Shape memory material and method of making the same
US7306683B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a shape memory and/or super-elastic material, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a super-elastic or pseudo-elastic material that has an initial transition temperature Af above a body temperature. The shape memory material can have a super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity property at a temperature below the initial transition temperature Af of the material. For example, the shape memory material can have its workable temperature for producing super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity of about 0° C. to 15° C. below the initial transition temperature Af. The shape memory material can be malleable at a room temperature, and become super-elastic or pseudo-elastic at a body temperature. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of making a shape memory or a super-elastic material. The treatment protocols can include but not limited to thermo-mechanical, thermo-mechanical, radiation, and ternary alloying treatments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.