Apparatus including a shape memory actuating element made from tubing and a means of heating
US5226979A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S148/908
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to hollow elements prepared from alloys having shape memory characteristics and techniques for heating the elements to effect the martensite (or R-phase) to austenite transformation. In its most preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the use of shape memory alloys to prepare hollow springs or tubular beams, bending and torsional, and the preferred methods of heating the elements include passing an insulated resistance heating wire through the core thereof and applying a current, or applying two layers of coating to the inside or outside of the tube, one of which is insulating and the other of which is electrically conductive. In the latter example, application of current to the conductive coating will heat the element. It is also envisioned that hot fluid may be passed through the element as the heating technique.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.