Abstract: A passive artificial sphincter includes a tension member, an outer sleeve, and a connecter. The tension member has first and second ends. The outer sleeve contains the tension member and is formed of a biocompatible material. The connecter is configured to couple the first and second ends together to form an artificial sphincter ring. The artificial sphincter ring is configured for implantation around the lumen to provide passive constriction of the lumen. In a method, an artificial sphincter comprising a tension member contained within an outer sleeve is positioned around a lumen of a patient. The lumen is constricted responsive to the tension in the tension member. The passage of material through the lumen and past the artificial sphincter ring is resisted responsive to the constriction of the lumen.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an implant system for treating fecal incontinence are provided. The devices and systems can include a mesh or like device that can include a variable porosity to control the degree of expansion of the anal canal. The mesh can be constructed at least in part of patterned strut members allowing for various geometric configurations, with varying load and tension properties for the designated portions of the device according to the needs for a particular patient application.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an implant system for treating fecal incontinence are provided. The devices and systems can include a mesh or like device that can include a variable porosity to control the degree of expansion of the anal canal. The mesh can be constructed at least in part of patterned strut members allowing for various geometric configurations, with varying load and tension properties for the designated portions of the device according to the needs for a particular patient application.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an implant system for treating fecal incontinence are provided. The devices and systems can include a mesh or like device that can include a variable porosity to control the degree of expansion of the anal canal. The mesh can be constructed at least in part of patterned strut members allowing for various geometric configurations, with varying load and tension properties for the designated portions of the device according to the needs for a particular patient application.

Abstract: A passive artificial sphincter includes a tension member, an outer sleeve, and a connecter. The tension member has first and second ends. The outer sleeve contains the tension member and is formed of a biocompatible material. The connecter is configured to couple the first and second ends together to form an artificial sphincter ring. The artificial sphincter ring is configured for implantation around the lumen to provide passive constriction of the lumen. In a method, an artificial sphincter comprising a tension member contained within an outer sleeve is positioned around a lumen of a patient. The lumen is constricted responsive to the tension in the tension member. The passage of material through the lumen and past the artificial sphincter ring is resisted responsive to the constriction of the lumen.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an implant system for treating fecal incontinence are provided. The devices and systems can include a mesh or like device that can include a variable porosity to control the degree of expansion of the anal canal. The mesh can be constructed at least in part of patterned strut members allowing for various geometric configurations, with varying load and tension properties for the designated portions of the device according to the needs for a particular patient application.

Abstract: An adaptive control system and method for a vehicle window. The system and method include sensors for determining a motor current corresponding to a window position and for detecting a motor stall, and an electronic control module (ECM) for providing a position counter having a count representing the window position. The ECM is also provided for setting, independent of a dedicated motor actuation input signal, a second historical limit equal to the count when the window is driven by the motor toward the closed position and a motor stall is detected, as well as setting, independent of a motor actuation input signal, the second historical limit equal to the difference between the second historical limit and the count, and the count equal to a first historical limit, respectively, when the window is driven by the motor toward an open position and a motor stall is detected.

Abstract: A control system for an engine throttle valve actuator uses an actuator position feedback loop with a compensation factor which applies a reverse voltage having an amplitude based on actuator momentum to a DC motor to effectuate an electrical braking action to achieve high speed response with positional accuracy. A separate position limiting feedback loop is used to prevent excessive actuator excursions. The engine throttle valve is controlled to a selected position by using a throttle valve position feedback loop and a compensation factor to provide a feedback signal to a summing junction.