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:
Oct. 12, 2010
Filed:
Aug. 16, 2005
Minoru Taya, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Taishi Wada, Isezakichoujya-machi, JP;
Hsiu-hung Chen, Seattle, WA (US);
Masahiro Kusaka, Hyogo, JP;
Victor Cheng, Chandler, AZ (US);
Chiyuan Wang, Seattle, WA (US);
Minoru Taya, Mercer Island, WA (US);
Taishi Wada, Isezakichoujya-machi, JP;
Hsiu-hung Chen, Seattle, WA (US);
Masahiro Kusaka, Hyogo, JP;
Victor Cheng, Chandler, AZ (US);
Chiyuan Wang, Seattle, WA (US);
University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
Multiple embodiments of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) based torque actuators are described. These torque actuators include a magnetic trigger and an FSMA member, which when actuated by the magnetic trigger, produces a torque for rotating a member. Examples of magnetic triggers include hybrid magnetic triggers having at least one electromagnet and at least one permanent magnet. The FSMA member can be configured as a coil (or plate) spring and can be fabricated of a true FSMA alloy (i.e., an alloy that exhibits both ferromagnetic and shape memory properties) or of an FSMA composite that includes a ferromagnetic portion and an SMA portion. Several embodiments include a central orifice in which the FSMA member and an axial rod configured to rotate when actuated are disposed; the magnetic trigger system is disposed about the periphery of the orifice.