Darel Hodgson

US Patent:

20110148015, Jun 23, 2011

Filed:

Sep 9, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/737843

Inventors:

Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA, US

International Classification:

F16F 7/00
F16F 15/02

US Classification:

267136

Abstract:

Apparatus for absorbing shock, particularly repetitive shocks, comprises a frame and a shock-absorbing component comprising a shape memory alloy (SMA). In one type of apparatus, one or more SMA rings () are mounted on brackets () on a frame () so that shock received by the frame from one direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a first direction, and shock received by the frame from the opposite direction changes the shape of the rings into ellipses with major chords in a second direction which is at right angles to the first direction. In other types of apparatus, SMA shock-absorbing components () are mounted in a frame () so that the way in which the shock-absorbing component is deformed is independent of the direction of the shock received by the frame. The shock-absorbing components preferably include a superelastic SMA, optionally in combination with a martensitic SMA. The apparatus is useful for a wide variety of purposes, including the protection from shock of medical devices, electronic assemblies, vehicles, bridges and buildings.

US Patent:

47579781, Jul 19, 1988

Filed:

Oct 14, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/918086

Inventors:

Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

CVI/Beta Ventures, Inc. - Menlo Park CA

International Classification:

C71D 900

US Classification:

266262

Abstract:

Apparatus for setting and resetting a portion of a shape-memory alloy part, the apparatus including an enclosing chamber having openings for the portion, a body of solid particles in the chamber, a pressure member connected to the chamber to immobilize the particles and the portion and a mechanism for heating the portion to a resetting temperature while immobilized, is disclosed.

US Patent:

61622389, Dec 19, 2000

Filed:

Feb 24, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/256816

Inventors:

Aaron V. Kaplan - Los Altos CA
Nubar S. Manoukian - Cupertino CA
Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA
Jordan T. Bajor - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

A61B 1700

US Classification:

606201

Abstract:

Implantable systems for controlling flow through body lumens comprise a control module and an actuator. The actuator is implanted at least partially over the body lumen to selectively constrict the lumen and control flow therethrough. The control module includes at least a power source for operating the actuator and a remotely operated switch for controlling the power source. Usually, the control module will have programmable circuitry for adjusting on/off time, degree of closure, and the like. The switch of the control module is remotely actuated by a magnetic or other signal. The control circuitry may be remotely programmed using a hand-held programmer.

US Patent:

46454896, Feb 24, 1987

Filed:

Apr 29, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/733036

Inventors:

John F. Krumme - Woodside CA
Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

Beta Phase, Inc. - Menlo Park CA

International Classification:

A61M 500

US Classification:

604 65

Abstract:

A unitary disposable conduit extends from the intravenous reservoir along a gravity-flow path to the patient, and incorporates a valve block containing an externally controlled flow-control valve. An electronic controller monitors the drop rate in a drop chamber which is an integral part of the disposable conduit, compares this rate with an operator-selected rate, and controls the valve by varying the current in a shape-memory actuator element whose movements, caused by the resultant Joule heating, are coupled to the valve to proportionally vary the flow rate in the conduit. The valve block is securely received within a recess in the controller, and is automatically coupled to the controller when inserted within this recess. The shape-memory actuator element may be incorporated within the disposable valve block, or may form a part of the controller, with a simple mechanical coupling to transmit its movements to the valve. The valve may be automatically or manually closed when the valve block is removed from the controller, or if power failure occurs.

US Patent:

45508704, Nov 5, 1985

Filed:

Oct 13, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/541546

Inventors:

John F. Krumme - Woodside CA
Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

Alchemia Ltd. Partnership - Palo Alto CA

International Classification:

A61B 1704

US Classification:

227 19

Abstract:

A stapling device utilizes heat recoverable material (the driver) having shape memory to drive staples through materials to be joined and in one embodiment, against an anvil for crimping the ends of the staples. The heat recoverable material, preferably a metal such as Nitinol, may have heat applied by a heater mounted on at least one surface thereof or by induction or other method of heating. If a heater is mounted on a surface of the driver, upon insertion of the driver into the staple device, the heater makes electrical connection with terminals for connection to a supply circuit. In a specific embodiment staples may be provided, fabricated from heat recoveralbe metal so that each staple may carry its own heat recoverable, staple driving element. The staple tines may have a heat recoverable shape with the ends of the tines directed toward one another so that staple closure occures as heat migrates from the staple driving region to the tines thereof. Alternatively, the heat recoverable staple may complete a circuit through the staple upon contact with the anvil, thus heating the staple.

US Patent:

58423125, Dec 1, 1998

Filed:

Mar 1, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/397605

Inventors:

Robert C. Krumme - Berkeley CA
Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

E*Sorb Systems - Berkeley CA

International Classification:

E04B 198

US Classification:

521671

Abstract:

A damping apparatus and method uses one or more tension elements fabricated from shape memory alloy to cycle through a superelastic stress-strain hysteresis to provide energy dissipation. The method and apparatus can be used for damping of any structures, such as machine parts, building structures, offshore platforms, and nanostructures that are subject to any type of vibration, such as acoustic, seismic, blast, impact, wave and wind. The tension elements can be wire loops or bands that are prestretched into approximately the middle of the stress-strain hysteresis. Such a damping apparatus can be designed to have any selected stroke or force capacity by adjusting the length, thickness and number of the tension elements. Moreover, any type of complex force-deflection hysteresis can be designed, for example, a triangular flag, a rectangle, a rectangular flag, a bowtie, or a staging characteristic that provides for hardening or softening.

US Patent:

46754725, Jun 23, 1987

Filed:

Aug 4, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/892421

Inventors:

John F. Krumme - Woodside CA
Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

Beta Phase, Inc. - Menlo Park CA

International Classification:

H05K 506

US Classification:

174 52FP

Abstract:

An integrated circuit package having a substrate of ceramic material having a cavity therein, a resilient seal rim connected to the substrate, a lid that may be inserted within said rim and a band of shape-memory alloy surrounding the rim to compress the rim into contact with the lid to seal the package.

US Patent:

45560501, Dec 3, 1985

Filed:

May 2, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/606408

Inventors:

Darel E. Hodgson - Palo Alto CA
John F. Krumme - Woodside CA

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

128 1R

Abstract:

An artificial sphincter includes an implantable clamp which selectively pinches closed or opens a vessel in a living body. The clamp includes a spring member and a shape memory member that has a memory configuration. Either the vessel opening operation or vessel closing operation is effected by deforming the shape memory member from the memory configuration thereof, the other operation being effected by heat recovering the shape memory member to the memory configuration thereof. The shape memory member is heated by means of an AC source external to the body, the source inducing a heat-generating current, via a coil, in the shape memory member or in a resistive heater element which transfers heat to the shape memory element. The coil is preferably positioned near the surface of the body and is connected with leads to the shape memory member or resistive heater element which may be at a distance form the body surface. The clamp further includes a spongy inner layer which cushions the vessel and distributes the forces thereagainst.