Abstract: A balloon catheter is described, having a reinforced, co-axial, duel lumen design. At least one of the lumens is formed of a multilayer, tubular element in which one of the layers functions, in part, to provide radial reinforcement to the tubular element.

Abstract: An extrusion structure including a central body extending along a longitudinal axis; a first arm body secured to the central body and extending along the longitudinal axis; a second arm body secured to the central body and extending along the longitudinal axis; a first head body secured to the first arm body and extending along the longitudinal axis; and a second head body secured to the second arm body along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the first and second head bodies projecting one towards the other and being spaced apart by a gap, the first head body having a first internal face facing the central body, the second head body having a second internal face facing the central body, and the first and second internal faces being either straight and coplanar or inwardly inclined towards the central body.

Abstract: A sun dial including a housing, a light detector mounted on the housing exposed to detect ambient light, a logic circuit mounted in the housing for processing the detected light for determining over a preselected period of time the average light detected by the light detector, and an indicator to indicate upon demand, the average light detected during the preselected period of time. A method for determining average light detected over a period of time by detecting light above a preselected threshold indicative of darkness, while noting the time of darkness, adjusting the period of time by subtracting the time of darkness from the period of time, calculating the average light detected over the adjusted period of time, and giving a visual indication of the average light detected.

Abstract: Medical devices for insertion into the body of human or veterinary patients, wherein the device comprises a) a working element (e.g. a wire, a guidewire, a tube, a catheter, a cannula, a scope (e.g., rigid or flexible endoscope, laparoscope, sigmoidoscope, cystoscope, etc.) a probe, an apparatus for collecting information from a location within the body (e.g., an electrode, sensor, camera, scope, sample withdrawal apparatus, biopsy or tissue sampling device, etc.) which has an outer surface and b) a continuous or non-continuous coating on the outer surface of the working element. The outer surface of the working element is prepared to create a surface topography which promotes mechanical or frictional engagement of the coating to the working element. In some embodiments the coating is a lubricious coating, such as a fluorocarbon coating or a hydrogel that becomes lubricious when contacted by a liquid. In some embodiments, the coating may expand as swell.

Abstract: Hydrogels that expand volumetrically in response to a change in their environment (e.g., a change in pH or temperature) and their methods of manufacture and use. Generally, the hydrogels are prepared by forming a liquid reaction mixture that contains a) monomer(s) and/or polymer(s) at least portion(s) of which are sensitive to environmental changes (e.g., changes in pH or temperature), b) a crosslinker and c) a polymerization initiator. If desired, a porosigen may be incorporated into the liquid reaction mixture to create pores. After the hydrogel is formed, the porosigen is removed to create pores in the hydrogel. The hydrogel may also be treated to cause it to assume a non-expanded volume in which it remains until a change in its environment causes it to expand. These hydrogels may be prepared in many forms including pellets, filaments, and particles.

Abstract: The invention is a decorative cover/actuator which can be used as a stand alone device or in combination with a door bell. The cover is pivotally mounted on a surface with an adjustable lever extending out the back of the cover. When the cover is pressed toward the wall, the push lever rings the door bell and actuates an electronic circuit inside the cover that can display lights, emit sounds, including music and voice, and cause movable objects on the cover to move.