Nitinol hookswitch actuator
US6009166A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/6545
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hookswitch actuator including an activating mechanism which maintains the hookswitch circuit of a telephone in an "on hook" state when the activating mechanism is in a first position, or in an "off hook" state when the activating mechanism is in the second position. The movement of the activating mechanism between the two positions is accomplished through the use of a shape memory alloy mechanism. The shape memory alloy mechanism is coupled to the activating mechanism in such a way that heating or cooling of the shape memory alloy mechanism moves the activating mechanism between its two positions. Control of the heating and cooling of the shape memory alloy mechanism is effectuated by controlling the amount of electric current passing through it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.