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:
May. 12, 2015
Filed:
May. 31, 2011
Chaitanya Arekar, San Diego, CA (US);
Leonid Foshansky, San Diego, CA (US);
Kyle James Ovard, Jr., San Diego, CA (US);
Robert Bogursky, Encinitas, CA (US);
George Marc Simmel, Cupertino, CA (US);
Chaitanya Arekar, San Diego, CA (US);
Leonid Foshansky, San Diego, CA (US);
Kyle James Ovard, Jr., San Diego, CA (US);
Robert Bogursky, Encinitas, CA (US);
George Marc Simmel, Cupertino, CA (US);
Autosplice, Inc., San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
Power-efficient actuator apparatus and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly utilizes a shape memory alloy (SMA) filament driven by an electronic power source to induce movement in the underlying assembly to actuate a load (e.g., water valve). In addition, a circuit board is included which allows the actuator assembly to be readily incorporated or retrofit into a wide range of systems such that the signal characteristics of the supply line can, among other applications, be conditioned in order to protect the SMA filament. Furthermore, the circuit board can also readily be adapted for use with 'green' power sources such as photovoltaic systems and the like. Methods for manufacturing and utilizing the aforementioned actuator assembly are also disclosed.