Thermoformed polymeric foam articles are described herein In some embodiments, the articles are made by a manufacturing method (e.g., a continuous process) which involves the extrusion and subsequent thermoforming of a blowing agent containing thermoplastic sheet. The thermoformed polymeric foam articles may have a lower density than the precursor sheet from which they are formed. In some but not all embodiments, the precursor sheet is a multi-layer sheet which includes at least one foam layer. In such embodiments, the thermoformed articles also include multiple layers and at least one foam layer.

In general, in various embodiments, the present disclosure is directed systems and methods for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to systems that include a track assembly, mold assembly, press assembly, and methods for using the same for producing a porous surface from a solid piece of polymer. In some embodiments, the present systems and methods are directed to processing a polymer at a temperature below a melting point of the polymer to produce a solid piece of polymer with an integrated a porous surface.

A drive shaft extending along a central axis is configured to operate under dominant unidirectional torsional load. The drive shaft has an asymmetrically-structured composite body which is configured to have a greater torque-carrying capability in a first torsional direction than in a second torsional direction that is opposite the first torsional direction.

A rotating component includes a metal plate fixed to an end portion of the metal shaft, and a resin valve gear integrally formed with the plate by insert molding. The plate is formed with a circular fitting hole that fits with the end portion of the shaft, and a positioning recess that is recessed from one side to the other side of the plate.

A single or multiple lumen catheter is disclosed which includes an expandable lumen. The expandable lumen is movable from a collapsed or sealed configuration to an open or expanded configuration. In the open configuration, the expandable lumen is dimensioned to receive a guidewire or stylet or facilitate the introduction of fluids into a patient.

An orthosis for supporting a limb or a joint of a human or of a vertebrate animal, including: a sleeve which is at least partly elastic and is designed to enclose a limb or a joint, a plate made of a thermoformable material, and a pocket formed on the sleeve in order to receive the plate, the pocket having a shape adapted to that of the plate. The adherence between the plate and the inner surface of the pocket is treated in order to permit a relative movement of the plate with respect to the material forming the pocket during and after an operation of thermoforming of the plate, this being done by placing the orthosis on the limb or the joint with the plate present in the pocket. This orthosis is designed to be fitted in place and thermoformed by the user himself.

A method of fabricating a tank includes connecting a pressure source to a nozzle on a male mold, inflating the male mold via the nozzle, forming a tank by applying at least one layer over the outer surface of the male mold, the tank having a port formed about the nozzle, deflating the male mold, and withdrawing the male mold through the port. A method of fabricating a tank includes 3D-printing a male mold, connecting a pressure source to a nozzle on the male mold, inflating the male mold via the nozzle, forming a tank by applying at least one layer over the outer surface of the male mold, the tank having a port formed about the nozzle, deflating the male mold, and withdrawing the male mold through the port. A method of fabricating a tank includes forming a tank on a mold formed from a foam blocks.

A patient interface device for use in ophthalmic surgery, which includes a rigid body and a suction ring joined to a lower end of the body, where the suction ring includes an annular skirt made of a soft and flexible material and located at a lower end of the suction ring, and where an inner surface, and optionally an outer surface, of the skirt is coated with medication. The medication includes one or more of the following types of medication: anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, numbing, lubricating, and anti-redness. The coating method may include dip coating, sputter deposition, ultrasonic-spraying, and spin-coating. The skirt may be formed by a process that increases its material porosity and/or surface roughness, and may be surface-treated to enhance adhesion and retention of the medication.

Multilayer polymer sheets are provided, as well as related methods, systems, and appliances.

A low-weight carpet tile and process for making the same, wherein the carpet tile comprises a facecloth having a plurality of face yarns tufted through a primary backing, an extruded polymer secondary backing layer, and a reinforcing scrim layer partially embedded within the extruded polymer secondary backing layer. The top surface and bottom surface of the carpet tile are defined by the facecloth and the reinforcing scrim layer, respectively. A polymer-based resin is extruded onto the facecloth to form an at least substantially uniform secondary backing layer, and the reinforcing scrim layer is laid onto the extruded polymer secondary backing layer while the extruded polymer secondary backing layer remains above a softening temperature for the resin. The entire multi-layer web is then passed through a nip to embed the reinforcing scrim layer into the extruded polymer secondary layer, and the entire web is chilled.