Abstract: A separable or splittable insertion sheath is for inserting a medical device into a patient. The insertion sheath includes releasably connectable ends or is configured to split into proximal and distal sections upon application of a predetermined level of pulling or twisting force to opposite ends of the insertion sheath. A medical device loaded into the insertion sheath is deployed by pulling the proximal and distal sections away from each other to expose the medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for bulge testing an article (12) comprises a pressure vessel (14) arranged to define a chamber (15), the pressure vessel (14) has a first aperture (28) and a second aperture (30), means to pressurise the chamber (15), means (19) to measure the deflection of the article (12, means (39) to measure the pressure in the pressure vessel (14) and means (18) to determine material properties of the article (12) using the measurements of pressure in the pressure vessel (12) and the measurements of deflection of the article (12). A piston (24) is arranged to move within the pressure vessel (14) and the chamber (15) is filled with a fluid. The means to pressurise the pressure vessel (14) comprises a gun (16) arranged to fire a projectile (36) to strike the piston (24) to produce a high pressure in the fluid in the chamber (15) in the pressure vessel (14) to deform an article (12) placed over the first aperture (28) in the pressure vessel (14) to seal the pressure vessel (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying reticles during a multi-step, multi-location treatment process comprising a structural frame carrying at least three holding rods, the rods and/or frame being constructed of a hard inner core material and a chemically resistant outer material is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, further comprises a plurality of slots for supporting the reticles that minimize the contact area between the reticles and the apparatus. Suitable hard inner core materials include carbon fiber, quartz, ceramic, PEEK, and silicon carbide. Suitable outer material includes fluoropolymers, such PTFE, PFA, TFM, and ECTFE. The apparatus is preferably adapted to withstand a reticle treatment process temperature between 20-180° C. The rods and frame are preferably designed to minimize shadowing effects of reticles supported in the apparatus being exposed to megasonic energy. In another aspect, the invention is a method of processing reticles using the inventive apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting controlled injury to a selected body region to induce muscular revascularization and to provide delivery of drugs and therapeutic agents. A transvascular or muscular revascularization device is provided comprising a stimulator with extended penetrating members and a depth regulator for controlling the extent of penetration through tissue membrane, an outer sheath for retention of the stimulator and selective deployment of the penetrating members of the stimulator, and energy transfer means in communication with the stimulator for effecting a controlled injury to a selected region with directed energy through the penetrating members of the stimulator.

Abstract: An illuminated tool caddy (10) is provided for the carrying of tools and parts, and for illumination of work detail related thereto. The primary components of the illuminated tool caddy (10) are a tool carrier (12) and a lamp (14). The lamp (14) is situated within the tool carrier (12) and is of a height such that a bulb housing (44) extends above the side walls (18) of the tool carrier (12). Within the bulb housing (44) are five individual lighting compartments (48), each of which contains a light bulb (54). Reflector facets (56) within each lighting compartment (48) assist in reflecting and directing the light from the light bulbs (54) to give the lamp (14) a hands-free, multidirectional lighting ability. The lamp (14) is capable of simultaneously casting light in any direction, including not only to any side and upwardly, but to the ground and into the interior of the tool carrier (12) as well. The lamp (14) is also removable from the tool carrier for hand-held applications where that is desired.