A reusable surgical implement or template is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable rigid, and optionally flexible material to enable the implant to conform to the desired use for the implement in a surgical procedure. The material forming the enclosure is also stretchable and flexible to accommodate the configuration and/or any flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implant to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures while protecting the material forming the core. The enclosure can be molded around the core in separate portions or components using multiple molding steps to form an enclosure with the desired attributes. The enclosure can also be preformed and the core inserted and secured within the enclosure using an adhesive to form the implement in an alternative manner.

A modular stent graft system and methods of assembly are disclosed. The stent graft assembly comprises a first stent graft having an interface region at its distal end and a first locking stent secured to an internal surface of the interface region. A second stent graft having an interface region at its proximal end is configured to at least partially overlap with the interface region at the distal end of the first stent graft. The second stent graft comprises a second locking stent secured to an external surface of the interface region. The first and second locking stents are configured to be engaged such that the second locking stent is nested between the first locking stent and an internal surface of the interface region of the first stent graft thereby interlocking the first and second stent grafts to each other.

A stretch-blown plastic container, includes a container body which encloses a filling volume with a container bottom; a container neck which adjoins an opposite end of the container body, having a container opening and an integrated handle region, the handle region being hollow and joined to the filling volume which is enclosed by the container body; and between the handle region and the container body, a through opening recessed and bordered over its entire periphery by wall parts of the container body and of the handle region which have been welded to one another.

A pocketed spring assembly comprises parallel strings, each string joined to at least one adjacent string. At least some of the strings have springs of different gauge wire and some of the pockets of the strings having springs of different gauge wire are spliced together. At least some of the strings have springs of different geometries and some of the pockets of the strings having springs of different geometries are spliced together. At least some strings may have end sections with springs different than a middle section therebetween, the springs of the end sections being firmer than the springs of the middle section.

A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped core, and an overlay about the core including a plurality of shaped projections configured to enhance mobilization of soft tissue and optimize body core strength and balance training.

A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped core, and an overlay about the core including a plurality of shaped projections configured to enhance mobilization of soft tissue and optimize body core strength and balance training.

A machine for ultrasonic welding having at least one guided welding horn, wherein a sonotrode tool is held on a holder at the zero point of the sonotrode tool and is guided along a weld seam to be produced, and wherein the holder also forms a support for a spray nozzle which is mounted at an acute angle to the sonotrode tool.

A device for positioning in the body of an animal, the device comprising a first portion and a second portion that may be positioned in contact with one other, the first portion and the second portion each comprising a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material, such that when the device is positioned in the body of an animal and electric current flows from the first portion to the second portion, heat is generated by electrical resistance at the point of contact between the first portion and the second portion so as to melt regions of the first portion and the second portion, and when the electric current is thereafter terminated, the melted regions of the first portion and the second portion re-solidify so that a weld is formed between the first portion and the second portion.

A therapeutic, fitness and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

A method for inspecting a bonded structure, the bonded structure having a first structural member, a second structural member, and a bondline between the first structural member and the second structural member, includes projecting acoustic waves into the bonded structure at a non-zero angle relative to a normal axis defined by an external surface of the first structural member. The method further includes determining a magnitude of a total refraction of the acoustic waves after the acoustic waves pass through the bonded structure and comparing the magnitude of the total refraction to a predefined value.