Flow regulating articles and methods of manufacture

Abstract

A flow regulating article is provided. The flow regulating article, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a patterned structure. The patterned structure includes a shape memory alloy capable of changing shape at predetermined temperatures.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flow regulating article comprising:
 a patterned structure comprising a surface and a plurality of channels extending from the surface through the structure; and   a movable element positioned adjacent the surface of said patterned structure, said movable element comprising a shape memory alloy member and a biasing element coupled to the shape memory alloy member.   
     
     
         2 . A flow regulating article in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said moveable element is configured to obstruct the channels at a first temperature and to reduce the obstruction at a second temperature, wherein said second temperature is greater than said first temperature. 
     
     
         3 . A flow regulating article in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said patterned structure comprises a surface comprised of said shape memory alloy, wherein said surface is comparatively smooth at a first temperature and comparatively rough at a second temperature, said second temperature greater than said first temperature. 
     
     
         4 . A flow regulating article in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said shape memory alloy comprises at least one of nickel-titanium based alloys, nickel-titanium-platinum based alloys, indium-titanium based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-aluminum-platinum based alloys, nickel-gallium based alloys, copper based alloys, gold-cadmium based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys, indium-cadmium based alloys, manganese-copper based alloys, ruthenium-niobium based alloys, and ruthenium-tantalum based alloys.