Abstract: An improved method for testing a stent for a prosthetic valve includes applying a load with a fluid against a stented test structure in a backward direction with the stented test structure substantially blocking the flow of the fluid. The stented test structure includes a stent and a flexible membrane extending within the lumen defined by the stent with the flexible membrane having a plurality of contours connecting to the stent along the scallops. A corresponding testing apparatus includes a cyclic pressure applicator, a conduit connected to the cyclic pressure applicator, and a stented test structure mounted within the conduit to receive cyclic fluid pressures from the cyclic pressure applicator. The stented test structure includes a stent and a flexible membrane extending within the lumen defined by the stent. The flexible membrane substantially blocks flow of the fluid in a backward direction and does not fully open upon application of the fluid pressure in a forward direction.

Abstract: Valved prostheses include a support structure and a plurality of flexible polymer leaflets connected to the support structure, in which the leaflets have an improved structural design. The support structure has a plurality of commissure supports and scallops between the commissure supports. Generally, the flexible polymer leaflets project away from the support structure at an attachment edge where the leaflets connect to the support structure. In particular embodiments, the leaflets at the attachment edge are at an angle from about 5 degrees to about 85 degrees relative to a plane normal to the valve axis. In some embodiments, the flexible polymer leaflets having a coaptation depth from about 0.3 times the valve radius to about 0.8 times the valve radius. In further embodiments, the flexible polymer leaflets form a valve with a valve height from about one times the valve radius to about 2 times the valve radius and have leaflet lengths at least about 1 millimeter greater than the valve radius.

Abstract: Valved prostheses include a support structure and a plurality of flexible polymer leaflets connected to the support structure, in which the leaflets have an improved structural design. The support structure has a plurality of commissure supports and scallops between the commissure supports. Generally, the flexible polymer leaflets project away from the support structure at an attachment edge where the leaflets connect to the support structure. In particular embodiments, the leaflets at the attachment edge are at an angle from about 5 degrees to about 85 degrees relative to a plane normal to the valve axis. In some embodiments, the flexible polymer leaflets having a coaptation depth from about 0.3 times the valve radius to about 0.8 times the valve radius. In further embodiments, the flexible polymer leaflets form a valve with a valve height from about one times the valve radius to about 2 times the valve radius and have leaflet lengths at least about 1 millimeter greater than the valve radius.

Abstract: A process seal made of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene is used as a microwave window in a radar tank level gauge. The periphery of the process seal is surrounded by a metal containment ring that is fitted to the periphery to limit the amount of expansion outwardly of the process seal material as well as provide for localized loading at the periphery for clamping pressures on the seal. Electromagnetic radiation shielding is provided not only by the containment ring, but also by an EMI shielding O-ring mounted in a groove on a sealing end of the containment ring. A process environmental O-ring is carried by the process seal in an outer shoulder groove that is enclosed by the containment ring.

Abstract: A process seal assembly adapted for installation to a process vessel opening. A probe with a probe connector connects to a rod inside a passageway of a housing adapted to be sealingly mounted to the process vessel opening. The rod has a first end coupled to the probe connector and a second end adapted to couple with a transmitter connector body. A rigid, electrically insulating spool is fastened in the passageway, with an outer spool surface fitting tightly to a wall of the passageway and an axial hole fitting tightly to the rod.