초록 ▼

An actuator for at least translationally or linearly moving an object from a first position to a second position displaced from the first position is disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a strip of shape memory alloy configured as a coil wound about a first rotatably-fixed member, the

An actuator for at least translationally or linearly moving an object from a first position to a second position displaced from the first position is disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a strip of shape memory alloy configured as a coil wound about a first rotatably-fixed member, the strip having first and second end portions, the first end portion being interconnectable to the first rotatably-fixed member and the second end portion being operatively associated and/or interconnectable with the object to be moved, and a heating assembly adapted to heat at least a portion of the strip of shape memory alloy from a first temperature corresponding to the strip being in a martensitic state to a second temperature corresponding to the strip being in an austenitic state, the second temperature being above a martensitic/austenitic transformation temperature of the shape memory alloy. Such heating of the strip to the austenitic state results in at least radially-outward and arcuate movement of the second end portion of the strip which, in turn, may move the object translationally.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An actuator for moving at least a first object from a first position to at least a second position linearly displaced from the first position, said actuator comprising:a first rotatably-fixed member;a coil comprising a strip of shape memory alloy wound about said first ro

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An actuator for moving at least a first object from a first position to at least a second position linearly displaced from the first position, said actuator comprising:a first rotatably-fixed member;a coil comprising a strip of shape memory alloy wound about said first rotatably-fixed member, said strip having a first end portion interconnectable to said first rotatably-fixed member and a second end portion interconnectable to the first object; andmeans, engagable with said coil, for actuating said coil to at least translationally move the first object engagable with said second end portion of said coil from the first position to at least the second position.