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:
Mar. 30, 2010
Filed:
Sep. 08, 2005
Minoru Taya, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Victor Cheng, Chandler, AZ (US);
Harry Sugandi, Oakleigh, AU;
Yuanchang Liang, Seattle, WA (US);
Hsiuhung Chen, Seattle, WA (US);
Chi-yuan Wang, Seattle, WA (US);
Minoru Taya, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Victor Cheng, Chandler, AZ (US);
Harry Sugandi, Oakleigh, AU;
Yuanchang Liang, Seattle, WA (US);
Hsiuhung Chen, Seattle, WA (US);
Chi-Yuan Wang, Seattle, WA (US);
University of Washington, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
Linear actuators (also known as an inchworm actuator) including a magnetically actuatable shape memory alloy (SMA) are described. The linear actuators include a bar and an actuator assembly, configured to achieve a linear displacement of the actuator assembly relative to the bar. A hybrid magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet is used to selectively attract the magnetically actuatable SMA toward the magnetic trigger. The motion of the magnetically actuatable SMA can be converted to a linear displacement. The magnetically actuatable SMA can be implemented using a SMA exhibiting both ferromagnetic and SMA properties, or by a ferromagnetic mass coupled with an SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite). Linear actuators including bars incorporating a ratchet mechanism, and featureless bars are described. A hydraulic system incorporating actuators including magnetically actuatable SMA membranes is also disclosed.