Abstract: The invention comprises a plasticating machine for the working and forcing of plastic material into a mold, the machine including an elongated barrel housing having a first or proximal end and a second or distal end, and an elongated screw shaft with a screw flight therearound, the screw shaft being rotatably supported in the elongated barrel housing, for the working of plastic between the screw shaft and the elongated housing. At least one delivery conduit is generally longitudinally arranged within the wall of the housing. The delivery conduit with the housing wall may be arranged to heat or cool the screw and any plastic being worked therethrough. In a further embodiment, it may permit delivery of a medium within the wall, from an upstream location of the housing, into the primary flow path of any plastic being driven from the machine and into a mold.

Abstract: A method of forming a plastic product comprises extruding molten plastic into a mold having a mold wall with product shaping interior face. After shaping the product in the mold, the method includes introducing gas via a gas inlet through the mold wall onto the product to cool both the product and the mold and then discharging the gas from the mold at a location remote from the gas inlet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for removing biopolymer constructs from support structures used to impart a selected shape to the biopolymer. The biopolymer construct and the support structure are in intimate at an interface and adhere to each other. The support structure includes an endcap adapted for introducing a fluid to the interface for reducing adhesion between the biopolymer structure and the support structure by applying a separating force at the interface, thereby facilitating removal between the support structure and the biopolymer construct.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying heat to a rotatable workpiece is disclosed. A rotating lathe is provided for mounting a workpiece, for example a quartz tube, thereto so as to enable rotation of the workpiece. At least one translatable burner is coupled to a fuel source and an oxygen source for producing a flame. The burner is directed such that flame impinges upon the workpiece mounted on the rotating lathe. A first pulse control valve is coupled to and positioned between the translatable burner and the fuel source. A second pulse control valve is coupled to and positioned between the translatable burners and the oxygen course. The first and second pulse control valves are pulsed at a predetermined frequency to prevent the formation of a steady thermal boundary layer about the workpiece to improve the rate of heat transfer between the flame and the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing disposable, single-use lipstick samplers by means of a dipping process. In a preferred form, a reservoir containing molten lipstick wax material is provided, and a spindle which is disposed above the reservoir is advanceable toward and retractable away from the reservoir. A plastic cup-shaped form having an apertured tip is applied to the spindle, which is thereafter advanced so as to submerge the tip of the form into the molten liquid wax material. The spindle and coated form are then removed from the reservoir, and a vacuum is applied through the spindle to the aperture of the tip of the form, so as to draw lipstick wax material therefrom and into the interior of the spindle. The form is allowed to cool so as to solidify the wax, and thereafter is fitted with a cover, removed, and suitably packaged.

Abstract: A definitive socket for residual limb prosthetic use is formed in a single molding step by compressive pressure casting or molding a pre-formed, moldable, hardenable socket material over a residual limb and curing the socket material to a load-bearing hardened condition while it is maintained under peripheral compressive pressure against the residual limb and while the residual limb is tensioned in a distal direction during the casting process. The combination of pressure casting the socket material and applying tension to the residual limb in a distal direction while the socket material is curing results in forming a definitive socket that fits well to the residual limb after curing without substantial rectification. Pressure relief formations, socket coverings, and a prosthesis coupler may be compression molded simultaneously with the socket.

Abstract: A method for making a medical balloon catheter in a single molding operation employs a parison which is molded and biaxially oriented by the use of first and second pressurization stages. The starting material is in the form of a tubular parison with a reduced diameter portion which is made of a biaxial orientable polyamide or polyetheramide material. The resulting balloon can be attached to a catheter that includes a tapered or stepped distal end without further shaping or modification of the balloon ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacture of duckbill valves in which the opposed lips of the valve are split by applying a high fluid pressure inside the valve. This pressure causes the valve to balloon and burst. Preferably, the valve is supported over all of its outer surface except the end to be split by a die. The system is particularly suited to duckbill valves made of thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming perfusion balloons from thermoplastic materials. A helical member having a cross section corresponding to a desired perfusion channel cross section is placed in a tubular mold in contact with the mold wall. A thermoplastic tube is inserted into the helical member in the mold. The assembly is heated to the glass transition temperature of the tube and the tube is pressurized to expand into contact with the helical member and mold wall. After cooling, the formed balloon is removed from the mold. The helical member has a "T" shaped, or rectangular, or square, or triangular cross section. Limited pre-pressure and pre-stretch are preferably applied prior to the tube expansion and post forming tube conditioning may be used. Axial stretching of the tube in a mold, with our without the helical member, by microprocessor controlled air actuators provides highest quality balloons having selected wall thicknesses.

Abstract: A method of treating a preformed flexible imaging belt including providing a rigid cylindrical support drum having a precisely predetermined outer circumference, a first end and a second end, providing a preformed flexible electrostatographic imaging belt, circumferentially expanding the belt with a flowing fluid under pressure until the circumference of the inner surface of the belt adjacent the first end of the drum is stretched to a new dimension of at least about 0.1 percent greater than the outer circumference of the rigid support drum while maintaining the belt below the elastic limit of the belt to smooth out physical defects, sliding the belt onto the drum from the first end toward the second end until substantially all of the belt encircles the outer surface of the drum, terminating the flow of the flowing fluid to allow the belt to contract onto the outer surface of the support drum, heating the belt to a treatment temperature of between about the glass transition temperature and about 10.degree. C.

Abstract: A pressurized-fluid workhead for permanent belling of end portions of plastic pipes. A die has a cavity for receiving a thermally plasticized end portion of a pipe. A forming buffer is insertable into the end portion of the pipe and arranged centrally of the die. A flange is mounted coaxially and slidably with respect to the buffer and die and has a striking surface which can be associated to an edge of the end portion of the pipe. Sealing elements are located on the die and the buffer. These interact with an external surface and an internal surface of the end portion of the pipe. The die, the buffer and the flange together peripherally define a forming chamber for the end portion of the pipe. The forming chamber is subdivided by the pipe into first and second pressure chambers for a fluid. The first pressure chamber is arranged between the lateral surface of the buffer and the internal surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a balloon for a catheter. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold having a mold cavity that generally corresponds to an intended expanded form of the balloon. Securing elements are provided at opposite ends of the mold cavity for securing end sections of a tubular parison. The end sections of the tubular parison are twisted in opposite directions with respect to each other. The end sections of the tubular parison are secured in the securing elements, the parison is heated, and a pressure differential is created between the inside and the outside of the parison to cause it to expand into a balloon against the walls of the mold cavity. The previously twisted end sections of the parison result in the balloon transition sections having spiral ridges, allowing the balloon to be folded into a small diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly and inexpensively providing a constant extrusion pressure for pipeline lining with a mortar. A mandrel is inserted in a pipeline section with a slug of mortar ahead thereof. A pushing force is applied thereto to overcome resistance to movement thereof. A constant tension pull is applied to the mandrel to effect relatively constant but effective extrusion pressure between the mandrel and the pipeline wall for extrusion of mortar on the inner wall of the pipeline section.

Abstract: A process of molding a racket frame having an evacuation stage for shrinking a lamination of an inner bladder, a tubular prepreg and an outer protective tube before closing a mold, and the reinforcing fibers of the prepreg are not cut by inner edges of the mold, thereby preventing the racket frame from burr due to the reinforcing fibers cut by the inner edges.

Abstract: A method of processing plastic material, wherein the plastic material is pressure-lessly distributed over the lower mold half of a mold divided in a horizontal plane, then the mold is closed and the mold cavity is entirely filled with molten material whereupon a fluid is injected into the molten material and a portion of the molten material is displaced into a secondary cavity by the fluid.

Abstract: A flexible conduit which utilizes internal spacers and form wires to maintain dimensional integrity during contouring. Once formed into the desired configuration, the system can be made rigid by the injection of pressure into one or more internal elastomeric tubes which expand to solidify the structure. The "fixed" form can then be removed and measurements made for fabricating conforming production pipes and tubes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polymeric material having enhanced structural integrity includes heating the material to a temperature between the material's glass transition temperature and the material's melt temperature. Once heated, the material is highly overstretched in a first direction and moderately overstretched in a second direction. The material is then held in the overstretched condition while it is allowed to cool to room temperature. Cooling is followed by reheating to a curing temperature. After curing for a predetermined period, the material is again allowed to cool. The completed material has high polymeric orientation in the first direction and moderate polymeric orientation in the second direction. Therefore, the material is characterized by enhanced structural integrity and absence of pinhole defects common to highly oriented polymeric materials.

Abstract: A definitive socket for residual limb prosthetic use is formed in a single molding step by compressive pressure casting or molding a pre-formed, moldable, hardenable socket material over a residual limb and curing the socket material to a load-bearing hardened condition while it is maintained under peripheral compressive pressure against the residual limb and while the residual limb is tensioned in a distal direction during the casting process. The combination of pressure casting the socket material and applying tension to the residual limb in a distal direction while the socket material is curing results in forming a definitive socket that fits well to the residual limb after curing without substantial rectification. Pressure relief formations, socket coverings, and a prosthesis coupler may be compression molded simultaneously with the socket.

Abstract: A method for forming a balloon for a dilatation catheter may utilize the steps of extruding a tubing preform of a polyester resin and then blowing the tubing into an oriented balloon, wherein the tubing preform is dried prior to blowing into the balloon form. Other process steps by which balloon cone and waist thicknesses may be reduced involve varying the axial tension and blowing pressure at several stages as a mold containing the balloon preform is dipped into a heating medium. Specifically, tubing of a thermoplastic material is placed in a mold and blown by pressurizing and tensioning the tubing and gradually dipping the mold into a heated heat transfer media so as to sequentially blow a first waist, a body and a second waist portion. The tubing is subjected to a relatively lower pressure while the body portion is blown than while the first and second waist portions are blown.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a prosthetic socket using a vacuum tube assembly for vacuum sealing a layer of plastic material onto a molded cast to form a prosthetic socket. The vacuum tube assembly includes a cylindrical shaft for providing an air path for the vacuum tube assembly between the prosthetic cast and a suction device. The cylindrical shaft includes a connection device attached to one end of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the connection device is used for affixing the vacuum tube assembly to an attachment device on the prosthetic socket. The attachment device is formed within the prosthetic socket and is the component which connects the prosthetic socket to an artificial limb shaft. A reciprocating cover is also provided on one end of the cylindrical shaft for covering the connection device, so that the reciprocating cover abuts the prosthetic socket when the connection device is affixed to the attachment device.

Abstract: To improve the re-wrappability of the expander members used on balloon catheters subsequent to an initial inflation thereof, the balloon member is subjected to an annealing process in which the balloon member, in its wrapped configuration, is placed within a plastic sheath and it, together with the sheath, is then placed between the jaws of a clamping fixture where the jaws may be heated to a predetermined temperature. When the jaws are made to close on the sheath and the wrapped balloon contained within it, the wrapped balloon is subjected to a radial compressive pressure and a temperature approximately equal to or above the glass transition temperature for the balloon material utilized and then maintained at that temperature for a predetermined time interval. The annealing is found to introduce a memory component into the plastic of the balloon that causes it to assume a lower profile upon deflation than otherwise obtained.

Abstract: A method of lining passageways, or pipelines, employs a pre-liner sleeve formed of a thin plastic material, which is applied to the inside surface of the passageway to be lined. During application of the pre-liner sleeve, it is held in a concertina-like folded condition in a magazine which is moved along the passageway by operation of air pressure which is applied from within the pre-liner sleeve, and which simultaneously inflates the pre-liner sleeve so that it communicates with the inside surface of the passageway. A spray head follows the magazine from within the inflated pre-liner sleeve and applies a hardenable composition, such as mortar, to the inside of the inflated pre-liner sleeve. The spray head is followed, in some embodiments, by a tube which is everted to communicate with the applied hardenable composition under air pressure. The tube holds the applied layer in position while it cures.

Abstract: Underground pipelines that carry wastewater, water, natural gas, and industrial fluids deteriorate with age. This invention is a process and apparatus for installing a thermoplastic liner in a dry pipeline to accomplish in situ rehabilitation. It involves extruding a tube of thermoplastic liner material within the interior of a dried and preheated pipeline in situ, said tube having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of said pipeline. The tube is next expanded so that the outside diameter of said tube is substantially equal to the inside diameter of said pipeline. The expanded tube is then cooled and hardened in a liner configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic casting machine receives an amputated stump while a patient is standing so that a hard socket can be made based upon the shape of the stump when it is under load. The machine includes a brim for accommodating an above-the-knee stump or a retaining disc for below-the-knee stumps. A telescoping leg enables precise adjustment of the height of the machine to accommodate patients of differing heights. The patient's stump is inserted into a liner and the liner is coated with plaster before the stump is inserted into the machine. After insertion, while the patient is standing, compressed air is introduced into a space between a transparent flexible bladder and a transparent rigid cylinder so that a uniform pressure is applied to the plaster by the bladder. The transparent parts enable a prosthetist to observe the results of the pressurization so that corrective steps may be taken if the plaster is not evenly compressed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, having a non-linear compliance curve, made up of a single layered balloon, that was molded from a polymeric material to have a specific nominal diameter and then shrunk to a diameter that is less than the specific nominal diameter. When the shrunk balloon is expanded it has the characteristics of a compliant balloon until its diameter has been expanded to its original specific nominal diameter after which it follows the non compliant compliance curve that it would have had it not been shrunk.

Abstract: An inflatable medical balloon (40) at its distal end for introduction into a body part especially through an endoscope (46) and method of making the balloon. When fully inflated, the balloon (40) is a continuous body of balloon material (which may be formed of one or more polymeric layers) with a generally cylindrical shape and four ribs (44) formed in the body. The ribs (44) are longitudinally and equidistantly arranged around an axis (A) which extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the balloon (40). The ribs (44) are formed of stressed balloon material.

Abstract: An appliance door particularly suited for use as a refrigerator or freezer door includes a hollow, blow molded door slab, and a food storage shell or casing projecting from one wall of the slab. The parts forming the shell are prepared in a first step, e.g., by blow molding, and then are removably mounted as inserts in registering recesses formed in the bottom of the cavity of one of two plates or sections forming the mold for the door slab. The two mold sections are then closed over a tubular, plastic parison which is then inflated to form in the mold the hollow door slab, portions of one wall of which mold over and around a series of male projections which extend into the mold cavity from the mold inserts, thus causing the shell to be molded to and to project from the slab upon subsequent opening of the mold sections and removal of the slab therefrom.

Abstract: A seamless substrate is elastically stretched over a hollow cylindrical porous mandrel having a thermal expansion coefficient not greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate by applying fluid under pressure through the mandrel and relieving the pressure of the fluid so that the substrate relapses to a shape in close contact with the mandrel. A substrate carrier includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical mandrel formed of a porous material, the mandrel having an outer diameter not greater than the inner diameter of the tubular substrate and means for supplying a pressurized fluid to the interior of the mandrel, wherein the porous material is a material having a thermal expansion coefficient not greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the substrate.

Abstract: A seamless belt is fabricated by application of a coating to an endless substrate. The substrate is elastically stretched over a hollow cylindrical elongated support mandrel. The mandrel is formed of a porous material. Fluid is applied under pressure through the mandrel to form a layer of fluid between the outer surface of the mandrel and the inner surface of the substrate. The flow of fluid is manipulated to axially displace and to rotate the substrate on the outer surface of the mandrel. The flow of fluid is manipulated to orient a selected portion of the surface of the substrate to an angle to a direction of application of a coating. The temperature of fluid is manipulated to assist in substrate temperature control at steps of the coating and drying process.

Abstract: An underground pipeline or passageway is lined by having a plastics film pre-liner tube applied thereto by inflation, and the tube whilst inflated has an applicator pulled therethrough from which a fluent curable or hardenable composition issues and is applied directly to the inside of the inflated tube to form a layer which cures or hardens to form a lining. Preferably a second tube is applied to the inside of the composition layer to hold it in position whilst it cures or hardens.

Abstract: A method for installing plastic liners in pipes includes the steps of providing a plurality of cylindrical tubular liners of plastic material of predetermined diameters. Ribs extend radially between the liners. The liners are deformed or collapsed to reduced overall diameters. The liners are introduced into the pipe. The cylindrical shapes of the liners in the pipe are then restored with the ribs spacing the liners one from the other.

Abstract: An inflatable medical device for the delivery of medications to an organ in the body including a catheter having a plurality of lumens (13, 22, 28) disposed therein. The distal end of the catheter is adapted to be disposed within a bodily organ. A hollow, inflatable, medication-deliverable balloon (16) is disposed on the distal end of the catheter and the interior of the balloon (16) is in fluid flow relationship with one of the lumens (22) to enable the balloon (16) to be inflated. An array of conduits (40) is disposed within the walls of the balloon for the delivery of medications to predetermined locations within said bodily organ. Another lumen (28) in the catheter shaft (14) is provided to deliver medications to the conduits (40) in the wall of the balloon (16). An egress (17) for the medications is provided so that they may be dispensed at the site being treated.

Abstract: Methods for reinforcing thin-walled, flexible tubing using pressurized fluids which have excellent mechanical integrity, including burst-strength. The methods comprise pressurizing a tubular conduit with pressurized fluid followed by applying reinforcing means to the conduit.

Abstract: A thin, flexible tubular membrane provides a heat containment tube for inserting into and inflation within an underground conduit to be repaired. Folded rigid thermoplastic pipe is inserted into the tube while not and flexible. The tubular membrane is pressurized to exclude unwanted fluids from within the existing conduit. Hot steam is injected into the tube to heat the pipe full-length externally and internally until flexible. The pipe is then rounded and expanded against the walls of the conduit with the tube therebetween. The rounding and expanding of the pipe is carried out progressively by moving a plug through the pipe and by injecting hot steam under pressure behind the plug.

Abstract: A method of making a condom from a precursor tubular element formed of elastic film material, having a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The precursor tubular element is placed over a tubular mandril and expanded outwardly from the mandril against a surrounding cylindrical chamber, following which the expanded precursor tubular element is deflated for subsequent condom usage.

Abstract: A method for lining a branch pipe comprising the steps of: preparing a tubular liner bag by sewing a rectangular nonwoven resin-absorbent fabric into a tubular shape with one end closed; attaching an impermeable plastic film over the external surface of this tubular liner bag; soaking the nonwoven resin-absorbent fabric with a hardenable fluid resin; everting the liner bag into the branch pipe until the eversion head of the liner bag is stopped by the inner wall of the main pipe; forcing the eversion head of the liner bag to turn downstream in the main pipe, thus allowing the the liner bag to evert entirely; hardening the hardenable fluid resin while inflating the liner bag; and removing that portion of the liner bag which protrudes into the main pipe.

Abstract: Dilatation balloons are fabricated of a material such as a nylon or a polyamide material, and they have an inflated, non-distended working profile as well as a stretched inflated profile which is achieved by applying pressure through a dilatation catheter or the like that is in excess of that needed to achieve the inflated, non-distended profile and which is adequate to effect dilatation or the like up to a maximum pre-bursting pressure application. The maximum pre-bursting size of the balloon can be tailored depending upon the needs of the particular balloon within a wide range of possible maximum pre-bursting sizes.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted optical glass fiber bundle received within an internal lumen of the catheter. The lumen for receiving the optical glass fiber bundle is heated and expanded under internal fluid pressure. The catheter and lumen are then cooled with the lumen still under the internal fluid pressure. After cooling, the fluid pressure is released and the lumen retains its expanded condition. An optical glass fiber bundle is inserted into the expanded lumen to a predetermined position within the catheter. The catheter and lumen are reheated to contract the expanded diameter of the lumen about the optical glass fiber bundle to provide a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted fiber optic bundle within the catheter.

Abstract: A tri-fold dilatation catheter balloon and a method for preparing the same. The disclosed balloon has a tri-fold configuration in which the longitudinal creases defined by three flaps of the balloon are softened to ensure symmetrical deflation of the balloon into its tri-fold form. The tri-fold configuration initially imparted to the balloon by drawing the balloon into an longitudinal interstitial channel defined by three substantially cylindrical pins arranged in a pyramid-type stack. While the balloon is secured within this channel, negative pressure is applied to an inflation lumen of the balloon to deflate the balloon. Negative pressure is maintained on the inflation lumen as the balloon is withdrawn from the interstitial channel, and continues to be maintained while the creases defined by the three tri-fold flaps are heated with a longitudinal heating element. This softens the balloon material in longitudinal creases, so that the same creases will tend form whenever the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of a balloon dilatation catheter which comprises blowing a length of double lumen tubing to produce a double lumen catheter piece having distal and proximal ends and having a first lumen and a second lumen; cutting an opening in the second lumen proximal to the distal end of the catheter piece; inserting a pushing wire having distal and proximal ends into the second lumen through the proximal end of the catheter piece until the distal end of the pushing wire extends distally across the opening; inserting a piece of lubricous tubing into the second lumen through the distal end of the catheter piece; sealing the distal end of the first lumen; heating the distal portion of the catheter piece to cause the distal portion of the second lumen to shrink slightly to cause the lubricous tubing to fixedly engage the distal end of the pushing wire, while the first lumen is pressurized; and heating the remainder of the catheter piece to cause the second lumen to shrink around the

Abstract: A method of making a dilatation balloon with a high percentage of the maximum tensile strength of the balloon material from a thin wall parison of a biaxially orientable polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A reverse temperature gradient (decreasing going from the inner to outer diameters) is applied across the sidewall of the parison by flowing a heated fluid through the parison and then sealing one end of the parison and expanding with a heated expansion fluid. Decreases in wall thickness and/or increases in burst strength across the wall can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a protective sheath made of laminated material based on fibers impregnated with resin, the method making use of a cylindrical draping mandrel, wherein:at least two longitudinal elements are provided on the mandrel to project from the periphery thereof, which elements are disposed substantially along diametrically opposite generator lines of the mandrel, dividing the mandrel into two longitudinal semicylindrical portions;a first sheet of flexible laminated material is placed on one of the semicylindrical portions of the mandrel, with the longitudinal margins of the sheet overlying the longitudinal elements;a second sheet of flexible laminated material is placed on the other semicylindrical portion, with the longitudinal margins thereof overlying the longitudinal margins of the first sheet and the projecting longitudinal elements;the first and second sheets are pressed against the outside surfaces of the semicylindrical portions by means of a pressure difference;both sheets are hardene

Abstract: A perfusion balloon catheter includes an inflatable balloon formed by a series of loops of a flexible, inflatable tube in a generally cooperative tubular shape. The loops are supported by a coiled support member and are locked within the coiled support member by a wire retainer. The cooperative tubular shape of the individual loops perform to provide an inflatable cooperative outer surface of the balloon and a perfusion passage within the balloon.

Abstract: A thin, flexible tubular membrane provides a heat containment tube for inserting into and inflation within an underground conduit to be repaired. Folded rigid thermoplastic pipe is inserted into the tube while hot and flexible. The tubular membrane is pressurized to exclude unwanted fluids from within the existing conduit. Hot steam is injected into the tube to heat the pipe full-length externally and internally until flexible. The pipe is then rounded and expanded against the walls of the conduit with the tube therebetween. The rounding and expanding of the pipe is carried out progressively by moving a plug through the pipe and by injecting hot steam under pressure behind the plug.

Abstract: Dilatation balloons are fabricated of a biaxially orientable material such as a nylon or a polyamide material, and they have an inflated, non-distended working profile as well as a stretched inflated profile which is achieved by applying pressure through a dilatation catheter or the like that is in excess of that needed to achieve the inflated, non-distended profile and which is adequate to effect dilatation or the like up to a maximum pre-bursting pressure application. The maximum pre-bursting size of the balloon can be tailored depending upon the needs of the particular balloon within a wide range of possible maximum pre-bursting sizes.

Abstract: A method for repairing a pipe comprising the steps of:(a) coating a resin-absorbable tubular liner, at least one side thereof which becomes the inner side eventually, with a hermetic film;(b) inserting the resin-absorbable tubular liner into the pipe to be repaired;(c) impregnating the thermosetting resin into the resin-absorbable tubular liner;(d) closing one end of the tubular liner and passing a sprinkler means in the tubular liner to extend from the closed end to the open end of the tubular liner;(e) sending pressurized air into the tubular liner from the open end thereof to thereby inflate the tubular liner to fit closely in the pipe;(f) sending in the sprinkler means a hot liquid of a temperature sufficiently high to cause the thermosetting resin impregnated in the tubular liner to harden, to thereby sprinkle the hot liquid onto the tubular liner to thereby harden the thermosetting resin impregnated therein; and(g) cutting off the ends of the tubular liner.

Abstract: The apparatus includes advancement clamps which move two mutually facing films along an advancement direction on which the following are arranged in sequence: two welding half-molds, which by mutually welding the two films in preset regions define cells which are open toward a longitudinal edge of the films; two half-molds for heating the welded films; a cell forming station. Air injection nozzles, inserted between the two flaps of the films on the side of the above mentioned longitudinal edge, and two forming half-molds, in which forming cavities are defined at the cells, operate in the forming station. Divaricators for divaricating the two flaps of the films are provided proximate to the forming station so as to facilitate the insertion of the air injection nozzles.

Abstract: A mold and method for forming a balloon for dilatation catheters, particularly balloons with a prismlike shape with a transverse polygonal cross section when the internal pressure is at atmospheric conditions. Upon inflation to higher internal pressures, the balloon assumes a normal circular cross section. The balloon shape is particularly suitable for balloons formed of polyethylene terephthalate and the like which are not readily heat settable. Reduced deflated profiles are obtained. The mold is formed by first making a preformed core member which has the shape and dimensions which are desired for the balloon. A heat-formable tubular member, preferably formed of borosilicate glass such as PYREX, is disposed about the core member, subjected to heat and an internal vacuum so as to be shaped onto the exterior of the core member.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a liner within a service pipe having an access end and a terminal end wherein the terminal end is transversely connected to a main pipe for allowing fluid to flow therebetween. The apparatus includes a flexible tubular member having a leading end and a trailing end. The leading end includes a flexible retainer secured thereto for being positioned within the main pipe proximate the service pipe terminal end. The flexible tubular member is impregnated with a thermosetting resin which cures after the flexible tubular member is positioned within the service pipe. Guiding and forcing members are provided for positioning the flexible tubular member within the service pipe such that the flexible retainer is seated within the main pipe proximate the service pipe terminal end and the trailing end is positioned proximate the service pipe access end.

Abstract: Cavities, such as manholes of differing sizes and shapes are repaired by an apparaatus that includes an inflatable bladder enveloped by a carrier formed of a resin-impregnated fiberglass fabric. A hoist lowers the bladder and fabric into the manhole and an air blower inflates the bladder until the fabric tightly overlies the inner walls of the manhole. The resin then cures in situ. The liner so created forms a monolithic whole that is impervious to water and silt and prevents further crumbling and deterioration of the inner surfaces of the manhole. The bladder is deflated and retracted after the resin in the fabric has cured.