US4385494A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fast-acting self-resetting hydride actuator
Assignee: MPD Technology Corp
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Filing: 1981-06-15
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Granted: 1983-05-31
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Expires: 2001-06-15
Abstract
Abstract A fast-acting, self-resetting hydride actuator comprising an enclosure containing hydrogen, and an actuating means communicating with the interior of the enclosure responsive to changes in pressure of the hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force based upon a change in pressure of the hydrogen gas. The actuator also comprises an electric resistance means inside the enclosure which includes a resistor element made in whole or in part of a hydridable electric conductor and means for passing electric current through said resistor element.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter M. Golben
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 00:52
CPC Classifications
G; G12; G12B; G12B1/00; G12B1/04; F; F03; F03G; F03G7/00; F03G7/008; F03G7/011; F03G7/027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A self-resetting actuator comprising A. an enclosing means containing hydrogen, B. means responsive to changes in pressure of said hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force C. electric resistance means in said enclosing means including a resistive element made of a hydridable electric conductor, and D. means for passing electric current through said resistive element upon command.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
A self-resetting actuator comprising A. an enclosing means containing hydrogen, B. means responsive to changes in pressure of said hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force C. electric resistance means in said enclosing means including a resistive element made of a hydridable electric conductor, and D. means for passing electric current through said resistive element upon command.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An actuator as in claim 1 wherein said means responsive to changes in pressure of said hydrogen gas is a movable piston.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
An actuator as in claim 1 wherein said electric resistive element comprises essentially a nondecrepitating hydridable metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
An actuator as in claim 3 wherein said nondecrepitating hydridable metal is essentially palladium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
An actuator as in claim 1 wherein said electric resistive element comprises a physical and mechanical association of a decrepitating hydridable metal and a nonhydridable metal both of said metals together carrying electric current passed therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
An actuator as in claim 5 wherein said decrepitating hydridable metal and said nonhydridable metal are associated together in a metallurgically bonded structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
An actuator as in claim 1 including a means for sensing and indicating the electrical resistance said resistive element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
An actuator as in claim 4 wherein the hydridable metal is an alloy of palladium and silver containing about 1 to about 25 percent by weight of silver.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
79 words
A self-setting actuator comprising A. an enclsoing means containing hydrogen gas; B. means responsive to changes in pressure of said hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force; C. electric resistance means in said enclosing means including a resistive element made of a hydridable electric conductor said hydridable electric conductor being characterized by a low resistivity when not hydrided and a higher resistivity when hydrided, and D. means for passing electric current through said resistive element upon command.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
79 words
A self-setting actuator comprising A. an enclsoing means containing hydrogen gas; B. means responsive to changes in pressure of said hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force; C. electric resistance means in said enclosing means including a resistive element made of a hydridable electric conductor said hydridable electric conductor being characterized by a low resistivity when not hydrided and a higher resistivity when hydrided, and D. means for passing electric current through said resistive element upon command.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
An actuator as in claim 9 wherein said means responsive to changes in pressure of said hydrogen gas is a movable piston.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
An actuator as in claim 9 wherein said electric resistive element comprises essentially a nondecrepitating hydridable metal.
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) | 1986-05-30 | 1986-11-29 | 1987-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-30 | 1990-11-29 | 1991-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-30 | 1994-11-29 | 1995-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |