Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a knife gate valve. The knife gate valve can include: a valve body that defines a center aperture, the valve body configured to be coupled to a conduit; a gate disposed at least partially within the valve body, the gate configured to move vertically in relation to the valve body; a seat disposed in a portion of the valve body, the seat comprising a first end and a second end; and a packing area disposed within the valve body, wherein the packing area comprises a packing element is disposed around a portion of the gate; wherein the first end of the seat and the second end of the seat terminate within the valve body between a middle of the center aperture and the packing area. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a knife gate valve. The knife gate valve can include: a valve body that defines a center aperture, the valve body configured to be coupled to a conduit; a gate disposed at least partially within the valve body, the gate configured to move vertically in relation to the valve body; a seat disposed in a portion of the valve body, the seat comprising a first end and a second end; and a packing area disposed within the valve body, wherein the packing area comprises a packing element is disposed around a portion of the gate; wherein the first end of the seat and the second end of the seat terminate within the valve body between a middle of the center aperture and the packing area. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Valves having removable interior wear rings in which the wear ring comprises a high-hardness metal ring, the high hardness metal ring having an exterior surface configured to engage the body of gate valve. A polymeric overlay covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the metal ring, the polymeric overlay forming the final dimensional shape of the wear ring.

Abstract: Gate valves having removable interior wear rings that are easily removed from one side of the gate valve upon removal of a retainer ring. The retainer ring is held in place within the valve housing by combination of compressive and shear forces.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved valves having removable interior wear rings secured by a removable retainer ring. In particular, the invention is directed to gate valves having removable interior wear rings that are easily removed from one side of the gate valve upon removal of a retainer ring. The retainer ring is held in place within the valve housing by combination of compressive and shear forces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved valves having removable interior wear rings and valves containing the removable wear rings. In an example, the wear ring comprises a high-hardness metal ring, the high hardness metal ring having an exterior surface configured to engage the body of gate valve. A polymeric overlay covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the metal ring, the polymeric overlay forming the final dimensional shape of the wear ring.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting stents can involve an inspection camera to take an image of the stent and a computer system for analyzing the image to determine the presence of any coating defects. The determination can be made by masking out a portion of the stent, identifying deviations from a strut edge, and/or highlighting features protruding from a stent external boundary defining an outer diameter. The image can be taken after a focus feedback camera determines the position of the stent.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting stents can involve an inspection camera to take an image of the stent and a computer system for analyzing the image to determine the presence of any coating defects. The determination can be made by masking out a portion of the stent, identifying deviations from a strut edge, and/or highlighting features protruding from a stent external boundary defining an outer diameter. The image can be taken after a focus feedback camera determines the position of the stent.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting stents can involve an inspection camera to take an image of the stent and a computer system for analyzing the image to determine the presence of any coating defects. The determination can be made by masking out a portion of the stent, identifying deviations from a strut edge, and/or highlighting features protruding from a stent external boundary defining an outer diameter. The image can be taken after a focus feedback camera determines the position of the stent.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting stents can involve an inspection camera to take an image of the stent and a computer system for analyzing the image to determine the presence of any coating defects. The determination can be made by masking out a portion of the stent, identifying deviations from a strut edge, and/or highlighting features protruding from a stent external boundary defining an outer diameter. The image can be taken after a focus feedback camera determines the position of the stent.

Abstract: A system for inspecting cylinders according to various aspects of the present invention generally includes a roller assembly comprising a plurality of rollers configured to hold the cylinder. A light source illuminates the cylinder and a camera produces an image of at least a portion of the cylinder as the roller assembly rotates the cylinder about its longitudinal axis. A computer system is configured to control the roller assembly, light source, and camera and analyze the image to identify a defect associated with the cylinder.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for drying coated stents in an oven are described herein.

Abstract: A system for inspecting cylinders according to various aspects of the present invention generally includes a roller assembly comprising a plurality of rollers configured to hold the cylinder. A light source illuminates the cylinder and a camera produces an image of at least a portion of the cylinder as the roller assembly rotates the cylinder about its longitudinal axis. A computer system is configured to control the roller assembly, light source, and camera and analyze the image to identify a defect associated with the cylinder.