초록 ▼

An actuator for cycling between first and second positions includes a first shaped memory alloy (SMA) leg, a second SMA leg. At least one heating/cooling device is thermally connected to at least one of the legs, each heating/cooling device capable of simultaneously heating one leg while cooling the

An actuator for cycling between first and second positions includes a first shaped memory alloy (SMA) leg, a second SMA leg. At least one heating/cooling device is thermally connected to at least one of the legs, each heating/cooling device capable of simultaneously heating one leg while cooling the other leg. The heating/cooling devices can include thermoelectric and/or thermoionic elements.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An actuator for cycling between first and second positions, comprising:first and second legs formed from shape memory alloy material and a base, each said leg having a fixed end fixed when attached to the base and a free end, said legs trained to shapes in opposition to

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An actuator for cycling between first and second positions, comprising:first and second legs formed from shape memory alloy material and a base, each said leg having a fixed end fixed when attached to the base and a free end, said legs trained to shapes in opposition to one another in their respective austentite phases; and,at least one heating/cooling device thermally connected to at least one of said legs, each of said heating/cooling devices capable of simultaneously heating one of said legs while cooling the other of said legs.