Variable shape guide apparatus
Patent 4944727 Issued on July 31, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date: 
October 2, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
October 2, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3043309 3521620 3547103 3605725 3674014 3729008 3773034 3890977 Multichannel endoscope Apparatus for endoscopic examination InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 103926 filed on 10/02/1987US Classes:604/528, With means to advance or steer catheter, excluding remotely controlled devices600/151, Having temperature sensitive shape memory retaining material600/434, Catheter guide means600/585, Flexible catheter guide604/95.05Having remote control for applying light, electricity, or heat to alter conduit shape (e.g., shape memory alloy, etc.)ExaminersPrimary: Pellegrino, Stephen C.Assistant: Lewis, Ralph A. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA61M 037/00AbstractA maneuverable distal apparatus includes a temperature-activated memory element moving in a first direction to assume a predetermined shape when heated to a predetermined temperature and control means for selectively heating the memory element so that the memory element is moved in the first direction. A spring is provided for yieldably urging the memory element in a second direction away from the first direction upon cooling of the memory element to a temperature less than the predetermined temperature so that the memory element is moved to assume a shape other than the predetermined shape. | |
