Abstract: An artificial sphincter system having: (1) a hollow object, which has the ability of contraction and expansion; (2) a shape memory alloy (SMA), which is connected with the hollow object, changes its shape to imitate the motion of human muscle by applying different electric current; (3) an electric power to provide different amounts of electric current to the shape memory alloy and let it contract or expand to control the motion of the hollow object to imitate the motion of human muscle; and (4) a photo resistor added between the electric power and the shape memory alloy, which senses the brightness of surrounding light and controls A/D (analog-to-digital) values of the electric power to cause different conditions of contraction and expansion of each part of the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of artificial sphincter system, which takes shape memory alloy (SMA) as its motion device, and then cooperates with controlled circuit to imitate the motion of human sphincter, especially in imitating iris. The present invention can be used in a human body, a robot or a machine.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseased or damaged tissue in a subject are disclosed, involving administering to said subject at a site wherein diseased or damaged tissue occurs, cells of a type(s) normally found in healthy tissue corresponding to the diseased or damaged tissue, and/or suitable progenitor cells thereof, in association with bioresorbable beads or particles and optionally a gel and/or gel-forming substance. Where the cells an/or suitable progenitor cells thereof are chondrocytes, embryonic stem cells and/or bone marrow stromal cells, the methods of the invention are suitable for treating, for example, articular cartilage degeneration associated with primary osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseased or damaged tissue in a subject are disclosed, involving administering to said subject at a site wherein diseased or damaged tissue occurs, cells of a type(s) normally found in healthy tissue corresponding to the diseased or damaged tissue, and/or suitable progenitor cells thereof, in association with bioresorbable beads or particles and optionally a gel and/or gel-forming substance. Where the cells and/or suitable progenitor cells thereof are chondrocytes, embryonic stem cells and/or bone marrow stromal cells, the methods of the invention are suitable for treating, for example, articular cartilage degeneration associated with primary osteoarthritis.