Patents by Inventor Alacqua Stefano

Alacqua Stefano 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).

  • Apparatus with integrated shape memory actuator for regulating the flow of air in a conduit, particularly for air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles
    Patent number: 6446876
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a plurality of Venetian blind slats controlled by an actuator rod associated to one side of a frame supporting the pivoting slats. The actuator rod is controlled by a metallic alloy shape memory wire associated to said rod, which is powered by electrical current causing the wire to heat and shorten thus moving the actuator rod against the action of a return spring. The actuator system is completely integrated in the structure of the apparatus. The position of the actuator rod is signalled by a sensor, preferably a potentiometer, comprising a slider connected to the actuator rod, co-operating with an electrical track connected to the frame of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Alacqua Stefano, Butera Francesco
  • Apparatus with integrated shape memory actuator for regulating the flow of air in a conduit, particularly for air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles
    Publication number: 20020050530
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a plurality of Venetian blind slats controlled by an actuator rod associated to one side of a frame supporting the pivoting slats. The actuator rod is controlled by a metallic alloy shape memory wire associated to said rod, which is powered by electrical current causing the wire to heat and shorten thus moving the actuator rod against the action of a return spring. The actuator system is completely integrated in the structure of the apparatus. The position of the actuator rod is signalled by a sensor, preferably a potentiometer, comprising a slider connected to the actuator rod, co-operating with an electrical track connected to the frame of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Alacqua Stefano, Butera Francesco