Shape memory alloy/shape memory polymer tools

An articulated tip for a catheter, said articulated tip having a central axis with said articulated tip extending in a radial direction from said central axis and said articulated tip being activated by a change in temperature, comprising

• a composite of shape memory alloy forming a first portion of said articulated tip with said composite of shape memory alloy having an axis that is aligned with said central axis of the articulated tip for a catheter
• and shape memory polymer forming a second portion of said articulated tip, wherein said shape memory polymer comprises a cylinder, and wherein said first portion of said articulated tip with said composite of shape memory alloy is positioned in second portion of said articulated tip such that changes in temperature of said shape memory alloy causes said first portion of said articulated tip with said composite of shape memory alloy to change position by a radial contraction and a longitudinal extension and to stretch said second portion of said articulated along said central axis.

A device for reversible fine positioning of an object, said device being activated by a change in temperature, comprising:

• a member constructed of shape memory polymer portion, wherein said shape memory polymer portion comprises a cylinder and said cylinder has a cylinder central axis,
• said member including a shape memory alloy portion with a coiled configuration with more than one wrap, wherein said shape memory alloy portion is located in said shape memory polymer portion such that changes in temperature of said shape memory alloy portion causes said shape memory alloy portion to change position by a radial contraction and a longitudinal extension and to stretch said shape memory polymer portion along said cylinder central axis that will cause said device to move upon a change in configuration of said shape memory alloy portion, and
• means for selectively heating said shape memory alloy portion to change temperature of said shape memory alloy portion causing said shape memory alloy portion to change position by a radial contraction and a longitudinal extension and to stretch said shape memory polymer portion along said cylinder central axis and cause a change in configuration thereof, whereby the change in configuration results in positioning of said object.