Abstract: Polymeric tubing, for use with catheters or other medical devices, where the polymeric tubing can have regions of customized properties including, but not limited to, durometer, torque control, flexibility, axial strength, stiffness, etc. One variation of the device allows for transitions between regions to be configured such that there can be gradual or customized transitions between various regions such that the structural characteristics differential between the regions are selectively designed. Additional variations include outer layers having a plurality of material sections extending in a spiral direction along the axial length to form a continuous wall of the outer layer. In certain variations, the structural characteristic differential is minimized or eliminated as compared to conventional catheters.

Abstract: A method of forming a capillary tube for electrospray ionization (ESI) having at least one tip with a desired tip profile. The method includes providing a pre-finished capillary tube of substantially homogenous material. The capillary tube has a first end and an internal bore. The first end of the pre-finished capillary tube is wet-etched in an etchant for an etch duration. A protective fluid flows through the internal bore of the capillary tube at a flow rate during the etch duration and the flow rate and the etch duration are determined to obtain the desired tip profile below a liquid level of the etchant.

Abstract: A method of fabricating fin structure is provided. A patterned catalyst layer and a patterned passivation layer extending along a first direction are formed on a substrate. The patterned passivation layer is located on the patterned catalyst layer. A carbon layer is formed on at least one side of the patterned catalyst layer and includes hollow carbon tubes arranged along the first direction. Each hollow carbon tube extends along a second direction. A removal process is performed to remove the top and a portion of the bottom of each hollow carbon tube closest to the substrate, so that remnants are left and serve as a mask layer. Two adjacent remnants form a stripe pattern extending along the second direction. The patterned passivation layer and the patterned catalyst layer are removed. The pattern of the mask layer is transferred to the substrate to form fin structures. The mask layer is removed.

Abstract: A guidewire device comprising: a micro-fabricated elongated outer member having an outer surface and an interior surface forming a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end; an outer elastomer laminate layer in contact with at least a portion of said outer surface; and an inner member disposed within a substantial portion of said lumen, and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for integrated circuit fabrication is disclosed. In an example, the method includes determining a first process parameter of a wafer and a second process parameter of the wafer, the first process parameter and the second process parameter corresponding to different wafer characteristics; determining a variation of a device parameter of the wafer based on the first process parameter and the second process parameter; constructing a model for the device parameter as a function of the first process parameter and the second process parameter based on the determined variation of the device parameter of the wafer; and performing a fabrication process based on the model.

Abstract: A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shaft oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the micro shaft. The micro shaft and micro bearing may be in or less than the micrometer domain.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing intravascular stents are disclosed wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. In particular, the inner surface of the intravascular stent has at least one groove formed therein.

Abstract: Pillared particles of silicon or silicon-comprising material and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. These particles may be used to create both a composite anode structure with a polymer binder, a conductive additive and a metal foil current collector, and an electrode structure. The structure of the particles overcomes the problems of charge/discharge capacity loss.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant and a process of producing the implant. The implant includes an integration surface having a roughened surface topography as at least part of the top surface, bottom surface, or both surfaces. The integration surface comprises at least one or more of (a) a plurality of grains; (b) intergranular boundaries between the plurality of grains; and (c) unsatisfied chemical bonds. The integration surface may be produced by texturing a surface by chemical processes, mechanical processes, or both to provide the plurality of grains and intergranular boundaries and chemically etching the surface to provide unsatisfied chemical bonds. In addition, the plurality of grains and the intergranular boundaries may etch at different or non-uniform etch rates.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a Z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example embodiment includes punching a plurality of segments out of at least one sheet of substrate material to form a plurality of layers of the Z-directed component. A channel is formed through the substrate material either before or after the segments are punched. At least one of the formed layers includes at least a portion of the channel. A conductive material is applied to at least one surface of at least one of the formed layers. A stack of the formed layers is combined to form the Z-directed component.

Abstract: An apparatus for altering a surface of a cylindrical object includes at least one container containing a fluid resist therein and having at least one opening from which the fluid resist is discharged; at least one roller operatively associated with the at least one container and having a surface sized and shaped to be exposed to the at least one opening, the surface area including a pattern of shapes and upon which the fluid resist is deposited; and at least one support member adjacent the at least one roller for supporting the cylindrical object during transit for contacting the at least one roller. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft includes the steps of providing an endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft having an inner wall surface, an outer wall surface, and a wall thickness and forming a pattern design into the endoluminal implantable surface, stent, or graft. At least one groove is created in the inner surface of the intravascular stent by applying a laser machining method to the inner surface.

Abstract: A blank tube for cold drawing is used for the production of a longer-length, small-diameter tube such as a heat-transfer tube for steam generation in nuclear power facilities, wherein the blank tube will not cause scoring and chattering vibration in a drawing process. The blank tube is used to produce a cold drawn tube through cold drawing of the blank tube. The average surface roughness Ra (ANSI B46.1) of the inner surface of blank tube before drawing satisfies the condition: 0.10 ?m?Ra?1.00 ?m in the case of a blank tube for cold drawing for use in an oil-lubricated drawing. In particular, the surface roughness Ra satisfies the condition: 0.10 ?m?Ra?0.50 ?m in the case of a blank tube for use in a high-pressure lubrication drawing and made of an austenitic alloy for use in a heat-transfer tube for a steam generator.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing intravascular stents are disclosed wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. In particular, the inner surface of the intravascular stent has at least one groove formed therein.

Abstract: A method for forming a recess defect on a carbon nanotube is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A substrate with a surface is provided. A first carbon nanotube is deposed on the surface of the substrate. A second carbon nanotube is crossed with the first carbon nanotube. The second carbon nanotube crosses the first carbon nanotube and is in contact with the first carbon nanotube. A mask is deposited on substrate, the first carbon nanotube, and the second carbon nanotube. The substrate is etched to remove the second carbon nanotube and form a recess defect on the first carbon nanotube at a crossing position.

Abstract: Processes of fabricating a roughened surface topography on a composite interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, and opposing anterior and posterior portions; a first integration plate affixed to the top surface of the body; and an optional second integration plate affixed to the bottom surface of the body. At least a portion of the first integration plate, optional second integration plate, or both has a roughened surface topography including macro features, micro features, and nano features, without sharp teeth that risk damage to bone structures, adapted to grip bone through friction, inhibit migration of the implant, and promote bone growth. The process steps may include separate and sequential macro processing, micro processing, and nano processing steps.

Abstract: Method of forming a semiconductor structure which includes forming first conductive spacers on a semiconductor substrate; forming second conductive spacers with respect to the first conductive spacers, at least one of the second conductive spacers adjacent to and in contact with each of the first conductive spacers to form combined conductive spacers; recessing the second conductive spacers with respect to the first conductive spacers so that the first conductive spacers extend beyond the second conductive spacers; depositing an ILD to cover the first and second spacers except for an exposed edge of the first conductive spacers; patterning the exposed edges of the first conductive spacers to recess the edges of the first conductive spacers in predetermined locations to form recesses with respect to the ILD; and filling the recesses with an insulating material to leave unrecessed edges of the first conductive spacers as vias to subsequent wiring features.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing intravascular stents wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. In particular, the inner surface of the intravascular stent has at least one groove formed therein.

Abstract: A catheter body having a variable stiffness along its longitudinal length and a method for manufacturing same is disclosed wherein an inner layer having an uninterrupted length serves as a backbone for segments of coextrusion of, e.g., Pebax or nylon and a tie layer which are then bonded to the backbone to create a multi-stiffness catheter body.

Abstract: This is structure and method for providing a textured surfaced that can be used in a plurality of systems including ink jet printing. In ink jet printing, the textured surface of this invention controls ink drawback and significantly improves image quality. The textured surface has an average roughness, Ra, of about 0.2 to 1.5 microns, a texture density of about 104-107 pits per cm2, a texture size of about 0.5-5 microns, and a texture depth of about 0.5-10 microns.

Abstract: A method for making a device includes providing a tubular member which will be formed into the device, masking at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular member with a removable sacrificial material, selectively removing a portion of the tubular member and sacrificial material using a laser device, and mechanically removing the sacrificial material from the inner surface of the tubular member. Ultrasonic energy could be applied to a workpiece which is being laser cut to prevent any generated slag from welding itself to an exposed surface of the workpiece. A compressed fluid or gas, such as air, could be used to clean the surface of the laser-cut workpiece to remove slag formation which adheres to the surface of the cut workpiece.

Abstract: A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shall oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the micro shaft. The micro shaft and micro bearing may be in or less than the micrometer domain.

Abstract: A method for forming a recess defect on a carbon nanotube is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A substrate with a surface is provided. A first carbon nanotube is deposed on the surface of the substrate. A second carbon nanotube is crossed with the first carbon nanotube. The second carbon nanotube crosses the first carbon nanotube and is in contact with the first carbon nanotube. A mask is deposited on substrate, the first carbon nanotube, and the second carbon nanotube. The substrate is etched to remove the second carbon nanotube and form a recess defect on the first carbon nanotube at a crossing position.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing intravascular stents wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. In particular, the inner surface of the intravascular stent has at least one groove formed therein.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a handle assembly that is mechanically and/or bonded coupled with a tubular sheath.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermal interface material includes the following steps: providing a carbon nanotube array formed on a substrate, the carbon nanotube array having a number of carbon nanotubes and a number of interstices between the adjacent carbon nanotubes; filling a liquid state first base material into the interstices; curing the first base material, thereby achieving a carbon nanotube/first base material composite; dripping a liquid state second base material onto the surface of the carbon nanotube/first base material composite, the first base material melting and flowing out of the carbon nanotube/first base material composite, until the carbon nanotube array being substantially submerged in the second base material; and curing the second base material, thereby achieving a thermal interface material.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a mass spectrometer micro-leak includes a number of channels fabricated by semiconductor processing tools and that includes a number of inlet holes that provide access to the channels.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes an endoprosthesis wall that includes a ceramic coating and a polymer coating containing a therapeutic agent. A ceramic coating can be formed on the wall by electrochemical deposition. Cyclic voltammetry can be conducted to modify the density of the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the ceramic coating.

Abstract: An integrated composite beam structure. The structure has a substrate, which includes a surface and a thickness defined underlying the surface. The substrate is composed of a first material. A thickness of polymer based material includes a first portion, a length, and a second portion. The second is coupled to a portion of the substrate. The length is defined between the first portion and the second portion. The structure also has a spring constant (K) of less than a predetermined amount (e.g., 10 N/m, 1 N/m) characterizing the length of the polymer based beam structure. The first portion is capable of moving in a first direction characterized by the spring constant upon application of an externally applied force and is substantially fixed in a second direction, which is normal to the first direction. The second end is capable of returning to a predetermined state when the externally applied force has been removed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more interconnective elements. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements consist of ribbon-like material disposed in an undulating pattern. Portions of the expanded stent project outwardly into engagement with the vessel wall to more securely attach the stent.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods fabricating devices having nanostructures that allow adhesion or growth of one cell type, such as endothelial cells, more than another cell type, such as smooth muscle cells. In particular, stent covers having such nanostructures are described, and methods for fabricating these stent covers. Also described herein are methods for optimizing the nanostructures forming the devices.

Abstract: The stamp (10) for a lithographic process, such as patterning a surface layer, of the invention has a stamp body (5) with at least a first recess (11) formed therein, which recess defines a first aperture (15) in the printing face (3) of the stamp (10). The first recess (11) narrows with increasing distance to the printing face, while any cross-section of the first recess, when perpendicularly projected on the printing face (3), will lie within the aperture (15). The printing face may comprise small (11, 12) and large apertures (13) as well as small surfaces (14) in between apertures, while it is nevertheless able to produce prints which are accurate replicas of the printing face. Even details on a submicron scale can be adequately printed. The stamp (10) can be manufactured by a method which comprises anisotropic etching of a first body to make a mold and replicating the mold in the printing face (3) of the stamp (10).

Abstract: An exemplary method for manufacturing a thermal interface material includes the steps of: providing a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second substrate having an opposite second surface spaced apart a predetermined distance; forming a number of carbon nanotubes from one of the first the second surfaces; forming a composite material by filling interstices between the carbon nanotubes with a liquid state base material; curing the liquid state base material filled in the interstices between the carbon nanotubes; and removing the first and the second substrates from the composite material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a tubular article having a wall structure defined by a selected pattern. The method includes the steps of providing a tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; coating the outer surface with first photosensitive resist; exposing the selected pattern portions of the coated outer surface; developing the first photosensitive resist coated on the outer surface; coating the inner surface with second photosensitive resist; and exposing the tube to an etchant to form a tubular article having the wall structure defined by the selected pattern. The second photosensitive resist is more brittle than the first photosensitive resist when the first and second photosensitive resist are dry. An apparatus for exposing a photosensitive resist-coated tube to laser. The device includes an elongated tubular member having an aperture extending through its wall.

Abstract: A processing method for a semiconductor wafer which is generally circular, and which has on the face thereof an annular surplus region present in an outer peripheral edge portion of the face, and a circular device region surrounded by the surplus region, the device region having many rectangular regions defined by streets arranged in a lattice pattern, each of the rectangular regions having a semiconductor device disposed therein. The processing method includes a back grinding step of grinding a region in the back of the wafer corresponding to the device region to form a circular concavity in the back of the wafer corresponding to the device region.

Abstract: A micromachined device for efficient thermal processing at least one fluid stream includes at least one fluid conducting tube having at least a region with wall thickness of less than 50 ?m. The device optionally includes one or more thermally conductive structures in thermal communication with first and second thermally insulating portions of the fluid conducting tube. The device also may include a thermally conductive region, and at least a portion of the fluid conducting tube is disposed within the region. A plurality of structures may be provided projecting from a wall of the fluid conducting tube into an inner volume of the tube. The structures enhance thermal conduction between a fluid within the tube and a wall of the tube. A method for fabricating, from a substrate, a micromachined device for processing a fluid stream allows the selective removal of portions of the substrate to provide desired structures integrated within the device.

Abstract: A microcoil is manufactured by rolling a trace unit in such a way as to form at least one winding. The trace unit is comprised of a conductive trace attached to a flexible insulating film. A preferred embodiment of the microcoil contains both a first winding and a second winding electrically connected and spaced apart by a joining portion. The microcoil may be used for internal magnetic resonance imaging of patient by attaching the microcoil to a catheter.

Abstract: A magnet roller includes a rotary sleeve having a given systematic pattern on the outer surface of the sleeve and a magnet provided in the sleeve. This structure transfers toner uniformly along the outer surface of the sleeve. A printer, for instance, employing this magnet roller can print a fine copy.

Abstract: A method of fabricating microstructural components, microparts assemblies and microparts is disclosed. The method includes fabricating a unidirectional metal matrix composite made of materials selected to allow precise etching of different structural elements of the given composite without damage to each other. Cutting a composite to form slices or sections. Etching a matrix entirely out will produce wide assortment of microparts. Partial removal of matrix will form an array of microprotrusions protruding from a substrate. Etching out the microprotrusions cores will form hollow microprotrusions. The method of invention is suitable for fabricating of variety of microcomponents. For example: microneedles—a medical microdevice component having micron features, arrays of high strength micropins and micropunches, and precisely controlled unique microstructural surfaces.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a stent provides a folded strut section that provides both structural rigidity and reduction in foreshortening of the stent mechanism. A flexible section provides flexibility for delivery of the stent mechanism. In a second embodiment, flexible section columns are angled with respect to each other, and to the longitudinal axis of the stent. These relatively flexible sections are oppositely phased in order to negate any torsion along their length. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connector can take on an undulating shape (like an “N”), but such that the longitudinal axis of the connector is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent. Finally, a new method is disclosed for making stents. The method consists of performing a standard photochemical machining process of cutting, cleaning and coating the tube with a photoresist.

Abstract: This specification discloses an etching method for making fluid bearings. The invention uses an ejection axis as the mask of the bearing cast. A protection material is inserted into the inner diameter of the fluid bearing, producing a protection pattern. After pulling out the ejection axis, the bearing cast is etched to form a desired oil groove in the inner diameter. Afterwards, the etching solution is washed away and the protection pattern is removed. The invention can be easily integrated with existing manufacturing procedures, achieving the goal of mass production and lowering costs. In addition, the invention can avoid such problems as rough edges as in the prior art. At the same time, the disclosed method makes the radial and stop parts of the fluid bearing, simplifying the manufacturing procedure.

Abstract: In order to simplify the sequence of creating a mask, in particular for producing a printing plate, and at the same time to improve the quality of the printing plate produced by means of a mask, the use of laser-induced thermal transfer is provided. The structure information is applied directly to the surface of a printing plate carrier during the creation of a mask, by means of a thermal transfer film and a laser image-setting unit, so that by means of the structure information applied, differentiation with regard to image points and non-image points can be carried out directly in order to produce a printing plate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoarray, which includes the steps of forming a thin film of supramolecules on a substrate on which metal catalyst for CNT synthesis is deposited, inducing the self-assembly of the supramolecules by annealing to form a regular structure, selectively staining the formed regular structure with a metal compound, etching the metal compound-stained thin film to form a nanometer or smaller size pattern, forming a nanopattern of metal catalyst by using the nanopattern of supramolecules stained with the formed metal compounds, and growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) vertically on the formed metal catalyst nanopattern. A biochip is readily fabricated by binding bioreceptor(s) to CNTs of the CNT nanoarray.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality capillary tube used in an electrophoresis apparatus in a safe and inexpensive manner. A polymer coating on a capillary tube is converted into gas and removed through an oxidative reaction with oxygen radicals resulting from ozone decomposition.

Abstract: Disclosed herewithin is an apparatus for fabricating a stent which involves processing a tubular member whereby no connection points to join the edges of a flat pattern are necessary. The process includes the steps of: a) preparing the surface of a tubular member, b) coating the outside surface of the tubular member with a photo-sensitive resist material, c) placing the tubular member in an apparatus designed to simultaneously rotate the tubular member while passing a specially configured photographic frame negative between a light source and the tubular member, d) exposing the tubular member to a photoresist developer, e) rinsing the excess developer and uncured resist from the exposed tubular member, f) sealing the inner lumen of the tubular member, and g) treating the tubular member with a chemical or electro-chemical process to remove uncovered metal. By modifying the photographic negative, this process can be employed to fabricate a virtually unlimited number of stent designs and configurations.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a Parylene micro check valve including a micromachined silicon valve seat with a roughened top surface to which a membrane cap is anchored by twist-up tethers. The micro check valve is found to exhibit low cracking pressure, high reverse pressure, low reverse flow leakage, and negligible membrane-induced flow resistance when used as a valve over a micro orifice through which flow liquid and gas fluids.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for preventing gate oxide thinning in a recess LOCOS process. A method of forming a gate oxide on a substrate comprises providing a substrate having thereon a plurality of trenches having gate oxides formed therein, wherein the plurality of trenches are separated by a patterned pad oxide and a patterned silicon nitride layer disposed thereon and used to form the plurality of trenches. The patterned silicon nitride layer and the patterned pad oxide layer are removed to expose a surface of the substrate as an active area of the semiconductor device. An ion drive-in to the active area on the substrate is performed by directing a flow of oxygen and nitrogen toward the substrate at a predetermined temperature and with a sufficient amount of oxygen to at least substantially prevent silicon nitride from forming on the field oxide regions.

Abstract: A process is described for the manufacture of flexible tubular elements, particularly stents for the medical field, the process comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A metal layer uniform in thickness is formed by electroless plating on both inner and outer surfaces of a corrugated tube to thereby produce a shield-plated corrugated tube which has a satisfactory flexibility as well as a superior electromagnetically shielding effect. Specifically, in the corrugated tube of resin, at least the size and shape of groove portions inside the tube for forming the convex-concave portions of the tube wall are set to satisfy the condition of 1.5<D/W<1.6 where D represents the depth of each groove portion in the radial direction of the tube and W represents the width of each groove portion in the axial direction of the tube. The metal layers are formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the corrugated tube by electroless plating.

Abstract: A photoresist etching process and system can be used for the etching of non-planar or three-dimensional surfaces by using a non-planar shaped fiber optic array or fiber optic panel. The array or panel has a contour or shape that may nest a non-planar or three-dimensional article or surface. The non-planar or three-dimensional article or surface has a photoresist composition on its surface facing the optical fibers of the fiber optic array or panel, and the article or surface is nested against the contour or shape of the array or panel. Radiation is transported through the optical fibers and exposes the photoresist composition. The optical fiber array may perform an image-wise exposure of the photoresist composition by appropriate blockage of the radiation before it enters or as it enters a distal end of the optical fibers.