A thermoplastic filament comprising multiple polymers of differing flow temperatures in a regular geometric arrangement, and a method for producing such a filament, are described. Because of the difference in flow temperatures, there exists a temperature range at which one polymer is mechanically stable while the other is flowable. This property is extremely useful for creating thermoplastic monofilament feedstock for three-dimensionally printed parts, wherein the mechanically stable polymer enables geometric stability while the flowable polymer can fill gaps and provide strong bonding and homogenization between deposited material lines and layers. These multimaterial filaments can be produced via thermal drawing from a thermoplastic preform, which itself can be three-dimensionally printed. Furthermore, the preform can be printed with precisely controlled and complex geometries, enabling the creation of monofilament and fiber with unique decorative or functional properties.

A thermoplastic filament comprising multiple polymers of differing flow temperatures in a geometric arrangement and an interior channel containing a structural or functional thread therein is described. A method for producing such a filament is also described. Because of the difference in flow temperatures, there exists a temperature range at which one polymer is mechanically stable while the other is flowable. This property is extremely useful for creating thermoplastic monofilament feedstock for three-dimensionally printed parts, wherein the mechanically stable polymer enables geometric stability while the flowable polymer can fill gaps and provide strong bonding and homogenization between deposited material lines and layers. These multimaterial filaments can be produced via thermal drawing from a thermoplastic preform, which itself can be three-dimensionally printed. Furthermore, the preform can be printed with precisely controlled and complex geometries, enabling the creation of a filament or fiber with an interior thread contained within the outer, printed filament or fiber. This thread adds structural reinforcement or functional properties, such as electrical conductivity or optical waveguiding, to the filament.

A method and apparatus for forming a pressure vessel liner are disclosed. One method includes forming an extruded tube by extruding a parison through a die and a mandrel and forming main body sections and return line sections in the extruded tube according to a first pattern. A cross-sectional area of the return line sections is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the main body sections. The method further includes changing the pattern according to which the main body sections and the return line sections are formed from the first pattern to a second pattern without stopping the forming of the extruded tube and forming the main body sections and the return line sections in the extruded tube according to the second pattern.

A method and apparatus for forming a pressure vessel liner are disclosed. One method includes forming an extruded tube by extruding a parison through a die and a mandrel and forming main body sections and return line sections in the extruded tube according to a first pattern. A cross-sectional area of the return line sections is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the main body sections. The method further includes changing the pattern according to which the main body sections and the return line sections are formed from the first pattern to a second pattern without stopping the forming of the extruded tube and forming the main body sections and the return line sections in the extruded tube according to the second pattern.

A method and apparatus for forming a pressure vessel liner are disclosed. One method includes forming an extruded tube by extruding a parison through a die and a mandrel and forming main body sections and return line sections in the extruded tube according to a first pattern. A cross-sectional area of the return line sections is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the main body sections. The method further includes changing the pattern according to which the main body sections and the return line sections are formed from the first pattern to a second pattern without stopping the forming of the extruded tube and forming the main body sections and the return line sections in the extruded tube according to the second pattern.

A method and apparatus for forming a pressure vessel liner are disclosed. One method includes forming an extruded tube by extruding a parison through a die and a mandrel and forming main body sections and return line sections in the extruded tube according to a first pattern. A cross-sectional area of the return line sections is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the main body sections. The method further includes changing the pattern according to which the main body sections and the return line sections are formed from the first pattern to a second pattern without stopping the forming of the extruded tube and forming the main body sections and the return line sections in the extruded tube according to the second pattern.

An adjustable vascular graft with a user-customizable reduced inner diameter is provided. The graft includes a flexible tubular body having open ends and a plurality of receivers in a sidewall thereof, which may be arranged in two circumferentially spaced rows of receivers. The receivers may take the form of ringlets, eyelets, loops, or holes, which may be provided in a reinforced region of the graft sidewall, and which may be radiopaque. A suture passes through the plurality of receivers, the suture having first and second free ends capable of being pulled, and which suture may also be radiopaque. Tensioning or tightening the first and second ends of the suture reduces an inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the tubular body of the graft, thereby allowing for the custom reduced inner diameter and a resulting flow restriction to be provided. Related methods are also disclosed.

An adjustable vascular graft with a user-customizable reduced inner diameter is provided. The graft includes a flexible tubular body having open ends and a plurality of receivers in a sidewall thereof, which may be arranged in two circumferentially spaced rows of receivers. The receivers may take the form of ringlets, eyelets, loops, or holes, which may be provided in a reinforced region of the graft sidewall, and which may be radiopaque. A suture passes through the plurality of receivers, the suture having first and second free ends capable of being pulled, and which suture may also be radiopaque. Tensioning or tightening the first and second ends of the suture reduces an inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the tubular body of the graft, thereby allowing for the custom reduced inner diameter and a resulting flow restriction to be provided. Related methods are also disclosed.

A method of creating a feature on a needle. The method comprising the steps of providing a needle having a sharpened distal end for insertion into an insertion site on a subject, a proximal end, and a tubular wall defining an inner diameter and an outer diameter; gripping a distal portion of the needle about the outer diameter; gripping a proximal portion of the needle about an outer diameter; and applying a compressive force between the distal portion and the proximal portion sufficient to effect an outward buckling of the tubular wall, thereby increasing an outer diameter of the tubular wall between the distal portion and the proximal portion.

This invention discloses method of manufacture of balloon expandable stent made from bioabsorbable polymer with thin struts (strut thickness 130 m or less, preferably 100-110 m) with high fatigue and radial strength. The invention further discloses balloon expandable stent made from bioabsorbable polymer with thin struts (strut thickness 130 m or less, preferably 100-110 m) with high fatigue and radial strength.