Abstract: A method of forming an annularly expanding and retracting gripping and releasing mechanism providing a series of flexible tubes, comprising providing (1) a series of flexible tubes, (2) a corresponding series of wires, each of which includes a movable wire section and relatively short fixed wire section integrally connected with one end of the movable wire section by a kink configured so that the wire sections extend in longitudinally coextensive relation therefrom; (3) a series of tubular elements of thermoplastic material; and (4) a series of heat shrinkable sleeves assembling a distal end portion of each flexible tube with a fixed wire section, a tubular element and a heat shrinkable sleeve so that the fixed wire section extends along the exterior periphery of the flexible tube with the kink disposed outwardly of the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a canula assembly having a movable medical instrument assembly on the distal end thereof and a moving assembly on the proximal end thereof. The medical instrument assembly comprises a plurality of cooperating medical instrument structures having proximal ends confined peripherally at a position of confinement and distal ends movable toward and away from each other. Each cooperating medical instrument structure include a longitudinally stable tubular portion at the proximal confined end thereof having an open end spaced from the position of confinement. Each tubular portion has a movable elongated flexure element extending therethrough having a distal end disposed outwardly of the open end of the tubular portion and fixed with respect to a cooperating medical instrument structure at a position thereon spaced from the confined proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A molding machine for molding microparts containing between 0.001 to 3.5 cubic centimeters of plastic shot volume includes a plasticizing portion operatively connected to an injection portion and a mold portion. A valve member is provided to open and close the connection between the plasticizing portion and the injection portion. A linear motor member is associated with the injection portion to permit molding times of 0.01 seconds at pressures up to about 100,000 psi during injection of the molten plastic into the mold portion.

Abstract: A molding machine for molding microparts containing between 0.001 to 3.5 cubic centimeters of plastic shot volume includes a plasticizing portion operatively connected to an injection portion and a mold portion. A valve member is provided to open and close the connection between the plasticizing portion and the injection portion. A linear motor member is associated with the injection portion to permit molding times of 0.01 seconds at pressures up to about 100,000 psi during injection of the molten plastic into the mold portion.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a canula assembly having a movable medical instrument assembly on the distal end thereof and a moving assembly on the proximal end thereof. The medical instrument assembly comprises a plurality of cooperating medical instrument structures having proximal ends confined peripherally at a position of confinement and distal ends movable toward and away from each other. Each cooperating medical instrument structure include a longitudinally stable tubular portion at the proximal confined end thereof having an open end spaced from the position of confinement. Each tubular portion has a movable elongated flexure element extending therethrough having a distal end disposed outwardly of the open end of the tubular portion and fixed with respect to a cooperating medical instrument structure at a position thereon spaced from the confined proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a proximal tubular member formed of high strength materials such as stainless steel with an inner lumen for directing inflation fluid through the tubular member, a double lumen distal member which is secured to the distal end of the proximal tubular member with one of the lumens in the distal member being in fluid communication and axially aligned with the inner lumen of the proximal tubular member and the other lumen which is generally offset and parallel to the first inner lumen being adapted to slidably receive a guidewire and an inflatable balloon on the distal member. A proximal port in the proximal end of the second inner lumen is spaced at least 10 cm but not more than about 40 cm proximally from a distal port in the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a proximal tubular member formed of high strength materials such as stainless steel with an inner lumen for directing inflation fluid through the tubular member, a double lumen distal member which is secured to the distal end of the proximal tubular member with one of the lumens in the distal member being in fluid communication and axially aligned with the inner lumen of the proximal tubular member and the other lumen which is generally offset and parallel to the first inner lumen being adapted to slidbly receive a guidewire and an inflatable balloon on the distal member. A proximal port in the proximal end of the second inner lumen is spaced at least 10 cm but not more than about 40 cm proximally from a distal port in the distal end of the catheter.