Abstract: A firesleeve assembly as used with hose systems, such as pressurized fuel, lubricating and hydraulic circuits. The cut end of a firesleeve utilizing a fibrous material such as glass fiber is enclosed and sealed by a cuff sleeve having a portion located upon the hose, or an associated fitting, wherein a portion of the cuff sleeve is located within the firesleeve adjacent the cut end and another portion of the cuff sleeve is folded over the cut end locating an outer cuff sleeve portion over the outer diameter of the firesleeve and enclosing the firesleeve end. Preferably, an annular clamp circumscribes the cuff sleeve to produce sealing between the cuff sleeve, firesleeve and hose system preventing moisture or liquids from entering the firesleeve end.

Abstract: An intraluminal stenting graft for implantation in a blood vessel and a method for making same wherein the intraluminal stenting graft includes a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. An outer layer and an inner layer extend between the ends. The outer layer is more flexible than the inner layer. The outer layer is joined to the inner layer to form a plurality of cylinders longitudinally extending between the first end and the second end. The method of the present invention including the steps of: placing a first layer of material on a substantially flat surface; placing a second layer of material on a shaped surface; maintaining the second layer on said shaped surface by use of reverse pressure; moving the second layer to the first layer; joining the second layer to the first layer to form a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinders; and shaping the first and second layers to form a tube member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members that includes a split locking ring having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are aligned to permit abutting engagement. The assembly further includes a first member extending along an axis from a forward end toward a rearward portion. The first member has an exterior surface. A rib extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the first member. The rib includes a ramp tapering in a direction away from the forward end and away from the axis. The rib further includes a cylindrical surface substantially parallel to the axis extending rearwardly from the ramp. The rib further includes a shoulder tapering away from the forward end and inwardly toward the axis. The assembly also includes a second member having a leading end and a leading portion extending therefrom for receiving the first member. The leading portion has an inner surface. A locking ring receiving groove is defined by the inner surface of the second member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite or hose which minimizes hydrocarbon emission in fuel systems. The composite or hose is especially suitable for motor vehicles. The composite or hose uses a thin, inner layer of a polyfluorocarbon polymer and an outer layer of a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: An intraluminal graft/stent includes a hollow tubular member with inner and outer wall members defining a cavity in which is positioned a time-delay, heat-activated material partially filling the cavity. Upon implantation of the graft/stent in the blood vessel to be repaired, the time-delay, heat-activated material will foam and expand to completely fill the cavity causing the outer wall to sealingly engage the interior wall of the blood vessel. The inner wall, upon expansion, provides a conduit for the flow of blood. Under one embodiment, a flexible support member encircles the outer wall member and, by virtue of its shorter length and smaller cross-sectional size than the outer wall member causes enlarged cuffs to be formed at opposing ends of the graft/stent upon completion of expansion of the time-delay, heat-activated material.

Abstract: A fluid actuated ball check valve assembly having an annular housing containing a ball valve. The annular housing has a first end and a second end. The annular housing defines a fluid passageway having a passageway axis extending therethrough. A fluid actuated ball valve is pivotally mounted in the fluid passageway. The ball valve defines a bore having a bore extending therethrough. Resilient members, such as a sleeve in contact with a coiled spring, engage the ball valve to maintain the ball valve in the fluid passageway. Pressurized fluid in the fluid passageway at the first end of the annular housing causes the ball valve to pivot from a closed position to an open position to allow fluid to flow through the fluid passageway from the first end to the second end of the annular housing.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions are engaged together by a hinge member and a clasp. Each body portion includes a radially deflective clamping member, the clamping member forming an adjustable clamping orifice designed to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female member having a receiving end with an axially extending passageway and inwardly facing groove extending outwardly from said passageway in a position spaced from the receiving end. A split metal locking ring is positioned in the groove. A male member is sized to be received in said receiving end and includes a rib having (i) a ramp tapering in a direction away from the forward end and away from the axis at an angle in the range of 10.degree. to 25.degree., (ii) a cylindrical surface parallel to the axis extending rearwardly from the ramp a distance of at least 0.010 and preferably 0.030 inch and (iii) a shoulder tapering away from the forward end and inwardly toward the axis.

Abstract: An intraluminal stenting graft for implantation in a blood vessel including a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. The tube member further includes an outer layer and an inner layer extending between the ends. The outer layer is joined to the inner layer to form a plurality of cylinders extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The cylinders provide structural support to the tube member. An absorbent is positioned in at least one of the cylinders. When an absorbate is introduced to the plurality of cylinders and the absorbent, the absorbent absorbs the absorbate. The absorbent increases in volume as a result of such absorption to support the collapsible tube member at the site of implantation of the intraluminal stenting graft in a blood vessel.

Abstract: A quick disconnect fluid coupling is disclosed. The fluid coupling may be used in, for example, animal watering systems. The fluid coupling includes first and second coupling members. One member has a movable valve which is moved from the valve seat by the stem of the other member upon coupling. A plurality of circumferentially spaced balls are urged inwardly by a constant force spring. The balls are received in a groove of the other member to secure one member to the other.

Abstract: An intraluminal stenting graft for implantation in a blood vessel and a method for making same wherein the intraluminal stenting graft includes a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. An outer layer and an inner layer extend between the ends. The outer layer is more flexible than the inner layer. The outer layer is joined to the inner layer to form a plurality of cylinders longitudinally extending between the first end and the second end. The method of the present invention including the steps of: placing a first layer of material on a substantially flat surface; placing a second layer of material on a shaped surface; maintaining the second layer on said shaped surface by use of reverse pressure; moving the second layer to the first layer; joining the second layer to the first layer to form a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinders; and shaping the first and second layers to form a tube member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integral bi-directional flow control valve. The valve includes a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of a fluid in a first direction and a second direction. The housing defines a phase change chamber in the passageway. A first restrictor having a first bore is positioned in the passageway adjacent the phase change chamber. The bore has a volume less than the volume of the chamber. As the fluid flows through the bore in the first direction into the chamber, the fluid changes from a liquid to a gas as it exits the bore. The gas continues to flow through the passageway. A second restrictor having a second bore is positioned in the passageway adjacent the chamber and opposed to the first restrictor. The second restrictor includes a second bore having a volume less than the volume of the chamber. The second bore can be the same size as the first bore or a different size depending on the application.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting stent that includes a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. An outer wall and an inner wall extend between the ends. A first end wall and a second end wall extend between the outer wall and the inner wall. The outer, inner, first end and second end wall form a chamber. A permeable film layer extends between the first end wall and the second end wall in the chamber. The film layer, outer wall and end walls define a space. A composite material is positioned in a chamber between the inner wall and the permeable film layer. An opening is positioned in one of the end walls to allow the introduction of a reagent into the defined space. The reagent reacts with the composite material to cause the composite material to harden after the intraluminal grafting stent has been positioned in a blood vessel. The present invention is further directed to a method for implanting the intraluminal grafting stent in a blood vessel. Using a balloon catheter.

Abstract: An improved non-metallic half coupling having a housing enclosing a valve that can be rotated between open and closed positions. The coupling includes an annular housing comprised of a polymer material having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to receive a second identical half coupling. The second end is adapted to receive a fluid conduit. A fluid passageway is defined through the housing. A valve having a spherical configuration is positioned adjacent to the first end in the housing. The valve is comprised of a polymer material. The valve defines a bore having an axis extending therethrough. A handle comprised of a polymer material is in communication with the valve. The handle rotates the valve about a valve axis transverse to the bore axis between an open position and a closed position. The handle can include various projections and recesses to maintain the proper position of the handle.

Abstract: Precision forming apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a die with a cavity which conforms with the shape of a portion of a part to be formed, a punch with a cavity which conforms with the shape of another portion of the part to be formed, and means for causing relative movement of the die and the punch between(a) a first (closed) position in which the die and the punch nearly abut one another and the two cavities are aligned and form a single cavity which conforms with the shape of the part to be formed, andb) a second (open) position in which the die and the punch are separated from one another and a billet can be placed in the cavity of one to be formed, when the two are returned to the first position, to the shape of the single cavity.The cavity forms longitudinally opposed end walls in their entirety. As a consequence, the length of a part to be formed is determined by the punch cavity, and can be changed by substituting a different punch.

Abstract: A dry break coupling for joining together opposing passageways includes a male member and a female member, each of which includes a resiliently deformable rubber flap with cross-hair slits positioned to engage each other as the male and female members are moved axially toward their coupled position. Each of the male and female members also is provided with a normally closed but resiliently openable rubber septum position on the opposite side of its rubber flap from the engagement end of the respective members. The male member is provided with a blunt cannula which is fixed and a moveable carrier supporting the rubber septum. The female member is provided with an axially moveable support for the rubber flap and a fixed support for the rubber septum.

Abstract: This invention relates to an environmental coupling that reduces spillage to less than 1 mL. The coupling includes a first convex ball valve and a second concave ball valve. One ball valve includes flat surfaces on the ball and a retainer with "flats" that correspond to the "flats" on the ball valve. This feature keeps the ball valve on centerline and allows valve actuation without damage to either ball valve. The coupling also provides other numerous safeguards against spillage. For instance, the coupling has handles with concave and convex edges to prohibit the wrong sequencing of opening and closing the ball valves, interlocking means to prevent the uncoupling of the annular bodies of the ball valves when the first ball valve is in the open position, and a handle button release and secondary handle lock.

Abstract: A universal hydraulic tool for compressing a connector fitting to tube portions to be joined is disclosed. The tool includes a base member and a tool member which define aligned receiving chambers. The base member defines a first jaw set and a slide member defines a second jaw set. The reception chambers have a width adjacent the jaw sets slightly larger than the connector fitting end. The base member mounts a cylinder having a piston operatively connected to the slide member. Relative movement between the base member and the slide member compress the connector fitting in either the forward direction or the reverse direction to form the desired tube joint without using a different hydraulic tool.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for joining opposing ends of a fluid flow line includes a sleeve member and a body member sized to be received in the open engagement end of the sleeve member. The sleeve member has resilient, laterally displaceable fingers joined at one end and tapering inwardly toward the axis in cantilever fashion to free ends. Upon insertion of the body member in the sleeve member, the body member contacts the fingers and urges the cantilevered portions including the free ends outwardly. Upon complete insertion, the free ends snap inwardly to engage shoulders of the body member. The body member has a series of camming faces adjacent each shoulder. The sleeve is rotatable about the body member to displace the free ends of the fingers outwardly and to align such fingers with portions of the body member away from such shoulders to thereby release the body member from the sleeve member.

Abstract: A diffuser air outlet includes a plurality of directional vanes journaled generally parallel to each other, and a vane linkage arm assembly for connecting the directional vanes into at least two distinct groups and for moving the distinct groups between a focused position and a diffused position.