US5176544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shape memory actuator smart connector
Assignee: Johnson Service Co
•
Filing: 1991-05-22
•
Granted: 1993-01-05
•
Expires: 2011-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A pivotal electrical connector for connecting a shape memory alloy element in the form of a coil spring to a fixed member, the connector including a strip of electrically conductive material having a clip or a pair of legs for securing the connector to one of the coils of the element. A pair of holes may be provided in the strip through which the coil is threaded. A rotational connector is provided in the strip for engaging the fixed member.
Inventors
- 👤 II David N. AbuJudom
- 👤 Paul E. Thoma
- 👤 Roger V. Hajny
- 👤 Steven A. Linstead
- 👤 Bruce R. Schultz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:32
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G7/00; F03G7/06; F03G7/061; F03G7/0614; F03G7/06145; F03G7/063; F03G7/0633; F23; F23N; F23N3/00; F23N3/04; F23N3/042; F03G7/066; F23N2231/00; F23N2231/16; H; H01; H01H; H01H61/00; H01H61/01; H01H61/0107; H01H2061/0122; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/932
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
An electrically conductive connector for connecting a coil-shaped shape memory element to a pin, said connector comprising a strip of electrically conductive material, means at one end of said strip for connecting said connector to one of the coils of the element, said connecting means including a pair of holes, with the coil threaded through the holes and means in said strip for rotationally engaging the pin.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
An electrically conductive connector for connecting a coil-shaped shape memory element to a pin, said connector comprising a strip of electrically conductive material, means at one end of said strip for connecting said connector to one of the coils of the element, said connecting means including a pair of holes, with the coil threaded through the holes and means in said strip for rotationally engaging the pin.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises a clip formed at the end of said strip by a first portion folded at a right angle to said strip and a second portion folded to a parallel relation with respect to said first portion to secure the coil in the clip.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein said connector is formed from a material having a thermal conductivity less than 60 BTU Ft./ Hr . Ft. 2.sub.°F. and an electrical resistivity less than 200 micro ohm. cm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The connector according to claim 1 wherein said strip is formed from stainless steel.
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) | 1996-01-05 | 1996-07-06 | 1997-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-01-05 | 2000-07-06 | 2001-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-01-05 | 2004-07-06 | 2005-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |