With Significant Expansible Element Structure Or Composition Of Material Patents (Class 337/139)
  • Patent number: 12080504
    Abstract: A strike pin assembly for a fuse assembly in which the strike pin assembly is maintained in a locked position by a holding force of a filament and an interference provided by a plurality of retention bodies. Upon a breakage of the filament, such as, for example, in response to heat generated by operation of a fuse element, a trigger can be displaced via a first biasing force in a distal direction such that the trigger is positioned at a location that does not impede an inward displacement of a plurality of retention bodies from a recess of a firing pin. Upon the inward displacement of the retention bodies, a second biasing force can displace the firing pin in the distal direction such that a portion of the firing pin can protrude out from an adapter of the strike pin assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Matthew Cawood, Aaron Motes
  • Patent number: 11842868
    Abstract: An electric power system such as, for example, a circuit, an electric appliance, an electric generator, and/or an energy storage system, can be coupled with a negative thermal expansion component. The negative thermal expansion component can be formed from a material having negative thermal expansion properties such that the negative thermal expansion component contracts in response to an increase in temperature. The contraction of the negative thermal expansion component can form a nonconductive gap that disrupts current flow through the electric power system. The disruption of the current flow can eliminate hazards associated with the electric power system overcharging, overheating, and/or developing an internal short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: American Lithium Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Jiang Fan
  • Patent number: 11175100
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly can comprise a heat sink and a shaping element made of a shape memory material. The shaping element is incorporated into the heat sink assembly in an assembly shape. An actuation energy can cause the shape memory material to change the shaping element to an actuation shape, and the actuation shape can produce a thermal coupling shape in the heat sink. A method comprises forming a shaping element, of a shape memory material, into an actuation shape. The method includes re-forming the shaping element from the actuation shape into an assembly shape and incorporating the shaping element in a heat sink assembly that includes a heat sink. In the method, applying an actuation energy causes the shape memory material to change the shaping element from the assembly shape to the actuation shape to produce a thermal coupling shape in the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Theron L. Lewis, David J. Braun, Jennifer I. Bennett, James D. Bielick, John R. Dangler, Timothy P. Younger, Stephen M. Hugo, Timothy Jennings
  • Patent number: 10622560
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip or system, such as a multi-chip module (MCM), a system-in-package (SiP), and/or a printed circuit board (PCB) module, includes a substrate, a resonator and/or a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS), and a phase-change material (PCM) switch. The PCM switch includes a hearing element, a PCM situated over the heating element, and PCM contacts connected to passive segments of the PCM. The heating element is transverse to the PCM and approximately defines an active segment of the PCM. The PCM contacts are electrically connected to the resonator and/or the MEMS in a shared routing region of the semiconductor chip. The PCM switch is configured to engage or disengage the resonator and/or the MEMS. In one approach, a plurality of PCM switches are capable of reconfiguring an array of resonators and/or an array of MEMS. In another approach, a redundant PCM switch is electrically connected to a redundant resonator and/or a redundant MEMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Newport Fab, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Howard, Nabil El-Hinnawy
  • Patent number: 10309136
    Abstract: A door lock and an electrical appliance using the door lock. The door lock comprises: a switch housing; a pen core-like mechanism disposed in the switch housing; a control needle (state means) passing out of the pen core-like mechanism; and a manual unlocking pull rod mechanism. The manual unlocking pull rod mechanism is capable of moving towards the control needle and coming into contact therewith. The position of the control needle (state means) indicates the switch state of the door lock, such that when the door lock is in an unlocked position, further pulling of the manual unlocking pull rod mechanism has no effect on the door lock switch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Yang Wang
  • Patent number: 10242827
    Abstract: An electrically controlled switching device includes a support, a first contact coupled to the support, a second contact coupled to the support, an SMA element operably connected with the second contact, a sensor positioned on or adjacent to the SMA element, and a controller in communication with the sensor. The SMA element is configured to transform between a first shape and a different second shape responsive to an electrical pulse heating the SMA element to a transformation temperature. The sensor is configured to detect a detected temperature of the SMA element. The controller is configured to control the electrical pulse heating the SMA element. The controller receives signals from the sensor indicative of the detected temperature of the SMA element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER
    Inventors: David Michael Geier, James Walter Broadwell, James Michael McCormick, Patrick Wellington Mills
  • Patent number: 9679734
    Abstract: A fuse link used in alternate current medium- or high-voltage systems with a current frequency of 50 Hz includes a spring-type striker pin and is designed for the protection of electrical devices against consequences of short circuits and overloads. A porcelain housing with a star-core, external end caps closed by plugs, star-core end caps with a ring-shaped first tap designed to ensure electric contact between the star-core end cap and the external end cap of the fuse link is also included. A spring-type striker pin is positioned along the axis of the star-core. Each of the end caps of the star-core is provided with an additional second tap designed to centre the star-core relative to the axis of the fuse link. The spring-type striker pin is centred along the longitudinal axis of the fuse link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Artur Cwalina
  • Patent number: 9076613
    Abstract: A thermally activated electrical interrupt device incorporates a thermally activated portion engaging with an electrical interrupt portion. The thermally activated material expands when heated, causing an interrupt control rod to open an electrical contact. When the interrupt device is placed into an interrupt state, a reset mechanism maintains the interrupt control rod in the interrupt state until specifically reset. An actuating shaft is in operational communication with at least one electrical contact. The actuating shaft is maintained in a thermal monitoring position until an interrupt control rod is moved via a thermally expanding material and engages with the actuating shaft, releasing it from the thermal monitoring position. The actuating shaft is projected via a biasing member to cause a change in state of the electrical contact. The actuating shaft remains in the interrupt state until the user resets the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventors: William C. Neilly, Kevin L. Gabrey
  • Publication number: 20140253280
    Abstract: Provided is a reusable fuse having an over-current prevention function. When an over-current that is greater than a reference level is supplied to the reusable fuse and temperature of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor is higher than a specific critical temperature, then an electric resistance of the positive temperature coefficient thermistor increases, a main spring is extended, and thus the spindle is moved toward a side of a housing due to a tensile strength of the main spring and is electrically disconnected from a first lead terminal, thereby continuously blocking flow of current between a second lead terminal and the first lead terminal. When the over-current subsides, then the positive temperature coefficient thermistor is cooled, the tensile strength of the main spring decreases, and thus the spindle is moved toward another side of the housing to be electrically connected to the first lead terminal, thereby allowing the reusable fuse to return to a normal operation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Duk Hee Kim, Ha Young Park
  • Patent number: 8779886
    Abstract: A device, such as a switch structure, is provided. The switch structure can include a contact and a conductive element each respectively disposed on a substrate. The conductive element can be composed substantially of metallic material, and can be configured to be deformable between a first position, in which the conductive element is separated from the contact by a separation distance, and a second position, in which the conductive element contacts the contact and stores mechanical energy. The conductive element can be further configured such that, subsequent to being deformed into the second position at a temperature between about room temperature and about half of a melting temperature of the metallic material for a cumulative time of at least 107 seconds, the separation distance in the absence of external forces varies by less than 20 percent over the cumulative time. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marco Francesco Aimi, Shubhra Bansal, Christopher Fred Keimel, Kuna Venkat Satya Rama Kishore, Sairam Sundaram, Parag Thakre
  • Patent number: 8754740
    Abstract: An electronic implement adapted for use in a circuit, and including a shape memory element, such as a shape memory alloy wire, wherein the element, when activated and/or deactivated, is operable to open, close, or otherwise modify at least one characteristic of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas William Pinto, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8319596
    Abstract: A circuit protector includes first and second conductive members. An active material alters at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first and second conductive members to alter the electrical resistance between the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8245391
    Abstract: A MEMS hysteretic thermal device may be formed having two passive beam segments driven by a current-carrying loop coupled to the surface of a substrate. The first beam segment is configured to move in a direction having a component perpendicular to the substrate surface, whereas the second beam segment is configured to move in a direction having a component parallel to the substrate surface. By providing this two-dimensional motion, a single MEMS hysteretic thermal device may by used to close a switch having at least one stationary contact affixed to the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Paul J. Rubel
  • Patent number: 8245896
    Abstract: A hand-operated drive-in power tool for fastening elements is disclosed. The tool has a drive arrangement for a drive-in ram displaceably arranged in a guide, which has at least one drive element for the drive-in ram made at least partially of an elastomer that is tensible via a tensioning device. To improve the drive-in power tool, a heating device for the at least one elastomer drive element is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Gschwend, Robert Spasov
  • Patent number: 8198974
    Abstract: An electrostatic actuator having a base including a first electrode and a flexible membrane including at least two material layers of different materials in contact with each other. At least one of the material layers includes a second electrode electrically isolated from the first electrode. The flexible membrane includes a fixed end connected to the base and a free end opposite the fixed end and spaced apart from the base. The second electrode has at least first and second portions separated by a third portion and in combination defining a first and second step provided in a vicinity of the fixed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: David E. Dausch, Scott H. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8154378
    Abstract: A representative embodiment of the invention provides a thermal actuator for a MEMS-based relay switch. The thermal actuator has an “active” arm that is movably mounted on a substrate. The “active” arm has (i) a thermal expansion layer and (ii) a resistive heater that is electrically isolated from the thermal expansion layer. The thermal expansion layer is adapted to expand in response to a temperature change induced by a control current flowing through the resistive heater, thereby bending the “active” arm and moving that arm with respect to the substrate. Due to the fact that mechanical and electrical characteristics of the “active” arm are primarily controlled by the thermal expansion layer and the resistive heater, respectively, those characteristics can be optimized independently to obtain better operating characteristics for MEMS-based relay switches of the invention compared to those attained in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Validmir Anatolyevich Aksyuk, Flavio Pardo, Maria Elina Simon
  • Patent number: 8018316
    Abstract: A method comprising forming a structural element 115 on a surface 620 of a layer 510 via an electroless plating of nickel or cobalt 130 onto the surface, the layer being rigidly fixed to an underlying substrate 110. The method also comprises etching away a portion of the layer such that a part of the structural element is able to move with respect to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Flavio Pardo, Maria E. Simon, Brijesh Vyas, Chen Xu
  • Patent number: 7973637
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional microelectromechanical element, a microelectromechanical switch including the bi-directional element, and a method to reduce mechanical creep in the bi-directional element. In one embodiment, the bi-directional microelectromechanical element includes a cold beam having a free end and a first end connected to a cold beam anchor. The cold beam anchor is attached to a substrate. A first beam pair is coupled to the cold beam by a free end tether and is configured to elongate when heated thereby to a greater temperature than a temperature of the cold beam. A second beam pair is located on an opposing side of the cold beam from the first beam pair and is coupled to the first beam pair and the cold beam by the free end tether. The second beam pair is configured to elongate when heated thereby to the greater temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Arman Gasparyan, John VanAtta Gates, II, Maria Elina Simon
  • Patent number: 7928826
    Abstract: An electrical switching device employs an actuator mechanism formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). The electrical switching device includes a housing, at least one non-actuated electrical contact supported in the housing, and an actuator assembly contained within the housing. The actuator assembly includes a movable contact for engaging the non-actuated electrical contact and an actuator formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). Application of a first electrical current to the actuator causes the actuator to move the movable contact to either engage or disengage the non-actuated electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard A. Woychik, Susan M. Olson, Ryan J. Legge, Bryan S. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7812703
    Abstract: A material for forming a conductive structure for a MEMS device is described, which is an alloy containing about 0.01% manganese and the remainder nickel. Data shows that the alloy possesses advantageous mechanical and electrical properties. In particular, the sheet resistance of the alloy is actually lower than the sheet resistance of the pure metal. In addition, the alloy may have superior creep and higher recrystallization temperature than the pure metal. It is hypothesized that these advantageous material properties are a result of the larger grain structure existing in the NiMn alloy film compared to the pure nickel metal film. These properties may make the alloy appropriate for applications such as MEMS thermal electrical switches for telecommunications applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventors: Gregory A. Carlson, John S. Foster, Donald C. Liu, Douglas L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7764159
    Abstract: A shape-memory actuator device comprises means for interrupting electrical supply to a shape-memory element when the axial load applied to said element exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societá Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Alessandro Zanella, Stefano Alacqua, Francesco Butera
  • Patent number: 7760065
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional microelectromechanical element, a microelectromechanical switch including the bi-directional element, and a method to reduce mechanical creep in the bi-directional element. In one embodiment, the bi-directional microelectromechanical element includes a cold beam having a free end and a first end connected to a cold beam anchor. The cold beam anchor is attached to a substrate. A first beam pair is coupled to the cold beam by a free end tether and is configured to elongate when heated thereby to a greater temperature than a temperature of the cold beam. A second beam pair is located on an opposing side of the cold beam from the first beam pair and is coupled to the first beam pair and the cold beam by the free end tether. The second beam pair is configured to elongate when heated thereby to the greater temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Arman Gasparyan, John VanAtta Gates, II, Maria Elina Simon
  • Patent number: 7724121
    Abstract: An improved MEMS thermal actuator has a cantilevered beam and a conductive circuit having two driving arms, an inner arm adjacent to the cantilevered beam, and an outer arm adjacent to the inner arm. Current flows through the inner and outer arms to heat the conductive circuit, causing it to expand relative to the cantilevered beam. A tether ties the conductive circuit to the cantilevered beam, so that upon expansion, the conductive circuit causes the cantilevered beam to deflect about its anchor point. However, only the inner arm of the driving beam is coupled to the cantilevered beam. Since the outer arm of the conductive circuit is not coupled to the cantilevered beam, the overall stiffness of the actuator may be decreased. In addition, serpentines may be placed in the outer arm of the conductive circuit, in order to further decrease the stiffness of this beam. The actuator may therefore be made more efficient, in that the deflection of the cantilevered beam may be increased for a given input current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Paul J. Rubel
  • Patent number: 7608793
    Abstract: A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Agronin, James D. Marshall, Rafe D. Bennett, Joe Rogers, Robert H. Gifford, Carolyn M. Martin
  • Patent number: 7545251
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical actuator includes a pair of elongate layers capable of being heated with an electrical current to thermally expand and to perform work. A pair of spacers separates the elongate layers from each other. The spacers are arranged at respective opposite ends of the elongate layers and are fast with the layers so that the actuator is deflected when one of the layers is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Gregory John McAvoy, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7545252
    Abstract: A switch for providing a control function is provided. The switch is comprised of an actuator. The actuator comprises a base portion, a cantilever beam connected to the base portion, and an actuator cell adjacent to the cantilever beam. The actuator cell comprises a first metal electrode positioned on the cantilevered beam, a second metal electrode positioned near the first metal electrode, and phase change material between the first and second metal electrodes, wherein the phase change material connects the first metal electrode to the second metal electrode, wherein applying a burst of energy to the phase change material causes the phase change material to change between an amorphous state and a crystalline state, causing the cantilevered beam to move between a first position and a target position and wherein the cantilevered beam remains at the target position upon removal of the energy thereby activating the control function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Alfred Lantz
  • Patent number: 7522029
    Abstract: An actuator is provided. The actuator comprises a base portion, a cantilever beam connected to the base portion, and an actuator cell adjacent to the cantilever beam. The actuator cell comprises a first metal electrode positioned on the cantilevered beam, a second metal electrode positioned near the first metal electrode, and phase change material between the first and second metal electrodes, wherein the phase change material connects the first metal electrode to the second metal electrode, wherein applying a burst of energy to the phase change material causes the phase change material to change between an amorphous state and a crystalline state, causing the cantilevered beam to move between a first position and a target position, wherein the cantilevered beam remains at the target position upon removal of the energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Alfred Lantz
  • Patent number: 7508294
    Abstract: A doubly-anchored thermal actuator for a micro-electromechanical device such as a liquid drop emitter or a fluid control microvalve is disclosed. The thermal actuator is comprised of a base element formed with a depression having opposing anchor. A deformable element, attached to the base element at the opposing anchor edges, is constructed as a planar lamination including a first layer of a first material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer of a second material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The deformable element has anchor portions adjacent the anchor edges and a central portion between the anchor portions wherein the flexural rigidity of the anchor portions is substantially less than the flexural rigidity of the central portion. The doubly-anchored thermal actuator further comprises apparatus adapted to apply a heat pulse to the deformable element that causes a sudden rise in the temperature of the deformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Antonio Cabal, Stephen F. Pond
  • Patent number: 7489228
    Abstract: A bistable MEMS microswitch produced on a substrate and capable of electrically connecting ends of at least two conductive tracks, including a beam suspended above the surface of the substrate. The beam is embedded at its two ends and is subjected to compressive stress when it is in the non-deformed position. The beam has an electrical contact configured to produce a lateral connection with the ends of the two conductive tracks when the beam is deformed in a horizontal direction with respect to the surface of the substrate. Actuators enable the beam to be placed in a first deformed position, corresponding to a first stable state, or in a second deformed position, corresponding to a second stable state, and the electrical contact ensures connection of the ends of the two conductive tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Philippe Robert
  • Patent number: 7414512
    Abstract: An operating device has a pair of linear members (43, 44) made of a shape memory alloy and contracting axially due to heat generated by electrification and generating tension in the contracting direction, a drive lever (19) supported to pivot about a pivot shaft (19a), a pair of drive rods (33, 34) respectively connected to both sides of the drive lever (19) with the pivot shaft (19a) being disposed between the sides of the drive lever (19), and a power supply circuit for selectively electrifying the linear members (43, 44). One end of each of the linear members (43, 44) is fixed to a stationary member, and the other end is connected to each of the drive rods (33, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kubo, Isao Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7372355
    Abstract: A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L Agronin, James D Marshall, Rafe D Bennett, Joe Rogers, Robert H Gifford, Carolyn M Martin
  • Patent number: 7283030
    Abstract: A doubly-anchored thermal actuator for a micro-electromechanical device such as a liquid drop emitter or a fluid control microvalve is disclosed. The thermal actuator is comprised of a base element formed with a depression having opposing anchor. A deformable element, attached to the base element at the opposing anchor edges, is constructed as a planar lamination including a first layer of a first material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer of a second material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The deformable element has anchor portions adjacent the anchor edges and a central portion between the anchor portions wherein the flexural rigidity of the anchor portions is substantially less than the flexural rigidity of the central portion. The doubly-anchored thermal actuator further comprises apparatus adapted to apply a heat pulse to the deformable element that causes a sudden rise in the temperature of the deformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Antonio Cabal, Stephen F. Pond
  • Patent number: 7268660
    Abstract: A low battery indicating device is disclosed for indicating that a battery has low power. The device includes an indicator having a body movable between a retracted, unactuated position and an extended, actuated position. The indicator is visible when in the actuated position. The device also includes means for biasing the indicator towards the actuated position, and latch means cooperating with a portion of the body of the indicator, when the latch means is in a stop position, to hold the indicator in its unactuated position. The latch means is movable between the stop position and a go position which frees the indicator to move, under operation of the biasing means, to the actuated position. A memory alloy wire is mechanically associated with the latch means so as to leave the latch means in the stop position when the memory alloy wire is in a relaxed state and to move the latch means to the go position when the memory alloy wire is in a contracted state caused by heating of the memory alloy wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Contech Electronics loc.
    Inventors: Gerry Bolda, Paul Johnston, Jordon Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6972659
    Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is provided. The mechanical release mechanism includes two structural members in slideable relation one to another. A latch holds one structural member in a latched position relative to the other structural member. A shape memory alloy member disposed within one of the structural members is used to move the latch holding the other structural member thereby allowing relative motion between the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: Peter Emery von Behrens, Dylan Miller Fairbanks, Kathryn Ann Broughton
  • Patent number: 6882264
    Abstract: Electrothermal Self-Latching MEMS Switch and Method. According to one embodiment, a microscale switch having a movable microcomponent is provided and includes a substrate having a stationary contact. The switch can also include a structural layer having a movable contact positioned for contacting the stationary contact when the structural layer moves toward the substrate. An electrothermal latch attached to the structural layer and having electrical communication with the movable contact to provide current flow between the electrothermal latch and the stationary contact when the movable contact contacts the stationary contact for maintaining the movable contact in contact with the stationary contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Wispry, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Jay Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20040201444
    Abstract: The present invention provides actuators and actuator devices that take advantage of a strain gradient variation of an actuator element between a first phase and a second phase. The actuator elements can be positioned in any type of shape. For instance, the actuator element in the first phase can be any type of curved, non-linear or irregular shape as long as a strain gradient along a cross-section of the actuator element can be established. The actuator element in the second phase is positioned in a different shape when compared to the first phase as long as it is in a direction to minimize the strain gradient. Different actions can be generated such as a rotary movement, a linear movement, an expanding movement, or a combined linear and rotary movement. The actuator element could also be configured to generate a linear movement by combining contraction and strain gradient variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Byong-Ho Park, Friedrich B. Prinz
  • Patent number: 6771158
    Abstract: A micro electromechanical differential actuator is comprised of a suspension arm structure and/or a bridge structure to make a two-degree-of-freedom and bi-directional motion. The actuator support base can make out-of-plane or in-plane vertical and horizontal motions. The invention is applicable in optical micro electromechanical devices such as optical switches, variable optical attenuators, optical tunable filters, modulators, tunable VCSEL's, grating modulators, micro displays, and RF switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsiao-Wen Lee, Wen-I Wu, Shih-Yi Wen, Wu-Cheng Kuo, Jui-Ping Weng
  • Publication number: 20040056751
    Abstract: A micromanipulator comprising a tubular structure and a structural compliance mechanism that are formed from a tube made of an elastic and/or superelastic material. Fabricated with laser machining and has no mechanical joints, the micromanipulator can be manipulated in various motions and degree-of-freedoms without permanent deformation. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) in one embodiment are implemented as main actuators of the micromanipulator. The micromanipulator can be implemented with multiple SMAs to manipulate the mechanism with multiple degree-of-freedom. In another implementation, multiple segments of the mechanisms are formed and arranged in various configurations, including a “double-helix”-like configuration, for enabling intricate motions of the micromanipulator. The micromanipulator is useful for intravascular interventional applications and particularly ultrasonic imaging when coupled with an ultrasound transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Byong-Ho Park, Friedrich B. Prinz, David H. Liang
  • Patent number: 6703916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microswitch containing conductors located on a first level and conductors located on a second level, where the conductors on the first level are supported by a deformable element which can switch by means of an actuator with a bimetallic effect, and where the effect of this switching is that the gap between the conductors on the first level and the conductors on the second level is modified, characterised in that the actuator with a bimetallic effect consists of resistors in close and localised contact with the deformable element, and in that the resistors are capable, when traversed by an electric control current, of expanding sufficiently under the effect of the heat produced by the passage of the electric command current to cause, by the bimetallic effect, the deformable element to trigger before the heat produced in the resistors has been able to propagate into the deformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pierre-Louis Charvet, Michel Dufour
  • Patent number: 6685303
    Abstract: An apparatus for a thermal actuator for a micromechanical device, especially a liquid drop emitter such as an ink jet printhead, is disclosed. The disclosed thermal actuator comprises a base element and a cantilevered element extending from the base element and normally residing at a first position before activation. The cantilevered element includes a first layer constructed of an electrically resistive material, such as titanium aluminide, patterned to have a first resistor segment and a second resistor segment each extending from the base element; a coupling device that conducts electrical current serially between the first and second resistor segments; and a second layer constructed of a dielectric material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and attached to the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David P. Trauernicht, Edward P. Furlani, John A. Lebens
  • Patent number: 6531947
    Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, vertical thermal actuator with controlled bending capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator bends generally at the flexure so that the member moves away from the substrate when current is applied to at least the hot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Douglas P. Goetz, Kathy L. Hagen, Mike E. Hamerly, Robert G. Smith, Silva K. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6504467
    Abstract: In a semiconductor element, in particular for switching an electrical connection, a substance which expands to a great extent when heated is arranged on the element in such a way that if the element is overheated, the electrical leads of the element are disconnected by the expanding substance or are interrupted by the melting of a conductive material with a low melting point which forms the leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Berberich, Wolfgang Bay
  • Patent number: 6483419
    Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, horizontal and vertical thermal actuator capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The horizontal and vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above and laterally offset from the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator exhibits horizontal and vertical displacement when current is applied to at least the hot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Douglas P. Goetz, Kathy L. Hagen, Mike E. Hamerly, Robert G. Smith, Silva K. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20020118090
    Abstract: The present invention provides actuators and actuator devices that take advantage of a strain gradient variation of an actuator element between a first phase and a second phase. The actuator elements can be positioned in any type of shape. For instance, the actuator element in the first phase can be any type of curved, non-linear or irregular shape as long as a strain gradient along a cross-section of the actuator element can be established. The actuator element in the second phase is positioned in a different shape when compared to the first phase as long as it is in a direction to minimize the strain gradient. Different actions can be generated such as a rotary movement, a linear movement, an expanding movement, or a combined linear and rotary movement. The actuator element could also be configured to generate a linear movement by combining contraction and strain gradient variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Byong-Ho Park, Friedrich B. Prinz
  • Patent number: 6384707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bistable switch using a shape memory alloy, and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the bistable switch includes a substrate having at least one power source; a flexible sheet having a first distal end attached to the substrate; a bridge contact formed at a second and opposite distal end of the flexible sheet; and at least one heat activated element connected to a first surface of the flexible sheet and between the second distal end and the power source. During operation, current from the power source passing through the heat activated element to indirectly bend the flexible sheet and short the signal contacts on the substrate with a sustainable force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Simpler Networks
    Inventor: R. Sjhon Minners
  • Patent number: 6294977
    Abstract: A thermal switch assembly has a contact member of shape memory alloy sandwiched between a pair of electrically conductive outer members. A contact arm on the contact member has a deformed shape at normal temperatures and a recovered shape at elevated temperatures. The contact arm occupies two different positions in its deformed and recovered shapes, and provides a current path between the outer members in one position while interrupting the current path in the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: James B. Kalapodis, William F. Quinn
  • Patent number: 6255934
    Abstract: An actuation device capable of changing its operating condition between a stable rest position and a stable work position has a monostable actuation unit with a body and at least a shaft movable as a function of the energization available to the actuation unit, and a kinematic motion assembly for converting the movement of the shaft into a bistable actuation, the kinematic motion assembly including a slider linearly movable in response to action of the shaft and a device for converting subsequent linear movements of the shaft in the passage of the slider between the stable positions and the maintaining of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Costanzo Gadini, Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 6239686
    Abstract: A temperature actuated switch having a resilient switch blade that is movable between open and closed positions and extends perpendicular to an elongated actuator of shape memory alloy. The actuator has an elongated deformed shape at normal temperatures and a contracted recovered shape at an elevated temperature. An end portion of the actuator is attached to the switch blade to provide movement of same between open and closed positions as the actuator changes between its deformed and recovered shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip B. Eder, William F. Quinn, Mark A. Roberts, Richard E. Welch, David W. Clow
  • Patent number: 6236300
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bistable switch using a shape memory alloy, and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the bistable switch includes a substrate having at least one power source; a flexible sheet having a first distal end attached to the substrate; a bridge contact formed at a second and opposite distal end of the flexible sheet; and at least one heat activated element connected to a first surface of the flexible sheet and between the second distal end and the power source. During operation, current from the power source passing through the heat activated element to indirectly bend the flexible sheet and short the signal contacts on the substrate with a sustainable force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: R. Sjhon Minners
  • Patent number: 6149742
    Abstract: A process for conditioning shape memory alloys is disclosed. The process preferably includes force application/release cycling of a shape memory alloy at a temperature above the martensitic-austenitic transformation (A.sub.f) finish temperature of the alloy, but below the maximum temperature at which an austenitic-martensitic transformation will be effected by the force application. The alloy is preferably cold-worked and annealed prior to force application/release cycling. The invention yields greater control over martensitic-austenitic and austenitic-martensitic transformation temperatures and yields reduced hysteresis variability. In certain disclosed embodiments a TiNi or CuAl containing alloy may be cold-worked between about 20% and 45%, and annealed to maintain between about 3% and 8% of the cold working. The alloy may then be heated to between about A.sub.f and 5.degree. C. and A.sub.f 15.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Bernie F. Carpenter, Jerry L. Draper