Abstract: A stent incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect adjacent, spaced-apart stent elements. Preferably the spaced-apart adjacent stent elements are the result of forming the stent from a helically wound serpentine wire having space provided between adjacent windings. Other stent forms such as multiple, individual spaced-apart ring-shaped or interconnected stent elements may also be used. The connecting elements are typically web-shaped and result from creating slits or apertures in a covering of graft material applied to the stent and then, for example, applying heat to cause the slits or apertures to enlarge. The remaining graft material forms the interconnecting webs between the adjacent stent elements.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system for conducting banking transactions with a non-captive carrier traveling between a bank teller terminal in a two-tube carrier conveyor connected with a remote customer terminal with visual communication between the teller and the customer. The terminals and tube structure and their components are combined, interrelated and cooperatively arranged with simple and inexpensive construction to provide quiet and reliable operation. Prior complex carrier delivery and dispatch holding and release devices and blower operating timers and controls are eliminated. The operation of a blower located at the customer terminal, which supplies air for pressure or vacuum movement of the carrier in the two-tube system, is controlled by carrier arrival at or dispatch from either terminal. Noise emanating from air currents in the system is reduced by mufflers located at the terminals in the tube system. The carrier moves through one of the mufflers during travel.