Device or apparatus for manipulating matter

US5632746A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Lee M. Middleman · Portola Valley, US
• Walter R. Pyka · Redwood City, US
• Michael Buhler · Madeira Beach, US
• Philippe Poncet · Sandy Hook, US
• Karl Van Dyk · Fremont, US
• James E. Jervis · Atherton, US
• Reza Zadno · Fremont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 1992
• Grant date: May 27, 1997
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2210/0019
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides a device or apparatus for manipulating matter in a confined or inaccessible space, comprising manipulator means at least partly constructed of one or more bent or twisted elongate shape memory alloy members having pseudoelasticity at the intended manipulation temperature, and a hollow housing (preferably of elongate tubular form) or cannula capable of holding at least the shape memory alloy member(s) in a relatively straightened state, and actuating means for extending the shape memory alloy member(s) from the housing to manipulate matter within the said space and for withdrawing the shape memory alloy member(s) into the housing, the arrangement being such that the shape-memory alloy member(s) bend(s) or twist(s) pseudoelastically in a lateral or helical sense to manipulate the matter on extending from the housing at the said manipulation temperature, and become(s) relatively straightened on withdrawal into the housing at the said temperature.