A device for manipulating liquid droplets comprises a structured surface including an array of larger pillars and a number of smaller pillars distributed among the larger pillars, where each of the larger pillars comprises a shape memory polymer having a glass transition temperature T.sub.g. The structured surface has an undeformed initial configuration, and, upon compression of the larger pillars, the structured surface comprises a deformed configuration. The undeformed initial configuration is recoverable from the deformed configuration by heating the shape memory polymer at or above the T.sub.g. When exposed to a liquid droplet, the structured surface comprises a first wettability in the deformed configuration and a second wettability in the undeformed initial configuration. Thus, the structured surface exhibits a dynamic wettability for manipulating liquid droplets.

A catheter for mapping and/or ablating a region of the heart includes an intermediate section that is connected to a tip assembly at a preset angle by a flexible preshaped section that is more flexible than the intermediate section. The flexible section may absorb displacement force applied to the tip assembly, such as when the tip assembly encounters uneven tissue surface, without displacing the intermediate section. The flexible section prevents excessive force from being applied to the tip assembly, reducing the risk of any of the following: a) mechanical perforation, b) steam pop, c) burying the tip assembly in the myocardium resulting in high temperatures, low energy delivery, thrombus formation and char formation.

The present invention is directed to a home food or beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a mechanical part which is mobile between at least a first and a second position. The machine (1) comprises an actuator comprising a wire (13) made of a shape memory material. This wire (13) has a retracted state and an extended state, and the actuator is configured to move the mechanical part to or maintain the mechanical part in one of said first and second positions by retraction of the wire. Any mobile part of a home food or beverage preparation machine, and more particularly a valve assembly or a mobile plate (22) for clamping an ingredient package may thus be moved instantaneously without noise between its different positions.

An adaptable mold includes a thermoform material that is able to manufacture different articles. The thermoform material may be brought to a transition temperature at which it may be formed into a first mold cavity for a first article. After using the thermoform material to mold the first article, the thermoform material may then be formed into a second mold cavity for a second article. The thermoform material may be a shape memory polymer able to return to a learned shape to aid in forming to a new mold cavity. The adaptable mold may use a fill material to provide compressive support to the thermoform material while molding.

An article of apparel is disclosed that includes zones with a textile having a structure than changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify a property of the textile. The zones may be along a center back area and/or side areas of the apparel, and the textile may increase in air permeability when exposed to water. In some embodiments, slits are formed in the textile.

The invention relates to radiopaque shape memory foam compositions and methods of using the compositions. In certain embodiments, the compositions are used in neurovascular occlusion applications.

Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide compositions and methods related to articles that display reversible photoresponsive behavior.

A shaped memory alloy (SMA) valve assembly includes a plurality of SMA valves and a main printed circuit board carrying electronic components and conductors for operating the SMA valves. Each SMA valve includes a pressure chamber having a port. Each pressure chamber contains a valve element biased to a rest position in sealing abutment on a valve seat of the port, a SMA actuator, and an actuator printed circuit board for mounting and electrically connecting the SMA actuator. Each actuator printed circuit board portion is connected to the main printed circuit board portion by a bridge printed circuit board portion, and each pressure chamber has an opening to allow a respective bridge printed circuit board portion to extend therethrough. The opening is provided with a pocket filled with cured sealing glue to embed the bridge printed circuit board portion extending therethrough and to seal the opening of the pressure chamber.

A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end adapted for insertion through a body passage into a cavity within a body of a patient. An electrode is located on the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to contact tissue in the cavity. A resilient member is contained within the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured, when unconstrained, to cause the distal end to bend away from the longitudinal axis in a curved shape and to straighten toward the longitudinal axis when subjected to a force.

A dry adhesive for attachment to a flexible adherend comprises a shape memory polymer having a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) above 25 C. and a compliant backing layer attached to the shape memory polymer. The shape memory polymer is configured to form a conformal and/or hermetic contact with a flexible adherend at temperatures at or above the T.sub.g and to retain the conformal and/or hermetic contact during flexing of the flexible adherend at temperatures below the T.sub.g.