Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for making light-weight dimensionally stable wood-thermoplastic composite material composed of wood chips and a thermoplastic polycaprolactone. The manufacturing process of composite material comprising the steps of compounding virgin materials with single-screw extruder and production of uniform homogeneous plate-like composite with calendering apparatus. The calendering process comprises of several cycles, folding, cooling and reheating steps. During the gentle manufacturing process fragile wood chips maintain their 3-D structural properties in polymer matrix resulting light, mechanically strong wood-plastic composite.
Abstract:
Safety cast compositions for the prevention of thermal injury are provided basically comprising a curable casting material, a flexible substrate coated or impregnated with the casting material and a thermochromic material. Methods for using the safety cast to prevent cast burns in patients in need of immobilizing a body member are also provided.
Abstract:
A cast tape or medical bandaging product formed from a resin-coated or impregnated fabric material that includes a knitted substrate having a combination of non-fiberglass high and low tenacity yarns such as polypropylene, polyester and elastomer. The polypropylene and polyester yarns have a high number of filaments, typically 48 to 90 filaments. This significantly improves the surface area of the fabric, that helps help to hold the curable resin onto the fabric and avoids pooling. This in turn improves lamination layer-to-layer and gives the substrate high strength.
Abstract:
A resin system including a water curable isocyanate functionalized prepolymer, a first catalyst chemically bound-in to the prepolymer, and a second catalyst soluble in water and insoluble in the prepolymer.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a reinforceable orthopedic casting article comprising a backing and a curable resin having an activator capable of assisting in the initiation of the cure of an addition polymerizable reinforcement compound. Reinforced casts are made by providing a curable casting tape comprising a backing and a curable resin containing an activator capable of assisting in the initiation of the cure of an addition polymerizable reinforcement compound; initiating the cure of the casting tape; wrapping the casting tape into the form of a cast; applying a hardenable reinforcement compound to at least a portion of the casting tape; and allowing the casting tape to cure and the reinforcement compound to harden to form a reinforced orthopedic cast. In another method a reinforced soft cast is made by wrapping a soft casting tape into the form of a cast, wherein the casting tape comprises a backing and a curable resin; initiating the cure of the casting tape; applying an activated addition polymerizable reinforcement compound to at least a portion of the casting tape; and allowing the casting tape to cure and the reinforcement compound to harden to form a reinforced orthopedic cast.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of printed orthopedic casting tapes. A knit, open mesh fibrous tape having elastic filaments extending in the length direction is stretched in a predetermined amount and a pattern is printed onto the stretched fibrous tape using a low temperature drying ink. The printed tape is thereafter passed through a drying zone maintained at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. C. while the tape is maintained in the stretched condition. The printed tape is thereafter allowed to relax and is subsequently coated with a hardenable liquid resin.
Abstract:
A method for preparing a thermoplastic material, with dry heat, for use in patient fixation. The method includes generating heat to a threshold temperature and transferring the heat to the thermoplastic material by a heat conductive path. Once the thermoplastic material has become pliable, it is molded into a cast for fixation purposes. The heat may be generated by a device having a housing and a member movable attached to the housing. The device also includes a heating element for providing a heat conductive path to the member.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to a water-curable orthopedic bandage on a support spool which bandage can be immediately applied to an affected limb. Supplied in addition to the orthopedic bandage and either separately packaged or provided integral with the spool is an amount of a water-laden gel. The word gel is meant to apply to a viscous semi-solid which can be applied over surfaces in an adherent film and will disperse and move in response to the movement of the practitioner's hands in molding and forming the adhesive bandage around the limb. It is to be distinguished from a free-flowing liquid which when applied to a limb drips and causes the messy environment described above.
Abstract:
An orthopaedic splinting or casting material comprises a substrate which carries a hardenable resin containing a multi-functional vinyl ether monomer, an agent which when mixed with the monomer increases the viscosity thereof and a catalyst capable of causing the resin to harden when exposed to actinic radiation.