Abstract: A method of mounting a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method securely mounts the drug delivery stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises positioning a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding, to mount the stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent.

Abstract: A method of mounting a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method securely mounts the drug delivery stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises positioning a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding, to mount the stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent.

Abstract: A method of mounting a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method securely mounts the drug delivery stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises positioning a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding, to mount the stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus utilizing a capping element having a sealing element or gasket which is pushed against the orifice plate of an acoustic ink printhead when capping and filling. This traps a small volume of air around an array of orifices in the orifice plate which prevents ink from exiting the orifices while the printhead is being filled with ink.

Abstract: In AIP printheads, misfunction after printing a number of prints, due to the accumulation of ink and dust around orifices in the orifice plate may occur. In order to clean the printheads, the dirty printhead is first capped and the ink pressure in the printhead increase significantly to allow ink to escape through the orifices and completely fill a small gap inside the cap portion. After letting the orifices soak for a predetermined time to dissolve the dried ink and loosen dust debris which may be found on the printheads, the cap drainhole is opened to drain the ink while keeping the ink pressure inside the head at an intermediate higher level. This higher pressure prevents the ink still remaining inside the bore of each orifice hole from reentering the printhead. The dirty ink remaining inside the orifice bore is removed using a wiping station in separate steps.

Abstract: In order to clean a dirty printhead, the dirty printhead is first capped and the ink pressure in the printhead increased significantly to allow ink to escape through the orifices and completely fill a small gap inside the cap portion. After letting the orifices soak for a predetermined time to dissolve the dried ink and loosen dust debris which may be found on the printheads, the cap drainhole is opened to drain the ink while keeping the ink pressure inside the head at an intermediate higher level. Dirty ink remaining inside the orifice bore is removed using a self cleaning wiping station in separate steps. During a first step, the wiping element is pressed into contact with the orifices. The dirty ink, because of the high pressure inside the printhead, is unable to reenter the printhead and is absorbed by the wiping element. In a second step, the pressure inside the printhead is decreased significantly below operating pressures to enable the menisci to retreat inside an orifice lip.