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Variable shape guide apparatus

  • US 5,055,101 A
  • Filed: 12/08/1989
  • Issued: 10/08/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1983
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A variable shape guide apparatus comprisinga temperature-activated memory element moving in a first direction to assume a predetermined shape when heated to a predetermined temperature,spring means housing the memory element for yieldably urging the memory element in a second direction away from the first direction upon cooling of the memory element to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature so that the memory element is moved to assume a shape other than the predetermined shape, the spring means having an original shape alterable by movement of the memory element in its first direction toward its predetermined shape,insulation means for preventing electrically conductive contact between the memory element and the spring means, andcontrol means for selectively heating the memory element so that the memory element is moved in the first direction against the urging of the spring means to permit an operator to alter the shape of the spring means automatically by heating the memory element, whereby the spring means is allowed to resume its original shape upon cooling of the memory element housed in the spring means.

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