Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and defines a lumen extending therethrough. A first end portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and is adapted to assume a retaining configuration when placed substantially within the kidney. A second end portion extends from another end of the elongated portion and flares outward when placed substantially within the bladder to maintain position. The second end portion allows fluids to flow through the lumen and into the bladder and is collapsible to prevent fluid from passing from the bladder to the kidney.

Abstract: Replaceable grease injection tubes permit removal and replacement of such tubes without requiring wireline and associated tools to be removed from a well, or wireline tools to be removed from wireline and thereafter spliced or re-threaded on such wireline. Replaceable grease injection tubes include opposing semi-cylindrical members that can be joined together to form a central bore for receiving wireline and facilitating a pressure seal using injected grease or other fluid having desired pressure sealing characteristics.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sheath having a lumen and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the sheath. The elongate member is moveable relative to the sheath and includes a retrieval assembly. The retrieval assembly has a collapsed position within the lumen of the sheath and an expanded position when extended beyond a distal end of the sheath. The elongate member defines a lumen configured to receive a laser.

Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and defines a lumen extending therethrough. A first end portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and is adapted to assume a retaining configuration when placed substantially within the kidney. A second end portion extends from another end of the elongated portion and flares outward when placed substantially within the bladder to maintain position. The second end portion allows fluids to flow through the lumen and into the bladder and is collapsible to prevent fluid from passing from the bladder to the kidney.

Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and defines a lumen extending therethrough. A first end portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and is adapted to assume a retaining configuration when placed substantially within the kidney. A second end portion extends from another end of the elongated portion and flares outward when placed substantially within the bladder to maintain position. The second end portion allows fluids to flow through the lumen and into the bladder and is collapsible to prevent fluid from passing from the bladder to the kidney.

Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and defines a lumen extending therethrough. A first end portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and is adapted to assume a retaining configuration when placed substantially within the kidney. A second end portion extends from another end of the elongated portion and flares outward when placed substantially within the bladder to maintain position. The second end portion allows fluids to flow through the lumen and into the bladder and is collapsible to prevent fluid from passing from the bladder to the kidney.

Abstract: An integrated lifting apparatus for attaching a sling or other lifting means to a load having an upright and substantially hollow post. A bore is provided near the upper extent of such hollow post, extending horizontally through the hollow post. A threaded bolt having an enlarged head on one end, preferably constructed of high strength and/or shear resistant material, is disposed through the bore. A lock nut having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of said bore is threaded onto the end of the bolt. If desired, a cotter pin can also be used to secure such lock nut on the bolt.

Abstract: An integrated lifting apparatus for attaching a sling or other lifting means to a load having an upright and substantially hollow post. A bore is provided near the upper extent of such hollow post, said bore extending horizontally through said hollow post. A threaded bolt having an enlarged head on one end, preferably constructed of high strength and/or shear resistant material, is disposed through said bore. A lock nut having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of said bore is threaded onto the end of said bolt. If desired, a cotter pin can also be used to secure such lock nut on said bolt.