Abstract: A massage apparatus includes a frame defining a central opening, with a web of mesh cloth or fabric spanning the opening. A plurality of SMA wire segments span the central opening directly adjacent to the cloth or fabric. The wire segments are joined at opposed ends to a power circuit that provides ohmic heating for the wires. The wires may be actuated singly and sequentially, the contraction of each wire providing a compression of the body portion upon which it impinges. The apparatus may be a portable massage device for use with any chair, or built into a chair or bed or other furniture, or a slipcover.

Abstract: A laser for medical includes an optically pumped laser medium, and the output of the laser is directed through an optical fiber delivery system to a tissue target. The flashlamp is driven by a pulsed power signal that is selectively variable to produce laser pulses of predetermined temporal width and pulse energy, and these values can be selected in accordance with the type of tissue being treated and the tissue effect desired. The laser may be operated to produce relatively brief pulses of high energy, which create a localized plasma at the surface of the target tissue. The plasma effect blocks any significant penetration of the laser beam into the tissue, and each laser pulse causes the ablation of a small portion of the tissue target. Thus thermal necrosis of adjacent and underlying tissue minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used in combination with an existing laser for controlling the temperature of a laser powered tool includes a temperature control device coupled between the output of the laser and the optical fiber delivery system to monitor the temperature of the optical fiber delivery system and attenuate the laser output power to achieve a desired temperature level. The device establishes a beam path and provides a beam deflector that is variably positioned in the beam path to deflect a variable portion of the laser beam toward a laser wavelength-absorbing heat sink. An infrared detector is directed to receive emissions from the laser tool, and electronic circuitry processes the signal from the infrared detector to determine the temperature in the delivery system and generate an actuator signal to position the beam deflector so that beam deflection is increased or decreased to achieve a predetermined, desirable temperature level in the delivery system.

Abstract: A system for collecting solar heat energy includes a plurality of shingle members arranged in shingle fashion on the roof of a stucture or building. Each shingle member is formed of a web of waterproof material which is folded and seamed to define a flat, water-containing cavity therein. Each shingle member includes a flange extending on at least two sides thereof for securing the shingle member to the sub-roof by nails or the like. At least one fluid inlet coupling and fluid outlet coupling is secured to the shingle member in flow communication with the cavity. The fluid coupling members are disposed so that the shingle members may be partially overlapped and connected in open flow communication to the superjacent and subjacent shingle members.

Abstract: An adhesive bonding method and apparatus includes a pair of opposed web members having confronting surfaces provided with cooperatively engaging hook and loop portions. The hook portion of one confronting surface is saturated with an epoxy resin or the like, and the loop portion of the other confronting surface is saturated with a catalyst for the resin. The web members are urged together to engage the hook and loop portions and to intermix the catalyst and the resin.