Abstract: A method of exercising and a handheld exercise or amusement device are provided. The handheld exercise and amusement device includes a handle adapted to be gripped by a user and at least two weights which are at least one of freely rotatably mounted and freely orbitally mounted about an axis running through the handle. The method of exercising includes gripping the exerciser with at least one hand and moving the exerciser in at least one direction.

Abstract: A support unit is constructed by assembling all or some of a footrest, a backrest, a pedestal, a handle, and related frames. Waist exercises are conducted utilizing a backrest frame operated in conjunction with a load controller, with the lower part of the user's body being fixed to the support unit. An apparatus further comprises a lower body holder mounted on the support unit. The lower body holder preferably comprises a front thigh holder for tightly holding the front potion of a thigh, a rear thigh holder for tightly holding the rear portion of a thigh, a front pelvis holder for tightly holding the front portion of a pelvis, and a rear pelvis holder for tightly holding the rear portion of a pelvis.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for producing a covered roll having a reinforcement fiber mat under layer infused with low viscosity thermoset resin and a smooth high temperature, high performance polymeric outer layer. The mat is formed of a plurality of layers, each layer having a leading edge that abuts a following edge when wrapped over the roll core, each subsequent layer being affixed to the previous layer along a seam, the seams being spaced apart angularly from one another to prevent irregularities over the surface of the resulting roll core. One or more layers of the dry reinforcement fiber mat may be formed of a two-ply construction, the first ply having fibers arranged in a random pattern, the second ply having aligned fibers oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the roll core central axis. The invention also includes an improved mold tape assembly for use in applying a polymeric cover over a roll core and an inventive apparatus for fabricating the mold tape assembly.

Abstract: A toner supply roller comprises a metallic core shaft and an electrically conductive elastic layer formed to surround the outer surface of the shaft. The conductive elastic layer is formed of open-cell polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam is impregnated with an electrically conductive polymer and a binder.

Abstract: A blank is provided for forming either a packaging structure of a relatively large size or a greater number of smaller sized packaging structures. The blank is provided with predetermined fold lines. Folding the blank along one series of fold lines forms the relatively large packaging structure. Separating the blank along one or more fold lines into plural blanks and folding the plural blanks along another series of fold lines forms multiple smaller packaging structures. A similar technique forms one large or multiple smaller covers for the packaging structures.

Abstract: This is a method for assembling a dual inner flexible insulated pouch. A flat sheet of heat-sealable film is folded in such a manner as to form a dual inner pouch with two pocket openings at a bottom side and a pouch opening at a top side. The film is sealed by heat to form a permanent dual inner pouch structure containing two pockets each having an opening at the bottom side. One panel of flexible insulation material is inserted into each of the openings of the two pockets of the dual inner pouch at the bottom side. The bottom side of the pouch is placed into a bag formed of film so that the open ends of the pockets at the bottom side of the pouch are at a bottom closed end of the bag formed of film. The bag formed of film is heated so that it is sealed to the dual inner pouch.

Abstract: A stack of sheets, e.g. cardboard, with each sheet having lines of cut longitudinally and/or transversely. Apparatus for breaking the nicks connecting two edges of line of cut on the stacked sheets includes a first support and transport moving longitudinally and a first clamp thereabove for clamping the sheets, a first device for separating the clamped sheets along a transverse cut line. A second support and transport device moves the sheets thereat transversely until positioned so that the longitudinal line of cut is positioned so that the sheets may be clamped and the stacked sheets may be separated transversely along the longitudinal line of cut. A conveyor for shifting the sheet transversely to reposition the longitudinal line of cut for separation.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for creating at least two pockets in a keycard holder comprising the steps of, cutting a piece of paper across one length at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees to the width, such that the width is approximately 6 inches on one side and the length is approximately between 5.5 and 6.5 inches on one side, folding the said paper in half across its length, folding the right and left edges of the width along the length in to meet at a midline, folding the left side over the right side along the midline to make a rectangle of approximately 2 ¾ by 4 ¼ inches, to create a first and second pocket.

Abstract: A low-oscillation and space-saving drive for a changeable format folder of a rotary printing is provided, the rotary printing machine having rotating subassemblies that can be driven, in particular a cutting cylinder, a pin folding blade cylinder, a folding jaw cylinder, a gripper folding blade cylinder, and perforating cylinders belonging to a perforating device. The drive is split up into individual subsystems, and each subsystem is assigned a controlled-position drive motor. In the event of failure of a drive motor, the drive continues to operate without functional impairment.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor cover attachment and release apparatus for automatic attachment and quick release. The apparatus has a knob with a bore extending therethrough with a cover connected to the knob. The apparatus additionally includes a housing having a passage. The housing is connected to the knob. The apparatus additionally includes an adapter and plunger. The apparatus further includes a pair of biasing members, a slider member, and a moveable element.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator provides for discharge of solids by either an axial-motion scraper or a piston/extrusion assembly. The axial-motion scraper (80) is used with hard-packed or friable solids, and includes and integral feed liquid accelerator and feed holes. The piston/extrusion assembly is used with pasty solids, and includes a piston (12) extending into a bowl (10) and having openings (45) permitting fluid communication across the piston. After separation is complete, a centrate valve (34) closes one end of the bowl, and the piston is moved axially in the bowl by an actuator. A bowl suspension employs a spherical mounting structure (96) and a short spindle (98). A bearing (100) and the spindle (102) of the bowl are mounted within the bearing housing. The suspension is retained by a ring and retaining member secured to the separator in compressive contact with the spherical portion of the bearing housing.

Abstract: A method and system of placement of a magnetic field flux field generator in fitment which creates a specific effect of three dimensional field gradient to alter the charge distribution on living membranes in order to establish normal physiological functioning of damaged tissue.

Abstract: A cardiac insert or implant is deployed in a patient's heart so as to reduce ventricular volume, thereby improving cardiac function. The insert or implant may be a compressive device such as a tensile member inserted into the patient's heart, and thereafter operated or deployed to bring opposite walls of a ventricle of the patient's heart into at least approximate contact with one another to thereby constrict and close off a lower portion of that ventricle. The compressive device or tensile member is insertable into the patient heart via a catheter threaded through the patient's vascular system and into the patient's heart.

Abstract: Male prosthesis and stimulators enhance stimulation during intercourse. Male prostheses and stimulators add to the friction and stimulation of the penis and vaginal walls by increasing the penis's girth and by the use of a filling within the male prosthesis and stimulator. A hollow tube which is arctuate in shape encloses a filling. The hollow tube is sufficiently flexible so that it can be rolled along its circumference to facilitate application to and removal from the shaft of the penis. A ridge is attached to the outer surface of the tube to optionally receive the O-ring of a condom. The movement of the filling against the penis enhances the male participant's pleasure. The added penis girth, as well as the movement of the filling within the male prosthesis and stimulator, is appealing to the female participant. The male prosthesis and stimulator may be packaged in a sealed package or sealed container.

Abstract: For calculating the intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye, an applanation tonometer comprises an applanator formed of an optics array, a force transducer, an image sensor, and a processing circuit configured to calculate an intraocular pressure of the eye using one or more pairs of measured force and applanated area. The tonometer is provided with a disposable tip that covers the applanator, thereby providing a replaceable, sterile and transmissive interface between the tonometer's applanator and a patient's eye. Preferably, the applanating surface has a matte finish. The tonometer calculates the intraocular pressure using a predetermined relationship between interocular pressure and the slope of the line defined by data relating to the forces required to applanate the eye and the geometry of applanated portions of the eye. In a preferred embodiment, the data acquisition is synchronous.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound coupling media and lubricant, in gel or liquid form, comprised of polyethylene oxide (PEO), at least one of polyalkylene glycols and polyhydric alcohols, and the balance water. The inventive coupling media provides long-term biocompatibility (bio-inert, bio-erodable or biodegraded and excreted) in vivo with human tissue and body fluids. The ultrasound coupling and lubricating media is formulated and manufactured in such manner and form that produces higher viscosity gels with decreased amounts of polymer and renders the acoustic media sterile, non-cross-linked, pseudoplastic, and containing acceptably low levels of pyrogens.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including an electromagnetically protected ultrasound TEE probe, a display for displaying ultrasound images, a housing including a transducer connector including at least one connection and a computer for processing electrical signals representative of received ultrasound echoes. The TEE probe includes a probe housing including an imaging sensor, an outer acoustic lens, a cable interconnect and an internal metal shield which surrounds the sensor and cable interconnect, and a cable including electrical conductors and electromagnetic cable shielding, the electrical conductors electrically connected to the cable interconnect at a first end, and the electrical conductors and the cable shielding are electrically connected to a transducer connector at a second end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating and displaying filtered strain rate signals corresponding to tissue structure within a subject in response to complex Doppler signals generated by an ultrasound system. Various combinations of several processing techniques are employed including filtering out high strain rate signals due to reverberation and other sources of noise, complex autocorrelation, velocity signal estimation, real strain rate signal estimation, complex strain correlation signal estimation, complex signal averaging, and real signal averaging. Color strain rate imaging is provided using the techniques such that the color images have reduced noise and improved image quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining images of body organs or other tissue for each of their multiple characterizing aspects, and for classifying different tissue types within the images according to their characterizing aspects, are disclosed herein. The tissue may be irradiated with an ultrasonic signal, and an interaction signal received in return. Sinogram data may be constructed from the received interaction signal, and multiple characterizing data extracted therefrom. The multiple characterizing data representing multiple characterizing aspects may then be matched to tissue type within a database containing information correlating characterizing multi-aspect data with tissue type. Images of the tissue may then be presented with identifiers associating tissue portions with their matched tissue types.

Abstract: A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microbubble population of controlled fragility. The microbubbles comprise an outer shell and a hollow core. The ratio of shell thickness to microbubble diameter is substantially similar across the population of microbubbles. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Abstract: An integrated piezoelectric ultrasound array structure configured to minimize the effects of differential thermal expansion between the array and the integrated circuit and to improve the mechanical and acoustical integrity of the array. The transducer array may have an interposed thinned supporting substrate and is matched to the integrated circuit substrate for thermal expansion so as to retain mechanical integrity of the array/IC bond within the working temperature range. Transducer elements are laterally isolated acoustically and as to thermal expansion by air or other acoustically attenuating medium of lower elastic modulus material between the elements. Acoustical effects are vertically acoustically isolated with capacitive coupling and small area solder bumps relative to wavelength, and further laterally acoustically isolated by thin supporting substrates relative to wavelength, including thinned semiconductor integrated circuit substrates.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer array a plurality of discrete transducer elements are formed on an initially flat flexible substrate together with electrically conductive tracks, through which the transducer elements will be energised in use, the flexible substrate with the discrete transducer elements and conductive tracks mounted thereon then being formed into a cylinder and mounted on the end of a catheter tube, the substrate being radially outwardly of the transducer elements so that it is in a position to act also as an acoustic matching layer between the material of the transducer elements and the human tissues or blood when in use.

Abstract: A treatment algorithm for managing hemodynamically unstable patients is provided. Specifically, measurements of arterial pressure and stroke volume can be used to calculate pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation, mean arterial pressure, elastance and cardiac power, the values of which guide treatment decisions and allow optimal management of critically ill patients. In an additional embodiment, a computer system implementing the treatment algorithm is provided.

Abstract: A steerable stylet for use within a lumen of an intravascular device includes a stylet assembly and a handle. The stylet assembly has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and includes a stylet wire having a lumen and a core wire positioned within the lumen with the distal end portion secured to the stylet wire proximate the distal end portion of the stylet wire. The handle includes a hand-held housing structure connected to one of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire. In one embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is connected to the other of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire to adjust a relative tension force applied between the stylet wire and the core wire. A tension limiter is arranged to limit the tension force to a limit force that is less than a breaking stress force of the stylet wire when the stylet wire is positioned within the lumen of the intravascular device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing gastrointestinal sounds includes a microphone array to be positioned on a body for producing gastrointestinal sound signals. The signals are digitized and their spectra and duration is determined by a processor. A characterization as to the state of the gastrointestinal tract is made on the basis of the spectra and duration of the sound or event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory traction device includes a first support configured to be positioned on a user's body and a second support configured to be positioned on the user's body spaced apart from the first support such that a portion of the user's body is positioned between the first and second supports. The traction device also includes one or more lifting mechanisms that each couple the supports and apply a decompressive force to the portion of the user's body when the supports are positioned on the user's body. Each lifting mechanism includes a sleeve having a non-circular cross-section and operable to contain a fluid. Each lifting mechanism also includes a piston configured to move within the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure within the sleeve.

Abstract: An anatomically configured tubular body or ribbon of woven or knitted elastomeric yarn having concentrated pressure support means at one or more areas along said device for pressure support of an ankle, elbow, knee or wrist (hereinafter also “articulating appendage”). The device of this invention can include an anatomically configured tubular composite, comprising an essentially uniform sleeve of elastomeric yarn and a pressure concentrating means corresponding to one or more areas of said articulating appendage (hereafter also “pressure points”), so as to focus or concentrate pressure support at said pressure points. The device thus provides for both ease of attachment to the appendage and of application of differential (increased or focused) pressures to a pressure point of the affected appendage.

Abstract: A device and methods for filtering blood clot particles from blood from patient undergoing treatment for a thrombotic condition with a catheter are described. The device comprises a housing having a first end defining a fluid port, an opposite end defining a suction port, and a valve member disposed between the fluid port and the reservoir. The valve member has a semipermeable membrane portion permeable to blood but impermeable to blood clot particles and a one way valve portion having an open position permitting passage of fluid and particles from the fluid port to the reservoir and a closed position blocking passage of particles between the reservoir and the fluid port.

Abstract: A balloon for use in surgical procedures, such as angioplasty. The balloon is configured as a balloon catheter with an axial series of segmented chambers, each connected to a tubular core that is adapted to a transport a pressurizable fluid source. The chambers are made of an elastically expandable material that inflates in response to the introduction of a pressurized fluid source. Each chamber includes a body lumen inner wall engaging surface and a pair of generally opposed flanges. Flexibly compliant links are disposed between adjacent chambers. These links may be integral with the flanges, or may constitute a separate hinge that couples the chambers at least to the central core. As the balloon is routed through a body lumen, curvature in the lumen is mimicked by the balloon, as it is able to flexibly conform to the shape of the lumen path by preferential bending at the flexibly compliant links.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter for positioning a stent, including a tubular basic body with a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one lumen extending in between, a balloon close to the distal end which is connected to the lumen, and a stent crimped around the balloon, wherein a filling body of elastic material is arranged inside the balloon and has a size corresponding to at least the dimensions of the stent in compressed state, where the filling body is compressed by the stent in the compressed state.

Abstract: A first sensor (13-1), the mounting position of the first sensor (13-1) being recognized as a counting number of instruction pulses to a pulse motor (3), is arranged along a plate (11) with slits of an encoder at a portion between a position where a pushing holder (7) is connected to a plunger (9) for the liquid infusion, and a start position where the pushing holder (7) is separated from the plunger (9). A counting means (16) for counting encoder pulses from the encoder, is reset when a first sensor (13-1) is detected by a position detecting device (14) moved together with the pushing holder (7), and started to count the encoder pulses according to the movement of the pushing holder (7). A time to complete the liquid infusion is calculated by using a distance between the position where the plunger (9) is connected to the holder (7) and a liquid infusion finish position proper to the syringe, and a predetermined liquid infusion speed.

Abstract: An improved vascular introducer sheath having a hemostasis valve assembly which provides tailored distribution of compressive forces along one of the top and bottom edges of each slit to avoid puckering of the slit(s) and to provide balanced performance in terms of bi-directional sealing effectiveness and device movement therethrough.

Abstract: A retractable needle assembly for use in medical procedures, comprising: a needle assembly including a hub, a hollow needle passing through the hub and projecting from the posterior end of the hub, and a tubular sleeve having a radially directed hole therethrough connected with the anterior end of the hub; a tubular sheath having a wall with a radially directed hole therethrough, wherein the needle assembly is positioned within the tubular sheath so that it may be moved reversibly between an exposed position and a retracted position; a means for reversibly locking the needle assembly in its exposed position; a means for reversibly locking the needle assembly in its retracted position; and a means for permanently locking the needle assembly in its retracted position, said permanent locking means comprising a radially-directed peg mounted on an exterior surface of the tubular sheath so that one end of the radially-directed peg is adapted to be pushed inwardly through the hole in the wall of the tubular she

Abstract: An intradermal delivery device for use in intradermally injecting substances into the skin of an animal includes a needle cannula supported by a hub portion that is attachable to a prefillable container. A limiter portion surrounds the needle cannula and extends away from the hub portion toward a forward tip of the needle cannula. The limiter portion includes a skin engaging surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to an axis of the needle cannula. The skin engaging surface is received against skin of an animal to administer an intradermal injection. The forward tip extends beyond the skin engaging surface a distance that enables penetration of the needle cannula into the dermis layer of the skin of the animal enabling injection of the substance into the dermis layer of the animal. The device includes enclosure means that is moveable for concealing the needle cannula after the injection has been administered.

Abstract: A passive shield system for a syringe including a body, shield, spring and ring which provide an interlock of the shield in the retracted position prior to receipt of the syringe for bulk transportation and processing and wherein the user selects the timing of the release of the shield to its extended position following injection, but which assures shielding of the syringe needle following release of the syringe plunger.

Abstract: A method and device for filling or partially filling the nasal cavities of a person through both nostril openings with a liquid essentially while the head of the person is at a safe forward angle of tilt by pooling or tubing means for establishing communication of liquid with the nasal cavity of the person and by inhalation or external pressure allowing any liquid exiting the rear of the nasal cavities to drain into the back of the oral cavity of the mouth and embodiments of the device requiring the head of the user to be at a prescribed or greater angle of tilt during use by comprising spilling or shutting off means for assuring the head of the person is at least at a prescribed forward angle of tilt during use.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for repeatably and reliably contracting fascia and other support tissues, particularly for the treatment of urinary incontinence. Rather than relying on a surgeon's ability to observe, direct, and control the selective shrinking of pelvic support tissues, a relatively large surface of a tissue contraction system is placed statically against the target tissue. Sufficient controlled energy is transmitted from the surface into the engaged tissue to contract the tissue and inhibit incontinence (or otherwise provide the desired therapeutic results).

Abstract: An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a pluraluty of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each pf the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue to be manipulated, along said jaw portions. As preferred, the device further comprises at least one, and most preferably, many, longitudinal groove(s) along at least one and most preferably, both, of the jaw portions, with the solution infusion openings located in the groove or grooves. The solution is energized with RF energy amd contributes to the functions and beneficial effects of the instrument. The solution exits the openings in the grooves at sufficient flow rates to separate substantially all the operative surfaces of the device from tissue, thereby substantially completely preventing adherence between the operative surfaces and tissue.

Abstract: A spinal-column (e.g., cervical-column) buttress plate assembly and method for attaching together first and second vertebral bodies of a spinal column (e.g., cervical column) of a medical patient. Bone screws are inserted into the vertebral bodies at optimum locations on the vertebral bodies. A buttress plate having an elongated slot is placed on the vertebral bodies so that the heads of the bone screws are positioned in the elongated slot. Inner screws are threaded into the bone screws to expand their heads against the opposing edges of the elongated slot thereby attaching the buttress plate to the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An instrument for everting an end of a vessel. The instrument has a frame and a mandrel having a distal end and a proximal end. The mandrel is mounted to the frame and axially movable. The distal end of the mandrel is insertable into the lumen of a vessel. A first wiping element and an opposed second wiping element are mounted to the frame with the mandrel positioned therebetween. The first and second wiping elements are laterally movable from a spaced-apart position to a closed position.

Abstract: An improved surgical clip and clip applicator for placing a surgical clip over a target structure. The surgical clip generally has a pair of opposing clamp arms, each having an associated clamping surface, and a connecting portion joining the clamp arms and biasing them to a normally closed position. The surgical clip may be opened and locked into the open position prior to being loaded into a clip applicator or the surgical clip may be opened by a clip applicator itself. The surgical clip and clip applicators require reduced actuation forces and simplified applicator mechanisms.

Abstract: A device for closing a septal defect, such as a patent foramen ovale, includes a clip formed from a superelastic material that is inserted into a septum wall of a heart. The clip is advanced through a patient's vasculature, e.g., within a delivery apparatus, until the clip is disposed within a first chamber adjacent the septal defect. Tines of the clip are directed through a flap of tissue of the septal defect until the tines of the clip are disposed within a second opposing chamber. The clip then transforms into its relaxed state, wherein the tines of the clip engage with a surface of the second chamber, thereby substantially closing the septal opening.

Abstract: A one piece anastomosis device is disclosed which is formed of a superelastic or pseudoelastic material which self deforms or self deploys from an insertion configuration to a tissue holding configuration. The device in a deployed state preferably includes an inner tissue penetrating flange which penetrate and retains an everted graft vessel and an outer flange. The self deploying anastomosis device does not rely on a temperature transformation to achieve deployment.

Abstract: An earpick includes a handle; a support bar movably coupled to the handle; and an earwax cleaning portion coupled to the support bar, wherein when the earpick deeply enter and contacts an inner wall of an auditory canal, the support bar moves into the hanndle. The earwax cleaning portion has a ring shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A device for forming openings (holes) in internal bodily tissue is provided. The device includes a cutter defining a longitudinal passageway and a cutting edge. The device also includes an inner core in reciprocally sliding relationship with the cutter having a tissue engagement portion at its distal end. A syringe-like mechanism moves the cutter and the core substantially co-axially between a first position wherein the distal portion of the core extends distally of the cutting edge and a second position wherein the distal portion of the core resides within the passageway. Tissue is sheared as the core and cutter are moved from the first to the second position. The core and cutter are attached to different portions of the syringe-like mechanism such that the longitudinal axes of the cutter passageway, the core member and the activation assembly may deviate (i.e., “float”) relative to one another.

Abstract: An embolization device for positioning in a blood vessel comprises an elongated wire body (1) which in its unloaded condition has a predetermined shape and has an elongated shape with a substantially straight center line during its insertion through a catheter (18) to a placement site in the blood vessel and after its release from the catheter assumes a complexly curved shape which depends on the predetermined shape and on the blood vessel impact on the wire body. In its predetermined shape the wire body has at least one section (4) located, between its front and back ends in which the center line has substantially no curvature or such a small curvature that along a length of at least 20 mm it follows a helix-free path. The front end section (2, 2″, 2′″) of the wire body is adapted to be frictionally locked to the vessel wall when discharged from the catheter, before said helix-free section (4) has been discharged from the catheter.

Abstract: This invention is a cinch suture having first and second segments and a locking device joining these segments which responds to teeth on the first segment to lock a ligature in place and prevent loosening. The locking device has teeth positioned to interact with engaging elements carried by the first segment as it is passed through the locking device to prevent removal. The locking device teeth are flexible and movable and arranged in two rows in a face to face offset relationship. The first segment engaging elements have a spherical configuration. The first segment passing through the locking device forms an endless loop for encircling and closing an opening formed by surgical excision of an organ or vessel. The locking mechanism has a receiving entrance and a removal exit. The two rows of offset teeth alternately engage spherical engaging elements to provide minute adjustment in the tightness of the suture and place pressure on the suture to hold it firmly in place.

Abstract: A UV treatment comprises an upper case 2 of a size allowing right and left feet to be placed thereupon, a bottom case 2 that supports the upper case 2, and a cover 3 attached to the upper case 2. Two front position UV radiation ports 10L and 10R that open in the up-down direction are provided on both the right and left sides at the front of the upper case 2. Central UV radiation ports 15L and 15R that open in the left and right direction are provided in the left-right direction center toward the back of the upper case 2. UV lamps 20L and 20R are disposed on the bottom case 3 in positions corresponding to the front position UV radiation ports 10L and 10R, and a UV lamp 20 is disposed at a position corresponding to the central UV radiation ports 15L and 15R. When left and right feet are placed above the front radiation ports 10L and 10R of the upper case 2, both the front of a foot and the inner sole can be irradiated simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for inserting a stent into the delivery sheath of a stent/graft deployment catheter. The stent has V hooks on its proximal end which are positively engageable by projections attached to a stent/graft deployment catheter plunger. The proximal end of the stent is manually squeezed over the V hooks such that the V hooks engage the projections. The catheter is passed through the center of a funnel. While maintaining pressure on the stent and the V hooks, the plunger is withdrawn so as to pull the stent into the delivery sheath through the center of the funnel. The funnel guides the stent into the delivery sheath and gradually compresses the stent as it approaches the delivery sheath.

Abstract: An implantable stent is coated with a material that attracts heparin and with which heparin forms a bond. The stent is exposed to a heparin containing solution just prior to implantation or is first implanted and then exposed to heparinized blood. As heparin becomes detached from the stent, the implantation site is exposed to heparin to restore an effective level and thereby prevent thrombosis.