Abstract: Apparatus for mixing and dispensing a multi-component bone cement includes a housing forming a mixing chamber, the housing having respective proximal and distal openings in communication with the mixing chamber, at least a portion of the mixing chamber extending from the proximal opening having a substantially uniform cross-section. A mixing assembly includes a rod extending into the mixing chamber and one or more mixing elements, e.g., a perforated disc or rotating blades, attached proximate a distal end of the rod, the mixing element(s) of a type such that movement of the rod relative to the housing causes the mixing element(s) to mix bone cement located in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a multi-component compound. The device includes a tubular body with an internal chamber for mixing the multi-component compound. Disposed within and extending beyond the tubular body is a rod having a mixing disc located near a distal end. Also disposed within the tubular body is a moveable piston with a central opening through which the rod may pass.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a node for joining a plurality of structural members together, such as in a vehicular body and frame assembly, is well suited for joining structural members that are formed from differing materials. An insert is provided having a node securing portion and a mounting portion that is adapted to have a structural member secured thereto. A node is formed about the node securing portion of the insert for joining a plurality of structural members together. The insert can be formed from a first material, while the node can be formed from a second material that is different from the first material. The insert can be provided with a node securing portion having at least one aperture or protrusion formed therein, and the node can be formed within or about the aperture or protrusion. A plurality of inserts can be provided, each having a node securing portion and a mounting portion, and the node can be formed about each of the node securing portions of the inserts.

Abstract: A method is performed for permanently attaching framing structural members to an underbody of an automotive vehicle. An underbody structural member including one or more cross members and a plurality of metallic structural members are provided at a workstation. The underbody structural member is aligned to the plurality of metallic structural members at the workstation. The assembled underbody structural member and the plurality of metallic structural members are permanently and simultaneously secured at the workstation using magnet pulse welding.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises an underbody structural member including a generally planar floor portion, and one or more cross members. A plurality of metallic structural members includes body side structures wherein the body side structures are secured to the aluminum underbody structural member by magnetic pulse welding.

Abstract: An inflation adaptor is provided to move a wire within a hollow tubular body, the movement of the wire enabling actuation of an expandable member at the distal end of the hollow tubular body. The expandable member can be a balloon, filter or similar device. The adaptor generally includes a clamping mechanism which clamps the hollow tubular body and wire within the adaptor, and also includes a drive mechanism for moving the wire within the hollow tubular body. An actuator, such as a rotatable knob, is provided to operate both the clamping mechanism and the drive mechanism. The adaptor may also include a fluid delivery and expansion system within a housing when the expandable member is a balloon, wherein movement of the actuator delivers a predetermined amount to the balloon while still operating the clamping mechanism and the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Medical devices are provided with either a back end coil support or a sleeve support to prevent kinking of an inner wire used with the medical device. The medical device generally comprises an elongate tubular body having a lumen and an inner wire extending within the lumen. An expandable member is connected to the distal end of the tubular body. In one embodiment, a coil extends over the inner wire at the proximal end thereof. In another embodiment, the inner wire at its proximal end has at least one taper that increases the diameter of the inner wire to a size larger than the diameter of the lumen of the hypotube through which it extends. In another embodiment, a proximal hypotube is attached to the proximal end of the inner wire.

Abstract: A protective sheath assembly is provided that combines the functions of an introducer, a protective sheath and a sealing valve in an integrated assembly. The protective sheath assembly generally comprises a protective sheath with a connecting member or a hub. The protective sheath has a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated hollow body defining a lumen along the longitudinal axis. The protective sheath accommodates and protects a medical device during insertion through a hemostasis valve into a patient's vasculature. The protective sheath also provides a seal around the medical device to prevent blood back flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a guidewire across a complex lesion in a vessel formed by a wall and normally having a lumen extending therethrough including an elongate flexible catheter having proximal and distal extremities and having a plurality of separate spaced apart lumens therein extending from the proximal extremity into a location at least adjacent the distal extremity. A handle is mounted on the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate catheter. A flexible elongate sheath is mounted on the catheter and has a proximal portion, a transition portion and a distal portion with the transition portion being in the vicinity of the distal extremity of the catheter. The sheath has a lumen therein extending from the proximal portion through the transition portion and through the distal portion. First and second devices are slidably mounted in the spaced-apart lumens of said catheter.

Abstract: A compressed air dryer assembly for an air braking system provides for uniform compression of a desiccant bed. Guidance of a housing urged into a dryer shell by a spring force is provided at radially inner and outer regions. This guidance allows for a wide range of movement so that the desiccant bed is maintained under uniform compression. In addition, a sliding seal effectively provides a wide range of movement and yet limits communication between the inlet and outlet openings.

Abstract: A process for attaching a seismic anchor to a wall of an unreinforced masonry structure includes the steps of drilling a generally frusto-conical cavity into the wall, and securing a seismic anchor into the cavity having a frusto-conical plug whose dimensions match at least a portion of the wall cavity. A drill bit utilized to form the wall cavity is adapted to be rotatably driven by a drill motor and includes a generally frusto-conical cutting blade support, a shank extending rearwardly from the blade support to be clamped within the chuck of the drill motor, and a drill stop positioned over the shank and secured to the rear end of the blade support. The blade support includes a plurality of radially extending planar exterior surfaces which span the length of the blade support and provide support surfaces for a plurality of cutting blade inserts. A removable pilot drill bit is fixed to a front end of the blade support for cutting a pilot hole into which the blade support is worked.