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US 9,539,082 B2Granted
Tissue support structure
AssigneesEmory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
InventorsTimothy W. Olsen, David W. Rosen, Shreyes N. Melkote, George K. Mathai
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus includes a component having a shape memory material. The shape memory material has a first shape including a substantially elongate segment. The shape memory material has a second shape including a helix having a first ring and a second ring configured to exert a compressive force on a membrane interleaved between the first ring and the second ring and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the helix, the shape selectable based on an external stimulus.
Claims15
An apparatus, comprising:
- a component including:
- a first structure including a distinct geometric shape;
- a second structure including a distinct geometric shape opposing the first structure;
- and
- a link disposed between the first structure and the second structure, the link being a hinge or folded portion of a material;
- wherein the component is configured to transform between a first configuration and a second configuration;
- wherein the first configuration includes the component being rolled so to have a tube-like shape and the second configuration includes the component being unfurled;
- and
- wherein in the second configuration, the component is configured to exert a compressive force on a membrane interleaved between the first structure and the second structure.
6 more elements
An apparatus, comprising:
- a component including a shape memory material, the component including:
- a first structure being a flattened ring;
- a second structure being a flattened ring and opposing the first structure;
- a link coupled to the first structure and the second structure, the link being a hinge or folded portion of the material;
- and
- a latch disposed on the first structure and spaced apart from the link, the latch being configured to engage the second structure;
- wherein:
- the first structure and the second structure are configured to be in a clamping configuration;
- in the clamping configuration, the first structure and the second structure are configured to exert a compressive force on a membrane interleaved between the first structure and the second structure and lying in a plane substantially parallel to the first structure and second structure;
- and
- the latch is configured to retain the clamping configuration.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.