Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a catheter wherein a dual lumen catheter body and at least one distal tip member are separately formed and the at least one distal tip member is subsequently assembled to the dual lumen catheter body. The components may be assembled using a heating process or, alternatively, using adhesives.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for pipeline rehabilitation. The methods and systems disclosed herein permit the rehabilitation of long lengths of previously installed pipe and minimize the need for creating multiple access points to the pipeline. The disclosed systems and methods are particularly suited for rehabilitating buried and undersea pipelines or pipelines installed in areas of restricted access.

Abstract: Provided are nanostructures containing electrochemically active materials, battery electrodes containing these nanostructures for use in electrochemical batteries, such as lithium ion batteries, and methods of forming the nanostructures and battery electrodes. The nanostructures include conductive cores, inner shells containing active materials, and outer shells partially coating the inner shells. The high capacity active materials having a stable capacity of at least about 1000 mAh/g can be used. Some examples include silicon, tin, and/or germanium. The outer shells may be configured to substantially prevent formation of Solid Electrolyte lnterphase (SEI) layers directly on the inner shells. The conductive cores and/or outer shells may include carbon containing materials. The nanostructures are used to form battery electrodes, in which the nanostructures that are in electronic communication with conductive substrates of the electrodes.

Abstract: A metal member (3) to be bonded is bonded with an adhesive (6) to have a strength higher than the basic material strength of the metal member (3) to be bonded. A metal insertion coupling has a socket portion (4) in which an insertion hole (2a) for inserting the end portion of the metal member (3) is formed. The socket portion (4) has a tapered outer surface extending from the opening end to the back side. The tensile strength of the socket portion (4) at the deepest position of the center line of the insertion hole is equal to or higher than the tensile strength of the metal member (3) in the direction of the center line. In the metal insertion coupling, insertion hole (2a) is formed to have a larger width as compared with the end portion of the metal member (3) in the range of 0.2 mm-0.6 mm.

Abstract: An arm made of composite material, and relative production method, consisting of a plurality of articulated segments with a longitudinal main axis (x), pivoted to each other, each of the articulated segments comprising a box-like structure and at least a joint element attached thereto by means of gluing, the box-like structure having an end cooperating with an end of the joint element on the inside of the surface of the joint element. The ends define a substantially conical reciprocally overlapping area and have profiles concordantly inclined by an angle (?) with respect to the longitudinal axis (x).

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular body for a catheter, sheath or lead comprises extruding a polymer core having an integrally formed core wall, first lumen, and second lumen, placing a first layer over an outer circumferential surface of the extruded polymer core, and bonding the first layer to the circumferential surface of the extruded polymer cover via a reflow process. The first and second lumens are mandrel free during the reflow process, and a temperature of the reflow process is below a softening point of the polymer core to maintain a collapse free first and second lumen.

Abstract: An introducer assembly (10) includes a guide wire catheter (12), a pusher element (16), an external manipulation unit (28) and an external sheath (30). The distal end (18) of the pusher element (16) is bonded, with adhesive or other bonding agent (32), to the guide wire catheter (12) so as to fix these components together at the distal end (18) of the pusher element (16). This reduces twisting of the pusher element (16) relative to the guide wire catheter (12) and thus twisting of any implantable medical device carried on the introducer assembly (10). This can reduce incorrect deployment of the implantable medical device and reduce instances of an abortive medical procedure. In addition, such bonding increases the torque resistance of the guide wire catheter (12) and pusher element (16) to reduce overall twisting at the distal end of the introducer assembly (10).

Abstract: A method of forming an introducer sheath having a crease-free tapered distal tip portion. A mandrel is provided having an outer configuration comprising an elongated body and a tapered distal tip portion. A generally tubular inner liner comprising heat shrinkable PTFE, is positioned over the mandrel. The inner liner is heat shrunk to the outer configuration of the mandrel, in a manner that avoids the formation of creases along the inner diameter of the liner. A reinforcing member is positioned over a length of the inner liner, and an outer jacket is positioned over the reinforcing member and the inner liner. The liner, reinforcing member, and outer jacket are heated in a heat shrink enclosure, whereby the outer jacket melts and bonds to an outer surface of the inner liner.

Abstract: A working channel for an endoscope or similar device having concentric porous and nonporous polymer tubes that are adhered or bonded together. A support wire may be wrapped around a nonporous inner tube and provides increased flexibility and resistance to compression and kinking. A porous outer tube fits over the support wire and inner tube and bonds to the inner tube, encapsulating the support wire. The outer tube may have a smooth or corrugated exterior, depending on the intended use of the working channel. Methods for manufacturing the working channel are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stretch-resistant liners for lining pipes, pipes lined with stretch-resistant liners, and methods for lining pipes with stretch-resistant liners. The liners are made from a lamination that includes a sealing layer, a strength layer of stretch-resistant woven material that overlies the sealing layer, a support layer of non-woven resin-impregnated material that overlies the strength layer, and a barrier layer that overlies the support layer. The lamination is rolled into a tube and inverted when inserted into a pipe so that the barrier layer is the layer that abuts the interior wall of the pipe, the support layer underlies the barrier layer, the strength layer underlies the support layer and the sealing layer underlies the strength layer is contacted by materials flowing through the pipe.

Abstract: In a pipeline lining method, a tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin is inserted in an everted state into a pipeline and expanded and pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the pipeline. A vapor mist and water at normal temperature are sprayed toward the tubular lining material and mixed together to cool the vapor mist. The cooled vapor mist is directed onto the tubular lining material to cure the thermosetting resin impregnated in the tubular lining material to line the pipeline with the tubular lining material.

Abstract: Medical devices can be formed from medical device components that are bonded together with an adhesive that resists stresses caused by adhesive curing. In particular, a medical device can include a first component and a second component. The second component can be configured to fit at least partially over the first component. An aerated adhesive layer can be formed or disposed between the first and second components.

Abstract: A method for making conduits includes inserting an inner tube into an outer tube and melting a portion of the inner tube to form a bond with the outer tube. The inner tube includes a polymeric material and the outer tube includes a material having a greater yield strength than the polymeric material. A conduit includes one or more inner tubes at least one of which is melt-bonded to one or more outer tubes. An analytical instrument includes a separation column, a solvent reservoir and pump, a sample injector, a detector to observe an eluent of the separation column, and tubing to transport fluid between components of the instrument.

Abstract: According to the method, a cylindrical tube (1) is inserted into the well or the pipe (C) that is to be lined, after which part of the tube is radially expanded using an inflatable bladder (2) so that the wall of the tube is pressed against that of the well or of the pipe (C). According to the invention, this expansion is achieved by moving the already-expanded bladder axially and continuously along inside the tube (1) over a travel corresponding to the length of the tube or of the region of tube that is to be expanded. Fields of water or oil production.

Abstract: A process for lining an existing pipeline or conduit with a flexible resin impregnated cured in place liner by pulling in the liner and inflating a resin impregnated inflation bladder with air and curing the liner with flow-through steam without loss of pressure is provided. The liner includes a resin absorbent material in tubular form with an impermeable membrane forming an outer layer. The inflation bladder also includes a resin absorbent material in tubular form with an impermeable membrane forming an outer layer and an exhaust assembly at the trailing end and is passed through a pressurized inversion apparatus into the collapsed liner. As the bladder reaches the distal end, the exhaust assembly exits the everting bladder and is coupled to an exhaust hose. Steam is then introduced the inversion apparatus to cure the resin and is exhausted through the exhaust tube. After cure, steam is replaced with air to cool the liner and the ends are cut to restore service through the host pipe.

Abstract: A surgically implantable delivery or drainage catheter assembly includes a porous fiber membrane that is permeable to the intended drainage or delivery fluid, yet has an outer surface morphology and porosity that prevents the ingrowth of tissue. The porous fiber membrane is created using a phase-inversion process which is controlled to select a desired porosity. A reinforcement member is also disposed within the porous fiber membrane.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant alloy tube is formed and bonded to a pre-machined steel alloy rod to form a riser tensioner cylinder rod. During assembly, an epoxy is injected into an annular space between the tube and rod and then cured. The bonded tube is ground to a desired surface finish prior to installation and utilizes a double seal arrangement that prevents external pressure or corrosive fluids from entering the cured epoxy in the annular space.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hollow structural column or rod in polymers includes the steps of assembling two or more elongated modules, each one provided with male-female truncated cone-shaped terminal parts. The inner surface of the ‘female’ terminal part has a taper angle that is identical to the taper angle of the outer surface of the ‘male’ terminal part. The process also includes the following steps: aligning the hollow modules; preparing the male and female terminal parts for adhesive bonding and insertion in the terminal part of the adjacent, aligned module; applying, preferably at the ends, an axial compression device, so that on compression of the ends of the rod made up of the modules, each external male tapering surface adheres to and exerts a suitable pressure on the internal female tapering surface of the adjacent module; and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a core structure. Firstly, a first core structure and a second core structure are fastened. The first core structure and the second core structure are positioned at a defined distance. A reinforcement element is introduced into a cavity between the first core structure layer and the second core structure layer. The reinforcement element, the first core structure layer, and the second core structure layer form a self-supporting core structure.

Abstract: A use of a fluorocarbon polymer as a surface of a vessel or conduit in a paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) process, for reducing fouling. The foulant comprises asphaltenes. The surface has an average water contact angle of greater than 90 degrees, a standard deviation of water contact angles divided by the average water contact angle of less than 0.1, and impurities of less than 1000 ppmw. The fluorocarbon polymer may be a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based polymer. The surface may be substantially free of colorants, fillers, and plasticizers.

Abstract: A catheter guide for assisting individuals in affixing catheter tips on blind-end catheters. More specifically, the catheter guide includes a mounting ring for receiving a catheter tip. The catheter guide further includes at least two integrated prongs extending from the mounting ring for defining a receptacle adapted to receive and aligning the blind end catheter with the catheter tip. The catheter guide maintains alignment of the blind end catheter and catheter tip while a bonding agent sets up. The catheter guide also includes an integrated tapering section extending from the integrated prongs to the mounting ring thereby eliminating the need for a separate tapering assembly step.

Abstract: A reinforced multi-lumen catheter and method of manufacturing the same. An assembly for manufacturing the multi-lumen catheter includes a catheter body substrate including a septum, one or more mandrels, a reinforcing element and one or more sleeves. The septum may have a distal region with a cross-sectional thickness greater than that of a proximal region. The septum can be separately formed. The septum can be split along a length of the distal region. The reinforcing element can be positioned over at least a proximal region of the catheter body substrate.

Abstract: A method for inverting a tubular liner in a hollow conduit involves: forming a cuff from the tubular liner, the cuff having an opening through which the liner is fed; and while feeding the liner through the cuff opening, feeding a gas under pressure through a gas inlet port formed in the liner to a space between the cuff and the remainder of the liner, thereby causing inversion and inflation of the liner into and through the conduit. After a portion of the liner has been inverted in the conduit, a region of the cuff and liner upstream of the gas inlet port is sealed off, thereby causing inversion of the remainder of the liner in the conduit. Optionally, before a trailing end of the liner is fed through the opening of the cuff, the trailing end is sealed to prevent flow of gas therefrom.

Abstract: A pipe lining material is inserted into a pipeline and expanded to press against an inner peripheral surface of the pipeline. Hot water from a first fluid source is sprayed onto the pipe lining material via a hose to cure the thermosetting resin impregnated therein and thereby cure the pipe lining material, with the sprayed hot water being accumulated in a bottom part of the pipe lining material. The hot water accumulated in the bottom part of the pipe lining material is delivered to a second fluid source separate and independent from the first fluid source, cooled in the second fluid source to provide cooling water, and supplied to the hose. The cooling water is sprayed onto the cured pipe lining material via the hose to cool the cured pipe lining material.

Abstract: A pipe- or tube-shaped article having an innermost layer is disclosed which comprises a polyolefin composition comprising a polyolefin comprising ethylene and an ?-olefin. The article provides long lifetime, highly abrasion-resistant pipes for mining and other transportation uses. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the article and transporting abrasive materials.

Abstract: An insert for forming an end connection in a uni-axial composite material, and an end connection comprising at least one insert, is disclosed. The insert comprises a sleeve which comprises a plurality of fibres having a multi-axial arrangement. At least a portion of the interior surface of the sleeve comprises a thread formation. A method of forming an end connection in a uni-axial composite material is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a sleeve comprising a plurality of fibres having a multi-axial arrangement and providing a thread formation on at least a portion of the interior surface of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and secured within the uni-axial composite material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crystallization apparatus capable of locally crystallizing amorphous silicon. The crystallization apparatus includes a heat emission part, a support part and a roller. The heat emission part emits heat upon receiving a heat emission source. The support part supports the heat emission part and provides the heat emission source to the heat emission part. The roller receives the heat emission part and has at least one opening to provide heat to a target (e.g., amorphous silicon). Local crystallization is performed without causing damage to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the curing of pipes (5) for receiving data cables, which are inserted into textile strips (4) and which are placed in discharge lines (1), wherein temporarily hot water or steam is guided through the pipes (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for everting a pipe-lining material for rehabilitating an existing pipe. The apparatus has a storage container for storing a pipe-lining material in an un-everted state, an eversion nozzle for everting the pipe-lining material, and a mounting pipe for removable connection between the storage container and the eversion nozzle. The everting nozzle has a nozzle opening to which the un-everted pipe-lining material is attached and which confronts an opening of the pipeline to be rehabilitated during use of the apparatus. The mounting pipe has an exterior surface, an interior space, a side portion provided with at least one opening communicating the exterior surface with the interior space, and an upper portion with an open end through which the un-everted pipe-lining material is inserted for attachment to the nozzle opening of the eversion nozzle.

Abstract: An annular duct insulation structure includes a substantially rigid annular insulation-retaining insert having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A viscoelastic insulation foam layer is disposed around the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the insert so as to result in a composite insulation structure of the foam layer and the insert. The foam layer is formed of at least one of (A) a compressed open-cell foam layer or (B) a compressed closed-cell foam layer in which at least a portion of the closed cells has been opened, wherein the foam layer has been compressed sufficiently to permit the composite insulation structure to be slipped into an annular duct without substantial friction, and wherein the foam layer decompresses so as to substantially fill a void between an inner surface of the duct and an outer surface of the foam layer of the composite insulation structure.

Abstract: A dripper adapted to be bonded to interior of an irrigation pipe during manufacture and to be associated with an outlet opening in said pipe. The dripper comprises an outwardly facing surface adapted for the bonding, an outlet area associated with the surface, and at least one bulge near the outlet area. The bulge defines an outermost portion of the surface at least during manufacture of the pipe, and is adapted to form, when the dripper is bonded to the pipe, a raised outlet region in the pipe associated with the bulge. The bulge and outlet area are designed so as to form the raised outlet region suitable for at least a part of the outlet opening to be formed therein and be defined by the material of the pipe.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants, methods of making lacrimal implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration or other diseases or disorders using lacrimal implants are disclosed.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe splice is formed from two sub-assemblies, each sub-assembly including a sleeve mated to a pipe section. Each sleeve has an inner wall and an outer wall connected by a rim, the outer wall surrounding at least a portion of the inner wall and forming a gap therewith. In the pipe splice, the inner and outer walls sandwich a pipe wall within the gap.

Abstract: A guidewire and methods for making and using the same. The guidewire may include a core wire and a polymer jacket attached to the core wire. The guidewire may be manufactured by advancing the core wire, polymer jacket, and a tooling tube through a heated die assembly so as to heat and compress the polymer jacket onto the core wire. Optionally, the tooling tube may be removed from the jacket after advancing the components through the die assembly.

Abstract: A pipe lining material comprising an inner lining material and an outer lining material is used to rehabilitate an aged existing pipe. The inner lining material and the outer lining material are made of a tubular resin-absorbent material that is impregnated with a photo-curing resin and a thermosetting resin. The resin-absorbent material of the inner lining material has a higher density than that of the outer lining material. The photo-curing resin of the inner and outer lining materials is cured by light when the pipe lining material is irradiated with light, and the heat generated when the photo-curing resin is cured cures the thermosetting resin of the inner and outer lining materials. Since the resin-absorbent material of the inner lining material has a high density, voids are less readily formed. Even if voids are generated in the resin-absorbent material of the outer lining material, the voids will be covered by the inner lining material having fewer voids.

Abstract: A method for lining a pipe conduit with a coated textile tubing that adheres to the inner walls of the pipe conduit by means of an adhesive. The coated textile tubing can be filled with a long pot life adhesive and the textile tubing turned inside out (inverted) while being introduced into the pipe conduit. A fast curing adhesive is substantially simultaneously applied to the inner wall of the pipe conduit in as short a distance as possible to the moving tubing inversion point. The introduced tubing is then subjected to an inner pressure to force the tubing into contact with the pipe inner wall until the fast curing adhesive has cured. Alternatively, an impregnated textile tubing can be substituted for the tubing filled with the long pot life adhesive. As a further alternative, conditions are controlled to cause curing of the adhesive only in the inverted portion of the tubing.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular body for a catheter, sheath or lead comprises extruding a polymer core having an integrally formed core wall, first lumen, and second lumen, placing a first layer over an outer circumferential surface of the extruded polymer core, and bonding the first layer to the circumferential surface of the extruded polymer cover via a reflow process. The first and second lumens are mandrel free during the reflow process, and a temperature of the reflow process is below a softening point of the polymer core to maintain a collapse free first and second lumen.

Abstract: A self-adhesive purge dam for retaining purge gas around a weld zone includes a base configured to substantially obstruct an air passage leading to the weld zone and an adhesive skirt extending from the base and configured to engage portions of the air passage. An adhesive on the adhesive skirt allows the skirt to be adhered to the air passage. An optional removable backing covers the adhesive prior to installation. The adhesive skirt is deployable from a stowed position wherein the adhesive is generally disposed in an interior portion of the purge dam to an installation position wherein the adhesive can be pressed against a surface to which the purge dam is to be adhered. The purge dam can be installed by inserting it in the air passage with the adhesive skirt in the stowed position, removing the removable backing prior to or after insertion in the air passage, exposing the adhesive, and deploying the skirt to the installation position for adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a green fluoropolymer tube which has a wall thickness of about 250 microns or less, preferably about 200 microns or less, and more preferably about 125 microns or less. With such thinness, the green tube may be formed into a tube of expanded fluoropolymer having a wall thickness of about 250 microns or less, preferably about 200 ?m or less and more preferably about 125 microns or less. Such an expanded fluoropolymer tube is particularly well-suited for use as an endovascular prosthesis, such as a graft, or in a stent-graft, because of its flexibility and strength.

Abstract: A configuration of a blood microtubular filter/dializer used in many kinds of renal replacement therapy systems is disclosed which may allow a straight thin-walled tube to be used for a majority of the structure of the housing and other benefits disclosed.

Abstract: PVC and/or CPVC tubing and/or pipe is adhesively-secured at one end with a pipe fitting telescopably mated with each other with a uniquely effective epoxy adhesive. The resulting pipe joint is fluid-tight. PVC pipe joints meet the requirements of ASTM F1970; CPVC pipe joints meet the requirements of ASTM D2864. Such PVC and CPVC piping systems are chosen to carry cold and hot aqueous streams respectively, under pressure and elevated temperature in continuous service, both, in industrial and domestic piping systems. Such piping systems also carry more corrosive fluids for specified duration, less than 50 years.

Abstract: A rubber member is provided which includes an aluminum-based inner metal tube (2) (aluminum-based metal component), a film (A) chemically formed on an outer peripheral surface of the inner metal tube (2), an adhesive layer (C) provided on an outer surface of the film (A), and a vibration damping rubber (1) provided on an outer surface of the adhesive layer (C). The film (A) contains manganese oxide and zirconium oxide. In the film (A), manganese from the manganese oxide is present in a content of 10 to 30 mg/m2 on a manganese atom weight basis, and zirconium from the zirconium oxide is present in a content of 5 to 40 mg/m2 on a zirconium atom weight basis. The film (A) is free from deterioration in adhesion to the aluminum-base metal component which may otherwise occur due to heat applied for vulcanization of a rubber material, and is excellent in followability to deformation of the aluminum-based metal component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paint roller covers is disclosed in which the paint roller covers are manufactured from a seamless, tubular fabric sleeve having a backing and a pile made at least in part from a low melt fiber or yarn. The seamless, tubular fabric sleeve is placed onto a cylindrical member, and heat is applied to cause the low melt fiber or yarn in the backing and looped ends of the pile be activated to cause the backing of the seamless, tubular fabric sleeve to remain in a cylindrical configuration. The activated tubular knitted pile fabric may be finished into paint roller covers by combing and shearing the pile fabric to a desired length, beveling the edges of the paint roller covers, and vacuuming stray fibers from the paint roller covers.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite textile and ePTFE implantable device includes the steps of (a) providing an ePTFE layer having opposed surfaces comprising a microporous structure of nodes interconnected by fibrils; (b) providing a textile layer having opposed surfaces; (c) applying a coating of an elastomeric bonding agent to one of the opposed surfaces of the ePTFE layer or the textile layer; (d) providing a hollow member having an open end and an opposed closed end defining a fluid passageway therebetween and having a wall portion with at least one hole extending therethrough, the hole being in fluid communication with the fluid passageway; (e) concentrically placing the ePTFE layer and the textile layer onto the hollow member and over the at least one hole of the hollow member to provide an interior composite layer and an exterior composite layer, thereby defining a composite assembly, wherein the interior composite layer is one of the ePTFE layer or the textile layer and the exterior composite layer is th

Abstract: Coated devices for introduction into bodies and methods for making and using them are provided, such as delivery sheaths, guidewire lumen cores, and elongate leads. In one embodiment, a tubular device includes a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The tubular device includes a relatively thin inner polyurethane liner including a coating on an inner surface thereof, e.g., providing a lubricious and/or hydrophilic lumen, and an outer layer surrounding the liner. In another embodiment, a lead is provided that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one electrode on the distal end. A polyurethane cover surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the lead that include a coating, e.g., including a lubricious and/or hydrophilic material. Optionally, the cover may be removable from around the lead body.

Abstract: Installation of a flexible cured in place liner by inverting the liner with air and curing the liner with steam introduced through a perforated lay flat hose without deflating the liner between the inversion and cure. The installation is performed with an apparatus having two independently operable glands with at least one fluid inlet port installed on the line downstream of the second gland liner. As the liner reaches the distal end of the conduit to be lined, it enters a sample and porting pipe with an exhaust pipe gland and exhaust pipe and it is pierced by a rigid porting tool. Steam is then introduced into the lay flat hose to cure the resin and is exhausted through an exhaust hose connected to a controllable exhaust pipe. After curing steam is replaced with air to cool the liner, the ends are cut to restore service through the host pipe.

Abstract: A medical device including a medical device metallic substrate component, with perforations therethrough, attached to a medical device polymeric component abutting the thin metallic film component. The medical device also includes a polymeric sleeve covering the perforations and at least a portion of the polymeric component abutting the metallic substrate component. Moreover, the polymeric sleeve intrudes into the perforations and joins the metallic substrate component to the polymeric component. A method for attaching a medical device metallic substrate component to a medical device polymeric component includes forming a plurality of perforations in the medical device metallic substrate component and abutting the medical device polymeric component against the medical device metallic substrate component. Subsequently, a polymeric sleeve is applied over the perforations and at least a portion of the abutted medical device polymeric component.

Abstract: An assembly method and related subassembly for a water filter element in the housing of a replaceable filter cartridge provides for filter element insertion into the open bottom end of the housing and subsequent attachment of a retaining ring to the upper end of the element such that the element is secured against vertical drop-out until the bottom end of the cartridge can be enclosed with an end cap. The method and subassembly are particularly well adapted to cartridges in which the lower end cap is attached by spin welding. The enclosing end cap may also be provided with end rings to enhance the user's grip in cartridge installation and removal. The end rings may also be color coded for each of cartridge identification and matching to the filter head.

Abstract: A method for making an inflatable bed includes the steps of: sleeving a plurality of tubular tension members onto a guide bar; placing a bottom plastic sheet on a carrier that has a plurality of aligned through holes extending through top and bottom surfaces of the bottom plastic sheet; laying the guide bar on the bottom plastic sheet with the guide bar being aligned with the aligned through holes and with each of the tubular tension members being aligned with one of the through holes; laying a top plastic sheet on the guide bar and the bottom plastic sheet; and welding the tubular tension members to the top and bottom plastic sheets. A system for making an inflatable bed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an encapsulated stent includes providing a first seamless unsintered ePTFE tube, providing a second seamless sintered ePTFE tube, positioning a self-expanding stent between the first and second ePTFE tubes to form an assembly, and joining the first ePTFE tube to the second ePTFE tube through openings in a wall of the stent by applying first pressure, and then heat, to the assembly.