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US 9,976,207 B2Granted
Single step shape memory alloy expansion
AssigneeW. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
InventorsJoel M. Greene, Christopher C. Lasley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Exposing nitinol to a shape setting temperature while the nitinol is in an unstrained or minimally strained condition. The nitinol is then substantially deformed in shape while at elevated temperature. After deformation, the nitinol remains at the elevated temperature for a time to shape set the material. The nitinol is then returned to approximately room temperature 20° C. by means of water quenching or air cooling for example.
Claims12
A method of forming a shape memory alloy (SMA) article, comprising:
- providing a SMA article having an initial shape having an initial size;
- heating the SMA article to a shape setting temperature that is within a range from 300 degrees C. to 650 degrees C.;
- deforming the SMA article in a single step while the SMA article is maintained within the range from 300 degrees C. to 650 degrees C. to a final shape that is at least twice the initial size;
- and
- cooling the SMA article while the SMA article is being constrained thereby substantially retaining said final shape.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.