Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure employing a wire frame having first and second arms that extend in divergent directions with respect to each other. A fish attracting element and a hook are secured to one arm, and a spinner is attached to the other arm. The wire frame is formed of a nickel titanium alloy which provides flexibility and shape memory that are substantially greater than that provided by conventional stainless steel wire whereby when the lure is pulled through water, it has improved fish attracting action.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure employing a wire frame having first and second arms that extend in divergent directions with respect to each other. A fish attracting element and a hook are secured to one arm, and a spinner is attached to the other arm. The wire frame is formed of a nickel titanium alloy which provides flexibility and shape memory that are substantially greater than that provided by conventional stainless steel wire whereby when the lure is pulled through water, it has improved fish attracting action.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure employing a wire frame (10) having first (14) and second arms (16) that extend in divergent directions with respect to each other. A fish attracting element (18) and a hook (20) are secured to one arm (14), and a spinner (32) is attached to the other arm (16). The wire frame is formed of a nickel titanium alloy which provides flexibility and shape memory that are substantially greater than that provided by conventional stainless steel wire whereby when the lure is pulled through water, it has improved fish attracting action. Wire and cable fishing leaders formed of a nickel titanium alloy are disclosed which exhibit appreciable elongation and resistance to kinking and spiralling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a super-elastic, lightweight bail wire in combination with a bail assembly for use in connection with spinning-type fishing reels. In the most preferred embodiment the bail is made of an austenitic nickel-titanium alloy wire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a super-elastic, lightweight bail wire in combination with a bail assembly for use in connection with spinning-type fishing reels. In one preferred aspect, the bail wire has a modulus of elasticity (E) and a moment of inertia (I) whose product (E.times.I) is equal to or less than 45 lbs.-in..sup.2. In another preferred aspect, the bail wire has a weight per unit length equal to or less than 1.0.times.10.sup.-3 lbs./in. Both aspects of the invention are achieved in an austenitic nickel-titanium alloy bail wire.

Abstract: An endodontic instrument for use in root canal therapy which comprises an inner core of a metal having a specific flexibility, and at least one outer shell of a metal having a different flexibility. By selecting the ratio of the two metals, the instrument may be designed to have a predetermined desired flexibility which is sufficient to assure proper operation of the instrument, yet not so stiff as to risk damage to the tooth canal. A kit which is composed of several such instruments of increasing diameter is also disclosed, and with the instruments being designed to be used sequentially in root canal therapy, and wherein all of the instruments possess substantially the same degree of flexibility. The instruments can thus be used with predictable and consistent results.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic palatal expansion arch having a generally "M"-shaped configuration, the arch having a center segment composed of a near-stoichiometric alloy of nickel and titanium which possesses memory-retaining characteristics to simultaneously expand the bicuspids and expand, rotate, intrude and/or torque the maxillary molars, and end segments composed of an alloy of stainless steel or another biocompatible material configured for securing the archwire to lingual sheaths attached to molar bands.

Abstract: An orthodontic archwire having a specific, saddle-like configuration and being composed of a near-stoichiometric alloy of nickel and titanium which possesses memory retaining characteristics, the archwire having a first, second and third curved section, wherein the first and second curved sections include two different radii of curvature which extend distally from the midline of the archwire, and the third curved section includes two radii of curvature extending distally from the midline of the archwire, so that the preset form of the archwire resembles a saddle-like configuration.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic palatal expansion arch having a generally "M"-shaped configuration, the arch having a center segment composed of a near-stoichiometric alloy of nickel and titanium which possesses memory-retaining characteristics to simultaneously expand the bicuspids and expand, rotate, intrude and/or torque the maxillary molars, and end segments composed of an alloy of stainless steel or another biocompatible material configured for securing the archwire to lingual sheaths attached to molar bands.