Abstract: A method of braiding a stent includes braiding a number of elongate filaments around a mandrel using tensioned braiding carriers without spooling the filaments to the tensioned braiding carriers to form a braided stent having atraumatic ends.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an array of a plurality of individual air injector nozzles are integrally connected to a common air flow tube. The individual nozzles include an integral attaching plate and an integral air injector tube in addition to the common air flow tube with the individual nozzles spaced along the common air flow tube. A plurality of arrays can be joined together to form an entire arrangement of any desired configuration of individual air injector nozzles that can be applied as a complete unit to a tub or spa. One or more of the arrays can be cut across the common air flow tube to achieve the exact number of individual nozzles required in accordance with the desired arrangement of air injector nozzles. The arrays, including the cut arrays can be joined together at a location other than at the tub or spa and then transferred as a complete unit to be attached to the tub or spa.

Abstract: A one piece air injector nozzle for a tub or spa, in a preferred embodiment, comprising an air flow tube, having straight ends, a connector plate, and an air injector tube, includes an offset of the air flow tube relative to the air injector tube. The air injector tube has an open end and a closed end with the closed end forming a portion of the connector plate. A connector member joins adjacent nozzles or connecting tubing. The inventive nozzle allows for bench assembly of an entire nozzle arrangement which is fitted to the bottom of a tub or spa, after which air hole are drilled simultaneously though the injector tub and the tub or spa, a plug is attached to the open end of the injector tube.

Abstract: An encased air blower (10) includes a motor and fan assembly (21) which is connected to the casing (11) of the air blower (10) by a combination mounting and sealing member (22). The unique mounting and sealing member (22) provides a positive seal between the suction (12) and pressure (13) sides of the air blower casing (11). The unique mounting and sealing member (22) further serves to acoustically isolate the motor and fan assembly (21) from the casing (11) and thereby significantly reduces the operational noise level of the air blower.