Honeywell International Inc.

Microsurgical Technology, Inc.

Other

Robert F Jordan

George D Davis

Lawrence Laks

Ed Terpilowski

Timothy E Luxon

A method for post-fabrication modification of the snap actuation properties of a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator by exposing a pre-formed bimetallic actuator to laser energy, thereby permanently altering the thermal response properties of the bimetallic actuator, and a thermally responsive bimetallic actuator having snap actuation properties developed according to the method.

Method for forming a bimetallic actuator

An apparatus and method for determining the actuation energy generated by a bimetallic actuator during transit between first and second states of stability. The apparatus and method further determining the threshold or set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit between bi-stable states. Accordingly, the apparatus and method directly measure both the snap force F and the set-point temperature of the bimetallic actuator during transit.

Force measurement of bimetallic thermal disc

A thermal switch having a thermally, responsive bimetallic member that exhibits a snap-action response and a pair of relatively movable contacts positioned relative to the thermally responsive bimetallic member such that the thermally responsive bimetallic member is positioned to actuate one of the pair of relatively movable contacts by transitioning between one and another of the first and second stable states, the bimetallic member being a bimetallic material fabricated of two materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion and formed in a non-planar shape to achieve a snap-action between first and second stable states as a function of temperature and having an artifact formed as a localized heat-treated area in a surface of a first of the two materials and cooperating with the non-planar shape to achieve the snap-action.

Laser adjusted set-point of bimetallic thermal disc

A passage for irrigation liquid extends lengthwise along the exterior surface of the body of a phacoemulsifier handpiece and is formed between an outer arcuate section and the exterior surface of the body itself. The passage is of noncircular cross section so that it protrudes from the body, but to a lesser degree than a circular conduit having the same cross-sectional area.

Low profile phaco handpiece

Phaco handpiece

Phaco tip wrench

A removable clip for gasoline pump handles without a pump lever lock is provided, easily attachable to a gasoline pump handle and easily engageable to lock the pump handle lever without need for further manual holding.

Growing community of inventors

Brier, WA, United States of America

Robert F Jordan