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US 5,070,697 AGranted
Actuator with memory metal and a shock absorber provided with this actuator
AssigneeKoni B.V.
InventorWilhelm A. Van Zeggeren
Life of this patent
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AssigneeKoni B.V.
InventorWilhelm A. Van Zeggeren
Estimating the term…
An actuator (1) in particular for proportionally influencing the fluid flow in hydraulic and/or pneumatic devices, including a cylindrical housing (2) with an elongated actuating element (3) movably supported therein, elements (11, 12, 13) of memory metal, engaging said actuating element (3), the housing (2) and the actuating element (3) movable relative to one another by activation of the elements (11, 12, 13) of memory metal, if necessary against the force exerted by an element (15) of permanent resilient material. The housing (2) is provided at one end (8) with an opening (9) through which the actuating element (3) protrudes longitudinally upon relative movement. Bringing about the intended proportional operation, the actuator (1) includes locking means (16, 17, 19), engaging the actuating element (3), for mutually locking the actuating element (3) and their housing (2) in one or more positions. The locking means comprise preferably at least one element (16) of memory metal, by activation of which the mutual locking of the actuating element (3) and the housing (2) can be controlled. Further, there is provided a shock absorber comprising an actuator.
An actuator comprising a cylindrical housing with an elongated actuating element movably supported therein, and an element of memory metal engaging the actuating element, wherein the housing and the actuating element are movable relative to one another in response to activation of the element of memory metal, one end of said housing defining at least one opening through which the actuating element protrudes axially upon said relative movement, said actuator further comprising locking means operable to selectively engage the actuating element in response to an externally generated logic signal for mutually locking the actuating element and the housing in at least one position for proportionally positioning a regulating member of an associated control device.
A shock absorber comprising a cylinder containing damping fluid, a piston with piston rod which is movable in the cylinder, at least one system of channels in which damping fluid can flow from the one to the other side of the piston and control means for influencing the fluid flow in the at least one system of channels, the control means comprising at least one actuator comprising a cylindrical housing with an elongated actuating element movably supported therein, and an element of memory metal engaging the actuating element, wherein the housing and the actuating element are movable relative to one another in response to activation of the element of memory metal, one end of said housing defining at least one opening through which the actuating element protrudes axially upon said relative movement, said actuator further comprising locking means operable to selectively engage the actuating element in response to an externally generated logic signal for mutually locking the actuating element and the housing in at least one position.
An actuator comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.