Patent ID: 6196839
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A device for the continuous cooling of localized portions of a shape memory alloy, the device comprising:a body having an exterior and an initially open interior;a cooling tip extending from the open interior to the exterior of the body;a cold sink located within the body and coupled to the cooling tip;a thermoelectric module located within the body the module having a cooling face and a heating face, wherein the module is coupled to a DC power source;the cooling face of the thermoelectric module in thermal contact with the cold sink;a heat sink located within the body, the heating face of the thermoelectric module in thermal contact with the heat sink;a continuous flowing thermal removal means to absorb and remove excess heat at the heat sink; andan exhaust means for allowing the continuous flowing thermal removal means to exit the device, wherein a safety means is provided for breaking the electric power source to the thermoelectric module when no continuous flowing thermal removal means is flowing to the device.