Abstract: A self-expanding metal wire stent made of shape memory alloy such as nitinol in which a plurality of spaced sections of closed cells are interconnected by straight sections of wire which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent or may be disposed angularly with respect thereto.

Abstract: A stent comprising a plurality of continuous filaments braided together, at least one filament comprising a tapered filament having at least one first region having a first, relatively-larger cross-sectional area and at least one second region having a second, relatively-smaller cross-sectional area. The stent itself may have a tapered diameter, such as from one end to the other.

Abstract: This invention provides smooth delivery and accurate positioning of prostheses in the body. In embodiments, systems are provided that include elongate members extending generally along the axis of a supporting catheter to a free ends. The elongate members extend through openings in the prosthesis to maintain the position of the prosthesis on the catheter. The prosthesis can be released from the catheter by relative axial motion of the catheter and the elongate members such that the free ends are removed from the openings in the prosthesis. In embodiments, the elongate members hold the distal end of a self-expanding stent at a desired axial location and in radial compaction as a restraining sheath is withdrawn. The friction between the sheath and stent puts the stent under tension, which reduces the radial force on the sheath wall, allowing smoother retraction. Proximal portions of the stent radially expand and axially shorten.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hierarchically restructuring at least a portion of a hierarchical database based on selected attributes. In one embodiment, a virtual cell (140) may use a virtual cell mapping function (130) to create a hierarchical netlist. Some embodiments may programmatically create a corresponding generated template to include in the netlist for each virtual cell. Some embodiments may generate multiple templates from the same cell. Some embodiments may generate multiple instances of different templates from the same instance in the database. One application of the present invention is for use in circuit simulation.

Abstract: A multi-sheath delivery catheter and method for introducing a prosthesis into a body lumen involving use of (a) an outer sheath adapted to contain a portion of the prosthesis and having an inner surface with a non-round cross-section; (b) a middle sheath slideably disposed at least partly within the outer sheath and adapted to contain another portion of the prosthesis, the middle sheath having a distal end with a first handle attached to it that has a non-round cross-section corresponding to and engaging the non-round cross-section of the inner surface of the outer sheath; and (c) a pusher slideably disposed at least partly within the middle sheath and adapted to engage the prosthesis, whereby relative rotational movement between the outer sheath and the middle sheath is prevented by virtue of the engagement of the non-round cross-section of the first handle with the non-round cross-section of the inner surface of the outer sheath.

Abstract: A tube connecting system and apparatus directed to connecting a tube to a cylinder are provided. A system includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a radially compressible ring, and a radially compressible tube. The tube fits radially inside of the ring and the first and second sleeves. As the first and second sleeves are coupled and brought closer together, inner surfaces of the sleeves exert a radial force onto the ring, causing it to radially compress onto the tube, which compresses in response. Contact surfaces may be added to one or both of the sleeves for axially compressing the tube.

Abstract: Entertainment content complementary to a musical recording is delivered to a user's computer by means of a computer network link. The user employs a browser to access the computer network. A plug-in for the browser is able to control an audio CD or other device for playing the musical recording. A script stored on the remote computer accessed over the network is downloaded. The script synchronizes the delivery of the complementary entertainment content with the play of the musical recording.

Abstract: Multiple information is extracted from an unknown recording and information associated therewith. Associated information includes the filename, if the recording is a computer file in, e.g., MP3 format, or table of contents (TOC) data, if the recording is on a removable medium, such as a compact disc. At least one and preferably several algorithmically determined fingerprints are extracted from the recording using one or more fingerprint extraction methods. The information extracted is compared with corresponding information in a database maintained for reference recordings. Identification starts with the most accurate and efficient method available, e.g., using a hash ID, a unique ID or text. Fingerprint matching is used to confirm other matches and validation is performed by comparing the duration of the unknown and a possibly matching reference recording.

Abstract: A method of forming a balloon for medical purposes comprising co-extruding in a tubular shape a base structural layer of a member selected from the group consisting oft polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters and copolymers thereof and a heat sealable layer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and copolymers thereof. The tubular member is then biaxially oriented by inflating the tube with a gas to a predetermined central diameter greater then the initial diameter of the tube and simultaneously heating the inflated tube to a temperature sufficient to biaxially orient the base structural layer. The member is then cooled the inflated tubular member and then elevated in temperature for a second time to the biaxially orienting temperature. The twice-heated tube is allowed to cool and the gas is withdrawn whereby the tubular member will assume a generally tubular shape and the main structural layer will remain biaxially orientated and the heat sealable layer will not be biaxially orientated.