US3922591A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heated wire servo motor control system
Assignee: Schneider Electric Systems USA Inc
•
Filing: 1973-12-04
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Granted: 1975-11-25
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Expires: 1993-12-04
Abstract
Abstract An electrical positioning device utilizing a temperature responsive material exhibiting contraction-elongation characteristics in response to an increase or decrease in temperature to vary the position of an output member. The temperature of the material is controlled by a null-seeking rebalance system. The positioning device is illustrated with a moving pen recording instrument, a ribbon-type indicator, and a valve actuator.
Inventors
- 👤 Everett O Olsen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R1/00; G01R1/44; G01D; G01D13/00; G01D13/02; G01D13/04; G01D13/06; G01R17/00; G01R17/02; G01R17/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
Positioning apparatus for moving an output device to a position corresponding to an applied control signal which signal is settable to any value within a predetermined range of values, said apparatus being adapted for use with applications where relatively large movements are required, and comprising: an element formed of an alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation over a temperature range wherein a variation in temperature in one scale direction produces an internally generated dimensional change of the element and a variation in temperature in the reverse scale direction relaxes the element; force-producing means arranged to apply to said element an external force opposing said internally generated dimensional change, said force being insufficient to prevent said internally generated dimensional change but sufficient to produce a dimensional change of said element in the opposite direction when the element is relaxed in response to a change in temperature in said reverse scale direction; input signal means to receive said control signal; and means connected to said input signal means and responsive to the applied control signal to controllably alter the temperature of said element to any temperature within said temperature range, and to maintain such temperature as required to hold said output device at the position corresponding to the value of said control signal, with internally generated dimensional changes and opposite external-force-produced dimensional changes serving together cooperatively to provide contraction and expansion of said element of relatively large magnitude as required to position said output device to any position within the predetermined range of positions in correspondence to the magnitude of said control signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
260 words
Positioning apparatus for moving an output device to a position corresponding to an applied control signal which signal is settable to any value within a predetermined range of values, said apparatus being adapted for use with applications where relatively large movements are required, and comprising: an element formed of an alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation over a temperature range wherein a variation in temperature in one scale direction produces an internally generated dimensional change of the element and a variation in temperature in the reverse scale direction relaxes the element; force-producing means arranged to apply to said element an external force opposing said internally generated dimensional change, said force being insufficient to prevent said internally generated dimensional change but sufficient to produce a dimensional change of said element in the opposite direction when the element is relaxed in response to a change in temperature in said reverse scale direction; input signal means to receive said control signal; and means connected to said input signal means and responsive to the applied control signal to controllably alter the temperature of said element to any temperature within said temperature range, and to maintain such temperature as required to hold said output device at the position corresponding to the value of said control signal, with internally generated dimensional changes and opposite external-force-produced dimensional changes serving together cooperatively to provide contraction and expansion of said element of relatively large magnitude as required to position said output device to any position within the predetermined range of positions in correspondence to the magnitude of said control signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said element is formed of an alloy of nickel and titanium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said element is a wire.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including a position-responsive device operable with said element to produce a position signal proportional to the output position of the element; means for developing an input signal representing the desired output position of the said element; and means responsive to the difference between said two signals for automatically adjusting the temperature of said element to effect the desired output position thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said alloy contracts with an increase in temperature in said range and relaxes with a decrease in temperature in said range.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said force-producing means comprises a spring.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
234 words
The method of reversibly moving an object to permit the object to be controllably positioned and repositioned to any selected position within a range of positions, comprising the steps of: A. altering in one scale direction the temperature of an element which is connected to said object and is formed of an alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation which produces an internally generated dimensional change in response to such temperature alteration, thereby moving said object in a given spatial direction; B. limiting the temperature alteration of said element in said one scale direction as said object reaches a first preselected position within said range of positions and which is not at an extremity of said range of positions; C. altering the temperature of said element in a reverse scale direction to effect a relaxation of the element; D. limiting the temperature alteration of said element in said reverse scale direction as said object reaches a second preselected position within said range of positions and which is not at an extremity of said range of positions; and E. apPlying to said element in both steps A and B an externally-developed force opposing said internally generated dimensional changes and of sufficient magnitude to cooperate with said element while in steps C and D to effect a balance of forces to fix the output of the element to said second preselected position within the operating range of positions.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
234 words
The method of reversibly moving an object to permit the object to be controllably positioned and repositioned to any selected position within a range of positions, comprising the steps of: A. altering in one scale direction the temperature of an element which is connected to said object and is formed of an alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation which produces an internally generated dimensional change in response to such temperature alteration, thereby moving said object in a given spatial direction; B. limiting the temperature alteration of said element in said one scale direction as said object reaches a first preselected position within said range of positions and which is not at an extremity of said range of positions; C. altering the temperature of said element in a reverse scale direction to effect a relaxation of the element; D. limiting the temperature alteration of said element in said reverse scale direction as said object reaches a second preselected position within said range of positions and which is not at an extremity of said range of positions; and E. apPlying to said element in both steps A and B an externally-developed force opposing said internally generated dimensional changes and of sufficient magnitude to cooperate with said element while in steps C and D to effect a balance of forces to fix the output of the element to said second preselected position within the operating range of positions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
128 words
A prime mover arranged to move an object reversibly through a wide range of positions and to position the object at any selected location in said range, said prime mover comprising: a motion-producing element formed of an alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation over a temperature range wherein a variation in temperature in one scale direction tends to produce an internally generated dimensional change of the element and a variation in temperature in the reverse scale direction tends to relax the element; and control means for adjusting the temperature of said element and controlling the dimension thereof, said control means including means to selectively alter the temperature of said element and controllably set the temperature thereof to any value within said range in accordance with a desired output position.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
128 words
A prime mover arranged to move an object reversibly through a wide range of positions and to position the object at any selected location in said range, said prime mover comprising: a motion-producing element formed of an alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation over a temperature range wherein a variation in temperature in one scale direction tends to produce an internally generated dimensional change of the element and a variation in temperature in the reverse scale direction tends to relax the element; and control means for adjusting the temperature of said element and controlling the dimension thereof, said control means including means to selectively alter the temperature of said element and controllably set the temperature thereof to any value within said range in accordance with a desired output position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
66 words
A prime mover as in claim 8, wherein said control means comprises means responsive to the output position of said element to develop a position signal; means to develop an input signal representing the desired output position; and means responsive to the difference between said two signals for altering said temperature of said element and to set it at a value providing said desired output position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
158 words
A positioning device comprising: a temperature-responsive wire element formed of a martensitic transformation alloy which changes in length with changes in temperature within a predetermined operating range; means for passing a current through said wire to heat it to a temperature within said operating range; means connecting said wire to an output member to be positioned thereby in accordance with changes in length of said wire; control means responsive to an input signal for adjusting the amount of heat in said wire so as to exercise control over the position of said output member, said control means comprising means to adjust the rate of heat flow from the wire; means responsive to the position of said output member for producing a feedback signal; and means for directing said feedback signal to said control means to oppose the influence of said input signal so as to position said output member in accordance with the magnitude of said input signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
158 words
A positioning device comprising: a temperature-responsive wire element formed of a martensitic transformation alloy which changes in length with changes in temperature within a predetermined operating range; means for passing a current through said wire to heat it to a temperature within said operating range; means connecting said wire to an output member to be positioned thereby in accordance with changes in length of said wire; control means responsive to an input signal for adjusting the amount of heat in said wire so as to exercise control over the position of said output member, said control means comprising means to adjust the rate of heat flow from the wire; means responsive to the position of said output member for producing a feedback signal; and means for directing said feedback signal to said control means to oppose the influence of said input signal so as to position said output member in accordance with the magnitude of said input signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
146 words
A positioning device comprising: a temperature-responsive wire element formed of a nickel-titanium alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation which changes in length with changes in temperature within a predetermined operating range; means for passing a current through said wire to heat it to a temperature within said operating range; means connecting said wire to an output member to be positioned thereby in accordance with changes in length of said wire; a heat sink mounted for relative movement towards and away from the wire; a force motor responsive to an input signal for applying a moving force to said heat sink to adjust the amount of heat in said wire so as to exercise control over the position of said output member; and means connected to the output member for developing a rebalance force applied to said heat sink in accordance with the position of the output member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
146 words
A positioning device comprising: a temperature-responsive wire element formed of a nickel-titanium alloy exhibiting a martensitic transformation which changes in length with changes in temperature within a predetermined operating range; means for passing a current through said wire to heat it to a temperature within said operating range; means connecting said wire to an output member to be positioned thereby in accordance with changes in length of said wire; a heat sink mounted for relative movement towards and away from the wire; a force motor responsive to an input signal for applying a moving force to said heat sink to adjust the amount of heat in said wire so as to exercise control over the position of said output member; and means connected to the output member for developing a rebalance force applied to said heat sink in accordance with the position of the output member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said output member comprises an indicator ribbon; a ribbon drive spool to which said ribbon is fastened at a first radial position; said wire being operatively fastened to said drive spool; and spring means secured to said spool for developing said rebalance force.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said wire is fastened to said spool at a position closer to the spool axis than said first radial position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
106 words
Apparatus for producing a visual indication responsive to temperature comprising an element made of a mixture of nickel and titanium exhibiting a martensitic transformation adapted to change the size of said element with changes in temperature; means connected to said element to influence the temperature-responsive size-changing action of said element to set the size thereof to any size, within a predetermined operating range of sizes, in response to changes in the temperature; indicator means connected to said element to be moved thereby in response to said change in size; and a scale positioned adjacent said indicator means to provide a visual reading of the position thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
106 words
Apparatus for producing a visual indication responsive to temperature comprising an element made of a mixture of nickel and titanium exhibiting a martensitic transformation adapted to change the size of said element with changes in temperature; means connected to said element to influence the temperature-responsive size-changing action of said element to set the size thereof to any size, within a predetermined operating range of sizes, in response to changes in the temperature; indicator means connected to said element to be moved thereby in response to said change in size; and a scale positioned adjacent said indicator means to provide a visual reading of the position thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
114 words
In prime mover apparatus having a principal element of material exhibiting a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which is capable of producing a dimensional change of a predetermined maximum amount in response to a change in temperature over a corresponding temperature range, the apparatus further including means to control the temperature of said element in accordance with an input signal, whereby the element dimension can be controlled so as to alter the position of a member to which said element is operatively coupled; the improvement wherein the operational temperature range to which said element is subjected is limited to a preselected range which develops a dimensional change of said element of less than said maximum amount.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
114 words
In prime mover apparatus having a principal element of material exhibiting a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which is capable of producing a dimensional change of a predetermined maximum amount in response to a change in temperature over a corresponding temperature range, the apparatus further including means to control the temperature of said element in accordance with an input signal, whereby the element dimension can be controlled so as to alter the position of a member to which said element is operatively coupled; the improvement wherein the operational temperature range to which said element is subjected is limited to a preselected range which develops a dimensional change of said element of less than said maximum amount.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said element is a wire which is operable through contraction-and-expansion cycles to position said member accordingly.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said wire is formed of nitinol.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said operating temperature range is limited to a range developing a dimensional change of less than one-half of said maximum amount.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein said operating temperature range is limited to that developing a dimensional change of less than one-quarter of said maximum amount.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said operating temperature range is limited to an amount developing a dimensional change of less than 2% of the overall dimension of said element.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein said element is a wire.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein said element is formed of nitinol.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein said temperature range is limited to an amount developing a dimensional change of less than 1%.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said element is under externally produced stress, at all times of its operation, tending to oppose the change in dimension.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
96 words
In carrying out the method of reversibly moving an object by means of an element coupled thereto which is formed of a material subjected to a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which causes a dimensional change of a predetermined maximum size, and wherein the temperature of the element is controlled so as to control the positioning action thereof; the improvement wherein the operating temperature range of said element is restricted to that which produces a dimensional change substantially less than said maximum amount, to avoid deleterious permanent elongation of said element as a consequence of successive operational cycles.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
96 words
In carrying out the method of reversibly moving an object by means of an element coupled thereto which is formed of a material subjected to a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which causes a dimensional change of a predetermined maximum size, and wherein the temperature of the element is controlled so as to control the positioning action thereof; the improvement wherein the operating temperature range of said element is restricted to that which produces a dimensional change substantially less than said maximum amount, to avoid deleterious permanent elongation of said element as a consequence of successive operational cycles.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 25, wherein said element is continuously maintained under externally produced tension tending to oppose said change in dimension.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 26, wherein said element is a wire.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 27, wherein the dimensional change is restricted to less than one-half of its maximum possible size.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 28, wherein the dimensional change is restricted to less than one-quarter of its maximum possible size.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the wire is nitinol.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 27, wherein the dimensional change is restrictEd to less than 2% of the length of the wire.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the dimensional change is restricted to less than 1% of the length of the wire.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
113 words
In prime mover apparatus having an elongate element of material exhibiting a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which is capable of producing a change in length of a predetermined maximum amount in response to a change in temperature, the apparatus further including means to control the temperature of said element in accordance with an input signal, whereby the element length can be controlled so as to alter the position of an output member over a full-scale range of motion; the improvement wherein said element is coupled to said output member by means providing said full scale range of motion with a change in length of said element of a predetermined fraction of said maximum amount.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
113 words
In prime mover apparatus having an elongate element of material exhibiting a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which is capable of producing a change in length of a predetermined maximum amount in response to a change in temperature, the apparatus further including means to control the temperature of said element in accordance with an input signal, whereby the element length can be controlled so as to alter the position of an output member over a full-scale range of motion; the improvement wherein said element is coupled to said output member by means providing said full scale range of motion with a change in length of said element of a predetermined fraction of said maximum amount.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, wherein said full-scale range of motion is provided by a change in element length of no more than one-half of said maximum.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein said full-scale range of motion is provided by a change in element length of no more than one-quarter of said maximum.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, including means to limit the magnitude of the input signal to a magnitude providing a change in element length of said predetermined fraction.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 36, including position-responsive means coupled to said member and providing a position feedback signal for comparison with said input signal; and heat control means responsive to the results of said comparison for adjusting the element temperature to that required to position said member at a position corresponding to the magnitude of said input signal.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
179 words
For use in prime mover apparatus having a principal element of material exhibiting a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which is capable of producing a dimensional change of a predetermined maximum amount in response to a change from a lower operating temperature to a higher operating temperature which is produced by the application to said element of a predetermined amount of heat energy, the apparatus further including means to control the temperature of said element between said lower and higher temperature in accordance with an input signal and means to apply to said element a force tending to resist said change in dimension, whereby the element dimension can be controlled so as to alter correspondingly the position of a member to which said element is operatively coupled; that improvement wherein said element is prepared for operational use by initially heating it to a temperature substantially greater than that required to achieve said dimensional change of predetermined maximum amount; and concurrently applying to said element, while it is maintained at said greater temperature, a force in a direction opposing said dimensional change.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
179 words
For use in prime mover apparatus having a principal element of material exhibiting a temperature-responsive martensitic transformation which is capable of producing a dimensional change of a predetermined maximum amount in response to a change from a lower operating temperature to a higher operating temperature which is produced by the application to said element of a predetermined amount of heat energy, the apparatus further including means to control the temperature of said element between said lower and higher temperature in accordance with an input signal and means to apply to said element a force tending to resist said change in dimension, whereby the element dimension can be controlled so as to alter correspondingly the position of a member to which said element is operatively coupled; that improvement wherein said element is prepared for operational use by initially heating it to a temperature substantially greater than that required to achieve said dimensional change of predetermined maximum amount; and concurrently applying to said element, while it is maintained at said greater temperature, a force in a direction opposing said dimensional change.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention claimed in claim 38, wherein said element comprises a wire which contracts in response to said change from said lower operating temperature to said higher operating temperature; said opposing force being a longitudinal tension force tending to elongate said wire while it is maintained at said greater temperature.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention claimed in claim 39, wherein said opposing force applied while at said greater temperature is approximately equal to the force applied, during normal operation, to resist said change in dimension.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention claimed in claim 38, wherein the heat energy input to said wire, in producing said greater temperature, is at least twice the heat energy input required to reach said higher operating temperature.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention claimed in claim 41, wherein the said heat energy input, in producing said greater temperature, is at least four times the heat energy required to reach said higher operating temperature.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for producing a visual indication respoNsive to temperature and comprising: an element made of an alloy mixture exhibiting a martensitic transformation over a temperature range wherein a variation in temperature in one scale direction produces an internally generated dimensional change of the element and a variation in temperature in the reverse scale direction relaxes the element; indicator means connected to said element to be moved thereby in response to said changes in dimension; a scale positioned adjacent said indicator means to provide a visual reading of the position thereof; input means adapted to receive an input signal and operable to change the supply of heat energy to said element in response to changes in said input signal so as to alter the position of said indicator means; sensing means for developing a position signal corresponding to the dimension of said element; and feedback means responsive to said position signal and operable to adjust the heat energy supplied to said element so as to cause said indicator means to take a position with respect to said scale corresponding to said input signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for producing a visual indication respoNsive to temperature and comprising: an element made of an alloy mixture exhibiting a martensitic transformation over a temperature range wherein a variation in temperature in one scale direction produces an internally generated dimensional change of the element and a variation in temperature in the reverse scale direction relaxes the element; indicator means connected to said element to be moved thereby in response to said changes in dimension; a scale positioned adjacent said indicator means to provide a visual reading of the position thereof; input means adapted to receive an input signal and operable to change the supply of heat energy to said element in response to changes in said input signal so as to alter the position of said indicator means; sensing means for developing a position signal corresponding to the dimension of said element; and feedback means responsive to said position signal and operable to adjust the heat energy supplied to said element so as to cause said indicator means to take a position with respect to said scale corresponding to said input signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-24 | 1979-05-26 | 1979-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-24 | 1983-05-26 | 1983-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-24 | 1987-05-26 | 1987-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |