Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the useful life of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, wherein the SMA element contracts on heating and elongates on cooling under an applied stress and that property is used as an actuating technique. More specifically, the present invention relates to the cooling aspect of the cycle and maintaining a martensite strain on the actuator SMA element at less than about 3% by limiting the upper stress on the element. In the most preferred embodiment, the element is a ribbon actuator prepared from a nickel-titanium SMA alloy.

Abstract: A metallic damping body for damping shock-type and/or periodically changing stresses, consists of a shape-memory alloy material for effecting the damping. In order to be able to achieve a high damping effect even under a high mechanical stress on the damping body, the shape-memory alloy is selected such that it is in a state of austenitic microstructure at the operating temperature of the damping body. A sufficiently high mechanical prestress is applied to the damping body so that the damping working range is within the range of the pseudoelastic strain which starts below the proportionality limit in the stress/strain diagram of the shape-memory alloy. When the damping body is compressively stressed, a multiplicity of closely adjacent, small, uniformly distributed voids are present in the interior thereof, which together make up at least about 5%, preferably about 15 to 40%, of the total volume of the damping body.

Abstract: Composite parts of Ni-Ti alloys joined to a different metal have a melt forged structure obtained through the reactive fusion of both metals, initiated by the fusion of at least one metal bordering on the joint interface and the application of pressure; a hot forged structure of Ni-Ti alloy obtained through softening the alloy at high temperature and applying pressure on the Ni-Ti alloy side of the joint; and a hot forged structure of the different metal obtained by softening the metal at high temperature and applying pressure on the different metal side of the joint.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator predeformed in compression actuates a cable cutter mechanism. A cable or other item to be cut is placed between an anvil and a movable blade affixed to the SMA element. The SMA element is heated by an electrical resistance heater to cause it to return to its undeformed elongated state, thereby moving the blade against the anvil to compress and sever the cable or other item. Ones of the shape memory alloy actuator have a plurality of parallelly arranged SMA elements, every other one of which is predeformed in compression and intermediate ones of which are predeformed in tension. The elements are coupled end-to-end so that, when they are heated to cause them to return to their undeformed states, their respective elongations and shrinkages combine at the output to produce an actuation that is the cumulation in the same direction of the changes of all the elements. The plurality of elements may be in a side-by-side or concentric arrangement.

Abstract: Ferrous group shape memory alloys consisting essentially of Cr: 16.0-21.0 wt %, Si: 3.0-7.0 wt % and Ni: 11.0-21.0 wt % and satisfying Ni wt %.gtoreq.[0.67.times.{Cr+1.2.times.(Si+Ti+Zr+Hf+V+Nb+Ta)}-] wt % and (Cr+Si) wt %.gtoreq.20 wt %, these ferrous-group shape-memory alloys having a corrosion resistance, a shape-memorizing properties, an intergranular corrosion resistance and a stress corrosion cracking resistance in nitric acid for nuclear fuel reprocessing plants and high-temperature, high-pressure water for light-water reactors.

Abstract: A pneumatic radial tire is disclosed, including an annular tread having a belt incorporated therein, a pair of sidewalls which extend radially inward from both ends of the annular tread and a bead portion, provided at the inner end of each sidewall, wherein the belt includes a belt ply having a plurality of belt cords in parallel arrangement, the belt cords being formed by twisting a plurality of steel filaments or two or more strands each consisting of a plurality of steel. filaments, and at least one of said steel filaments being replaced by a filament of a shape-memory alloy which, before it is twisted either as a belt cord or as a strand which forms a belt cord, has been heat set at a predetermined heat set temperature whereby the filament has a linear shape at a temperature below the heat set temperature and has a wavy shape at a temperature at or above the heat set temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow elements prepared from alloys having shape memory characteristics and techniques for heating the elements to effect the martensite (or R-phase) to austenite transformation. In its most preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the use of shape memory alloys to prepare hollow springs or tubular beams, bending and torsional, and the preferred methods of heating the elements include passing an insulated resistance heating wire through the core thereof and applying a current, or applying two layers of coating to the inside or outside of the tube, one of which is insulating and the other of which is electrically conductive. In the latter example, application of current to the conductive coating will heat the element. It is also envisioned that hot fluid may be passed through the element as the heating technique.

Abstract: The present invention is a wellbore tool which includes as a component an actuator which is composed at least in-part of a shape-memory material characterized by having a property of switching between a deformed shape and a pre-deformed shape upon receipt of thermal energy of a preselected amount. The wellbore tool further includes a component which is movable in position relative to a wellbore tubular conduit into a selected one of a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations include a first configuration with the first component in a first position relative to the wellbore tubular conduit, and corresponding to a first mode of operation of the wellbore tool. The plurality of configurations also includes a second configuration with the first component in a second position relative to the wellbore tubular conduit, and corresponding to a second mode of operation in the wellbore tool.

Abstract: A shape memory stainless steel containing more than 10% by weight of Cr excellent in resistance to stress corrosion cracking and having sufficient function as a shape memory alloy, which comprises, by weight, up to 0.10% of C, 3.0 to 6.0% of Si, 6.0 to 25.0% of Mn, up to 7.0% of Ni, more than 10.0% and not more than 17.0% of Cr, 0.02 to 0.3% of N, 2.0 to 10.0% of Co and more than 0.2% and not more than 3.5% of Cu, and at least one selected from up to 2.0% of Mo, 0.05 to 0.8% of Nb, 0.05 to 0.8% of V, 0.05 to 0.8% of Zr, 0.05 or 0.8% of Ti, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, the alloying components being adjusted so that a D value is not less than-26.0, wherein the D value is defined by the following equation:D=Ni+0.30.times.Mn+56.8.times.C+19.0.times.N+0.73.times.Co+Cu -1.85.times.[Cr+1.6.times.Si+Mo+1.5.times.(Nb+V+Zr+Ti)].

Abstract: Stainless iron-base alloy having a total shape memory effect consisting, after a given cold mechanical deformation, in a recovery of the initial shape by heating, characterized in that its composition by weight is the following:9 to 13% chromium,15 to 25% manganese,3 to 6% silicon,the remainder being iron and residual impurities resulting from the fusion of substances necessasry for producing the alloy, the proportions of the elements satisfying the relation:1.43(%Si)+1 (%Cr) .ltoreq.17.The invention also provides a method for producing this alloy.

Abstract: A device for removing foreign objects from anatomic organs such as the ear canal or throat having a housing shaped like a flashlight, an electrical power source such as a battery or AC power from a wall socket, and a tip extending from the housing, the tip having at least one wire loop made from a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol switchably connected to the electrical power source such that when electric current flows through the wire loop the wire loop heats up and returns to a previously programmed shape such as a curet or tweezers so as to facilitate removal of the foreign object.

Abstract: A high temperature titanium-based shaped memory alloy contains from at least 0.1 at. % hafnium. Articles formed from the disclosed alloy have high transformation temperatures. The alloy of the invention can be successfully hot and cold worked to make articles such as springs and wires.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy for repeated use, containing no noble metals. NiTiZr and NiTiZrCu shape memory alloys having A.sub.s temperature which lies above 100.degree. C. are disclosed. These shape memory alloys have the following composition: 41.5 to 54 atomic % Ni; 24 to 42.5 atomic % Ti and 7.5 to 22 atomic % Zr.

Abstract: A method of imparting a particular shape to a wire made of a shape memory alloy, such as a Ni-Ti alloy, which includes the steps of bending the wire inside a tubular body into the particular shape; heating the wire within the tubular body to a temperature sufficient to cause the wire to retain the particular shape; and removing the wire from the tubular body. The tubular body is made of a deformable metal, such as stainless steel or nickel-chrome alloy tubing, and includes a slit therethrough extending in its axial direction. The slit is provided to facilitate bending the tubular body and removing the wire from the tubular body.

Abstract: The method of conditioning an article of shape memory metallic alloy having a double-action shape memory in accordance with the invention comprises the operations offorming at ambient temperature the article to the shape constituting a first shape memory state,mechanically maintaining the article in its first shape memory state and heating the mechanically held article to a temperature to transform it into a state of the austenitic crystallographic phase,suddenly lowering the mechanically held article to a selected temperature and subjecting it to thermal stabilization treatment while still preserving its austenitic state, andsubjecting the article to an education process in order to shape it into the second shape memory state.

Abstract: A Fe-base shape memory alloy consisting of 15-20 wt. % of Mn, not more than 3 wt. % of Si, not more than 10 wt. % of Cr, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities is cold worked and heated to 400.degree.-700.degree. C. The Fe-base shape memory alloy of the present invention can be manufactured at low prices by reducing or avoiding the use of high priced elements compared to existing Ti-Ni alloy, and is superior to existing Fe-base shape memory alloy in the shape memory capacity and cold workability.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the development of a Cu-base shape memory alloy and it's manufacturing process. The alloy is a Cu-Al-Ni-Zr-Si shape memory alloy exhibiting high strength(830Mpa, 85kg/mml) and good ductility(7.5 - 8%) due to grain size refinement by the addition of microalloying elements (Zr, Si). Also, the invented alloy has good thermal stability and is useful for temperatures of up to about 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy consists of a three element alloy of nickel-titanium-copper which is formed as being subjected to a cold working and to a heat treatment at a temperature below recrystallization point of the alloy for storing the shape, the alloy being thereby improved in operation stability and reliability even after repetitive operation and made wider in environmental temperature range for use therein of the alloy.

Abstract: A new copper-based metallic alloy is described containing principally Zn and Al in quantities such as to render it capable, after solution heat treatment at high temperature, and tempering, of assuming a crystalline structure of Beta type; its principal characteristics lies in the fact that it simultaneously contains, as grain size reducing additives, Nb and Ti in an overall quantity lying between 0.01 and 0.2% by weight.

Abstract: An intermetallic compound type alloy consisting essentially of:Ni or Co or both 45-60%;Si 0.01-1%;Re 0-2%;Hf 0-2%;C 0-2%;one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Zr, Fe, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W and Mn 0-5%;one or more elements selected from a group consisting of P, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Pb and Bi 0-2%; andthe balance Ti and incidental impurities, andhaving excellent toughness, machinability and wear resistance, the % being atomic %.

Abstract: An ornament is disclosed, which is characterized in that a metallic alloy wire provided with a characteristic to show the superelastic effect at room temperature by making the metallic texture Austenite phase is overlapped on both ends and formed into an approximately circular ring shape to form a wound ring. A method of manufacturing the same claimed is that a prime wire of Ni--Ti type alloy is submitted to the cold processing rating from 20 to 50% to form a round or angular wire rod, said wire rod is wound up around a stick or pipe with a fixed outer diameter and submitted to the heat treatment at 300.degree. to 600.degree. C. under restraint of both ends of wire rod to form a wound ring of approximately circular ring shape and simultaneously the superelastic effect is given to said ring at room temperature by making the metallic texture thereof Austenite phase.

Abstract: A method of treating a sample of an alloy which is capable of transforming between martensitic and austenitic phases, to render the alloy pseudoelastic, the method comprising:(a) annealing the alloy at a temperature which is greater than the stress relaxation temperature (T.sub.SR) of the alloy and less than the temperature at which the alloy is fully recrystallized (T.sub.x); and(b) deforming the sample at a temperature which is greater than about the maximum temperature at which the alloy can be made to transform from its austenitic phase to its martensitic phase by the application of stress (M.sub.d), and less than the stress relaxation temperature.

Abstract: An iron-based shape-memory alloy excellent in a shape-memory property, a corrosion resistance and a high-temperature oxidation resistance, consisting essentially of:chromium: from 5.0 to 20.0 wt. %,silicon: from 2.0 to 8.0 wt. %,at least one element selected from the group consisting of:manganese: from 0.1 to 14.8 wt. %,nickel: from 0.1 to 20.0 wt. %,cobalt: from 0.1 to 30.0 wt. %,copper: from 0.1 to 3.0 wt. %, andnitrogen: from 0.001 to 0.400 wt. %,whereNi+0.5 Mn+0.4 Co+0.06 Cu+0.002 N.gtoreq.0.67 (Cr+1.2 Si)-3,and the balance being iron and incidental impurities.

Abstract: An iron-based shape-memory alloy excellent in a shape-memory property and a corrosion resistance, consisting essentially of:______________________________________ chromium: from 0.1 to 5.0 wt. %, silicon: from 2.0 to 8.0 wt. %, manganese: from 1.0 to 14.8 wt. %, at least one element selected from the group consisting of: nickel: from 0.1 to 20.0 wt. %, cobalt: from 0.1 to 30.0 wt. %, copper: from 0.1 to 3.0 wt. %, and nitrogen: from 0.001 to 0.400 wt. %, where, Ni + 0.5 Mn + 0.4 Co + 0.06 Cu + 0.002 N .gtoreq. 0.67 (Cr + 1.2 Si), and the balance being iron and incidental impurities.

Abstract: A method of treating a Ti-Ni shape memory alloy to improve their various characteristic properties. In a first step of the method, a wire of the shape memory alloy is held at a high temperature within a predetermined range to be turned into a solid solution, and thereafter, cooled, whereby plastic strain in it is removed and crystals of the alloy are grown. In a second step of the method, current pulse is passed through the wire to rapidly heat it to a temperature higher than its M.sub.f point to cause elongation due to transformation superplasticity to it. In a third step of the method, the application of the pulse is stopped, the wire is rapidly cooled to the temperature of its M.sub.f point or below, and tensile load is applied to the wire immediately after the stop of the application of the pulse to cause elongation to the wire again in a cooling process, and thereafter the load is removed or sufficiently decreases to stop the deformation when the value of m concerning the wire is sharply decreased.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy consisting, by atomic ratio, of V 0.25-2.0% and the balance of Ni and Ti, an atomic ratio of Ni and Ti being 0.96-1.06. The shape memory alloy has a good workability and a reduced temperature difference between a martensitic transition start point and an austenitic transition finish point. When the atomic ration of Ni/Ti is 0.96-1.02, the martensitic transition start point is the room temperature or higher. When the atomic ratio of Ni/Ti is 1.02-1.06, the martensitic transition start point is the room temperature or lower. The shape memory alloy has a pseudo elasticity.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a bending member having a shape memory alloy. A pair of heating current supplying wires and a pair of resistance detecting wires are connected at one end to the ends of the shape memory alloy. The other end of the heating current supplying wire is connected to a current supply circuit, and the other end of the resistance detecting wire is connected to a resistance detector. The resistance detector is constituted by a bridge circuit having a branch opened and the shape memory alloy is connected in the opened branch via the resistance detecting wires. A controller controls the current supply circuit according to the detected resistance. The current supply is effected by supplying a current pulse, and the amount of heating current and the bending degree can be controlled by controlling the pulse width of the current pulse.

Abstract: A process for adjusting the physical and mechanical properties of a shape memory alloy member of a known chemical composition comprising the steps of increasing the internal stress level and forming said member to a desired configuration and heat treating said member at a selected memory imparting temperature.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for improving the ductility of shape-memory alloy products based on Ti-Ni involving martensitic transformation. The process comprises at least one thermal treatment cycle of alternating hot and cold treatment, wherein the first thermal treatment cycle comprises a cold treatment at a temperature both lower than -50.degree. C. and lower than M.sub.s -50.degree. C., where M.sub.s is the temperature at which martensitic transformation of the product begins, and a hot treatment of the product at a temperature of 700.degree. to 900.degree. C. Each optional subsequent thermal treatment cycle comprises a cold treatment of the product at a temperature both lower than -50.degree. C. and lower than M.sub.s -30.degree. C., and a hot treatment of the product at a temperature of 600.degree. to 900.degree. C.

Abstract: A nickel-titanium-palladium based alloy for converting heat energy into mechanical energy. The alloy exhibits shape memory. The alloy contains palladium to raise the temperature at which the alloy flexes between a deformed condition at a relatively colder temperature and a nondeformed condition at a relatively higher temperature. The alloy is characterized by including boron for increasing the fabricability of the alloy.

Abstract: An orthodontic coil spring is made of a shape-memory alloy wire which is wound into a coil and heat treated into a superelastic state. The coil spring imparts a predetermined spring force within a superelastic zone of deflection.

Abstract: A composite material in rod, tube, strip, sheet or plate shape with reversible thermomechanical properties is produced by joining of at least two parts consisting of a total of at least one shape memory alloy having a two-way effect, whereby each part has a memory effect by itself. In the case of at least two shape memory alloys (1, 2) with different transition temperatures but the same mode of movement, the joining of the individual parts can take place prior to the deformation in the low temperature range necessary to inducing the two-way effect. In the case of differing types and degrees of movement of the individual parts (25, 26), their joining can first be accomplished only after the individual deformations of each part for itself in the low temperature range are accomplished regardless of how many shape memory alloys with different transition temperatures are used in the structure of the composite material.

Abstract: An apparatus using a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium as a die material in one embodiment is used for performing pseudo-isostatic pressing by using a uniaxial mechanical press to densify a powder mixture, preform or presinter with or without the use of pressure transmitting powder. The apparatus can also be used to perform thermal mechanical work on any article to obtain near net shape. With controlled thermal mechanical processing and fabrication of the shape memory alloy into a die configuration, its shape can be changed from a low temperature configuration to a high temperature configuration after being heated. As a result, near net shape parts can be cold or hot pressed pseudo-isostatically without using an expensive and sophisticated press apparatus of the prior art. In a second embodiment, the shape memory alloy is employed as the expansion tooling for near net shape forming of composite materials.

Abstract: A known Ti-Ni based and Cu-based shape memory alloy can be replaced by an Fe-based shape memory alloy. An excellent shape memory effect is attained by an Fe-based shape memory alloy with an Mn content of 20% to 40% and an Si content of 3.5% to 8%.

Abstract: Disclosed are a group of nickel/titanium/niobium alloys wherein the niobium varies from about 2.5 to 30 atomic percent. Also disclosed is an aritcle made from these nickel/titanium/niobium alloys.

Abstract: A method of producing functional alloys by adding not more than 20 atomic percent Cr to a TiPd alloy with 40-60 atomic percent Ti which develops thermoelastic martensitic transformation, for adjusting the transformation point of the alloy. Such a functional alloy may comprise in addition to the Ti, 0.001-20 atomic percent Cr, the balance being Pd.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of conditioning an object in shape-memory material of metallic alloy type.The object formed to final shapes and dimensions constituting the first shape-memory state is submitted to a thermal treatment in order to bring this object to an austenitic crystallographic phase, then to cooling. The object is then submitted in at least one deformation zone to a process of education consisting of imposing on the object, in at least one cycle, a series of thermal and/or mechanical stresses. The stresses are such as to lead to deformation of the object for bringing it to a shape close to its second shape-memory state in a martensitic crystallographic state, then to permit the return of the object to its first shape-memory state, on a return of the object to the austenitic crystallographic state.Application to electric contact elements.

Abstract: A copper-base shape-memory alloy consisting essentially of 15-35% Zn, 3.2-10% Al, 0.01-1% Si, at least one element selected from the group of 0.5-2% Ti, 0.01-1% Cr, 0.01-8% Mn, 0.01-2% Co and 2.1-4% Ni, the balance being Cu and incidental impurities, the percent being by weight is disclosed.This alloy has high resistance to intercrystalline cracking and thermal cycling as well as improved shape-memory properties.

Abstract: A method for actuating a member made of shape memory alloy, including stressing the shape memory alloy member so that its Ms point becomes positioned between its As point and its Af point, and applying a pulsed supply of electricity to it to heat it up is disclosed. The voltage and the duty factor d of the pulsed supply of electricity ensure that the relations .theta.ha greater than -.theta.ca and "d" less than or equal to .theta..sub.cc /(.theta.cc -.theta.hb ) are satisfied, where .theta..sub.ha is the heating speed of the shape memory alloy member in the region below its As point, .theta.hb is the heating speed of the shape memory alloy member in the region between its As point and its Af point, .theta..sub.cc is the cooling speed of the shape memory alloy member in the region above its Ms point, and .theta.ca is the cooling speed of the shape memory alloy member in the region below its Mf point.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of preassembling a composite coupling. The coupling has at least one heat-recoverable driver member and at least one metallic insert. The driver member is made from a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy having a transformation hysteresis defined by M.sub.s, M.sub.f, A.sub.s and A.sub.f temperatures. The method includes the steps of overdeforming the driver member by applying a stress sufficient to cause nonrecoverable strain in the driver member so that the A.sub.s and A.sub.f temperatures are temporarily raised to A.sub.s' and A.sub.f', respectively; removing the stress; engaging the driver member and insert; and then warming the driver and insert to a temperature less than A.sub.s'. There is also disclosed a composite coupling processed by this method.

Abstract: An apparatus using a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium as a die material for performing pseudo-isostatic pressing by using a uniaxial mechanical press to densify a powder mixture, preform or presinter with or without the use of pressure transmitting powder. The process can also be used to perform thermal mechanical work on any article to obtain near net shape. With controlled thermal mechanical processing and fabrication of the shape memory alloy into a die configuration, its shape can be changed from a low temperature configuration to a high temperature configuration after being heated. The shape transformation temperature for nickel-titanium alloy in particular, ranges from about -200 degrees Centigrade to +100 degrees Centigrade depending primarily upon alloy composition.

Abstract: An apparatus using a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium as a reaction vessel for self-sustaining combustion (SSC) reaction synthesis of ceramics, intermetallics, metal or ceramic matrix composites and the like and as a die material for pseudo-isostatic hot pressing by providing a uniaxial mechanical press to density the reaction products with or without the use of pressure transmitting powder. The process can also be used to perform thermal mechanical work on any article synthesized by the self-sustaining combustion reaction to obtain near net shape. With controlled thermal mechanical processing and fabrication of the shape memory alloy into a die configuration, its shape can be changed from a low temperature configuration to a high temperature configuration after being heated. The shape transformation temperature for nickel-titanium alloy in particular, ranges from about -200 degrees Centigrade to +100 degrees Centigrade depending primarily upon alloy composition.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable arm is constituted by a plurality of expandable and contractable units and connecting devices including universal joints for serially interconnecting the units into the arm. Each unit includes at least three expandable and contractable operating members in the form of link mechanisms or double thread type expandable and contractable rods, and actuating devices for equally or unequally expanding and contracting the operating members so as to increase or decrease distances between the connecting members while maintaining them in parallel or inclined with respect to each other.

Abstract: A reversible shape memory (R.S.M.) article of Ti-Ni alloy containing excess Ni over the stoichiometric composition, such as containing 50.3-53.0 at. % Ni which has a dual phase structure of a TiNi compound phase and a precipitated Ni rich compounds phase and the improved R.S.M. property wherein the different two shapes are recovered by thermal cycles between two temperatures sufficient higher and lower than the martensitic transformation temperature (Ms). The alloy prepared by the melting method is heat-treated at 600.degree. C. or more to be made into a single phase of TiNi compound after being worked into a strip plate, and the plate is fixedly wound on a pipe and aged at 300.degree. C.-600.degree. C. for one or more hours, whereby the article having the R.S.M. property with a large amount of shape change by thermal cycles can be obtained.

Abstract: Method of processing nickel-titanium-base shape-memory alloys to substantially suppress the two-way effect including the steps of cold working and low-temperature annealing without restraint. A composite structure is also provided including a nickel-titanium-base shape-memory alloy with the two-way effect substantially suppressed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nickel-titanium-beryllium alloy wire, comprising the steps of preparing a nickel-titanium alloy consisting essentially of nickel (Ni) 50 to 40% by weight and titanium (Ti) 40 to 50% by weight, with a portion of either the Ni or Ti being replaced by from 0.005 to 0.5% beryllium (Be), brining the nickel-titanium-beryllium alloy to a molten state, and jetting a melt of the alloy into a liquid flow, formed as a laminar flow, on the internal surface of a rotating drum so as to cool and solidify the nickel-titanium-beryllium alloy from its molten state into a fine wire at an average cooling rate in the range of 10.sup.2 to 10.sup.4 C/sec.

Abstract: A workable high strength shape memory alloys comprising:Al: 11.5-13.5%,Ni: 2-6%,Mn: 1-5%,Ti: 0.1-5%,each on the weight basis, and the balance of Cu and inevitable impurities.In the modified alloy composition, the workability can be improved without increasing the martensitic transformation temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of processing a nickel/titanium-based shape memory alloy. The method comprises overdeforming the alloy so as to cause at least some amount of nonrecoverable strain, temporarily expanding the transformation hysteresis by raising the austenite transformation temperature, removing the applied stress and then storing the alloy at a temperature less than the new austenite transition temperature. There is also disclosed an article produced from this method.

Abstract: A locking device for holding a movable member of an apparatus rigidly in place during shipment. A locking element is made from a material exhibiting a "shape memory", and is deformed at a temperature below its transition temperature and installed in the apparatus so as to lock the movable member firmly in place. When it is desired to be able to operate the apparatus in a normal mode, the locking element is heated electrically to a temperature above the transition temperature, so that it resumes the original shape and releases the movable member.

Abstract: The disclosed alloy with a shape memory effect and a pseudo-elasticity exhibits a thin-plate martensitic structure, which alloy is made by heating an alloy consisting of 32-34 wt. % of nickel, 3-6 wt. % of titanium, 10-15 wt. % of cobalt and the remainder of Fe to a temperature between 900.degree. C. to 1,200.degree. C. and effecting an aging treatment at a temperature between 500.degree. C. and 800.degree. C. so as to generate a thin-plate martensite.