Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve.

Abstract: A docking station formed of a tray having a clamping portion coupled to a receiver portion for motion along a travel axis therebetween. A lever is coupled for moving the clamping portion between an expanded position spaced away from the receiver portion, and a retracted position adjacent to the receiver portion. The lever includes a preload portion that is adapted for preloading the clamping portion in the retracted position, and a latching portion that is coupled for retaining the clamping portion in the retracted position. The preload portion of the lever is a resiliently bendable member, such as a spring. Optionally, the lever is a second class lever.

Abstract: An injection device includes a housing for receiving a syringe or cartridge for containing a medicament; a rotary driveshaft mounted for rotation relative to the housing; and an elongate coiled torsion spring having respective formations at opposite ends thereof, with a first formation being anchored in a seat on the rotary drive shaft and a second formation being anchored in a seat on a reaction component. In use relative rotation of the rotary driveshaft and the reaction component in one angular direction strains the torsion drive spring, and release of the strained torsion drive spring causes expression of medicament from the syringe or cartridge. The torsion spring is longitudinally resiliently compressible between its end formations whereby during assembly of the injection device, the torsion spring may be longitudinally compressed and then rotated, thereby urging the end formations of the torsion drive spring into engagement with the respective seats.

Abstract: A shower rod mounting assembly is provided with a flexible substrate having a first side and a spaced apart second side. A reversible dry adhesive layer at least partially covers the first side of the substrate to attach the flexible substrate to a surface and leave the underlying surface unmarked after removal. The reversible adhesive retains an adhesion property for a plurality of adhesion cycles. A receptacle is mounted to the second side and is adapted to receive an end of a shower rod. A boss extends from the substrate with a track formed therein with an opening to receive an end of a shower rod. A biasing member extends from the substrate adjacent to the opening to retain the end of the shower rod after installation.

Abstract: A method is provided for retaining a stack of sheets in a post-processing unit which improves retaining capabilities of a retaining element while retaining a stack of sheets. This method comprises the steps of forming a stack of sheets, providing a wire from a wire source, the wire being plastically-elastically deformable, selecting a retaining element type from one of a clip element type and a stapling element type, determining a wire deforming program for forming a retaining element of the selected retaining element type, forming the retaining element according to the wire deforming program by bending the wire at a number of positions along the wire and cutting the wire, and applying the formed retaining element to the stack of sheets, thereby retaining the stack.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath pair is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath pair is removed by a health professional before placing the scaffold within the body.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly is provided. A polymeric stent is disposed over a balloon in an inflated configuration. The stent is crimped over the inflated balloon to a reduced crimped configuration so that the stent is secured onto the balloon. The balloon wall membrane is wedged or pinched between the strut elements of the stent for increasing the retention of the stent on the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed are alkali aluminosilicate glasses having unexpected resistance to indentation cracking. The glasses obtain this high resistance as a result of a high level of surface compression accompanied by a shallow depth of layer. The advantaged glasses show greater resistance to radial crack formation from Vickers indentation than glasses with the same compressive stress, but higher depths of layer.

Abstract: An edge beveling tool for working leather including a handle; a cutting member comprising an arm with first and second ends, cutting surface(s) being provided on the second end, and a spring assembly for removably engaging the cutting member with the handle. The first end of the cutting member is inserted into a slot defined in the handle and is engaged by the spring assembly. The spring assembly is a spring clip which urges the first end of the cutting member into contact with an interior wall of the handle. When it is desired to replace the first cutting member with a second cutting member having a different cutting profile, the first cutting member is grasped and pulled out of the slot. A first end of the second cutting member is then inserted into the slot where the spring clip urges it contact with the interior wall of the handle.

Abstract: Medical device components and processes are disclosed. For example, tube-shaped catheter components and processes of making tube-shaped catheter components are disclosed. Devices and systems, including medical devices and systems, such as catheters, containing tube-shaped catheter components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed, which includes an elongated shaft body, a dilatable balloon in which a distal end portion and a proximal end portion form a dilation chamber inside of the dilatable balloon by being away from each other and being individually bonded to an outer periphery of the shaft body, and a stretch regulation member that connects the outer periphery of the shaft body or an inner periphery of the balloon of the distal end portion of the balloon and the outer periphery of the shaft body or the inner periphery of the balloon of the proximal end portion of the balloon with each other inside the dilation chamber while regulating a stretch occurring between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the balloon during dilation of the balloon.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elastically averaged alignment system is provided. The system includes a first component comprising an alignment member and a second component comprising an inner wall defining an alignment aperture. The alignment aperture is configured to receive at least a portion of the alignment member to couple the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a torque converter is also provided. The cover assembly includes a front cover and a drive plate connected to an outer surface of the front cover for coupling to the front cover to an engine crankshaft. The drive plate includes elastic preloading elements pressing against the outer surface of the front cover. A method of forming a cover assembly for a torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: During the manufacturing of heat-insulated pipes (1) with an inner duct (3) and an outer duct (2) and a foamed insulation (14) arranged in between, the inner duct is placed on a tension member (10). The latter is tensioned between tensioning means by means of a tensile force, such that it runs straight and that the inner duct is held straight. The latter is held on centering elements (16, 17) which are spaced from one another in a defined way by means of spacers (18). In this straight position the inner duct may be surrounded with foam inside of the outer duct, without needing spacers between the ducts.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a tampon includes a pushing-member inserting mechanism that inserts a pushing member into an accommodating cylinder through a leading-end opening; and a tampon main body inserting mechanism that inserts a tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder from side including a cord through the leading-end opening; a drive section connecting the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder by moving one of the guide tube and the accommodating cylinder towards other one and thus contacting the guide tube and the leading-end part of the accommodating cylinder; a pressing part pressing the tampon main body inserted into the guide tube so as to insert the tampon main body into the accommodating cylinder connected to the guide tube; and an air suction device sucking air from rear-end side of the accommodating cylinder in a case where the tampon main body is inserted into the accommodating cylinder.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner including a body having a debris inlet and a debris outlet and defining an elongate slotted cavity pivotably holding proximal ends of flap members forming a segmented skirt which forms with the pool surface a plenum from which water and debris are drawn into the inlet. The slotted cavity is configured for strain-free insertion of the flap-member proximal ends into the cavity. A removable nozzle within the debris inlet and retaining the flap-member proximal ends in the cavity. A method for inlet to control debris-laden water flow. The cleaner further including a tool-free nozzle-mounting structure at the debris inlet removably retaining the nozzle within the debris inlet and a tool-free wheel-mounting assembly. a plurality of removable nozzles are interchangeably secured within the debris inlet, each nozzle having a flow opening sized differently from flow opening(s) of the other nozzle(s) to control debris-laden water flow.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a framing structure for a solar panel made from a polymer composition (C) comprising at least one polyamide polymer [polyamide (A)], and at least one reinforcing filler [filler (F)], the framing structure being characterized by having a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface having a depressed central portion sized for receiving a solar panel. It also relates to a method for manufacturing the same, to a method for assembly a solar panel into said framing structure, to a solar panel assembly comprising the same, and to a method for fixing said solar panel assembly onto a support (e.g. a roof).

Abstract: A apparatus and method for mounting an object are provided. The apparatus includes a clamp configured to attach to a strut, and a bracket coupled to the clamp. The bracket includes a first arm having a first end disposed proximal to the clamp and a second end disposed distal to the clamp, and a second arm having a first end disposed proximal to the clamp and coupled to the object, and a second end coupled to the second end of the first arm. The second arm is positioned between the first arm and the object.

Abstract: A fill assembly for evaporative cooling includes a plurality of splash bars, a grid to support the plurality of splash bars, and a pivot connection at an intersection between the grid and a splash bar of the plurality of splash bars. The fill assembly is configured to translate from an upright conformation to a compact conformation in response to the plurality of splash bars pivoting relative to the grid.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a transluminal delivery system for a self-expanding luminal prosthesis, the system comprising an inner catheter component (30) and a retractable sheath (12) to surround the component thereby to define an annular space to receive the prosthesis (10), the component exhibiting an anti-sliding component, for abutting a luminal surface portion of the prosthesis (10) to restrain the prosthesis from sliding with the sheath (12), and relative to the inner catheter (30), while the sheath retracts relative to the prosthesis to release the prosthesis progressively into the target bodily lumen characterized in that the anti-sliding component is or includes at least one sleeve (36, 50, 66, 76) having a length direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the annular space and having at least one bound portion (33, 52, 64, 65, 74) of its length that is not free to slide on the inner catheter, and at least one unbound portion of its length with a capability to slide axially on the inner catheter (

Abstract: A method for reinforcing, baffling or sealing a vehicle structure by providing a sealing body with an integrated fastening tab.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine including a housing having a base, a follower spring-biased in the housing against the base, a chain coupled to the follower for pulling the follower towards the base to permit loading of cartridges into the magazine, and a mechanism for collecting a loose portion of the chain mounted on the follower, the chain being coupled to the mechanism for collecting a loose portion of the chain, the mechanism being configured to collect a loose portion of the chain after the follower has been pulled towards the base.

Abstract: A micromechanical component includes a mounting, and a mirror plate which is adjustable with respect to the mounting about at least one rotational axis and which has a mirror side and a rear side which faces away from the mirror side. The mirror plate is connected to the mounting at least via four springs. Each of the four springs extends partially along the rear side of the mirror plate and is connected to the mirror plate via one support post each, which in each case contacts an anchoring area situated on the rear side. Also described is a micromirror device, as well as a manufacturing method for a micromechanical component.

Abstract: A system and method for covering a scaffold end with a scaffold cover. The system includes a cap or scaffold cover having a closed end for providing a force-absorbing surface, and an open end for receiving a scaffold end. The open end includes a lip and a lip notch working cooperatively with a spring and rest notch to securely lock the scaffold cover in place.

Abstract: An elastically deformable retaining hook for matable components includes a first component having a body portion extending from a first end to a second end. Also included is a second component extending from a first end to a second end. Further included is a slot disposed in the first end of the second component and defined by a first, second, third, and fourth slot wall. Yet further included is a hook portion disposed proximate the first end of the body portion. The hook portion includes a first segment extending angularly from the body portion. The hook portion also includes a second segment extending angularly from the first segment and configured to fittingly engage the slot of the second component, wherein the second segment is formed of an elastically deformable material and configured to elastically deform upon engagement with the first slot wall and the second slot wall.

Abstract: A kit comprising an installation fixture, a plurality of mechanical fasteners and an embedding tool is provided which allows for an elastomer band to be disposed in a mounting groove around a semiconductor substrate support in a manner that relieves the internal stresses of the elastomer band, leading to an elastomer band with a longer operational lifetime. The installation fixture is secured to a substrate support with mechanical fasteners. An elastomer band is placed around an outer circumference of the installation fixture and rotated back and forth to relieve internal stresses of the elastomer band. The fixture is inverted and the elastomer band is slid vertically off the fixture and into the mounting groove. An embedding tool can be used to completely insert the elastomer band into the mounting groove.

Abstract: A single-use needle cover configured to obscure, protect, or hide at least a portion of a needle from view before, during, and/or after an injection and/or aspiration procedure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the cover includes a housing at least partially containing the needle and configured to couple to a syringe, wherein the housing includes an axis and a guide member. In some embodiments, a sleeve has a plurality of tracks configured to slidingly receive the guide member, wherein the sleeve is configured to retract, extend, and rotate with respect to the housing. In some embodiments, after the sleeve has been retracted and extended one time, a first locking member inhibits further retraction of the sleeve and a second locking member inhibits rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes positioning a tolerance ring (102) between a bearing assembly (100) and an actuator arm (104). The tolerance ring (102) is compressed so that the tolerance ring buckles at predetermined weak points (106) to position the bearing assembly (100) relative to the actuator arm. In certain embodiments, an assembly includes a tolerance ring (102) buckle-fitted between first (100) and second (104) annular surfaces, the tolerance ring (102) buckled at designated weak points (106) to position the first annular surface (100) to the second annular surface (104).

Abstract: A method of tensioning park cables of a park brake system includes positioning a tension indicating device between an adjuster and an adjusting nut when the park brake system is disposed in a slack position. The tension indicating device includes an axial spacing length between the adjuster and the adjusting nut that is equal to a desired adjustment distance of the park cables when the park brake system is disposed in the slack position. The adjusting nut is then tightened until the tension indicating device indicates that the park cables include a tension equal to a target tension level of the park cables when the park brake system is disposed in an applied position. The tension indicating device is then removed from between the adjuster and the adjusting nut, thereby introducing slack into the park cables that is equal to the axial length of the tension indicating device.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for vehicle windows is described. The sealing arrangement has at least a holding rail that has a locking channel, which is formed by a guide rail and a resilient leg, and is fastened to a window and a cover that has a guide channel, which is formed by a locking rail and a positioning stop. The guide rail is arranged in the guide channel and the locking rail is latched in the locking channel. A locking hook is latched onto the resilient leg in a projecting region of the locking rail and a resilient element is clamped in the guide channel between a stop face on the underside of the cover and the guide rail.

Abstract: A device for folding an implant having a wing into a an overlapped configuration includes a funnel body comprising: a first portion configured to receive and protect the implant when the wing of the implant is in a flat or relaxed state, a second portion proximal to the first portion and configured to engage and fold opposite first and second side portions of the wing of the implant in a predetermined direction when the implant is retracted proximally from the first portion of the funnel body and into the second portion of the funnel body, and an overlap guide configured to direct the path of a first one of the side portions of the wing such that the first and second side portions of the wing are overlapped in a predetermined manner and to prevent respective edges of the first and second side portions of the wing from butting into each other as the first and second side portions of the wing are guided into the overlapping configuration during proximal retraction of the implant relative to the funnel body.

Abstract: A personal-care appliance having a handle defining a cavity. A fluid connector is positioned within the cavity. A fluid reservoir is positioned within the cavity. The fluid reservoir has a frangible seal that is spaced apart from the fluid connector. A cover is mounted to the handle over the cavity.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for crimping a medical device are disclosed. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for reducing the diameter of a collapsible heart valve prosthesis to be loaded onto a delivery device. The devices, systems, and methods using at least one funnel to crimp the heart valve prosthesis and load it onto the delivery system.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.

Abstract: A bow-spring centralizer (6) includes bow springs (5), moving collars (11) secured to each end of each bow spring, and interlocked stop collars (10). Extendable collars (8) may each be formed of a moving collar (11) movably interlocked with a stop collar (10). The centralizer (6) may optionally be formed from a tube cut using a laser to create two extendable collars coupled by bow springs. Each extendable collar may include heads integrally formed on extensions protruding from a collar (stop collar or moving collar). The heads may be generally rectangular, arrow, or teardrop-shaped head or some other shape. Each head may be slidably captured within a chamber on the interlocked collar (moving collar or stop collar). The extensions of each interlocked tubular member define the outer walls of the chamber in which a head of the interlocked tubular member is slidably captured.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide power transmission chain manufacturing method and apparatus which can prevent a pin against damage when, by increasing a pre-tension, a more proper residual compression stress is applied to a link. [Means for Solving Problems] The manufacturing apparatus comprises a pre-tension applying apparatus 31 which includes a first pre-tension applying pulley 32 and a second pre-tension applying pulley 33 around which an endless shaped chain 1 can be wound. The mutually opposed sheave surfaces 32a and 33a of the pre-tension applying pulleys 32 and 33 are respectively formed to have a concave shape which corresponds to the convex curved portion 14a of the end face of a pin 14.

Abstract: The exposure of components to high-pressure fluids can result in the application of high tensile stresses to those components, which may lead to reduced life. The preload system described herein helps to reduce the magnitude of those tensile stresses by providing a body and a plug. The body includes a first bore and a second bore. The first bore is configured to be exposed to high tensile stresses. The second bore includes a first engagement structure and a bottom surface near a first portion of the first bore. The plug includes a second engagement structure and a first end. The second engagement structure engages the first engagement structure to force the first end of the plug against the bottom surface of the bore. The force of the plug against the bottom surface of the bore applies a compressive preload to the first portion of the first bore.

Abstract: A method for producing a product includes the steps of taking heated and cooled extrusion, preferably aluminum, and reheating a selected area of the extrusion. There is the step of requenching the extrusion. There is the step of forming the reheated area into a desired shape. A method for producing a ladder.

Abstract: A coupling device provides a pre-tensioned coupling between a first member and a second member. The members are arranged to define a sealed compartment. A piston is housed within the compartment and is translated between the first member and the second member. A first ratchet lock is mounted within the second member and on translation of the piston, the first ratchet lock engages with the piston. A second ratchet is mounted within the second member and, on translation of the piston into the second member, the piston engages with the ratchet. The second ratchet is mounted on a piston, and translation of the second ratchet on the piston applies a tensile force to the first piston to tension or pre-tension the piston. As the ratchets substantially prevent reverse movement of the piston, the tensile force is retained.

Abstract: A cooling and holding device for heating-elements, more particularly PTC heating-elements, including a flat housing having at least one heating shaft in which there is at least one heating-element, wherein the heating shaft has opposing shaft walls between which the heating-element is clamped, and at least one side slit that separates the shaft walls such that the distance between the shaft walls can be varied for installation of the heating-element, wherein at least one clamping section outwardly protruding from the flat housing, grips the flat housing, spanning the side slit, and is elastically deformed in the mounted state of the heating-element so as to provide a pressing force of the shaft walls on the heating-element in the assembled state.

Abstract: A venting device for a housing, for example, a battery housing, has a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane attached to the housing so as to close off a venting opening of the housing. The membrane has a membrane section that overlaps and covers the venting opening. The membrane section has a predetermined bursting pressure. The membrane section deforms without being destroyed when pressure differences between the interior of the housing and the environment occur that are below the bursting pressure and when gas passes through the membrane section.

Abstract: An outdoor power tool may include an engine, a carburetor configured to provide a fuel and air mixture to the engine based on operation of a throttle assembly, a selector and a throttle release actuator. The selector may be operably coupled to the throttle assembly to control a position of the throttle assembly in a selected one of a plurality of throttle positions. One of the throttle positions may be an idle position and each of the other throttle positions may be selectable by an operator via manual positioning of the selector. The throttle release actuator may be configured to return the selector from any one of the throttle positions to the idle position responsive to operator actuation of the throttle release actuator.

Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that has an insertion device for ease in installing an elongate cartridge assembly carrying belt cleaner assemblies onto an elongate support extending across a conveyor belt in an operative position thereon. In one form, an elongate lever handle pivotally connected to the elongate cartridge assembly can be used to generate a leveraged insertion force, preferably by an operator that does not need to reach into the operating envelope of the conveyor system, e.g. beyond tensioning mechanisms or under the belt. The handle and the cartridge assembly can have an over-center locking mechanism therebetween for providing the operator tactile feedback as to when pivoting of the lever handle has caused the cartridge assembly to be shifted to its operative position on the support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is implantable device with a layer of dehydrated basement membrane formed thereon, the implantable device comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of cannulas, collars for cannulas, and collars for sensors. Methods of making and using the extended use device also are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold has a morphology resulting from a biaxially expanded tube arranged to provide a more balanced, or less anisotropic axial and radial mechanical properties. The scaffold has improved mechanical properties suited for use as a balloon expandable scaffold implanted in a peripheral vessel of the body.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge set and a method for making it improves mounting of a deck lid to a motor vehicle body by permitting mass production adjustments without distortion or multiplication of the parts installed. A hinge set bracket with spaced flanges receiving a pivot strap and pivot therebetween is formed with a substantially vertical slot in each flange. At least one insert having a collar and a stem, reinforces the spacing between the support flanges, as the pivot pin compressionally engages the flanges. Preferably, two inserts having a collar and a stem have a combined length that reinforces the predetermined spacing within a predetermined tolerance when compression is adjusted.

Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel portion having an induced buckle coin and an interrupted panel coin positioned proximate to an inner panel wall to control the buckling location on the end closure. Thus, the end closure will buckle at a predetermined location away from the score and tear panel to avoid catastrophic failure and container leakage.

Abstract: A lubricant supply device includes a solid lubricant, a lubricant holder to hold the solid lubricant, a lubricant supply member to supply lubricant to a lubrication target, a pressing member to press the solid lubricant toward the lubricant supply member, and a pressing force adjuster to change an amount of pressing force exerted by the pressing member.

Abstract: A gondola shelf wire routing tray includes a trough adapted to receive a wire. A pair of shelf mount tabs are attached to the trough. A wire constraint tab is mounted to the trough and adapted to secure the wire in the trough. The trough is flexible so that the trough may be deformed to permit the pair of shelf mount tabs to move through perforations of a shelf. As a result, the shelf mount tabs are locked into engagement within the perforations and the trough is mounted to the shelf as the trough attempts to spring back to its original shape.