Abstract: A process for coating a surface of a metal-containing substrate with a bioceramic material includes activating the surface of the metal-containing substrate by applying a voltage to the substrate in a liquid containing an electrolyte; and, immersing the substrate in a deposition solution containing the bioceramic material or precursors for the bioceramic material. The coated substrate may be heat treated to enhance coating bond strength. The bioceramic material may be hydroxyapatite. Coated substrates are useful for the fabrication of prostheses.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a coating substance to an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided. The applicator comprises a nozzle and a temperature controller in communication with the nozzle for adjusting the temperature of the coating substance. A method of using the applicator is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing or repairing a coating on a metallic substrate. Production of said coating comprises forming a pre-layer on the substrate or on a sub-layer of the coating placed on the substrate by applying one or more layers of a paint containing at least one metal selected from the group constituted by platinum class metals (platinoids) and chromium. Application to the formation or localized repair of a thermal barrier on a superalloy turbo engine part.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for spray application of a coating material onto a medical device by spraying coating material from a micronozzle fabricated from a plurality of sheets that are etched with holes or openings. The openings are aligned to form fluid channels and the sheets are fused together in a planar fashion to define a micronozzle. In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method for spray application of a coating material onto a medical device using micronozzles fabricated in batches by a simplified manufacturing process. In other embodiments, the invention provides for a method for spray application of a coating material onto a medical device by spraying coating material from a micronozzle that includes a swirl or gas-assist atomizer.

Abstract: An implant having a coating comprising a polymer matrix is swollen in a pharmaceutical solution whereby pharmaceutically active compound is imbibed into the polymer matrix. When the product is implanted, release of the pharmaceutically active compound from the coating takes place. The polymer is preferably formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers including a zwitterionic monomer, most preferably 2-methacryloyloxyethyl-2?-trimethylammoniumethyl-phosphate inner salt. The monomers from which the polymer is formed may further include surface binding monomers, such as hydrophobic group containing monomers, and crosslinkable monomers, the content of which may be used to control the swellability. Preferably the implant is a stent and the coating of polymer on the exterior wall surface is thicker than the coating of polymer on the interior surface. Release of the drug may be controlled by selection of comonomers. The implant is suitably a stent for use in the cardiovascular system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating device (10) comprising a coating tank (21) with an opening (22) and a coating roll (31), in which the roll (31) faces the opening (22). A further subject of the invention is a method for coating a substrate with a fluid comprising the steps of (i) supply of a substrate (40) and of a fluid, (ii) application of the fluid to the substrate (40) and (iii) shearing of the fluid by the substrate (40) set in motion in relation to the fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The method comprises applying a coating composition to the stent; followed by terminating the application of the coating composition; followed by inserting a temperature adjusting element within the longitudinal bore of the stent to change the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling coating material deposition on to a medical device. Images of material drops in flight are captured and an average single drop volume value is calculated by conversion of the captured drop images to a volume measurement. The average single drop volume value is used to calculate a total number of drops necessary to apply a desired amount of coating. Alternately, material is applied and the amount of material deposited is accumulated and adjustments are made to deposit only a desired amount of coating material. A drop volume is determined for either every drop or a sampling of drops as the drops are being applied. Adjustments to the coating process include changing drop size and changing a number of drops to be deposited.

Abstract: A process for resurfacing a monocrystalline or directionally solidified metallic piece, having a thickness (Ws), in which a laser beam and a flux of metallic powder, whereof the nature is the same as that of the metallic piece, is applied to the piece to produce at least one layer of metal, monocrystalline or directionally solidified, from the piece, the laser beam being sent out at a power “P”, and moving along the piece at a speed “v”, wherein the laser beam and the flux of powder are applied coaxially on the piece and the P/v ratio is within the range defined on the figure.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramic article useful as a bone substitute and having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume and having open, interconnecting openings extending throughout the volume and opening through the surface, includes, providing an organic open-pore structure, coating surface of pores of the structure with a ceramic slip, pyrolyzing the organic structure to leave a ceramic structure having struts defining a plurality of interconnecting interstices, and providing within the interstices a porous osteoconductive composition exposed to the interconnecting openings. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic slip includes a strong, supportive ceramic material and a separate osteoconductive material.

Abstract: Scaffold-supported metal or pseudometallic film covers suitable for use as medical devices are disclosed together with methods of fabricating the devices. Methods for making the medical devices consist of either providing or forming a scaffold, then depositing a metallic or pseudometallic film cover onto the scaffold in such a manner as to form an integral, substantially monolithic junction between the deposited cover material and the scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for forming an inorganic coating on a protein template. The method comprises contacting the template with an anionic polymer interface followed by an inorganic material for a sufficient period of time to allow mineralization of the inorganic material thus forming an inorganic coating on the template. Preferably, the coating is aligned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for roll coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been roll coated in accord with the invention. Under these methods and processes of the invention, one of a roller and/or the workpiece may be moved longitudinally to apply coating to a target surface of a workpiece. In some embodiments, a plurality of rollers may be used and supported by arms. Still further, in accord with the embodiments of the present invention, a dispensing member may be provided to fluidly connect the roller with a reservoir. In still other embodiments, the workpiece may be an implantable medical device and the coating may include a therapeutic.

Abstract: A method for producing an oral medication includes dispensing a structural material, the structural material including one of a polymer or a gelatin, curing the structural material, and dispensing a jettable pharmaceutical solution onto the cured structural material.

Abstract: Pharmacologically active, easy-to-deploy, biomechanically compatible, inflatable endovascular, drug-eluting stent are formed of a primary expandable polymeric or metallic construct, intimately mantled with a biomechanically compatible, polymeric microporous, microfibrous, compliant, stretchable fabric formed by direct electrospinning onto the outside surface of the primary construct using at least one polymer solution containing at least one active compound, selected from those expected to control key biological events leading to in-stent restenosis.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device including a reinforcing underlayment having a non-stick, anti-microbial coating. In one embodiment, the coating includes a non-stick material having anti-microbial particles interspersed in the non-stick material. This coating is applied to the surfaces of the electrode to minimize the build-up of charred tissue on the surfaces of the electrode. Also, the coating tends to kill harmful organisms residing on the surfaces of the electrode. In another embodiment, a primer coating is initially applied to the surfaces of the electrode. A plurality of anti-microbial particles are then applied to the primer coating layer and engage and are embedded in the primer coating layer. A top coat including a non-stick material is applied to the anti-microbial particle layer. In either embodiment, the coating layers applied to the surfaces of the electrode are cured to harden and adhere the layers to the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for impregnating a support matrix with solid and/or liquid compounds using a compressed gas or a compressed mixture of gases at densities ranging from 0.15 to 1.3 kg/l and at least two unsymmetrical pressure changes (pulsations). The method is further characterized in that both a multitude of impregnating substances such as biologically active compounds, technical materials or metal-organic compounds, as well as support matrices of biological origin and organic or inorganic substances can be used that have large inner surfaces and/or inner surfaces that are difficult to access.

Abstract: In printing of a bonding material in which a board is supported from a component mounting-side surface on which a plurality of components are mounted, and a bonding material is printed on a working-side surface which is a surface opposed to the component mounting-side surface of the board, an edge portion region of the board supported by a board transporting unit is included in a support region of the board during the printing so as to enlarge the support region of the board having the components mounted thereon in high density and to achieve reliable and high precision printing of the bonding material.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices comprising a coil, coated with a multi-layer coating system and possess the flexibility, lubricity and trackability desired in applications where such devices are utilized. The coating system comprises a non-hydrophilic polymer primer coat and a hydrophilic polymer topcoat. These coating materials do not comprise any cross-linkers or reactive functional groups, and do not require the use of a hazardous solvent. The multi-layer coating system is very thin; having a maximum dry thickness in the range of about 15 microns to about 40 microns. Also disclosed are methods for coating and using these medical devices. The coatings are applied at low temperatures, in an aqueous environment, and in such a way that the coil is coated discretely, without forming a thick layer between the coil portions. Such coating prevents substantial bridging between the loops of the coil, thus preventing the coil tip from being stiff or non-trackable.