Current controlled inductor

A current controlled inductor that provides a variable inductance in an electric circuit, comprising:

• (a) a coil of electrically conductive wire formed of a shape memory alloy, said coil having an original length to which said coil returns to change the inductance thereof when it is heated to a predetermined temperature;
• (b) means for altering the original length of said coil to change the inductance of said coil, said change in the inductance of the coil alters the electric circuit;
• (c) an electric power source connected to said coil to create a flow of current through said coil that heats said wire to said predetermined temperature to cause said coil to return to its original length after the original length of said coil is altered by said means for altering the original length of said coil;
• (d) means electrically connecting the coil to the electric circuit as the length of the coil is altered;
• and,
• (e) means for preventing electrical interference in the electric circuit by the flow of current through the coil from the electric power source.

A current-controlled inductor that provides a variable inductance in an electric circuit that includes an antenna rod, comprising:

• a first coil of electrically conductive wire formed of a shape memory alloy that returns said first coil to an original length from an altered length when heated to a predetermined temperature by an electric current flowing through said first coil;
• a second coil of electrically conductive wire connected to said first coil, said second coil being formed of a shape memory alloy that returns said second coil to an original length from an altered length when heated to a predetermined temperature by an electric current flowing through said second coil, said second coil being in an opposite state of alteration from said first coil to alter the original length of said first coil to an altered length such that, as the length of said first coil is altered, a change in the inductance of said first coil alters the electric circuit;
• a contact electrically connected to said first coil and slidably mounted on the antenna rod for providing electrical contact between said first coil and the antenna rod as the length of said first coil is altered;
• an electric power source selectively connectable to said first coil and said second coil to create a flow of current that heats said first coil or said second coil to said predetermined temperature;
• and,
• means for preventing electrical interference in the electric circuit by the flow of current through said first coil and said second coil.