Patents by Inventor Russell N. Gehling

Russell N. Gehling has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Shape memory alloy controllable hinge apparatus
    Patent number: 6175989
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy hinge assembly for deploying at least a first object in a controllable, substantially shockless manner is disclosed. Generally, the hinge assembly includes at least a first flexure member capable of moving from a first, folded configuration to a second, straightened configuration, and a controller for controlling the movement of at least the first flexure member as the first flexure member moves or reconfigures from the folded configuration to the straightened configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Bernie F. Carpenter, Jerry L. Draper, Russell N. Gehling