Abstract: Devices and methods for crimping a prosthetic heart valve onto a delivery device are described. In some embodiments, valves are crimped over an inflatable balloon and between proximal and distal shoulders mounted on a shaft inside the balloon. Crimping methods can include multiple compression steps with the valve located in different axial positions relative to the crimping jaws at each different step. In some methods, the valve may extend partially outside of the crimping jaws during certain crimping steps, such that the crimping force is only applied to the part of the valve that is inside the jaws. Exemplary crimping devices can include two or more adjacent sets of jaws that close down to different inner diameters, such that different parts of a valve get compressed to different outer diameters at the same time during a single crimping step.

Abstract: A connecting element produces a pipe connection between the connecting element and a plastic pipe or a metal-plastic composite pipe by using axial pressing technology. The connecting element has at least one support body provided with circumferential external ribs for press-fitting an expanded end of the pipe onto, and includes at least one circumferential collar, wherein the connecting element between the circumferential collar and the nearest circumferential external rib to the circumferential collar includes a pre-stop for limiting the sliding onto of the expanded end of the pipe. The distance between the edge of the pre-stop facing the circumferential external ribs and the edge of the circumferential collar facing the pre-stop is 0.10 times to 0.30 times the length of the support body.

Abstract: A method for making an air spring assembly, including the steps of providing a bellow, a support ring, and a guide tube. The support ring is positioned relative to a bellow adapter such that a portion of the bellow adapter extends through the support ring. The bellow is then positioned such that a portion of the bellow extends over the support ring and a portion of the bellow adapter. The guide tube is then positioned relative to the bellow and the support ring, such that a portion of the bellow extends into the guide tube and the guide tube is supported by the bellow adapter, and a portion of the guide tube is supported by a ridge support fixture. The first clamp and second clamp are then moved towards the guide tube, applying force to the guide tube, simultaneously forming a first crimp and a second crimp.

Abstract: After a cup bearing (13a) is incorporated into a circular hole (11c) of a coupling arm portion (10c) forming a yoke, a notch (25) having a V-shaped cross section is formed in a portion near the periphery of the circular hole (11c) on an outer side surface of the coupling arm portion (10c). Thereafter, a thin-walled portion (27) having a substantially trapezoidal cross section formed in a radially inner portion of the notch (25) in an opening edge portion of the circular hole (11c) is plastically deformed inward in a radial direction to form a staking portion (14a). Therefore, it is possible to achieve a method of assembling a joint cross type universal joint and a joint cross type universal joint which can form the staking portion for preventing the cup bearing from falling off without complicating the staking work.

Abstract: A handle assembly system includes first and second handle sections intended to be assembled with one another. The first and second handle sections include complementary threads that cooperate to retain the first and second handle sections. The system also includes a friction seal interposed between the first and second handle sections.

Abstract: A spinning method includes supporting a supported portion of a cylindrical work by a work supporting portion; pressing a first roller of a spinning head against a processed portion of the work while revolving the first roller; and performing a forming process that points a tube axis of the processed portion of the work in a given direction by pressing the first roller and a second roller in which a plane of revolution thereof is provided in a different position, in a rotational axis direction of a spindle of the spinning head, than a plane of revolution of the first roller, while revolving the first roller and the second roller, and moving the work supporting portion relative to the spinning head or moving the spinning head relative to the work supporting portion, while the first roller and the second roller work in cooperation with each other to retain the work.

Abstract: A pipe coupling make up assembly and a method of making up a pipe coupling between tubular sections at a well. A first tubular section in a tubular string at the well is gripped and supported in the assembly. A second tubular is supported and moved to locate a first end of the second tubular section into an expanded first end of the first tubular section. A swaged die is arranged around the first tubular section and forced along the first tubular section towards the second tubular section. This causes the expanded first end to move radially inwards under elastic and plastic deformation and create a metal to metal seal between the first ends of the first and second tubular sections.

Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device.

Abstract: A medical device loading system can comprise a first housing, a second housing, and a plate. The first housing comprises a first open end, a first tapered inner surface, and a second open end. The second housing comprises a third open end, a second tapered inner surface, and a fourth open end. The second housing can define a slot between the second tapered surface and the third open end. The plate can be configured to be slidably received within the slot. The loading system can further comprise a first elongated member and a second elongated member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A method of using a hydraulically driven pressing device for pressing a fitting on a tube is provided. The pressing device includes a piston and a cylinder for acting on pressing jaws. A piston shaft is connected to rollers. The pressing device can be used to carry out pressing operations requiring different levels of pressing power, by using an adjustable stop which is provided in the direction of displacement of the piston in order to achieve different end positions for the piston during the piston return stroke.

Abstract: A tubular clip for securing a sleeve to the body of a piezoelectric actuator in an actuator assembly. In use, the wall of the clip has a plurality of corrugations. The pitch of the corrugations is variable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clip. The clip is configurable into an unfitted configuration and into a fitted configuration and in the fitted configuration the minimum transverse internal separation of the clip walls is less than in the unfitted configuration.

Abstract: A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis.

Abstract: A fluid coupling including a cylindrical stem having a fluid conduit therethrough and a hollow shell provided over a first end of the stem. A tool engaging hexagonal shape on an outer surface of the shell is disposed radially outward from a swage joined portion of the shell to the stem. The tool engaging hexagonal shape includes six non-contiguous flats having rounded portions therebetween. The swage joined portion and the tool engaging hexagonal shape are located at the same axial location along a centerline of the hollow shell, and the swage joined portion has an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline of the tool engaging hexagonal shape.

Abstract: The press fitting for a tube, particularly for a plastic tube or a plastic/metal compound tube, comprises a fitting body (12) including a support shell (14) for mounting thereon one end of a tube (20) which is to be connected, a press shell (16) which is plastically deformable for pressing against the support shell (14) the end of a tube (20) to be connected that has been mounted on the support shell (14), an abutment element (30) arranged on the press shell (16) and having an abutment face (34) to be abutted by a pressing tool (26) for plastically deforming the press shell (16), and at least one press indication portion (40) projecting from the abutment face (34) of the abutment element (30) and extending externally on the press shell (16) into an acting region (38) within which the pressing tool (26) encloses the press shell (16) during deformation of the press shell (16), the press indication portion (40) being separable from the abutment element (30) by means of the pressing tool (26) during the deformati

Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly is provided. A polymeric stent is disposed over a balloon in an inflated configuration. The stent is crimped over the inflated balloon to a reduced crimped configuration so that the stent is secured onto the balloon. The balloon wall membrane is wedged or pinched between the strut elements of the stent for increasing the retention of the stent on the balloon.

Abstract: A medical device- includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A pipe fitting and method therefor includes one or more indicators to provide a visual indication that the fitting has been properly pressed around a tube and that the correct amount of pressure has been provided to create a permanent seal. In embodiments, the present invention includes a fitting having a main body component with at least a first segment having an axially inner portion, an axially intermediate portion and an axially outer portion, with a retaining compartment defined therein. The retaining compartment can retain one or more sealing rings, including an indicator sealing ring having an indicator flange extending from its outer surface. An external indicator band can be securely retained around the external surface of the pipe fitting, and can be adapted to change color upon receiving sufficient force, thereby indicating that the fitting has been properly pressed.

Abstract: A hose fitting that includes a body having a connection portion configured for connection to an external component, a tubular nipple portion configured for insertion into an end of a hose, and a union portion joining the nipple portion to the connecting portion. The socket also has a crimp portion extending from the union portion of the socket. A swage collar having a tapered inner surface radially inwardly deforms the socket when the swage collar is moved axially over the socket to retain a hose between the socket and the nipple portion of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle, having a wiper motor and having at least one wiper bearing in which a wiper shaft is mounted, it being possible to drive said wiper shaft by means of the wiper motor in order to operate a wiper arm which is connected to the wiper shaft, wherein the wiper bearing has a bearing pin (4) for holding a tubular support (1), it being possible for said bearing pin to be fixed to the tubular support (1) by means of a crimp, characterized in that the bearing pin (4) has an outer contour (5) which is already formed, at least in a region of overlap with the crimp, so as to correspond to an inner contour (3) of the crimped tubular support (1), before the crimp is introduced, and also to a method for producing said windscreen wiper apparatus.

Abstract: A method of removing slag formed during laser cutting a hypotube may include flowing cooling gas into a laser nozzle, directing flow of the cooling gas onto an external surface of the hypotube, and injecting cooling fluid into an inner lumen of the hypotube at a velocity. Flowing the cooling gas and injecting the cooling fluid may at least partially remove slag from the external surface of the hypotube.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: As described herein, a body lumen filter is provided that includes a body configured to move between a pre-deployed state and a deployed state, a filtering structure operatively associated with the body to filter particulates, and a blending structure operatively associated with the body. The blending structure can be configured to break up at least one of the particulates.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer stent scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A process for forming the medical device includes placing the scaffold on a support supported by an alignment carriage, and deionizing the scaffold to remove any static charge buildup on the scaffold before placing the scaffold within a crimper to reduce the scaffold's diameter. The polymer scaffold is heated to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve scaffold retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the scaffold when deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A container may include a wall and a medal retained to the wall by container material of integral one-piece construction with the wall and extending over at least a portion of the medal. The medal and one or more portions of the container adjacent the medal have a shared unique appearance. A package may include a flaccid loop coupled between a closure and a container to which the closure is coupled, and a medal coupled to the flaccid loop.

Abstract: Methods of loading an expandable intraluminal medical device into a delivery device adapted for delivery of the expandable intraluminal medical device to a point of treatment in a body vessel are described. The expandable intraluminal medical device can be compressed and forced out of a loading apparatus—and into a delivery device—by applying one or both of a rotational force and a substantially translational force to an end of the loading apparatus. Related kits and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method for improving conductance on hydraulic fittings by incorporating a soft metal interlayer between the fitting and a hydraulic tube, wherein the soft metal interlayer is located in an area where the fitting engages the hydraulic tube upon swaging or installation under pressure.

Abstract: A method to connect piping and a piping connection, having the features of a ring connector configured to snugly fit around an external diameter of a pipe; and a piping shield connected to the ring connector, the piping shield having at least one observation window cut into the shield, wherein the piping shield covers an abutment end of the pipe to be connected, wherein a joint between the ring connector and the piping shield forms a connection.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: Methods for crimping a stent on an expandable member of a delivery catheter, and devices and methods for treating a bifurcation are disclosed. A method for crimping includes positioning a stent having a first portion and a second portion over the expandable member, and non-uniformly crimping the stent to the expandable member. The method can include routing an elongate shaft under the second portion of the stent and through the side hole so as to be routed external to the first portion. The stent second portion can be crimped so that the elongate shaft can be slidably disposed relative to the stent second portion prior to deployment of the stent.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable device releasably attached to the catheter near the distal end; a generally tubular constraining sleeve extending around and compressing the device to an outer peripheral dimension suitable for endoluminal delivery; a tip fixedly secured to the distal end of the catheter; and a bridge member disposed between the tip and the expandable device so as to fill a gap therebetween as the catheter assembly is bent during endoluminal delivery of the expandable device to a treatment site.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes inflating the delivery balloon during a diameter reduction to improve scaffold retention. A crimping temperature is maintained at about the onset of glass transition of the polymer material to facilitate more rapid stabilization of mechanical properties in the scaffold following crimping.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) for a power steering system that surrounds a steering rack in a tubular manner and includes a hydraulic region (32), a mechanical region (34), and as an inner supporting bearing (38), wherein the supporting bearing is held in the steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) by at least two cross-sectional contractions (46) of the housing.

Abstract: A balloon is inflated from a collapsed configuration, then deflated. A polymeric stent is then disposed over the deflated balloon and the stent crimped to the balloon.

Abstract: An improved stent-graft device is provided that delivers a smooth flow surface over a range of operative expanded diameters by applying a unique cover material to the stent through a technique that allows the cover to become wrinkle-free prior to reaching fully deployed diameter. The unique cover material then allows the device to continue to expand to a fully deployed diameter while maintaining a smooth and coherent flow surface throughout this additional expansion. Employed with a self-expanding device, when the device is unconstrained from a compacted diameter it will self-expand up to a fully deployed diameter with the graft being substantially wrinkle-free over diameters ranging from about 30-50% to 100% of the fully deployed diameter.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and kit for reinforcing the distal end of a lateral in an irrigation system, typically in which the distal end of the lateral receives a head with a barbed neck. The method includes placing a crimp ring around the lateral, the crimp ring being large enough to encircle a bulge in the lateral created by insertion of the barbed neck into the end of the lateral. The crimp ring is positioned over the bulge and compressed to sheath and reinforce the bulge. The compression imparts a longitudinally convex profile upon the crimp ring, reducing its inner and outer diameters without increasing its length. This compression may cause projections, made of material from the crimp ring, to form on the outer surface of the crimp ring. A kit includes a crimp tool having a crimp die shaped to impart the longitudinally convex shape upon the crimp ring.

Abstract: A method of sheathing a stent including the steps of providing a stent assembly including a catheter member and a stent member disposed about the catheter member; placing a first sheath film adjacent one side of the stent assembly; placing a second sheath film adjacent an opposite side of the stent assembly, and compressing the stent assembly, whereby the first and second sheath films move toward each other and substantially surround the stent assembly. The first and second sheath films are provided in rolls. Compressing is implemented by a radial compression mechanism. The first and second sheath films pass through the radial compression mechanism. Compressing sheaths the stent assembly and crimps the stent onto the catheter. As an alternative to two sheath films, a single film may be used, whereby compressing surrounds the stent assembly with the single sheath film. Also disclosed is an apparatus for sheathing a stent.

Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing a heat dissipation apparatus includes, firstly, providing a fin assembly including a stack of fins spaced from each other. Each fin defines a through hole therein, and includes a collar formed at an edge of the through hole. Then a heat pipe is provided, and inserted in the through holes of the fins. Next, two opposing punching tools are provided. Each punching tool defines a series of recesses. The subassembly of the heat pipe and fins is positioned between the two punching tools, with the collar of each fin located between two corresponding recesses of the two punching tools. The two punching tools punch the collars of the fins from two opposite sides of the collars. Thereby, the collars shrink inwardly and press the heat pipe to deform until the heat pipe is fittedly mounted in the collars of the fins.

Abstract: A method of using a hydraulically driven pressing device for pressing a fitting on a tube is provided. The pressing device includes a piston and a cylinder for acting on pressing jaws. A piston shaft is connected to rollers. The pressing device can be used to carry out pressing operations requiring different levels of pressing power, by using an adjustable stop which is provided in the direction of displacement of the piston in order to achieve different end positions for the piston during the piston return stroke.

Abstract: A tube splicing machine is provided which includes a frame on which a die holder is located. A swaging die is removably mounted in the die holder, and the die holder includes a main plate and a top plate that is removably connected to the main plate. A die holding opening is defined through a portion of the main plate and the top plate in which the swaging die is inserted. The swaging die includes two die parts that together define a die opening and are separable along a mid-line of the die opening. A splice fitting engagement plate with a splice fitting engagement portion is located on the frame, with the splice fitting engagement plate having an opening or an openable top to allow removable connection to a splice fitting. An actuator is connected between the splice fitting engagement plate and the die holder for moving the splice fitting engagement plate relative to the die holder from an initial position to a swaged position, in order to swage the splice fitting onto a length of hose or tubing.

Abstract: A collet for a fastener installation tool having a pull section with a fastener engagement end and a plurality of teeth. The teeth include a first tooth with a first inner diameter, and each of the remainder of teeth includes a second inner diameter, the first inner diameter being greater than the second inner diameter. The pull section includes a protrusion extending from the fastener engagement end, thereby extending the length of the pull section. The pull section includes a cross-sectional thickness, wherein the collet is adapted to engage a pin member having a locking portion with a first diameter and a pull portion with a smaller second diameter. An increase in the difference between the first diameter of the locking portion and the second diameter of the pull portion of the pin member allows for a corresponding increase in the cross-sectional thickness of the collet, thereby extending the fatigue life of the tool.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the fracture resistance of a polymer stent's drug-polymer coating and scaffolding including applying a coating and crimping using techniques that increase the resistance to fracture in the coating layer and scaffolding and scaffolding.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a tight, form-fitting connection between a housing cover and a housing body, wherein the housing cover has cover tabs protruding from an edge thereof, and an edge area of the housing body has recesses for respectively receiving the cover tabs. The method involves positioning the housing cover on the housing body and deforming the cover tabs in the housing recesses to produce the tight, form-fitting connection in a single operation with a single tool.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for joining two pipes. The fitting assembly includes a fitting having a recess in a distal end for receiving a pipe end. A sealing ring is in the recess to provide a fluid-tight seal after the fitting is pressed. Also, a grab-ring is in the recess having a continuous sharp inner edge to engage an outer surface of the pipe after the fitting is pressed.

Abstract: Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath.