Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
060528000 | Mass heated because of resistance to flow of electric current | 49 |
20080250785 | Micromechanical device with gold alloy contacts and method of manufacture - A MEMS switch device is made using a gold alloy as the switch contact material. The increased mechanical hardness of the alloy compared to the pure gold prevents the contacts of the switch from welding together. A scrubbing action which occurs when the switch closes may allow the contact surfaces to come to rest where their surfaces are complementary, thus resulting in higher contact area and low contact resistance, despite the higher sheet resistance of the gold alloy material relative to the pure gold material. | 10-16-2008 |
20080256946 | DRIVING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACURING THE SAME - A driving device and driving device manufacturing method that ensure stable fixing of an SMA, without causing difficulties in downsizing the device, and without adversely affecting the performance of the SMA. A driving device equipped with a string-shaped shape memory alloy as a drive source includes a base member constituting a basis of the driving device, and a rod-like member which penetrates the base member and is made of the metal fixed onto this base member. The rod-like member is caulked on one end of this rod-like member so that the aforementioned shape memory alloy is pinch-held in-between, whereas power-feeding members to apply current to the shape memory alloy are arranged on the other end of the rod-like member. | 10-23-2008 |
20080282696 | DRIVE APPARATUS AND LENS DRIVE APPARATUS - A drive apparatus having: a shape memory alloy having a property such that a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of austenite transformation (As) at a predetermined stress to an end point of austenite (Af) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range, and a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of martensite transformation (Ms) at a predetermined stress to an end point of martensite transformation (Mf) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range; and a driven member which is moved by a transformation of the shape memory alloy; wherein the driven member is moved in a temperature range of higher temperature transformation sensitivity. | 11-20-2008 |
20080314040 | Micromachined electrothermal rotary actuator - The present disclosure is directed to a micromachined rotary actuator constructed of a central portion and an outer portion at least partially surrounding the central portion and separated from the central portion by an in-plane gap. A plurality of arms are each connected at one end to the central portion and at another end to the outer portion so as to span the in-plane gap. The arms are constructed of a plurality of horizontally stacked materials positioned to enable the arms to bend in-plane when heated. Conductors are positioned within the actuator for heating the arms. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. | 12-25-2008 |
20090007561 | POSITION CONTROL METHOD FOR SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - To provide a position control method for a shape memory alloy actuator that improves positioning accuracy of the actuator while ensuring satisfactory response until achieving positioning, the method includes a commanded resistance value setting step of setting a commanded resistance value that corresponds to the predetermined length, a resistance value measurement step of measuring the value of resistance, a resistance value comparison step of comparing the commanded resistance value and the measured resistance value, a first control step of controlling the length of the shape memory alloy using a first gain based on the result of comparison until the commanded resistance value is reached, a termination determination step of making a determination as to a condition for terminating the first control step, and a second control step of keeping the moving body stationary, upon determination of termination in the termination determination step, by retaining the length of the shape memory alloy using a second gain smaller than the first gain based on the result of the comparison, wherein the second control step is continued until a commanded resistance value is set again, thereby performing position control of the moving body. | 01-08-2009 |
20090277170 | CONTROLLING HEAT TRANSFER IN ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATORS USING EXTERNAL ELEMENTS - An actuator includes a thermally activated active material member, and an external element configured to selectively engage the member and presenting a predetermined rate of thermal conductivity configured to transfer heat energy to and/or from the member, so as to reduce the actuation period or rate of cooling after actuation, when engaged. | 11-12-2009 |
20090301077 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR SYSTEM - A resistance feedback circuit has a storage section which stores a feedback gain calculated in advance, a resistance value obtained from a detection section, and a time at which the resistance value is obtained. A computing section has a gain setting section which calculates an amount of change in a resistance value in a predetermined time from the resistance value and the time stored in the storage section, and calculates the feedback gain based on the change in the resistance value calculated, and replaces the feedback gain which is calculated in advance. | 12-10-2009 |
20100005795 | Precision method and apparatus for controlling the shape memory alloy - The invention discloses a method and apparatus to control the shaping change of Shape-Memory-Alloy (SMA). The piece-wised current drain control device is designed to independently deliver current to stimulate sectional SMA but not the entire one. The invention is also successfully implemented on an automatic light sensitive aperture control device to simulate the light response of a pupil. The control technique can extend the application potential of SMA toward precise actuation, aeronautical applications, surgical tools, or biomedical applications such as artificial organ or muscles. | 01-14-2010 |
20100126166 | ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUSES - An actuator assembly, adapted to move a movable member between a first position and a second position, is provided. Such an actuator assembly comprises an actuator device configured to selectively provide an actuation signal, and an actuatable member operably engaged with the actuator device. The actuator member is operably engaged with a fixed member and extends therefrom into communication with the movable member. The actuatable member is further configured to receive the actuation signal and to change in dimension in response thereto, so as to provide a linear force for moving the movable member, with respect to the fixed member, between the first and second positions. Associated apparatuses are also provided. | 05-27-2010 |
20100192567 | ACTUATOR COMPRISING ELEMENTS MADE OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY WITH BROADENED RANGE OF WORKING TEMPERATURES - An actuator ( | 08-05-2010 |
20100257859 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY DRIVE DEVICE - A shape memory alloy drive device has drive control portion for displacing a shape memory alloy up to a target displacement value by applying a voltage or an electric current to the shape memory alloy by servo control, and also has contact detection portion for detecting a predetermined change in a drive control value, or, for example, a sharp increase in the drive control value, representing the amount of the voltage of the electric current applied by the drive control portion. When detecting a predetermined change, the contact detection portion determines that a movable portion having a lens etc. mounted thereon is in contact with a stationary mechanism. The shape memory alloy drive device further has drive limiting portion which, when the determination described above is made, causes the drive control portion to limit the target displacement value within a predetermined range. This limits an electric current flowing when the movable portion makes contact with the stationary mechanism, preventing overheating and excess stress. | 10-14-2010 |
20100275592 | CONTROL OF A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATION APPARATUS - An SMA actuation arrangement comprises: an SMA actuator arranged on contraction caused by heating to drive movement of a movable element relative to a support structure; a current source operative to supply drive current through the SMA actuator to heat the SMA actuator; and a detector circuit operative to detect a measure of the resistance of the SMA actuator. Whilst detecting a measure of the resistance of the SMA actuator and controlling the drive current on the basis of the measure of the resistance of the SMA actuator; there is derived a measure of an electrical characteristic of the SMA actuator that is representative of the ambient temperature. Whilst applying closed-loop control an offset is added to the control signal which reduces the steady-state value of an error between the measure of the resistance of the SMA actuator and a target value. Whilst applying open-loop control, the control signal is generated taking into account the electrical characteristics of the SMA actuator measured during a calibration stage. | 11-04-2010 |
20100293941 | ELECTRO-THERMAL ACTUATOR DEVICE - An electro-thermal actuator device includes a case defining a cavity in which are housed a thermal actuator, an electrical heater and, at least partially, an actuating shaft. The device comprises a multipolar connector for the rapid, secure and reliable coupling to a respective source of electrical power supply for the heater. The connector can be configured as an adapter unit distinct from the case, suitable to transform a traditional electro-thermal actuator device into the actuator device described above. | 11-25-2010 |
20100307150 | ELECTROTHERMAL MICROACTUATOR FOR LARGE VERTICAL DISPLACEMENT WITHOUT TILT OR LATERAL SHIFT - A microactuator for displacing a platform vertically with respect to a substrate includes a first rigid frame, a first flexible bimorph beam connecting the first frame to the substrate, a second rigid frame, a second flexible bimorph beam connecting the second frame to the first frame, and a third flexible bimorph beam connecting a platform to the second frame. Activation of the first, second, and third flexible bimorph beams allows vertical displacement of the platform with respect to the substrate, with negligible lateral shift. A microactuator assembly includes a substrate, a plurality of first rigid frames, a plurality of first flexible bimorph beams, a plurality of second rigid frames, a plurality of second flexible bimorph beams, a platform, and a plurality of third flexible bimorph beams. Activation of the first, second, and third bimorph beams allows vertical displacement of the platform with respect to the substrate, with negligible lateral shift. A further embodiment with four identical such microactuators oriented at four sides of the platform, can achieve 1D or 2D angular scanning of the mirror plate by the activation of 1 or 2 adjacent microactuators. | 12-09-2010 |
20110000207 | Driving module and electronic apparatus provided with the same - In a driving module and an electronic apparatus provided with the driving module, assembly is simplified and a driving operation can be stabilized. For this purpose, a driving module | 01-06-2011 |
20110016860 | ACTUATOR DRIVING DEVICE - An actuator driving device includes: an actuator made of a shape metal alloy having a property that a predetermined shape is memorized in advance, and that the predetermined memorized shape is recovered when the actuator is heated to a predetermined temperature; an applier for applying, to the actuator, a pulse current or a pulse voltage at least having a predetermined current value or a predetermined voltage, and a predetermined duty ratio to heat the actuator; and a determiner for determining the current value or the voltage value, and the duty ratio of the pulse current or the pulse voltage to be applied to the actuator by the applier, wherein the determiner is operative to determine the pulse current or the pulse voltage having: the current value larger than a current value of a constant current required for displacing the actuator by a predetermined targeted displacement amount, or the voltage value corresponding thereto; and the duty ratio of making an applied current amount smaller than an applied current amount corresponding to an integrated value of the constant current in applying the constant current to the actuator. | 01-27-2011 |
20110094217 | ELECTROSTRICTIVE COMPOSITE AND ELECTROSTRICTIVE ELEMENT USING THE SAME - An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film structure is located on a surface of the flexible polymer matrix, and at least partly embedded into the flexible polymer matrix through the first surface. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween. | 04-28-2011 |
20110107758 | DRIVE MODULE, METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A drive module of the invention includes a tubular or columnar body to be driven, a tubular supporting body for receiving therein the body to be driven, a plate spring member for elastically holding the body to be driven so as to be movable in a specific direction with respect to the supporting body, and a driving device for driving the body to be driven in the specific direction against a restoring force of the plate spring member. The driving device includes a shape memory alloy wire engaged with the body to be driven and contracted by heat, which is generated when an electric current is applied thereto, to drive the body to be driven against the restoring force of the plate spring member, and a holding terminal having a wire holding portion for holding an end of the shape memory alloy wire. The holding terminal has a fitting portion positioned by being fitted to the supporting body, and a regulating portion serving as a detent of the supporting body. The holding terminal is supported by and fixed to the supporting body. | 05-12-2011 |
20110154817 | Operating mechanism for furniture parts including a shape memory element - In an operating mechanism for a movable furniture part with a drive arrangement including a shape memory element, wherein the drive arrangement is fixed to one furniture part and comprises a drive element and which abuts another furniture part for moving the other furniture part, the drive element includes a shape memory element which is heatable to change its shape for operating the drive arrangement directly or for charging a spring store storing the energy for operating the drive arrangement. | 06-30-2011 |
20110173969 | SHAPE MEMORY-BASED ACTUATORS AND RELEASE MECHANISMS THEREFROM - SM-based actuators ( | 07-21-2011 |
20110173970 | FLEXIBLE ACTUATOR BASED ON SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY SHEET - A flexible unit-cell actuator includes a shape memory alloy sheet having a fold between adjacent legs in one state and a heat source that upon activation concentrates heating of the shape memory alloy sheet at the fold relative to the legs to change the fold between one state and another state. The heat source may include resistive heating due to an electric current passing through the shape memory alloy sheet. The fold typically includes a reduced cross-sectional area and may include slits to increase electrical resistance at the fold relative to the adjacent legs. An actuator array includes a plurality of flexible unit-cell actuators formed in a sheet, each unit-cell actuator mechanically coupled to at least one other unit-cell actuator at a coupling region. Plural unit-cell actuators may be mechanically coupled in series, in parallel, or both, may be electrically connected in series, and may move along a defined curve or surface. A linear or curvilinear actuator includes a guide, a plurality of bearings or support elements slidable along the guide, and an array of actuators coupled between adjacent bearings and circumferentially about the bearings. An actuator includes a plurality of segments fanning from a hinge and shape memory alloy actuators coupled between adjacent segments to cause the segments to fan in an out about the hinge. | 07-21-2011 |
20110173971 | STIMULI-RESPONSIVE PRODUCT - Embodiments of a product such as a stimuli-responsive product can comprise a shape memory component and a nanofiber component that forms a fibrous microstructure or network. The resulting product can be responsive to stimuli, such as electrical stimuli, in a manner that cause the product to deform, deflect, and rebound. In one embodiment, the product can comprise an epoxy and a continuous non-woven nanofiber, the combination of which provides a product with enhanced actuation speed. | 07-21-2011 |
20110219764 | ACTUATOR - An actuator comprises an actuator element in the form of a lamina | 09-15-2011 |
20120017581 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY POWERED HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR HAVING WIRE GUIDES - A system, in certain embodiments, includes an accumulator having a first plate with a first wire guide and a second plate with a second wire guide. The second plate is positioned at an offset from the first plate, and the second plate is moveable relative to the first plate to adjust a fluid pressure. The accumulator also includes a plurality of shape memory alloy wires extending between the first and second plates, wherein the plurality of shape memory alloy wires extend along the first and second wire guides. | 01-26-2012 |
20120017582 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY POWERED HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR HAVING WIRE CLAMPS - A system, in certain embodiments, includes an accumulator having a first plate, a second plate positioned at an offset from the first plate, and a shape memory alloy wire extending between the first and second plates from a first wire portion to a second wire portion. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to move the first or second plate to adjust a fluid pressure in response to an electrical current through the shape memory alloy wire. The accumulator also includes a wire clamp assembly coupled to the first wire portion and/or the second wire portion of the shape memory alloy wire. | 01-26-2012 |
20120067042 | TEMPERATURE ACTIVATABLE ACTUATOR - An actuator is provided having a temperature activatable actuating member comprising an inductively couplable material. The actuator has an electrical heating element for electrically heating the actuating member. The heating element is configured to inductively couple with said material when an AC current is passed through the heating element such that an opposing electromotive force is induced in the heating element. A detector is provided for detecting activation of the actuating member by sensing a change in the AC impedance of the heating element. | 03-22-2012 |
20120174574 | Drive module and electronic apparatus - A drive module includes: a lower plate spring | 07-12-2012 |
20120180474 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - A shape memory alloy actuator includes a shape memory alloy wire portion, a non-deformable portion, a wire portion which is formed by the shape memory alloy wire portion and the non-deformable portion, and which is inserted into a tube member, a movable body which is movable in a direction in which the length of the shape memory alloy wire portion changes, an elastic member which exerts an external force in a direction in which, the shape memory alloy wire portion elongates, and a fixed member to which, one end of the tube member and one end of the shape memory alloy wire portion are fixed. One end of the non-deformable portion which forms the wire portion is connected to the movable body, and the tube member includes therein the shape memory alloy wire portion, and includes therein at least a part of the non-deformable portion. | 07-19-2012 |
20120216525 | METHOD OF STARTING AND OPERATING A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY HEAT ENGINE - A shape memory alloy (SMA) heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley, a second rotatable pulley, and an SMA material disposed about the first and second rotatable pulleys and between a hot region and a cold region. A method of starting and operating the SMA heat engine includes detecting a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region using a controller, decoupling an electrical generator from one of the first and second rotatable pulleys, monitoring a speed of the SMA material about the first and second rotatable pulleys, and re-engaging the driven component if the monitored speed of the SMA material exceeds a threshold. The SMA material may selectively change crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite and between the hot region and the cold region to convert the thermal gradient into mechanical energy. | 08-30-2012 |
20130047603 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - A shape memory alloy actuator according to the present invention includes a shape memory alloy wire which is inserted through a tube member, a movable body which moves in a direction in which, the length of the shape memory alloy wire changes due to contraction of the shape memory alloy wire, an elastic member which exerts an external force on the movable body in a direction in which the shape memory alloy wire elongates, and a magnetic sensor which has a magnetic portion which moves with the movement of the movable body, an exciting coil which magnetizes the magnetic portion, and which is provided corresponding to the magnetic portion, and a detecting coil which outputs an electric voltage according to a relative position with respect to the magnetic portion. | 02-28-2013 |
20130055709 | Release Actuator Employing Components with Different Coefficients of Thermal Expansion - An actuator includes a capturing part, a retained part and a heating element which applies heat to the retained part or the capturing part responsive to selective application of power to the at least one heating element. The capturing part attaches to a first object and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part attaches to a second object and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part is insertable into the capturing part in a first state of the actuator. The retained part is held in contact with the capturing part via an interference fit to hold the first and second objects proximate to each other in a second state. The retained part is ejected from the capturing part in a third state. Applying heat via the heating element causes a transition between the second and the first or third states of the actuator. | 03-07-2013 |
20130067908 | PERFECTED ROTATIONAL ACTUATOR - A perfected rotational actuator, comprising, in two box-shaped shells ( | 03-21-2013 |
20130145760 | IMPACT DRIVE TYPE ACTUATOR - An impact drive type actuator ( | 06-13-2013 |
20130227943 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATORS WITH SENSIBLE COATINGS - Methods of applying sensible coatings with at least one spatially-varying characteristic to shape memory alloy actuators, particularly actuators comprising linear elements such as wires strips or cables, are disclosed. Such coatings enable the positions of the linear shape memory alloy elements to be sensed using magnetic, capacitive and optical sensors and so, in conjunction with a controller, enable operation of such actuators under proportional control. | 09-05-2013 |
20130298549 | Actuator and Method - An actuator providing linear displacement, includes a plurality of planar-beam support structures disposed along a longitudinal axis; wherein each said plurality of planar-beam support structures are configured with more than one multidirectional, conductive, coplanar-beams disposed therein; such that said plurality of planar-beam support structures are configured to provide a coupling means to adjacent said plurality of planar-beam support structures having said more than one multidirectional, conductive, coplanar-beams in registry therewith; wherein said coupling means is characterized by that: said more than one multidirectional, conductive, coplanar-beams in registry therewith, are configured to provide for the conjoint parabolic disposition of a plurality of non-rigid, shape-memory material elements. | 11-14-2013 |
20130318961 | POLYMERIC ACTUATOR, ACTUATOR DEVICE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING POLYMERIC ACTUATOR, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ACTUATOR DEVICE - There is provided a polymeric actuator including: a pair of facing portions located so as to face each other; and a folded portion through which one end portions of the pair of facing portions are coupled to each other, wherein the pair of facing portions and the folded portion are composed of an inner electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an outer electrode layer which are laminated in order from an inside. Therefore, the displacements are generated in the pair of facing portions, respectively, to be added to each other, and the displacement is generated in the folded portion as well due to the bending. As a result, the large displacement is generated as a whole. Thus, it is possible to increase the displacement amount after the simplification of the structure is realized. | 12-05-2013 |
20130333374 | ELECTROSTRICTIVE COMPOSITE AND ELECTROSTRICTIVE ELEMENT USING THE SAME - An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film structure is at least partially embedded into the flexible polymer matrix through a first surface. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween. | 12-19-2013 |
20140000253 | PNEUMATIC WINDING MECHANISM FOR A TIMEPIECE COMPRISING A MECHANICAL ENERGY SOURCE | 01-02-2014 |
20140096516 | INTRINSIC MONITORING OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATED DEVICES - Some on-vehicle devices, such as air dams, air spoilers, and HVAC system baffles, may have movable components that are pulled from one position to another by shrinkage of a linear shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. Upon an activation signal, the shrinkage of the SMA actuator occurs when it is resistance heated by an electrical current. It is found that useful information concerning the overall intended operation of the on-vehicle device may be obtained by computer analysis of the temporal variation of both current flow through the actuator and its electrical resistance as it is heated to perform its function in the device. A comparison of present current flow and variation of resistance, during activation of the device, with prescribed stored values can reveal malfunction of components of the device as it is being used, in place, on the vehicle. | 04-10-2014 |
20140238013 | VANADIUM DIOXIDE MICROACTUATORS - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to vanadium dioxide microactuators. In one aspect, a method includes depositing a vanadium dioxide layer on a sacrificial layer disposed on a substrate. A metal layer is deposited on the vanadium dioxide layer. The metal layer is patterned. Portions of the vanadium dioxide layer that are not covered by the metal layer are removed. At least a portion of the sacrificial layer is removed to form a cantilever-type structure including the vanadium dioxide layer and the metal layer disposed on the vanadium dioxide layer. | 08-28-2014 |
20140260237 | RESISTIVELY HEATED SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER DEVICE - A resistively heated shape memory polymer device is made by providing a rod, sheet or substrate that includes a resistive medium. The rod, sheet or substrate is coated with a first shape memory polymer providing a coated intermediate unit. The coated intermediate unit is in turn coated with a conductive material providing a second intermediate unit. The second coated intermediate unit is in turn coated with an outer shape memory polymer. The rod, sheet or substrate is exposed and an electrical lead is attached to the rod, sheet or substrate. The conductive material is exposed and an electrical lead is attached to the conductive material. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260238 | BIDIRECTIONAL SHAPE MEMORY DEVICE - A resistively heated shape memory polymer device is operated using resistive heating to heat the shape memory polymer device. The resistively heated shape memory polymer device is made by providing a wire that includes a resistive medium. The wire is coated with a first shape memory polymer. The wire is exposed and electrical leads are attached to the wire. In one embodiment the shape memory polymer device is in the form of a clot destruction device. In another embodiment the shape memory polymer device is in the form of a microvalve. In another embodiment the shape memory polymer device is in the form of a micropump. In yet another embodiment the shape memory polymer device is in the form of a thermostat or relay switch. | 09-18-2014 |
20140298795 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR DESIGNING HIGH DEGREE OF FREEDOM (DOF) COMPLIANT NANOPOSITIONERS - The embodiments herein disclose a high degree of freedom (DOF) compliant nano-positioners and a method to fabricate the high DOF compliant nano-positioners. The system comprising a central stage and a plurality of micromanipulators is connected to the central stage. Each of the plurality of micromanipulators comprises a micro-actuator, a primary long beam and a primary micro beam. The micro-actuator comprises a pair of conducting pads, a secondary micro-beam, a secondary long beam and a box spring. A preset amount of the non-zero voltage is applied on the conducting pads to cause a displacement in the micromanipulator. The embodiments herein also disclose a fabrication method of developing a bi-planar structure for a high degree of freedom nano-positioner. | 10-09-2014 |
20140338325 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY LOCKING MECHANISM - A hardware retention mechanism comprising a frame including a first guide shoulder and a pivot point; an actuator arm including a first guide post; and a first shape memory alloy wire strung between the first guide shoulder and the first guide post that rotates the actuator arm between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuator arm is rotatable around the pivot point between a locked position and an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the frame may further comprise a second guide shoulder, the actuator arm may further comprise a second guide post, and a second shape memory alloy wire may be strung between the second guide shoulder and the second guide post that rotates the actuator arm between an unlocked position and a locked position. | 11-20-2014 |
20150096293 | SMART SUSCEPTOR FOR A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY (SMA) ACTUATOR INDUCTIVE HEATING SYSTEM - A system for heating a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator may include an SMA actuator, a smart susceptor, a plurality of induction coils, and a control module. The SMA actuator may have at least one layup. The SMA actuator may be selectively heated to a transition temperature. The smart susceptor may be in thermal contact with the at least one layup of the SMA actuator. The induction heating coils may be configured to receive an alternating current and generate a magnetic field based on the alternating current. The magnetic field may create an eddy current in at least one of the SMA actuator and the smart susceptor to heat the SMA actuator to the transition temperature. The control module may be configured to drive the alternating current supplied to the induction heating coils. | 04-09-2015 |
20150101325 | RECONFIGURABLE SKIN SYSTEM BASED ON SPATIALLY TARGETED ACTIVATION OF SHAPE MEMORY POLYMERS - Reconfigurable skin systems may include a multi-cellular structure, in which individual cells are filled with a shape memory polymer having conductive chains of conductive particles embedded or dispersed therein. The systems are configured such that application of a stimulus to selected cells causes the shape memory polymer to undergo a phase change in the selected cells and impart a textured surface to one side of the multi-cellular structure. | 04-16-2015 |
20150135703 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATION APPARATUS - An SMA actuation apparatus moves a movable element relative to a support structure in two orthogonal directions using a total of four SMA actuator wires each connected at its ends between the movable element and the support structure and extending perpendicular to the primary axis. None of the SMA actuator wires are collinear, but the SMA actuator wires have an arrangement in which they are capable of being selectively driven to move the movable element relative to the support structure to any position in said range of movement without applying any net torque to the movable element in the plane of the two orthogonal directions around the primary axis. Accordingly, it is possible to drive movement whilst balancing the forces to limit torque around the primary axis. | 05-21-2015 |
20160025077 | ELECTROTHERMAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND ELECTROTHERMAL ACTUATOR USING THE SAME - An electrothermal composite material includes a flexible polymer layer and a carbon nanotube paper stacked on the flexible polymer layer. The carbon nanotube paper is at least partly embedded into the flexible polymer layer. A thickness ratio of the carbon nanotube paper and the flexible polymer layer is in a range from about 1:7 to about 1:10. A density of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than or equal to 0.5 g/cm | 01-28-2016 |
20160025079 | ELECTROTHERMAL ACTUATORS - An electrothermal actuator includes at least two operating portions and at least two electrodes. The at least two operating portions are electrically connected with each other to define at least one conductive path. Each of the at least two operating portions comprises a flexible polymer layer and a carbon nanotube paper. A thickness ratio of the carbon nanotube paper and the flexible polymer layer ranges from 1:7 to 1:10. A density of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than or equal to 0.5 g/cm | 01-28-2016 |