Self-actuating device for centralizing an object

A method for centralizing a bore member such as a pipe or tube in a well bore comprising:

• a. providing a centralizing device that is placed on, attached to, or combinations thereof on an outside surface of said bore member, said centralizing device includes a body, an active material, and a plurality of well bore wall engagement members, said plurality of well bore wall engagement members positioned in a non-deployed position, said plurality of well bore wall engagement members configured to move from said non-deployed position to a deployed position, said active material configured to cause or enable said plurality of well bore wall engagement members to move from said non-deployed position to said deployed position, a maximum outer perimeter of said centralizing device is greater in size when said plurality of well bore wall engagement members are in said deployed position as compared to when said plurality of well bore wall engagement members are in said non-deployed position, said body of said centralizing device including first and second body sections and a plurality of said well bore wall engagement members connected between said first and second body sections and extending between said first and second body sections, said first and second end portions spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of said centralizing device, said plurality of well bore wall engagement members that extend between said first and second body sections are spaced apart from one another, said first and second body sections and said plurality of said well bore wall engagement members that extend between said first and second body sections forming a cavity in said centralizing device that extends along a longitudinal length of said centralizing device, said cavity configured to enable said bore member to be positioned in said cavity when said centralizing device is positioned on said bore member;
• and,
• b. activating said active material on said centralizing device to cause or enable said plurality of well bore wall engagement members that extend between said first and second body sections are spaced apart from one another to move from said non-deployed position to said deployed position and to cause said bore member to be moved toward a centralized position in said well bore, said step of activation includes one or more events selected from the group consisting of i) change in temperature about said active material from the surface of the well bore to a particular location in the well bore, ii) change in pH about said active material, iii) change in salinity about said active material, iv) exposure of said active material to an activation element or compound, v) electrical stimulation of said active material, vi) exposure of said active material to a certain sound frequency, and vii) exposure of said active material to a certain electromagnetic frequency,
• and wherein said maximum outer perimeter of said centralizing device is at least 5% greater in size when said plurality of well bore wall engagement members are in said deployed position as compared to when said plurality of well bore wall engagement members are in said non-deployed position.