Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Chevron U.s.a. Inc.

Donald Bryan Freeman

Franz Hover

Eric Wright Gilbertson

Jose Luis Arellano

Eduardo Colina

A valve actuator, valve, and method of actuation of a valve are disclosed. The valve actuator includes a shape memory alloy element attachable to a valve body, capable of use with a valve to cause movement of the valve between first and second positions responsive to at least a threshold amount of temperature change of the shape memory alloy element. The valve actuator further includes a negative-differential spring applied to the shape memory alloy element, thereby reducing the threshold amount of temperature change needed to cause movement of the valve between the first and second positions.

Sharp-phase change shape memory alloy thermal actuator

In one embodiment, a valve comprising a valve body; an orifice disposed within the valve body; a fluid flow restraining member located at a first location of the orifice, the fluid flow restraining member pivotable between a closed position and an open position; an extending member connected to, and moveable in pivotable synchronization with, the fluid flow restraining member; and a shape memory alloy element attached to the extending member and the valve body, the shape memory alloy element causing a pivotal movement of the extending member between positions corresponding to the open and closed positions responsive to a change in temperature of the shape memory alloy element.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Donald Bryan Freeman