Patent US4811564A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4811564A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Double action spring actuator
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1988-01-11
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Granted: 1989-03-14
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Expires: 2008-01-11
Abstract
Abstract Electrically operated linear actuators are provided wherein both the forward and rearward motions are obtained by heating a shape memory metal to its austenitic state and thereafter cooling it to its martensitic state. One shape memory metal forms a retractor spring while the other shape memory metal forms an expansion spring.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark D. Palmer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:20
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G7/00; F03G7/06; F03G7/061; F03G7/0614; F03G7/06145; H; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
In a linear double action actuator the improvement which comprises: a retractor spring constructed of a shape memory metal and an expansion spring constructed of a shape memory metal, each of said springs being attached at one end thereof to one end of an arm movably supported by and within said actuator, each of said springs being attached at their other end to a stationary member formed within said actuator, means for connecting said actuator to a source of energy and means for supplying said energy selectively to one of said springs, whereby the selective amortizations transforms said energized spring from the martensitic state to the austenitic state thereby slidably moving said movable arm in the desired direction within said actuator, said springs being substantially parallel at all times to each other and to the path of travel of said movable arm.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a linear double action actuator the improvement which comprises: a retractor spring constructed of a shape memory metal and an expansion spring constructed of a shape memory metal, each of said springs being attached at one end thereof to one end of an arm movably supported by and within said actuator, each of said springs being attached at their other end to a stationary member formed within said actuator, means for connecting said actuator to a source of energy and means for supplying said energy selectively to one of said springs, whereby the selective amortizations transforms said energized spring from the martensitic state to the austenitic state thereby slidably moving said movable arm in the desired direction within said actuator, said springs being substantially parallel at all times to each other and to the path of travel of said movable arm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The actuator of claim 1 wherein said retractor spring and said expansion spring are mounted separately from the other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The actuator of claim 1 wherein said source of energy is an electrical source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The actuator of claim 1 wherein said source of energy is a thermal source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The actuator of claim 1 wherein said actuator includes means for sealing said movable arm to said actuator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The actuator of claim 1 wherein said actuator further includes means for limiting the travel in either direction of said movable arm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The actuator of claim 6 wherein said movable arm includes means formed thereon for attachment of an antenna.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
129 words
In a linear double action actuator the improvement which comprises: a retractor spring constructed of a shape memory metal and an expansion spring constructed of a shape memory metal, each of said springs being attached at one end thereof to one end of an arm movably supported by and within said actuator, each of said springs being attached at their other end to a stationary member formed within said actuator, means for connecting said actuator to a source of energy and means for supplying said energy selectively to one of said springs, whereby the selective amortizations transforms said energized spring from the martensitic state to the austenitic state thereby moving said movable arm in the desired direction within said actuator, said retractor spring is contained within said expansion spring.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
129 words
In a linear double action actuator the improvement which comprises: a retractor spring constructed of a shape memory metal and an expansion spring constructed of a shape memory metal, each of said springs being attached at one end thereof to one end of an arm movably supported by and within said actuator, each of said springs being attached at their other end to a stationary member formed within said actuator, means for connecting said actuator to a source of energy and means for supplying said energy selectively to one of said springs, whereby the selective amortizations transforms said energized spring from the martensitic state to the austenitic state thereby moving said movable arm in the desired direction within said actuator, said retractor spring is contained within said expansion spring.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-03-13 | 1992-09-12 | 1993-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-03-13 | 1996-09-12 | 1997-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-03-13 | 2000-09-12 | 2001-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |