Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing pipes or underground structures is provided. In one embodiment, the end of a pipe is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a sealing member. The sealing member may be a hydrophilic material, a hydrophobic material, a compressible material, or a paste. The sealing member is held in place by a mechanical fastener and a liner is installed adjacent the sealing member and against the wall of the pipe or other structure to be sealed. In another embodiment, a manhole is sealed by the use of a sealing member, a mechanical fastener, and a manhole liner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of assembling optical elements is provided. At least a portion of each optical element is disposed against at least a portion of a high precision surface. A structural frame is disposed adjacent the optical elements. At least two portions of the structural frame are aligned relative to each other and to the high precision surface with high precision. Adhesive is applied to adhere the structural frame to the optical elements. The adhesive is cured. In other embodiments, optical element assemblies are provided.

Abstract: The application discloses a heat weldable film comprising the flowing layers: (i) a first plastic polymer layer consisting of a material weldable to a plastic polymer reaction tube; (ii) an opaque second layer comprising pigments; (iii) a third layer consisting of a clear transparent material; wherein the material of the first and third layer differ. Furthermore, a reaction tube comprising a heat weldable film according to the invention is disclosed as well as a method for labelling of reaction tubes.

Abstract: A tubular target for cathode atomization does not have a backing tube and it is made of molybdenum or a molybdenum alloy. The target has an inner surface which is in contact at least in certain regions with a cooling medium, wherein at least one region of the inner surface is separated from the cooling medium by at least one protective device. By way of example, the protective device may be in the form of a polymer layer. The tubular target exhibits outstanding long-term stability.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device and method of fabricating the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor device may be formed by forming a first welding groove along outside edges of one case of a pair of upper and lower cases, forming a first welding protrusion along outside edges of the other case, the first welding protrusion being formed to correspond to the first welding groove and having a volume larger than a volume of the first welding groove. The method may further include inserting the first welding protrusion into the first welding groove to enclose a memory module in an inner accommodating space of the upper and lower cases, melting the first welding protrusion so that a first portion of the first welding protrusion fills the first welding groove and a second portion of the first welding protrusion fills a space between welding portions of the upper case and the lower case, and solidifying the first and second portions of the first welding protrusion.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement material is provided that includes a base material selected from thermosets, low viscosity thermoplastics with short transition phases and low viscosities, low melting point metallic alloys, and combinations thereof. At STP, the structural reinforcement material is a solid or a formable dough or a mixture thereof. When heated to an activation temperature, the structural reinforcement material becomes flowable into a cavity. Following cooling, the structural reinforcement material is a solid or a thermoset with a strength sufficient to reinforce the cavity. A structural reinforcement insert comprising the structural reinforcement material is also provided, as is a reinforced cavity of an automobile and a method of reinforcing a cavity.

Abstract: A liner for repairing damaged pipes, such as underground sewer or gas pipes is disclosed. The liner comprises a TPU coating on a fibrous mat of non-woven fabric. The TPU coating is a high heat resistance polyester TPU which allows an epoxy resin/amine to be saturated in the non-woven fabric and the cure initiated by the use of steam or hot water. The cured epoxy resin converts the liner from a flexible state to a rigid state as the liner is cured in place inside the pipe. The TPU containing liner may also be used with thermoset resins other than epoxy resins, such as polyester resins and vinyl ester resins.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing pipes. In one embodiment, the end of a pipe is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a sealing member. The sealing member may be a hydrophilic material, a hydrophobic material, a compressible material, or a paste, and may also be a unitary member or formed from a sheet of material. The sealing member is held in place by a mechanical fastener and a liner is installed adjacent the sealing member and against the wall of the pipe or other structure to be sealed. The mechanical fastener aids in holding the sealing member in place at the end of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous stamp assembly. The manufacturing method of the assembly comprises a first step of hermetically adhering a porous impression die member of thermoplastic resin to a front end face of a frame; a second step of fixing the die member embedded frame onto a mount that is to be in face-to-face relation with a thermal head attached to a seal carving device; a third step of putting the thermal head in contact with an upper major surface of the porous impression die member, with a resin film interposed therebetween, and moving the thermal head and the porous impression die member relative to each other; and a fourth step of removing the die member embedded frame from the mount.

Abstract: A tilted sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a fluid container having a rim and a base. The base is parallel to and in contact with a surface when the fluid container is placed on the surface. The rim and the base lie on intersecting planes. The apparatus further includes a fluid barrier having an opening. The fluid barrier is in contact with the fluid container and extends into the fluid container. The opening is configured to allow an aroma of a fluid in the fluid container to escape through the opening. The aroma glass allows consumers to view and smell the liquid contents of the aroma glass, but prevents consumers from consuming the liquid contents.

Abstract: A micro geophone having pole pieces do not extend out around the sides of the magnet, thereby allowing a reduced geophone diameter for a given magnet diameter. The pole pieces are adhesively bonded to the magnet using an adhesive, which may be made suitably electrically conductive by silver or nickel fillers or non-conductive by mica fillers such as borosilicate glass micro-spheres. Axial space is economized by eliminating traditional spider retaining rings. The spider springs are seated directly against the coil form and secured by adhesive fillets disposed on the outward-facing spring circumferences. The spider springs include circumferential notches to receive adhesive. A two-piece bimetallic coil form of aluminum and a heavier material, joined by adhesive, is provided. Headers are affixed to the housing within the seats by adhesive. A straight or rounded chamfer at each of the geophone ends allows the overall geophone dimensions to be maximized.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery and deployment device includes an elongate and flexible outer catheter. The outer catheter has a tubular wall of layered construction, including translucent layers, opaque layers, and a braid composed of helically wound metal filaments. The outer catheter has a translucent distal adapted to constrain a radially self-expanding prosthesis in a radially reduced, axially elongated state. Because the stent constraining region is translucent, an endoscope can be used to visually monitor the stent when so constrained. Radiopaque markers can be mounted to the outer catheter and to an inner catheter used to deploy the prosthesis, to afford a combined visual and fluoroscopic monitoring for enhanced accuracy in positioning the prosthesis, both before and during its deployment.

Abstract: An ejection device and a method for lifting a chip (2) from a carrier material (1) having at least one needle (4), wherein the needle (4) includes at least one cutting edge (7) for cutting through the carrier material (1). A mounting device for inserting and fixing at least one needle (4) in an ejection device for lifting a chip from a carrier material, having a plate for aligning the plane of the needle tips and a removable attachment that has a recess, wherein the removable attachment can be mounted on the ejection device in such a way that the recess serves to introduce the fixing material onto the needle ends. A method for fixing the needles in an ejection device is used, wherein the at least one needle to be fixed in the ejection device is melted in.

Abstract: There are provided a fluid dynamic bearing assembly, a spindle motor having the same, and a method of assembling a shaft and a stopper, the fluid dynamic bearing assembly, including: a shaft, a sleeve rotatably supporting the shaft by fluid dynamic pressure, the shaft rotating relative thereto accordingly, and a stopper having a body inserted into a fixing recess provided on a lower portion of the shaft, and a flange provided to be protruded from a lower end of the body to an outer side thereof in a radial direction and caught by a lower end of the sleeve, wherein the stopper includes an air vent penetrating therethrough in an axial direction.

Abstract: A tube-shaped assembly, a tube-shaped part and an associated method of manufacturing the same are provided. In regards to a method, a glass or plastic tube is provided that has a maskant positioned upon an interior region of the tube to define a window. The method also includes coating an interior surface of the tube with a tinted anti-splinter material having a dye or pigment mixed therein. The method also includes curing the tinted anti-splinter material and removing the maskant such that the interior region is free of the tinted anti-splinter material. A tube-shaped part is also provided that includes a glass or plastic tube and a maskant positioned upon an interior region of the tube to define a window. The tube-shaped part also includes a tinted anti-splinter material having a dye or pigment mixed therein.

Abstract: A system includes a hydrocyclone liner. The hydrocyclone liner includes a head section having a fluid inlet and an overflow outlet. The hydrocyclone liner also includes a separation section having an underflow outlet and a first sidewall. A diameter of the separation section of an outer surface of the first sidewall is constant along a length of the outer surface of the first sidewall. The head section and the separation section are joined together via a bond at an interface between the head section and the separation section. The hydrocyclone liner includes a sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the head section, the separation section, and the interface. The sleeve is configured to hold the head section and the separation section together if the bond fails.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable and a cable pulling assembly. The fiber optic cable includes a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. The fiber optic cable further includes an outer jacket and a strength member disposed in the outer jacket. The cable pulling assembly is engaged to the second end of the fiber optic cable. The cable pulling assembly includes an enclosure defining a cavity. The second end of the fiber optic cable is disposed in the cavity. An adhesive is disposed in the cavity. The adhesive secures the strength member of the fiber optic cable to the enclosure.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to one or more embodiments of and methods to repair a flexible pipe. A method to repair damaged flexible fiber-reinforced pipe which includes a plurality of helically-wrapped stacks of laminated strips of material is disclosed. The method includes removing a portion of existing stacks from a damage location, applying an adhesive to a surface of replacement stacks, installing the replacement stacks to the damage location, binding the replacement stacks to remaining existing stacks with the applied adhesive, and installing a replacement jacket over the replacement stacks.

Abstract: A side window visor designed to attach to a vehicle window channel. The side window visor can be arranged and configured to extend over a portion of a window area for preventing inclement weather from entering the passenger cabin with the window slightly opened. A full length tab is reduced to form a plurality of tabs along the tab area of a side window visor. The plurality of tabs located on the side window visor allows the auto-up window feature to be used without causing large resistance and retraction of the window.

Abstract: Absorbers for a mass storage device are provided. The absorbers may be configured to protect the mass storage device from drop events and reduce the transmission of vibrations from and/or to the mass storage device. Additionally, the absorbers may occupy a smaller amount of space than traditional snubber mounting arrangements. The absorbers may include major surface absorbers formed from a first elastomeric material that engage major surfaces of the mass storage device. Corner absorbers formed from a second elastomeric material may engage the corners of the mass storage device and the side walls of a compartment in a case. The major surface absorbers and the corner absorbers may distribute and absorb load applied during a drop event. A related portable computing device and a related method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor body (1?) that can be used as part of a sensor assembly, optionally a capacitive sensor that is used to measure the clearance between the tip of a gas turbine engine blade and the surrounding casing. The sensor body includes a core layer (2) having an electrically conductive electrode layer (6). An outer insulating layer (4) substantially surrounds the core layer (2) and extends along a front part (8) of the sensor body to define a window layer (10) that provides a hermetic seal that excludes gas from any interface between the constituent layers of the sensor body. The core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4) are formed from the same electrically non-conducting ceramic material to avoid any problems with differential thermal expansion. The electrode layer (6) is embedded within a front part of the sensor body and extends between the core layer (2) and the window layer (10).

Abstract: There is provided a conductive paste obtained by kneading conductive particles into an epoxy resin and having good filling ability into a via hole, which can form a connected portion wherein the connection resistance does not change with time even under high temperature and high humidity conditions. Also, there is provided a method for manufacturing a multilayer printed wiring board using the conductive paste. A conductive paste containing conductive particles and a resin mixture wherein the content of the epoxy resin having a molecular weight of 10,000 or more is from 30 to 90% by weight in the total resin component and whose elastic modulus at 85° C. after curing is 2 GPa or less, the content of the conductive particle being from 30 to 75% by volume. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a multilayer printed wiring board using the conductive paste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an adhesive tape for adhesively bonding photovoltaic modules, more particularly for adhesively bonding a PV laminate in the frame of a PV module, where the adhesive tape has at least one adhesive layer and where there is at least one polymer layer comprising a foaming agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a stringer (108) adapted to transport fluid in an aircraft wing (100). For example, the stringer may be adapted to provide venting to one or more fuel tanks (111) in the aircraft wing, or may be adapted to provide fuel to the one or more fuel tanks. To perform this function, the stringer comprises a duct member (120) providing a duct and a structural member (121) providing an attachment surface for attachment of the stringer to a wing panel (112). Typically, the stringer is formed from a composite material such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic. A method of manufacturing the stringer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Semi-floating floorboards/building panels having mechanical joint systems, a core with curved edge portions so the surface layer on top of the core will be located below the panel surface, and where the edges of the floorboard have a bevel such that in which the joint system, when two floorboards are joined and pressed towards each other, the surface layer 31 and a part of the core 30 of the joint edge portion 19 in the second joint edge 4b overlaps the surface layer 31 that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of the first joint edge 4a of the other floorboard. Further, floorboards/building panels are produced by machining the surface structure with a plurality of core grooves 20, 20? and applying the surface layer 31 on the upper side of the core 30 to at least partly cover a floor element. A pressure is applied and the surface layer 31 forms around the core grooves 20, 20?.

Abstract: A method for making a vacuum insulated glass window assembly is provided in which an amount of wet frit material is applied to a lower portion of a pump-out tube prior to insertion of the tube into a hole formed in a glass substrate of the VIG window assembly. The tube is then inserted into the hole, frit paste end first. An amount of frit may overflow the hole and form a bump/shoulder of frit material proximate the area of the hole on an outer surface of the glass substrate. Applying the fit to the tube prior to insertion and at a lower portion thereof reduces the amount of and/or avoids residual frit being deposited in an area of the tube that might significantly interfere with subsequent sealing processes, such as, for example, laser sealing of the pump-out tube.

Abstract: To provide a stent delivery system that can limit/prevent drop-off or shifting of a stent from the balloon. A stent delivery system that is equipped with a main tube-shaped shaft, a balloon provided on the tip of the main shaft, and a stent fitted so as to encircle the balloon, wherein a layer for preventing stent drop-off containing a compound with multiple thiol groups is formed on at least a portion of the balloon surface, and at least the portion of the stent that contacts the stent drop-off preventing layer is made of metal.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for bonding automotive brackets to a surface of a glass substrate. The adhesives of certain example embodiments may be applied to the surface(s) of the bracket and/or substrate without first priming and/or cleaning the surface(s). These adhesives may be silanol-inclusive moisture-cured adhesives. In certain example instances, the adhesive may be moisture-cured at ambient or other conditions such that the component and the substrate are adapted to remain adhered to each other upon application of high shear forces thereto, even after prolonged exposure to a high temperature and high humidity environment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement material for forming reinforced members. The reinforcement material includes a strengthening material which is preferably a fabric disposed at least partially between portions of matrix material.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing an end member capable of improving adhesiveness without not always requiring grooves or rough surfaces at a fitting portion of the end member, at the time of joining a photo conductor drum having an aluminum-made or aluminum alloy-made substrate and a crystalline resin-made end member with an adhesive. A process for producing an end member to be mounted on an end portion of a photo conductor drum and formed of a material including a crystalline resin, wherein the end member has a fitting portion to be fitted to the end portion of the photo conductor drum and the process has a step of subjecting at least an outer surface of the fitting portion to an oxidation treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device for connection, by means of an injected assembly fluid, of a first and a second pipe elements for transport of liquid or gaseous fluid, the second element having a socket receiving an end of the first element, comprising a diffusion part for diffusion of the injected assembly fluid, the diffusion part being adapted to be arranged on a circumference of the first element and against an edge of the socket, said diffusion part having at least one opening for the injection of assembly fluid into said diffusion part. The diffusion part forms a chamber for collecting said assembly fluid and for distributing it circumferentially. The device comprises directing means allowing to actively direct the assembly fluid towards a connection space between the socket and the first element.

Abstract: Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with golf clubs, fishing poles, bicycle handles, hand tools, etc. Embodiments preferably include a first portion made of a first material and a second portion made of a second material. The first portion is preferably less dense and/or lighter than the second portion to allow for the manufacture of a light grip with different characteristics.

Abstract: A kit, apparatus, and method for sealing a junction between a manhole and a pipe within a sewer system are provided. In a first embodiment, the end of a pipe adjacent a manhole is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material. In a second embodiment, a majority of the area surrounding a junction of a pipe and a manhole is sealed by the use of a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material including a flange portion, a pipe liner, and a manhole liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminate structure (30) for a chip card (31), comprising a base layer (35), a chip module (32) accommodated at least partially in the base layer, and at least one cover layer (39) that covers the base layer, wherein an intermediate space (61) formed between the chip module and the cover layer as well as between the chip module and the base layer is filled with an adhesive material, wherein the adhesive material generates adhesive forces with respect to the wetted surfaces of the base layer and of the cover layer and generates adhesive forces with respect to the wetted surfaces of the chip module as well.

Abstract: A method for interleaving a module including the cutting out of the module on a strip, the gripping of the cut-out module, the conveying of the module right up to a station for affixing and adhesively bonding modules. The module being heated by a heater via heat conduction of an affixing system upon conveying and then affixing of the preheated module by positioning the head of a first guiding member on the upper portion of a second guiding member forming a mask showing the imprint of the module or chip, preformed on the card, by displacement of the affixing system and of positioning the lower portion of the second guiding member on the surface of the card by displacement of the assembly formed by the affixing system and the second guiding member. A device for interleaving a module is also described.

Abstract: A pipe connection system and method of forming the pipe connection system. The pipe connection system includes at least one tubular conducting element including an inner pipe and an outer casing and at least one coupling element including an inner component and a coating. The at least one tubular conducting element and the at least one coupling element respectively include plastic and are connected to one another. Further, the coating is welded to the outer casing and the inner pipe is welded to the inner component.

Abstract: A stationary unit of a brushless motor includes a flat armature and a base member arranged to support the armature. The armature includes a power supply portion to which a lead wire is connected. The base member includes a wall portion and a window portion. The wall portion is radially opposed to an outer edge portion of the armature. The window portion is positioned below the power supply portion to axially extend through the base member. An adhesive agent exists between the wall portion and the outer edge portion of the armature. Accordingly, the base member and the armature are strongly fixed to each other. Further, a sealing material is interposed between a whole periphery of an edge of the window portion and the armature, so that the window portion is sealed. (FIG.

Abstract: A method for assembling a lens module includes the following steps. Firstly, a lens barrel, at least one optical element, a spacer ring, and a fixing ring are provided. The spacer ring includes an annular projection along a circumference of the spacer ring. The fixing ring includes a annular pipe and glue received in the pipe. The film is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Secondly, the at least one optical element and the spacer ring are put into the barrel, with an annular groove defined between the projection and the barrel. Thirdly, the fixing ring is placed in the groove. Fourthly, the fixing ring is heated and the film is melted to let the glue fill the groove. Finally, the glue is cured to fix the spacer ring and the at least one optical element in the barrel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rotational alignment and attachment of ultrasonic transducers to a barrier with one submerged surface uses a temporary transducer assembly to position mounting rings on opposite surfaces of the barrier. Plural permanent transducers are then mounted to each mounting ring and are aligned with each other across the barrier by virtue of the alignment of their mounting rings. The submerged mounting ring is used like a cylinder in combination with a mounting plate for the transducers on the submerged side of the barrier or each submerged side transducer has a suction cup fitting for use to exclude water from between each transducer and the submerged barrier surface to facilitate bonding of the submerged side transducers to the barrier.

Abstract: A method for inlaying an ornament comprising one or more gems into a substrate comprising forming a cavity within a portion of a surface of the substrate and securing an ornament in the cavity. In particular, a method for inlaying an ornament having one or more gems into a substrate is shown. The method includes forming a cavity within a portion of a surface of the substrate and securing an ornament in the cavity. An ornamented substrate is also shown. The substrate includes a cavity extending along a surface of the substrate and an ornament having one or more gems, and the cavity is sized to receive the ornament and the ornament is secured in the cavity.

Abstract: An assembly may have first and second components. The first component may include a first electrical connector and a guide member. The second component may include a second electrical connector to couple with the first electrical connector, and a receptacle to receive the guide member in a mated position. An adhesive may be provided between the guide member and the receptacle to form a bond between the guide member and the receptacle. The bond may be reversed when the adhesive is heated above a threshold temperature. A heating element to heat the adhesive may be provided.

Abstract: A composite stiffener is fabricated using preforms of laminated, unidirectional composite tape. The stiffener includes a void that is reinforced by a filler wrapped with a structural adhesive. The surfaces of the preforms surrounding the void include a layer of composite fabric which is bonded to the filler by the adhesive, thereby increasing the toughness of stiffeners around the void and improving pull-off strength of the stiffener.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a filtration filter that can simplify the process for providing clean water or freshwater. By etching silicon substrate 1 using masking film formed on a surface of substrate 1 and having numerous openings to expose portions of the surface, numerous circular holes 2 with an approximate diameter of 100 nm are formed in substrate 1. Diameter (D1) at minimum-diameter portions 4 near the openings of circular holes 2 to be reduced by silica film 3 is adjusted to be 1 nm˜100 nm by depositing silica film 3 on the inner surfaces of circular holes 2.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a collimator. The method can include forming a first plate-like part having a plurality of first slits. The method can include forming a second plate-like part having a plurality of second slits. The method can include causing the first slits and the second slits to face each other and assembling a plurality of the first plate-like parts and a plurality of the second plate-like parts so as to intersect each other. Portions of the second plate-like parts where the second slits are not provided are held on an opening side of the first slits. The second plate-like parts are inclined so as to follow an inclination of the first slits. The inclined second plate-like parts are moved toward a bottom of the first slits.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming a frame, such as door and window frames, are provided. In some implementations, a method for forming a frame includes clamping the frame on a rotation device, the frame having a plurality of frame members and a plurality of corners defined by the plurality of frame members. The rotation device is for rotating the frame and providing a liquid material into each corner of the frame through injection holes formed in frame members. The liquid material sets to form a solid structural member bridging and connecting the frame members. The liquid is poured into the corner area with the corner at the bottom and the members diverging upwardly and outwardly therefrom and the liquid material has a viscosity so that it settles to form a level height into and across each frame member but does not leak from the butting surfaces of the members.

Abstract: A method of fitting a fuselage shell of an aircraft with at least one window frame of a cabin window includes positioning an uncured laminate including a fiber-reinforced plastic-based composite material configured to form a fuselage shell on a mold surface. A window aperture is introduced into the laminate. A window frame including a fiber-reinforced plastic-based composite material is positioned on the laminate in a region of the window aperture. The laminate is cured under the action of pressure and temperature so as to connect the window frame with the laminate by a material bond.

Abstract: A technique improves the formation of dependable seals along wellbores. A packer is constructed with a plurality of elastomeric layers and an internal mechanical layer that extend between mechanical extremities. One or more of a variety of features can be added to, or used in conjunction with, the packer to reduce wear and the potential for detrimental damage during use of the packer.

Abstract: An improved tampon 20 has a tampon body 22 and a removal string 30, having a length (L) between a first end 35 and second end 36 permanently affixed at or along at least one first end 35 of the string 30 to the tampon body 22 and wherein the second end 36 is looped back into the tampon body 22 and attached thereto to form a shortened single loop 30L. The second end 36 can be permanently attached or removably attached to the tampon body 22 and the single loop 30L extends from the tampon body 22 a distance (D) less than half the length (L) of the removal string 30.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated core includes inserting permanent magnets 14 into magnet insertion holes 12, 12a of a core body 13; injecting a resin 18 into the holes 12, 12a from resin reservoir pots 17 in the die 15 (16) to fix the magnets 14; placing a dummy plate 19 between the die 15 having the pots 17 and the body 13, the plate 19 having gate holes 35, 35a guiding the resin 18 from the pots 17 into the holes 12, 12a, the hole 35 (35a) overlapping with both of a part of the hole 12 (12a) and a surface of the body 13; poring the resin 18 via the holes 35, 35a and curing the resin 18 in the holes 12, 12a; and separating the plate 19 from the body 13 to remove the resin 18 overflowed from the holes 12, 12a.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes disposing a cover about a capillary used in a side-firing optical fiber. The cover can be used to protect the capillary when being inserted through an endoscope for medical treatment. In some embodiments, the cover can be a low-profile cover such as a coating made of a light-sensitive polymer or like material. At least a portion of the coating can be removed after insertion by exposing the light-sensitive material to laser energy transmitted from an optical-fiber-core end housed within the capillary. In other embodiments, the cover can be a slideable or moveable low-profile sleeve or metal cover. During insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is positioned over the capillary. After insertion, the sleeve or metal cover is retracted to expose the area to be treated to side-fired laser energy transmitted from the capillary.