A stent-graft, including a generally tubular vascular graft of biocompatible material, and a plurality of bio-resorbable discrete annular members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the vascular graft and attached thereto.

A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

Method for manufacturing a composite tube having at least one double-layered portion with an annular outer layer of a first alloy and an annular inner layer of a second alloy provides a base component of the second alloy, having a central through-hole and an externally threaded section, provides an outer component of the first alloy, having an internally threaded section configured to engage with the externally threaded section, forms a tubular work piece by mounting the outer component around the base component such that the internally threaded section is in engagement with the externally threaded section, and hot works the work piece so that a metallic bond is formed between the threaded sections while the mechanical interlock is maintained, and so that the work piece is elongated and its outer diameter is reduced, thus forming a composite tube.

A method for manufacturing a composite tube having at least one double-layered portion with an annular outer layer of a first alloy and an annular inner layer of a second alloy, comprising: providing a base component (301) of the second alloy, having a central through-hole and an externally threaded section (302), providing an outer component (401) of the first alloy, having an internally threaded section (402) configured to engage with the externally threaded section, forming a tubular work piece by mounting the outer component around the base component such that the internally threaded section is in engagement with the externally threaded section, hot working the work piece so that a metallic bond is formed between the threaded sections while the mechanical interlock is maintained, and so that the work piece is elongated and its outer diameter is reduced, thus forming a composite tube.

A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

A backpack and frame are disclosed. The backpack frame is designed to be at least partially internal and is of unitary construction, most advantageously of a resin-impregnated material, such as resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets with selective reinforcement by interstitial layers. The frame has a mid-back portion that includes openings for independently positionable shoulder straps and a lower back portion that provides for a rotatable connection to a belt assembly. A pair of curved stay portions is contiguous with the mid-back portion of the frame and curves outwardly as the stay portions extend downwardly. The frame is preferably curved to match the curvature of the human back. The backpack frame is lightweight and by use of composite materials can provide strength as well as selective flexibility to suspend the load of the backpack and decouple it from the movements of the wearer.

A method of anchoring a suture into a pilot hole in bone utilizing a suture anchor. A lumen-defining circular soft wall, having a first and second end, is slidably engaged to a piece of suture, a first length of which extends from the first end of the wall and is threaded through the lumen from the second end, and a second length of which extends from the second end and is threaded through the lumen from the first end. The suture anchor is introduced into the pilot hole so that the first length and second length of suture material extend out of the pilot hole. The first length and second length are pulled on alternately, thereby permitting the suture anchor structure to slide on the piece of suture material, and to be compacted evenly by the pulling, until the suture anchor is set in the pilot hole.

A method of anchoring a suture into a pilot hole in bone utilizing a suture anchor. A lumen-defining circular soft wall, having a first and second end, is slidably engaged to a piece of suture, a first length of which extends from the first end of the wall and is threaded through the lumen from the second end, and a second length of which extends from the second end and is threaded through the lumen from the first end. The suture anchor is introduced into the pilot hole so that the first length and second length of suture material extend out of the pilot hole. The first length and second length are pulled on alternately, thereby permitting the suture anchor structure to slide on the piece of suture material, and to be compacted evenly by the pulling, until the suture anchor is set in the pilot hole.

A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.