Abstract: A machine and process useful for processing a delicate workpiece, e.g., an implantable medical device, includes a carrier having a mandrel and wheels. The workpiece is positioned on the mandrel, which is free to roll by gravity on rails which cooperate with the wheels to self-align the travel of the carrier. The carrier can move the workpieces through a series of processing steps by gravity feed and without human intervention. A laterally movable carriage receives the rolling carriers and moves the carrier for processing, and returns the carrier to the rails to again roll by gravity to another processing substation for additional processing. An elevator, which can including processing units itself, is positioned along the rails to receive carriers and raise them so they can continue to roll for further processing.

Abstract: A machine and process useful for processing a delicate workpiece, e.g., an implantable medical device, includes a carrier having a mandrel and wheels. The workpiece is positioned on the mandrel, which is free to roll by gravity on rails which cooperate with the wheels to self-align the travel of the carrier. The carrier can move the workpieces through a series of processing steps by gravity feed and without human intervention. A laterally movable carriage receives the rolling carriers and moves the carrier for processing, and returns the carrier to the rails to again roll by gravity to another processing substation for additional processing. An elevator, which can including processing units itself, is positioned along the rails to receive carriers and raise them so they can continue to roll for further processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a mandrel, the medical device forming a cylindrical device having a plurality of openings and dispensing a beneficial agent into the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A bioresorbable drug delivery stent includes a substantially cylindrical expandable stent formed of a bioresorbable or bioresorbable material and a plurality of reservoirs or openings formed in the stent containing a beneficial agent matrix comprising a bioresorbable material and a drug. The bioresorbable stent material can be a bioresorbable metal alloy, a bioresorbable polymer, or other bioresorbable material which has sufficient structural integrity to support a lumen, such as a blood vessel lumen for a predetermined period of time. The reservoirs containing the beneficial agent matrix allow delivery of the beneficial agent, such as an anti-restenotic drug, for an administration period which is generally equal to or less than a time that the bioresorbable stent is retained in the lumen.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the level of restenosis following a stent placement medical intervention involves the continuous administration of a dose of an anti-restenotic agent , such as paclitaxel, from the stent to vascular tissue in need of treatment in a controlled, extended ,and substantially linear drug release profile. The method of substantially linear extended release increases the therapeutic effectiveness of administration of a given dosage. In one example, a method of reducing restenosis includes delivering paclitaxel from a stent to an artery at a minimum release rate of 1 percent of the total dosage of paclitaxel on the stent per day throughout an entire administration period from the time of implantation of the stent until the time that substantially all the paclitaxel is released from the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a mandrel, the medical device forming a cylindrical device having a plurality of openings and dispensing a beneficial agent into the plurality of openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a mandrel, the medical device forming a cylindrical device having a plurality of openings and dispensing a beneficial agent into the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A heat recoverable article is so configured that it can be positioned around a pipe or cable joint or splice which it is desired to encapsulate or seal. Means for sealing a splice involving a plurality of cables of the same or varying sizes are provided. The article includes a closure means for holding the article together after it has been positioned around the splice to be sealed. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the article contains a heat activated adhesive or sealant to environmentally encapsulate the splice and the outer layer of the article is a heat recoverable insulating material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the article has self-contained heating means, which heating means comprises a polymeric material having dispersed therein a conductive filler, said heating means exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient of resistance so as to render it self-regulating.

Abstract: An apparatus for the facile installation of non-cylindrical marker sleeves on wire-like members such as electrical wiring or cable. The apparatus is particularly directed to the handling of non-cylindrical marker sleeves which are tightly and slidably arranged on fingers of a carrier belt. A stripper mechanism employing a series of split tines is slidably positioned on a base capable of fixedly holding the carrier belt and fingers. The split tines are directed along either side of each finger to engage a first end of each non-cylindrical sleeve and to force the sleeve from its supporting finger. A die is fixed to the base to receive the sleeves as they are stripped from the carrier fingers. The die includes a plurality of formed channels which receive the non-cylindrical sleeves and force them into a substantially cylindrical configuration as they are stripped into respective channels.