Spring-biased tip assembly
US5114402A · kind A · utility
137Cited by
44References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 19, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08L2201/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.