Prosthesis with shape memory locking element
US5507826A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M5/46
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is a prosthesis (10) for replacing a body part which includes a first element (16) adapted to receive at least a portion of a second element (18) in an operative manner. The present prosthesis (10) also includes a variable locking ring (20) made of a shape memory material having a transformation temperature range ("TTR"). The locking ring (20) is used to allow insertion of the second element (18) into the first (16) at least at temperatures below the TTR and to lock the elements (16, 18) together at least at temperatures above the TTR. With it at a temperature below its TTR, the locking ring (20) is positioned between the two elements (16, 18). With it so positioned, the locking ring (20) is adapted to interlock the elements (16, 18) together at temperatures above its TTR by at least attempting to change its shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.