Abstract: In part, the invention relates to a catheter suitable for flushing a vessel. The catheter can include separated lumens and components that improve image data collection. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a catheter wall; a distal portion defining a distal lumen (62), the distal lumen having a first end terminating at the distal end of the catheter and a second end (30) terminating at an exit port in the catheter wall; a proximal portion defining proximal lumen (42), the proximal lumen having a first end terminating at the proximal end of the catheter and a second end terminating at a vent port (34) in the catheter wall; and a valve (50,54) positioned adjacent the vent port, the valve permitting fluid to exit the proximal lumen, but preventing particulate matter from the environment from entering the proximal lumen. In one embodiment, the valve comprises a piston (50) and spring (54) located in the proximal lumen (42).

Abstract: Mica flakes are disintegrated to mica scales having a diameter of 10 mm or less and a ratio of diameter/thickness of 100-1000 by using an apparatus and a method comprising bringing about coarse size reduction followed by size reduction of the mica flakes by high-pressure jets of water, if desired together with high-pressure jets of gas, separating mica scales from mica flakes by vertical classification followed by horizontal classification, and taking out the mica scales as a slurry while recycling nondisintegrated mica flakes to size reduction. The slurry of mica scales is used for making mica paper.