Other

Beta Phase, Inc.

Cvi/beta Ventures, Inc.

Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated

Inventor

E*sorb Systems

Alchemia Ltd. Partnership

Darel E Hodgson

John F Krumme

Aaron V Kaplan

Jordan T Bajor

Robert B Zider

Nubar S Manoukian

Osman T Inal

Robert C Krumme

Charles A Zimmerly

Roger H Richman

Apparatus for absorbing shock, particularly repetitive shocks, comprises a frame and a shock-absorbing component comprising a shape memory alloy (SMA). In one type of apparatus, one or more SMA rings () are mounted on brackets () on a frame () so that shock received by the frame from one direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a first direction, and shock received by the frame from the opposite direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a second direction which is at right angles to the first direction. In other types of apparatus, SMA shock-absorbing components () are mounted in a frame () so that the way in which the shock-absorbing component is deformed is independent of the direction of the shock received by the frame. The shock-absorbing components preferably include a superelastic SMA, optionally in combination with a martensitic SMA. The apparatus is useful for a wide variety of purposes, including the protection from shock of medical devices, electronic assemblies, vehicles, bridges and buildings.

Apparatus for absorbing shocks

Implantable systems for controlling flow through body lumens comprise a control module and an actuator. The actuator is implanted at least partially over the body lumen to selectively constrict the lumen and control flow therethrough. The control module includes at least a power source for operating the actuator and a remotely operated switch for controlling the power source. Usually, the control module will have programmable circuitry for adjusting on/off time, degree of closure, and the like. The switch of the control module is remotely actuated by a magnetic or other signal. The control circuitry may be remotely programmed using a hand-held programmer.

Apparatus and methods for control of body lumens

A damping apparatus and method uses one or more tension elements fabricated from shape memory alloy to cycle through a superelastic stress-strain hysteresis to provide energy dissipation. The method and apparatus can be used for damping of any structures, such as machine parts, building structures, offshore platforms, and nanostructures that are subject to any type of vibration, such as acoustic, seismic, blast, impact, wave and wind. The tension elements can be wire loops or bands that are prestretched into approximately the middle of the stress-strain hysteresis. Such a damping apparatus can be designed to have any selected stroke or force capacity by adjusting the length, thickness and number of the tension elements. Moreover, any type of complex force-deflection hysteresis can be designed, for example, a triangular flag, a rectangle, a rectangular flag, a bowtie, or a staging characteristic that provides for hardening or softening.

Hysteretic damping apparati and methods

The method comprises explosively bonding a NiTi alloy to a steel workpiece formed in the shape of at least a portion of a desired hydraulic device. The nickel content of the NiTi alloy is sufficient to place the alloy substantially completely in the .beta. phase at or about room temperature. This nickel content is typically between about 55 weight percent to about 56 weight percent. The NiTi alloy is provided in the form of a strip having a thickness of from about 0.01 inch (0.25 mm) to about 1.0 inch (25 mm). After annealing, the NiTi alloy again is heated, to increase the ductility of the NiTi alloy. The NiTi alloy typically is maintained at this temperature and explosively bonded to the workpiece to cover at least a portion of the surface area with the NiTi alloy. The present invention also includes NiTi-metal composites made according to the process of the present invention. These NiTi-metal composites are superior for resisting cavitation erosion and LDE when compared to conventional materials.

Process for making machines resistant to cavitation and liquid droplet

Apparatus for setting and resetting a portion of a shape-memory alloy part, the apparatus including an enclosing chamber having openings for the portion, a body of solid particles in the chamber, a pressure member connected to the chamber to immobilize the particles and the portion and a mechanism for heating the portion to a resetting temperature while immobilized, is disclosed.

Shape-memory alloy resetting apparatus

The shape or configuration of an article made of shape-memory alloys, such as an eyeglass temple piece, or a hand held tool, is adjusted or readjusted to suit the wearer or user. While the shape-memory alloy of the article is in its martensitic state, the article may be readily deformed from its standard shape due to the alloy's low strength and malleability. The article is then confined or restrained in the customized shape so that upon heating the alloy does not return to its original austenitic or memory condition. Adequate heat is then supplied to the article to reform the austenitic state of the alloy in the desired customized shape. Preferably, the electrical resistance of the alloy is used to attain such internal heating to the resetting temperature of the article by current flow through the alloy.

Shape-memory alloy resetting method

An integrated circuit package having a substrate of ceramic material having a cavity therein, a resilient seal rim connected to the substrate, a lid that may be inserted within said rim and a band of shape-memory alloy surrounding the rim to compress the rim into contact with the lid to seal the package.

Integrated circuit package and seal therefor

A unitary disposable conduit extends from the intravenous reservoir along a gravity-flow path to the patient, and incorporates a valve block containing an externally controlled flow-control valve. An electronic controller monitors the drop rate in a drop chamber which is an integral part of the disposable conduit, compares this rate with an operator-selected rate, and controls the valve by varying the current in a shape-memory actuator element whose movements, caused by the resultant Joule heating, are coupled to the valve to proportionally vary the flow rate in the conduit. The valve block is securely received within a recess in the controller, and is automatically coupled to the controller when inserted within this recess. The shape-memory actuator element may be incorporated within the disposable valve block, or may form a part of the controller, with a simple mechanical coupling to transmit its movements to the valve. The valve may be automatically or manually closed when the valve block is removed from the controller, or if power failure occurs.

Fluid delivery apparatus with shape-memory flow control element

An artificial sphincter includes an implantable clamp which selectively pinches closed or opens a vessel in a living body. The clamp includes a spring member and a shape memory member that has a memory configuration. Either the vessel opening operation or vessel closing operation is effected by deforming the shape memory member from the memory configuration thereof, the other operation being effected by heat recovering the shape memory member to the memory configuration thereof. The shape memory member is heated by means of an AC source external to the body, the source inducing a heat-generating current, via a coil, in the shape memory member or in a resistive heater element which transfers heat to the shape memory element. The coil is preferably positioned near the surface of the body and is connected with leads to the shape memory member or resistive heater element which may be at a distance form the body surface. The clamp further includes a spongy inner layer which cushions the vessel and distributes the forces thereagainst.

Artificial sphincter including a shape memory member

A stapling device utilizes heat recoverable material (the driver) having shape memory to drive staples through materials to be joined and in one embodiment, against an anvil for crimping the ends of the staples. The heat recoverable material, preferably a metal such as Nitinol, may have heat applied by a heater mounted on at least one surface thereof or by induction or other method of heating. If a heater is mounted on a surface of the driver, upon insertion of the driver into the staple device, the heater makes electrical connection with terminals for connection to a supply circuit. In a specific embodiment staples may be provided, fabricated from heat recoveralbe metal so that each staple may carry its own heat recoverable, staple driving element. The staple tines may have a heat recoverable shape with the ends of the tines directed toward one another so that staple closure occures as heat migrates from the staple driving region to the tines thereof. Alternatively, the heat recoverable staple may complete a circuit through the staple upon contact with the anvil, thus heating the staple. Alternatively, the staples may have a heat recovered state with the ends parallel to one another so that the application of heat will open the staples and permit ready removal.

Growing community of inventors

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Darel E Hodgson