A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft. The method includes coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that the polymer cladding has overlapping regions that form seams, and heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another.

Improved staple fibers and processes for producing them are provided. The processes are particularly useful for forming staple fibers from poly(trimethylene terephthalate), especially carpet staple fibers. The processes include prewetting undrawn yarns and drawing the fibers under wet and warm conditions, thermo-fixing the texture, and drying at relatively low temperatures. Fibers produced according to the processes disclosed herein have improved properties and reduced brittleness as compared to...

An isolated protein having at least 90% homology with the dimeric protein having the following amino acid sequence (I) with the proviso that at the C-terminal end of the monomeric forms, 2 to 10 amino acid distance from Z.sup.2, a Cys is present for forming the dimeric or multimeric protein, Z.sup.1 is a signal peptide for protein transport to the ER and/or through the plasma membrane or NH.sub.2 or a derivative of an NH.sub.2 group such as an alkylated, or acylated derivative, or polyethylene g...

Provided is a process for making cyclohexylbenzene. The process includes the following steps: (a) contacting benzene and hydrogen in the presence of a first catalyst under hydroalkylation conditions sufficient to form a first effluent stream having cyclohexylbenzene, cyclohexane, methyl cyclopentane, and unreacted benzene; (b) supplying at least part of said first effluent stream to a first separation system to divide said first effluent stream part into a cyclohexane/methylcyclopentane-rich str...

A method of making a solder pad includes providing a substrate having a metal layer formed on it, and applying a photo resist to the metal layer. The photo resist is patterned. A first etching operation is performed on the metal layer to form voids in the metal layer. A second etching operation is performed on the metal layer to form the solder pad. A solder mask is formed on the substrate and a portion of the solder pad.

A system and method for producing braces for a cavity die having a predetermined shape are disclosed. The system includes an input file containing information about the shape of the cavity die and a bracing program running on a computer. The bracing program produces an output file based on the input file and brace parameters. The output file includes information about the design of the braces. The computer instructs a brace-making machine to produce the braces based on the information in the out...

Methods for preparing cheese are provided that involve combining a slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture that is subsequently processed to form the cheese product. The slurry typically includes a liquid such as water, milk and/or cream and one or more ingredients that are useful for inclusion in the final cheese product. Systems for preparing such slurries and cheese products are also provided.

A method of marking a tubular includes the steps of applying an identification indicia onto the outer diameter of the tubular, forming an indicator onto at least one of the ends of the tubular such that the indicator corresponds to information in the identification indicia, heat treating the tubular such that the identification indicia is diminished, and reapplying the identification indicia onto the outer diameter of the tubular based upon the indicator formed on the end of the tubular. The tub...

The invention pertains to methods of forming monolayers on various surfaces. The surfaces can be selected from a wide array of materials, including, for example, aluminum dioxide, silicon dioxide, carbon and SiC. The substrates can be planar or porous. The monolayer is formed under enhanced pressure conditions. The monolayer contains functionalized molecules, and accordingly functionalizes a surface of the substrate. The properties of the functionalized substrate can enhance the substrate's appl...

A method and apparatus for enhancing the integrity of an implantable sensor. Voids formed between an outer tubing and a sensor substrate or spacing element may be back-filled with a curable, implantable material, minimizing the extent to which unwanted fluids diffuse within the sensor. An enzyme or protein matrix pellet below the sensor window may be pre-treated with a reducing agent to enhance its bond stability, and to reduce undesired swelling that may cause the sensor window to detach or lea...