Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing polymers are disclosed. Compositions include novel plastics, including films and shaped forms comprising polymer matrices that are biologically compatible and biodegradable. Such plastics may comprise polymers derived from natural sources. Further, such plastics are useful in biological systems for wound repair, implants, stents, drug encapsulation and delivery, and other applications. The disclosed methods comprise mild manufacturing processes such that various additives, such as biologically active proteins, sugars, lipids, and the like may be incorporated into the polymer matrix without subsequent loss of bioactivity during processing. Additionally, methods of manufacture for controlling mechanical properties, such as elasticity, pliancy, and the porosity of such plastics are disclosed.

Abstract: Blood-derived plastic articles prepared from compositions including blood and, in some embodiments, at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one biological response modifier, that can be useful for biological applications such as wound repair and tissue grafts; methods of making and using the same; methods for assessing the concentration of a biological response modifier in an article; and systems for preparing blood-derived plastic articles are provided.

Abstract: A method of making a bioplastic, and a bioplastic produced thereby, by using human plasma in which human plasma is clotted, either dried through its gel phase or dried and powdered, and processed into a bioplastic with the addition of at least one plasticizer followed by forming and heating to form a final bioplastic construct.

Abstract: Systems and method for generating three dimensional (3D) models of bones are described. In one embodiment, a method of generating a 3D model of a bone can include determining contours of the bone based two dimensional (2D) images of the bone and, based on the contours, modifying a 3D template model of the bone to generate a 3D model of the bone.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implementing computer-aided surgical procedures and more specifically devices and methods for implementing a computer-aided orthopedic surgery utilizing intra-operative feedback. A three-dimensional model of an area of a patient upon which a surgical procedure is to be performed is modeled using software techniques. The software model is used to generate a surgical plan, including placement of multifunctional markers, for performing the surgical procedure. After the markers are placed on the patient, an updated image of the patient is taken and used to calculate a final surgical plan for performing the remainder of the surgical procedure. The three-dimensional modeling, surgical planning, and surgery may all take place remote from each other. The various entities may communicate via an electronic communications network such as the Internet.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and apparatus for preparing biomimetic scaffolds are provided. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are compatible with both in situ and external scaffold preparation. Also provided are methods for preparing scaffolds having 3-D spatial and/or temporal gradients of therapeutic compounds, such as, growth factors, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, analgesics, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a patient. The apparatus includes a deployment mechanism having a surface. The apparatus also includes at least one probe disposed on the deployment mechanism surface. The probe extends between 25 microns and 1000 microns from the surface of the deployment mechanism. The apparatus also includes material coated on the probe. A method for treating a patient. The method includes the steps of placing a material with a probe which extends less than 1000 microns from a surface of a deployment mechanism. Next, there is the step of inserting the probe into preferably a blood vessel of a patient. Then, there is the step of penetrating the interior wall of the vessel from the interior of the vessel with the probe by activating the deployment mechanism so the material can contact the vessel.

Abstract: A multiple switch assembly acts as an input device for computers. The switch assembly is comprised of a first input device which defines a circumference. A second input device is positioned within the circumference of the first input device. An interface is connected to the first input device and the second input device for producing output signals responsive to the first and second input devices. A portable computer utilizing such an input device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a patient. The apparatus includes a deployment mechanism having a surface. The apparatus also includes at least one probe disposed on the deployment mechanism surface. The probe extends between 25 microns and 1000 microns from the surface of the deployment mechanism. The apparatus also includes material coated on the probe. A method for treating a patient. The method includes the steps of placing a material with a probe which extends less than 1000 microns from a surface of a deployment mechanism. Next, there is the step of inserting the probe into preferably a blood vessel of a patient. Then, there is the step of penetrating the interior wall of the vessel from the interior of the vessel with the probe by activating the deployment mechanism so the material can contact the vessel.

Abstract: Blends of biodegradable polymers, preferably poly(caprolactone) and poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid are discussed as well as their applications in the medical field, particularly with regard to bone tissue engineering. Preferably, hydroxyapatite ("HA") granules are incorporated into the blends and the resulting blends have desirable mechanical, physical, and biological characteristics. Even more preferably the compositions of the present invention are utilized to form osteoconductive composites that supported bone cell growth on the surface as well as throughout the scaffold.

Abstract: A three-dimensional scaffold for tissue generation. Mechanical fasteners allow layered and volumetric scaffold sections, which may be pre-seeded with cells and/or growth factors, to be assembled into a heterogeneous generated tissue for implantation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for making a plurality of barbs. The method is comprised of the steps of first forming a substrate of a first material with a layer of a second material thereon, and at predetermined discrete locations on the layer a third material. Next, there is the step of removing portions of the layer and the substrate such that a frustrum shape is formed on the surface of the substrate. Next, there is the step of removing the third material but leaving the first and second materials essentially untouched. Then, there is the step of reforming the layer made of the second material on the frustrum surface of the substrate. Next, there is the step of removing portions of the layer at essentially the center of the lowest points of the frustrum. There is then the step of removing portions of the substrate but not the second material such that a plurality of barbs is created.

Abstract: A system for linking a first member with a second member. The system is comprised of a first plurality of micromechanical barbs disposed on the first member. The system is also comprised of a second plurality of micromechanical barbs disposed on the second member. The barbs on the first member and the second member are of a shape such that a locking connection is formed between the first member and second member through the first plurality and second plurality of barbs when placed together. Each of the barbs of the first plurality and second plurality of barbs extend from the first member and second member, respectively, to a height no greater than 5 millimeters. The present invention also pertains to a micromechanical barb for linking with an object. The micrormechanical barb comprises a base. The micromechanical barb is also comprised of a support which extends from the base.

Abstract: A system for linking a first member with a second member. The system is comprised of a first plurality of micromechanical barbs disposed on the first member. The system is also comprised of a second plurality of micromechanical barbs disposed on the second member. The barbs on the first member and the second member are of a shape such that a locking connection is formed between the first member and second member through the first plurality and second plurality of barbs when placed together. Each of the barbs of the first plurality and second plurality of barbs extend from the first member and second member, respectively, to a height no greater than 5 millimeters. The first plurality of barbs and second plurality of barbs oppose each other. The present invention also pertains to a micromechanical barb for linking with an object. The micromechanical barb comprises a base. The micromechanical barb is also comprised of a support which extends from the base.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing an article that is formed by the incremental buildup of layers on a work surface contains a material deposition station to deposit the layers. In addition, a plurality of processing stations are employed. Each processing station performs a separate function such that when the functions are performed in series, a layer of the article is produced and is prepared for the deposition of the next layer. An article transfer apparatus repetitively moves the work surface and any layers formed thereon selectively among the deposition station and the processing stations. The article transfer apparatus continues to move between the processing stations until each layer is processed and a completely manufactured article is produced.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional object by applying segments of complementary material and deposition material so as to form layers of material. Selected segments of material are then shaped after one or more segment is formed. In this manner, layers of material form a block containing the object made of deposition material and surrounded by complementary material. Then, the complementary material which serves as a support structure during forming is removed. Preferably, the complementary material has a lower melting temperature than the deposition material and is removed by heating the block. The deposition material and complementary material are preferably applied by thermal spray deposition but may be applied by weld deposition, liquid slurry, gravity drop or any manual means such as a hand sifter. It is also preferred but not necessary to use masks when applying the material.

Abstract: A collector electrode and adjacent electric weld torch are placed at a selected distance from a work surface or substrate. An electric welding current is generated so that a welding current arc forms between the collector electrode and the weld torch. A feed metal is then fed into the welding current arc and is melted into molten metal adjacent to the collector electrode. The molten metal is then deposited onto a work surface. The collector electrode and weld torch are positioned so that the welding current arc between the weld torch and the collector electrodes does not penetrate the work surface or the already-deposited metal.

Abstract: A smart structure or an electronic package is formed by thermal spraying utilizing a plurality of masks positioned and removed over a work surface in accordance with a predetermined sequence. The masks correspond to cross sections normal to a centerline through the structure. Masks are placed above a work surface and sprayed with either at least one primary material to form at least one electronic component and a complementary material. In this manner, layers of material form a block of deposition material and complementary material. Then, the complementary material which serves as a support structure during forming may be removed.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object, successive layers of metal are welded together to build the object. After each layer is formed a complementary material is placed adjacent the layer. In this manner, layers of material form a block of welded metal and complementary material. Then, all or a portion of the complementary material which serves as a support structure during forming can be removed. The welded layers are milled to a final shape either after each layer is formed or after all layers have been made. Existing CNG machines can be easily modified to practice the method.

Abstract: A method for rapid tool manufacturing comprising the steps of first building an SFF pattern made of plastic to be used to make a first die half. Then there is the step of spraying metal onto the pattern to form a first metal substrate. Next, there is the step of separating the substrate from the SFF pattern to form the first die half. Then there is the step of building a second SFF pattern to be used to make a second die half. Next, there is the step of spraying metal onto the second SFF pattern to form a second metal substrate. Then there is the step of separating the second metal substrate from the second SFF pattern to form the second die half. In a preferred embodiment, the method for rapid tool manufacturing the second die half is formed by first the step of building an SFF model of a part to be molded. Then, there is the step of inserting the model into the first die half. Next, there is the step of spraying metal onto the model in the first die half to form a second metal substrate.