The seal plate assembly of this invention includes a base plate, an insulator pad positioned on the base plate, an electric heater pad positioned on the insulator pad and a pair of seal plates positioned on the electric heater pad, all of which have registering vacuum openings formed therein. The base plate, insulator pad, heater pad and seal plates are bolted together. The seal plates have spaced-apart cavities formed therein. A support plate is positioned in each of the cavities with each of the support plates having a length and width which is less than the length and width of the respective cavity to create a vacuum space at the perimeter of the support plates. The support plates are spaced above the bottom of the cavities.

The seal plate assembly of this invention includes a base plate, an insulator pad positioned on the base plate, an electric heater pad positioned on the insulator pad and a pair of seal plates positioned on the electric heater pad, all of which have registering vacuum openings formed therein. The base plate, insulator pad, heater pad and seal plates are bolted together. The seal plates have spaced-apart cavities formed therein. A support plate is positioned in each of the cavities with each of the support plates having a length and width which is less than the length and width of the respective cavity to create a vacuum space at the perimeter of the support plates. The support plates are spaced above the bottom of the cavities.

The present invention provides a method for producing microparticles in which a porous micromold is degassed such that a precursor solution is quickly loaded into the micromold through the suction force of the micromold regardless of the viscosity and wettability of the precursor solution.

A water-slowly-disintegrating harden sugar comprising a mixture of fructose, glucose, sucrose, sucrose substitute, water-soluble cellulose, and water-soluble cellulose derivatives is disclosed herein. Also disclosed are related tableware incorporating the water-slowly-disintegrating harden sugar, and related methods of making and using the water-slowly-disintegrating harden sugar.

A method and apparatus for attaching a branch polymeric fitting to a host polymeric pipe in which a flexible heating blanket is inserted between and used to heat the respective branch and host pipe surfaces. When the parts reach the appropriate temperature, the pipes are separated a small distance and the heating blanket is removed. The branch fitting and host pipe are then fused by placing the heated pipe ends in contact and applying pressure.

A method and apparatus for attaching a branch polymeric fitting to a host polymeric pipe in which a flexible heating blanket is inserted between and used to heat the respective branch and host pipe surfaces. When the parts reach the appropriate temperature, the pipes are separated a small distance and the heating blanket is removed. The branch fitting and host pipe are then fused by placing the heated pipe ends in contact and applying pressure.

A heart valve replacement device and methods of manufacturing same are provided. The heart valve replacement device includes a substrate and a low-profile composite covering in conformal contact with the substrate and suturelessly attached to the substrate. The low-profile composite covering includes a textile base layer and a thermoplastic polymer coating integrated with the textile base layer. The thermoplastic polymer coating or select portions thereof are substantially fluid impermeable.

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a polyorganosiloxane-based stamp comprising providing a master including a transfer pattern surface; forming a first layer of a first curable composition onto the transfer pattern surface such that the first layer includes a relief pattern of said transfer pattern; partially curing the first layer; depositing a second layer of a second curable composition onto the partially cured first layer; co-curing the partially cured first layer and the second layer to form a cured first layer having a first Young's modulus, adhered to a cured second layer having a second Young's modulus smaller than the first Young's modulus; depositing a third layer of a third curable composition onto the second layer, and curing the third layer to form a cured third layer adhered to the cured second layer. Further disclosed is a polyorganosiloxane-based stamp obtainable from the method; use of the same for printing process; and an imprinting method using the same.

A production machine for the production of collapsible pouches having a fitment. The machine has a fitment sealing station with an impulse sealing device comprising a first jaw and a second jaw and with an actuator device configured to move the first and second jaws relative to one another between an opened position and a clamped position, as well as a cooling device configured to cool each of the first and second jaws. The fitment sealing station is configured to perform an impulse sealing cycle.

A production machine for the production of collapsible pouches having a fitment. The machine has a fitment sealing station with an impulse sealing device comprising a first jaw and a second jaw and with an actuator device configured to move the first and second jaws relative to one another between an opened position and a clamped position, as well as a cooling device configured to cool each of the first and second jaws. The fitment sealing station is configured to perform an impulse sealing cycle.