Cannula TCP actuator
US12378949B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2023 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/008
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Technology disclosed herein provides a cannula TCP actuator comprising an annealed microtube assembly including a polymer microtube having inserted therein a resistive heating wire such that the resistive heating wire extends through the length of the polymer microtube, wherein the microtube assembly is arranged in a twisted and coiled tube. The cannula TCP actuator is fabricated by inserting a resistive heating wire into the polymer microtube, forming a microtube assembly by applying a longitudinal force to a first end of the polymer microtube in a direction parallel to a center axis of the polymer microtube and in an opposite direction relative to a second end of the polymer microtube, and applying a rotational force to the second end of the polymer microtube during application of the longitudinal force to cause the polymer microtube to twist and coil about the center axis, and annealing the microtube assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.