US6574958B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shape memory alloy actuators and control methods
Assignee: Sherwood Partners Inc
•
Filing: 2000-08-11
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Granted: 2003-06-10
•
Expires: 2020-08-11
Abstract
Abstract This invention provides stroke-multiplying shape memory alloy actuators and other actuators using electromechanically active materials [collectively referred to in this application as SMA actuators] providing stroke multiplication without significant force reduction, that are readily miniaturizable and fast acting, and their design and use; economical and efficient control and sensing mechanisms for shape memory alloy actuators (including conventional shape memory alloy actuators as well as the stroke-multiplying SMA actuators of this invention) for low power consumption, resistance/obstacle/load sensing, and accurate positional control; and devices containing these actuators and control and sensing mechanisms.
Inventors
- 👤 Roderick MacGregor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 01:37
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G7/00; F03G7/06; F03G7/061; F03G7/0614; F03G7/06143; F03G7/063; F03G7/0633; F03G7/064; F03G7/066; G; G01; G01K; G01K5/00; G01K5/48; G01K5/483; G12; G12B; G12B1/00; F05; F05B; F05B2280/00; F05B2280/50; F05B2280/5006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A shape memory alloy actuator, comprising: a set of stacked parallel conductive plates, wherein each stacked parallel conductive plate is separated from an adjacent stacked parallel conductive plate with an insulating layer configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates and a low-friction sliding surface between adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates; and a set of shape memory alloy links connecting said set of stacked parallel conductive plates, said set of shape memory alloy links generating force to produce controlled sliding displacement along insulating layers between adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A shape memory alloy actuator, comprising: a set of stacked parallel conductive plates, wherein each stacked parallel conductive plate is separated from an adjacent stacked parallel conductive plate with an insulating layer configured to provide electrical isolation between adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates and a low-friction sliding surface between adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates; and a set of shape memory alloy links connecting said set of stacked parallel conductive plates, said set of shape memory alloy links generating force to produce controlled sliding displacement along insulating layers between adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 1 wherein said insulating layer is a low-friction polymeric material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 2 wherein said insulating layer is PTFE.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 2 wherein said insulating layer is fluorinated polymer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 2 wherein said insulating layer is polyamide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 5 wherein said insulating layer is nylon.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 1 wherein said insulating layer is placed between adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 1 wherein said insulating layer is applied to a conductive plate of adjacent stacked parallel conductive plates.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 1 wherein each stacked parallel conductive plate of said stacked parallel conductive plates has wide end plates connected by a narrow central elongated surface to form a dog bone configuration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The shape memory alloy actuator of claim 9 wherein said shape memory alloy links are connected to said wide end plates of said stacked parallel conductive plates.
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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) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-12-09 | 2007-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-09 | 2010-12-09 | 2011-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-09 | 2014-12-09 | 2015-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |