Surgical devices that are made from a shape memory alloy (SMA) that is then processed via a multiple memory material process to impart at least altered property via at least one processed region. In use, when a predetermined temperature is applied to the surgical device, the at least one processed regions responds to the predetermined temperature and provides a predetermined functionality.
A heat engine including at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) core that, when exposed to at least two different temperatures contracts and expands to generate mechanical motion which can then be transmitted to a generator.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
3.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HAPTICS USING SHAPE MEMORY MATERIAL
A haptic device that includes SMA components that drive the actuating mechanisms of the haptic device, such as haptic arms. When a current is passed through the SMA components, due to the multiple local transformation temperatures, different sections of the SMA components have different reactions to the current in order to drive the actuating mechanisms.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
4.
SURGICAL DEVICES USING MULTIPLE MEMORY SHAPE MEMORY MATERIALS
Surgical devices that are made from a shape memory alloy (SMA) that is then processed via a multiple memory material process to impart at least altered property via at least one processed region. In use, when a predetermined temperature is applied to the surgical device, the at least one processed regions responds to the predetermined temperature and provides a predetermined functionality.
Surgical devices that are made from a shape memory alloy (SMA) that is then processed via a multiple memory material process to impart at least altered property via at least one processed region. In use, when a predetermined temperature is applied to the surgical device, the at least one processed regions responds to the predetermined temperature and provides a predetermined functionality.
A heat engine including at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) core that, when exposed to at least two different temperatures contracts and expands to generate mechanical motion which can then be transmitted to a generator.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
A heat engine including at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) core that, when exposed to at least two different temperatures contracts and expands to generate mechanical motion which can then be transmitted to a generator.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
8.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HAPTICS USING SHAPE MEMORY MATERIAL
A haptic device that includes SMA components that drive the actuating mechanisms of the haptic device, such as haptic arms. When a current is passed through the SMA components, due to the multiple local transformation temperatures, different sections of the SMA components have different reactions to the current in order to drive the actuating mechanisms.
A haptic device that includes SMA components that drive the actuating mechanisms of the haptic device, such as haptic arms. When a current is passed through the SMA components, due to the multiple local transformation temperatures, different sections of the SMA components have different reactions to the current in order to drive the actuating mechanisms.
A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
G05D 15/01 - Control of mechanical force or stressControl of mechanical pressure characterised by the use of electric means
G01L 5/103 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means using sensors fixed at one end of the flexible member
A shape memory actuator including: a nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy; and a ternary element provided to the nickel-titanium alloy such that the content of the ternary element in the alloy is selected and processed based on a predetermined operating temperature for the actuator. The ternary element may be selected from at least one of lead (Pd), Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), Hafnium (Hf) and Zirconium (Zr). A method of making a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, the method including: preparing an SMA material; cutting the SMA material into the shape for the actuator; and processing a predetermined portion of the actuator via laser processing such that at least some material properties of the SMA material are altered to provide an altered transformation temperature. In some cases, the processing may be configured to adjust the relative amount of at least a ternary element in the predetermined portion.
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
It has been unexpectedly discovered that the addition of a natural or other pozzolan to non-spec fly ash significantly improves the properties of the non-spec fly ash to the extent it can be certified under ASTM C618 and AASHTO 295, as either a Class F or Class C fly ash. The natural pozzolan may be a volcanic ejecta, such as pumice or perlite. Other pozzolans may also be used for this beneficiation process. Many pozzolans are experimentally tested and may be used to beneficiate non-spec fly ash into certifiable Class F fly ash. Additionally, this disclosure provides a method of converting a Class C fly ash to a more valuable Class F fly ash. This discovery will extend diminishing Class F fly ash supplies and turn non-spec fly ash waste streams into valuable, certified fly ash pozzolan which will protect and enhance concrete, mortars and grouts.
C22C 19/03 - Alloys based on nickel or cobalt based on nickel
F03G 1/02 - Spring motors characterised by shape or material of spring, e.g. helical, spiral, coil
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
H01R 4/01 - Connections using shape memory materials, e.g. shape memory metal
H01R 4/18 - Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one anotherMeans for effecting or maintaining such contactElectrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping
H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhereAlleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
13.
SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY VALVE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATION THEREOF
A shape memory alloy (SMA) valve including an SMA activator component having a shape memory effect to open or close the valve. The SMA valve may be formed from a monolithic sheet of SMA or a wire of SMA. The SMA valve may operate via choking, torsion or lateral movement in one or more dimensions. The SMA valve may include a stage or ball seal and the SMA actuator component may be provided to the stage or ball seal and configured to move the stage or ball seal to seal or open a flow of gas or liquid when the shape memory effect is activated. The SMA valve may include heat sinks to help adjust the temperature of the activator components and/or may include a biasing component to bias the valve in a particular direction.
F16K 3/02 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with flat sealing facesPackings therefor
14.
SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY VALVE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATION THEREOF
A shape memory alloy (SMA) valve including an SMA activator component having a shape memory effect to open or close the valve. The SMA valve may be formed from a monolithic sheet of SMA or a wire of SMA. The SMA valve may operate via choking, torsion or lateral movement in one or more dimensions. The SMA valve may include a stage or ball seal and the SMA actuator component may be provided to the stage or ball seal and configured to move the stage or ball seal to seal or open a flow of gas or liquid when the shape memory effect is activated. The SMA valve may include heat sinks to help adjust the temperature of the activator components and/or may include a biasing component to bias the valve in a particular direction.
A shape memory alloy (SMA) valve including an SMA activator component having a shape memory effect to open or close the valve. The SMA valve may be formed from a monolithic sheet of SMA or a wire of SMA. The SMA valve may operate via choking, torsion or lateral movement in one or more dimensions. The SMA valve may include a stage or ball seal and the SMA actuator component may be provided to the stage or ball seal and configured to move the stage or ball seal to seal or open a flow of gas or liquid when the shape memory effect is activated. The SMA valve may include heat sinks to help adjust the temperature of the activator components and/or may include a biasing component to bias the valve in a particular direction.
A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.
F03G 7/05 - Ocean thermal energy conversion, i.e. OTEC
F03G 7/06 - Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying, or the like
G05D 15/01 - Control of mechanical force or stressControl of mechanical pressure characterised by the use of electric means
G01L 5/103 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means using sensors fixed at one end of the flexible member
A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.
C22F 1/00 - Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working
C22F 1/10 - Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of nickel or cobalt or alloys based thereon
B23K 26/062 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing by direct control of the laser beam
B23K 26/0622 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing by direct control of the laser beam by shaping pulses
B23K 26/50 - Working by transmitting the laser beam through or within the workpiece
B23K 26/53 - Working by transmitting the laser beam through or within the workpiece for modifying or reforming the material inside the workpiece, e.g. for producing break initiation cracks
A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.
A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.
A method and system for optimizing stiffness of an orthodontic archwire for a tooth malocclusion of a patient with a computer system, the method including: constructing a model of a patient's teeth in the computer system; inputting material properties of the archwire to the computer system; and determining an adjusted stiffness of a first section of the orthodontic archwire, the first section associated with the tooth malocclusion of the patient. In some cases, the adjusted stiffness may be determined based on different variables associated with the patient's teeth, which may include at least one of interbracket distance, malocclusion magnitude, bracket slot size, wire size, teeth size or extent of stiffness modification of the archwire.
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
21.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ORTHODONTIC ARCHWIRES FOR MALOCCLUSIONS
A method and system for optimizing stiffness of an orthodontic archwire for a tooth malocclusion of a patient with a computer system, the method including: constructing a model of a patient's teeth in the computer system; inputting material properties of the archwire to the computer system; and determining an adjusted stiffness of a first section of the orthodontic archwire, the first section associated with the tooth malocclusion of the patient. In some cases, the adjusted stiffness may be determined based on different variables associated with the patient's teeth, which may include at least one of interbracket distance, malocclusion magnitude, bracket slot size, wire size, teeth size or extent of stiffness modification of the archwire.
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.
B23K 26/402 - Removing material taking account of the properties of the material involved involving non-metallic material, e.g. isolators
C22F 1/10 - Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working of nickel or cobalt or alloys based thereon
B29C 35/02 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising
B29C 35/08 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising by wave energy or particle radiation
B23K 103/00 - Materials to be soldered, welded or cut
23.
MULTIPLE MEMORY MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPLICATIONS THEREFOR
An apparatus for fabrication of a multiple memory material including: a feeding assembly for feeding shape memory material; a processing station aligned with the feeding assembly to receive the shape memory material; at least one energy source to provide energy to the shape memory material; a shielding gas provider to provide shielding gas; and a controller to control the feeding assembly, the shielding gas provider and the energy source to form the multiple memory material. A method for fabricating a multiple memory material including: determining process parameters for the shape memory material; receiving shape memory material at a feeding assembly; feeding the shape memory material to a processing station; providing shielding gas to the processing station; and providing energy to the shape memory material, via at least one energy source, based on the process parameters.
An apparatus for fabrication of a multiple memory material including: a feeding assembly for feeding shape memory material; a processing station aligned with the feeding assembly to receive the shape memory material to be processed; at least one energy source aligned with an energy source aperture to provide energy to the shape memory material; a shielding gas provider attached to a shielding gas engagement portion to provide shielding gas; and a controller configured to control the feeding assembly, the shielding gas provider and the energy source according to predetermined parameters to form the multiple memory material. A method for fabricating a multiple memory material including: determining process parameters for the shape memory material, via a controller; receiving shape memory material at a feeding assembly; feeding the shape memory material, via the feed assembly, to a processing station; providing shielding gas to the processing station, via a shielding gas provider; and providing energy to the shape memory material, via at least one energy source, based on the process parameters to produce the multiple memory material.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Metal alloys with shape memory; titanium alloys for further manufacturing by others; common metal alloys, in wire and strip form, for high strength, flexibility and corrosion resistant applications; dental apparatus, namely, orthodontic appliances and parts therefor. (1) Heat treatment of metals; metal tempering; custom manufacture of orthodontic appliances; dental laboratory services; custom metallurgical services for production shape memory alloy components; specialized machining of metal alloy components; shape setting and heat treatment of metal alloys; metallurgical and engineering research and new product development; metallurgical analysis and testing; engineering research in the fields of dentistry, orthodontic appliances.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Metal alloys with shape memory; specialty metals and metal alloys for further manufacturing by others; metal alloys, in wire and strip form; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; nickel and its alloys; aluminum and its alloys; titanium and its alloys; copper and its alloys; dental apparatus, namely, orthodontic appliances; medical devices, namely, flexible stents, guide-wires, articulators (1) Heat treatment of metals; metal tempering; treatment of surfaces of metal materials; custom metallurgical services for production of shape memory alloy components; specialized machining of metal alloy components; shape setting and heat treatment of metal alloys; custom manufacture of orthodontic appliances; dental laboratory services; medical laboratory services; custom manufacture in the field of medical devices, namely, medical stents, medical clamps, medical guide wires, intravascular implants; custom manufacture in the field of automotive actuators, aerospace actuators, sporting goods, industrial devices, namely, valves, diaphragms, actuators for industrial machinery, springs; metallurgical and engineering research and new product development; metallurgical analysis and testing; engineering research in the fields of medicine, medical instruments, dentistry, orthodontic appliances, automotive actuators, aerospace actuators, sporting goods
27.
Methods and systems for processing materials, including shape memory materials
A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.
A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.
A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.
B01J 19/12 - Processes employing the direct application of electric or wave energy, or particle radiationApparatus therefor employing electromagnetic waves
B29C 71/04 - After-treatment of articles without altering their shapeApparatus therefor by wave energy or particle radiation
C21D 9/00 - Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articlesFurnaces therefor
C22F 1/00 - Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working
