Abstract: An article cut from a metallic sheet, has a first pattern of struts forming a plurality of inner apexes situated substantially within a plane that contains the plurality of the inner apexes. There is a second pattern of struts forming a plurality of outer apexes that are situated substantially within the plane containing the inner apexes. Each outer apex has at least one strut in common with an adjacent inner apex. There is also described a method of forming a non-planar three dimensional structure by patterning a planar sheet of material to form an article having a plurality of inner apexes, a plurality of outer apexes with a common curvilinear strut between an inner apex and an adjacent outer apex. Thereafter, everting the article into a non-planar three dimensional structure with the inner apexes at one end of the structure and the outer apexes at another end of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for treating, repairing and/or replacing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis includes a stent having a first end and a second end with an intermediate section therebetween. The first end and seconds ends each include an anchor, wherein one or both anchor(s) has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the intermediate section. The prosthesis also comprises graft material engaging at least a portion of the stent. The present invention is also directed to a prosthesis for repairing an aneurysm comprising a stent having a first end and a second wend with an intermediate section disposed therebetween. The first and second ends each include means for sealing the respective ends to a structure, wherein the intermediate section has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first or second end. Graft material engages at least a portion of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for treating, repairing, and/or replacing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis includes a stent having a first end and a second end with an intermediate section therebetween. The first and seconds ends each include an anchor, wherein one or both anchor(s) has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the intermediate section. The prosthesis also comprises graft material engaging at least a portion of the stent. The present invention is also directed to a prosthesis for repairing an aneurysm comprising a stent having a first end and a second end with an intermediate section disposed therebetween. The first and second ends each include means for sealing the respective ends to a structure, wherein the intermediate section has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the first or second end. Graft material engages at least a portion of the stent.

Abstract: Disclosed are a group of nickel/titanium/niobium alloys wherein the niobium varies from about 2.5 to 30 atomic percent. Also disclosed is an aritcle made from these nickel/titanium/niobium alloys.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of preassembling a composite coupling. The coupling has at least one heat-recoverable driver member and at least one metallic insert. The driver member is made from a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy having a transformation hysteresis defined by M.sub.s, M.sub.f, A.sub.s and A.sub.f temperatures. The method includes the steps of overdeforming the driver member by applying a stress sufficient to cause nonrecoverable strain in the driver member so that the A.sub.s and A.sub.f temperatures are temporarily raised to A.sub.s' and A.sub.f', respectively; removing the stress; engaging the driver member and insert; and then warming the driver and insert to a temperature less than A.sub.s'. There is also disclosed a composite coupling processed by this method.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of processing a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy. The method comprises overdeforming the alloy so as to cause at least some amount of nonrecoverable strain, temporarily expanding the transformation hysteresis by raising the austenite transformation temperature, removing the applied stress and then storing the alloy at a temperature less than the new austenite transition temperature. There is also disclosed an article produced from this method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing beta-phase nickel/titanium-base alloys. According to the method, the alloys are warm worked and then warm annealed. The working and annealing temperatures are in the range of about 350.degree. to 600.degree. C. Also disclosed is an article produced by the method.