Abstract: A medical guide wire or the like that is comprised in part or entirely of one or more heat activated memory alloys alone or in conjunction with one or more non-heat activated memory materials.The tip or any portion of a guide wire comprised of memory alloy or components thereof can be aimed, deflected or steered on command by applying heat to the alloy. Combining heat activated memory alloys alone or with non-heat activated memory materials in opposite or antagonistic configurations or assemblies permits reversible shape change of the guide wire in any direction. The heat activated or shape memory alloys may be titanium-nickel alloys, titanium-nickel-cobalt alloys, other transition and precious metal alloys or thermoplastic heat settable material which exhibit shape memory characteristics. Heating of the guide wire is accomplished by induction heating, immersion heating, application of RF energy, or by body temperature.

Abstract: A medical guide wire or the like that is comprised in part or entirely of one or more heat activated memory alloys alone or in conjunction with one or more non-heat activated memory material.The tip or any portion of a guide wire comprised of memory alloy or components thereof can be aimed, deflected or steered on command by applying heat to the alloy. Combining heat activated memory alloys alone or with non-heat activated memory materials in opposite or antagonistic configurations of assemblies permits reversible shape change of the guide wire in any direction. The heat activated or shape memory alloys may be titanium-nickel alloys, titanium-nickel-cobalt alloys, other transition and precious metal alloys or thermoplastic heat settable material which exhibit shape memory characteristics. Heating of the guide wire is accomplished by induction heating, immersion heating, application of RF energy, or by body temperature.

Abstract: A medical guide wire or the like that is comprised in part or entirely of one or more heat activated memory alloys alone or in conjunction with one or more non-heat activated memory materials.The tip or any portion of a guide wire comprised of memory alloy or components thereof can be aimed, deflected or steered on command by applying heat to the alloy. Combining heat activated memory alloys alone or with non-heat activated memory materials in opposite or antagonistic configurations or assemblies permits reversible shape change of the guide wire in any direction. The heat activated or shape memory alloys may be titanium-nickel alloys, titanium-nickel-cobalt alloys, other transition and precious metal alloys or thermoplastic heat settable material which exhibit shape memory characteristics. Heating of the guide wire is accomplished by induction heating, immersion heating, application of RF energy, or by body temperature.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical member, such as a catheter, cannulae, or the like, has a monolithic construction. An inner core of plastic is passed through a conventional reinforcing apparatus, such as a conventional braiding mechanism. The braiding action is interrupted at predetermined intervals while the core continues to be fed so that straight reinforcing strand lengths are disposed on the outer surface of the inner core at predetermined lengths. The member passes through a heated sizing die to adhere the braided strand to the inner core, and a mechanical shear or rotating blade cuts the straight strand lengths off so that they are detached from the core. An over-extrusion of plastic may be provided to encapsulate the reinforcing strands. When the catheter is free of reinforcing strands it is relatively soft and flexible--such as at its tip--and where the reinforcing strands are provided it is relatively stiff. The monolithic construction ensures that components will not detach in a patient's body.

Abstract: A rescue device for achieving emergency access to automobiles or buildings or the like has a pair of pivotally connected lever arms is designed to be hydraulically operated by a tool connected between the two arms to power them to open prying jaws at the free ends of the lever arms. Manual actuation for the hydraulic operation is part of the device.