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US 9,212,754 B2Granted
Shape memory alloy valve
AssigneeA. Raymond Et Cie
InventorNicholas Jackson, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A valve apparatus employs a shape memory alloy. In another aspect, a shape memory member acts as a lock or trigger in combination with a separate actuator or spring to move a valve. Still another aspect uses an externally mounted shape memory member to rotate a valve if an unsafe condition causes movement of the member.
Claims34
A valve apparatus comprising:
- a valve assembly including a rotatable valve and a shaft projecting from and rotatable with the valve;
- a housing including an internal passageway, the valve being rotatable within the passageway to open or close flow therethrough;
- a shape memory member located outside the passageway, the shape memory member including an unlooped and elongated middle section contacting the shaft in a nominal operating condition;
- and
- a separate spring rotating the valve when the shape memory member is heated.
2 more elements
A valve apparatus comprising:
- a valve assembly including a valve and a shaft projecting from and moveable with the valve;
- a polymeric housing including an internal passageway, the valve being moveable within the passageway to open or close flow therethrough;
- a shape memory member located outside the passageway, the shape memory member including an unlooped and elongated wire section contacting a surface coupled to the shaft when in a nominal operating condition;
- and
- a separate spring moving the valve when the shape memory member is heated, the spring contacting the polymeric housing, and heating of the shape memory member releases the shaft to allow the spring to move the valve within the polymeric housing;
- and
- the shape memory member disengaging the surface coupled to the shaft when heated to allow the valve to move.
4 more elements
A valve apparatus comprising:
- a valve assembly including a rotatable valve and a surface coupled to and rotatable with the valve;
- a housing including an internal passageway, the valve being rotatable within the passageway to open or close flow therethrough;
- a shape memory wire located outside the passageway, the shape memory wire including a section which is straight along at least one plane, the section contacting the surface in a nominal operating condition;
- and
- a separate spring rotating the valve when the shape memory wire is actuated.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.