Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a balloon, an inner shaft, an outer shaft and a transition shaft. The transition shaft has a proximal portion and a distal portion joined by a tapered portion. The proximal portion has a diameter greater than the distal portion. The proximal portion has a first end portion engaged to at least a portion of the outer shaft at a first engagement site. At least a portion of the proximal waist is engaged to the proximal portion of the transition shaft at a second engagement site. At least a portion of the end region of the inner shaft is engaged to the distal portion of the transition shaft at a third engagement site. The distal portion extends through the balloon wherein at least a portion of the distal waist of the balloon is engaged to the distal portion of the transition shaft at a forth engagement site.

Abstract: Medical device balloons are formed from a tubular parison by a process or apparatus which establishes a controlled location (initiation zone) on the parison where radial expansion is initiated. Initiation within the initiation zone is achieved by heating the parison in that location to a higher temperature than the remainder of the parison for at least a portion of the blowing time. A variety of apparatus configurations are provided, some of which allow for the size and location of the initiation zone to be readily reconfigured. Balloons can also be modified, post-blowing, using heating apparatus and methods described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to distal tip designs for catheter, wherein distal tip material is positioned about an inner shaft. The distal tip material may also be used as a tie layer for thermally bonding two incompatible materials together, such as a waist portion of a balloon to the inner shaft.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a support member adjacent to a first member and a second member, the first and second members may be laser welded to one another by directing radiation absorbable by the first and second members at the first and second members. The support member is provided adjacent to the first member and is constructed and arranged to substantially reflect or substantially transmit radiation at one or more frequencies absorbable by at least one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a balloon, an inner shaft, an outer shaft and a transition shaft. The transition shaft has a proximal portion and a distal portion joined by a tapered portion. The proximal portion has a diameter greater than the distal portion. The proximal portion has a first end portion engaged to at least a portion of the outer shaft at a first engagement site. At least a portion of the proximal waist is engaged to the proximal portion of the transition shaft at a second engagement site. At least a portion of the end region of the inner shaft is engaged to the distal portion of the transition shaft at a third engagement site. The distal portion extends through the balloon wherein at least a portion of the distal waist of the balloon is engaged to the distal portion of the transition shaft at a forth engagement site.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a support member adjacent to a first member and a second member, the first and second members may be laser welded to one another by directing radiation absorbable by the first and second members at the first and second members. The support member is provided adjacent to the first member and is constructed and arranged to substantially reflect or substantially transmit radiation at one or more frequencies absorbable by at least one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A seat device for alleviating backache symptoms by a laminated structure of rigid material covered by resilient material. The rigid material may be preferably wood or plastic and the resilient lamination may be from rubber. The shape includes a spacing portion from the back portion to a point considerably short of the front rim. The spacing portion is shaped on a T with an enlargement section to accommodate the genital area of a seated person. The back portion is designed to alleviate stress and pain on the coccyx of the seated person which is responsible for major backache symptoms. The enlargement area allows for circulation to the genitals and anus for proper ventilation of the genitals to avoid excessive persiration in these areas.

Abstract: A game made up of sixteen levels of criss-crossed platform blocks, each block being identical in length, width and height with every other block. The blocks, composed of material which has a weight and sliding characteristic which permits them to be easily removed from the stack, are pulled out one-at-a-time, from anywhere below the existing top layer at the respective players' discretion, then reinstated at an appropriate position back atop the stack. The process continues until one player is eliminated by reason of his or her induction of the collapse of the stack. A setup rack for the game, which may also serve as a storage and carrying case, is included.