A prosthetic tissue valve and a method of treating the prosthetic tissue valve are provided. The method includes: decreasing a temperature of a chamber carrying the prosthetic tissue valve from a first preset temperature to a second preset temperature in a first cooling rate; decreasing the temperature of the chamber carrying the prosthetic tissue valve from the second preset temperature to a third preset temperature in a second cooling rate; and performing a drying process to the prosthetic tissue valve. The second preset temperature is a critical crystallization temperature and is greater than a crystallization temperature of the prosthetic tissue valve. The third preset temperature is lower than the crystallization temperature of the prosthetic tissue valve, and the second cooling rate is greater than the first cooling rate.

A composite is provided to include an elastomer substrate comprising methyl groups. The composite may also include a layer of glass comprising SiO.sub.2 formed over the elastomer substrate. A method of fabricating the composite is provided. The method may include diffusing an ozone-rich gas into the substrate of an elastomer substrate comprising methyl groups. The method may also include exposing the elastomer substrate to UV radiation for a period of time. The method may further include converting a surface portion of the elastomer substrate into a layer of glass formed over the elastomer substrate.

A catheter a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The first sheath being devoid of any bonds between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flexural modulus of the first sheath varying along the length. A method of making a catheter having more than one flexural modulus.

A wide-neck synthetic resin container has a neck, a body and a bottom. A top side of the neck is sealed by a cap. The neck includes a neck tubular section, an engagement section protruding outward therefrom and engaging the cap, and a flange protruding outward at the top side. The flange protrudes less than the engagement section. The neck's top side includes a first top side formed by the neck tubular section, and a second top side formed by the flange that is the same height level with the first top side and increases an area of the top side. The neck tubular section has a uniform thickness at an area immediately below the flange and an area where the engagement section is formed. A thickness of the flange is smaller than that of the neck tubular section, and the neck has been crystallized.

It is provided that a method for producing a biaxially oriented polyester film that can be used for industrial and packaging applications. A method for producing a biaxially oriented polyester film, comprising: a step of feeding a polyester resin into an extruder, a step of extruding the molten polyester resin from an extruder to obtain a molten resin sheet at 250 to 310 C., a step of attaching the molten resin sheet closely to a cooling roll by an electrostatic application method to obtain an unstretched sheet, and a step of biaxially stretching the unstretched sheet, wherein the polyester resin fulfills the following (A) to (C): (A) the polyester resin comprises a polyethylene furandicarboxylate resin composed of a furandicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol; (B) an intrinsic viscosity of the polyester resin is 0.50 dL/g or more; (C) a melt specific resistance value at 250 C. of the polyester resin is 3.010.sup.7 .Math.cm or less.

This invention involves a new and better solution to the problems associated with the premature softening of PLA filaments in the additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles. It is based upon the finding that poly(lactic acid) filaments with high crystallinity offer much better resistance to heat-induced softening. The crystalline poly(lactic acid) filament of this invention can accordingly be used in the additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles without encountering the problems associated with premature softening, such as poor quality and printer jamming The crystalline poly(lactic acid) filaments of this invention can also be used in additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles without compromising the quality of the ultimate product, reducing printing speed, increasing cost, or leading to increased printer complexity. This invention more specifically discloses a filament for use in three-dimensional printing which is comprised of crystalized poly(lactic acid), wherein said filament has a diameter which is within the range of 1.65 mm to 1.85 mm

The present invention relates to a process for continuous production of partly crystalline polycondensate pellet material, comprising the steps of forming a polycondensate melt into pellet material; separating the liquid cooling medium from the pellet material in a first treatment space, wherein the pellets after exit from the first treatment space exhibit a temperature T.sub.GR, and crystallizing the pellet material in a second treatment space, wherein in the second treatment space fluidized bed conditions exist, and in the second treatment space the pellets are heated by supply of energy from the exterior by means of a process gas.

This invention involves a new and better solution to the problems associated with the premature softening of PLA filaments in the additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles. It is based upon the finding that poly(lactic acid) filaments with high crystallinity offer much better resistance to heat-induced softening. The crystalline poly(lactic acid) filament of this invention can accordingly be used in the additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles without encountering the problems associated with premature softening, such as poor quality and printer jamming. The crystalline poly(lactic acid) filaments of this invention can also be used in additive manufacturing of three dimensional articles without compromising the quality of the ultimate product, reducing printing speed, increasing cost, or leading to increased printer complexity. This invention more specifically discloses a filament for use in three-dimensional printing which is comprised of crystallized poly(lactic acid), wherein said filament has a diameter which is within the range of 1.65 mm to 1.85 mm.

The present invention relates to a process for continuous production of partly crystalline polycondensate pellet material, comprising the steps of forming a polycondensate melt into pellet material; separating the liquid cooling medium from the pellet material in a first treatment space, wherein the pellets after exit from the first treatment space exhibit a temperature T.sub.GR, and crystallizing the pellet material in a second treatment space, wherein in the second treatment space fluidized bed conditions exist, and in the second treatment space the pellets are heated by supply of energy from the exterior by means of a process gas.

A novel, advanced polymeric swab is disclosed herein. The swabs have a surface texture that allows for independent motion between microscale regions, are reusable with no loss of accuracy or efficiency, and are fabricated from optoelectronically-active elements to minimize static charging during repeated use.