Spatially distributed SMA actuator film providing unrestricted m

Details Spatially distributed SMA actuator film providing unrestricted m Spatially distributed SMA actuator film providing unrestricted m

1993-02-24

1995-04-11

Yasko, John D.

Surgery

Means for introducing or removing material from body for...

Treating material introduced into or removed from body...

604 95, A61M 3700

Patent

active

054053374

ABSTRACT:
A flexible VLSI film containing shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator elements and associated control and driver circuitry is wrapped around any bendable element such as a flexible, hollow tube, catheter tube or the like. The SMA actuator elements are thus spatially distributed around the circumference of the bendable element. The SMA actuator elements are selectively resistively heated with an electric current through associated decode and driver circuitry, thereby causing a portion of the film to contract. The radical distribution of the SMA actuator elements across the surface of the VLSI actuator film is such that when properly activated, a device sheathed with the VLSI film is capable of executing highly dexterous maneuvers in three-dimensional space, which was not heretofore possible. The actuator elements are self-guided in that control circuitry, decode circuitry and associated microprocessors, including position mapping means are fabricated in VLSI integrally with the SMA actuator elements. Alternatively, a microprocessor controller may be located at a remote location while communicating with associated driver circuitry on the actuator film.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4753223 (1988-06-01), Bremer
patent: 5078684 (1992-01-01), Yasuda
patent: 5229211 (1993-07-01), Murayama et al.
patent: 5279559 (1994-01-01), Barr
Kuribayashi, Katsutoshi "Reversible SMA Actuator for Micron Sized Robot", Osaka Prefectural Industrial Research Institute, 1990.
Busch et al., "Prototype Micro-Valve Actuator", TiNi Alloy Company, 1990.
Ikuta et al., "Crystallographic Analysis of TiNi Shape Memory Alloy Thin Film for Micro Actuator", 1990.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Spatially distributed SMA actuator film providing unrestricted m does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Spatially distributed SMA actuator film providing unrestricted m, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spatially distributed SMA actuator film providing unrestricted m will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1535259