Patent classifications
B29K2875/00
Inductive welding assembly and method using conductive heat transfer strip
An induction welding assembly and inductive welding method is disclosed. A tooling block includes a workpiece zone, a conductive heat generation and transfer member, and a heat shield, with the conductive heat generation and transfer member being disposed between the workpiece zone and the heat shield. A first workpiece and a second workpiece may be disposed within the workpiece zone such that the first workpiece is disposed between the conductive heat generation and transfer member and the second workpiece. The heat shield, conductive heat generation and transfer member, first workpiece, and second workpiece may be pressed together. An induction coil may be positioned in spaced relation to the heat shield and may be operated to heat the conductive heat generation and transfer member. Heat is conductively transferred by the conductive heat transfer member to the first workpiece to weld the first workpiece and the second workpiece together.
Inductive welding assembly and method using conductive heat transfer strip
An induction welding assembly and inductive welding method is disclosed. A tooling block includes a workpiece zone, a conductive heat generation and transfer member, and a heat shield, with the conductive heat generation and transfer member being disposed between the workpiece zone and the heat shield. A first workpiece and a second workpiece may be disposed within the workpiece zone such that the first workpiece is disposed between the conductive heat generation and transfer member and the second workpiece. The heat shield, conductive heat generation and transfer member, first workpiece, and second workpiece may be pressed together. An induction coil may be positioned in spaced relation to the heat shield and may be operated to heat the conductive heat generation and transfer member. Heat is conductively transferred by the conductive heat transfer member to the first workpiece to weld the first workpiece and the second workpiece together.
Surface Texturing of Silicone Elastomer Using Polymeric Bags
In a method of applying a desired texture to a surface of a silicone elastomer, an uncured silicone elastomer is applied to at least one side of a polymeric film. At least one side of the polymeric film has a complementary texture that is complementary in shape to the desired texture. The uncured silicone elastomer is cured while it is in contact with the at least one side of the polymeric film so as to form a cured silicone elastomer. The polymeric film is removed from the cured silicone elastomer so as to expose the desired texture on the surface thereof. The flexible polymeric film can be a bag placed into a breast prosthesis mold. The bag includes at least one interior surface with the complementary texture. The bag is removed from the cured silicone elastomer to expose the breast prosthesis having a textured surface.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MICROPATTERNING OBJECTS
Implanted medical devices need a mechanism of immobilization to surrounding tissues, which minimizes tissue damage while providing reliable long-term anchoring. This disclosure relates to techniques for patterning arbitrarily shaped 3D objects and to patterned balloon devices having micro- or nano-patterning on an outer surface of an inflatable balloon. The external pattern can provide enhanced friction and anchoring in an aqueous environment. Examples of these types of patterns are hexagonal arrays inspired by tree frogs, corrugated patterns, and microneedle patterns. The patterned balloon devices can be disposed between an implant and surrounding tissues to facilitate anchoring of the implant.