The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices, including airway stents, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes for producing the same. Using certain materials and novel printing techniques, the present systems and methods can directly print nearly any size or shape medical device in a few hours. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems and methods leverage fused deposition modeling (FDM) and polycarbonate urethane (PCU) to produce custom medical devices, including airway stents.

A method and an annular integral gasket are provided for forming a sealing connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The integral gasket comprises at least one flexible sealing portion adapted to form a sealing connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The integral gasket further comprises a bonding layer adapted to be fixedly attached to a tubular member by a joining process. The integral gasket also comprises a body region adapted for supporting the flexible sealing portion and the bonding layer.

A method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous ribbed pipes of thermoplastic resin material comprises the following successive steps. A length of pipe is injection molded in a mold cavity between a collapsible male mold element and female mold elements, the latter being shaped to provide integral ribbing on the outer surface of the pipe. After sufficient setting, the female mold elements are disengaged and the male mold element is collapsed and disengaged. A plunger then pushes the pipe length axially along the male mold element. The female mold elements and the collapsed male mold element are then re-engaged such that the one end of the formed pipe forms a closure for the mold cavity at the downstream end. Further material is again injected into the cavity which fuses with the one pipe end and which forms a further pipe length. These steps are repeated until the desired length of pipe is formed.

An inspection system and method for scanning and recording defects in the surface of the smooth inner wall of dual wall corrugated plastic pipe during manufacture utilizing automated laser technology, in order to minimize potential disruptions in the manufacturing extrusion process and alleviate concerns as to improper formation of the inner wall. The inspection system includes conical laser pattern generator that passes through the dual wall corrugated pipe during the manufacturing process to complete 360 degree scan coverage of the surface of the inner smooth wall of the pipe. The inspection system further includes a set of cameras properly aligned to record comprehensive three dimensional coverage of the scanned image of the inner wall of the dual wall corrugated pipe. This inspection system and method has particular benefits in the manufacture of coilable dual wall corrugated plastic pipe, where the material make-up of the polymer melt used for the inner wall has been altered.

High flow capacity corrugated coilable dual wall plastic pipe having improved longitudinal flexibility and a bend radius sufficient to permit coiling and plowing of such pipe into the ground using automated installation equipment. The coilable dual wall pipe has an outer corrugated wall formed of a thermoplastic material such as high density polyethylene, and an inner smooth wall formed of a different more flexible and resilient thermo-bondable material that has an enhanced strain capacity and lower modulus of elasticity. The inner wall material also has enhanced mechanical properties which generally improve processing and help prevent excessive drag and tearing of the liner material during the manufacturing process. Suitable material blends for the inner wall incorporating a thermoplastic elastomer additive in combination with a thermoplastic material have proven suitable in providing the required longitudinal flexibility and pipe bend radius to permit the desired pipe coiling and plow installation without failure.