Abstract: An endoluminal device for implantation in a body lumen reduces movement or migration of the device after implantation by the use of barbs or barb assemblies. A first embodiment uses at least one barb assembly having first and second portions attached to an implant, such as a stent, and at either sides of a bend. The second portion is adapted to protrude radially inward when the implant is in the radially compressed configuration and radially outward when the implant is in its radially expanded configuration. A second embodiment uses a barb having a curved segment which is curved proximally and radially inwardly. A third embodiment utilizes at least one barb assembly having a wire with a length greater than the cell height of the implant across which it extends and a substantially uniform cross-sectional area. Methods for implanting such devices are also contemplated.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising an endoluminal device, an outer sheath that radially surrounds the endoluminal device, a pusher positioned at one end of the endoluminal device, and a linkage between the pusher and the outer sheath that coordinates movement of the outer sheath in a first direction with simultaneous movement of the pusher in a second direction opposite the first direction. This delivery system is particularly useful for endoluminal devices that foreshorten, and may comprise the outer sheath moving a first distance (d1) and the pusher moving a second distance (d2), where d2/d1 is approximately equal to the foreshortening ratio. The delivery system of this invention enables a foreshortening device, such as a vena cava filter, or stent, graft, or combination thereof, to be deployed with its end in a precise deployment location without foreshortening causing the end to move from the deployment location as the stent expands.

Abstract: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and anchoring means in at least one of the retrograde portion or the anterograde portion for anchoring the device during deployment from its proximal end to its distal end. An inner sheath may be mounted concentrically over the shaft with the endoluminal device mounted concentrically over the inner sheath. The anchoring device may comprise an inflatable balloon mounted radially inside the retrograde portion, a tether, or an extended portion of the endoluminal device confined by a notch in the interface of two sheaths in the retrograde portion of the introducer, or may comprise a holder in the anterograde portion.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a multi-part endoluminal device comprises deploying a first portion of the device sequentially from its distal end to its proximal end, then deploying a second portion of the device sequentially from its proximal end to its distal end so that its distal end overlaps the first portion proximal end. The system for deploying the endoluminal device comprises a first introducer loaded with a first endoluminal device and adapted to deploy the first device sequentially from the distal end to the proximal end, and a second introducer loaded with a second endoluminal device and adapted to anchor the second endoluminal device proximal end while deploying the second endoluminal device sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A self-centering filter is useful for trapping blood clots, reducing their size and arresting their further migration from the vena cava into pulmonary circulation. The two-planar filter design is formed from a conical array of filter wires wherein two sets of filter wires are included, each set differing in length from the other. The filter wires diverge from a common apex at one end and extend radially outwardly therefrom to an attachment end attachable to the wall of a blood vessel such that the attachment ends of the first set of wires are anchored at a location spaced apart from the location of anchoring of the attachment ends of the second set, effecting a two-planar filter design. This establishes a single filtering element having two planes of contact with the vein wall which also provides for centering of the filtering element. At least one of the sets of wires contains barbs, e.g. hooks, for anchoring the filter to the inner venal wall.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing optical discs with purposefully provided errors therein are disclosed, wherein the error instances can be used to identify the authenticity of the optical disc. Additionally, methods for determining the authenticity of an optical disc are disclosed, wherein values derived from descriptors of errors found on the disc are compared with corresponding known values indicative of an authentic disc for determining whether the disc was legitimately manufactured or not. Such methods may utilize errors that are correctable, uncorrectable, trackable, and/or untrackable. An end user (or the end user's optical reading laser) may be instructed to purposefully alter a portion of the disc in a predetermined manner so that an unauthorized copy of the disc is easily discoverable by, e.g., activation of an authentication program on the disc or accessible via a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A device for removing a thrombus filter from a blood vessel is disclosed. A device in accordance with the present invention includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough, a wire having a first end and a second end, the wire being partially disposed within the lumen of the shaft, a portion of the wire extending beyond the distal end of the shaft and forming a loop, and a portion of the wire extending beyond the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A device for removing a thrombus filter from a blood vessel is disclosed. A device in accordance with the present invention includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough, a wire having a first end and a second end, the wire being partially disposed within the lumen of the shaft, a portion of the wire extending beyond the distal end of the shaft and forming a loop, and a portion of the wire extending beyond the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block assembly for mounting an optical lens blank onto a lens processing machine, comprising a compliant lens block with a relatively thin double-sided adhesive tape having differential adhesion. This assembly affords a very cost efficient system for attaching a lens blank to a lens processing machine. In contrast to traditional thick adhesive pads, the tapes of the present invention do not suffer from shear displacements which may cause processing errors or inaccuracies. In addition, the double-sided adhesive tapes of the present invention achieve greater adhesion to the lens block than to the lens. This feature promotes and ensures a "clean" removal of the tape from the lens when the block is deblocked. The present invention also provides a method for mounting an optical lens blank onto a lens processing machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoplastic ophthalmic lens blocking compositions that have many advantages over traditional metal alloy materials. Preferred compositions comprise a blend of (i) a hydrocarbon resin, preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon resin; (ii) a side chain crystallizable hydrocarbon polymer or copolymer; and (iii) optionally an modifier or mixture of modifiers, preferably straight chain alcohols. The composition may also comprise one or more modifiers, fillers or heat absorbing materials. In one embodiment, the composition is used to fill the cavity between a preformed lens block and a lens. In another embodiment the composition is used to form a lens block. Methods of holding a lens blank are taught. Tapes that provide a receptive surface against which the composition may be adhered are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural support post (1) for use in a partition system (2) for supporting one or more panels (6) having panel support brackets (25) with hooks (44) at or in the vicinity of edges of the panel. The post (1) comprises a profile tube having a diameter of at least 70 mm and a multiplicity of angularly spaced longitudinal undercut slots (13), the walls of the slots being provided with insert plates (24) formed and arranged for engagement by hooks (44) provided on the panel support brackets (25). The support posts (1) may provide, in use, a substantially secure support for a security partitioning system (2).

Abstract: A method of processing a lens is disclosed. A lens blank and a lens block are each provided with a structured surface having a plurality of tapered elements. The lens blank is releasably attached to the lens block by pressing the structured surface of the lens blank against the structured surface of the lens block, followed by subjecting the mounted lens blank to lens processing operations.

Abstract: A concatenation of circular abrasive discs each having a layer of abrasive material on a first surface, and means on a second surface for releasably attaching said discs to a drive member. The discs are attached to two adjacent discs at opposite edges by two narrow tabs along each edge spaced by at least 0.32 centimeter (1/8 inch) along the edge and generally equally spaced on opposite sides of a center line extending between the centers of the attached discs. Also the discs are separated between the tabs and the tabs are folded to position abrasive discs in a stack within a container with each abrasive disc in the stack having its layer of abrasive against the layer of abrasive of one adjacent disc, and its means for attaching adjacent the means for attaching of the other adjacent disc.