Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Fluidic cartridges, and manufacture thereof, having a plurality of circuit element subtypes containing pneumatically operated diaphragm members, where the diaphragm materials are selected for yield point, chemical resistance, breathability and other properties individually according to the fluidic element subtype are provided. A process of in-situ edge-bonded decoupage for forming diaphragm members inside a cartridge, and fluidic circuits having diaphragm members as active and passive circuit elements, including pumps, valves, vents, waste receptacles, reagent reservoirs, and cuvettes with optical windows, where the material composition of each individual diaphragm member may be selected from an assortment of materials during manufacture are also provided.

Provided is a display device including: a bottom member; a display panel on the bottom member, the display panel configured to emit light; a top member on the display panel; a touch screen panel on the top member; and a groove region formed by removing at least a portion of at least one of the top member and the bottom member at a bent portion of the display device.

A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core includes stabilizing the bulk composite core with a fixture, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members. The method also includes cutting through each of the tube members to create the wafer while the bulk composite core is stabilized by the fixture.

A device for welding profiled elements in plastic material includes: a base frame supporting retaining members of respective profiled elements, to engage the profiled elements with corresponding zones to be welded facing one another; a heater for heating the weld zones of the profiled elements; a unit to move the retaining members, to shift the profiled elements between a first reciprocal away direction and a second reciprocal closer direction wherein the zones to be welded are coupled together; and a removal unit utilizing milling The removal unit includes: a supporting frame positioned in correspondence to the retaining members; at least one machining tool; a motor part associated with the tool; and a movement member of the tool, to move it between a first idle condition and a second working condition wherein it is placed between the profiled elements.

Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

A method for welding profiled elements in plastic material, includes the steps of: preparing two profiled elements, arranged with respective zones to be facing one another; making a groove in correspondence to at least one zone, by a removal operation on a peripheral edge of at least one profiled element; heating the zones to be welded; coupling the zones to be welded to one another, pressing the profiled elements one against the other so as to keep the zones to be welded in reciprocal contact. The coupling step includes: melting the zones to be welded into one another in order to define a welding bead; making a containing compartment defined by the groove, the welding bead being made internally of the containing compartment; and arranging a containing presser in correspondence to the containing compartment for preventing exit of the welding bead from the compartment itself.

A method for welding profiled elements in plastic material includes: preparing two profiled elements, arranged with respective weld zones facing one another; making a groove corresponding to at least one weld zone of the profiled elements, the grooving performed by a removal operation on a peripheral edge of at least one profiled element; heating the weld zones; coupling the zones to be welded to one another, pressing the profiled elements together to keep the zones to be welded in reciprocal contact. The coupling step includes: a sub-step of melting the zones to be welded into one another in order to define a welding bead; a sub-step of making a containing compartment defined by the groove, the welding bead being made internally of the containing compartment; and the step of arranging a containing presser in correspondence to the containing compartment for preventing exit of the welding bead from the compartment itself.

Provided is a display device including: a bottom member; a display panel on the bottom member, the display panel configured to emit light; a top member on the display panel; a touch screen panel on the top member; and a groove region formed by removing at least a portion of at least one of the top member and the bottom member at a bent portion of the display device.

A method of cutting a wafer of composite core from a bulk composite core includes stabilizing the bulk composite core with a fixture, the bulk composite core having a plurality of tube members. The method also includes cutting through each of the tube members to create the wafer while the bulk composite core is stabilized by the fixture.