The present invention is directed to bistable cells and their use in devices, particularly medical devices such as stents, clamps and valves. An expandable stent formed of a plurality of bistable cells is described. The stent has two or more stable configurations, including a first stable configuration with a first diameter and a second stable configuration with a second, larger diameter. A valve comprising a bistable cell for use in eliminating incontinence is also disclosed.

Bistable spring construction for a stent and other medical apparatus

A new multiple component stent arrangement which allows for initial self-expansion and subsequent deformation to a final enlarged size.

Tissue supporting devices

A new multiple component stent (10) which allows for initial self-expansion and subsequent deformation to a final enlarged size. In one embodiment, stent (10) comprises a first resilient element (12) and a second deformable element (14). In another embodiment, stent (30) is made of a first austenite component (32) and a second martensite component (34).

Improved tissue supporting devices

An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Expandable tubing and method

Expandable biodegradable devices formed of bistable and multistable unit cells for use in devices, such as stents and graft systems, are provided, in which the device has two or more stable configurations, including a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the contracted stable configuration having a smaller diameter than the expanded configuration.

Device comprising biodegradable bistable or multistable cells and methods of use

In producing a composite steel material, cylindrical steel elements (1) are first coated with nickel, manganese, copper or a combination thereof and then packed in a mild steel can (2) to produce a non- random arrangement of the elements (1) in the can (2) and wherein the packed can (2) is extruded to form a composite dual microphase billet in which fibres of martensite in the billet are completely surrounded by austenite. Flat plates can be used instead of cylindrical elements and the elements can be stacked alternately in mutually perpendicular arrays. Other metals used are niomonics titanium or maraging steel. The billet can be used for jet engine turbine blades, armour, helicopter rotor blades, car suspension stress parts or sword blades.

Barry Rene Christopher Paul

Papers

Producing composite metal articles