Abstract: A system for anchoring an angioplasty catheter to a stenosis in the vasculature of a patient includes an elongated inflatable balloon that can be selectively moved between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. Optionally, the system can include a stent mounted on the balloon. The balloon defines an axis and has at least one elongated blade which is axially oriented on the surface of the balloon. Also this blade is conformed with at least one azimuthally oriented grip. When the balloon is moved into its inflated configuration, to thereby embed the blade and its grip into the stenosis and expand the stent for emplacement in the vasculature, the axially oriented blade prevents an azimuthal movement of the balloon and the azimuthally oriented grip prevents an axial movement of the balloon relative to the stenosis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for the multi-effect distillation of water using incident solar energy wherein thermal gradients, established along the length of the still, induce the heat of water condensation to be recuperated to aid feedstock water evaporation. A fan induces air to flow through the still in a closed loop path through transparent plastic film ducts. Air passing through the lower air duct, progressively warms and evaporates feedstock water from the floor of the still. At the hot end of the duct, the airstream passes through an opening into the upper air duct where it passes down the length of the upper air duct in reverses direction, progressively cooling and condensing its vapor on the walls of the still. The heat of condensation conducts to the lower air duct by passing through the light-transmitting plastic film barrier that separates the two air ducts.

Abstract: A system for anchoring an angioplasty catheter to a stenosis in the vasculature of a patient includes an elongated inflatable balloon that can be selectively moved between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. Optionally, the system can include a stent mounted on the balloon. The balloon defines an axis and has at least one elongated blade which is axially oriented on the surface of the balloon. Also this blade is conformed with at least one azimuthally oriented grip. When the balloon is moved into its inflated configuration, to thereby embed the blade and its grip into the stenosis and expand the stent for emplacement in the vasculature, the axially oriented blade prevents an azimuthal movement of the balloon and the azimuthally oriented grip prevents an axial movement of the balloon relative to the stenosis.

Abstract: There is provided an improved hardware fixture of the type known as a snap and including a unitary body with a hook for supporting tension force applied to the snap, a connector for connecting the body to an external force supporting element and an intermediate force transmitting portion between the hook and connector. The improvement comprises forming the body from two, generally flat sheet metal blanks which are secured together in face-to-face relationship with the hook of the snap including two separate, generally flat sheet metal portions of the blanks.