Abstract: A paint roller comprising: a frame; a roller cage assembly rotatably mounted to the frame; and a roller cover removably mountable to the roller cage assembly, the roller cover defining a roller cover passageway. The roller cage assembly includes a hub for mounting the roller cover thereonto, the hub defining a hub outermost surface insertable in the roller cover passageway and a locking mechanism for selectively locking the roller cover, the locking mechanism including a locking element movable between a locking position and a releasing position, the locking element defining a protruding portion. In the locking position, the protruding portion protrudes from the hub outermost surface. In the releasing position, the protruding portion is retracted inwardly relative to the hub outermost surface.

Abstract: A piezoelectric tactile input device and method in a computing environment. An embodiment disclosed herein includes a touch screen having a piezoelectric material layer that may generate a voltage when deformed in a localized area. The piezoelectric layer may also include a pattern of sensors for detecting the voltage generated. The detected voltage signals may then be used to extrapolate the position of the localized area in which the piezoelectric layer was deformed (e.g., from a finger touch or a stylus). Further, because the piezoelectric layer generates a greater voltage in the presence of a greater pressure, the device may further decipher a relative level of force for the tactile input on the touch screen.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for forming a fusion bond between two materials. The process begins by forming a bond site by positioning a portion of a first body with respect to a portion of a second body. The first and second bodies may be components of a medical device such as a catheter, for example. At least one collimated beam of electromagnetic energy is generated and directed onto portions of the first and second bodies within the bond site so that at least one fusion zone having an increased temperature is formed.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible isolator is taught for containing radioactive, chemical or biological agents. The isolator is comprised of a collapsible frame, movable between a collapsed transport position and an open operational position, and a flexible and collapsible envelope in the form of an airtight bag attached to the frame to define a cavity. The envelope remains airtight in both the collapsed and open positions. One or more sealable openings are formed in the envelope for insertion and removal of the radioactive, chemical and biological agents into and out of the cavity. The isolator may optionally include at least one glove extending from one or more of said sealable openings into the cavity, for handling said radioactive, chemical and biological agents inside the cavity.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A ladder support bracket comprises a first clamp for clamping to an immovable structure connected to a second clamp for clamping to the ladder stile, the first clamp having a fixed and moveable jaw moving on a hinge shaft, and the second clamp comprising a clamping pad mounted on the hinge shaft distally from the first clamp for frictional engagement with the ladder stile upon rotation of the pad.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an inflatable balloon having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inflation cavity therebetween, a catheter shaft having the inflatable balloon affixed proximate a distal end thereof, the catheter shaft having an inflation lumen fluidly connected to the balloon inflation cavity. A guidewire lumen extends through the balloon cavity within a tubular member which is affixed to the inflatable balloon proximate the distal end. A reinforcing sleeve, having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a lumen extending therethrough, wherein the distal portion of the sleeve extends into the inflation cavity with at least a portion of the tubular member slidably disposed through the lumen thereof and the proximal portion is fixed relative to the catheter shaft and disposed in the catheter shaft inflation lumen.

Abstract: A snow vehicle has a steering assembly for steering a ski, an endless track to propel the vehicle, and an engine to power the endless track. A platform is provided for a rider of the vehicle to stand on while operating the vehicle. An exhaust chamber of the vehicle is disposed between the steering assembly and the forward end of the platform.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A folding knife comprises a lock configured to more securely hold the blade in an extended position than conventional locks of conventional knives. The folding knife includes a handle, a blade movable relative to the handle to an extended position, and the lock that retains the blade in the extended position. The blade includes a cutting edge, and a tang that has a cavity and that is attached to the handle and pivotable about a pivot axis. The cavity includes a central axis parallel or substantially parallel with the pivot axis and that is located a distance away from the pivot axis that is greater than the distance between the pivot axis and the end of the handle. The lock includes a pin moveable relative to the handle and insertable into the cavity to retain the blade in an extended position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for forming a fusion bond between two materials. The process begins by forming a bond site by positioning a portion of a first body with respect to a portion of a second body. The first and second bodies may be components of a medical device such as a catheter, for example. At least one collimated beam of electromagnetic energy is generated and directed onto portions of the first and second bodies within the bond site so that at least one fusion zone having an increased temperature is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an inward force to a medical device may include at least two independently operable sections. Each section may include a plurality of movable blades arranged to form an aperture or chamber whose size may be varied. Each blade may be pivotally connected to a mount and slidably engaged with a constraining member. The blades are movable so as to allow the aperture to be sized to contain the medical device and to alter the size of the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an inward force to a medical device may include at least two independently operable sections. Each section may include a plurality of movable blades arranged to form an aperture or chamber whose size may be varied. Each blade may be pivotally connected to a mount and slidably engaged with a constraining member. The blades are movable so as to allow the aperture to be sized to contain the medical device and to alter the size of the aperture.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an inflatable balloon having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inflation cavity therebetween, a catheter shaft having the inflatable balloon affixed proximate a distal end thereof, the catheter shaft having an inflation lumen fluidly connected to the balloon inflation cavity. A guidewire lumen extends through the balloon cavity within a tubular member which is affixed to the inflatable balloon proximate the distal end. A reinforcing sleeve, having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a lumen extending therethrough, wherein the distal portion of the sleeve extends into the inflation cavity with at least a portion of the tubular member slidably disposed through the lumen thereof and the proximal portion is fixed relative to the catheter shaft and disposed in the catheter shaft inflation lumen.