Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for creating tubular devices, e.g., as components for catheters, sheaths, and or other devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a method is provided for making a tubular device using a sheet of material including a coated first surface. The sheet is rolled around a mandrel until longitudinal edges of the sheet are disposed near or adjacent one another, e.g., without attaching the longitudinal edges together. A tubular braid is positioned over the sheet-wrapped mandrel, one or more tubular segments are positioned over the tubular braid, and heat shrink tubing is positioned over the tubular segments. The resulting assembly is heated to cause the tubular segments to at least partially reflow and/or otherwise laminate the tubular segments to the tubular braid and sheet. The heat shrink tubing and mandrel are then removed to create the tubular device.
Abstract:
Extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation, the method for extruding such products, and the windows and doors made with such plastic extrusions. The plastic extrusions may additionally include a low heat build-up capstock system comprising an acrylic cap and pigment system that is substantially IR transparent. The extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation are recyclable using conventional plastic extrusion process and are fully weldable in conventional window and door manufacturing.
Abstract:
A process for operating an axial skinning apparatus for continuous manufacture of skinned ceramic honeycomb parts, including: determining the physical process parameters of the apparatus including: the rheology of the flowable skin cement; the geometry of the part to be skinned; and the geometry of the annulus gap of the skinning chamber; and calculating a plurality of dimensionless pressure gradient values (Lambda (Λ)) according to the formula (1): Λ = ( Δ P ) R 2 m L ( R V ) n ( 1 ) where ΔP, P, R, V, L, and m and n are as defined herein; plotting a plurality of manifold pressures versus a plurality of part velocities; and selecting at least one operating window based on the skin quality of a plurality of preliminarily skinned parts.
Abstract:
A method of producing a divided conduit containing, in order forming a strip-shaped textile having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, extruding a molten thermoplastic polymer into the form of an at least partially molten conduit having an inner surface and an outer surface, and placing at least one strip-shaped substrate within the at least partially molten conduit during or directly after conduit formation such that the first longitudinal and second longitudinal edges of the strip-shaped substrate embed into the inner surface of the conduit. The strip-shaped textile is selected from the group consisting of a woven, non-woven, and knit and the strip-shaped textile is air permeable. The inner surface and outer surface of the conduit is continuous.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a duct bank comprising the steps of loading a frame with a series of templates, positioning the frame adjacent a pipe extruder, aligning a set of a plurality of holes with a die of the pipe extruder, extruding a pipe of a first length into the set of holes, repeating the steps of aligning and extruding for each set of holes, thereby forming the duct bank, banding the duct bank, and removing the duct bank from the frame.
Abstract:
The instant invention provides microcapillary films and/or foams suitable for capillary action fluid transport. The inventive microcapillary film and/or foam containing suitable for capillary action fluid transport according to the present invention has a first end and a second end, and comprises: (a) a matrix comprising a thermoplastic material, and (b) at least one or more channels disposed in parallel in said matrix from the first end to the second end of said microcapillary film and/or foam, wherein said one or more channels are at least 1 μm apart from each other, wherein each said one or more channels have a diameter in the range of at least 1 μm; wherein said microcapillary film and/or foam has a thickness in the range of from 2 μm to 2000 μm.
Abstract:
An assembly and process for forming a two stage extruded pipe having a central inner sleeve and a pair of outer attached lobes. The central sleeve shaped (also termed a grout receiving tube) is produced in an initial extrusion operation, following which it enters a cross head operation where a pair of outer lobes are attached to cross sectional exterior surface locations according to a second stage extrusion operation so as to be integrally formed therewith. Other steps include cooling of the dual stage extruded pipe, as well as sectioning and stacking the pipe. Additional steps include forming elongated slots or apertures into the central sleeve portion of the finished extrusion, such in non-interfering fashion with the individual passageway defining and lobes.
Abstract:
A product made from an extruded sheet or web of material having a non-linear cross-section, and the process of making the product are provided. The extruded web or extrudate is plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded. When folded into the appropriate shape, the extrudate is formed into a product having a plurality of cells. The cells may have one or more openings, allowing access to an interior of the cell and reducing the weight of the product.
Abstract:
A process of making a multi-layered product from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having parallel upper and lower walls (130) and a plurality of spacers (134) extending between the upper and lower walls (130) is provided. Portions of the extruded web or extrudate (42) are removed in selected areas. The lightened web is then folded. Outer skins are then applied to the folded web. The extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14) may have one or more openings (34), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14) and reducing the weight of the product (10).
Abstract:
Electronic devices are provided with housing components that have improved aesthetics. One or more holes may be formed through an extruded portion of the housing.