Abstract: A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology and audio speakers.

Abstract: A graft device comprising a layer of synthetic non-metallic material having a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface. The device further includes a radiopaque marker at least partially embedded in the layer.

Abstract: Novel implantable tissue fixation methods and compositions are disclosed. Methods and compositions of tissue, fixed using polymeric and/or variable length crosslinks, and di- or polymercapto compounds are described. Also described are the methods and compositions wherein the tissue is fixed using biodegradable crosslinkers. Methods and compositions for making radio-opaque tissue are also described. Methods and compositions to obtain a degradable implantable tissue-synthetic biodegradable polymer composite are also described. Compositions and methods of incorporating substantially water-insoluble bioactive compounds in the implantable tissue are also disclosed. The use of membrane-like implantable tissue to make an implantable drug delivery patch are also disclosed. Also described are the compositions and methods to obtain a coated implantable tissue. Medical applications implantable tissue such as heart valve bioprosthesis, vascular grafts, meniscus implant, drug delivery patch are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provide novel compositions, methods and devices for sustained drug delivery. The microencapsulated sustained drug delivery compositions are deposited using oscillating needle apparatus oscillating at 10-12000 minutes per minutes. The injected compositions may undergo variety of physical chemical changes upon deposition. The physical and chemical changes enables improved drug encapsulation and sustained drug release. Also described are new methods to form polymer microparticles or polymer films/implants in situ inside the tissue. The invention also describes colored biodegradable microparticle based compositions wherein the compositions comprise drug encapsulated microparticles and coloring agent encapsulated microparticles mixed in any proportion. Medical applications of the compositions and methods described in this invention are also described.

Abstract: Novel implantable tissue fixation methods and compositions are disclosed. Methods and compositions of tissue, fixed using polymeric and/or variable length crosslinks, and di- or polymercapto compounds are described. Also described are the methods and compositions wherein the tissue is fixed using biodegradable crosslinkers. Methods and compositions for making radio-opaque tissue are also described. Methods and compositions to obtain a degradable implantable tissue-synthetic biodegradable polymer composite are also described. Compositions and methods of incorporating substantially water-insoluble bioactive compounds in the implantable tissue are also disclosed. The use of membrane-like implantable tissue to make an implantable drug delivery patch are also disclosed. Also described are the compositions and methods to obtain a coated implantable tissue. Medical applications implantable tissue such as heart valve bioprosthesis, vascular grafts, meniscus implant, drug delivery patch are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provide novel compositions, methods and devices for sustained drug delivery. The microencapsulated sustained drug delivery compositions are deposited using oscillating needle apparatus oscillating at 10-12000 minutes per minutes. The injected compositions may undergo variety of physical chemical changes upon deposition. The physical and chemical changes enables improved drug encapsulation and sustained drug release. Also described are new methods to form polymer microparticles or polymer films/implants in situ inside the tissue. The invention also describes colored biodegradable microparticle based compositions wherein the compositions comprise drug encapsulated microparticles and coloring agent encapsulated microparticles mixed in any proportion. Medical applications of the compositions and methods described in this invention are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a fleshy fruit or vegetable with a filler are described. Embodiments include tool having an expandable member that is expandable to an expanded position to make a cavity in the fruit and collapsible to a collapsed position for withdrawal from the fruit, with the expandable member in the expanded state comprising a cross-section that is larger than the maximum diameter of the tool in the collapsed position. A cavity may be created without substantially affecting the natural visual appearance of the fruit or vegetable. Fillers and filling methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology and audio speakers.

Abstract: A graft device comprising a layer of synthetic non-metallic material having a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface. The device further includes a radiopaque marker at least partially embedded in the layer.

Abstract: Novel implantable tissue fixation methods and compositions are disclosed. Methods and compositions of tissue, fixed using polymeric and/or variable length crosslinks, and di- or polymercapto compounds are described. Also described are the methods and compositions wherein the tissue is fixed using biodegradable crosslinkers. Methods and compositions for making radio-opaque tissue are also described. Methods and compositions to obtain a degradable implantable tissue-synthetic biodegradable polymer composite are also described. Compositions and methods of incorporating substantially water-insoluble bioactive compounds in the implantable tissue are also disclosed. The use of membrane-like implantable tissue to make an implantable drug delivery patch are also disclosed. Also described are the compositions and methods to obtain a coated implantable tissue. Medical applications implantable tissue such as heart valve bioprosthesis, vascular grafts, meniscus implant, drug delivery patch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology and audio speakers.

Abstract: The invention provides biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds having the general structure (A). The pyrimidine compounds of the invention are capable of inhibiting kinases, such as members of the Jak kinase family, and various other specific receptor and non-receptor kinases.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fibrinogen rich composition is disclosed. One embodiment of the method involves contacting plasma with a hydrogel capable of increasing in mass upon contact with said plasma; maintaining said contact for a period of time sufficient for said hydrogel to absorb a substantial amount of at least the water from said plasma to produce a swollen hydrogel and a fibrinogen rich phase; and separating said fibrinogen rich phase from said swollen hydrogel; whereby said fibrinogen rich composition is produced.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants.

Abstract: Novel implantable tissue fixation methods and compositions are disclosed. Methods and compositions of tissue, fixed using polymeric and/or variable length crosslinks, and di- or polymercapto compounds are described. Also described are the methods and compositions wherein the tissue is fixed using biodegradable crosslinkers. Methods and compositions for making radio-opaque tissue are also described. Methods and compositions to obtain a degradable implantable tissue-synthetic biodegradable polymer composite are also described. Compositions and methods of incorporating substantially water-insoluble bioactive compounds in the implantable tissue are also disclosed. The use of membrane-like implantable tissue to make an implantable drug delivery patch are also disclosed. Also described are the compositions and methods to obtain a coated implantable tissue. Medical applications implantable tissue such as heart valve bioprosthesis, vascular grafts, meniscus implant, drug delivery patch are also disclosed.

Abstract: Radio-opaque biodegradable compositions are formed by modifying terminal groups of synthetic and natural biodegradable polymers such as polylactones with iodinated moieties. The biodegradable property of the compositions renders them suitable for use in medical field such as drug delivery, imaging. Compounds disclosed in this invention exist as neat liquid. Certain compositions disclosed in this invention form hydrophobic iodine rich domains when dissolved in water, such domains provide better contrasting properties as well as ability to dissolve hydrophobic bioactive drugs. Certain iodinated moieties disclosed in the invention are capable of cross linking natural proteins in situ in presence of suitable catalysts and co-catalysts.

Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft, including a substrate with a sealant layer and several optional additional layers, is described. The substrate can be ePTFE and the material used for the sealant and additional layers can be polyurethane. The sealant layer and additional layers may include one or more base layers, one or more foam layers, beading of different sizes and shapes, and ePTFE tape. A flared cuff may be integral to one or both ends of the substrate or may be attached to one or both ends. Various methods of making a self-sealing vascular graft are also described, including methods of disposition, methods of forming, methods of bonding and methods of attaching.

Abstract: An external fixator implant screw with an intercalated head, of which one embodiment for lag screw mode has a spherical head, and a partial thread. The spherical head in countersunk bone exerts concentric wide contact on insertion at various angles to surface. Optional canalization of central rod allows guide wire technique and optional mobility of head allows variable shaft length between head and thread. Another embodiment for use in basic implant mode, in a single bone fragment, at right angles to bone surface, has a conical head with limited basal contact on bone, the head being integrated to a solid rod and is fully threaded from head to leading tip. In both embodiments, the load transmission is renewable from outside in case of loosening, without reopening any wound. The implant is made of biocompatible material.

Abstract: Radio-opaque biodegradable compositions are formed by modifying terminal groups of synthetic and natural biodegradable polymers such as polylactones with iodinated moieties. The biodegradable property of the compositions renders them suitable for use in medical field such as drug delivery, imaging. Compounds disclosed in this invention exist as neat liquid. Certain compositions disclosed in this invention form hydrophobic iodine rich domains when dissolved in water, such domains provide better contrasting properties as well as ability to dissolve hydrophobic bioactive drugs. Certain iodinated moieties disclosed in the invention are capable of cross linking natural proteins in situ in presence of suitable catalysts and co-catalysts.

Abstract: Compounds having the general structure (A) are provided. The compounds of the invention are capable of inhibiting kinases, such as members of the Src kinase family, Vegfr and various other specific receptor and non-receptor kinases.