Devices that change size/shape via osmotic pressure
AssigneeThe Polymer Technology Group
InventorsRobert S. Ward, Sallie K. Coviello
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Devices implantable in animal bodies, possibly configured as self-inflating spinal disc prostheses. Alternatively, non-implantable water-desalination and/or purification devices. The devices include specified types of water-absorbing solute encapsulated by non-porous, water-permeable polymer membranes having specified properties. Also, methods of using the devices in biomedical applications or water treatment.
Claims23
A device implantable in an animal body, said device comprising a water-absorbing solute encapsulated by a non-porous, water-permeable polymer membrane,
- wherein said polymer is a block copolymer having a polyurethane and/or polyurea hard segment and a soft segment selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene carbonates, poly-siloxanes, and linear or branched hydrocarbons,
- wherein said membrane has a thickness of 1 to 16 mil and has a moisture vapor transmission rate by ASTM Method E96BW greater than 100 g/square meter/day at 1 mil thickness, a dry tensile strength of greater than 500 psi, and a permeability to said solute of less than 10−3 cm2/sec, and
- wherein said solute is capable of providing said device with a pressure of approximately 0.1 psi or more for a period of at least 24 hours.
A device implantable in an animal body, said device comprising a water-absorbing solute encapsulated by a non-porous, water-permeable polymer membrane,
- wherein said polymer comprises a member selected from the groups consisting of polyurethane elastomers, crosslinked silicone elastomers, silicon-containing copolymers, polyolefin elastomers, Kraton styrene-diene elastomers, Hytrel polyester-polyether elastomers, and Pebax polyamide-polyether elastomers,
- wherein said membrane has a thickness of 1 to 16 mil and has a moisture vapor transmission rate by ASTM Method E96BW greater than 2000 g/square meter/day at 1 mil thickness, a dry tensile strength of greater than 2000 psi, and a permeability to said solute of less than 10−4 cm2/sec, and
- wherein said solute is present in an amount of 0.1-50 grams and is capable of providing said device with a pressure of approximately 100 psi or more for a period of at least six weeks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.