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. 21, 2009
Filed:
Nov. 16, 2006
Yijun Zhang, Albany, CA (US);
Yang T. Cheng, Troy, MI (US);
David S. Grummon, E. Lansing, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method for forming a two-way shape memory surface includes thermomechanically training a shape memory alloy under substantially constant indentation strain. Thermomechanical training includes removeably securing an indenter to a surface of the shape memory alloy in its martensite phase, so that an indent is formed in the surface. The shape memory alloy is then heated to its austenite phase while the indenter is secured thereto. The shape memory alloy is then quenched to its martensite phase while the indenter is secured thereto. After thermomechanical training, the shape memory alloy surface exhibits a first indent depth when in its martensite phase, and a second, different indent depth when in its austenite phase. Also disclosed herein is a method for forming one-way and two-way reversible surface protrusions on shape memory alloys.