Medical instruments and devices and parts thereof using shape memory alloys
US6375458B1 · kind B1 · utility
104Cited by
6References
24Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/09141
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Fabrication of metal medical instruments and devices from a shape memory alloy which provides greater flexibility in design and avoids the need for substantial cold working of the alloy which is required in other methods. The new process provides a ductile alloy for ease of forming and a unique heat treatment which renders the fabricated orthodontic and medical components highly elastic, with a high resistance to kinking and with good corrosion resistance. In addition, this new process produces orthodontic and medical components useful over the temperature range of from −20 to +40 degrees C.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.