Abstract: A method for spray deposition of small targets, such as medical devices like stents. The method includes the steps of positioning a spray nozzle body, which has a fine bore diameter to pressurize the coating material within the nozzle body, near a medical device, and dampening vibration of the nozzle body during operation by maintaining a steady back pressure in the coating material line sufficient to eliminate or minimize vibration modes from external and internal sources; and stabilizing the spray coating plume. In another embodiment, a coating method is disclosed in which a finer atomized spray droplet size is achieved by pre-filming the coating material onto a flat face before entraining the coating material within the atomizing fluid, which improves manufacturing repeatability, reduces coating variances, and increases therapeutic dosage predictability. In certain embodiments of the invention, the coating materials include therapeutic agents and biologically active materials.

Abstract: A reticle of a projectile weapon aiming system such as a riflescope includes a primary aiming mark adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and further includes a plurality of secondary aiming marks spaced apart below the primary aiming mark. The secondary aiming marks are positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected incremental ranges beyond the first selected range, for a selected group of ammunition having similar ballistic characteristics. Angles subtended by adjacent aiming marks of the reticle can be adjusted by changing the optical power of the riflescope, to thereby compensate for ballistic characteristics of different ammunition. In some embodiments, the reticle includes a set of windage aiming marks spaced apart along at least one secondary horizontal axis intersecting a selected one of the secondary aiming marks, to facilitate compensation for the effect of crosswinds on the trajectory of the projectile.

Abstract: A method for spray deposition of small targets, such as medical devices like stents. The method includes the steps of positioning a spray nozzle body, which has a fine bore diameter to pressurize the coating material within the nozzle body, near a medical device, and dampening vibration of the nozzle body during operation by maintaining a steady back pressure in the coating material line sufficient to eliminate or minimize vibration modes from external and internal sources; and stabilizing the spray coating plume. In another embodiment, a coating method is disclosed in which a finer atomized spray droplet size is achieved by pre-filming the coating material onto a flat face before entraining the coating material within the atomizing fluid, which improves manufacturing repeatability, reduces coating variances, and increases therapeutic dosage predictability. In certain embodiments of the invention, the coating materials include therapeutic agents and biologically active materials.

Abstract: In order to minimize the potential for damage to bio-compatible and/or therapeutic-containing stent coatings, there is provided a compliant elastic sheath over layer between a non-compliant stent expansion balloon and an unexpanded stent, which is secured over the balloon with a securing crimp. This stent deployment assembly, which is mounted on a catheter, is maneuvered through a patient's body to a desired deployment site and then inflated to expand the stent to the desired diameter. During expansion, the compliant elastic material between the stent and the non-compliant balloon prevents non-compliant balloon-induced damage to the stent's coating, as well as preventing degradation of the non-compliant balloon by, for example, stent-caused punctures. The deflated non-compliant stent expansion balloon and compliant elastic sheath are then withdrawn from the patient's body, leaving the deployed stent at the desired implantation site with its coating substantially intact.