Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring a heart. According to one embodiment, the system includes an implantable registering unit for registering an electrical signal from the heart. The system includes a local data unit in operable communication with registering unit. The local data unit may be placed in communication with a computer, which may be at a location remote from the local data unit. The computer is adapted to receive the data from the local data unit corresponding to the registered electrical signal and to compare the registered electrical signal to a reference electrical signal to determine whether the heart is functioning properly.

Abstract: A fitting incorporating a crimp sealing device and a method of forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting are provided. A sealing crimp is formed over at least one corrugation of the tubing, where the sealing crimp can utilize a preformed bend or bulge to form a crimp and seal. Alternatively, the sealing crimp can apply pressure radially against an outer sleeve of the fitting, such that at least one corrugation of the tubing is compressed axially or radially to form a primary seal. The outer sleeve also can include one or more gaskets arranged between the outer sleeve and the tubing for forming a secondary seal. An inner sleeve can be received radially inside the outer sleeve, and one or more gaskets can be arranged between the inner sleeve and the tubing. Further, a jacket crimp can be applied against an end of the sleeve member to contact a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing.

Abstract: A fitting incorporating a bushing for forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting, and methods of actuating the fitting and forming a seal using the fitting and tubing are provided. The tubing can be corrugated stainless steel tubing having a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing. The fitting includes a bushing having a substantially open configuration, the bushing configured to engage at least one corrugation groove. When a nut is advanced, the bushing applies pressure to the tubing to crush at least one initial corrugation to form a metal-to-metal seal that is gas and liquid tight.

Abstract: Corrugated tubing (2) having a smooth or semi-smooth bore, and methods for fabricating such tubing are provided. A length of corrugation tubing (2) can be formed with a filler (4) or liner material inside the tubing. The filler material (4) or liner material may yield one or more improved properties such as reducing head (pressure) loss, reducing friction, sound damping, fire resistance, and corrosion resistance. The corrugated tubing with a smooth or semi-smooth bore can be included in a piping system in which a fitting is connected to the tubing.

Abstract: A fitting incorporating a snap-fit sealing and locking device and methods of actuating the fitting and forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting are provided. The tubing can be corrugated stainless steel tubing having a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing. The sealing and locking device incorporates a bushing that is advanced through the application of axial pressure into a sleeve portion. Fingers on the bushing engage one or more corrugation grooves on the tubing and apply force to the tubing to collapse one or more corrugations to form a metal-to-metal seal. Distal motion of the bushing is inhibited after forming a metal-to-metal seal by contact between the bushing and the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A fitting (14) incorporating a quick actuating sealing and locking device and methods of actuating the fitting and forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing (10) and the fitting (14) are provided. The tubing (10) can be corrugated stainless steel tubing having a jacket (12) that at least partially covers the tubing. The sealing and locking device incorporates a sealing ring (24) and a loading ring (26)—received in the fitting (14), the sealing ring (24) being compressible against an end corrugation of the tubing—. The loading ring (26) can be actuated to move axially and engage the sealing ring (24), thereby compressing the sealing ring (24) into substantial engagement with the end corrugation.

Abstract: A fitting incorporating a crimp sealing device and a method of forming a seal between a length of corrugated tubing and the fitting are provided. A sealing crimp is formed over at least one corrugation of the tubing, where the sealing crimp can utilize a preformed bend or bulge to form a crimp and seal. Alternatively, the sealing crimp can apply pressure radially against an outer sleeve of the fitting, such that at least one corrugation of the tubing is compressed axially or radially to form a primary seal. The outer sleeve also can include one or more gaskets arranged between the outer sleeve and the tubing for forming a secondary seal. An inner sleeve can be received radially inside the outer sleeve, and one or more gaskets can be arranged between the inner sleeve and the tubing. Further, a jacket crimp can be applied against an end of the sleeve member to contact a jacket that at least partially covers the tubing.

Abstract: A sealing device and method for sealing a length of tubing with a fitting is provided, where the sealing device includes at least one sealing surface formed with a plurality of ridges. The ridges include at least one end ridge and at least one internal ridge which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and formed with a desired geometry such as U-shaped, V-shaped, or various other shapes and with different sealing faces such as curved or flat. The ridges are spaced apart in a manner to maximize sealing pressure, and produce stress concentrations and localized deformations, in order to create a seal at lower torques or on stiffer tubing or tubing with at least one minor defect such as a dent or weld. The sealing device is particularly useful for sealing an end corrugation of tubing in a fitting used in gas and liquid piping systems.

Abstract: A sealing device and method for sealing a length of tubing with a fitting, where the sealing device includes at least one sealing surface formed with a plurality of ridges. The sealing device is particularly useful for sealing at least an end corrugation of tubing in a fitting used in gas and liquid piping systems. The fitting is sized to maintain a generally circular shape of the end corrugation after the corrugation is collapsed between the ridged sealing surface and another sealing surface. In particular, an inner diameter of one or more components of the fitting can be sized such that the corrugated tubing will have a circular profile to provide an optimal seal.

Abstract: A fluid system, a control valve therefor, and a method of its operation are provided. The fluid system includes a piping run, and a control valve which includes: a housing having an inlet connected to the piping run, an outlet connected to the piping run, and a pressure port; and a elastomeric tube disposed inside the housing, the tube having a flow passage extending therethrough which is in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet. An outer surface of the tube and the housing cooperatively define a pressure chamber which is in fluid communication solely with the pressure port, A source of controlled fluid pressure is connected to the pressure port to modulate flow in the tube. The tube is sized and the valve is operated so as to provide accurate flow rate control.

Abstract: A highly flexible component, for example a medical instrument, device, or implant, is treated with a carbon thin film. The thin film acts as a biocompatible corrosion and wear resistant layer over the base material of the component.

Abstract: A sealing device and method for sealing a length of tubing with a fitting is provided, where the sealing device includes at least one sealing surface formed with a plurality of ridges. The ridges include at least one end ridge and at least one internal ridge which are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and formed with a desired geometry such as U-shaped, V-shaped, or various other shapes and with different sealing faces such as curved or flat. The ridges are spaced apart in a manner to maximize sealing pressure, and produce stress concentrations and localized deformations, in order to create a seal at lower torques or on stiffer tubing or tubing with at least one minor defect such as a dent or weld. The sealing device is particularly useful for sealing an end corrugation of tubing in a fitting used in gas and liquid piping systems.

Abstract: A sealing device and method for sealing a length of tubing with a fitting are provided, where the sealing device includes at least one sealing surface formed with a plurality of ridges. The sealing device is particularly useful for sealing at least an end corrugation of tubing in a fitting used in gas and liquid piping systems. The fitting is sized to maintain a generally circular shape of the end corrugation after the corrugation is collapsed between the ridged sealing surface and another sealing surface. In particular, an inner diameter of one or more components of the fitting can be sized such that the corrugated tubing will have a circular profile to provide an optimal seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring a heart. According to one embodiment, the system includes an implantable registering unit for registering an electrical signal from the heart. The system includes a local data unit in operable communication with registering unit. The local data unit may be placed in communication with a computer, which may be at a location remote from the local data unit. The computer is adapted to receive the data from the local data unit corresponding to the registered electrical signal and to compare the registered electrical signal to a reference electrical signal to determine whether the heart is functioning properly.

Abstract: An ultrahigh pressure pump includes a frame including at least one radially-extending member having an outer frame pivot disposed at outer end thereof; a crank rotatably mounted in the frame and adapted to be driven by a power source and a crank pin offset from a rotational axis of the crank; and at least one radially-extending telescoping pump subassembly having inner and outer ends. The outer end of each pump subassembly is attached to the outer frame pivot for pivotal swinging movement thereabout, and the inner end is pivotally attached to the crank pin. The pump subassembly operates substantially free from side loads on the piston rod and has a long component life.