartz glass tube with a large outer diameter and high dimensional stability is provided. The cylinder, while rotating about a rotation axis, is softened in portions in a heating zone which is moved at a relative feed rate Va, and the softened portion is radially expanded by a centrifugal force and/or an internal overpressure applied in the hollow cylinder bore so as to form a deformation zone. The tube is continuously shaped with an outer diameter D2 which is greater than that of the hollow cylinder D1. The radial expansion of the softened portion is carried out at a location-dependent radial expansion rate Vr, the profile of which along the deformation zone has a maximum value Vr,max which is smaller than two times the feed rate Va.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems, devices and kits are provided for preparing and using a multi-layer polymeric microstructure composition for delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject. In various embodiments, the therapeutic agent includes at least one selected from the group of: a drug, a protein, a sugar, a carbohydrate, and a nucleotide sequence. In related embodiments, the composition is a fiber, a suture, a sphere, an implant, or a scaffold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a skin of a composite structure on an outer surface of an inner mold line layup mandrel. The systems and methods include receiving a plurality of ply kits, assembling the plurality of ply kits to form a skin segment that defines a portion of the skin, and affixing the skin segment to the outer surface of the layup mandrel. The assembling includes transferring a respective ply kit of the plurality of ply kits to a non-planar transfer tool, compacting the respective ply kit on the non-planar transfer tool, and repeating the transferring and the compacting for each ply kit in the plurality of ply kits to form the skin segment.

Abstract: A process for making a reservoir including steps of positioning a hollow extrudate at an elevated temperature in a mold cavity, inserting a fitting into an end of the extrudate, sealing an outer surface of the fitting with an interior surface of the extrudate using latent heat within the extrudate, and forming at least a portion of the extrudate against the mold cavity forming a reservoir with the fitting sealed into the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. After the annealing, crystallites are grown around the formed nuclei. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the crystallite growth.

Abstract: A method for producing a tubular structural component and device for production thereof are disclosed. A tubular moulding tool has an inner mould surface shaped corresponding to an outer surface of the structural component. A support surface of an expandable support, formed corresponding to the moulding tool shape such that in an unexpanded state the support fills the moulding tool while the support surface and the mould surface run parallel leaving an expansion spacing of the support surface to the mould surface, is covered with a tubular non-crimp fibre fabric, such that fibres of a fibre layer of the non-crimp fibre fabric run diagonally around the support. After the support has been arranged in the moulding tool, the non-crimp fibre fabric is pressed against the mould surface by expanding the support with radial expansion of the non-crimp fibre fabric. The non-crimp fibre fabric is infiltrated by a curable matrix.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite vessel encompassing rapid manufacturing that is applicable to composite hydrogen and other gas storage tanks, both for high-pressure cylinders, as well as low-pressure conformal tanks. The process of fabrication includes using a liner, of metal or plastic materials, over which a braided or developed preform is wrapped. The dry fiber wrapped liner is placed in a mold and resin injected into the cavity formed between the liner and the mold outer walls. The liner is flooded with heated and/or cooled pressurized fluid thus enabling complete and independent process control from within the liner for both the resin injection and the cure phases. Fiber placement control is determined through combined biaxial and triaxial braid/preform design, and by wrapping at controlled tension onto the supporting liner. Fiber tension control is further enhanced by the methodology of mold loading whereby tensioning forces are enacted during actual load and close.

Abstract: The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.

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: 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: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device, such as a stent, with improved fracture toughness through annealing a polymer construct below the glass transition temperature of the polymer of the construct prior to a deformation step are disclosed herein. The deformation of the construct induces crystallization in the polymer construct through strain-induced crystallization. The annealing of the polymer construct accelerates the crystallization induced during the deformation and results in an increase in crystallite density with smaller crystallites as compared to deformation of a tube that has not been annealed. A stent scaffolding is then made from the deformed tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a pipe (1) which is provided in its wall (2) and between its ends with at least one channel (4) which passes through the wall (2), in which method a plastic pipe preform (16) is blow-moulded, wherein a protrusion (17) is provided for the channel (4), this protrusion lining the pipe preform (16) and having inside dimensions which are larger than the outside dimensions of the channel (4), in which method the pipe preform (16) in its as yet unsolidified state is squashed in the region of the protrusion (17) in such a way that a rough channel (21) communicating with the interior (3) of the pipe (1) is formed for the channel (4), this rough channel being closed at its end remote from the interior (3) of the pipe and having, apart from the desired channel length (7), the outside dimension of the channel (4), and in which method the squashed pipe preform (16) in its solidified state is cut in the region of the rough channel (21) in such a way that the channel (

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing hollow structures such as spars for helicopter rotor blades, fixed wings for aircraft, and other aerostructures can include the provision of a path for gases to exit the material from which the spar is formed as the material is heated and cured, to help eliminate voids within the material caused by the presence of such gases.

Abstract: A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.

Abstract: The present invention includes injecting a molten resin into a main cavity, which has on its one end a pressure port provided with a floating core and on its other end a first outlet, and a branch cavity, which communicates with the main cavity and has on its end a second outlet allowed to open and close, injecting a pressurized fluid through the pressure port after the injection of the molten resin, and moving the floating core to the first outlet side, and, at the same time, extruding the molten resin from the first outlet to form a main pipe hollow, and opening the second outlet after the main pipe hollow reaches a portion at which the branch cavity communicates with the main cavity, and extruding the molten resin by the pressurized fluid from the second outlet to form the branch pipe hollow.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a mold assembly including at least one bore therethrough having a cavity therein defining the shape of the finished microneedle shape to be formed therein. The bore has an inlet opening and an exit opening. The apparatus also comprises means for locating the polymer to be formed at one end of the cavity and means for introducing fluid into the inlet opening of said bore and into the cavity. The apparatus also comprises exhaust means communicating with the exit opening of the bore, so that introducing the fluid through the polymer causes the polymer to assume the shape of the cavity and the fluid forms a hollow channel to define a needle-like structure in the polymer as the fluid is exhausted through the cavity and the bore.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for lining a metal pipeline, said process comprising the following steps: (i) processing a thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition to yield a pipe liner having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of said metal pipeline, said thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition comprising: (A) from 10% to 60% by weight, on the total weight of polymer (A) and polymer (B) of at least one vinylidene fluoride (VDF) homopolymer [polymer (A)], (B) from 40% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of polymer (A) and polymer (B) of at least one VDF copolymer comprising from 2% to 15% by moles of recurring units derived from at least one other fluorinated comonomer (F) [polymer (B)], and (ii) deforming said pipe liner, (iii) introducing the deformed pipe liner in said metal pipeline; and (iv) expanding the deformed pipe liner to fit with the inner diameter of said metal pipeline. The present invention also relates to a pipeline system.

Abstract: A hollow body formed of a thermoplastic resin and having uniform inner diameter and thickness and an excellent inner surface smoothness, and, in particular, a pipe-shaped hollow body having a bent portion is manufactured by injection molding. A method of manufacturing a hollow body includes injecting a molten resin 8 into a mold cavity 2 of a mold 1, the mold cavity 2 having on its one end a pressure port 4 provided with a floating core 6 and on its other end an outlet 5, pressure-injecting a pressurized fluid through the pressure port 4 after the injection of the molten resin 8, and moving the floating core 6 toward the outlet 5, and, at the same time, extruding the molten resin 8 from the outlet 5.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a pre-pleated catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a folding head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The folding head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and defining a central aperture The segment distal ends move closer to the central point upon rotation of the rotatable hub member in a predetermined direction, whereby the balloon is folded around the shaft substrate upon rotation of the rotatable hub.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a reservoir (5) containing an active substance and adapted to be introduced into a natural cavity of a living being, the reservoir (5) comprising a membrane (9) permeable to the active substance.

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: An air duct for an automotive vehicle is blow molded with an elongated, hollow structural member to be used as a portion of a body of the vehicle. The structural member has an inner wall defining an elongated cavity communicating with first and second access holes at respective longitudinal positions along the structural member. A parison comprised of a thermally insulating material is inserted into the internal cavity. A source of inflation gas is connected to a mouth portion or the parison. The parison is heated and inflated within the internal cavity to an expanded shape to form the air duct disposed against the inner wall and spanning the first and second access holes. The air duct at one of the access holes is configured as an air inlet. The air duct at the other one of the access holes is configured as an air outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices for dilating or enlarging strictures or narrowed regions of body vessels. Specifically, the present invention relates to a high pressure dilation balloon catheter that includes an elongate shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being adapted for attachment to a source of inflation fluid, and a lumen extending through the shaft adapted for the passage of the inflation fluid; and a balloon disposed on the distal end of the shaft and having a balloon body extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the balloon.

Abstract: A shape adjusting mechanism for an extrusion molding machine includes a shape adjusting member, a blow-in mechanism, and a discharge mechanism. The shape adjusting member comes into contact with an inner circumferential surface of a molten substantially cylindrical resin extruded and transported from a ferrule provided to an extrusion molding machine, and adjusts the shape of the substantially cylindrical resin. The blow-in mechanism blows a gas into the substantially cylindrical resin transported between the ferrule and the shape adjusting member. The discharge mechanism discharges to the outside the gas in the substantially cylindrical resin transported between the ferrule and the shape adjusting member.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, profiling a tube to form at least one profiled product having a first open end and a second open end. The tube (30) is supported on a support (19) which supports the tube along at least a substantial part of the length of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. At least a portion of the tube is heated to form at least one heat-softened portion of the tube in the region(s) corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. A fluid pressure change (28) is applied to the region(s) of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed to form at least one profiled product having a first open end, a second open end, and a predetermined shape with one or more three dimensional profile features.

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 method of separating a mixture of liquid and insoluble solids in a filter press may comprise: pumping the mixture into a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press to form a filter cake, wherein the chamber is lined by filter cloths, and wherein, during the pumping, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber; heating the filter cake in the chamber, wherein, during the heating, filtrate is forced through the filter cloths and out of the chamber, and wherein the heating is by radio frequency irradiation of the filter cake in the chamber; and releasing dried filter cake from the chamber.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating veins and venous conditions, such as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, are provided. In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter provides an intraluminal scaffold having a generally tubular body with a lumen defined therethrough, the tubular body having a compressed condition for delivery and an expanded condition for implant within a vessel having a distended portion, at least a length of the tubular body configured to form an enlarged portion in the expanded condition to engage a wall of the distended portion of the vessel. Methods for fabricating and using the scaffold, methods for remodeling a vein, and methods of deploying a medical device in a vessel without negatively impacting the function of a valve of the vessel, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for blow molding containers having cross-sections of a non-circular shape from preforms, in which a temperature profile varying at least in the circumferential direction of the preform is produced by means of at least one heat transfer element, for which purpose the preform and at least the heat transfer element are oriented toward one another by a relative rotational movement in the circumferential direction of the preform, the heat transfer element is rotated relative to the stationary preform about a heat transfer element axis during the relative rotational movement. Further, a device for blow molding such containers where the heat transfer element and the holder are rotatable about a heat transfer element axis and are coupled with a rotational drive.

Abstract: Methods to expand polymer tubing with desirable or optimum morphology and mechanical properties for stent manufacture and fabrication of a stent therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a method by which a reservoir having desired end connection profiles may be made using shape memory characteristics of crosslinking to compressively seal the connection profiles into the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a hollow composite structure by forming a prepreg product using a plurality of prepregs, forming a soft coating layer on an inner surface of the prepreg product, and compressing the prepreg product by applying pressurized air to the coating layer and, at the same time, applying heat to the prepregs.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. After the annealing, crystallites are grown around the formed nuclei. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the crystallite growth.

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: The use of nucleating agents to manufacture polymeric stents is disclosed. The resulting stents may have increased crystallinity, decreased crystal size, increased mechanical properties, and faster degradation times.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an implantable medical device from a tube or a sheet in an expanded or stretched state, respectively, are disclosed herein. The implantable medical device may be an endoprosthesis such as a stent. In one embodiment, the method may include radially expanding a tube about a cylindrical axis of the tube from a first diameter to a second diameter. The method may further include forming a pattern on at least a portion of the expanded tube. Additional embodiments may include forming a stent pattern on a stretched sheet from which a stent may be formed. In addition, a stent pattern may be formed on a tube that is formed from a stretched sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides vehicle suspension systems, and more particularly jounce bumpers made of elastomeric thermoplastic material, having improved design to maximize energy absorption.

Abstract: The invention provides vehicle suspension systems, and more particularly jounce bumpers made of elastomeric thermoplastic material, having improved design to maximize energy absorption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an injection molded panel member having a first portion, a second portion, and an appearance surface portion. The method includes placing the appearance surface portion of the panel member into a mold cavity. The mold cavity preferably includes a first chamber adapted to form the first portion of the panel member, and a second chamber adapted to form the second portion of the panel member. After the appearance surface portion of the panel member is inserted into the mold, molten plastic material and pressurized gas are injected into the first chamber of the mold cavity. After the molten plastic material is injected into the first chamber of the mold, molten plastic material is injected into the second chamber of the mold cavity. The molten plastic is then cooled until it solidifies. After the molten plastic is sufficiently cooled, the pressurized gas is vented and the panel member is removed from the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hollow FRP article by internal pressure molding includes a vacuum chamber, a forming die positioned in the vacuum chamber, a vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, a composite-body support device for supporting a composite body without making the composite body come into contact with the forming die in a state where the forming die is opened by the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism, the composite body including an airtight internal-pressure holding tube and a prepreg fitted on said airtight internal-pressure holding tube, an evacuation system for evacuating the vacuum chamber, an internal-pressure supplying device for applying pressure to an inside of the internal-pressure holding tube, and a controller for actuating the vacuum-chamber opening/closing mechanism to clamp the forming die to thereby bring the forming die and the composite body into intimate contact with each other.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blow molding an article wherein a parison is positioned between substantially opposed mold closures. The opposed mold closures and at least one other mold closure are advanced, wherein the at least one other mold closure is advanced into abutment with at least one of another of the substantially opposed mold closures, and another of the at least one other mold closure. Thereafter, a gas may be injected within the interior of the parison to form a molded article, the mold closures retracted along their respective axes, and the molded article removed.

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 hollow body formed of a thermoplastic resin and having uniform inner diameter and thickness and an excellent inner surface smoothness, and, in particular, a pipe-shaped hollow body having a bent portion is manufactured by injection molding. A method of manufacturing a hollow body includes injecting a molten resin 8 into a mold cavity 2 of a mold 1, the mold cavity 2 having on its one end a pressure port 4 provided with a floating core 6 and on its other end an outlet 5, pressure-injecting a pressurized fluid through the pressure port 4 after the injection of the molten resin 8, and moving the floating core 6 toward the outlet 5, and, at the same time, extruding the molten resin 8 from the outlet 5.