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US 8,418,455 B2Granted
Shape memory alloy separating apparatuses
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsWard D. Lyman, Frederick B. Koehler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of separating apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In an embodiment, a separating apparatus is provided that comprises a pre-strained member formed from a shape memory alloy that is configured to separate upon application of heat.
Claims18
A fracturing kinetic energy delivery system comprising:
- a member, the member being formed from a shape memory alloy and a section of the member being configured to separate into a plurality of pieces upon application of heat to the member;
- a first object;
- a second object;
- a first end of the member fixed to the first object;
- a second end of the member coupled with a second object, and the member including the first and second ends couple the first and second objects in a coupling configuration;
- and
- in a kinetic delivery configuration, the first end of the member fixed to the object is projected away from the second end according to separation of the member into the plurality of pieces, separation of the member and projection of the first end imparting kinetic energy to the first object fixed to the first end to proiect the first object away from the second end of the member.
4 more elements
A fracturing kinetic energy delivery system comprising:
- a first object;
- a second object;
- and
- a fracturing member having first and second ends and comprising a shape memory alloy, the fracturing member is configured to couple the first and second object in a coupling configuration and project one of the first or second object from the other of the second or first object in a kinetic delivery configuration:
- in the coupling configuration the first and second ends are coupled with the first and second objects, respectively, and at least one of the first and second ends is fixed with the corresponding first or second object, and
- in the kinetic delivery configuration the shape memory alloy of the fracturing member is configured to separate into a plurality of pieces, separation releasing the first object from the second object upon application of heat to the fracturing member, and separation imparting kinetic energy to at least one of the first or second ends fixed to the first or second objects and accordingly projecting the first or second object away from the other of the second or first object.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.