Abstract: A method for three-dimensional printing includes printing a three-dimensional part formed form a first material, the first material including induction sensitive particles and applying magnetic induction to the three-dimensional part during or after printing to heat the induction sensitive particles and melt the first material, allowing reflow thereof. The method also includes printing a support structure. The support structure may also include induction sensitive particles.

Abstract: A tracheal stent is an expandable tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. Circumferentially adjacent surface protrusions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the expandable tubular member. These surface protrusions have an outer surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. When the tracheal stent is deployed, the outer surface of the surface protrusion applies a radial force to a wall of the trachea to remove an airway constriction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coating medical devices are provided that allow for relatively precise control over the deposition area and coating uniformity with improved efficiency. A microdrop source is used to provide a flow of coating microdrops. A charging electrode disposed near the outlet of the coating source gives each microdrop an electrostatic charge. As the microdrop travels toward the medical device to be coated, a control electrode alters the trajectory of the microdrop. The invention can include a scanner to scan or image the medical device as the coating is applied and a control system to adjust parameters of the deposition process based on information provided by the scanner.

Abstract: A tracheal stent is an expandable tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. Circumferentially adjacent surface protrusions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the expandable tubular member. These surface protrusions have an outer surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. When the tracheal stent is deployed, the outer surface of the surface protrusion applies a radial force to a wall of the trachea to remove an airway constriction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under these methods and processes of the invention, a means to repel may be positioned on a mandrel prior to applying a coating to the workpiece. The means to repel may prevent the coating of a target surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A dual-axis mixing device having a rotatable main support and one or more attached offset supports such as turntables is provided. The main support and offset rotational supports can be controlled independently of one another to reduce or prevent dead zone formation in materials mixed in the centrifuge. An operator can specify various rotation procedures depending on the materials to be mixed and the operator's observation of the materials during the mixing process.

Abstract: A device is provided for holding an appliance from an interior that may include a center support shaft, two arbors arranged on the center support shaft in a spaced apart position, a plurality of springs coupled to the two arbors, and an actuator coupled to the center support shaft and adapted to decrease the distance between the two arbors. The device may be adapted to support a hollow cylindrical object from an inside of the hollow cylindrical object. The hollow cylindrical object may include a stent. When the actuator is actuated, the plurality of springs may be compressed and each spring may buckle in at least one buckle region. Actuating the actuator may cause the plurality of springs to expand and to clamp a stent. Deactuating the actuator may cause the plurality of springs to retract and to release a stent. A system for coating a medical appliance is provided. A method for coating a medical appliance is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under these methods and processes of the invention, a means to repel may be positioned on a mandrel prior to applying a coating to the workpiece. The means to repel may prevent the coating of a target surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of reducing coating defects is provided. A non-contact coating system is provided that includes a high-powered magnet adapted to suspend an object and an arrangement for creating a coating mist in a suspension zone of the magnet. A method is provided for holding a device during a coating process. The method includes applying a magnetic field to the device and contacting a coating material with the device. The magnetic field causes the device to be suspended in a coating zone. A medical appliance is provided having a coating applied by a method. The method includes positioning the medical appliance in a coating zone; suspending the medical appliance in the coating zone by applying a magnetic field; and contacting the medical appliance with the coating. An article of manufacture is provided that is produced by a method.

Abstract: A double pneumatic acting valve includes a default neutral state so that the valve seats remain open when not in use, which prevents gluing of the valve seats in the closed position. The valve can be used in a medical device coating application unit, which is adapted to apply a coating solution (i.e., a solution or suspension that contains an organic liquid or an aqueous-organic liquid as well as a polymer, a pharmaceutical additive, or both a polymer and a pharmaceutical additive) to a medical device. The three-way valve is in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the coating solution. An outlet is provided for applying the coating to the medical device. A receptacle is included for withdrawing the coating solution from the reservoir when the valve is in a first position and for expelling the withdrawn the coating solution through the outlet port when the valve is in a second position. The valve includes two tubing connections coupled to two pneumatically actuated valves.

Abstract: A device is provided for holding an appliance from an interior that may include a center support shaft, two arbors arranged on the center support shaft in a spaced apart position, a plurality of springs coupled to the two arbors, and an actuator coupled to the center support shaft and adapted to decrease the distance between the two arbors. The device may be adapted to support a hollow cylindrical object from an inside of the hollow cylindrical object. The hollow cylindrical object may include a stent. When the actuator is actuated, the plurality of springs may be compressed and each spring may buckle in at least one buckle region. Actuating the actuator may cause the plurality of springs to expand and to clamp a stent. Deactuating the actuator may cause the plurality of springs to retract and to release a stent. A system for coating a medical appliance is provided. A method for coating a medical appliance is provided.