Mechanical Memory (e.g., Shape Memory, Heat-recoverable, Etc.) Patents (Class 148/563)
-
Patent number: 8440031Abstract: A nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy comprises nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, boron at a concentration of up to about 0.1 at. %, with the balance of the alloy being titanium. In addition to enhanced radiopacity compared to binary Ni—Ti alloys and improved workability, the Ni—Ti-RE alloy preferably exhibits superelastic behavior. A method of processing a Ni—Ti-RE alloy includes providing a nickel-titanium-rare earth alloy comprising nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, the balance being titanium; heating the alloy in a homogenization temperature range below a critical temperature; and forming spheroids of a rare earth-rich second phase in the alloy while in the homogenization temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignees: Cook Medical Technologies LLC, University of LimerickInventors: Tofail Ansar Md. Syed, James M. Carlson, Abbasi A. Gandhi, Peter Tiernan, Lisa O'Donoghue, James Butler
-
Patent number: 8430981Abstract: Ni-Ti (nickel-titanium) based alloys. and related semi-finished products and methods are described, where the nickel content is comprised between 50.7 and 52.0 atomic % .Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Saes Smart MaterialsInventors: Francis E. Sczerzenie, Alberto Coda
-
Publication number: 20130087074Abstract: A copper-based alloy which contains 7.8 to 8.8 mass % of Al, 7.2 to 14.3 mass % of Mn and a remainder made up by Cu and unavoidable impurities, has a largest crystal grain diameter of more than 8 mm, has good shape memory properties, and enables the production of a structural material having a cross-section size suitable for use as a structure body or the like; and a structural material comprising the copper-based alloy. The copper-based alloy may additionally contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Fe, Ti, V, Cr, Si, Ge, Nb, Mo, W, Sn, Bi, Sb, Mg, P, Be, Zr, Zn, B, C, S, Ag and a misch metal in the total amount of 0.001 to 5 mass %.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: JAPAN COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONInventor: Japan Copper Development Association
-
Publication number: 20130067907Abstract: Exposing nitinol to a shape setting temperature while the nitinol is in an unstrained or minimally strained condition. The nitinol is then substantially deformed in shape while at elevated temperature. After deformation, the nitinol remains at the elevated temperature for a time to shape set the material. The nitinol is then returned to approximately room temperature 20° C. by means of water quenching or air cooling for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: Joel M. Greene, Christopher C. Lasley
-
Patent number: 8398790Abstract: A femoral stem hip implant for insertion into a surgically created aperture in a femur includes a monolithic femoral stem made of shape memory material. The stem is configured to be inserted into the aperture, has a proximal portion and a longitudinal axis. The shape memory material within the proximal portion has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the shape memory material within the proximal portion is in a compressed state by application of a plurality of compressive forces at a temperature below an austenitic finish temperature of the shape memory material so that the cross-section expands through shape memory effect via the formation of austenite in response to a temperature increase after insertion into the aperture thereby causing a locking-force to be exerted against an inner surface of the aperture, the locking force being sufficient to stabilize the implant in the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: MX Orthopedics, Corp.Inventor: Matthew V. Fonte
-
Patent number: 8398789Abstract: Superelastic and/or shape memory nickel-titanium alloys having an increased fatigue life that is superior to known nickel-titanium alloys are disclosed. The nickel-titanium alloys have a minimum fatigue life that may be at least about 10 million strain cycles at a strain of at least about 0.75. The minimum fatigue life may be due, at least in part, to the nickel-titanium alloy having at least one of an oxygen concentration of less than about 200 ppm, a carbon concentration of less than about 200 ppm, the absence of oxide-based and/or carbide-based inclusions having a size greater than about 5 microns (?m), the presence of an R-phase, or combinations of the foregoing. Articles manufactured from such fatigue-resistant nickel-titanium alloys can be more durable because they are more resistant to repetitive strain and crack propagation.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Sophia L. Wong, Zhicheng Lin, Alan G. Tahran, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8388773Abstract: An apparatus for and method of conditioning a thermally activated shape memory alloy wire for use in an application, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable hard-stop and the preferred method includes pre-determining a minimum activating current, allowable strain, and a loading magnitude and form based on the wire configuration and application, and further includes applying a double-exponential model to determine a final recoverable strain over fewer cycles.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jonathan E. Luntz, John Andrew Shaw, Diann Brei, Christopher Burton Churchill, Anupam Pathak, Nilesh D. Mankame, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Pablo D. Zavattieri
-
Patent number: 8382917Abstract: Shape-setting methods for fabricating devices made of single crystal shape memory alloys. In particular the methods described may be used to fabricate dental arches of single-crystal shape memory alloys. The methods include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating, forming, and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Ormco CorporationInventor: Alfred David Johnson
-
Publication number: 20130042718Abstract: A conformable shape memory article comprises a deformable enclosure covering and discrete particles disposed within the enclosure covering, wherein the discrete particles comprise a shape memory polymer, or the discrete particles have a hollow shell structure comprising a shape memory alloy. In a more specific embodiment, the enclosure is elastically deformable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Robin Stevenson
-
Patent number: 8360161Abstract: A temperature activated actuator installed on a tubular to actuate an adjacent device may include one or more shape-memory alloy elements. The elements may be coupled between a first portion and a second portion of a device, or the elements may be coupled between the tubular and a portion of the device. The elements are activated by raising the temperature to a transition temperature to cause metallurgical phase transformation, causing the elements to shrink and displace at least a portion of the device. The actuator may be used, for example, to actuate a centralizer from a run-in mode to a deployed mode or, alternately, to actuate a packing member from a run-in mode to an isolating mode. A nickel-titanium alloy, for example, may be used as the shape-memory alloy material from which the shape-memory element is made.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.Inventors: Jean Buytaert, Eugene Miller
-
Patent number: 8347473Abstract: A stud installation tool comprising a slide shaft including a pair of arms angled towards each other, a slide bar with a triangular head at an end engaged within the pair of arms to enable the slide bar to move along the slide shaft without disengaging, a receiving brace attached to the slide shaft at an opposing end from the slide bar, where said receiving brace includes a threaded hole, a bolt threaded through the slide bar and extending down and through the threaded hole, a bolt head fastened to the bolt and positioned above the slide bar, and a stud holder connected to the slide bar at an end opposite from the triangular head wherein the stud holder includes an opening to accept a stud after the stud is slid through a hole in an axle plate and positioned between the receiving brace and the stud holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Alton Wayne Hux
-
Publication number: 20120282571Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nonlinear superelastic file comprising the steps of: providing a superelastic file having a shaft and a file axis; providing a fixture including a file groove being defined by one or more displacement members, the file groove configured for receiving the shaft; inserting at least a portion of the shaft into the fixture along the file groove, the portion of the shaft including a first portion of the shaft; contacting the first portion of the shaft with a first displacement member of the one or more displacement members such that the first portion of the shaft is displaced from the file axis thereby forming a first offset portion of the shaft; heating the portion of the shaft while inserted in the fixture to a temperature of at least about 300° C. for a time period of at least about 1 minute to shape-set the portion of the shaft thereby forming a shape-set nonlinear file.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: DAN AMMON, VINCENT SHOTTON, YONG GAO, RANDALL MAXWELL
-
Patent number: 8273194Abstract: This invention discloses a method, using pure niobium as a transient liquid reactive braze material, for fabrication of cellular or honeycomb structures, wire space-frames or other sparse builtup structures or discrete articles using Nitinol (near-equiatomic titanium-nickel alloy) and related shape-memory and superelastic alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs), acquired in a form such as corrugated sheet, discrete tubes or wires, may be joined together using the newly discovered joining technique. Pure niobium when brought into contact with nitinol at elevated temperature, liquefies at temperatures below the melting point and flows readily into capillary spaces between the elements to be joined, thus forming a strong joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University the Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: John A. Shaw, David S. Grummon
-
Publication number: 20120199253Abstract: An Fe-based shape memory alloy comprising 25-42 atomic % of Mn, 12-18 atomic % of Al, and 5-12 atomic % of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and an Fe-based shape memory alloy comprising 25-42 atomic % of Mn, 12-18 atomic % of Al, and 5-12 atomic % of Ni, as well as 15 atomic % or less in total of at least one selected from the group consisting of 0.1-5 atomic % of Si, 0.1-5 atomic % of Ti, 0.1-5 atomic % of V, 0.1-5 atomic % of Cr, 0.1-5 atomic % of Co, 0.1-5 atomic % of Cu, 0.1-5 atomic % of Mo, 0.1-5 atomic % of W, 0.001-1 atomic % of B and 0.001-1 atomic % of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCYInventors: Kiyohito Ishida, Ryosuke Kainuma, Ikuo Ohnuma, Toshihiro Omori, Keisuke Ando
-
Patent number: 8216398Abstract: An efficient method to reduce product wastes due to inaccurate transformation temperatures for shape memory products and parts, which provides a useful method for optimizing shape memory alloys phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties by using heat treatment procedures below 250 degrees C. for extended dwell times.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Saint Louis UniversityInventors: John Gary Bledsoe, Berton Roy Moed, Dongfa Li
-
Patent number: 8202283Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a clip manufactured according to a method which can be used to engage body tissue for the purpose of closing wounds. Such clips are generally annular in shape and have radially inwardly extending tines. The present disclosure first forms a precursor which, in one embodiment, has the tines extending radially outwardly from the annular body and then forms the clip by inverting the precursor such that the tines extend radially inwardly. In an alternate embodiment, the precursor is formed with an over-sized lateral dimension and then compressed inwardly to bring the tines closer together and to reduce the lateral dimension of the precursor. Such clips may be manufactured from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium, in which case the inverted or compressed precursor must be heated and quenched to heat set the clip in its final shape.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Integrated Vascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Carley, Richard S. Ginn
-
Patent number: 8191220Abstract: A process to load a medical device comprising a shape memory material into a delivery system is described herein. According to one aspect, the method includes applying a force to the medical device to obtain a delivery configuration thereof, where the device is at a first temperature within an R-phase temperature range of the shape memory material during application of the force. The medical device is cooled in the delivery configuration to a second temperature at or below a martensite finish temperature of the shape memory material. The force is then removed from the medical device, and the device is loaded into a delivery system. Preferably, the medical device substantially maintains the delivery configuration during the loading process.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventors: Mark A. Magnuson, Fred T. Parker, Palle M. Hansen
-
Patent number: 8192563Abstract: An actuator (12) is disclosed for example controlling gas flow in a gas turbine engine. The actuator (12) comprises a first portion (14) having shape memory properties, and a second portion (16) formed of substantially the same material as the first portion and having reduced shape memory properties relative to the first portion. The first portion (14) is movable from a first position to a second position at a temperature above the phase transition temperature of the shape memory material of the first portion (14). The second portion (16) is arranged to urge the first portion (14) from the second position to the first position at a temperature below the phase transition temperature of the shape memory material.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventors: Daniel Clark, John R. Webster
-
Patent number: 8187396Abstract: A method of making a self-expanding stent includes disposing a stent comprising a shape memory alloy about an inflatable body, and applying a coolant to a surface of the stent. The inflatable body is inflated to radially expand the stent to an expanded diameter from an initial diameter, and the coolant is reapplied to the surface of the stent. The inflatable body is deflated, and the stent is positioned about a mandrel sized to accommodate the expanded diameter of the stent, where the stent reaches a mandrel-defined diameter. The stent is heat set at the mandrel-defined diameter so as to impart a memory of an expanded configuration of the stent to the shape memory alloy.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventor: Fred T. Parker
-
Patent number: 8177927Abstract: A method of making articles made of shape memory alloys having improved fatigue performance and to methods of treating articles formed from shape memory alloy materials by pre-straining the articles (or desired portions of the articles) in a controlled manner so that the resultant articles exhibit improved fatigue performance. The shape memory articles are preferably medical devices, more preferably implantable medical devices. They are most preferably devices of nitinol shape memory alloy, most particularly that is superelastic at normal body temperature. The pre-straining method of the present invention as performed on such articles includes the controlled introduction of non-recoverable tensile strains greater than about 0.20% at the surface of a desired portion of a shape memory alloy article. Controlled pre-straining operations are performed on the shape-set nitinol metal to achieve non-recoverable tensile strain greater than about 0.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Bret A. Dooley, Christopher C. Lasley, Michael R. Mitchell, Robert R. Steele, Eric M. Tittelbaugh
-
Patent number: 8137486Abstract: A method for arthroplasty includes using a self-locking prosthesis that has a member structured to transfer a load produced by the weight of a patient to a bone. An expandable bone-locking portion that is integral to the member includes a shape-memory material and expands to produce a locking force. A portion of the bone is removed to form an aperture in the bone. The bone-locking portion is inserted into the aperture, and a temperature increase causes a change from a contracted state to an expanded state resulting in expansion of the bone-locking portion so as to contact the inner surface. The expanding is sufficient to create a locking force at the junction between the inner surface and the bone-locking portion of the prosthesis and the majority of the locking force is applied at or above the metaphysis. The length/width ration of the prosthesis may be less than or equal to 5. The resulting reconstructed long-bone may have improved primary and long-term stability.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: MX Orthopedics, Corp.Inventor: Matthew V. Fonte
-
Publication number: 20120048432Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for shape-setting hyperelastic, single-crystal shape memory alloy (SMA) material while preserving the hyperelastic properties of the material. Also described are hyperelastic, single-crystal SMA devices that have been shape set by these methods. In particular, described herein are hyperelastic, single crystal SMA dental archwires and methods of forming them while preserving the hyperelastic properties, e.g., without significant grain boundaries in the crystal structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Alfred David Johnson, Sammel S. Alauddin
-
Patent number: 8123876Abstract: A method of bonding a first component of a medical device to a second component of the medical device, where at least one of the components comprises a shape memory material, includes positioning the components in close proximity to each other to obtain an assembled configuration, and heating the assembled configuration at a temperature in the range of from about 800° C. to about 1100° C. to obtain a diffusion bond at a region of contact between the two components. The assembled configuration is formed into a desired set shape and heat-set at a temperature in the range of from about 350° C. to about 550° C. to impart a memory of the desired set shape to the shape memory materials without substantially impairing the diffusion bond.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventors: Steven J. Charlebois, W. Kurt Dierking
-
Patent number: 8118952Abstract: Bone fracture fixation devices, systems and methods of use and manufacture are provided. One such bone fixation device includes an elongate element having a responsive zone. The element is adapted to be coupled to the bone so that the responsive zone is positioned adjacent a fracture or fusion site in the bone. The responsive zone is adapted to apply a desired pressure to the bone when coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the responsive zone comprises a shape memory material, which may be nickel titanium or Nitinol, to apply compressive pressure across the fracture or fusion site for longer periods of time than standard bone screws.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Medshape Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth A. Gall, Jeffrey A. Tyber, Douglas Pacaccio
-
Patent number: 8110050Abstract: A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Elevator Capital CorporationInventors: Rory Smith, Stefan Kazmarczyk
-
Patent number: 8088233Abstract: A method of characterizing phase transformations of a shape memory material specimen entails recording data from the specimen during heating and cooling. The temperature of the specimen is changed in a first direction to a first temperature sufficient to define a first inflection and a second inflection in the data being recorded. The temperature of the specimen is changed in a second direction to a second temperature sufficient to define a third inflection in the data. The third inflection is formed by overlapping primary and secondary sub-inflections. The temperature of the specimen is changed in the first direction to a third temperature sufficient to define the first inflection but not sufficient to define the second inflection. The temperature of the specimen is then changed in the second direction to a fourth temperature sufficient to define the secondary sub-inflection in the data being recorded.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLCInventors: Mark A. Magnuson, Frank J. Liu
-
Patent number: 8083990Abstract: An iron-based alloy having shape memory properties and superelasticity, which has a composition comprising 25-35% by mass of Ni, 13-25% by mass of Co, 2-8% by mass of Al, and 1-20% by mass in total of at least one selected from the group consisting of 1-5% by mass of Ti, 2-10% by mass of Nb and 3-20% by mass of Ta, the balance being substantially Fe and inevitable impurities, and a recrystallization texture substantially comprising a ? phase and a ?? phase, particular crystal orientations of the ? phase being aligned, and the difference between a reverse transformation-finishing temperature and a martensitic transformation-starting temperature being 100° C. or less in the thermal hysteresis of martensitic transformation and reverse transformation.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Japan Science and Technology AgencyInventors: Kiyohito Ishida, Ryosuke Kainuma, Yuji Sutou, Yuuki Tanaka
-
Publication number: 20110277890Abstract: An efficient method to reduce product wastes due to inaccurate transformation temperatures for shape memory products and parts, which provides a useful method for optimizing shape memory alloys phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties by using heat treatment procedures below 250 degrees C. for extended dwell times.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Saint Louis UniversityInventors: John Gary Bledsoe, Berton Roy Moed, Dongfa Li
-
Patent number: 8007605Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stent, includes the steps of winding stent wire around the outer surface of a longitudinal axis of a mandrel into a desired final shape that is polygonal in an elevation orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and forming a stent by setting the wound stent wire in the desired polygonal final shape. The outside diameter of the stent formed will be in co-columnar apposition with a blood vessel in which it is implanted. The mandrel employed in the methods can have a multiple-sided outer surface and a longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Bolton Medical, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Arbefeuille, Humberto Berra
-
Patent number: 7976648Abstract: Cold worked nickel-titanium alloys that have linear pseudoelastic behavior without a phase transformation or onset of stress-induced martensite as applied to a medical device having a strut formed body deployed from a sheath. In one application, an embolic protection device that employs a linear pseudoelastic nitinol self-expanding strut assembly with a small profile delivery system for use with interventional procedures. The expandable strut assembly is covered with a filter element and both are compressed into a restraining sheath for delivery to a deployment site downstream and distal to an interventional procedure. Once at the desired site, the restraining sheath is retracted to deploy the embolic protection device, which captures flowing emboli generated during the interventional procedure. Linear pseudoelastic nitinol is used in the medical device as distinct from non-linear pseudoelastic (i.e., superelastic) nitinol.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.Inventors: John Francis Boylan, Zhi Cheng Lin
-
Patent number: 7955449Abstract: A process for inducing a two-way shape memory effect in a device forward of a shape memory alloy and a device made by the process are disclosed. The two-way memory effect occurs in the device in a temperature range of between about 5° C. to 25° C. wherein the training process is based on B2R phrase transformations. An R-phase formation or reorientation takes place in the device under stress whereupon the R-phase transforms into stress induced martenite. The device is subjected to thermocycling.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Intek Technology, L.L.C.Inventors: Sergey Dmitrievich Prokoshkin, Irina Yurievna Khmelevskaya, Elena Prokopievna Ryklina
-
Patent number: 7947135Abstract: A method for arthroplasty includes using a self-locking prosthesis that has a member structured to transfer a load produced by the weight of a patient to a bone. An expandable bone-locking portion that is integral to the member includes a shape-memory material and expands to produce a locking force. A portion of the bone is removed to form an aperture in the bone. The bone-locking portion is inserted into the aperture, and a temperature increase causes a change from a contracted state to an expanded state resulting in expansion of the bone-locking portion so as to contact the inner surface. The expanding is sufficient to create a locking force at the junction between the inner surface and the bone-locking portion of the prosthesis and the majority of the locking force is applied at or above the metaphysis. The length/width ration of the prosthesis may be less than or equal to 5. The resulting reconstructed long-bone may have improved primary and long-term stability.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: MX Orthopedics Corp.Inventor: Matthew V. Fonte
-
Publication number: 20110114230Abstract: A nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy comprises nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, boron at a concentration of up to about 0.1 at. %, with the balance of the alloy being titanium. In addition to enhanced radiopacity compared to binary Ni—Ti alloys and improved workability, the Ni—Ti-RE alloy preferably exhibits superelastic behavior. A method of processing a Ni—Ti-RE alloy includes providing a nickel-titanium-rare earth alloy comprising nickel at a concentration of from about 35 at. % to about 65 at. %, a rare earth element at a concentration of from about 1.5 at. % to about 15 at. %, the balance being titanium; heating the alloy in a homogenization temperature range below a critical temperature; and forming spheroids of a rare earth-rich second phase in the alloy while in the homogenization temperature range.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicants: Cook Incorporated, University of LimerickInventors: Tofail Ansar Md. Syed, James M. Carlson, Abbasi A. Gandhi, James Butler, Peter Tiernan, Lisa O'Donoghue
-
Patent number: 7901524Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for actuating variable stiffness material (VSM) structures and achieving deformation of the structures. The apparatus and the associated methods use internal embedded actuation elements and/or externally attached elements to the VSM structures to achieve the desired deformation. In particular, the actuation can be changed due to the variable stiffness nature of the materials. That is, the invention provides the ability to control the deformation of structures using local stiffness control over subregions of the component in addition to or in substitution for actuation. Furthermore, the invention exploits the variable stiffness properties of the VSM structures to enable new functionalities impossible to realize with conventional constant stiffness materials.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Geoffrey McKnight, Bill Barvosa-Carter, Chris Henry, Andrew Keefe, Richard Ross, Guillermo Herrera
-
Patent number: 7901525Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stent, includes the steps of winding stent wire around the outer surface of a longitudinal axis of a mandrel into a desired final shape that is polygonal in an elevation orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and forming a stent by setting the wound stent wire in the desired polygonal final shape. The outside diameter of the stent formed will be in co-columnar apposition with a blood vessel in which it is implanted. The mandrel employed in the methods can have a multiple-sided outer surface and a longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Bolton Medical, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Arbefeuille, Humberto Berra
-
Patent number: 7891075Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, James W. Wells, Christopher P. Henry, Ivan G. Sears, Douglas M. Linn, Alan L. Browne, Richard J. Skurkis
-
Publication number: 20100319815Abstract: A method of making articles made of shape memory alloys having improved fatigue performance and to methods of treating articles formed from shape memory alloy materials by pre-straining the articles (or desired portions of the articles) in a controlled manner so that the resultant articles exhibit improved fatigue performance. The shape memory articles are preferably medical devices, more preferably implantable medical devices. They are most preferably devices of nitinol shape memory alloy, most particularly that is superelastic at normal body temperature. The pre-straining method of the present invention as performed on such articles includes the controlled introduction of non-recoverable tensile strains greater than about 0.20% at the surface of a desired portion of a shape memory alloy article. Controlled pre-straining operations are performed on the shape-set nitinol metal to achieve non-recoverable tensile strain greater than about 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Bret A. Dooley, Christopher C. Lasley, Michael R. Mitchell, Robert R. Steele, Eric M. Tittelbaugh
-
Patent number: 7854810Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making clips which can be used to engage body tissue for the purpose of closing wounds. Such clips are generally annular in shape and have radially inwardly extending tines. The present invention first forms a precursor which, in one embodiment, has the tines extending radially outwardly from the annular body and then forms the clip by inverting the precursor such that the tines extend radially inwardly. In an alternate embodiment, the precursor is formed with an over-sized lateral dimension and then compressed inwardly to bring the tines closer together and to reduce the lateral dimension of the precursor. It is preferred to manufacture such clips from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium, in which case the inverted or compressed precursor must be heated and quenched to heat set the clip in its final shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Integrated Vascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Carley, Richard S. Ginn
-
Patent number: 7850797Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making clips which can be used to engage body tissue for the purpose of closing wounds. Such clips are generally annular in shape and have radially inwardly extending tines. The present invention first forms a precursor which, in one embodiment, has the tines extending radially outwardly from the annular body and then forms the clip by inverting the precursor such that the tines extend radially inwardly. In an alternate embodiment, the precursor is formed with an over-sized lateral dimension and then compressed inwardly to bring the tines closer together and to reduce the lateral dimension of the precursor. It is preferred to manufacture such clips from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium, in which case the inverted or compressed precursor must be heated and quenched to heat set the clip in its final shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Integrated Vascular Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Carley, Richard S. Ginn
-
Patent number: 7842143Abstract: Shape-setting methods for fabricating devices made of single crystal shape memory alloys. The method include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: TiNi Alloy CompanyInventors: Alfred David Johnson, Valery Martynov, Michael D. Bokaie, George R. Gray
-
Patent number: 7841060Abstract: A method for joining components comprises locating a region, such as an end region 24, of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material component 10 adjacent to a further component 12, and generating localized plastic deformation of the aforesaid region to create a joint between the components 10, 12. The localized plastic deformation of the shape memory alloy material component 10 is preferably generated by applying a shock load to the shape memory alloy material component 10.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventors: Daniel Clark, John R Webster
-
Patent number: 7828916Abstract: Disclosed are methods for crimping a medical device, such as a stent, wherein the medical device is formed of a superelastic alloy. A method for crimping a medical device includes cooling the stent until the alloy becomes martensitic, allowing the stent to warm after cooling, crimping the stent with a crimping apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.Inventor: Sanjay Shrivastava
-
Publication number: 20100236671Abstract: An actuator (12) is disclosed for example controlling gas flow in a gas turbine engine. The actuator (12) comprises a first portion (14) having shape memory properties, and a second portion (16) formed of substantially the same material as the first portion and having reduced shape memory properties relative to the first portion. The first portion (14) is movable from a first position to a second position at a temperature above the phase transition temperature of the shape memory material of the first portion (14). The second portion (16) is arranged to urge the first portion (14) from the second position to the first position at a temperature below the phase transition temperature of the shape memory material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Daniel Clark, John R. Webster
-
Patent number: 7789979Abstract: Articles made of shape memory alloys having improved fatigue performance and to methods of treating articles formed from shape memory alloy materials by pre-straining the articles (or desired portions of the articles) in a controlled manner so that the resultant articles exhibit improved fatigue performance. The shape memory articles are preferably medical devices, more preferably implantable medical devices. They are most preferably devices of nitinol shape memory alloy, most particularly that is superelastic at normal body temperature. The pre-straining method of the present invention as performed on such articles includes the controlled introduction of non-recoverable tensile strains greater than about 0.20% at the surface of a desired portion of a shape memory alloy article. Controlled pre-straining operations are performed on the shape-set nitinol metal to achieve nonrecoverable tensile strain greater than about 0.20% at or near the surface of selected regions in the nitinol metal article.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Bret A. Dooley, Christopher C. Lasley, Michael R. Mitchell, Robert R. Steele, Eric M. Tittelbaugh
-
Patent number: 7779542Abstract: Method for manufacturing a dental instrument having a desired machined configuration, without twisting the instrument. A blank of superelastic material is brought to an annealed state comprising a phase structure including a rhombohedral phase alone or in combination with austenite and/or martensite, or a combination of martensite and austenite. In this annealed state, a portion of the annealed material is removed at low temperature, for example less than about 100° C., and advantageously at ambient temperature, to form a final machined configuration for the instrument. The instrument is then heat treated and rapidly quenched to a superelastic condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Ormco CorporationInventors: Carlos A. Aloise, Gary T. Garman
-
Patent number: 7678440Abstract: Described is a deformable, variable-stiffness cellular structure. The cellular structure a group of unit cells with each unit cell having a cellular geometry. The group of unit cells are formed of a variable-stiffness composite material (VSM). The VSM has a first stiffness state and a second stiffness state. Additionally, the cellular structure has a first shape and a second shape, with a gradation of shapes between the first shape and second shape. The transition from the first shape to the second shape occurs through using an actuation signal to actuate the VSM to change the stiffness of the cellular structure, thereby allowing the cellular structure to be deformed from the first shape to the second shape, and any shape therebetween. The cellular structure can be locked in the second shape through actuating the VSM from the second stiffness state to the first stiffness state.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventors: Geoffrey P. McKnight, Christopher P. Henry
-
Publication number: 20100050399Abstract: Active material based clamping apparatuses for securing objects and methods of making the same are provided. In an embodiment, a clamping apparatus for securing an object comprises: a clamp comprising an engaging surface for securing an object, wherein the engaging surface comprises an active material capable of undergoing a change in a property upon exposure to an activation source such that the active material conforms to a surface of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: GM GLOAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS , INC.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7648599Abstract: A method of treating Nitinol to train the structure thereof to remain in the martensite state, including the steps of subjecting the Nitinol to a strain and while subjected to the strain, thermally cycling the Nitinol between a cold bath of about 0° C. to 10° C. and a hot bath of about 100° C. to 180° C. for a minimum of about five cycles.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Sportswire, LLCInventor: Carl J. Berendt
-
Publication number: 20090194206Abstract: Dynamic, flexible wrought Nickel/Titanium alloy spinal rods for spinal fusion or dynamic stabilization vertebral implants and methods and processes related to their manufacture. The dynamic and flexibility properties of the wrought Nickel/Titanium alloy spinal rod may be varied by altering processing parameters during manufacture that develop the shape memory characteristics, mechanical properties, and product workability characteristics to achieve custom manufacture of spinal rods having desired flexion in desired lengths. Such a custom manufactured spinal rod may be affixed to an inferior vertebral body at a standard lamina or pedicle location and to one superior vertebral body at a standard lamina or pedicle location using pedicle screws, lamina hooks, or pedicle hooks to provide dynamic stabilization between superior and inferior vertebrae in connection with a spinal fusion procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Dong M. Jeon, Patrick D. Moore, Hee J. Yang, Sang K. Lee
-
Patent number: 7563334Abstract: A method for forming a two-way shape memory surface includes thermomechanically training a shape memory alloy under substantially constant indentation strain. Thermomechanical training includes removeably securing an indenter to a surface of the shape memory alloy in its martensite phase, so that an indent is formed in the surface. The shape memory alloy is then heated to its austenite phase while the indenter is secured thereto. The shape memory alloy is then quenched to its martensite phase while the indenter is secured thereto. After thermomechanical training, the shape memory alloy surface exhibits a first indent depth when in its martensite phase, and a second, different indent depth when in its austenite phase. Also disclosed herein is a method for forming one-way and two-way reversible surface protrusions on shape memory alloys.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Yijun Zhang, Yang T. Cheng, David S. Grummon