Abstract: A compression garment apparatus for a body part of an human and/or animal having a flexible backing, attaching means, a segmented flex frame, and a shape memory alloy on the segmented flex frame. The shape memory alloy can be connected to two terminals on the frame forming a circuit. A controller can be connected to the terminals applying current to the shape memory alloy at defined intervals providing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus for a body part of an human and/or animal having a flexible backing, attaching means, a segmented flex frame, and a shape memory alloy on the segmented flex frame. The shape memory alloy can be connected to two terminals on the frame forming a circuit. A controller can be connected to the terminals applying current to the shape memory alloy at defined intervals providing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus for a body part of an human and/or animal having a flexible backing, attaching means, a segmented flex frame, and a shape memory alloy on the segmented flex frame. The shape memory alloy can be connected to two terminals on the frame forming a circuit. A controller can be connected to the terminals applying current to the shape memory alloy at defined intervals providing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus for a body part of an human and/or animal having a flexible backing, attaching means, a segmented flex frame, and a shape memory alloy on the segmented flex frame. The shape memory alloy can be connected to two terminals on the frame forming a circuit. A controller can be connected to the terminals applying current to the shape memory alloy at defined intervals providing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus for a body part of an human and/or animal having a flexible backing, attaching means, a segmented flex frame, and a shape memory alloy on the segmented flex frame. The shape memory alloy can be connected to two terminals on the frame forming a circuit. A controller can be connected to the terminals applying current to the shape memory alloy at defined intervals providing intermittent, sequenced, or continuous compression therapy.

Abstract: A system for stimulating tissue to relieve pain and repair and/or regenerate tissue comprising a garment that has an electrode, a programmable electrical stimulation device, a time varying electromagnetic field generator, and a source that provides an electrical current. Also provided is a method wherein the electrode provides the user with a stimulating current and the time varying electromagnetic field provides the user with a time varying electromagnetic field either simultaneously, alternating, and/or sequentially.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable striker assembly for use with a closure for a vehicle compartment, and a method of forming such a striker assembly. A striker has a shaft with a hoop extending from one end, and engagement rings extending around the shaft, defining at least one gap between the engagement rings, and being canted relative to an axial direction of the shaft. The engagement rings may include a detent or a catch. The assembly also includes a bracket, which may be molded around the striker, that includes partial threads extending into at least one of the gaps, and flexing fingers that may operatively engage the detents or catches on the engagement rings.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel includes a glove box opening defined by a door frame, and a door hinged to the door frame. A threaded aperture is formed in the door frame. A one-piece elastomeric bumper has a threaded shank that threads into the threaded aperture to mount the bumper. The bumper has an abutment face that engages the door to establish a closed position of the door. Rotation of the threaded bumper advances or withdraws the abutment face so that the closed position is adjusted. A detent acts between the door frame and the bumper to retain the bumper at a selected rotary position, with the detent being released when the threaded shank of the bumper is stretched axially. A grip is molded into the bumper to facilitate axial stretching to release the detent and rotation to adjust the position of the abutment face.

Abstract: Tissue engineering methods and biochamber apparatus are provided for making tissue grafts for implantation into a patient. The methods include applying a sustained low magnitude pressure gradient transmurally across a permeable scaffold material using a media containing cells, preferably microvascular epithelial cells, to be deposited on the scaffold for the production of tissue grafts, preferably vascular grafts, to promote accelerated adhesion and maturation of cells on the scaffold material. Biochambers for preparing tubular tissue grafts are provided which contain connectors for holding a graft substrate, proximal and distal tubing for connection to an optional perfusion system, and structure for switching between transmural flow of a cell suspension across the graft substrate and translumenal flow through the lumen of the graft.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a cardiac tissue construct includes a chamber and cardiac myocytes provided within the chamber. The chamber is arranged to at least partially surround an intact blood vessel in vivo to facilitate formation of the three-dimensional cardiac tissue construct within the chamber.

Abstract: Described herein are temperature-controllable devices, and methods for using them. In some variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region, which is configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a splint. The splint may be moldable to at least a portion of a subject's anatomy, e.g., a nose. In other variations, the devices comprise a fluid passageway region configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and an absorbent pad. In some variations, the devices comprise three layers, in which two of the layers form a fluid passageway region and the third layer forms a pocket or pouch. In this way, the pouch may be configured to receive at least one splint therein, e.g., in order to provide support to an injured area such as a nose. Methods for using the devices to treat an injured area are also described. Kits are also described.

Abstract: A small diameter vascular construct and method for producing the same includes a vessel harvested from a donor and having an internal diameter of less than about 3 mm. The vessel is acellularized to remove cellular elements while retaining an extracellular matrix of the vessel. The vascular construct further includes endothelial cells provided in contact with the acellularized vessel, wherein the endothelial cells attach to the vessel to form the vascular construct.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a ring providing for an exchangeable decorative ornament includes two nearly annular shanks, a base where opposing sides correspond to the shank gaps, two hinge pins, and a gem setting with opposing male plug. Each shank has a throughhole intersecting the faces of its annulus at the gap. The base has two corresponding parallel throughholes for hinge pins to attach the shank to the base, and a gem setting receiving hole skewed midpoint to these throughholes. The holes are situated such that the diameter of the gem setting receiving hole partly intersects the diameter of each pinhole, and each pin has a scalloped recess through that side of its diameter corresponding to the interference pattern of the intersection. Each pin pivots within the base but is made integral with its corresponding shank. Hence, depending upon the rotation of the shanks, either or both pins may present an interference pattern to the diameter of the gem setting receiving hole.