The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 16, 2008
Filed:
Nov. 30, 2005
Applicants:
Apolonio P. Yson, Cerritos, CA (US);
Ross H. Messinger, Tustin, CA (US);
Inventors:
Apolonio P. Yson, Cerritos, CA (US);
Ross H. Messinger, Tustin, CA (US);
Assignee:
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
F01B 29/10 (2006.01); F01B 7/20 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract
Linear actuators including coupled elongate members formed of shape memory alloys are provided. Members that lengthen when heated are coupled to members that shorten when heated such that stroke amplification gains are derived from each member. The members may be tubular and may be coaxially arranged for telescopic extension and collapse. Sections of a modular structure such as a space vehicle may be latched and clamped together for assembly or for docking by utilizing linear actuators having shape memory alloys that are actuated thermally.