Abstract: A medical tube has a tube wall, a first end and a second end. At least one heater wire is wrapped around the wall. Near or at one of the first end or the second end, there is at least one recess in an outer surface of the wall. The heater wire passes over the at least one tube recess such that the wire does not contact the wall in the area of the tube recess. Also disclosed are methods of making the tube and components used in making the tube.

Abstract: A compacter that includes a compacting roller assembly, borne by a support element. The roller assembly includes a straight central shaft, having a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of compacting rollers, mounted parallel to one another about the central shaft, each compacting roller having a peripheral surface rotating around the central shaft about a roller axis. The longitudinal axis of the central shaft is parallel to the central axis of the support element. Each roller axis is inclined by a nonzero incline angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates devices and methods to administer nutritional compositions and/or therapeutic drugs directly into a portal venous system. For example, total parenteral nutrition therapy may be administered directly into the hepatic portal venous system thus circumventing known side effects of conventional parenteral administration. Alternatively, hepatic diseases and disorders may be treated using locally administered therapeutic drugs. Devices capable of direct portal venous system administration include, but are not limited to, a direct portal access catheter or a transjugular access catheter.

Abstract: A vascular device is provided that includes a mesh structure formed of a plurality of spaced members. The structure has (i) a first, collapsed configuration, (ii) a second, expanded configuration, and (iii) a density of the plurality of members. The vascular device further includes an elastic member disposed along a region of the structure, the region having a proximal end and a distal end. The elastic member is configured to increase the density within the region by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region toward the other of the proximal and distal ends when the structure is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A medical balloon is provided for which the working surface may be identified during an interventional procedure with enhanced precision. Related methods of manufacturing such a balloon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of manufacturing flexible pipe body (100) is disclosed. The method includes the step of winding at least one composite body having a substantially helical innate shape around an underlining pipe layer.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular inner layer, a reinforcing layer disposed at least partially within the inner layer or on an outer circumference of the inner layer, and an outer layer. The reinforcing member is made of wound wires, each adjacent pair of the wires having a gap therebetween. A bonding portion is disposed in the gap of the reinforcing layer and includes an inner layer protruding portion of the inner layer that extends into the outer layer and is engaged with an outer layer protruding portion of the outer layer that extends into the inner layer. This configuration enlarges the area across which the outer layer and the inner layer are bonded to each other within the gap of the reinforcing layer, leading to a strengthened bond between the outer layer and the inner layer.

Abstract: A hose that includes an inner layer and an outer layer made of an elastic polymeric material, and a textile reinforcement layer interposed between the inner and the outer layers. The inner layer and the outer layer are reciprocally coupled to form a unitary tubular member, within which the textile reinforcement layer is embedded. The unitary tubular member has an elasticity such to automatically elongate under the working pressure given by the liquid flowing therethrough to increase its original length and to automatically recover once the working pressure stops. The textile reinforcement layer is adapted to move from a rest configuration when the working pressure stops to a working configuration when the unitary tubular member elongates under the working pressure, and vice versa.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A process and device for 3D printing parts incorporating long-fiber reinforcements in an advanced composite material is disclosed. A nozzle for a 3D printing device receives a polymer material and a reinforcing fiber through separate inlets. A passage from the reinforcing fiber inlet cleaves the passage containing the polymer material, creating an interstitial cavity into which the reinforcing fiber is introduced. The polymer material closes back on itself and encapsulates the reinforcing fiber, then drags the fiber along with the flow and exits nozzle to be deposited on a work surface or part being manufactured.

Abstract: A bicycle control cable is provided with a central wire, an outer case and a radial protrusion. The central wire includes at least one metallic strand defining a radially outermost surface of the central wire. The outer case surrounds at least a portion of an axial length of the central wire. The outer case has a radially innermost surface. The radial protrusion spirally extends along one of either the radially outermost surface of the central wire or the radially innermost surface of the outer case in a direction intersecting with a center longitudinal axis of the bicycle control cable. The radial protrusion reduces a sliding resistance of the central wire relative to the outer case. The central wire is configured and arranged to slidably move in an axial direction with respect to the center longitudinal axis of the bicycle control cable within the outer case to operate a bicycle component.

Abstract: An elongate medical device is provided. The device includes an elongate member defining a lumen through proximal, central, and distal portions. The central portion of the elongate member is defined from a plurality of closely aligned coils that establish the lumen within the central portion. The central portion further comprises a jacket disposed around a majority of an outer circumference of the plurality of coils, the jacket defining opposing first and second longitudinal edges that extend along the length of the central portion, and an elongate gap between opposing first and second longitudinal edges exposing portions of each of the plurality of coils aligned therewith, wherein the elongate gap allows for fluid communication from within or into the lumen through spaces between neighboring coils and through the elongate gap.

Abstract: An aerospace vessel including a fuselage, a means for causing the fuselage to fly coupled to the fuselage, and an environmental control system within the fuselage. The environmental control system includes a duct made of closed cell thermoplastic foam, such as polyvinylidene fluoride foam.

Abstract: A high pressure hose has an inner tube comprised of a thermoplastic material that defines a fluid carrying passageway. A reinforcing layer is formed by a plurality of steel wires helically wound in opposite directions over the inner tube along its longitudinal axis. An outer layer of thermoplastic material extends over the reinforcing layer and fills the voids in and under the wires of the reinforcing layer so that the thermoplastic outer layer permanently fills the voids in the wires of the reinforcing layer and is fused to the outer surface of the inner tube.

Abstract: A method for making helically corrugated rubber tubing with a helical reinforcing element embedded therein and with a relatively smooth interior surface. The tubing is formed with separate inner and outer tubular wall portions with fabric material in between. The inner and outer wall portions may be formed of different elastomeric compositions. Also the method provides for annular cuffs at the opposite ends of the tubing.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor or pump features a manifold arranged not only to define a hollow interior for receiving fluid discharged from a plurality of cylinders but also to define a base or frame on which the cylinders are carried. Unique valves formed in part by flexible material reduces the likelihood of fatigue and increases efficiency by retaining less heat relative to conventional reed valves. A compressor or pump mounted at an end of a handle extending parallel to a motor housing likewise extending from the compressor or pump provides an easy to carry portable assembly. A fan mounted between a motor and a compressor pulls air through the compressor inlet to both cool the motor and feed the compressor. A portable tool system powers both pneumatic and electric tools. Connecting rod structures for radial compressors or pumps provide improved strength and easier assembly.

Abstract: Flexible hose a corrugated wall of which an outer surface comprises a multitude of consecutive protrusions (1) and grooves (2) and of which an inner surface comprises a multitude of internal protrusions (4) and grooves (3), a multitude of barriers for closing off each of the multitude of internal and/or external grooves (2), each of the multitude of barriers comprising a first closing leg (10, 12) of a first profile part and a second closing leg (11, 13) of a second profile part, the second closing leg being directed to the first closing leg, the first and second closing legs having a complementary shape provided to form a substantially smooth inner and/or outer surface.

Abstract: A flexible, stretchable, crush resistant hose particularly well suited for supplying breathing gases to patients in medical applications and the like has a helix defined by reinforcing coils of thermoplastic material, and a web of thermoplastic material bonded or welded to adjacent ones of the coils, preferably near outer diameter portions of the coils. The web extends radially inwardly between the adjacent pairs of the reinforcing coils to define a helical reverse-direction crease that can be located closer to or farther from a centerline of the hose than is the inner diameter of the reinforcing coils. The thermoplastic material of the hose is stress relieved by an annealing process performed during axial compression of the hose at a time after the hose has been formed.

Abstract: A steerable kink resistant access device is provided having an elongated body and a steerable portion; methods for manufacturing the kink resistant device are also provided. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a body cavity or conduit. The access sheath typically has two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device.

Abstract: The invention primarily is directed to a medical tubing adapted for insertion into a body tissue or cavity and method of manufacturing different variations of the tubing along a length of the tubing. The tubing comprises a plurality of individual, discrete, generally ring-shaped elements arranged in series and fused or bonded together forming a continuous tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may include a combination of flexible and rigid ring-shaped elements assembled along different portions or sections of the tubular structure. In another aspect of the invention, the medical tubing may further comprise a secondary lumen and a pull wire to control the tubular structure. In another aspect of the invention, the ring-shaped elements may vary in diameter and/or composition in different portions or sections of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an elastomeric casing and a tire cavity formed therein. A longitudinally-extending and approximately planar length of strip material is helically arranged within the tire cavity to pre-stress the length of strip material for usage of the pneumatic tire during under-inflated and non-inflated conditions. A method of making a run-flat pneumatic tire assembly is also included.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flexible tubular underwater pipe (10): A leakproof tubular structure (12, 14, 16) is covered with at least one layer (18, 20) of armor wires. At least one continuous longitudinal element made of a deformable material is wound in a helix with short pitch around the layer (18, 20) of armor wires to form a holding layer 24. The at least one longitudinal element is wound under longitudinal tension T0 so as to stretch its deformable material according to a relative elongation corresponding to a tensile stress ?0 less than the elastic limit value ?E of the deformable material, and the elastic limit value ?E corresponds to a tensile stress beyond which the deformation of the material is irreversible.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making one or more tubular components of medical catheters or other tubular bodies using a strip of polymer material including a length, a width, and a first surface including a lubricious or other coating or surface modification. The strip is directed adjacent an elongate mandrel, such as beading, such that the length of the strip extends along the mandrel and the coating is disposed towards the mandrel. The strip is rolled at least partially around the mandrel such that the coating or surface modification is disposed inwardly towards the mandrel, and one or more strip-constrainment members are wrapped around the rolled strip. The directing, rolling, and wrapping steps may be substantially continuous to create one or more strip-mandrel-constrainment member subassemblies.

Abstract: A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filament, the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.

Abstract: An aerospace vessel including a fuselage, a means for causing the fuselage to fly coupled to the fuselage, and an environmental control system within the fuselage. The environmental control system includes a duct made of closed cell thermoplastic foam, such as polyvinylidene fluoride foam.

Abstract: Distal access balloon guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens, or inflating balloons affixed to the distal end of the guide catheter system are described. A Distal access balloon guide catheter having a proximal region, an optional medial region of intermediate flexibility, and distal region possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio. The balloon is inflated by means of a kink-resistant secondary lumen embedded within the walls of the balloon guide catheter system tubing.

Abstract: A method includes forming an elongated member having a tubular shape. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen. A spiral-shaped opening is formed in the sidewall such that the elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a distal retention structure. The distal retention structure can be disposed at a distal end of the elongated member and can define a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filaments the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.

Abstract: There is disclosed an animal-resistant tubing system. The animal resistant tubing system may include a flexible tube disposed within a coil shield, the coil shield having an uncompressed length longer than a length of the flexible tube. The coil shield may have an inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of the flexible tube. The entire length of the coil shield may be free to move radially, axially and rotationally about the flexible tube except that the first and second fittings may prevent the coil shield from moving axially beyond the ends of the flexible tube, such that the length of the coil shield is compressed between the first fitting and the second fitting.

Abstract: A sheath with improved kink resistance and/or rupture resistance is provided. The sheath includes an inner liner defining a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. A coil is fitted around at least a part of the inner liner. An outer layer adapted to adhere to the inner liner between the windings of the coil is positioned longitudinally over the coil. Lateral edges can have inwardly curved and outwardly curved portions. Lateral edges can be further structured and arranged to define an asymmetric spacing therebetween. The asymmetric spacing is configured to improve at least one of kink resistance and rupture resistance of the sheath when in a bent configuration. The compressive and tensile strength of the polymer material can be utilized in a manner to inhibit coil segments from sliding along each other or overlapping one another, thereby preventing premature tearing of the material when the sheath is bent.

Abstract: A catheter sheath for an irrigation catheter comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. At least one electrode is arranged on the elongate member. A plurality of elongate elements are contained in the elongate member, the elongate elements comprising at least one electrical conductor and at least one element of a non-conductive material arranged adjacent the at least one conductor to form at least one non-conductive region associated with the elongate member. At least one passage extends through a wall of the elongate member to intersect the non-conductive region and to be in communication with the lumen of the elongate member. The at least one passage has an outlet opening in, or adjacent, the at least one electrode.

Abstract: Flexible hose comprising a corrugated wall of which an outer surface comprises a multitude of consecutive protrusions (1) and grooves (2) and of which an inner surface comprises a multitude of internal protrusions (4) and grooves (3), comprising a multitude of barriers for closing off each of the multitude of internal and/or external grooves (2), each of the multitude of barriers comprising a first closing leg (10, 12) of a first profile part and a second closing leg (11, 13) of a second profile part, the second closing leg being directed to the first closing leg, the first and second closing legs having a complementary shape provided to form a substantially smooth inner and/or outer surface.

Abstract: A composite hose for transfer of cryogenic fluids, includes two end flanges, a helical wound inner wire several layers of protective fabric layers, at least one gas-tight sealing layer sandwiched between one or more protective layers and an outer helical wound wire which is placed on top of the protective layers between the pitch of the inner wire, characterized in that the inner wire is connected to a flexible inner liner that follow any axial and/or radial displacement of the inner wire and that covers the inner corrugations of the composite hose so to create a smooth inner bore of the composite hose.

Abstract: A method includes forming an elongated member having a tubular shape. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen. A spiral-shaped opening is formed in the sidewall such that the elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a distal retention structure. The distal retention structure can be disposed at a distal end of the elongated member and can define a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: A high-temperature composite hose (100) allows for the carrying out of high temperature air, gases and liquids in a range of 600 to 2000° F. The hose remains flexible at such elevated temperatures and may be used in situations where solid or flexible metal hose was previously used. The hose construction preferably includes a spirally wound inner wire element (10) over which is applied multiple layers (21, 23, 17) preferably beginning with a layer of heat resistant textile or fabric (21) and ending with a cover layer (17) which serves to provide abrasion and other resistance to the composite hose. A 2nd outer wire element (16) is preferably applied which, in connection with the inner wire element 10, serves to sandwich or compress and hold the heat resistant and other hose layers (21, 23, 17) together.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced tubular medical device in a continuous operation, and a medical device formed by the continuous method. An elongated core capable of movement about a line is provided. An elongated tubular member is formed around a moving length of the core by extruding a coating of a functionalized polymer around the moving core length, applying a reinforcing member to an outer surface of the functionalized polymer coating along the moving length, and extruding a polymeric outer jacket over the functionalized polymer and reinforcing member along the moving length, such that a bond is formed between the functionalized polymer and the polymeric outer jacket. The elongated tubular member is cut to desired length to form the tubular medical device, and the core is removed from the device.

Abstract: A length of flexible helically corrugated rubber tubing is provided with certain characteristics that enable it to be axially compressed to less than half of its normal relaxed length using minimal force while still providing a high resistance to crushing. The tubing has a wall with a uniform thickness, the wall defining external and internal threads with a specially defined pitch and thread height related to the wall thickness.

Abstract: A tubular body comprises an inner hollow core and an outer casing of one or more strips of self mechanically inter-engaging helically wound material having a higher yield strength than that of the core material. Also provided is a method of forming the tubular body comprising the steps of winding the outer core onto the inner core and an end connector for use with said tubular body when said body is provided with helically extending detents on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A large diameter, flexible, kink-resistant, delivery catheter or sheath for percutaneous delivery of a contained and implantable medical device in the vasculature of a patient. The delivery catheter or sheath includes a reinforcement such as a flat wire coil with uniform spacing between the turns, which is compression fitted about an inner, lubricous PTFE tube. The delivery catheter or sheath further includes an outer tube of a heat formable polyamide material which is heat formed and compressed through the spaces between the turns of the wire coil to mechanically connect to a roughened outer surface of the inner tube. A polymeric radiopaque marker tube may be positioned at the distal end of the coil and between the inner and outer tubes for radiographic visualization. A side port may also be positioned thereat for the infusion of contrast media.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a flexible tubular duct includes a mandrel, and a substrate feeding assembly for feeding a strip of flexible substrate material to the mandrel. Apparatus is provided for bending the strip of substrate material to have a rounded encapsulating portion, into which is fed a stream of loose fibrous insulating material. A mechanism is further provided for delivering an elongate reinforcing element onto the strip of flexible substrate material. In operation, the rounded encapsulating portion and the reinforcing element are wound in a helical path around the mandrel so that the loose fibrous material is encapsulated as a core in the helically wound rounded encapsulating portion the reinforcing element is also encapsulated by the strip of substrate material, whereby to form a reinforced flexible tubular duct.

Abstract: The invention primarily is directed to a medical tubing adapted for insertion into a body tissue or cavity and method of manufacturing different variations of the tubing along a length of the tubing. The tubing comprises a plurality of individual, discrete, generally ring-shaped elements arranged in series and fused or bonded together forming a continuous tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may be formed of a thermoplastic or a thermoset material. The ring-shaped elements may include plastic rings, metallic rings, un-reinforced plastic rings and/or metal reinforced plastic rings assembled along the length of the tubular structure to provide variable flexibility and kink-resistance. The tubular structure may have a cross-section of any geometric shape and it may be bent, twisted or curved without kinking. The ring-shaped elements may have different flexural modulus.

Abstract: A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filaments the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.

Abstract: A large diameter, flexible, kink-resistant, delivery catheter or sheath for percutaneous delivery of a contained and implantable medical device in the vasculature of a patient. The delivery catheter or sheath includes a reinforcement such as a flat wire coil with uniform spacing between the turns, which is compression fitted about an inner, lubricous PTFE tube. The delivery catheter or sheath further includes an outer tube of a heat formable polyamide material which is heat formed and compressed through the spaces between the turns of the wire coil to mechanically connect to a roughened outer surface of the inner tube. A polymeric radiopaque marker tube may be positioned at the distal end of the coil and between the inner and outer tubes for radiographic visualization. A side port may also be positioned thereat for the infusion of contrast media.

Abstract: A flexible pipe and a method of producing it. The pipe has two tubular structures, internal and external, and a tubular axial blocking layer. The tubular blocking layer comprises two section wires each having a trapezoidal cross section. The trapezoidal cross section defines a base and two sloping lateral flanks. The base of one of the two section wires is oriented toward the internal tubular structure. The base of the other section wire is oriented in the opposite direction. The section wires are wound side by side forming contiguous coils. The internal tubular structure comprises a wire having a wound structure to form transversely blocked coils. One of said two section wires is wound against said structure coils.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an introducer sheath having a braided member and methods of manufacture. The introducer sheath comprises an inner tube, a braided member disposed over at least a portion of the inner tube, and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube and the braided member. In one embodiment, the braided member comprises a plurality of intersecting first and second wire segments at least partially covered with a coating. At least a portion of the first and second wire segments are bonded together at one or more intersections, for example, by melting the coating, to reduce movement of at least one of the first and second wire segments with respect to one another. Optionally, a coiled member having a plurality of turns may be disposed over a portion of the braided member and the inner tube.

Abstract: A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft, including coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that adjacent windings include regions of polymer cladding that overlap, heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another, manipulating the stent-graft from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and loading the stent-graft into a restraining sheath, wherein the restraining sheath prevents the stent-graft from reverting to the first diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to piping comprising a portion wherein the centreline of the portion follows a substantially helical path, wherein the amplitude of the helix is less than or equal to one half of the internal diameter of the piping. When fluid flows in such piping, it is made to swirl. This provides a number of advantages, such as improved in-plane mixing of the fluid, enhanced uniformity of residence time, and so on. The invention also extends to various methods of making such piping.

Abstract: A insulating wrap includes a flexible elongate body of insulating material adapted to be wrapped in a helical fashion around an object, such as a pipe. The body has a first end and a second end. A first tie strap is secured by a first fastener to the first end of the body to facilitate the body being secured to the pipe. A second tie strap is secured by a second fastener to the second end of the body to facilitate the body being secured to the pipe.

Abstract: A composite shock-absorbing material comprised of kernel material, winding material, and a resin layer, and where the kernel material is spiraled by the winding material. A resin layer covers both the surfaces of both the kernel material and the winding material. Hence, the composite shock-absorbing material of the present invention is formed. A method of forming the composite shock-absorbing material includes providing kernel material and forming a winding material spiraling the kernel material and then forming a resin layer on the surfaces of the kernel material and the winding material.

Abstract: A multi-layered ceramic tube having an inner layer of high purity beta phase stoichiometric silicon carbide, a central composite layer of continuous beta phase stoichiometric silicon carbide fibers, and an outer layer of fine-grained silicon carbide. The ceramic tube is particularly suited for use as cladding for a fuel rod used in a power plant or reactor. The ceramic tube has a desirable combination of high initial crack resistance, stiffness, ultimate strength, and impact and thermal shock resistance.