Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and methods for a shape memory spring actuator and display

US6705868B1 · kind B1 · utility

40Cited by
26References
42Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 18, 1998
Grant dateMar 16, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 18, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG09B21/004
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Various apparatus and methods for an actuator and display using one more shape memory springs. A shape memory spring is heated and urges a pin to a first or extended position. The pin may be supported in the first position by a supporting mechanism. The shape memory spring is heated electically, and in some embodiments under the control of a processor. The present invention may be used to display information provided in user interface from a computer program, including text, numerical data, and graphical images.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.