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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Rotary actuator utilizing a shape memory alloy

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6747937
An apparatus is described comprising; (a) rotary accumulator means for accumulating a length of a shape memory alloy wire; (b) the shape memory alloy wire attached at one end to a point fixed with respect to the rotary accumulator means and attached at a second end to the rotary accumulator means; (c) biasing means for biasing the rotary accumulator means to a first position; and (d) means for heating the shape memory alloy wire to cause the shape memory alloy wire to contract, thereby rotating the rotary accumulator means from the first position to a second position.
Assignee:
Boeing Co., Seattle, WA
Patent Number(s):
US 4761955
OSTI ID:
6747937
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English