Abstract: The present invention is for a guided locking balloon protector (10) for a dilatation catheter balloon (30) which consists of a proximal cylindrical component (15) with a distal end and a proximal end and a distal cylindrical component (20) with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal cylindrical component (15) has two longitudinally opposed raised ribs (55) defining a slot (60) and a inner diameter (40) that can slidably fit over the balloon (25). The distal cylindrical component (20) has a inner diameter (65) that can slidably fit over balloon (25) and a integral rib (75) extending proximally from the proximal end, the integral rib (75) is sized to fit in the slot (60) and is approximately the length of the proximal cylindrical component (15). Affixed to the proximal end of the integral rib (75) is a downwardly extending locking tab (80).

Abstract: The present invention is for a two piece balloon protector (5) which consists of an cylindrical tube (10) and an inner elastomeric member (15). The inner elastomeric member (15) has a outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of cylindrical tube (10) and fits inside of the cylindrical tube (10). The proximal end of the inner elastomeric member (15) has a return flange (30) that fits around the proximal end of cylindrical tube (10). To install the balloon protector (5) over the dilatation catheter balloon (20), cylindrical tube (10) is held fixed while the inner elastomeric member (15) is pulled longitudinally at its distal end, thus stretching the material, decreasing the longitudinal cross-section and creating a larger inner diameter in inner elastomeric member (15).

Abstract: The present invention is accomplished by providing a catheter manifold (15) having a manifold catheter lumen (115) extending longitudinally therethrough plus a rotationally symmetrical, conically tapering, elastomeric distal seal (65) for gripping the catheter shaft (70), the proximal end of the distal seal (65) having a smaller diameter than the distal end, the distal end of the manifold catheter lumen (115) being conically tapered and sized for a friction fit with the distal seal (65) when the distal seal (65) is inserted into the distal end of the manifold catheter lumen (115), the distal seal (65) having a longitudinally extending distal seal catheter lumen (120).

Abstract: A one-piece balloon protector apparatus for a dilatation catheter. The disclosed protector comprises a unitary, planar element having two sets of longitudinal ribs, one set being disposed on a first planar face of the protector along a first edge and another set being disposed on the opposite planar face of the protector on the opposite edge. The protector is installed around a dilatation catheter balloon by placing the balloon on the protector and then coiling or wrapping the protector around the balloon. The two sets of ribs thus come come into contact an interlock with one another to secure the protector in a cylindrical configuration around the balloon.

Abstract: Multi-layer ink jet apparatus 10,110 includes a plurality of channels 12,112 comprising chambers including inlets and orifices 14,114 and transducers 22,122 coupled to the chambers 24,124. The various channels 12,112 are located in different layers 16,116 that stagger with respect to a plane transverse to the layers 16,116 so as to achieve a high density array of ink jet orifices 14,114.