Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for collection and analysis of cells from a body lumen of a patient may include a diagnostics device including a tube having a distal end and a proximal end and a balloon having a first end coupled to the distal end of the tube. The balloon may be disposed in the tube in a first, inverted position and movable to a second, everted position. A push wire may have a distal end coupled to a second end of the balloon. The balloon may be movable from the first inverted position to the second everted position by actuation of the push wire. One or more receptacles may be included for processing a balloon sample. The system may further include at least one of a sample preparation fluid, a sample preservation liquid, or both. The sample may be preparable for cytological analysis.

Abstract: A luminal prosthesis comprises a plurality of radially expandable prosthetic stent segments arranged axially. Two or more of the prosthetic stent segments are separable upon expansion from the remaining prosthetic stent segments and a coupling structure connects at least some of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to each other. The coupling structure permits a first group of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to separate from a second group of the prosthetic stent segments upon differential radial expansion of the first group relative to the second group and the coupling structure maintains or forms an attachment between the adjacent prosthetic stent segments in the first group which have been expanded together. A delivery system and methods for deploying the multiple coupled prosthetic stent segments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for use in a narrow body lumen are provided. Apparatus may include an outer shaft portion; a tube receivable within the outer shaft portion; and an elongate inflatable body having first and second ends, the first end being sealed to the outer shaft portion and the second end being sealed to the tube. In an initial configuration, the elongate inflatable body is received in the outer shaft portion. The tube is slidable relative to the outer shaft portion to evert the elongate inflatable body when the elongate inflatable body moves out of the outer shaft portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering stents to body lumens include one or more tubular prostheses carried at the distal end of a catheter shaft, a sheath slidably disposed over the prostheses, and a guidewire tube extending from within the sheath to the exterior of the sheath through an exit port in a sidewall thereof. A guidewire extends slidably through the guidewire tube. The sheath can be moved relative to the catheter shaft and the guidewire tube to expose the prostheses for deployment. Methods of delivering stents are also provided.

Abstract: A sample mounting apparatus for a cryo-cooler is provided having a housing with an outer wall surface for connecting to the cryo-cooler, and an inner wall surface. An inert gas is sealed inside the housing for thermal transfer, and a delicate mount is attached to the inner wall surface of the housing for supporting the sample and substantially preventing vibrations from being transferred to the sample from the cryo-cooler.

Abstract: A luminal prosthesis comprises a plurality of radially expandable prosthetic stent segments arranged axially. Two or more of the prosthetic stent segments are separable upon expansion from the remaining prosthetic stent segments and a coupling structure connects at least some of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to each other. The coupling structure permits a first group of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to separate from a second group of the prosthetic stent segments upon differential radial expansion of the first group relative to the second group and the coupling structure maintains or forms an attachment between the adjacent prosthetic stent segments in the first group which have been expanded together. A delivery system and methods for deploying the multiple coupled prosthetic stent segments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus is provided having a nested thermally insulating structure, thermal links, a vacuum shroud, and a cryo-cooler. The nested thermally insulated structure holds a sample to be cooled while dampening the external vibrations caused by the cryo-cooler, the surrounding environment or cryo-cooler mounting surface. The thermal link is made of thermally conductive wires which connect the nested thermally insulated structure and the cryo-cooler thereby allowing the apparatus to reduce vibrations inherent in the operation of the cryo-cooler.

Abstract: A luminal prosthesis comprises a plurality of radially expandable prosthetic stent segments arranged axially. Two or more of the prosthetic stent segments are separable upon expansion from the remaining prosthetic stent segments and a coupling structure connects at least some of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to each other. The coupling structure permits a first group of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to separate from a second group of the prosthetic stent segments upon differential radial expansion of the first group relative to the second group and the coupling structure maintains or forms an attachment between the adjacent prosthetic stent segments in the first group which have been expanded together. A delivery system and methods for deploying the multiple coupled prosthetic stent segments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus is provided having a nested thermally insulating structure, thermal links, a vacuum shroud, and a cryo-cooler. The nested thermally insulated structure holds a sample to be cooled while dampening the external vibrations caused by the cryo-cooler, the surrounding environment or cryo-cooler mounting surface. A vacuum plate is removably attached to the vacuum shroud to provide access to the sample chamber.

Abstract: A turbine engine component has a substrate, a thermal barrier coating deposited onto the substrate, and a sealing layer of ceramic material on an outer surface of the thermal barrier coating for limiting molten sand penetration.

Abstract: A turbine engine component has a substrate, a thermal barrier coating deposited onto the substrate, and a sealing layer of ceramic material on an outer surface of the thermal barrier coating for limiting molten sand penetration.

Abstract: A turbine engine component has a substrate and a thermal barrier coating deposited onto the substrate. The thermal barrier coating comprises a ceramic material having a sodium containing compound incorporated therein. The sodium containing compound is present in a concentration so that when molten sand reacts with the coating, sodium silicate is formed as the by product.

Abstract: A sample mounting apparatus for a cryo-cooler is provided having a housing with an outer wall surface for connecting to the cryo-cooler, and an inner wall surface. An inert gas is sealed inside the housing for thermal transfer, and a delicate mount is attached to the inner wall surface of the housing for supporting the sample and substantially preventing vibrations from being transferred to the sample from the cryo-cooler.

Abstract: A material separating apparatus comprising: a frame having a front, left and right wall, said frame having an approximately rectangular shape, a right and left back support column, an upper cross beam attached to the back support columns, a lower cross beam attached and supported by the left and right wall, two or more fixed bars firmly attached to said upper cross beam and said lower cross beam, one or more shift bars, said shift bars are pivotally fixed to said upper cross beam on one end and a lower end rests in a saddle that is fixed upon a lower clip of said lower cross beam, risers attached to the bottom side of said shift bars and a lift bar attached to the lower end of said risers, a means for adjusting the space between two or more fixed or shift bars and means for providing an upward force to said lift beam and thereby pivoting said one or more shift bars.

Abstract: A cryogenic apparatus is provided having a nested thermally insulating structure, thermal links, a vacuum shroud, and a cryo-cooler. The nested thermally insulated structure holds a sample to be cooled while dampening the external vibrations caused by the cryo-cooler, the surrounding environment or cryo-cooler mounting surface. The thermal link is made of thermally conductive wires which connect the nested thermally insulated structure and the cryo-cooler thereby allowing the apparatus to reduce vibrations inherent in the operation of the cryo-cooler.

Abstract: A separator for use in separating larger rocks from smaller rocks and soil in which the upper rear support includes a connecting member allowing the sizing members to be adjusted to reject different minimum sizes, and in which the connecting member is recessed to protect it from damage during transport.

Abstract: A turbine engine component has a substrate and a thermal barrier coating deposited onto the substrate. The thermal barrier coating comprises a ceramic material having a sodium containing compound incorporated therein. The sodium containing compound is present in a concentration so that when molten sand reacts with the coating, sodium silicate is formed as the by product.

Abstract: A turbine engine component has a substrate, a thermal barrier coating deposited onto the substrate, and a sealing layer of ceramic material on an outer surface of the thermal barrier coating for limiting molten sand penetration.

Abstract: A luminal prosthesis comprises a plurality of radially expandable prosthetic stent segments arranged axially. Two or more of the prosthetic stent segments are separable upon expansion from the remaining prosthetic stent segments and a coupling structure connects at least some of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to each other. The coupling structure permits a first group of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to separate from a second group of the prosthetic stent segments upon differential radial expansion of the first group relative to the second group and the coupling structure maintains or forms an attachment between the adjacent prosthetic stent segments in the first group which have been expanded together. A delivery system and methods for deploying the multiple coupled prosthetic stent segments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery of prosthetic stent segments comprises a separator tube having a one-way grip structure near a distal end thereof. The stent segments are delivered to a treatment region on a balloon. To select a number of distal stent segments for deployment, the separator tube is advanced distally over proximal stent segments. Proximal retraction of the separator tube pulls the engaged segment(s) proximally to separate proximal segments from distal segments, freeing the distal segments for deployment.