The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 19, 1988
Filed:
Oct. 14, 1986
Darel E Hodgson, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Robert B Zider, Portola Valley, CA (US);
CVI/Beta Ventures, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (US);
Abstract
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.