Abstract: An implantable osteodistraction device includes an inductive power transfer circuit at least partially within one of outer and inner tubes. A shape-memory-alloy actuator includes a shape-memory-alloy element powered by the inductive power transfer circuit and configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase with a corresponding change in shape responsive to threshold resistive heating. A force transmission apparatus includes a locking clutch connected to the shape-memory-alloy actuator and slidably connected to another one of the outer and inner tubes. The locking clutch converts change in shape of the shape-memory-alloy element, by transition from one of the first and second phases to the other one of the first and second phases, to an extension of the inner tube from within the outer tube and prevents contraction of the inner tube into the outer tube when the shape-memory-alloy element oppositely transitions.

Abstract: The present invention is about an intra-corporal telescopic osteo-distraction device for locking the length of the bone and for providing axial, torsional and bending stability; an extra-corporal force producing device for producing a force for extension causing a lengthening of the intra-corporal device and the bone; a method for bone lengthening and a bone lengthening arrangement utilizing the devices of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is about an intra-corporal telescopic osteodistraction device 1 for locking the length of the bone 3 and for providing axial, torsional and bending stability; an extra-corporal force producing device 4a, 4b for producing a force for extension causing a lengthening of the intra-corporal device 1 and the bone 3; a method for bone lengthening and a bone lengthening arrangement utilizing the devices 1 and 4a, 4b of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is about an intra-corporal telescopic osteodistraction device 1 for locking the length of the bone 3 and for providing axial, torsional and bending stability; an extra-corporal force producing device 4a, 4b for producing a force for extension causing a lengthening of the intra-corporal device 1 and the bone 3; a method for bone lengthening and a bone lengthening arrangement utilizing the devices 1 and 4a, 4b of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is about an actuator comprising at least one shape-memory-alloy based converter in a housing and at least one preload spring. The actuator is configured to cause a motion of at least one movable member. The optimal structures along with corresponding methods for improving an actuator are claimed in the independent claims. Preferable embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

Abstract: The present invention is about an actuator comprising at least one shape-memory-alloy based converter in a housing and at least one preload spring. The actuator is configured to cause a motion of at least one movable member. The optimal structures along with corresponding methods for improving an actuator are claimed in the independent claims. Preferable embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

Abstract: The present invention is about an actuator comprising at least one shape-memory-alloy based converter in a housing and at least one preload spring. The actuator is configured to cause a motion of at least one movable member. The optimal structures along with corresponding methods for improving an actuator are claimed in the independent claims. Preferable embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

Abstract: The present invention is about an actuator comprising at least one shape-memory-alloy based converter in a housing and at least one preload spring. The actuator is configured to cause a motion of at least one movable member. The optimal structures along with corresponding methods for improving an actuator are claimed in the independent claims. Preferable embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal osteodistraction device, which includes two fixing points (7, 8) for attachment to a bone in such a way that the distance between the fixing points can be increased in a controlled manner, and a magnetostrictive element (1) which produces a reciprocating mechanical motion in a changing magnetic field. The magnetostrictive element is configured for taking up solely a compressive or tensile force, such that the magnetostrictive element pushes a unidirectional movement permitting element which allows for an increase in the distance between the fixing points, and as the magnetostrictive element is in the process of returning to its original length, a second unidirectional movement permitting element allows the magnetostrictive element to resume its original length without changing a distance between the fixing points of the distraction device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal osteodistraction device, which includes two fixing points (7, 8) for attachment to a bone in such a way that the distance between the fixing points can be increased in a controlled manner, and a magnetostrictive element (1) which produces a reciprocating mechanical motion in a changing magnetic field. The magnetostrictive element is configured for taking up solely a compressive or tensile force, such that the magnetostrictive element pushes a unidirectional movement permitting element which allows for an increase in the distance between the fixing points, and as the magnetostrictive element is in the process of returning to its original length, a second unidirectional movement permitting element allows the magnetostrictive element to resume its original length without changing a distance between the fixing points of the distraction device.