Abstract: A method of treating a shape memory alloy to improve its various characteristics and to cause it to exhibit a two-way shape memory effect. A raw shape memory alloy having a substantially uniformly fine-grained crystal structure is prepared and then its crystal orientations are arranged substantially in a direction suitable for an expected operational direction, such as tensile or twisting direction or the like, in which the shape memory alloy is expected to move when used in an actuator after the completion of the treatment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating ternary TiNi-based alloys to achieve substantially higher phase-change transition temperatures in the resulting SMA materials and which have optimal thermo-mechanical properties. One target is provided which comprises the element Ti, a second target comprises the element Ni and a third target comprises an element which when combined with Ti and Ni can produce a shape memory alloy. The three targets are co-sputtered onto a substrate at rates which are controlled so that the sum of the percentage composition of the elements that are from the left side of the periodic table are substantially 50 atomic percent, and the sum of percentage composition of the elements that are from the right side of the periodic table comprise the remaining 50 atomic percent.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A diaphragm includes a vibratory membrane and at least one nickel titanium memory metal member having a shape that can be mechanically adjusted with a heating signal. The mechanical adjustment of the at least one nickel titanium memory metal member tunes the frequency response of the vibratory membrane in the diaphragm. The at least one nickel titanium memory metal member can be a sheet providing a vibratory membrane, or sheet sections or wire made of nickel titanium memory metal bonded to a vibratory membrane.

Abstract: A maraging steel for use as a mold steel is disclosed. In general, the use of maraging steels in molds is limited by the fact that the martensitic microstructure is not stable at temperatures above 480° C. The precipitate hardening maraging type steel according to the invention contains titanium, molybdenum, cobalt, chromium and nickel and has, in addition to high strength, good ductility, small thermal expansion coefficient and good thermal conductivity, a significantly better thermal stability than other maraging steels, which makes it suitable for use as a mold material particularly in pressure casting.

Abstract: The present invention provides for Cu—Zn—Al(6%) alloy and an improved process to lower the martensitic transformation temperature, by a low temperature re-betatising treatment from 110° C. to 30° C. i.e. a lowering of 80° C. wherein previously high temperature betatised material has been subjected to re-betatising at lower temperature in order to utilize the material suitably.

Abstract: A tire includes a toroidal carcass and a tread band. The toroidal carcass includes a central crown and two sidewalls terminating in a pair of annular beads. Each annular bead includes a metallic bead core for anchoring to corresponding bead seats of a wheel rim. The metallic bead cores include at least one annular portion made of a material having characteristics of superelasticity and shape memory. The material having characteristics of superelasticity and shape memory is deformable at ambient temperature in response to a constant force and recovers to an original shape upon removal of the constant force to facilitate mounting the tire on the wheel rim. The wheel rim includes a central cylindrical channel from which branches off, axially and outwardly, from opposite sides, diverging surfaces each terminating in a peripheral flange. The diverging surfaces form the bead seats for respective annular beads of the tire.

Abstract: A process for treating nitinol so that desired mechanical properties are achieved. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of exposing the nitinol to a primary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 475° C. to 525° C. for a first time period, and thereafter exposing the nitinol to a secondary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 550° C. to 800° C. for a second time period. The invention also includes nitinol articles made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method of treating a shape memory alloy to improve its various characteristics and to cause it to exhibit a two-way shape memory effect. A raw shape memory alloy having a substantially uniformly fine-grained crystal structure is prepared and then its crystal orientations are arranged substantially in a direction suitable for an expected operational direction, such as tensile or twisting direction or the like, in which the shape memory alloy is expected to move when used in an actuator after the completion of the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention employs a shape memory alloy that exhibits a two-way shape memory effect and that has a stress-strain property that, in a stress-strain diagram, the stress-strain curve comprises a gentler gradient portion extending with relatively small gradients and a steeper gradient portion extending with relatively great gradients. The shape memory alloy is operated in the region surrounded by the gentler gradient portion, the steeper gradient portion, a practical stress limit line, a straight line connecting the intersection of the practical stress limit line and a strain limit line near shape recovery completion on which the strain of the shape memory alloy reaches a specified value in a state close to the shape recovery completion and the point where the strain is zero at a low temperature in the stress-strain diagram.

Abstract: A superelastic alloy exhibiting shape memory or pseudoelastic it properties contains about 46.17 weight percent Au and about 53.83 weight percent In. Such alloys containing the superelastic Au—In2 intermetallic compound which exhibits elasticity can be formed into a gasket or seal that can be deformed at low stress levels while additionally having corrosion resistant properties.

Abstract: A method of coating a preformed trainable material, such as nitinol wire, with a heat resistant substance, heat treating, and cooling to form a desired shape. The substance can be removed by various methods after heat treatment, depending upon the composition of the substance. The method includes forming a trainable material around a mold that dissolves, vaporizes, or can otherwise be removed. The method is useful for forming complicated shapes that would be expensive or impossible to form by conventional methods.

Abstract: A process for treating nitinol so that desired mechanical properties are achieved. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of exposing the nitinol to a primary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 475° C. to 525° C. for a first time period, and thereafter exposing the nitinol to a secondary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 550° C. to 800° C. for a second time period. The invention also includes nitinol articles made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: The process is to be used to connect a component made from a shape memory alloy to a thin component made from steel material or a copper material. The intention is to provide a spot-welding technique using electrodes made from a Cu alloy. The intention is to establish a current intensity of over 1000 A, preferably over 2000 A, at an I2t value of over 5000 A2s, preferably over 8000 A2s, and a pressure of at least 30 MPa, preferably 80 MPa.

Abstract: A Ti—Ni shape memory alloy with ductility, including Ti of 50˜66atomic % in a composition, and in which precipitation of Ti2Ni phases at grain boundaries is suppressed.

Abstract: Iron-manganese-silicon-based shape memory alloys comprising:

Abstract: In a joining method for a frame of spectacles, and in more particular to a method for joining a bridge or a temple to a lens rim, a joining method for a frame of spectacles comprises deforming a joining portion of a member made of a shape memory alloy material so as to be insertable into a pipe for joining the member to a lens rim, and joining the joining portion of the member to the pipe by returning the joining portion of the member to an original shape before the deformation after the member is inserted into the pipe.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator which responds to changes in ambient temperature. The actuator is capable of operating bidirectionally over a smaller temperature range than conventional SMA actuators by taking advantage of the R-phase characteristics of the SMA material. A coiled SMA spring 14 is provided with an enabled R-phase by limiting recoverable strain in the SMA material to less than about 1 percent. The force of the SMA spring 14 is counteracted by a non-SMA spring 15. The stronger of the two springs 14, 15 controls the position of an actuating element 13, with SMA spring 14 being the stronger spring while in its austenitic phase and being the weaker spring while in its R-phase. Triggering the actuator with entry into the R-phase rather than the martensitic phase during cooling reduces the hysteresis normally associated with an SMA actuator, allowing the actuator to react bidirectionally to smaller changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binding element for binding a stack of documents comprised of loose sheets, having a spine piece and two side pieces, the side pieces being arranged essentially perpendicular to the spine piece. The binding element is made of a shape memory material or has at least part of the binding element made of a shape memory material.

Abstract: A tire includes a carcass; a tread band on the carcass; a belt, positioned between the tread band and the carcass, including at least one layer of rubberized fabric; and at least one reinforcing metal strap in the at least one layer of rubberized fabric. The at least one reinforcing metal strap is made of a shape-memory material oriented at about 0° to an equatorial plane of the tire. The at least one reinforcing metal strap has a width of no less than about 1 mm. And the at least one reinforcing metal strap has coils disposed side-by-side in a direction substantially perpendicular to a radius of the tire.

Abstract: Techniques are described for assisting disassembly of an article by triggering shape transition of shape memory material within the article. In one form, a de-fastener (16) is triggered to expand to break apart first and second parts (10a, 10b) which may be integrally formed, or fastened together. In another form, shape memory polymer is used as a releasable fastener.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A method of treating a shape memory alloy to improve its various characteristics and to cause it to exhibit a two-way shape memory effect. A raw shape memory alloy having a substantially uniformly fine-grained crystal structure is prepared and then its crystal orientations are arranged substantially in a direction suitable for an expected operational direction, such as tensile or twisting direction or the like, in which the shape memory alloy is expected to move when used in an actuator after the completion of the treatment.

Abstract: The functionally graded alloy having a composition comprising 3-10 weight % of Al, 5-20 weight % of Mn, the balance being substantially Cu and inevitable impurities has a first portion composed essentially of a &bgr;-phase, a second portion composed essentially of an &agr;-phase and a Heusler phase, and a third portion having a crystal structure changing continuously or stepwise from the first portion to the second portion. The functionally graded alloy can be produced by forming a copper-based alloy having the above composition, keeping it at 500° C. or higher and rapidly cooling it, and then subjecting it to an aging treatment by a gradient temperature heater. Such functionally graded alloy can suitably be used for guide wires and catheters.

Abstract: A novel shape memory alloy of Fe—Mn—Si system containing at least Fe, Mn, and Si wherein the alloy contains niobium carbide in the structure and is improved in that a sufficiently satisfactory shape memory effect is provided without carrying out a special treatment termed training.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongated metallic article having a curved section therein which has a first part formed on an outside part of the curved section, and a second part formed on an inside part of the curved section. The first part was initially deformed beyond a region of twin boundary deformation, but was thereafter returned to the region of twin boundary deformation. The second part was left deformed beyond the region of twin boundary deformation. When a compressive load is applied to the thus prepared article, and the first part and the second part are both compressed, the first part can deform more readily than the second part so that the article deforms into a more straight shape as its deformation progresses. Thus, the article may be made resistant to buckling in spite of the presence of the curved section.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: To remarkably improve shape-memory properties without the need for strictly controlling the composition, the present invention provides a Ti—Ni-based shape-memory alloy having a titanium content within a range of from 50 to 55 atomic %, which comprises an amorphous alloy heat-treated at a temperature of from 600 to 800 K, in which subnanometric precipitates generating coherent elastic strains are formed and distributed in the bcc parent phase(B2).

Abstract: A method for post-production precision modification and enhancement of pre-existing shape memory alloy (SMA) forms to precisely alter their chemical composition and properties and produce greater accuracy and versatility. The present process includes carefully controlled electrodeposition or electroless deposition of alloying agents such as Nickel, Copper, or other elements on the surface of the pre-existing SMA form to produce the desired shape memory properties, followed by application of a protective coating, then high temperature heat treatment in combination with gentle physical kneading to speed up the homogenization process (thermal diffusion) and produce rapid diffusion of the plated metal throughout the form. The present method may also use the skin effect of AC current for localized heat treatment of the SMA form and neutron activation tracer analysis for in-line quality control and diagnostics. The process can also be used to impart shape memory properties to non-SMA alloy forms.

Abstract: A metal cord for reinforcing articles made from elastomeric material comprises a plurality of metal wires wound spirally around each other. At least one of the metal wires is formed from a shape memory material, has capacities of recovering a previously memorized shape, and is deformed from the memorized shape. The shape memory wire of the cord has the recovery capacities substantially active in a first heat cycle and degraded to at least a significant predetermined extent after the first heat cycle. One or more such metal cords may be incorporated in pneumatic tires, reinforcing fabric, and other articles, including by means of processes described herein.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450.degree. and about 600.degree. C. and preferably about 475.degree. to about 550.degree. C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A process for conditioning shape memory alloys is disclosed. The process preferably includes force application/release cycling of a shape memory alloy at a temperature above the martensitic-austenitic transformation (A.sub.f) finish temperature of the alloy, but below the maximum temperature at which an austenitic-martensitic transformation will be effected by the force application. The alloy is preferably cold-worked and annealed prior to force application/release cycling. The invention yields greater control over martensitic-austenitic and austenitic-martensitic transformation temperatures and yields reduced hysteresis variability. In certain disclosed embodiments a TiNi or CuAl containing alloy may be cold-worked between about 20% and 45%, and annealed to maintain between about 3% and 8% of the cold working. The alloy may then be heated to between about A.sub.f and 5.degree. C. and A.sub.f 15.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for treating nitinol so that desired mechanical properties are achieved. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of exposing the nitinol to a primary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 475.degree. C. to 525.degree. C. for a first time period, and thereafter exposing the nitinol to a secondary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 550.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. for a second time period. The invention also includes nitinol articles made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A Ni--Ti superelastic alloy demonstrates superelastic properties at normal temperatures from about 0 and 30.degree. C. The superelastic alloy allows shape alteration when the temperature is in excess of 40.degree. C. The Ni--Ti superelastic alloy is produced by plastic working a composition containing essentially Ni and Ti, and subjecting the composition to heat treatment at a temperature between 600 and 800.degree. C. to impart shape memory. When the Ni--Ti superelastic alloy is used in an eyeglass frame, it allows the shape of the pad arms to be adjusted at temperatures above about 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A spiral balloon perfusion catheter assembly having a retaining wire and method of making the balloon. Also, a retaining wire for such a catheter and method of forming the retaining wire. A typical spiral catheter balloon has a spiral configuration of lobes and channels mounted on a catheter extending beyond the balloon ends. A retaining wire formed from a shape memory alloy is configured to have a central region having a spaced spiral configuration conforming to the spiral balloon channel and end regions configured to have a contiguous spiral configuration conforming to the catheter diameter. When placed over a spiral balloon, the central spiral region prevents expansion of the channel when the balloon is inflated, while the end regions secure the retaining wire to the catheter. Preferred shape memory alloys comprise nickel and titanium.

Abstract: A mechanism that uses the shape recovery of a shape memory alloy for sealing openings or high pressure passages. A component made of a shape memory alloy can be processed in its martensitic state to have a reduced dimension smaller than that of the opening or the passage to be sealed. Upon heating, shape recovery takes place which is associated with the reverse crystalline phase transformation of martensite. The shape recovery of the previously processed shape memory alloy component yields a diameter which is greater than that of the opening or passage to be sealed. The shape recovery provides the dimensional interference and force required for sealing.

Abstract: Method for fixing two elements together, in particular links (1) of a metal wristwatch strap, according to which a metal pin (2) made of a moulding memory alloy with large hysteresis--programmed such that it turns from the martensitic structure to the austenitic structure in a first temperature range which is situated above the service temperature of the elements and whereby its thickness increases, and such that it turns back from the austenitic structure to the martensitic structure in a second temperature range which is situated under the above-mentioned service temperature--is clamped in the martensitic structure in at least one either or not blind hole (3) in at least one of the elements to be linked; the pin (2) is subsequently heated to a temperature higher than the first temperature range, such that the thickness of the pin (2) is increased, whereby the clamping force of the pin (2) in the hole (3) becomes very large; and the pin (2) is finally cooled down to service temperature, characterized in that

Abstract: The shape memory effect is displayed by near-equiatomic ruthenium alloys of Ta or Nb with compositions of Ta.sub.x Ru.sub.1-x where x can be as low as 0.38 and preferably x=0.44 to 0.63 and Nb.sub.x Ru.sub.1-x where x can be as low as 0.25 and preferably x=0.45 to 0.59 which exhibit a transition from the high-temperature cubic phase to a tetragonal phase. These alloys are prepared by melting together tantalum and ruthenium, or niobium and ruthenium, in the above mentioned ratios. A further embodiment of this invention is to alloy NiTi alloys with, one of these two ruthenium-based high-temperature alloys (i.e. either Ta--Ru or Nb--Ru) so as to obtain a similar behavior which will result in an increase in the transition temperature relative to unalloyed Ni--Ti.

Abstract: To remarkably improve shape memory properties without the need for strictly controlling the composition, the present invention provides a Ti--Ni-based shape-memory alloy having a titanium content within a range of from 50 to 66 atomic %, which comprises an amorphous alloy heat-treated at a temperature of from 600 to 800 K., in which sub-nanometeric precipitates generating coherent elastic strains are formed and distributed in the bcc parent phase(B2).

Abstract: A Ni--Ti superelastic alloy demonstrates superelastic properties at normal temperatures from about 0 and 30.degree. C. The superelastic alloy allows shape alteration when the temperature is in excess of 40.degree. C. The Ni--Ti superelastic alloy is produced by plastic working a composition containing essentially Ni and Ti, and subjecting the composition to heat treatment at a temperature between 600 and 800.degree. C. to impart shape memory. When the Ni--Ti superelastic alloy is used in an eyeglass frame, it allows the shape of the pad arms to be adjusted at temperatures above about 40.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Ni--Ti--Pd superelastic alloy material of a composition consisting of, by atomic percent, 34 to 49% nickel, 48 to 52% titanium and 3 to 14% palladium. Optionally, in a part of nickel and/or titanium of this alloy is replaced with one or more elements selected from a group of Cr, Fe, Co, V, Mn, B, Cu, Al, Nb, W and Zr such that these elements to be replaced amount to 2% or less in total (by atomic percent), wherein a stress hysteresis between the loading and unloading stresses in the stress-strain curve at temperatures between Af and Af+5.degree. is as small as 50 to 150 MPa. Since the Ni--Ti--Pd superelastic alloy material having the above composition is excellent in hot workability, it can be hot-worked into a wire having a diameter up to the range from 1 to 5 mm and manufactured at a low cost. Then, a final heat-treatment is given to the hot-worked material at a temperature in the range from 300 to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: An elongated flexible housing for an atherectomy or other intracorporeal catheter which is formed of a shape memory alloy such as an alloy formed predominantly of NiTi intermetallic compound. The housing preferably has an inner chamber with a tissue cutter or other diagnostic or therapeutic system provided within the chamber to sever stenotic material which is urged into the chamber through a opening or window in the housing. In one embodiment the housing has at least one section which is relatively flexible with adjacent sections which are relatively stiff to provide an increase in the overall flexibility of the housing.

Abstract: A shaft is shown having inner and outer members in interfering contact along their length, at least one of which comprises a wire, at least a portion of which is superelastic, to achieve substantial mechanical fidelity and resistance to damage. An ultrasound imaging catheter has a hollow catheter shaft, an ultrasound transducer in the shaft, and a drive shaft that rotates the transducer. The shaft comprises at least one metal coil having characteristic elastic deformation under stress in the range of about 3% to 9%, while a restraint means prevents torsional deflection of the coil. A drive shaft having a coil surrounded by a tube, a coil bonded to an inner coaxial cable, and an inner and outer coil that interfere with one another are shown. A superelastic coil is formed by continuously winding a wire about a mandrel, heating a region of the wire to render it superelastic, and after cooling, removing it from the mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Ni--Ti--Pd superelastic alloy material of a composition consisting of, by atomic percent, 34 to 49% nickel, 48 to 52% titanium and 3 to 14% palladium. Optionally, a part of nickel and/or titanium of this alloy is replaced with one or more elements selected from a group of Cr, Fe, Co, V, Mn, B, Cu, Al, Nb, W and Zr such that these elements to be replaced amount to 2% or less in total (by atomic percent), wherein a stress hysteresis between the loading and unloading stresses in the stress-strain curve at temperatures between Af and Af+5.degree. is as small as 50 to 150 MPa. Since the Ni--Ti--Pd superelastic alloy material having the above composition is excellent in hot workability, it can be hot-worked into a wire having a diameter up to the range from 1 to 5 mm and manufactured at a low cost. Then, a final heat-treatment is given to the hot-worked material at a temperature in the range from 300.degree. to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of a two-way shape memory alloy and device. The process of the invention allows a reversible adjustment of the characteristic transformation temperatures, as well as the direction of the two-way shape memory effect, at the final stage of manufacture.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a shape memory alloy involves shot peening of the alloy sample, thereby causing a crystal to amorphous transition of a surface layer of the sample without substantially affecting bulk characteristics of the material, particularly its shape memory behavior and biocompatibility. The method may be used for surface hardening and to reduce coefficients of friction. The method may be advantageously used for treating tissue sutures and orthodontic devices such as dental archwires.

Abstract: A method of treating a component formed from a Ni--Ti based shape memory alloy, so that the component exhibits superelasticity, comprises cold working the component, annealing the alloy while the component is restrained in the configuration resulting from the cold working step, and exposing the component to a temperature that is less than the solvus temperature of the alloy and greater than the temperature to which it is exposed in the annealing step to cause the A.sub.f temperature to be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention for producing a substantial two-way shape memory effect within a composition substantially only exhibiting one-way memory is realized by first plastically deforming the alloy into a predetermined shape and then work hardening, such as through grit blasting, a selected portion of the outer surface of the alloy. Advantageously, this later type of work hardening selectively transforms only the outer portion of the alloy into a region of "super-elasticity" which acts as a biasing force to re-strain the alloy upon cooling. As such, two-way shape memory elements--which recover their original shape upon heating, yet deform into a second desired shape upon cooling--may be made to produce actuators exhibiting strain amplitudes of as much as 3% while exerting a force in excess of about 10,000 psi.

Abstract: Belleville spring pressure plate of increased height for use in a high performance clutch assembly exerts a greater force than the original height plate, is usable without modification of the original clutch and is longer lasting in service after being thermally conditioned to a martensitic state to lose the memory of its original, lower height and stress tempered before being set in a new, increased height shape.

Abstract: A catheter guide wire is provided for guiding a catheter into a body cavity such as a blood vessel. The base material constituting the wire is made of an elastic alloy wire and subjected to a heat treatment such that its flexibility is sequentially increased from its proximal to distal end portions. A thermoplastic resin or/and a coil spring can be applied to at least the distal end portion of the wire base material. A method of manufacturing the catheter guide wire is also provided. The method is characterized in that the leading end side of the base material is divided into a plurality of areas and subjected to a heat treatment by changing the heat treatment temperature and the time conditions in units of the areas so that the flexibility of the base material is sequentially increased from the proximal to distal end portions of the leading end side.