Abstract: A variably compressible device placed on the peripheral portion of a racquet frame over or through which a loop of racquet string is placed compressing and holding the device against the outside surface of the racquet frame. The device and method provides for a controlled degree of compressibility permitting selected strings to undergo greater deflection through processes of device compression and intrinsic string elongation when striking the ball compared to the behavior of an equivalent string striking the ball without the device.

Abstract: A device that forms a physical attachment or connection between a laptop or tablet type portable computer and a peripheral device. The invention according to one structure performs as a clip or holder type device that may be selectively attached to, and variably positioned on, the edge of a laptop or tablet computer screen or body of a laptop or tablet computer. Similarly, the device provides a means of attachment to one or more accessories, peripheral, or ancillary devices used in conjunction with operation of the lap top or tablet computer. The connection or attachment has sufficient strength and grip to maintain a physical connection between the laptop or tablet computer and the accessory device to allow the computer to be moved, carried or otherwise be repositioned during normal use without disruption of the physical connection, but not so strong or permanent that it cannot be easily broken using manual force.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant device is presented. When placed between vertebral bodies of the mammalian spine, the device can effect fusion between the vertebral bodies. The implant is formed in layers in an arcuate geometry, wherein placement is facilitated by the implant first adopting a generally linear geometry, and through the process of placement reassumes its intrinsic arcuate form. The central axis of the spacer/implant may be oriented in a generally vertical direction, and lying generally parallel to the spinal axis. The implant may comprise shape memory materials to cause shape transition and formation of the device in situ between vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Shape memory material to effect construction of an artificial joint. Placement is effected through a minimally invasive surgical technique, wherein the device transforms from a collapsed indeterminate form to a determinate form as heat is introduced. The device self deploys to a joint having determinate geometric shape and super elastic properties.

Abstract: A spinal curvature correction device has a flexible tube having one or multiple lumens extending longitudinally through substantially the entire length of the flexible member. The lumens are a plurality of channels formed to receive multiple longitudinal members, or rods. Each rod is shaped to a desired curvature of a healthy spine or a curvature that will affect a correction of a diseased spine. The hollow, flexible tube is surgically placed along the axis of the spine and fixed. After fixation to the spinal elements is structurally stable, a plurality of curved semi-rigid rods is placed within the channels of the flexible tube. As additional rods are placed within the hollow flexible member, increased force is applied to the spine by the device, thereby moving the spine towards the desired curvature.

Abstract: A method of sequentially transitioning a thermally active shape memory device progressively translocates the thermally active shape memory device through a first controlled temperature zone and through an additional controlled temperature zone. The thermally active shape memory device is thermally transitioned and changed in geometric shape as a result of thermal communication of the shape memory device with either or both of the controlled temperature zones to produce a transitioned thermally active shape memory device. Novel devices produced according to the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermally active member comprises a shape memory material. The method of placement of the thermally active member facilitates transition of shape memory material between a simple undefined geometry, such as a substantially linear shape, to a complex predetermined shape memory form, such as a coiled shape. The preferred complex geometry may be described as an intervertebral cage or cage fusion device. The device may be placed into a space surgically created between two vertebrae through an access channel that is less than one third of its final deployed cross sectional dimension.

Abstract: A spinal curvature correction device has a flexible tube having one or multiple lumens extending longitudinally through substantially the entire length of the flexible member. The lumens are a plurality of channels formed to receive multiple longitudinal members, or rods. Each rod is shaped to a desired curvature of a healthy spine or a curvature that will affect a correction of a diseased spine. The hollow, flexible tube is surgically placed along the axis of the spine and fixed. After fixation to the spinal elements is structurally stable, a plurality of curved semi-rigid rods is placed within the channels of the flexible tube. As additional rods are placed within the hollow flexible member, increased force is applied to the spine by the device, thereby moving the spine towards the desired curvature.

Abstract: A device and method of harvesting a crop using positive and negative air pressure that is produced with in a partially closed area. Air flow that is produced by the positive and negative air pressure severs the crop from the remainder of the plant. A vacuum is introduced into one or more collection chambers. Air is introduced into the collection chamber by the application of positive air pressure. The negative pressure, or vacuum, is applied to the collection chamber through vacuum conduits or tubes that communicate with one or more collection ports. A crop, such as a cotton boll, is exposed to the collection port, and is pulled from a plant and harvested by vacuum, and is transported by the vacuum conduits or tubes to a hopper or other collection area. The geometry of the collection chamber facilitates harvesting of the crop.