Abstract: An expandable structure comprising: a first shape memory (SM) portion which is in a strain-induced state; and a second portion which resists expansion of said structure due to said first portion, over a plurality of different expansion states of said first portion. Optionally, wherein said SM portion resists contraction of said structure due to forces applied by said second portion. Optionally or alternatively, said strain induced state is characterized by a SM portion expanding force decreasing as a function of strain of said SM portion, so as to have a difference of at least 10% in force between two strain states said structure is usable at.

Abstract: An expandable structure comprising: a first shape memory (SM) portion which is in a strain-induced state; and a second portion which resists expansion of said structure due to said first portion, over a plurality of different expansion states of said first portion. Optionally, wherein said SM portion resists contraction of said structure due to forces applied by said second portion. Optionally or alternatively, said strain induced state is characterized by a SM portion expanding force decreasing as a function of strain of said SM portion, so as to have a difference of at least 10% in force between two strain states said structure is usable at.

Abstract: A method of treatment of nasal conditions comprising: delivering an expandable structure in a crimped configuration to a nasal lumen; expanding the expandable structure within the nasal lumen to a stable expanded configuration; removing the structure from the nasal lumen, after a time period, where removing comprises causing the structure to self-crimp. The expandable structure optionally comprises: a first shape memory (SM) portion which is in a strain-induced state; and a second portion which resists expansion of said structure due to said first portion, over a plurality of different expansion states of said first portion. Optionally, the properties of the second portion vary over its cross section. For example an outer surface and/or peripheral layer may have desirable environmental resistance properties and/or a frame may have desirable mechanical properties, for example a high creep resistance.

Abstract: A method of treatment of nasal conditions comprising: delivering an expandable structure in a crimped configuration to a nasal lumen; expanding the expandable structure within the nasal lumen to a stable expanded configuration; removing the structure from the nasal lumen, after a time period, where removing comprises causing the structure to self-crimp. The expandable structure optionally comprises: a first shape memory (SM) portion which is in a strain-induced state; and a second portion which resists expansion of said structure due to said first portion, over a plurality of different expansion states of said first portion. Optionally, the properties of the second portion vary over its cross section. For example an outer surface and/or peripheral layer may have desirable environmental resistance properties and/or a frame may have desirable mechanical properties, for example a high creep resistance.

Abstract: An expandable structure comprising: a first shape memory (SM) portion which is in a strain-induced state; and a second portion which resists expansion of said structure due to said first portion, over a plurality of different expansion states of said first portion. Optionally, wherein said SM portion resists contraction of said structure due to forces applied by said second portion. Optionally or alternatively, said strain induced state is characterized by a SM portion expanding force decreasing as a function of strain of said SM portion, so as to have a difference of at least 10% in force between two strain states said structure is usable at.

Abstract: An automatic temperature regulating device for controlling the flow of a cooling gas through a conduit. The device consists of a plurality of flaps connected to the conduit and made of a shape memory alloy, whereby when in the austenite phase said flaps are in a relatively open state and when in the martensite phase said flaps are in a relatively closed state.

Abstract: A temperature responsive valve (TRV), for controlling a flow of gas, employing a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. The SMA wire is forced by the flow of gas to elongate at temperatures not exceeding a limit known as the transition temperature lower than the austenitic transition temperature. The elongation at a temperature lower than the austenitic transition temperature may be extensive enough to cause a nozzle of the TRV to be blocked, preventing further passage of the gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides stents for deploying within tubular organs, blood vessels, or other tubular body lumens. Such stents comprise a stent body comprising an elastic material, the stent body being characterized by a free cylindrical shape having a free diameter. The stent body is at least partially covered with a covering that substantially prevents the stent body from expanding towards its free diameter when the stent body is placed into a diameter smaller than the free diameter. In one embodiment, the covering is a metal coating on the stent body. In another embodiment, the covering is a tube, or multiple tubes, around the stent body. Also provided is a method for deploying the stents of the present invention within tubular organs, blood vessels, or other tubular body lumens.

Abstract: The present invention provides stents for deploying within tubular organs, blood vessels, or other tubular body lumens. Such stents comprise a stent body comprising an elastic material, the stent body being characterized by a free cylindrical shape having a free diameter. The stent body is at least partially covered with a covering that substantially prevents the stent body from expanding towards its free diameter when the stent body is placed into a diameter smaller than the free diameter. In one embodiment, the covering is a metal coating on the stent body. In another embodiment, the covering is a tube, or multiple tubes, around the stent body. Also provided is a method for deploying the stents of the present invention within tubular organs, blood vessels, or other tubular body lumens.

Abstract: The present invention provides stents for deploying within tubular organs, blood vessels, or other tubular body lumens. Such stents comprise a stent body comprising an elastic material, the stent body being characterized by a free cylindrical shape having a free diameter. The stent body is at least partially covered with a covering that substantially prevents the stent body from expanding towards its free diameter when the stent body is placed into a diameter smaller than the free diameter. In one embodiment, the covering is a metal coating on the stent body. In another embodiment, the covering is a tube, or multiple tubes, around the stent body. Also provided is a method for deploying the stents of the present invention within tubular organs, blood vessels, or other tubular body lumens.