Abstract: A desalination apparatus is disclosed which comprises: a first tank for storing seawater to be desalinated; a second tank comprising a hydrophobic membrane desalination module operable to absorb only fresh water vapors and reject salt components when the seawater is heated to a first predetermined temperature that changes the seawater into the fresh water vapors, and wherein the hydrophobic membrane desalination module is configured to continuously allow the distilled fresh water to make contact with the fresh water vapors within its interior hollow volume; and a third tank, in fluid communication with the second tank, configured to cause the fresh water vapors from the hydrophobic membrane desalination module to be condensed into liquid fresh water by continuously allowing the fresh water vapors to make contact with a coolant water at a second temperature.

Abstract: An occlusive coil delivery system includes a delivery wire having a distal end coupled to an occlusive device via an electrolytically severable junction, and an electrical contact secured to a proximal end of the delivery wire, which has a non-linear configuration so as to strengthen a mechanical connection with the electrical contact and/or increase electrical conductivity with the electrical contact over a linear configuration. The configuration may be, by way of non-limiting examples, a “U” shape, a spiral, a knot, or a twisted wire. The electrical contact is a conductive material that substantially envelopes the proximal end configuration of the delivery wire.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing foreign bodies within a body lumen are disclosed. An unfolding balloon catheter may include an elongated shaft having an intussuscepting balloon that can be actuated within a body lumen to capture and retrieve an intravascular device. The balloon may be configured to radially and/or axially expand when inflated, enveloping the intravascular device. In certain embodiments, the balloon may be formed by folding the ends of a distensible member inwardly, and then bonding the ends of the distensible member to the elongated shaft to form an expandable sleeve. An adhesive layer located along a portion of the elongated shaft may be used to temporarily secure the balloon to the elongated shaft.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing foreign bodies within a body lumen are disclosed. An unfolding balloon catheter may include an elongated shaft having an intussuscepting balloon that can be actuated within a body lumen to capture and retrieve an intravascular device. The balloon may be configured to radially and/or axially expand when inflated, enveloping the intravascular device. In certain embodiments, the balloon may be formed by folding the ends of a distensible member inwardly, and then bonding the ends of the distensible member to the elongated shaft to form an expandable sleeve. An adhesive layer located along a portion of the elongated shaft may be used to temporarily secure the balloon to the elongated shaft.