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:
Sep. 06, 2005
Filed:
Apr. 19, 2002
Steven L. Waldhauser, Circle Pines, MN (US);
Timothy G. Laske, Shoreview, MN (US);
James F. Kelley, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Kenneth C. Gardeski, Plymouth, MN (US);
Gregory P. Shipe, Plymouth, MN (US);
Steven L. Waldhauser, Circle Pines, MN (US);
Timothy G. Laske, Shoreview, MN (US);
James F. Kelley, Coon Rapids, MN (US);
Kenneth C. Gardeski, Plymouth, MN (US);
Gregory P. Shipe, Plymouth, MN (US);
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
Curves and dynamic shapes are imparted in distal segments of medical instruments e.g., catheters, through use of a temperature-activated actuator coupled to distal segment of the instrument body. The actuator comprises includes members extending side-by-side in substantially a common plane and configured to move in opposite directions when independently activated. A first heating device is coupled to a first actuator member and configured to deliver thermal energy to the first actuator member to activate the first actuator member and cause the first actuator member to move the distal segment in a first direction. A second heating device is coupled to a second actuator member and configured to deliver thermal energy to the second actuator member to activate the second actuator member and cause the second actuator member to move the distal segment in a second direction opposed to the first direction.