Abstract: A processing apparatus is provided to surface-finish or otherwise process features of a workpiece, such as a lumen of a stent. The fluid jet apparatus can have a nozzle system and a holder for holding and positioning the workpiece with respect to the nozzle system. A fluid jet outputted from the nozzle system is used to form a desired surface-finish.

Abstract: An assembly for changing the temperature of ultrahigh-pressure fluid as it flows through ultrahigh-pressure tubing includes several thermally conductive blocks. Each block has a first bore through which the ultrahigh-pressure tubing passes, and a second bore containing a source of heating or cooling. Alternatively, resistance heating is used to increase the temperature of the ultrahigh-pressure fluid, by coupling electrodes to the outer surface of the tubing. The ultrahigh-pressure fluid is heated or cooled after it is pressurized, and is then discharged from the ultrahigh-pressure tubing at a selected temperature for use. For example, the ultrahigh-pressure fluid at a selected temperature may be discharged through a nozzle to form an ultrahigh-pressure fluid jet to cut or clean any desired surface or object, or it may be discharged to a pressure vessel to pressure treat a substance.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for generating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an orifice mount having a frusto-conical surface that engages a frusto-conical wall in a cutting head, the geometry of the orifice mount and cutting head being selected to increase the stability of the mount and reduce deflection of the mount adjacent a jewel orifice, when subjected to pressure. Alignment of a nozzle body and the cutting head is improved by providing pilot diameters both upstream and downstream of threads on the nozzle body and bore of the cutting head, respectively. Accurate placement of a mixing tube in a cutting head is achieved by rigidly fixing a collar to an outer surface of the mixing tube, the collar engaging a shoulder and bore of the cutting head downstream of a mixing chamber, to precisely locate the mixing chamber axially and radially.

Abstract: An assembly for changing the temperature of ultrahigh-pressure fluid as it flows through ultrahigh-pressure tubing includes several thermally conductive blocks. Each block has a first bore through which the ultrahigh-pressure tubing passes, and a second bore containing a source of heating or cooling. Alternatively, resistance heating is used to increase the temperature of the ultrahigh-pressure fluid, by coupling electrodes to the outer surface of the tubing. The ultrahigh-pressure fluid is heated or cooled after it is pressurized, and is then discharged from the ultrahigh-pressure tubing at a selected temperature for use. For example, the ultrahigh-pressure fluid at a selected temperature may be discharged through a nozzle to form an ultrahigh-pressure fluid jet to cut or clean any desired surface or object, or it may be discharged to a pressure vessel to pressure treat a substance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable food substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first position, an inlet port in the valve is aligned with a passageway that is open to the pressure vessel. When the valve is in the second position, the valve body seals the passageway, and when the valve is in the third position, an outlet port provided in the valve is aligned with the passageway.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first position, an inlet port in the valve is aligned with a passageway that is open to the pressure vessel. When the valve is in the second position, the valve body seals the passageway, and when the valve is in the third position, an outlet port provided in the valve is aligned with the passageway.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for pressure processing a pumpable substance are shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, a valve is coupled to a source of a pumpable food substance and a pressure vessel, the valve being movable to a first, second and third position. When the valve is in a first position, an inlet port in the valve is aligned with a passageway that is open to the pressure vessel. When the valve is in the second position, the valve body seals the passageway, and when the valve is in the third position, an outlet port provided in the valve is aligned with the passageway.