47063 results about "Polyurethane" patented technology

A tissue closure treatment system and method are provided with an external patient interface. A first fluid transfer component FTC.1 comprises a strip of porous material, such as rayon, with liquid wicking properties. FTC.1 can be placed directly on a suture line for transferring fluid exuded therethrough. An underdrape is placed over FTC.1 and includes a slot exposing a portion of same. FTC.2 comprises a suitable hydrophobic foam material, such as polyurethane ether, and is placed over the underdrape slot in communication with FTC.1. Negative pressure is applied to FTC.2 through a connecting fluid transfer component FTC.3. A negative pressure source can comprises a manual device or a power-operated suction device. The tissue closure method includes a manual operating mode using a manual suction device with an automatic shut off for discontinuing suction when a predetermined volume of fluid has been drained. An automatic operating mode utilizes a microprocessor, which can be preprogrammed to respond to various patient and operating conditions. The method proceeds through several phases with different components in place and different patient interface functions occurring in each.

A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The lead comprises a terminal, proximal end having a plurality of terminal contacts and material separating the terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by a preformed spacer, that may be made from various hard materials such as polyurethane, PEEK and polysulfone. Epoxy may be used to fill spaces at the proximal lead end, including between the spacer and terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by epoxy only. The lead may include a plurality of conductor lumens that contain conductors. The lead may also include a stylet lumen for accepting a stylet.

A modified vacuum assisted wound closure system adapted for concurrent applications of phototherapy having a foam pad for insertion substantially into the wound site and a wound drape for sealing enclosure of the foam pad at the wound site. The foam pad includes an optical pigtail, whereby desired wavelength of light may be directed into and about the wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage. The foam pad is made of a highly reticulated, open-cell polyurethane or polyether foam for good permeability of wound fluids while under suction and is also embedded with an optical pigtail. The optical pigtail comprises an optical fiber that has been formed to fan into a plurality of sections. The fibers of the most distal fanned sections, which are implanted in the foam pad at its base, are provided with tiny optical slots, oriented away from the foam pad and toward the wound site. Each optical slot is made by stripping the cladding from the optical fiber in the desired areas of the fanned sections to form slot radiators. Because it is necessary to trim the foam pad in preparation for therapy, the optical fibers comprise plastics, such as acrylic or styrene. Upon placement of the pad, having the optical pigtail embedded therein, the wound drape is firmly adhered about the VAC therapy suction hose as well as the extending optical fiber to prevent vacuum leakage.

A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The lead comprises a terminal, proximal end having a plurality of terminal contacts and material separating the terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by a preformed spacer, that may be made from various hard materials such as polyurethane, PEEK and polysulfone. Epoxy may be used to fill spaces at the proximal lead end, including between the spacer and terminal contacts. In one embodiment of the lead, the terminal contacts are separated by epoxy only. The lead may include a plurality of conductor lumens that contain conductors. The lead may also include a stylet lumen for accepting a stylet.

A surgical implant is provided that includes first and second abutment surfaces between which are positioned a force imparting mechanism. A sheath is positioned between the first and second abutment surfaces, and surrounds the force imparting mechanism. The sheath is fabricated from a material that accommodates relative movement of the abutment members, while exhibiting substantially inert behavior relative to surrounding anatomical structures. The sheath is generally fabricated from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a copolymer of polycarbonate and a urethane, or a blend of a polycarbonate and a urethane. The force imparting member may include one or more springs, e.g., a pair of nested springs. The surgical implant may be a dynamic spine stabilizing member that is advantageously incorporated into a spine stabilization system to offer clinically efficacious results.

The present invention comprises methods and compositions for antimicrobial silver compositions comprising silver nanoparticles. The present invention further comprises compositions for preparing silver nanoparticles comprising at least one stabilizing agent, one or more silver compounds, at least one reducing agent and a solvent. In one aspect, the stabilizing agent comprises a surfactant or a polymer. The polymer may comprise polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyamides. In one aspect, the silver compound comprises a salt comprising a silver cation and an anion. The anion may comprise saccharinate derivatives, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylates. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the silver nanoparticle compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices. The present invention further comprises treatment of humans and animals wacr6ith the antimicrobial devices described herein.

The present invention provides protective waterproof cases for portable media players such as iPods. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterproof case comprises a transparent polycarbonate shell having an interior compartment formed therein and comprising upper and lower portions that can be detached for placing a portable player in the interior compartment. A polyurethane overmold is molded over selected portions of the shell to form protective layers on the exterior and interior surfaces of the shell. The waterproof case also comprises a window through which the screen of the player can be viewed, and a flexible pad for operating the player while it is in the waterproof case. The waterproof case further comprises a gasket for forming a watertight seal between the upper and lower portions of the shell when they are attached, and a compressible fitting for forming a watertight seal for a headphone connected to the player in the case.

A breathable polyurethane having an upright moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of more than about 500 gms / m2 / 24 hr comprises:(a) poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units in an amount comprising about 12 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of said polyurethane, wherein (i) alkylene oxide groups in said poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units have from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and are unsubstituted, substituted, or both unsubstituted and substituted, (ii) at least about 50 wt. % of said alkylene oxide groups are ethylene oxide, and (iii) said amount of said side-chain units is (i) at least about 30 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is less than about 600 grams / mole, (ii) at least about 15 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is from about 600 to about 1,000 grams / mole, and at least about 12 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is more than about 1,000 grams / mole, and(b) poly(ethylene oxide) main-chain units in an amount comprising less than about 25 wt. % of said polyurethane.Coatings and films for textiles and other articles and applications using such polyurethanes have excellent breathability, i.e., high moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR).

The present invention comprises methods and compositions comprising metal nanoparticles. The invention comprises metal nanoparticles and surfaces treated with a metal nanoparticle coating. The present invention further comprises compositions for preparing nanoparticles comprising at least one stabilizing agent, one or more metal compounds, at least one reducing agent and a solvent. In one aspect, the stabilizing agent comprises a surfactant or a polymer. The polymer may comprise polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyamides. In one aspect, the metal compound comprises a salt comprising a metal cation and an anion. The anion may comprise saccharinate derivatives, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylates.

A method, and related composition and apparatus for repairing a tissue site. The method involves the use of a curable polyurethane biomaterial composition having a plurality of parts adapted to be mixed at the time of use in order to provide a flowable composition and to initiate cure. The flowable composition can be delivered using minimally invasive means to a tissue site and there fully cured provide a permanent and biocompatible prosthesis for repair of the tissue site. Further provided are a mold apparatus, e.g., in the form of a balloon or tubular cavity, for receiving a biomaterial composition, and a method for delivering and filling the mold apparatus with a curable composition in situ to provide a prosthesis for tissue repair.

A biologically degradable polymer mixture containing at least one biopolymer made from renewable raw materials and a polymer selected from the following materials: an aromatic polyester; a polyester-copolymer with both aliphatic and aromatic blocks; a polyesteramide; a polyglycol; a polyester urethane; and / or mixtures of these components. The preferred renewable raw material is starch, more preferably native starch, most preferably native starch that has been predried.

A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N / cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g / m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules / m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g / m2 / 24 hr. The absorbent article comprises (a) a topsheet; (b) a backsheet; and (c) an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the backsheet comprises the non-porous, substantially fluid impermeable, moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material described above. The composite sheet material is oriented such that the film layer of the composite sheet material faces toward the absorbent core. The absorbent article may comprise a disposable diaper.

A seal for use in a cannula or tube, such as a surgical trocar cannula, is adapted to form a pressure barrier seal between two spaces and is adapted to accommodate a wide range of instrument diameters and objects passed therethrough. The present invention is directed to a generally cylindrical seal plug made of flexible foam materials and having a central orifice extending through along a central axis. In the preferred embodiments, the foam material is preferably a flexible foam material such as polyurethane foam.

A lifting sling and a lifting grommet are disclosed which can be fabricated of a high tensile strength polymeric material, preferably a woven polymer such as liquid crystal polymer fibers, that are woven in a rope or cable configuration. The apparatus features an elongated woven material length of cable that is spliced. Plastic, preferably polyurethane spring cut tube sleeves are positioned as a grip on the splices to allow for handling in the field without concern for the splice becoming disassembled or undone. The sling and grommet of the present invention can each be provided with a clear cover spring cut tube that serves as a flexible protective cover for minimizing abrasion and maintaining the slings appearance.

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed of a woven or braided material and may be made of a polymer such as nylon, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or any of the well known and biocompatible polymers. Alternatively the expansile portion of the catheter may be formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, elgiloy, Nitinol, or other biocompatible metals. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

A composite recovery board (10) containing a foam core (11) of polyisocyanurate, polyurethane materials or mixtures thereof; a facer (15), applied to one major surface (13) of the foam core, where the facer includes polymer materials, reinforced polymer materials, cellulosic materials, paper, aluminum foil or trilaminates thereof, wherein the reinforced polymer material and the cellulosic material are reinforced with glass strands, glass fibers, or mixtures thereof; and, gypsum board (14), applied to the opposite major surface (12) of the foam core. A method of reroofing a roof by applying composite recovery boards of the present invention to a roof deck; and, applying a weather protective layer over the recovery boards. A continuous method of making a composite recovery board by feeding gypsum board (14) into a laminator assembly (21); depositing a foamable polymer liquid (36) onto the gypsum board; feeding a facer material (15) into the laminator assembly above the foamable polymer liquid; allowing the polymer liquid to rise between the gypsum board and facer material forming polymer foam of a pre-determined thickness; curing the polymer foam under heat (44) to create the composite board; and cutting the composite board to desired lengths.

An intraluminal prosthesis includes an outer three-dimensional (3D) anti-migration structure that is attached to the outer wall of a fully covered or partially covered stent to prevent migration and still allow stent removal at a later period of time. A method of manufacturing the intraluminal prosthesis includes attaching the anti-migration structure by usage of a polymer such as polyurethane.

A thermoplastic composition of (a) an acid copolymer, (b) a salt of a high molecular weight, monomeric organic acid; (c) a thermoplastic polymer selected from copolyetheresters, elastomeric polyolefins, styrene diene block copolymers, elastomeric polyolefins thermoplastic polyurethanes and copolyetheramides; (d) cation source; and (d) optionally a filler. Also included is use of such compositions in components of one-, two- and three-piece golf balls or multi-layered golf balls made therefrom.

A vascular graft, such as an AAA stent graft, includes a core zone of PET fabric with a non-porous coating comprising a polyurethane, such as Thoralon®, disposed on at least one surface. The coating provides a barrier to prevent short and long term leakage of fluids through the pores of the PET fabric core zone. A method for sealing the pores of a porous PET graft includes the step of coating at least one surface of said graft with at least one polyurethane, or mixtures and combinations thereof. Preferably, the coating is Thoralon®. A method for making a vascular prosthesis includes the steps of providing a core zone of PET fabric, and coating at least one surface of the core zone with at least one polyurethane, or mixtures and combinations thereof, such as Thoralon®. Finally, a method of repairing or treating a defective vessel includes the step of reinforcing or replacing the defective vessel with a graft according to the invention.

A medical device (10) including a tube (11) having a highly uniform and repeatable inner and outer diameter, the tube (11) possessing good trackability, pushability and torquability, and the tube (11) being highly resistant to collapse, necking or kinking during use. The tube (11) first includes a metal coil (14) in a stressed, radially expanded condition, the metal coil (14) preferably being formed as a flat wire. The tube (11) also includes a metal braid (16) extending over at least part of the coil (14). The tube (11) further includes a polymeric bonding layer (18) positioned over and contacting at least the coil (14). The polymeric layer (18) is preferably heat-shrinkable shrinkable tubing made of one or more of nylon or polyurethane. The tube (11) optionally includes an inner liner (20) beneath and in contact with at least part of the coil (14), the liner (20) preferably being composed of PTFE. The polymeric layer (18) maintains the coil (14) in its stressed, radially expanded condition, for example, by adhesion to the coil (14) (such as by thermal bonding to it).

A grip for the handle of a golf club having multiple two layer panels that are wrapped about an underlisting sleeve. The edges of the panels are adhesively sealed together. The grip reduces impact and shock and provides a feeling of tackiness in the manner of a spirally wrapped polyurethane-felt grip while allowing the use of multiple color panels and easy instillation onto a golf club shaft.

A waterborne dispersion of a polyurethane polymer is disclosed, which is useful as a film having improved mechanical properties. More particularly, the film has properties comparable to rubber; including, a percentage elongation greater than 700%; a tensile strength greater than 3500 psi; a 100% modulus below 450 psi; a 300% modulus below 700 psi; and, a 500% modulus below 1500 psi. The film can be prepared in the absence of a solvent, thus making it attractive for a variety of protection products for medical and industrial applications such as gloves, condoms, catheters, and the like. The polymer is useful as a coating for textiles, such as backcoatings, fabric or fiber saturants, finishes, or transfer coatings, or other textile and non-textile applications where good elastomeric properties would be useful.

Disclosed are implantable devices that include biocompatible polyurethane materials. In particular, the disclosed polyurethane materials can maintain desired elastomeric characteristics while exhibiting thermoset-like behavior and can exhibit improved characteristics so as to be suitable in load-bearing applications. For example, the disclosed polyurethane materials can be suitable for use in artificial joints, including total joint replacement applications. The disclosed polyurethane materials include biocompatible cross-linking agents as chain extenders, more particularly chain extenders comprising a terminal group capable of side reactions and further comprising an electron withdrawing group immediately adjacent the terminal group. In addition, the reaction materials and conditions can be selected to encourage intermediate levels of cross-linking without the use of traditional cross-linking trifunctional reagents. In addition, the chain extenders can also include substantially inflexible moieties so as to increase the rigidity of the product polyurethanes.

An electrophoretic medium comprises discrete droplets of an electrophoretic internal phase comprising a fluid and carbon black particles in the fluid. The droplets are surrounded by a polyurethane binder formed by a diisocyanate and a polyether diol, at least 20 mole per cent of the diisocyanate being an aromatic diisocyanate.

An integral gasketed filtration cassette structure of a type comprising a filtration cassette fully or partially overcoated by a gasket layer, forming a fluid-tight seal between the filtration cassette and the filtration cassette holder to which the filtration cassette is to be affixed. The filtration cassette comprises filter sheets arranged in a multilaminate, peripherally bonded array, wherein the filter sheets alternate with permeate and retentate sheets. The gasket layer comprises an elastomeric material with suitable hardness and temperature resistance for sealing, such as silicone, ethylenepropylenedienemonomer (EPDM), viton, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polyester, epoxy, ethylvinylacetate, bunnas, and styrene butadiene. The filtration cassettes and filter of the invention may be advantageously employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

A composition comprising in admixture with a polymer, preferably a polyurethane, and a compatible surface-modifying macromolecule having (i) a central portion of a segmented block oligomeric copolymer comprising at least one polar hard segment, and (ii) PROPORTIONAL - omega terminal polyfluoro oligomeric groups, in a surface modifying enhancing amount. The composition is of use in providing articles having improved surface properties, particularly, medical devices having improved resistance to enzyme degradation with acceptable blood compatibility.

This invention includes malleable, biodegradable, fibrous compositions for application to a tissue site in order to promote or facilitate new tissue growth. One aspect of this invention is a fibrous component (e.g., collagen, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, poly-lactic acid, poly-capralactone, and polyurethane) that provides unique mechanical and physical properties. The invention may be created by providing a vessel containing a slurry, said slurry comprising a plurality of natural or synthetic polymer fibers and at least one suspension fluid, wherein the polymer fibers are substantially evenly dispersed and randomly oriented throughout the volume of the suspension fluid; applying a force, e.g., centrifugal, to said vessel containing said slurry, whereupon said force serves to cause said polymer fibers to migrate through the suspension fluid and amass at a furthest extent of the vessel, forming a polymer material, with said polymer material comprising polymer fibers of sufficient length and sufficiently viscous, interlaced, or interlocked to retard dissociation of said polymer fibers.