Method and apparatus for providing depth control or z-actuation
US7294102B2 · kind B2 · utility
9Cited by
7References
44Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/0068
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A position control apparatus for controlling position along an axis, comprising: an extensible member that can be extended and contracted along said axis, comprising shape memory alloy locatable to expand and contract along said axis, heating means for controlling said temperature of said shape memory alloy, and a feedback mechanism for controlling said heating means and responsive to variations in said position, wherein said position is controllable by means of said heating means and can be stabilized by means of said feedback mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.