Automatically deployable and retractable combiner mechanism
US5553328A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2027/0156
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Device for rapidly and automatically deploying and retracting a combiner attached to a visored helmet. A combination of opposing springs, one made from conventional materials and the other from shape memory alloy (SMA), effects a detent mechanism and the retracting and deploying mechanism. The conventional spring normally exerts a greater force than the SMA spring, but the latter exerts the greater force upon being heated, preferably by means of an electric current passing through the spring. Alternative deployment and retraction means include a solenoid-conventional spring combination or an electrical motor which used in conjunction with a locking and unlocking means incorporating a SMA spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.