Abstract: An impact drive type actuator (10) is comprised of a wire-shaped shape memory alloy (11) which contracts upon being electrified and heated, a disk-shaped insulating heat conductor (12) which contacts this wire-shaped shape memory alloy (11) and releases the heat which is generated at the wire-shaped shape memory alloy, and a drive circuit (16, 17) which instantaneously electrifies the wire-shaped shape memory alloy and instantaneously makes the wire-shaped shape memory alloy contract. According to this impact drive type actuator, it realizes a heat conduction structure which gives rise to a high heat dispersion action by the heat characteristics of the shape memory alloy, so it becomes possible to utilize the deformation by extension and contraction of a shape memory alloy which has a wire-shaped form, improve the speed and response of the deformation operation characteristics, and improve practicality.

Abstract: An impact drive type actuator (10) is comprised of a wire-shaped shape memory alloy (11) which contracts upon being electrified and heated, a disk-shaped insulating heat conductor (12) which contacts this wire-shaped shape memory alloy (11) and releases the heat which is generated at the wire-shaped shape memory alloy, and a drive circuit (16, 17) which instantaneously electrifies the wire-shaped shape memory alloy and instantaneously makes the wire-shaped shape memory alloy contract. According to this impact drive type actuator, it realizes a heat conduction structure which gives rise to a high heat dispersion action by the heat characteristics of the shape memory alloy, so it becomes possible to utilize the deformation by extension and contraction of a shape memory alloy which has a wire-shaped form, improve the speed and response of the deformation operation characteristics, and improve practicality.

Abstract: A rotary electrostatic encoder comprising a disk-shaped fixed plate having a first transmission electrode, a second transmission electrode, and four reception electrodes; a disk-shaped rotating plate having a first induction electrode superposed on and facing the first transmission electrode, and a second induction electrode positioned on the inside of the first induction electrode and superposed on and facing the second transmission electrode, a portion of the second induction electrode being a protruding eccentric circular part; transmission means for applying a transmission signal between the first transmission electrode and the second transmission electrode; and signal processing means for generating an output signal relating to the absolute rotational displacement of the rotating plate on the basis of two signal components generated from the four reception electrodes.