Abstract: A method for treating snoring includes identifying first and second locations disposed on right and left sides, respectively, of a soft palate and separated by an anterior-posterior midline extending centrally positioned on the palate. The first and second locations are linked across the midline by creating a linkage between the first and second locations and through the midline with the linkage having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of untreated tissue naturally residing between the locations.

Abstract: A method for treating snoring includes identifying first and second locations disposed on right and left sides, respectively, of a soft palate and separated by an anterior-posterior midline extending centrally positioned on the palate. The first and second locations are linked across the midline by creating a linkage between the first and second locations and through the midline with the linkage having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of untreated tissue naturally residing between the locations.

Abstract: A needle and a membrane to receive fluid from the needle. The needle deposits fluid in a transfer area of the membrane which is spaced from a test area of the membrane. At the transfer area, the needle is positioned with an axis of the needle orthogonal to the transfer area.

Abstract: A needle and a membrane to receive fluid from the needle. The needle deposits fluid in a transfer area of the membrane which is spaced from a test area of the membrane. At the transfer area, the needle is positioned with an axis of the needle orthogonal to the transfer area.

Abstract: A temporary stent for supporting a region of a vessel in a body comprising a composite stent portion and an actuator portion and methods for the use and manufacture thereof. The composite stent portion is comprised of an elongate perfusable vessel supporting portion adapted to be configurable between a reduced size for placement in the vessel and removal therefrom and an expanded size for structurally supporting the vessel and perfusable end portions connected to and forming ends of the vessel supporting portion and adapted to allow fluid flow therethrough. The composite stent portion is comprised of a plurality of resilient metallic wires coated with a polymeric material to provide stability for both lifting and maintaining a vessel. A method is disclosed for deployment of the composite stent to maintain vessel patency during occurrence of an intimal flap, vasoconstriction or vasospasm.

Abstract: An over-the-wire catheter and method of making such a catheter having a first tubular member defining a first lumen and a second tubular member defining a second lumen joined to and coextending with the exterior of the first tubular member to define a catheter shaft. The first and second tubular members being formed independently of one another or of different materials. A balloon is joined to the distal end of the catheter shaft where it is in fluid communication with the first lumen. A flexibility control member may be joined to and coextend with the first and second tubular members.

Abstract: In a plastic pipe joining system a plastic sleeve is provided to extend on both sides beyond the region of contact or closest approach to one another of pipes to be joined with the sleeve being fused to both pipes, the sleeve heated to Curie temperature of high mu material excited by an externally generated high frequency magnetic field. The heater may be embedded in the sleeve and the sleeve may also be employed with end caps that extended over the sleeve, the end caps and sleeve being fused to one another and the pipes by heaters carried by the end caps or the sleeve. An external heater may also be employed which in conjuction with shaped end members provides the sleeve with beveled or tapered edges to enhance the ability of the sleeve to withstand cracking.

Abstract: Improved sweetened coconut products coated with powdered sugar can be made by substituting for a fraction of said powdered sugar, particles of sugar encapsulated in edible fat.