Abstract:
A polymer coated stent is disclosed. The stent may be a self-expanding stent or a balloon-expandable stent. The metal surface of the stent is coated with a polymer for enhanced biocompatibility. Amongst the various polymers that can comprise the coating of the stent are fluorine-containing polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Methods are also disclosed for depositing the coating on the surface of the stent.
Abstract:
Drug eluting stented tubular grafts wherein the stent is coated with a coat comprising a composite of at least one biocompatible, pharmaceutically acceptable, bioerodible polymer and at least one therapeutic substance. The polymer may be a polyester. The therapeutic agent may include selective gene delivery vectors, sirolimus, actinomycin-D and paclitaxel. The stented grafts include an integrally stented embodiment and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Further, the stent may comprise a plurality of elements, wherein each said element comprises an undulating linear shape formed into a generally cylindrical configuration, and wherein each said element is connected to an adjacent neighbor element by at least one linear connector. A method for the treatment of cardiovascular disease by implantation of the stented graft, and an article of manufacture, comprising packaging material and the stented graft are also taught.
Abstract:
Stented tubular grafts of expanded, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The stented PTFE grafts of the present invention include an integrally stented embodiment, an externally stented embodiment, and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Also, in each embodiment, the stent may be coated or covered with a plastic material capable of being affixed (e.g., heat fused) to PTFE. Manufacturing methods are also disclosed by the individual components of the stented grafts are preassembled on a mandrel and are subsequently heated to facilitate attachment of the PTFE layer(s) to one another and/or to the stent. Optionally, the stented graft may be post-flexed and post-expanded following it's removal from the mandrel to ensure that the stented graft will be freely radially expandable and/or radially contractible over it's full intended range of diameters.
Abstract:
A method for deploying an epoxy-based coating on a surface of an article, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an article including a metallic surface to be coated, the metallic surface presenting itself as a substrate; (b) preparing a self-sustaining, cloth-like, flexible, non-woven fibrillated PTFE preform with voids therein; (c) conforming the preform to the metallic surface; (d) infiltrating at least some of the voids with an epoxy in an uncured state; and (e) curing the epoxy; whereby an epoxy-based coating is formed on the metallic surface. In some embodiments, the PTFE preform in step (b) is a composite fibrillated PTFE preform comprising PTFE mixed with hard particles. Articles of manufacture are also disclosed having an epoxy-based coating deployed according to the embodiments of the disclosed coating methods.
Abstract:
A repair solution for a wind turbine blade is described. The repair solution includes the application of a layer of viscous coating material to the section of the blade to be repaired, which is cured to form a repaired surface. The layer of viscous coating material may be temporarily covered during the curing process using a film of Low Surface Energy material, to prevent defects in the repaired surface from dust, insects, etc. Additionally or alternatively, a temporary shield may be erected adjacent the curing layer of coating material, to allow for the control of the temperature and/or humidity levels of the region adjacent the curing material, to provide for more effective control of the curing process and to allow for repairs to be carried out for a wider process window.
Abstract:
An outer race for a rocker bearing includes an internal sliding layer and an external support layer, wherein the sliding layer and the bearing layer are formed from a wound composite fiber material. The outer race is identified by exactly one parting line. A rocker bearing with such an outer race and a method for its production is also provided, in which a sliding layer and a support layer of synthetic resin impregnated fibers are wound in succession onto a winding mandrel, and outer races are formed after setting on the winding body thus produced. The sliding layer and the support layer are wound onto a cylindrical winding mandrel, and the outer race is provided with exactly one parting line opening it, and sliding layer material on its inside is removed to such an extent that a partially spherical contour is obtained for receiving a complementary inner race.
Abstract:
Stented tubular grafts of expanded, sintered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The stented PTFE grafts of the present invention include an integrally stented embodiment, an externally stented embodiment, and an internally stented embodiment. In each embodiment, the stent may be either self-expanding or pressure-expandable. Also, in each embodiment, the stent may be coated or covered with a plastic material capable of being affixed (e.g., heat fused) to PTFE. Manufacturing methods are also disclosed by the individual components of the stented grafts are preassembled on a mandrel and are subsequently heated to facilitate attachment of the PTFE layer(s) to one another and/or to the stent Optionally, the stented graft may be post-flexed and post-expanded following it's removal from the mandrel to ensure that the stented graft will be freely radially expandable and/or radially contractible over it's full intended range of diameters.
Abstract:
A mechanically compacted composite article comprising a PTFE fibril matrix that entraps particles retains more of its longitudinal dimension, when subjected to mechanical and/or thermal stress, than a similar but non-mechanically compacted article. A method of making a particulate loaded PTFE fibril web is disclosed, the method including biaxial calendaring to form a sheet or sheet laminate, and machanically compacting the sheet or sheet laminate.
Abstract:
A printed circuit board base prepreg material is provided of a porous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane or fabric impregnated with a polyimide resin varnish. Upon curing, a printed circuit board base material of porous, expanded PTFE impregnated with polyimide resin is provided. The base material of the invention may be laminated to a glass fabric to improve strength and dimensional stability.
Abstract:
An electrolyte conductor (1) has a nonwoven fabric (2), onto which a plastic film (3) is laminated. A process is provided for the manufacture of the electrolyte conductor (1). An electrochemical gas sensor (10) is provided with such an electrolyte conductor (1). A gas-measuring device is provided with such a gas sensor (10).