Mechanical Memory Patents (Class 148/402)
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Publication number: 20130240092Abstract: A medical instrument comprising a mono-crystalline shape memory alloy and a method for forming thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: DENTSPLY International Inc.Inventors: YONG GAO, Dan Ammon
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Publication number: 20130239565Abstract: A shape memory alloy element is disclosed that is configured to undergo a graded thermal change along a dimension of the shape memory alloy element in response to thermal stimulus. This graded thermal change produces a change between the Martensitic and Austenitic states of the shape memory alloy that is graded along this dimension, which in turn produces a graded displacement response of the shape memory element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
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Publication number: 20130240096Abstract: A shape memory alloy element is disclosed that is configured to undergo a graded phase change along a dimension of the shape memory alloy element in response to thermal stimulus. This graded phase change produces a graded displacement response of the shape memory element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Peter Maxwell Sarosi
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Publication number: 20130160900Abstract: Shape memory stainless steels with rare earth elements Cerium (Ce) and Lanthanum (La) are disclosed. In one embodiment, raw materials including Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Carbon (C), Ce, La and Iron (Fe) are melted to form a molten alloy of the shape memory stainless steels with rare earth elements Ce and La. Further, the molten alloy is solidified to form an ingot. Furthermore, the ingot is subjected to nondestructive evaluation to assess internal soundness of the ingot. In addition, the evaluated ingot is homogenized to form homogenized shape memory stainless steels with rare earth elements Ce and La.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS ENGINEERING CENTRE INDIAInventor: AIRBUS ENGINEERING CENTRE INDIA
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Publication number: 20130153095Abstract: A shape memory alloy including a Ni—Ti based alloy is superelastic at temperatures of about ?40° C. to about 60° C. after being exposed to temperatures of about ?55° C. to about 85° C. A method of forming a memory shape alloy may include preparing a rod comprising a Ni—Ti alloy, drawing a wire from the rod, and treating the wire at a temperature of about 500° C. to about 550° C. for about less than 1 minute.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventor: Sunder S. Rajan
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Publication number: 20130130112Abstract: A silicon-based shape memory alloy negative active material includes a silicon-based material precipitated on a Ni2Mn1-XZX shape memory alloy basic material. In the silicon-based shape memory alloy negative active material, X satisfies the relationship 0?X?1 and Z is one of Al, Ga, In, Sn, or Sb.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Byung-Joo CHUNG, Chun-Gyoo Lee
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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
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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
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Patent number: 8414714Abstract: Wire products, such as round and flat wire, strands, cables, and tubing, are made from a shape memory material in which inherent defects within the material are isolated from the bulk material phase of the material within one or more stabilized material phases, such that the wire product demonstrates improved fatigue resistance. In one application, a method of mechanical conditioning in accordance with the present disclosure isolates inherent defects in nickel-titanium or NiTi materials in fields of a secondary material phase that are resistant to crack initiation and/or propagation, such as a martensite phase, while the remainder of the surrounding defect-free material remains in a primary or parent material phase, such as an austenite phase, whereby the overall superelastic nature of the material is preserved.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Fort Wayne Metals Research Products CorporationInventor: Jeremy E. Schaffer
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Patent number: 8409372Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the strain-temperature response for a shape memory alloy are provided. To perform stabilization of a second sample of the shape memory alloy, a first sample of the shape memory alloy is selected for isobaric treatment and the second sample is selected for isothermal treatment. When applying the isobaric treatment to the first sample, a constant stress is applied to the first sample. Temperature is also cycled from a minimum temperature to a maximum temperature until a strain on the first sample stabilizes. Once the strain on the first sample stabilizes, the isothermal treatment is performed on the second sample. During isothermal treatment, different levels of stress on the second sample are applied until a strain on the second sample matches the stabilized strain on the first sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administraton of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Santo A Padula, II
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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
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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
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Patent number: 8377237Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection in wrought and finished Nitinol products by immersing them in aqueous solution of 1% to 12%, and preferably 6%, sodium hypochlorite at room temperature of around 25° C. for specific period of time, preferably 15 minutes while checking for black flocculent precipitate developing on the surface indicating the presence of an inclusion. The presence of black flocculent precipitate indicates surface inclusions and lack of homogeneousness of material.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Ryszard Rokicki
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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
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Publication number: 20130019996Abstract: A method of bonding a first component (10) comprising a titanium-containing alloy to a second metal component (12), wherein a coating layer (14,16) is applied to each of the first and second components in the region to be bonded. The coating layers (14,16) comprise a precious metal. An intermediate metallic layer (18) is interposed between the coating layer (14) of the first component and the coating layer (16) of the second component. The respective coating layers are held in contact with the intermediate layer (18) and the coating layers and the intermediate layer are heated to initiate melting of at least one of said layers so as to form a bond between the first and second components by brazing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC.Inventor: David P. ROUTLEDGE
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Publication number: 20130000776Abstract: A device is provided that may be adapted to control or monitor the pressure level of a fluid system. The device includes a member composed of a shape memory alloy in a superelastic state. The member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase and stretch in response to an activation stress. In one embodiment, the member defines two ends such that one end of the member is operatively connected to a fixed point. Another end of the member is operatively connected to a movable element. As the member stretches in response to the activation stress, the movable element is translated relative to the fixed point. In another embodiment, the member includes two plates with respective holes that are selectively aligned when the first and second plates stretch or deform in response to the activation stress.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Richard J. Skurkis, Scott R. Webb
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Patent number: 8328962Abstract: A damping and shock absorbing method and apparatus for permanent or non-permanent use in the human body and having a shape memory alloy material cycled through stress-strain hysteresis to dissipate energy for effective damping. A sufficiently high pre-stress is applied to the damping element(s) to ensure that the damping working range is within the superelastic cycle. The damping apparatus can work in tension or compression or both in tension and compression. Moreover, damping elements from a shape memory alloy can also work in flexion and extension as well in rotation. The damping apparatus can have a stroke and force suitable for use in the human body by the design, the structure and the chemical composition of the shape memory alloy and their pre-set properties, such as plateau stresses of the superelastic cycle depend on the ambient temperature, the force of damping elements can also be changed in-situ by changing the temperature of the damping elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: ACANDIS GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Kirsi Schussler
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Publication number: 20120282474Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for shape memory alloy weapon fairings. The shape memory alloy weapon fairings are formed from a shape memory alloy and are configured to change shape in response to temperature changes. At a first temperature, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing has a first shape and at a second temperature, the shape memory alloy has a second shape. Upon deployment of a weapon including the shape memory alloy weapon fairing, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing is heated by the weapon and/or air friction. The shape memory alloy weapon fairing changes shape in response to the temperature change and provides a fairing for one or more structures of the weapon. In some implementations, the fairing covers a protuberance or other connection mechanism of the weapon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Casey Lyn Madsen, Daniel John Clingman, James H. Mabe, Frederick Theodore Calkins
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Patent number: 8282746Abstract: A mechanical structure is provided with a crystalline superelastic alloy that is characterized by an average grain size and that is characterized by a martensitic phase transformation resulting from a mechanical stress input greater than a characteristic first critical stress. A configuration of the superelastic alloy is provided with a geometric structural feature of the alloy that has an extent that is no greater than about 200 micrometers and that is no larger than the average grain size of the alloy. This geometric feature is configured to accept a mechanical stress input.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Christopher A. Schuh, Jose M. San Juan, Ying Chen
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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
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Publication number: 20120192999Abstract: A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Innovative Processing Technologies Inc.Inventors: Mohammad Ibraheem Khan, Yunhong Norman Zhou
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Patent number: 8227681Abstract: An active material assembly is provided having a thermally-activated active material apparatus with an elongated, non-planar shape and a thermoelectric device in thermal contact therewith. The thermoelectric device is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows through the device to activate the thermally-activated active material apparatus, thereby altering at least one dimension thereof. Multiple discrete thermoelectric devices may be in thermal contact with the active material apparatus and electrically in parallel with one another. The active material apparatus, which may be multiple active material components, each with one of the thermoelectric devices thereon, may be encased within a flexible electronic-insulating material to form an articulated active material assembly that can achieve different geometric shapes by separately activating one or more of the different thermoelectric devices. A method of fabricating an articulated active material assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John C. Ulicny, Jihui Yang, Mark W. Verbrugge
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Publication number: 20120175025Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Rory S. Smith, Stefan Kaczmarczyk
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Patent number: 8216396Abstract: 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 0.20% at or near the surface of selected regions in the nitinol metal article.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Bret A. Dooley, Christopher C. Lasley, Michael R. Mitchell, Robert R. Steele, Eric M. Tittelbaugh
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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
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Publication number: 20120093944Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection, enhancement of endothelial and osteoblast cells adhesion and proliferation and sterilization of electropolished and magnetoelectropolished Nitinol implantable medical device surfaces uses an aqueous solution of chemical compounds containing halogenous oxyanions as hypochlorite (ClO?) and hypobromite (BrO?) preferentially 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventor: Ryszard Rokicki
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Publication number: 20120080123Abstract: A shape memory alloy for use as a mechanical component is formed of an intermetallic material having a low apparent modulus and a high hardness. The intermetallic material is conditioned to have a stable, superelastic response without irrecoverable deformation while exhibiting strains of at least 3%. The method of conditioning the intermetallic material is described. Another embodiment relates to lightweight materials known as ordered intermetallics that perform well in sliding wear applications using conventional liquid lubricants and are therefore suitable for high performance mechanical components such as gears and bearings.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Santo Padula, II, Ronald D. Noebe, Malcolm K. Stanford, Christopher DellaCorte
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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
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Patent number: 8096119Abstract: Fuel-powered actuators are described wherein actuation is a consequence of electrochemical processes, chemical processes, or combinations thereof. These fuel-powered actuators include artificial muscles and actuators in which actuation is non-mechanical. The actuators range from large actuators to microscopic and nanoscale devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Ray H. Baughman, Von Howard Ebron, Zhiwei Yang, Daniel J. Seyer, Mikhail Kozlov, Jiyoung Oh, Hui Xie, Joselito Razal, John P. Ferraris, Alan G. MacDiarmid, Robin B. McConnell, legal representative, Gayle P. Gentile, legal representative, William Alexander Macaulay
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Patent number: 8016952Abstract: A ferromagnetic shape memory alloy comprising 25-50 atomic % of Mn, 5-18 atomic % in total of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of In, Sn and Sb, and 0.1-15 atomic % of Co and/or Fe, the balance being Ni and inevitable impurities, which has excellent shape memory characteristics in a practical temperature range, thereby recovering its shape by a magnetic change caused by a magnetic-field-induced reverse transformation in a practical temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Japan Science and Technology AgencyInventors: Kiyohito Ishida, Katsunari Oikawa, Ryosuke Kainuma, Takeshi Kanomata, Yuji Sutou
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Patent number: 8007604Abstract: A Titanium-Tantalum base shape memory alloy is provided which possesses high machinability and is suitable for repeated high temperature operation. The Titanium-Tantalum base shape memory alloy consists of 15 mol %-40 mol % Tantalum, additive elements, and the balance Titanium and impurities.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: University of TsukubaInventors: Shuichi Miyazaki, Heeyoung Kim, Buenconsejo Pio, Hideki Hosoda
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Patent number: 7993537Abstract: Methods for improving adhesion between a shape memory alloy and a polymeric material include functionalizing a surface of the shape memory polymer with a phosphorous containing compound or an organosilane coupling agent. Other methods include surface texturing the shape memory alloy surface, independently or in combination with the functionalization.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Louis G. Hector, Jr., Andrew M. Mance, William R. Rodgers, Pablo D. Zavattieri, David A. Okonski, Elena Sherman, William Barvosa-Carter
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Patent number: 7939178Abstract: A shape-changing structure has a superelastic metal foam structural member that changes shape (morphs) to change configuration of the structure. The superelastic metal foam structural member changes shape while maintaining a continuous outer surface, with the continuous metal foam material inside the outer surface expanding, contracting, or otherwise changing shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be heated above a transition temperature to allow it to change shape, and then cooled to cause it to increase in strength, more easily maintaining its new shape. The superelastic metal foam material may be a suitable alloy, for example a nickel titanium alloy, that exhibits superelastic (pseudoelastic) behavior. The superelastic metal foam material may be a shape memory alloy material that returns to a set shape upon moderate heating. The superelastic metal elastic foam structural member may be heated either by an internal heat source or by external heating.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: David R. Sar, Terry M. Sanderson, Thomas P. McCreery
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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
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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
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Publication number: 20100274077Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection in wrought and finished Nitinol products by immersing them in aqueous solution of 1% to 12% preferably 6% sodium hypochlorite in room temperature of around 25° C. for specify period of time preferably 15 minutes and checking for black flocculent precipitate developing on the surface in case of presence of inclusion. The black flocculent precipitate indicates surface inclusion or inclusions and indicates lack of homogeneousness of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Ryszard Rokicki
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Patent number: 7811393Abstract: 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 0.20% at or near the surface of selected regions in the nitinol metal article.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Bret A. Dooley, Christopher C. Lasley, Michael R. Mitchell, Robert R. Steele, Eric M. Tittelbaugh
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Patent number: 7789975Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shape memory and/or super-elastic material, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a super-elastic or pseudo-elastic material that has an initial transition temperature Af above a body temperature. The shape memory material can have a super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity property at a temperature below the initial transition temperature Af of the material. For example, the shape memory material can have its workable temperature for producing super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity of about 0° C. to 15° C. below the initial transition temperature Af. The shape memory material can be malleable at a room temperature, and become super-elastic or pseudo-elastic at a body temperature. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of making a shape memory or a super-elastic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignees: Versitech Limited, The City University of Hong KongInventors: Man Chee Kenneth Cheung, Kelvin W. K. Yeung, William W. Lu, C. Y. Chung
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Patent number: 7749341Abstract: A composition of the invention is a high temperature shape memory alloy having high work output, and is made from (Ni+Pt+Y)xTi(100-x), wherein x is present in a total amount of 49-55 atomic %, Pt is present in a total amount of 10-30 atomic %, Y is one or more of Au, Pd, and Cu and is present in a total amount of 0 to 10 atomic %. The alloy has a matrix phase wherein the total concentration of Ni, Pt, and the one or more of Pd, Au, and Cu is greater than 50 atomic %.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Ronald Dean Noebe, Susan L. Draper, Michael V. Nathal, Edwin A. Crombie
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Publication number: 20100139264Abstract: Embodiments of separating apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In an embodiment, a separating apparatus is provided that comprises a pre-strained member formed from a shape memory alloy that is configured to separate upon application of heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Ward D. Lyman, Frederick B. Koehler
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Publication number: 20100140439Abstract: A mechanical structure is provided with a crystalline superelastic alloy that is characterized by an average grain size and that is characterized by a martensitic phase transformation resulting from a mechanical stress input greater than a characteristic first critical stress. A configuration of the superelastic alloy is provided with a geometric structural feature of the alloy that has an extent that is no greater than about 200 micrometers and that is no larger than the average grain size of the alloy. This geometric feature is configured to accept a mechanical stress input.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Christopher A. Schuh, Jose M. San Juan, Ying Chen
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Publication number: 20100139813Abstract: The present invention provides a two-way shape-recovery alloy, which contains less than 0.20 mass % of C, 13.00 to 30.00 mass % of Mn, 0.10 to 6.00 mass % of Si, 0.05 to 12.00 mass % of Cr, 0.01 to 3.00 mass % of Ni, and less than 0.100 mass % of N, with the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, in which the contents of Mn, Si, Cr and Ni satisfy the following expression (1): 600?33Mn+11Si+28Cr+17Ni?1050??(1).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: DAIDO TOKUSHUKO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kozo OZAKI
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Publication number: 20100092915Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Carl J. Berendt
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Patent number: 7688533Abstract: A drive apparatus having: a shape memory alloy having a property such that a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of austenite transformation (As) at a predetermined stress to an end point of austenite (Af) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range, and a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of martensite transformation (Ms) at a predetermined stress to an end point of martensite transformation (Mf) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range; and a driven member which is moved by a transformation of the shape memory alloy; wherein the driven member is moved in a temperature range of higher temperature transformation sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.Inventors: Shigeru Wada, Nobuya Miki
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Publication number: 20100075168Abstract: Fatigue damage resistant metal or metal alloy wires have a submicron-scale or nanograin microstructure that demonstrates improved fatigue damage resistance properties, and methods for manufacturing such wires. The present method may be used to form a wire having a nanograin microstructure characterized by a mean grain size that is 500 nm or less, in which the wire demonstrates improved fatigue damage resistance. Wire manufactured in accordance with the present process may show improvement in one or more other material properties, such as ultimate strength, unloading plateau strength, permanent set, ductility, and recoverable strain, for example. Wire manufactured in accordance with the present process is suitable for use in a medical device, or other high end application.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: FORT WAYNE METALS RESEARCH PRODUCTS CORPORATIONInventor: Jeremy E. Schaffer
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Patent number: 7648589Abstract: A method for making a ductile and porous shape memory alloy (SMA) using spark plasma sintering, and an energy absorbing structure including a ductile and porous SMA are disclosed. In an exemplary structure, an SMA spring encompasses a generally cylindrical energy absorbing material. The function of the SMA spring is to resist the bulging of the cylinder under large compressive loading, thereby increasing a buckling load that the cylindrical energy absorbing material can accommodate. The SMA spring also contributes to the resistance of the energy absorbing structure to an initial compressive loading. Preferably, the cylinder is formed of ductile, porous and super elastic SMA. A working prototype includes a NiTi spring, and a porous NiTi cylinder or rod.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Minoru Taya, Ying Zhao
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Patent number: 7632361Abstract: Devices and methods of making devices having one or more components made of single crystal shape memory alloy capable of large recoverable distortions, defined herein as “hyperelastic” SMA. Recoverable Strains are as large as 9 percent, and in special circumstances as large as 22 percent. Hyperelastic SMAs exhibit no creep or gradual change during repeated cycling because there are no crystal boundaries. Hyperelastic properties are inherent in the single crystal as formed: no cold work or special heat treatment is necessary. Alloy components are Cu—Al—X where X may be Ni, Fe, Co, Mn. Single crystals are pulled from melt as in the Stepanov method and quenched by rapid cooling to prevent selective precipitation of individual elemental components. Conventional methods of finishing are used: milling, turning, electro-discharge machining, abrasion. Fields of application include aerospace, military, automotive, medical devices, microelectronics, and consumer products.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: TiNi Alloy CompanyInventors: A. David Johnson, Michael Bokaie, Valery Martynov
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Publication number: 20090272465Abstract: A memory metal plug adapted to seal tubes includes a central shaft and a plurality of discs extending radially from said shaft. The shaft extends beyond the first and last disc. The juncture of the discs and the shaft is radiused, and, further, the thickness of the discs decreases near the perimeter of each disc. This allows the discs to be swaged significantly without breaking, which, in turn, facilitates their use in plugging tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: DOUGLAS L. HOLLAENDER ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Roger Adelman
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Publication number: 20090242083Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2006Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCYInventors: Kiyohito Ishida, Ryosuke Kainuma, Yuji Sutou, Yuuki Tanaka
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Publication number: 20090218013Abstract: A high temperature shape memory alloy is provided which possesses high machinability and is suitable for high temperature applications. The high temperature shape memory alloy consists of Ni from 34.7 mol % to 48.5 mol %, at least either Zirconium or Hafnium as transformation temperature increasing additives, with the sum of which 6.8 mol % to 22.5 mol %, and at least either Niobium or Tantalum as machinability improving additives, with the sum of which 1 mol % to 30 mol %; and Boron less than 2 mol %; and Titanium as the balance; and unavoidable impurity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: University of TsukubaInventors: Shuichi Miyazaki, Heeyoung Kim, Yoshinari Takeda, Masanari Tomozawa, Buenconsejo Pio