Thermal transition methods and devices
OwnerRebecca DeLegge, Michael S. Kitcheninventors
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Abstract
A method of sequentially transitioning a thermally active shape memory device progressively translocates the thermally active shape memory device through a first controlled temperature zone and through an additional controlled temperature zone. The thermally active shape memory device is thermally transitioned and changed in geometric shape as a result of thermal communication of the shape memory device with either or both of the controlled temperature zones to produce a transitioned thermally active shape memory device. Novel devices produced according to the method are also disclosed.
Claims14
A method of sequentially transitioning a thermally active shape memory device, comprising the steps of:
- progressively translocating said thermally active shape memory device through a first temperature zone of a lumen comprising said first temperature zone;
- progressively translocating said thermally active shape memory device through a controlled temperature zone of said lumen, wherein said first temperature zone and said controlled temperature zone are at materially different temperatures;
- and
- progressively and sequentially thermally transitioning a geometric change in shape of said thermally active shape memory device at said controlled temperature zone as said shape memory device is progressively translocated through said lumen as a result of thermal transfer between said shape memory device and said lumen at said controlled temperature zone of said lumen,
- wherein the progressive and sequential thermal transitioning of the geometric change in shape of said thermally active shape memory device progressively and sequentially produces a shape transitioned thermally active shape memory device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.