Flow control assemblies having integrally formed shape memory alloy actuators
US7093817B2 · kind B2 · utility
18Cited by
130References
14Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86734
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille number to another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.