Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite articles that have a macro textured surface. The composite articles include at least two different PTFE membranes in a layered or stacked configuration. The composite article has a macro textured surface characterized by a plurality of strands raised from the surface of the PTFE membrane. The strands may be formed of either interconnected nodes of PTFE or of at least one nodal mass of PTFE and have a length equal to or greater than about 1.5 mm. The macro textured surface provides a topography to the first PTFE membrane. The composite articles have a bubble point from about 3.0 psi to about 200 psi, a thickness from about 0.01 to about 3.0 mm, and a bulk density from about 0.01 g/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0 g/cm.sup.3.

An ultrasonic systems and methods for sealing complex interfaces or for metal forming. Complex interfaces, such as a Gable top, have multiple and a variety of layers across the interface, or an oval or round spout having a complex geometry. An example system includes two ultrasonic horns arranged opposite a gap between which the interface is provided. The frequency and phase of the ultrasonic energy are synchronized as the energy is applied simultaneously while the interface is pressed between a jaw and the energy is applied to both sides of the interface. Another example system includes two ultrasonic transducers synchronized in frequency and phase and used to vibrate a horn mechanically to facilitate a sealing or welding interface or to assist in a metal-forming process.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods to seal a container are provided. An apparatus for securing a film to a container includes a body portion to house film and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a loading zone to receive a portion of film from the body portion and an aperture to receive a top portion of the container and the portion of the film therethrough to enable positioning within a sealing volume. A plurality of near-infrared light emitting diodes (NIR LEDs) face toward and at least partially surround the top portion of the container when positioned within the sealing volume. A controller is configured to receive sensor input from a sensor indicating that the top portion of the container is within the sealing volume and cause, in response thereto, activation of the plurality of NIR LEDs to secure the portion of the film to the top portion of the container.

A method of forming a package is provided and includes providing two laminate edge portions of the package, each of which includes a foil layer between first and second resin layers; and welding together the respective first resin layers at a first position spaced apart from the edges while not welding the respective first resin layers at the edges, wherein the edge portions include edges from which electrode terminals extend such that portions of the electrode terminals are exposed beyond the edges, and wherein the edge portions are between a sealing portion and exposed portions of positive and negative electrode terminals.

A system for holding a workpiece in position and exposing it to laser radiation, such that: the workpiece includes a bottom surface and a top surface that are electrically insulated from each other. The system includes an electrostatic charge generating device for generating electrostatic charges on the top surface; an electrically conductive support for forming, on the bottom surface, electrostatic charges of opposite sign to those generated on the top surface; and a laser device for machining or welding. The electrostatic charge generating device is arranged to be activated before or during the laser machining or welding, such that the workpiece is held in position relative to the electrically conductive support during the machining or welding thereof.

A method for processing a fluid with forward osmosis process includes providing one or more tubular membranes each including a tubular nonwoven base layer on the outside of the tubular membrane forming an outer shell of the tubular membrane and providing a lumen for feed flow; a polymer substrate layer on the lumen-side of the tubular membrane comprising three regions, including a region where the polymer substrate layer is partially intruded into the tubular base layer, a region with an open macrovoid structure and a region with an asymmetrical foamy layer, where the partially intruded region forms an intermediate layer; and a functional top layer on the polymer substrate layer. The tubular base layer comprises a longitudinal weld. The method includes providing the feed flow through the lumen and providing a draw solution on the outer shell side of the tubular membrane; and processing the feed flow with the membrane.

A system for treating a deep abdominal wound. The system includes a wound dressing. The wound dressing includes a visceral-protective layer, a compressive layer, and a sealing layer. The visceral-protective layer is configured to be positioned in an open abdomen. The compressive layer is configured to be disposed proximate to the visceral-protective layer. The compressive layer includes a pattern of voids configured for anisotropic collapse of the compressive layer when under negative pressure. The sealing layer is configured to form a sealed space in the open abdomen. A negative pressure source configured to provide negative pressure to the compressive layer.

Packaging apparatus for producing encased products from flat-roll stock using an external user interface (i.e., a handle that is external to a housing holding the heat seal assembly that is attached to a horizontally oriented shaft that rotates a first gear in the housing to rotate an aligned second gear in the housing or an electronic control) that is attached to and/or in communication with (directly or indirectly) a heat-seal assembly with a heat-seal contact member, such as a heat-seal band, in the housing to allow a user to adjust a vertical height of the heat-seal assembly while the apparatus is operational and/or without requiring physical access to the interior of the housing.

A method for minimizing the time to form a polyethylene pipe e joint comprises the steps of performing a butt-fusion process until the beginning of the full cooling cycle; holding an interfacial pressure through a minimum cool time calculated using a formula based on the wall thickness of the pipe e, the initial bulk temperature of the pipe e, and a heat soak time; and releasing the interfacial pressure from the fused pipe e joint at the end of the calculated minimum cool time.

A welder for joining two polymeric sheets together using a wedged heating element allows for a heating profile on opposite faces of the heating element to be varied by controlling where each of the polymeric sheets contacts the corresponding face.