Shape memory actuator smart connector
AssigneeJohnson Service Company
InventorsDavid N. AbuJudom, II, Paul E. Thoma, Roger V. Hajny, Steven A. Linstead, Bruce R. Schultz
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Abstract
A pivotal electrical connector for connecting a shape memory alloy element in the form of a coil spring to a fixed member, the connector including a strip of electrically conductive material having a clip or a pair of legs for securing the connector to one of the coils of the element. A pair of holes may be provided in the strip through which the coil is threaded. A rotational connector is provided in the strip for engaging the fixed member.
Claims9
A shape memory actuator for controlling the position of a control member, said actuator comprising a pair of shape memory elements, one of said elements being connected to move the control member toward an open position and the other of said elements being connected to move the control member toward a closed position, each of said elements having a shape memory transition temperature above which said elements assume their memory shape and a lower transition temperature below which they can be stretched from their memory shape and means for selectively energizing one or the other of said elements to open or close a control member, and
- an electrically conductive rotational connector connected to each end of each shape memory element for connecting one end of said element to the control member and the other end of said element to a fixed member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.