Abstract: The present invention provides improved prostheses and methods for their endolumenal placement within body lumens, particularly blood vessels. In one embodiment, the prosthesis of the present invention consists a plurality of radially expansible rings having, a plurality of beams connecting axially remote points on adjacent rings, and a plurality of expansion joints connecting axially proximate points on adjacent rings. The beams maintain the remote points at a fixed distance when the prosthesis is radially expanded and the expansion joints allow for relative movement of the proximate points during delivery of the prosthesis. The combination of the beams and expansion joints minimizes the risk of injury to the body lumen during delivery of the prosthesis to a target site and provides improved tracking capabilities.

Abstract: Thermal ink-jet inks are provided containing a colorant and a vehicle, the vehicle comprising from about 8 to about 20 wt % of a 1,2-diol, from about 0.1 to about 5 wt % of at least one non-ionic surfactant, and optionally 0 to about 5 wt. % of a aliphatic alcohol; 0 to about 1.5 wt % of at least one component independently selected from the group consisting of buffers, biocides, and metal chelators; and the balance water. The inks formulated according to the present invention provide the desired dot gain and dot symmetry on the print medium, in particular, gelatin coated media, while providing excellent color-to-color bleed alleviation. The images generated with the inks of the present invention exhibit excellent, near photographic image quality.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention inks suitable for use in ink-jet printers and method for formulating the same are provided. The present dye set exhibits excellent color quality and lightfastness across a range of media. Furthermore, the dye set preserves its performance over a wide pH range, particularly low pH. This functionality across a wide pH range, enables the use of pH- sensitive bleed control mechanisms. More specifically, a specific dye set for formulating the yellow, magenta, and cyan inks is disclosed, comprising Direct Yellow 132 and Acid Yellow 23; Magenta 377 and Acid Red 52; and Direct Blue 199 and Acid Blue 9; respectively.

Abstract: Aqueous inks are provided for use in vehicles employing from about 10 to about 40 wt % of one or more organic solvents; and optionally up to about 5 wt % of an additive independently selected from the group consisting of surfactant, buffer, biocide, and mixtures thereof. The inks comprise, by weight, from about 1 to about 10 wt % Reactive Black 31 dye in either or both of its hydrolyzed forms, namely vinyl sulfone form and ethyl hydroxy form. Ink-jet inks made using the Pacified Reactive Black 31 provide improved lightfastness across a range of printing media while providing reliable ink-jet pen performance.