| abstract |
A method of welding at least two layers of a thin thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (10A,B) to form a weld seam (12) to produce polyurethane barrier products such as, but not limited to, gloves (20), condoms (30), inflatable catheter balloon cuffs (48A,B), ostomy pouches (50), organ bags (60), and instrument covers (70) through a process of pre-heating a sealing die platen, the at least two layers of the polyurethane (10A,B) softened while under pressure from the preheated die platen, followed by welding the at least two layers of polyurethane (10A,B) film by transmission of a radio-frequency energy to the film (10A,B) to produce a weld seam (12) and then allowing the weld seam (12) to cool, the resultant product having seam integrity. |