Linear electromechanical device-based artificial muscles, bio-valves and related applications
OwnerRichard Massen, Luis Ortizinventors
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Abstract
A biological function assist apparatus composed a linear electronmechanical device or system wrapped in protective coating and controlled by a controller, which also provides power to the electromechanically-based system. The electromechanically-based system can be formed as a mesh using linear motors or linear actuators, or a larger electromechanically grid and wrapped around a failing heart. The electromechanical system can be formed in a circle forming an artificial valve (e.g., sphincter). The electromechanically-based system can operate as a bone-muscle interface, thereby functioning in place of tendons.
Claims29
A linear electromechanical device, comprising:
- electromagnetically actuated hardware;
- a protective coating surrounding the electromagnetically actuated hardware and acting as a barrier between the electromechanically actuated hardware and biological systems;
- at least one sensor to monitor biological system functions;
- a microprocessor analyzing biological system functions measured by the at least one sensor;
- a controller causing operation of the electromechanically actuated system to operate under direction of the microprocessor as at least one of:
- a ventricular assist device, bio valve, a muscle-tendon interface.
An apparatus for assisting biological system functions, the apparatus comprising:
- a controller in communication with a linear electromechanical device;
- and
- a protective coating surrounding the linear eletromechanical device and acting as a barrier between the electromagnetically actuated hardware and biological systems.
The system of claim 19 wherein more than one of said chain link is further assembled into a sheet-like grid and an integrated wire network provides sensory feedback, controlled contraction or relaxation of said more than one linear motor.
A linear electromechanical system, comprising:
- at least one linear electromechanical device;
- a protective coating surrounding the at least one linear electromechanical device and acting as a barrier between the at least one linear electromechanical device and biological systems;
- and
- a microprocessor causing the at least one linear electromechanical device to operate as at least one of:
- a ventricular assist device, bio valve, or a muscle-tendon interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.