Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a releasable fastener system which realizes a controlled release or separation of a joint in a shear and/or pull-off direction while providing active or variable damping properties when the fastener is engaged. SOLUTION: The releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support part and a loop material disposed on one end of the support part. The hook portion includes a support part and closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one end of the support part. When the hook portion and the loop portion are pressed together, they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peeling forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements are remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI
Abstract:
PURPOSE:To prevent regenerative material from being over-cooled, by providing an element made of shape memory alloy, which is transformed at the solidifying point of regenerative material or at the temperature slightly lower than that point when the temperature in the material is decreasing, and is returned to the initial shape at the temperature higher than the solidifying point when the temperature is increasing, in the regenerative material. CONSTITUTION:When a regenerative capsule 1 is cooled down and the temperature is lowered down to the solidifying point or the temperature slightly lower than that point, a stirring element 5 is transformed to produce what is like a swirl flow in a regenerative material 4, so that the regenerative material 4 starts solidifying and is turned into a solid as shown in the figure tau3. The shape transformable temperature of shape memory alloy is higher (t2'>t1') when it is increasing, than the case when it is decreasing, so that the alloy is transformed after the regenerative material 4 is completely liquefied when the material is melted. Further effect can be expected if the capsule is composed of an element 5 supported by a support rod 6 as shown in the figure 1'.
Abstract:
A shaped polymeric material having a three-dimensional configuration with one or more angular displacements is provided. The polymeric material is formed from a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer. A microinclusion additive and nanoinclusion additive are dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains, and a porous network is defined in the material.
Abstract:
Cardiac ablation catheters and methods of use. In some embodiments the catheter includes at least one camera inside an expandable membrane for visualizing an ablation procedure.
Abstract:
A shape memory structure includes, an elastic material, and a viscoelastic material commingled with the elastic material. The shape memory structure is reformable from a first shape to a second shape upon exposure to a change in environment that softens the viscoelastic material thereby allowing the shape memory structure to creep under stress stored in the elastic material.
Abstract:
An improved device and method for extended repair and regeneration of muscle tissue. An exemplary device comprises (a) a scaffold comprising an ECM component; (b) a combination of growth factors such as VEGF and IGF; and (c) a population of myogenic cells. Implantation of the device leads to muscle regeneration and repair over an extended period of time.
Abstract:
A tissue electrode assembly includes a membrane configured to form an expandable, conformable body that is deployable in a patient. The assembly further includes a flexible circuit positioned on a surface of the membrane and comprising at least one base substrate layer, at least one insulating layer and at least one planar conducting layer. An electrically-conductive electrode covers at least a portion of the flexible circuit and a portion of the surface of the membrane not covered by the flexible circuit, wherein the electrically-conductive electrode is foldable upon itself with the membrane to a delivery conformation having a diameter suitable for minimally-invasive delivery of the assembly to the patient.
Abstract:
The present invention provides ocular implants adapted to reside in Schlemm's canal for reducing intraocular pressure of an eye and methods for using the same. In some embodiments the ocular implants comprise a thin rod adapted and configured to extend in a curved volume in Schlemm's canal. The thin rod comprises a plurality of wave-shaped segments such that a sufficient number and amount of wave-shaped segments extend to the inner wall of the trabecular meshwork and to the outer wall of Schlemm's canal thereby keeping Schlemm's canal open.
Abstract:
A shape memory coiling device (5) for occluding a vessel or other vascular target includes a shape memory polymer material. The shape memory material is formed in a formation state as a plurality of coiled members (10) and then constrained in a pre-deployed state as a plurality of elongate members (10) configured for delivery through a delivery device wherein the plurality of elongate members (10) are aligned axially with respect to each other and the delivery device (20). The shape memory material may be formed in an intra-deployed state such that at least one of the plurality of elongate members(10) will anchor the device (5) before filling the vascular target and becoming a coiled member. The shape memory material is formed in a deployed state as a plurality of coiled members (10). In some embodiments, the vascular target is an aneurysm.
Abstract:
The present invention provides ocular implants adapted to reside in Schlemm's canal for reducing intraocular pressure of an eye and methods for using the same. In some embodiments the ocular implants comprise a thin rod adapted and configured to extend in a curved volume in Schlemm's canal. The thin rod comprises a plurality of wave-shaped segments such that a sufficient number and amount of wave-shaped segments extend to the inner wall of the trabecular meshwork and to the outer wall of Schlemm's canal thereby keeping Schlemm's canal open.