Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and methods for a shape memory spring actuator and display

US7018209B2 · kind B2 · utility

19Cited by
93References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 30, 2003
Grant dateMar 28, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 30, 2023

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 or 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 a user interface from a computer program, including text, numerical data, and graphical images.

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