Importance

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Abstract

This application describes devices which have a first softer formable state, and the second stiffer shape-retaining shape and which are capable of repeatable transition from the first state to the second state (or vice versa) on demand. The device comprises: (a) a hollow body having at least partial flexibility and being capable of containing a plurality of particular material therein; (b) a plurality of particular material permanently located within said hollow body; (c) a fluid medium in the hollow body and intermixed with the particulate material when the device is in its first state, and removed at least partly from the hollow body and the particulate material when the device is in its second state; (d) fluid transfer means for removing the fluid medium from the hollow body and the particulate material or to return the fluid medium thereto in a predetermined manner, thereby being adapted to transform the device from the first state to the second state and vice versa; and, (e) a fluid medium receptor located within said hollow body and connected to said fluid transfer means. As the fluid medium is transferred out of the hollow body, the individual elements of the particulate material are becoming capable of mutual interaction and the device gets into its second, shape-retaining shape. p1 As a rule, the fluid medium can be transferred into (or from) a fluid medium receiver. The receiver is advantageously located within the hollow body.

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First Claim