Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: A method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structure, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compressing a medical device, such as a self-expanding stent, and loading the compressed medical device into a sheath are disclosed. A plurality of moveable blades are disposed about a central axis and form a radially contractible aperture which receives the device. An operating mechanism moves the blades between an expanded configuration and a radially contracted configuration. A subset of the blades is independently moveable in an axial direction with respect to other of the blades while the blades are in a contracted configuration.

Abstract: A fastener for joining a first member and a second member. In one implementation the fastener includes an elastic hollow body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial hole. An elongate rod extends through the elastic hollow body and has a washer positioned at the proximal end of the elastic hollow body. A first head is located at a proximal end of the rod and abuts the washer while a second head is positioned on the rod so that it resides at a distal end of the elastic hollow body. The rod also includes an elongate body that extends distally to the distal end of the elastic hollow body, the rod and elastic hollow body being in non-threaded engagement with one another. The first head has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the washer has a third diameter greater than the second diameter, the second head has a fourth diameter greater than the second diameter and smaller than the third diameter.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A fluid coupling including a cylindrical stem having a fluid conduit therethrough and a hollow shell provided over a first end of the stem. A tool engaging hexagonal shape on an outer surface of the shell is disposed radially outward from a swage joined portion of the shell to the stem. The tool engaging hexagonal shape includes six non-contiguous flats having rounded portions therebetween. The swage joined portion and the tool engaging hexagonal shape are located at the same axial location along a centerline of the hollow shell, and the swage joined portion has an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline corresponding to an axial length along the centerline of the tool engaging hexagonal shape.

Abstract: A container includes a container space and a dispensing neck having a dispensing opening and comprising a substantially round cross-section and on which a fastening device is provided for fastening a closure cap over the dispensing opening, wherein said container comprises an outer sleeve that is rigidly disposed on the dispensing neck. The fastening device is formed on the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is placed at least partially over the dispensing neck. The outer circumference of the dispensing neck is pressed onto an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A method of crimping a load-bearing member and an end fitting together such that the load-bearing member lies displaced from a center of a cross-section of the end fitting. The method includes the steps of inserting the load-bearing member into an aperture in the end fitting and advancing at least one deformation tool relative to the end fitting to deform the wall of the aperture into gripping engagement with the load-bearing member. The extent of the resulting deformation of the wall over a predetermined length thereof varies in dependence on a distance along the length from the load-bearing member.

Abstract: A pipe from a plastic material having memory properties is extruded. The extruded pipe is cut to form a pipe part (7). The pipe part (7) is warmed and the end (6b) of the pipe part (7) is bent. The pipe part (7) forms a clamping ring (6) and the bent end (6b) of the pipe part (7) forms a stop edge (10) in the clamping ring (6).

Abstract: A stent crimping system and method for use in preparing a bifurcation catheter assembly for use in a patient. The catheter assembly includes main and side catheter branches and a stent. The stent includes a side branch aperture through which the side catheter branch extends. The stent is crimped onto the main and side catheter branches with a crimping mechanism in two crimping steps. In the first crimping step, only a distal end portion of the stent is crimped while the side catheter branch remains extending through the side branch opening of the stent and remains positioned outside of the crimping mechanism. In a second crimping step, the entire stent is crimped with the crimping mechanism.

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: A connector is provided for connecting a flexible conduit with a second conduit having a barbed outer surface. The connector accommodates the end of the flexible conduit and the end of the second conduit in a manner which prevents removal of the flexible conduit and the second conduit from the connector. Optionally, the connector has a ring that may be used to apply additional pressure and security to the outer surface of the flexible conduit. additionally, the connector may have a wireless enabled communication and optionally, memory device such as a RFID tag attached or affixed to it.

Abstract: A stent crimping and coating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of crimping blades positioned in a radial array and collectively forming a central crimping lumen, wherein the plurality of crimping blades radially movable to alter the diameter of the central crimping lumen. Each of the crimping blades includes a first surface configured to at least in part define the central crimping lumen. One or more of the crimping blades includes a fluid channel extending therein and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The plurality of openings are located at the first surface of the one or more crimping blades and adapted to discharge a fluid into the central crimping lumen.

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 method of loading an article, such as a self-expanding stent, into a structures, such as a delivery catheter, including the steps of chilling the article to a predetermined temperature, reducing article size a predetermined amount, inserting fluid into the article, whereby the fluid forms a substantially solid plug with respect to the article, and moving the frozen article. Also provided is an apparatus for loading an article into a structure including: an article size reduction element, a chiller connected to the size reduction element, a cold source communicatively connected to the chiller, and a fluid supply communicatively connected to the size reduction element.

Abstract: A fluid fitting for attachment to a tube includes a cylindrical first sleeve having a tapered outer end surface and an inner surface defining an axial bore for receiving the tube. A cylindrical second sleeve creates an annular space for receiving the tube between the first and second sleeves when the second sleeve is placed within the axial bore. The axial bore has substantially equal diameter throughout. A swage ring has a tapered inner surface that axially swages the swage ring to the first sleeve, second sleeve and tube. A first sleeve shoulder restricts axial movement of the swage ring. A first portion protrudes from the inner surface of the first sleeve to restrict axial movement of the second sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a catalytic converter is described where the catalytic converter is comprised of an outer tube member having a monolith substrate internally compressed therein with a wrapped mat material surrounding the monolith substrate and intermediate the outer tube. One or more monolith members can be applied within the outer tube and heat shields may also be applied internal to the outer tube and adjacent to the monolith substrate. The assembly of the catalytic converter includes measuring the sequence of compression of the mat material to the monolith substrate in order to understand the possible force characteristics that can be applied during the assembly thereof. The mat material is therefore compressed within the outer tube by way of compression jaws, by compression rollers, by spinning and/or by a shrinker including compression members. The compression of the mat material can be in single or multiple steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an air gap-insulated exhaust collector for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein individual gas-conducting components of an inner shell body are inserted into one another in the region of at least one slide fit, wherein a calibrating process, in which a reduction in cross section takes place at least on the respective outer component, is carried out in the region of at least one slide fit of this type when the components are inserted into one another.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument according to the present invention includes: a wire disposed in a flexible sheath and capable of freely projecting relative to the flexible sheath, the distal end of the wire expanding in radius to form a loop section or a basket section upon being projected from the sheath; and a fixture cylinder for fixing the inserted proximal end of the wire, wherein the fixture cylinder is provided with a wire-radius-increasing-direction-regulating section for regulating the direction in which the radius of the wire increases; and a wire-fixing section, disposed in the vicinity of the proximal end relative to the wire-radius-increasing-direction-regulating section, for fixing the wire.

Abstract: In a cold rolling method for producing annular composite workpieces, at least two hollow cylindrical workpieces made of different materials are inserted into one another. The at least two hollow cylindrical workpieces are roll formed by pressing the at least two hollow cylindrical workpieces against each other between two diametrically opposed external roll forming tools and an internal rolling arbor or between two diametrically opposed external roll forming tools and an internal roll forming tool to form a composite workpiece. The composite workpiece is a bearing ring or a gear ring. One of the hollow cylindrical workpieces can be a nonferrous material such as aluminum.

Abstract: A method of sheathing a stent including the steps of providing a stent assembly including a catheter member and a stent member disposed about the catheter member; placing a first sheath film adjacent one side of the stent assembly; placing a second sheath film adjacent an opposite side of the stent assembly, and compressing the stent assembly, whereby the first and second sheath films move toward each other and substantially surround the stent assembly. The first and second sheath films are provided in rolls. Compressing is implemented by a radial compression mechanism. The first and second sheath films pass through the radial compression mechanism. Compressing sheaths the stent assembly and crimps the stent onto the catheter. As an alternative to two sheath films, a single film may be used, whereby compressing surrounds the stent assembly with the single sheath film.

Abstract: A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis.

Abstract: A method of making a screen for downhole use uses mesh screen layers that are diffusion bonded to each other. The ends that will overlap to make a seam when the sheets that are attached together are rolled into a tube are compressed before the tube shape is created or thereafter when the tube shape and an inner base pipe are drawn through a die to join the seam made by the overlapping edges. Because of the compression of the edges, when they overlap to form a tube the wall thickness at the overlap is about the same as the remaining thickness of the screen portion. Optionally, a resilient material can be compressed into the open areas of the screen portions that will be overlapped to make the generally longitudinally oriented seam. The seam can be parallel to the screen axis or spiral around it.

Abstract: A crimping system for crimping a stent onto a catheter balloon includes at least one crimping head of moveable contracting members, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has a length and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has a reduced diameter configuration and a pre-reduction diameter configuration. Each member has a length corresponding to the length of the chamber. In both the reduced diameter configuration and the pre-reduction diameter configuration each member is a given distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein a first region of the length of each member is a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than a second region of the length of each member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a stent assembly comprising radially expanding a polymeric tube to an optimal degree of radial expansion; fabricating a stent from the expanded polymeric tube; and crimping the stent onto a catheter assembly, wherein the temperature of the stent during crimping is an optimal crimping temperature, wherein the optimal degree of radial expansion and the optimal crimping temperature correspond to an optimal fracture toughness exhibited by the crimped stent upon its deployment as a function of degree of radial expansion and crimping temperature.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a vehicle includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The second tubular member is mated to the first tubular member. The first tubular member defines a plurality of protuberances and the second tubular member includes a plurality of apertures. Each of the plurality of apertures receives one of the plurality of protuberances substantially affixing the first tubular member to the second tubular member in a circumferential orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinning method of a work piece in a non-circular cylindrical shape capable of eliminating a swollen part, without causing any creases or depressions on the formed face, by performing spinning to the swollen part produced in a region near the minor axis of the work piece in a non-circular cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Brake pipe connection to a brake hose includes a fixing bushing through which the brake hose is inserted through a first side and a brake pipe through a second side. The brake pipe includes an external diameter DT, a wall thickness eT, and a connection end. The brake hose includes an internal diameter dH that is less than the external diameter DT of the brake pipe. The connection end includes a built-in pipette which is housed on the inside of the fixing bushing and inserted in the brake hose. The built-in pipette is formed by the stretching of the connection end to obtain an external diameter of the pipette DP that is less than the external diameter DT of the brake pipe, a pipette wall thickness eP that is less than the wall thickness eT of the brake pipe, and a pipette length LP.

Abstract: A balloon is inflated from a collapsed configuration, then deflated. A polymeric stent is then disposed over the deflated balloon and the stent crimped to the balloon.

Abstract: The coupling includes a mandrel and a coupling outer sleeve. In a method for installing the coupling on a pipe, the mandrel is inserted into the inner diameter of an end of pipe with an outboard end of the mandrel protruding from an end of the pipe. Then the outer sleeve is positioned over the pipe to form a length of substantially concentrically arranged, overlapping parts of the mandrel, the pipe and the sleeve. Then the sleeve is crimped over at least a portion of length, which engages the pipe between the sleeve and the mandrel. Either before or after sleeve is crimped over the pipe, the sleeve is connected to the outboard end of the mandrel.

Abstract: The fire extinguisher of the present invention includes a container housing a fire inhibiting material which may automatically discharge its fire inhibiting contents in response to a fire. In one exemplary embodiment, the fire inhibiting material is pressurized within the container and the container is structured and arranged to discharge its fire inhibiting contents in a predetermined direction. Also, a method is provided for constructing a container for holding fire inhibiting contents under pressure and a method and apparatus for effectively and efficiently filling and pressurizing the container with fire inhibiting material, forming a container structured and arranged to expel the fire inhibiting material contained therein in a predefined direction in response to a fire.

Abstract: A ring compression device including a non-rotatable substrate having a central axis. A plurality of longitudinal pressing members are arranged radially around the central axis in a plane. One end of each of the pressing members points toward the central axis. The pressing members can move toward or away from the central axis in the plane. A rotating body rotates around the central axis and parallel to the plane of the pressing members. A driving mechanism engages with the rotating body and the pressing members such that when the rotating body rotates all the pressing members move toward the central axis and apply force on a periphery of the ring.

Abstract: Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a miniature flexible thrombectomy catheter having one or more flexible miniature noncollapsing tubular portions including pushable and torqueable structure for introduction into the smaller vessels in neurovascular regions. A jet body having an arcuate fluid jet emanator is incorporated in order to minimize size at the distal portion of a minimally sized catheter tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: Methods and systems of fabricating a polymeric stent are disclosed herein. Methods are disclosed that include forming a polymeric tube using extrusion, radially deforming the formed tube so that the deformed tube comprises a target diameter, forming a stent from the deformed tube, and forming a stent from the deformed tube. The stent is formed by laser machining a stent pattern in the deformed tube with an ultra-short pulse laser. Disclosed methods further include crimping the stent on a support element, wherein a temperature of the stent during crimping is above an ambient temperature.

Abstract: An electromagnetically formed fluid circuit joint (150) includes a tubular conduit (58) that has an outer surface (154) with a groove (72). A hollow fitting (56) is mechanically separate from and received over the tubular conduit (58). The hollow fitting (56) includes an electromagnetic field formed wall deformation (165) that extends into the groove (72).

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a shaped tubular part from a first tube and second tube. The end of the first tube is inserted into the end of the second tube to provide a region of overlapping tube walls. An induction coil is placed around the outer surface of the first and second tubes at the region of overlapped tube walls. The induction coil is energized to make a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart magnetic pulse welds attaching the tubes together to thereby form a multi-tube one-piece composite tubular assembly. The tubular assembly is then subjected to a forming process such as hydroforming, tube bending or stretch bending to form the final shape of the tubular part.

Abstract: A method to manufacture tubing includes co-forming a base material strip and a liner material strip into a string of internally-lined tubing and joining edges of the base material strip to form a seam therebetween.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: A method for making pipe joints on successive pipe sections introduced into an oil well as assembled into a pipeline in which the joints are substantially of the same dimensions as the pipe sections to allow for subsequent plastic expansion of the sections. In each joint, a female pipe end is tapered on the inside and an adjacent male end is tapered on the outside preferably with a complementary self locking taper which also has an interference fit. The female pipe end is heated to be expanded sufficiently to be assembled onto the male end and thereafter cooled to grip the male end in a leakproof manner. For larger pipe sizes, the tapered shapes have features which interlock in a leakproof manner when engaged after assembly of the pipe ends. The tapered shapes preferably are formed by a reversibly positioned forming tool which is alternately engaged with male and female pipe ends to ensure perfectly matching shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a catalytic converter is described where the catalytic converter is comprised of an outer tube member having a monolith substrate internally compressed therein with a wrapped mat material surrounding the monolith substrate and intermediate the outer tube. One or more monolith members can be applied within the outer tube and heat shields may also be applied internal to the outer tube and adjacent to the monolith substrate. The assembly of the catalytic converter includes measuring the sequence of compression of the mat material to the monolith substrate in order to understand the possible force characteristics that can be applied during the assembly thereof. The mat material is therefore compressed within the outer tube by way of compression jaws, by compression rollers, by spinning and/or by a shrinker including compression members. The compression of the mat material can be in single or multiple steps.

Abstract: Radial compression mechanism includes a base member and a plurality of elongated compression dies. The dies are arranged in a generally circular orientation on the base member with a contact surface of each die in sliding contact with a base surface of an adjacent die. A portion of each base surface of each die cooperates with portions of base surfaces of adjacent dies to define a generally cylindrical central cavity moved between open and closed positions by a driving mechanism. The dies are cammingly coupled to the base member and to the driving mechanism so that rotation of the driving mechanism about the central axis causes each die to move generally arcuately about a point of camming engagement with the base member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a double pipe includes a step of inserting a straight inner pipe into a straight outer pipe such that the inner pipe and the outer pipe are positioned at a predetermined relative position, a step of fixing a first end portion of the outer pipe to the inner pipe so as to form a first fixing portion, a step of bending the outer pipe and the inner pipe at the same time at a predetermined portion so as to form at least one bending portion after the fixing step of the first end portion, and a step of fixing a second end portion of the outer pipe to the inner pipe so as to form a second end portion after the bending.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal tubular member that is composed of two or more tube forming bodies and has at least one portion at which the tube forming bodies are superposed on each other, wherein one open annular end section of one of the tube forming bodies, which one annular end section is positioned on the inner side in the superposed section, and the other open annular end section of the other tube forming body, which the other annular end section is positioned on the outer side, are integrally joined by welding. The one annular end section is inserted into the other annular end section with the outside diameter of the one annular end section pressed by a die so as to be smaller in diameter than the inside diameter of the other annular end section, and then pressing force applied to the one annular end section on the inner side is released to cause it to be in tight contact with the inner surface of the other annular end section on the outer side.

Abstract: A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A method for the production of a steering spindle part is provided. The method includes forming a section of a steering spindle for a motor vehicle and which is implemented in the form of a hollow shaft and includes at least a connection section adjoining one of its ends. The connection section has at least over a portion of its length a wall thickness (D) which, compared to a section of the steering spindle part adjoining the connection section, is increased, for the production of the steering spindle part as the starting produce is utilized an initially hollow-cylindrical tube, which is at least section-wise reshaped. For the formation of the connection section, a sleeve is set into an end section of the tube and the end section of the tube and of sleeve are subsequently jointly reshaped.

Abstract: A new shrink fitting method including deformation is disclosed, in which a high bonding force can be obtained without accurate mechanical process such as forming an insertion body having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of an object for receiving the insertion body. The shrink fitting method comprises preparing a pipe and a rod material whose inner and outer diameters are different from each other; bonding the pipe and the rod material to each other in a state that the pipe or the rod material is deformed by heating; deforming the pipe to allow the inner diameter of the pipe to be equal to the outer diameter of the rod material; and cooling the bonded pipe and rod material. The shrink fitting method can be widely used for various mechanical parts.

Abstract: A mechanical part presents a main direction along which there extends a central zone forming a core and a peripheral zone forming a casing that surrounds the core. The core and the casing present a metallurgical bond between each other. The core is made of a first material presenting at least a metal matrix, and the casing is made of a second material presenting at least a metal matrix. The metal matrices of the first and second materials are based on the same metal, and at least one of the first and second materials is made of a metal matrix composite containing reinforcing elements dispersed in the metal matrix. The mechanical part can be used as a blade for a fan or a low pressure compressor.

Abstract: A metallic connector (1) comprises a female housing (2) in which a retaining ring (6) is made of a material which is harder than the female housing (2) so that the retaining ring (6) is urged into the inner wall of the female housing during a pressing operation. An annular sealing member (7) provides a water tight seal. In the connection assembly, the retaining ring (6) deforms an end of a metallic item (4) provided within the female housing to connect the female housing to the metallic item. The connection assembly is formed by a pressing operation which causes—the retaining ring (6) to deform both the female housing (2) and the metallic item (4) to be connected.