Abstract: Disclosed is a polyimide coated shape memory material suitable for thermomechanical treatment to shape-set the material into the desired configuration and activate shape memory properties. The polyimide coating is subjected to a curing regime that imparts higher heat resistance in the polyimide coating to withstand the elevated temperatures required during the shape-setting treatment.

Abstract: An ordinarily delicate microsieve is provided with greater resistance to mechanical distortion by being formed integrally with a rigid frame or by having its thickness built up to an extent where it is significantly more capable of withstanding flex.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a metallic microsieve which comprises;(a) inserting a metallic microsieve within the well of a frame-like support member, at least a portion of the upper edge of the well being fabricated from a fusible material and the height of the well wall being greater than the thickness of the microsieve;(b) directing a laser beam against a point on the upper edge of the well to melt fusible material in contact with the laser beam;(c) permitting the laser-molten fusible material to travel down the wall of the well and contact the edge of the microsieve; and,(d) permitting the laser-molten fusible material in contact with the edge of the microsieve solidify thereby forming a retaining member which secures the microsieve to the support member.

Abstract: A compliance aid for medication including electronic circuitry to remind the patient when the next dose is due, in which removal of a dose of medicine interrupts individual conductors within the medication package and resets a timer and alarm. The electronic circuitry may be integrally housed within an original medication package or the electronic circuitry may be housed so as to be added to an existing medication package. Additionally, a radio telemetry linkup may be established between some electronic circuitry associated with the medication packaging and other electronic circuitry including the timer and alarm system. The compliance aid may be particularly adapted for use with a medication packaging system conventionally known as a blister package, which is a multi-layered strip packaging technique.