Variable shape guide apparatus
US4944727A · kind A · utility
118Cited by
27References
29Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H37/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A maneuverable distal apparatus includes a temperature-activated memory element moving in a first direction to assume a predetermined shape when heated to a predetermined temperature and control means for selectively heating the memory element so that the memory element is moved in the first direction. A spring is provided 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.