Alfred Fletcher Johnson

Author:

Alfred E. Johnson

ISBN #:

0816502730

Author:

Alfred M. Johnson

ISBN #:

0915138131

Author:

Alfred M. Johnson

ISBN #:

0915138182

Author:

Alfred Johnson

ISBN #:

0805981373

US Patent:

7842143, Nov 30, 2010

Filed:

Dec 3, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/949663

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US
Valery Martynov - San Francisco CA, US
Michael D. Bokaie - San Rafael CA, US
George R. Gray - Fremont CA, US

Assignee:

TiNi Alloy Company - San Leandro CA

International Classification:

C22F 1/08

US Classification:

148562, 148563

Abstract:

Shape-setting methods for fabricating devices made of single crystal shape memory alloys. The method include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.

US Patent:

8007674, Aug 30, 2011

Filed:

Jul 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/182119

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US

Assignee:

TiNi Alloy Company - San Leandro CA

International Classification:

C03C 15/00

US Classification:

216 41, 428 62, 623 113, 623 118, 623 119, 623 132, 623 146

Abstract:

Described herein are devices and methods fabricating devices having nanostructures that allow adhesion or growth of one cell type, such as endothelial cells, more than another cell type, such as smooth muscle cells. In particular, stent covers having such nanostructures are described, and methods for fabricating these stent covers. Also described herein are methods for optimizing the nanostructures forming the devices.

US Patent:

8349099, Jan 8, 2013

Filed:

Nov 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/948852

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US
Walter A. Bachmann - Pacifica CA, US

Assignee:

Ormco Corporation - Orange CA

International Classification:

C22C 1/02

US Classification:

148538, 420590

Abstract:

Metal seeds for forming single-crystal shape-memory alloys (SMAs) may be fabricated with high reliability and control by alloying thin films of material together. In particular, described herein are methods of forming AlCuNi SMAs by first producing high-quality seeds (ingots) of copper, aluminum, and nickel to produce for pulling single crystal shape memory alloys, in particular superelastic or hyperelastic alloys. The method is applicable to a wide range of alloys in which one or more of the components are reactive. The method is an improvement upon traditional methods such as mixing and melting pellets. In this improved method, a reactive layer (e. g. , aluminum) is provided in thin flat layers between layers of other materials (e. g. , copper and layers of nickel). When the stacked layers are vacuum heated in a crucible to the melting temperature of the reactive layer, it becomes reactive and chemically bonds to the other layers, and may form eutectics that, as the temperature is further increased, melt homogeneously and congruently at temperatures below the melting temperatures of copper and nickel.

US Patent:

8382917, Feb 26, 2013

Filed:

Nov 22, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/952002

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US

Assignee:

Ormco Corporation - Orange CA

International Classification:

C22F 1/08

US Classification:

148562, 148563, 148680

Abstract:

Shape-setting methods for fabricating devices made of single crystal shape memory alloys. In particular the methods described may be used to fabricate dental arches of single-crystal shape memory alloys. The methods include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating, forming, and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.

US Patent:

8556969, Oct 15, 2013

Filed:

Dec 1, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/325722

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US

Assignee:

Ormco Corporation - Orange CA

International Classification:

A61F 2/00

US Classification:

623 1111, 148562, 148563, 148402, 427 227, 427453, 427529

Abstract:

We describe herein biocompatible single crystal Cu-based shape memory alloys (SMAs). In particular, we show biocompatibility based on MEM elution cell cytotoxicity, ISO intramuscular implant, and hemo-compatibility tests producing negative cytotoxic results. This biocompatibility may be attributed to the formation of a durable oxide surface layer analogous to the titanium oxide layer that inhibits body fluid reaction to titanium nickel alloys, and/or the non-existence of crystal domain boundaries may inhibit corrosive chemical attack. Methods for controlling the formation of the protective aluminum oxide layer are also described, as are devices including such biocompatible single crystal copper-based SMAs.

US Patent:

8584767, Nov 19, 2013

Filed:

Jul 15, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/503614

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US
Roger Graham Gilbertson - Novato CA, US
Valery Martynov - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

TiNi Alloy Company - Berkeley CA

International Classification:

A62C 2/00

US Classification:

169 43, 169 37, 169 38, 169 40, 169 41, 169 46, 169 90

Abstract:

A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The shape memory element typically communicates with the valve so as to force it open. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.

US Patent:

20080213062, Sep 4, 2008

Filed:

Sep 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/859697

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US
Michael D. Bokaie - San Rafael CA, US
Valery Martynov - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

TINI ALLOY COMPANY - San Leandro CA

International Classification:

F16B 31/04
F16B 35/02
F16B 29/00

US Classification:

411 145, 411395, 411392

Abstract:

Described herein are fasteners and devices for securing together several components so that the load applied to the components is constant or nearly constant. The fasteners described herein include a hyperelastic member having first end to which a first retainer is coupled and a second end to which a second retainer is coupled. The retainers are configured to contact the structures being fastened and transfer the load from the structures to the hyperelastic member. The hyperelastic member may be an elongate shaft (e.g., a rod, cylinder, strut, etc.), and is a shape memory alloy that is typically fabricated as a single crystal.

US Patent:

20090095493, Apr 16, 2009

Filed:

Jan 24, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/019553

Inventors:

Alfred David Johnson - San Leandro CA, US
Roger Graham Gilbertson - Novato CA, US
Valery Martynov - San Francisco CA, US

Assignee:

TiNi Alloy Company - San Leandro CA

International Classification:

A62C 35/68
A62C 37/11

US Classification:

169 19, 29890124

Abstract:

A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.