Annular tube-like driver
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of forming a composite tube structure which comprises:
- providing an annular tube having an inside tube surface;
inserting a tube insert having an inside diameter and an external surface for engagement with the inside tube surface within said tube;
providing an annular driver made of a shape-memory alloy having a martensitic state and an austenitic state having a configuration in its martensitic state to exert outward pressure on said tube insert and in its austenitic state being capable of increasing the pressure between the tube insert and the inside tube surface;
exerting outward pressure on said tube insert by inserting said driver into said insert in its martensitic state while simultaneously deforming said driver; and
recovering said driver to its non-deformed condition, increasing the pressure between the inside tube surface and external insert surface by transforming said driver to the austenitic state.
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Abstract
Annular tube-like driver for insertion into a tube insert which in turn is inserted into a tube. The driver is made of a shape-memory alloy which is capable of placing the tube insert in firm engagement with the inside of the tube.
43 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of forming a composite tube structure which comprises:
- providing an annular tube having an inside tube surface;
inserting a tube insert having an inside diameter and an external surface for engagement with the inside tube surface within said tube;
providing an annular driver made of a shape-memory alloy having a martensitic state and an austenitic state having a configuration in its martensitic state to exert outward pressure on said tube insert and in its austenitic state being capable of increasing the pressure between the tube insert and the inside tube surface;
exerting outward pressure on said tube insert by inserting said driver into said insert in its martensitic state while simultaneously deforming said driver; and
recovering said driver to its non-deformed condition, increasing the pressure between the inside tube surface and external insert surface by transforming said driver to the austenitic state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- providing an annular tube having an inside tube surface;
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7. A method of forming a composite tube structure which comprises:
- providing an annular tube having an inside tube surface;
inserting an annular tube insert having an internal surface and an external surface for engagement with the inside tube surface within said tube;
inserting a soft material insert within said annular tube insert so as to engage the internal surface of said annular tube insert;
providing an annular driver made of a shape-memory alloy having a configuration in its martensitic state to exert outward pressure on said annular tube insert through said soft material insert and in its austenitic state being capable of increasing the pressure between the annular tube insert and the inside tube surface;
exerting outward pressure on said annular tube insert by inserting said driver into said soft material insert in its martensitic state while simultaneously deforming said driver; and
recovering said driver to its non-deformed condition, increasing the pressure between the inside tube surface and external annular tube insert surface by transforming said driver to the austenitic state.
- providing an annular tube having an inside tube surface;
Specification