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. 03, 2015
Filed:
Mar. 05, 2012
Applicants:
Andrew M. Mance, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Martin P. Sulic, Center Line, MI (US);
Inventors:
Andrew M. Mance, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Martin P. Sulic, Center Line, MI (US);
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
F03G 7/06 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract
Methods of applying sensible coatings with at least one spatially-varying characteristic to shape memory alloy actuators, particularly actuators comprising linear elements such as wires strips or cables, are disclosed. Such coatings enable the positions of the linear shape memory alloy elements to be sensed using magnetic, capacitive and optical sensors and so, in conjunction with a controller, enable operation of such actuators under proportional control.