Abstract: A chain separator for separating a chain of a bicycle from a sprocket of the bicycle. The chain separator includes a body defining an outer surface and at least one projection extending from the body to define a sprocket channel. The chain is disengaged from the sprocket and positioned on the outer surface and the chain separator is positioned on the bicycle such that the sprocket is positioned within the sprocket channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium (e.g. S. epidermidis) that are dependent on D-alanine for growth. In one aspect, the disclosure features a recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium comprising two inactivated alanine racemase genes (?alr1?alr2); and an inactivated D-alanine aminotransferase (dat) gene. In another aspect, the disclosure features a method of making the recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment compositions containing polymer systems that provide stability and benefit agent deposition as well as methods of making and using same. Such treatment compositions may be used for example as through the wash and/or through the rinse fabric enhancers as well as unit dose treatment compositions.

Abstract: A first tubular body having a first longitudinal axis extending centrally through the tubular body includes at least one delivery port extending through a wall of the first tubular body. A second tubular body having a second longitudinal axis extends through the second tubular body, the first and second longitudinal axes being displaced from each other such that an asymmetrical longitudinally extending gap is formed between an outer surface of the second tubular body and an interior surface of the first tubular body. A temperature sensor forming a thermocouple extending longitudinally within the gap between the first tubular body and the second tubular body. An inner core is positioned within the second tubular body. The inner core includes least one ultrasound element.

Abstract: A technique for performing sensing operations is provided. The technique includes controlling a plurality of sensors to obtain sensed data, according to one or more commands received from a remote device over a robust communications channel that includes a plurality of communications paths; and returning the sensed data over the robust communications channel to the remote device.

Abstract: A first tubular body having a first longitudinal axis extending centrally through the tubular body includes at least one delivery port extending through a wall of the first tubular body. A second tubular body having a second longitudinal axis extends through the second tubular body, the first and second longitudinal axes being displaced from each other such that an asymmetrical longitudinally extending gap is formed between an outer surface of the second tubular body and an interior surface of the first tubular body. A temperature sensor forming a thermocouple extending longitudinally within the gap between the first tubular body and the second tubular body. An inner core is positioned within the second tubular body. The inner core includes least one ultrasound element.

Abstract: A first tubular body having a first longitudinal axis extending centrally through the tubular body includes at least one delivery port extending through a wall of the first tubular body. A second tubular body having a second longitudinal axis extends through the second tubular body, the first and second longitudinal axes being displaced from each other such that an asymmetrical longitudinally extending gap is formed between an outer surface of the second tubular body and an interior surface of the first tubular body. A temperature sensor forming a thermocouple extending longitudinally within the gap between the first tubular body and the second tubular body. An inner core is positioned within the second tubular body. The inner core includes least one ultrasound element.

Abstract: A first tubular body having a first longitudinal axis extending centrally through the tubular body includes at least one delivery port extending through a wall of the first tubular body. A second tubular body having a second longitudinal axis extends through the second tubular body, the first and second longitudinal axes being displaced from each other such that an asymmetrical longitudinally extending gap is formed between an outer surface of the second tubular body and an interior surface of the first tubular body. A temperature sensor forming a thermocouple extending longitudinally within the gap between the first tubular body and the second tubular body. An inner core is positioned within the second tubular body. The inner core includes least one ultrasound element.

Abstract: A first tubular body having a first longitudinal axis extending centrally through the tubular body includes at least one delivery port extending through a wall of the first tubular body. A second tubular body having a second longitudinal axis extends through the second tubular body, the first and second longitudinal axes being displaced from each other such that an asymmetrical longitudinally extending gap is formed between an outer surface of the second tubular body and an interior surface of the first tubular body. A temperature sensor forming a thermocouple extending longitudinally within the gap between the first tubular body and the second tubular body. An inner core is positioned within the second tubular body. The inner core includes least one ultrasound element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for percutaneously treating and removing aneurysms or other anomalous tissue associated with vascular, intestinal, or other body tissue.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen is provided. The endoprosthesis includes an annular element defined by a set of interconnected strut members, each strut member including a first end and a second end. The first end of selected pairs of circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the annular element are interconnected to define apices proximate a first longitudinal side of the annular element and the second end of selected pairs circumferentially-adjacent strut members are interconnected to define apices proximate a second longitudinal side of the annular element. At least one of the selected pairs of circumferentially-adjacent strut members has a modulator disposed proximate the apex defined there between, the modulator having a first mode to allow expansion of the annular element from an unexpanded configuration toward an expanded configuration and a second mode to resist contraction of the annular element from the expanded configuration toward the unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for percutaneously treating and removing aneurysms or other anomalous tissue associated with vascular, intestinal, or other body tissue.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of reducing stress during stent manufacture. Particularly, the invention is directed to a method and apparatus for expanding a stent using primarily radial loads thereby reducing the stresses that are generated due to the axial loads applied during loading of the stent onto a mandrel or other expansion device. The method of the invention provides for the stepwise expansion of shape memory stents, while reducing the overall stresses that the stent encounters, and thereby improving manufacturing yields due to fractured struts during expansion.

Abstract: A system for delivering a medical device, such as an angioplasty balloon, includes two catheter shafts. The distal portion of a first shaft includes a first balloon and is narrower than the proximal portion. A second catheter shaft includes a second balloon and is connected to a medial portion of the first shaft. The second shaft includes a guidewire passageway which is in communication with the passageway of a third shaft that is removably connected to the first shaft. The distal tips of the first and second balloons are connected together to allow the system to be advanced to an anatomical site using a single guidewire. A second guidewire may be used to separate the distal ends of the balloons and to position the balloons at vascular bifurcation. A stent can be crimped onto the balloons such that inflation of the balloons implants the stent within the bifurcation.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter system for accurately positioning a stent in a bifurcated vessel is disclosed. The system includes a catheter having a terminal portion and distal tip that is placed in a main branch of the vessel proximate the bifurcation. A fixed guidewire is attached to distal tip. A port is defined in the terminal portion of the catheter. The port is aligned with an ostium of a side branch of the bifurcated vessel to allow the passage of a stent delivery device, such as a balloon catheter having a stent crimped thereon, into the side branch. Radiopaque bands are positioned on opposite ends of the port. A positioning balloon is included on a surface of the catheter opposite the port and is selectively inflatable to position the radiopaque bands adjacent the side branch ostium. The radiopaque bands are referenced to place the stent proximate the side branch ostium.

Abstract: A device and method for locking onto a guidewire. The device includes an element transversely movable along the guidewire. The element may have a plurality of portions and a biasing member connecting first and second portions of the transversely moveable element such that the first portion and another of the portions are movable from a first position, where the first portion and the other portion are aligned with respect to one another, to a second position, where the first portion is no longer aligned with respect to the other portion, the device being locked to the guidewire in the second position. The device can be used for locking an embolic protection device including a filter to a guidewire that is adapted to be introduced into a vascular system of a patient.