Abstract: A prosthetic element is securely joined to a natural element of the human body using a ductile metal alloy coupling member which has a transition-temperature range and which has been deformed from its original shape at a temperature below its transition-temperature. Heating the coupling member to a temperature above the transition temperature, as by passing electric current therethrough, causes the coupling to try to return to its original shape and effect a secure joinder.A prosthetic device for long-term implantation in the human body can be made by using such a coupling element to join a circumscribing member, e.g., a sewing cuff, to a generally tubular, rigid portion of a prosthetic device, e.g., a heart valve body.

Abstract: Pyrolytic carbon artificial socket prostheses for permanent or prolonged implantation in a living body, and methods for making such prostheses. The prostheses comprise a suitably shaped socket element substrate having a hemispherical socket cup, a compression-loaded hemispherical carbon shell mounted in said cup, and a vapor deposited carbon coating (including carbon-carbon alloys) on the substrate-carbon shell assembly.

Abstract: Fluidized bed process for coating materials with pyrolytic carbon. A gaseous atmosphere including a carbonaceous substance is flowed upward through a vertical heated enclosure to fluidize a bed of particles therein. An exit conduit extends into the particle bed and a controlled flow of inert gas is fed through the conduit to regulate the exit passage of particles from the bed. Additional particles are added to the bed from above.