Abstract:
An electrically releasable form of hook and loop fastener (10) allows one half of the fastener to release from the other half without applying direct physical force to either half. The hook elements (21) of the fastener are formed of a shape-memory alloy material (27) such as commercially available Ninitol. Release of the hook half (14) of the fastener from the loop half (12) is accomplished by passing an electrical current through the shape-memory alloy material to straighten the hooks (21) so that they release their engagement with the loops (18). The flow of electricity through the hook half energizes the Ninitol material (27) to change its shape, either expanding or contracting in length; the change in shape is made to act against another length of material (28) that remains fixed in length or changes shape in an opposite direction so as to cause the hook shape to straighten toward a rod shape. Upon termination of the flow of electrical energy, the hooks return (21) to their hook shape, ready for re-engagement with the loops (18) upon conventional mating of the two halves of the fastener. Release and re-engagement can be repeated, substantially indefinitely.
Abstract:
A pocket suitable for incorporation in garments, luggage items, personal accessories or the like is provided with an active mechanism and control apparatus to close the pocket. Such closing action may be triggered manually but can also be triggered automatically when the pocket is moved away from an upright orientation or experiences a jolting action. In one embodiment the closing action is performed by a length of shape memory material which contracts when heated to pull the pocket front panel top portion against the rear panel top portion and close the pocket opening.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monoploar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having at least one closure device at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter also includes one or more energy transmission members for delivering energy to the closure device(s) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. In some embodiments, the closure device contains particles dispersed within the closure device to increase conductance and/or to reduce resistance and/or impedance. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the patent foramen PFO.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having treatment means at its distal end. In some embodiments, the treatment means includes one or more retractable abrasive needles used to abrade tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. In other embodiments, treatment means includes an energy transmission member or one or more apertures for dispensing a fluid to contact and close the PFO. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter device to position the distal end adjacent the PFO, exposing a plurality of abrasive needles from the catheter, advancing the needles through the PFO and/or tissue adjacent the PFO, and retracting the needles relative to the PFO to abrade at least a portion of the tissue.
Abstract:
A releasable fastener system comprises a male portion and a female portion. The male portion comprises a support and at least one protrusion element fixedly attached to the support. The female portion comprises a support and at least two parallel actuator strips projecting from a surface of the support. The at least two parallel actuator strips are spaced apart to form an opening equal to or less than a lateral dimension of the protrusion element. Each one of the at least two parallel actuator strips comprise a flexible strip and a piezoelectric material disposed on portions of the actuator strip. An activation device is coupled to the at least two actuator strips, the activation device being operable to selectively provide an activation signal to the piezoelectric material. In this manner, the shape of the actuator strips can be changed to provide a mechanical engagement of a frictional engagement of the male and female portions.
Abstract:
The present invention is a system adapted to position an ablation catheter at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium. The system includes a deflectable guidewire and a sheath. The ablation catheter is used with the positioning system, wherein the deflectable guidewire and the sheath cooperate so as to facilitate positioning of the catheter at the location.
Abstract:
A tissue-separating catheter assembly comprises a rotatable shaft, having a distal shaft portion, and a tissue separator device extending along the shaft. The tissue separator device has a distal separator part at the distal shaft portion movable between a retracted state, towards the distal shaft portion, and an outwardly extending, operational state, away from the distal shaft portion. A pivot joint may be used to pivotally connect the distal separator end to the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion may comprise a distally-facing transition surface at a proximal end of the distal shaft portion. First and second energizable tissue separator elements may be used at the transition surface and the tip of the device, respectively.
Abstract:
A steam turbine is provided that includes in an exemplary embodiment, a steam inlet pipe coupled to a steam inlet port in a steam turbine housing. At least a portion of the steam inlet pipe is fabricated from at least one of a shape memory alloy having a memorized activated configuration and a negative thermal expansion ceramic having an activated configuration.
Abstract:
Fastener products, for example for use in hook and loop fasteners are provided. The fastener products include a sheet form backing, and, extending from the backing, a plurality of fastener elements that include a shape memory polymer. Method of making and using such fastener products are also provided.