Abstract: Bridge systems and methods for constructing bridges having overhang surfaces employing generally rectangular, precast, prestressed concrete panels. One method includes delivering a plurality of generally rectangular, precast, prestressed concrete panels to an installation site, and delivering one or more support beams to the installation site, each support beam having a support and a base. The concrete panels are positioned on the supports of the one or more support beams with an overhang panel section and a traffic panel section. The concrete panels are then connected to the support beams by positioning steel reinforcement in block outs or voids, pouring unsolidified concrete into the voids, and curing the unsolidified concrete to form an overhang traffic surface. Bridges constructed employing the precast, prestressed concrete panels and methods. Other bridge systems employ prestressed concrete L-walls and double-T members, where weight-bearing L-walls have pockets for webs of the double-T members.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for systems, apparatuses, and methods of securing screen assemblies. Embodiments include a system having a compression assembly with a compression pin and a pin assembly having a pin. The compression assembly may be attached to a first wall member of a vibratory screening machine and the pin assembly may be attached to a second wall member of the vibratory screening machine opposite the first wall member such that the compression assembly is configured to assert a force against a first side portion of a screen assembly and drive a second side portion of the screen assembly against the pin of the pin assembly. The pin assembly may include a pin that is internally or externally mounted and that is adjustable and/or replaceable.

Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a method for manufacturing a customizable holster. Steps are provided of molding inner holster components, including molding internal surfaces that conform to shapes of respective portions of a desired firearm design. Other substeps include molding external surfaces that conform to the shape of portions of an external mating surface of an inner holster. The inner holster components are mated to form an inner holster having an internal contact surface that conforms to the firearm design, to securely receive and retain a respective firearm within the inner holster. An outer holster is molded having an interior defined by an internal mating surface that conforms with the external mating surface of the inner holster. The inner holster is then mated to the outer holster such that the external mating surface of the inner holster is received within the internal mating surface of the outer holster.

Abstract: A securement assembly for a toy includes a support having an insert with a plurality of tabs cooperatively defining a space, the insert being configured to extend into a receptacle of the toy. The securement assembly also includes a stand with an extension configured to extend into the space cooperatively defined by the plurality of tabs so that, in an assembled configuration of the securement assembly, the extension abuts the plurality of tabs to move the plurality of tabs away from one another and into engagement with a wall of the toy defining the receptacle.

Abstract: A catalyst device includes a catalyst carrier serving as a heating element that generates heat when energized. The catalyst device includes a guide pipe that guides exhaust into the case. The catalyst device includes a connecting pipe that connects the guide pipe to the case. The case has an end that is an insulative portion and projects further upstream, in the direction in which exhaust flows, from an end surface of the catalyst carrier. A temperature difference inducing structure, which induces a state in which the connecting pipe is relatively lower in temperature than the end of the case, includes a heat shield, encompassing an outer circumferential surface of the connecting pipe and having an opening in part of a portion opposing the outer circumferential surface of the connecting pipe, and a stay fixing the outer circumferential surface of the connecting pipe to an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Bridge systems and methods for constructing bridges having overhang surfaces employing generally rectangular, precast, prestressed concrete panels. One method includes delivering a plurality of generally rectangular, precast, prestressed concrete panels to an installation site, and delivering one or more support beams to the installation site, each support beam having a support and a base. The concrete panels are positioned on the supports of the one or more support beams with an overhang panel section and a traffic panel section. The concrete panels are then connected to the support beams by positioning steel reinforcement in block outs or voids, pouring unsolidified concrete into the voids, and curing the unsolidified concrete to form an overhang traffic surface. Bridges constructed employing the precast, prestressed concrete panels and methods. Other bridge systems employ prestressed concrete L-walls and double-T members, where weight-bearing L-walls have pockets for webs of the double-T members.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a mask assembly and a method of manufacturing a display device are provided. The apparatus may include: a tensioning part configured to be spaced apart from a mask frame comprising at least one opening, the tensioning part configured to tension a mask sheet in at least one of a first direction and a second direction, the mask sheet comprising a cell area corresponding to the at least one opening, and a dummy portion arranged outside the cell area; a pressing part configured to correspond to the dummy portion and press the dummy portion in a third direction intersecting a plane in which the first direction and the second direction extend; and a header configured to irradiate a laser beam toward the mask sheet to fix the mask sheet to the mask frame.

Abstract: A strain magnification apparatus can have a first section and a second section coupled with the first section. The second section can have a lower stiffness relative to the first portion and a strain gauge coupled thereto. The first section is operable to be coupled to a tool experiencing strain and the tool is formed from a material having lower elasticity than the second section.

Abstract: A piezoelectric strain sensor unit for a rolling bearing includes a piezoelectric strain sensor, and a sensor holder provided with a main body having a front face intended to be into contact with a component of the rolling bearing and a rear face, and with at least two flexible arms mounted on the main body and supporting opposite ends of the piezoelectric strain sensor, the piezoelectric strain sensor being axially located on the side of the rear face of the main body while remaining spaced apart from the rear face. The sensor holder is provided with a central pin which protrudes axially with regard to the front face of the main body and which is axially moveable with regard the main body, the central pin axially abutting onto the piezoelectric strain sensor.

Abstract: Bridge systems and methods for constructing bridges having overhang surfaces employing generally rectangular, precast, prestressed concrete panels. One method includes delivering a plurality of generally rectangular, precast, prestressed concrete panels to an installation site, and delivering one or more support beams to the installation site, each support beam having a support and a base. The concrete panels are positioned on the supports of the one or more support beams with an overhang panel section and a traffic panel section. The concrete panels are then connected to the support beams by positioning steel reinforcement in block outs or voids, pouring unsolidified concrete into the voids, and curing the unsolidified concrete to form an overhang traffic surface. Bridges constructed employing the precast, prestressed concrete panels and methods. Other bridge systems employ prestressed concrete L-walls and double-T members, where weight-bearing L-walls have pockets for webs of the double-T members.

Abstract: A hover-capable aircraft is described that comprises a drive unit, a rotor and a transmission interposed between the drive unit and the rotor; the transmission comprises a gear; the gear, in turn, comprises a main body rotatable about a first axis and a plurality of first teeth projecting in a cantilever fashion from the main body; the gear comprises a first pair of first rings axially opposite to each other and cooperating with the gear so as to exert a radial force on the gear.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for a medical device includes a cylindrical core of nonconductive material, a beam of conductive material, and a sleeve of conductive material. The cylindrical core includes an outside surface, an inside surface, a hollow center having a cross sectional area, and a slot opening in the cylindrical core extending from the outside surface to the inside surface. The beam is placed in the slot opening in the cylindrical core, wherein the beam reduces the cross-sectional area of the hollow center of the cylindrical core. The sleeve of conductive material is placed over the outside surface of the cylindrical core.

Abstract: A damper is disposed in at least one of a space between a supported member and a supporting element or a space between the supported member and a supporting member. The damper includes a cushioning member and a protecting member. The cushioning member is configured to relax stress applied to the supported member that is supported by the supporting member together with the supporting element. The cushioning member includes a facing portion that faces the supported member, an opposite portion that is opposite to the facing portion, and a side surface portion that is located between the facing portion and the opposite portion. The protecting member is disposed on the side surface portion to cover the cushioning member from an outside of the cushioning member.

Abstract: A telescopic tool includes a positioning device mounted between first and second rods. The first rod includes a first positioning hole, and a first gripping portion. The second rod includes a plurality of second positioning holes, and is movable relative to the first rod to align the first positioning hole with one of the second positioning holes. A switch controller is movable relative to the first rod and is movably coupled to a positioning member. The positioning member movably extends through the first positioning hole and is releasably engaged in one of the second positioning holes in response to movement of the switch controller relative to the first rod. A fixing member includes a second gripping portion mounted around the first rod. A resilient biasing member is pivotally connected to the first rod and pressing against the positioning member.

Abstract: A valve repair device, e.g., for treating mitral valve regurgitation, includes a tubular body defining a longitudinal axis, paddles supported by the tubular body and movable to change abduction of the paddles relative to the longitudinal axis, and retention members supported by the tubular body proximal the paddles and similarly movable to change abduction of the retention members relative to the longitudinal axis to facilitate capture of native valve leaflets between pairs of paddles and retention members. Movement of the paddles and/or retention members is provided by one or more control mechanisms including a collar a shaft extending within the tubular body. Each shaft is threadedly engaged to a respective collar and coupled to one or more of the movable elements such that, when the collar is rotated, the shaft translates to change abduction of the movable element relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A reinforced building wall includes a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; a first stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wall having a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and second vertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the first top plate; a horizontal first bridge member disposed between the first stud and the second stud, the first bridge member having a first vertical opening; a rod post having one end operably connected to the anchor rod and operably connected to the first bridge member to transfer downward forces from the first bridge member and the second bridge member to the rod post; the anchor rod is attached to an anchor; and the anchor is disposed in an upper portion of the foundation.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention consist in achievement of both of elongation of life of a sputtering target as well as uniformity of a thickness of a resulting thin coating layer formed on a substrate during the period. The present invention provides a sputtering target comprising a target material, which is characterized in that the target material has a sputtering surface having a first area placed at the center, which is circular and flat; and a second area placed outside of the first area and concentrically with the first area, which has a ring shape, wherein the first area is positioned at a location lower than that of the second area by 15% of thickness of the second area at most, and the first area has a diameter which is ranging from 60% to 80% of a circumferential diameter of the sputtering surface.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a bicycle includes an axle having an inner wall extending along a length of the axle between a first end and a second end of the axle. The inner wall at least partially defines a first volume and a second volume within the axle. The first volume has a first diameter, and the second volume has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The first volume is closer than the second volume to the first end of the axle. The axle assembly also includes a sensor attached to the inner wall of the axle within the second volume of the axle.

Abstract: A clamping device for a screw connection, provided with a threaded bolt and a threaded nut, has a support tube surrounding the threaded nut, a cylinder housing arranged in an extension of the support tube, a piston movable in the cylinder housing by hydraulic pressure, an exchange bushing axially entrainable by the piston and provided with an internal thread for screwing the exchange bushing to the threaded bolt, and a follower element arranged inside the support tube and frictionally or with form fit connectable to the threaded nut. A drive element is rotatably mounted outside the support tube and provided with a tool surface for applying a hand tool. A gear arrangement is located between the drive element and the follower element. The gear arrangement has a clutch operating as a function of torque to prevent reliably excessive forces when the threaded nut is re-tightened and/or screwed on.

Abstract: A hand-held tool that includes a housing. The housing includes a handle. A tool also includes a motor assembly, a battery assembly and a circuit board. The motor assembly includes a motor, the motor including a rotatable motor output shaft, a motor positive terminal and a motor negative terminal. The motor assembly also includes a first rigid conductive electrical connector having a first end fixed to the motor positive terminal and a second end fixed to the circuit board. The battery assembly includes a battery cell with a battery cell positive terminal and a battery cell negative terminal. The battery assembly further includes a second rigid conductive electrical connector having a first end fixed to the battery cell positive terminal and a second end fixed to the circuit board.

Abstract: A laser welding jig includes a jig body configured to cover the bus bar unit during welding. A plurality of welding slits are formed at the jig body so that electrode leads and at least one lead bus bar are exposed out of the jig body for the welding. A plurality of bolt insert portions are provided between plurality of welding slits. The welding jig also includes at least one bolt insert hole into which at least one pressing bolt is inserted, and a pair of lead adhering blocks provided at a rear surface of each of the bolt insert portions and configured to be spaced from each other as the pressing bolt is inserted so that the electrode leads are adhered to the lead bus bar.

Abstract: An electric pulse tool performs a tightening operation in which torque is delivered in pulses to tighten a screw joint. The electric pulse tool includes an output shaft, a torque sensor to determine a torque value associated with tightening of the screw joint, and an angle sensor to determine an angular displacement of the screw joint. The tool provides low torque pulses of a torque value of less than 15 percent of an electric pulse tool max torque value on the output shaft until a low threshold torque value is reached. Next the tool starts measuring an angular displacement of an element of the screw joint and provides tightening torque pulses of a torque value of more than 15 percent of the electric pulse tool max torque value on the output shaft. The tool stops providing torque pulses on the output shaft when a target parameter is reached.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include applying, using a nut assembly including a first nut and a plurality of fasteners provided in respective threaded holes of the first nut, a first tensioning force for a stud of a hammer assembly. The systems and methods can also include applying, using the nut assembly, a second tensioning force for the stud of the hammer assembly. The first tensioning force can be applied with the first nut in a first orientation whereby a first end surface of the first nut faces a first direction and a second end surface of the first nut faces a second direction opposite the first direction. The second tensioning force can be applied with the first nut in a second orientation whereby the first end surface of the first nut faces the second direction and the second end surface of the first nut faces the first direction. The second tensioning force can be greater than the first tensioning force.

Abstract: A bone implant includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height, and a second portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height. The second portion is connected to the first portion at the proximal end and the distal end and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is moveable relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion so as to transition the bone implant between a relaxed state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a first distance and a contracted state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a second distance different from the first distance. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end have the minimum portion height.

Abstract: A steel pipe for fuel injection pipe has a tensile strength of 500 to 900 MPa and a yield ratio of 0.50 to 0.85, and has a critical internal pressure (IP) satisfying [IP?0.41×TS×?] (?=[(D/d)2?1]/[0.776×(D/d)2], where TS: tensile strength (MPa) of the steel pipe, D: steel pipe outer diameter (mm), and d: steel pipe inner diameter (mm)), wherein a circumferential-direction residual stress on an inner surface of the pipe is ?20 MPa or lower after the steel pipe is split in half in a pipe axis direction.

Abstract: A method for transferring an EMV chip from a first card to a second card, the method comprising the steps of: heating a first body of the first card in a vicinity of the EMV chip so as to weaken adhesion of the EMV chip with a first receptacle of the first body; bending a first body surface of the first body adjacent to the EMV chip, such that first body surface becomes non parallel with a metal contact surface of the EMV chip; removing the EMV chip from the first receptacle; positioning an applied adhesive between a back surface of the EMV chip and an opposing surface of a second receptacle of the second card, the second receptacle in a second body of the second card; and maintaining the EMV chip in the second receptacle until the applied adhesive has cured.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a guide vane for a gas turbine, and provides for example an innovative guide vane with improved flexibility leading to a reduction of stresses at the interface between the vane platform and the vane carrier. Exemplary embodiments provide only circumferential line contact or point contact between the guide vane and the guide vane carrier.

Abstract: A method of incremental autofrettage is taught herein, whereby the cycle life of a metal liner in a pressure vessel is increased. This method serves to increase the yield strength of the metal liner through sequential work hardening due to repeated autofrettage at increasing pressures. By incrementally increasing the internal pressure used in the autofrettage process, the compressive stresses at an inner surface of the metal liner may be controlled so that post-pressurization buckling does not occur, yet the yield strength of the metal liner is substantially increased. The higher compressive stresses in the metal liner mean that higher Maximum Expected Operating Pressures (MEOPs) may be used without detracting from the cycle life of the metal liner, or alternatively, for lower pressures, a longer metal liner cycle life may be obtained. Either internal or external pressures may be used, generated by a pressure source, or a suitable die.

Abstract: An antivibration device is equipped with an inner sleeve having a diameter expansion portion, an outer sleeve, an antivibration base body, and an annular stopper. The stopper is equipped with a first portion where a first distance from the center of the attaching hole to an inner peripheral surface of the attaching hole is set to be smaller than a maximum value of an outer radius of the diameter expansion portion, and a second portion where a second distance from the center to the inner peripheral surface of the attaching hole is set to be larger than the first distance.

Abstract: A discharge head features at least one low-deflection component that substantially does not deflect in response to high piping forces applied in a direction perpendicular to the discharge head; at least one high-deflection component that deflects in response to the high piping forces; and a flexible element configured between the at least one low-deflection component and the at least one high-deflection component to contain pressure and to be highly flexible in the direction perpendicular to the centerline of the discharge head.

Abstract: A key in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a key body, a hook, a weight, and a stopper. When the weight is accommodated in a hole of the key body, the weight is supported inside of the hole at least at the following two points: a point ? where the stopper is caught on the hook; and a point ? where the weight abuts on a wall surface of the hole, when the weight is rotated about the point ?.

Abstract: A multidirectional aluminum extrusion connection device includes a direction-change coupling member having two ends respectively forming first and second coupling sections arranged in an angularly-staggered manner to extend in different directions for each connectable with a connection member. A first aluminum extrusion plate is provided to receive one of the connection members to extend therethrough so as to be set at a location corresponding to the first coupling section. A second aluminum extrusion plate is provided to receive the other one of the connection members to extend therethrough so as to be set at a location corresponding to the second coupling section. The first and second aluminum extrusion plates are thus connected in an angularly staggered manner to form a connection module having and defining a corner. The connection members may be additionally connected two pre-prepared aluminum extrusion parts for respectively coupling to the first and second aluminum extrusion plats.

Abstract: Gas burner of the type having a cup of the burner accommodating at least one injector for fuel gas, a head of the burner coupled to the cup and including at least one distribution chamber for a first circumferential flame spreader, a mixing chamber for mixing primary air and fuel gas to set up a fuel mixture, the mixing chamber being fluidically connected to the cup and an injector, a duct for transferring the fuel mixture from the mixing chamber into the distribution chamber, and inflow duct of the primary air from the outer environment inside the cup of the burner, as well as a separating element of the transferring duct of the fuel mixture from the inflow duct of the primary air, wherein the separating element could be tightly constrained to the head, or cup of the burner.

Abstract: An exemplary variable vane actuation system for a gas turbine engine includes a vane arm attachable to a vane stem and configured to rotate the vane stem about a radially extending axis. The vane arm includes a claw feature to be press-fit onto the vane stem.

Abstract: A soft top assembly which includes lift assist with improved fabric management and a lift assist locking mechanism. The soft top is rotatable between a closed, open sunroof position, and open position. When a cam of the lift assist locking mechanism is in a locked position, the soft top is prevented from moving from the open sunroof position to the open position. When a release mechanism of the lift assist is actuated, the cam is moved to an unlocked position allowing the soft top to be moved rearward into the open position. A handle lockout of the lift assist locking mechanism selectively positions a cam lockout to prevent the soft top from moving/rotating back to the open sunroof position.

Abstract: A coated seal slot system for turbomachinery includes a first turbine component comprising a first groove having at least one first coating attached to at least a portion of the first groove of the first turbine component, a second turbine component comprising a second groove having at least one second coating attached to at least a portion of the second groove of the second turbine component. The first and the second turbine components are disposable adjacent to each other with the first groove having the first coating and the second groove having the second coating together forming a coated seal slot extending across a gap between the first turbine component and the second turbine component. A seal is disposable in the coated seal slot and extendable across the gap between the first and the second turbine components and engageable with the first coating and the second coating to inhibit leakage of gas through the gap.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a sliding seal between two components. The sliding seal includes a substantially radially extending rail and a substantially axially extending leg, such that the seal has a substantially J-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A method for assembling a section of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The method involves aligning a vane ring with a first rotor hub such that a row of vanes on the vane ring is adjacent a first row of blades of the first rotor hub, and aligning a second rotor hub with the vane ring such that a second row of blades of the second rotor hub is adjacent the row of vanes and the row of vanes is axially between the first row of blades and the second row of blades. The first hub and the second hub are then non-mechanically bonded together.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust gas flow path of an internal combustion engine, includes a tubular carrier body (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the carrier with a first axial end area (18) and with a second axial end area (20) and at least one exhaust gas treatment element (34) carried in the carrier body (12) with the interposition of at least one fiber material layer (36). The carrier body (2) includes carrier elements (14, 16) connected to one another in a first connection area (22) and in a second connection area (24) that extend from the first axial end area (18) to the second axial end area (20). At least one connection area (22, 24) does not extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the carrier from the first axial end area (18) to the second axial end area (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical sealing device (1) for the sealing of a puncture hole in a vessel wall, and comprises an inner member (2), which is adapted to be positioned at an interior surface of the vessel wall, and an outer member (3), which is adapted to be positioned outside the vessel wall, the inner member (2) and the outer member (3) being held together by a retaining member (4), wherein at least one of said inner member (2), outer member (3) and retaining member (4) is made from at least one shape memory polymer.

Abstract: A housing for a bevel gear includes a pinion bearing seat configured to support a pinion bearing for a driveshaft having a drive pinion. The housing also includes an attachment structure configured to attach a support bearing seat to the housing such that the position of the support bearing seat with respect to the pinion bearing seat is variable in the radial direction.

Abstract: Joint parts of joinable plates to be joined to each other are joined by a plurality of joining bolts. The joining bolts are arranged in a direction of a tensile load F. The joint parts of the plate members have four sections T1 to T4 that vary in elastic modulus. The elastic modulus (E1 to E4) of these sections T1 to T4 have a relationship of E1(T1)>E2(T2)>E3(T3)>E4(T4).

Abstract: A pump body is pre-compressed by expanding a displacement plug in a cavity to pre-compress a portion of a pump body comprising a piston bore, an inlet bore and an outlet bore spaced from said cavity, and connected in a pump assembly. A fluid pump assembly is made up of a plurality of pump bodies connected side by side between opposing end plates with a plurality of fasteners tightened to compress the pump bodies between the end plates, wherein each pump body comprises a piston bore, an inlet bore, an outlet bore and an expanded displacement plug in a cavity; and wherein the expanded displacement plug applies a pre-compressive force at the cavity on each of the pump bodies.

Abstract: An example method for stabilizing a sensor component includes: positioning a portion of the sensor component relative to a support with a plurality of retaining members in contact with the portion of the sensor component, the plurality of retaining members including at least a first one of the retaining members being a resilient biasing member and a second one of the retaining members being an adjustable retaining member; adjusting the adjustable retaining member to reposition the portion of the sensor component relative to the support and deform the resilient retaining member; immobilizing the portion of the sensor component relative to the support with an additional, rigid retaining member in contact with the portion of the sensor component; and filling a space between the portion of the sensor component and the support with a glue.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component is provided. The adjustment assembly includes a first bracket at least partially surrounding the component, a second bracket at least partially surrounding the first bracket, and a piezoelectric device biasing against one of the first bracket or the second bracket in a first position, the piezoelectric device configured to contract and release the bias against one of the first bracket and the second bracket in a second position.

Abstract: A seal ring assembly for use with a rotary machine that includes an axis of rotation includes a seal housing comprising a secondary sealing surface and a secondary seal assembly coupled to the seal housing. The secondary seal assembly includes a seal ring coupled to the seal housing, wherein the seal ring is configured to form a secondary seal with the secondary sealing surface. The secondary seal assembly also includes at least one protection ring positioned upstream from the seal ring. The secondary seal assembly is configured to be biased along the axis such that biasing the at least one protection ring facilitates removing debris from at least a portion of the secondary sealing surface over which the seal ring travels during biasing.

Abstract: A scissors tool having removable replacement blades and bearings in an arcuate bearing path disposed to stiffen the pivot and bias the blades together with greater inter-blade pressure at the cutting point. In some embodiments, the scissors tool has flexible arms which increase said cutting point edge pressure and provide that little to no gap forms between the blades proximate to and behind the cutting point.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame, a leaflet structure, and a skirt member. The frame can have a plurality of axial struts interconnected by a plurality of circumferential struts. The leaflet structure comprises a plurality of leaflets (e.g., three leaflets arrange to form a tricuspid valve). The leaflet structure has a scalloped lower edge portion secured to the frame. The skirt member can be disposed between the leaflet structure and the frame.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a release mechanism, method of manufacturing, and method of releasing a medical device. The mechanism comprises a generally elongate shaft, an actuating member receivable in the elongate shaft, the actuating member having an interlocking position and a releasing position, and at least two opposed arms at a distal end of the elongate shaft, biased to open relative to each other, each arm comprising a gripping portion at a distal end, and at least one interlocking member. The gripping portions of the arms may define a hollow space for holding a device. The interlocking member of each arm is longitudinally spaced from the interlocking member of any other arm and extends circumferentially around the actuating member. The actuating member is longitudinally retractable from the interlocking position to the releasing position to enable the arms to open for releasing a medical device from the gripping portions.

Abstract: A stent assembly includes support rings each having interconnected circumferentially alternating inner prongs and outer prongs. The inner prongs define an inner diameter around a longitudinal axis. The outer prongs define an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter. A graft engages the support rings and follows a waving peripheral path. The graft may be a billowing graft. A second graft may surround the first graft such that tunnels are defined between the first graft and second graft. A method of making a stent assembly includes diametrically expanding the support rings onto a mandrel, engaging a graft with the support rings, and removing the support rings and graft from the mandrel permitting the stent assembly to contract to a neutral state.