Linear electromechanical device-based artificial muscles, bio-valves and related applications
AssigneeOrsen LLC
InventorsRichard J. Massen, Luis M. Ortiz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A biological function assist apparatus composed of 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 also operate as a bone-muscle interface, thereby functioning in place of tendons.
Claims20
A linear electromechanical device, comprising:
- electromagnetically actuated hardware including at least one linear electromechanical device that further comprises a flexible shaft and is assembled into a circle and is surrounded by the protective coating, and the flexible shaft formed in a circle is used as a bio valve adapted for use in a biological system to replace or supplement operation of a biological valve;
- 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;
- and
- a controller causing operation of the electromechanically actuated system to operate under direction of the microprocessor as a biological valve.
An apparatus for assisting biological system functions, the apparatus comprising:
- a controller in communication with a linear electromechanical device including more than one linear motor assembled as at least one chain link, wherein the chain link shortens as power is applied to the more than one linear motor and the chain link expands when power is no longer applied to the more than one linear motor, wherein the chain link formed in a circle is used as a biological valve adapted for use in a biological system to replace or supplement operation of the biological valve;
- and
- a protective coating surrounding the linear eletromechanical device and acting as a barrier between the electromagnetically actuated hardware and biological systems.
A linear electromechanical system, comprising:
- at least one linear electromechanical device including more than one linear motor assembled as at least one chain link, wherein the chain link shortens as power is applied to the more than one linear motor and the chain link expands when power is no longer applied to the more than one linear motor, wherein the chain link formed in a circle is used as a biological valve adapted for use in a biological system to replace or supplement operation of the biological valve;
- 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 a biological valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.