Selectively activated shape memory device
First Claim
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1. A shape memory device, comprising:
- a tubular actuator formed from a shape memory alloy mesh and configured so that at least a portion of the actuator may be selectively activated; and
a heating device coupled to the actuator and configured to provide heat to a selected section of the actuator to activate at least a portion of the selected section.
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Abstract
A shape memory device includes a shape memory alloy member configured to have at least a portion of the shape memory alloy member be selectively activated. A heating device is coupled to the member and configured to provide heat to a selected section of the member and activate at least a portion of the selected section.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. A shape memory device, comprising:
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a tubular actuator formed from a shape memory alloy mesh and configured so that at least a portion of the actuator may be selectively activated; and
a heating device coupled to the actuator and configured to provide heat to a selected section of the actuator to activate at least a portion of the selected section. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A shape memory device, comprising:
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an actuator formed from a perforated shape memory alloy constructed in a tubular configuration, and which is capable of being selectively activated; and
a heating device to provide heat to a selected section of the actuator to activate at least a portion of the selected section. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. An elongated tubular device including a device body extending between a device body distal end and a device body proximal end, the device body further comprising:
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a shape memory alloy mesh formed into a tube and extending between the device body proximal and distal ends;
a plurality of independently controllable heating elements distributed over the device body, each of the independently controllable heating elements providing heat to an adjoining selected section of the shape memory alloy mesh and providing activation of only the selected section of the shape memory alloy mesh; and
means for energizing selected ones of the plurality of independently controllable heating elements to emit heat and induce a change in shape of the device body through activation of the adjoining selected section of the shape memory alloy mesh. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. An elongated tubular device including a device body extending between a device body distal end and a device body proximal end, the device body further comprising:
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a shape memory alloy mesh formed into a tube and extending between the device body proximal and distal ends;
an insulating film positioned on a surface of the shape memory alloy mesh and electrically isolating the shape memory alloy mesh from passage of current through the shape memory alloy mesh; and
a plurality of independently controllable heating elements distributed over the insulating film, each of the independently controllable heating elements providing heat to an adjacent selected section of the shape memory alloy mesh through the insulating film and providing activation of only the selected section of the shape memory alloy mesh. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification