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Title: Shape memory alloy actuator

Abstract

An actuator for cycling between first and second positions includes a first shaped memory alloy (SMA) leg, a second SMA leg. At least one heating/cooling device is thermally connected to at least one of the legs, each heating/cooling device capable of simultaneously heating one leg while cooling the other leg. The heating/cooling devices can include thermoelectric and/or thermoionic elements.

Inventors:
 [1]
  1. Knoxville, TN
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
873922
Patent Number(s):
6272857
Assignee:
UT-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F03 - MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS F03G - SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS
H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01H - ELECTRIC SWITCHES
DOE Contract Number:  
AC05-96OR22464
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
shape; memory; alloy; actuator; cycling; positions; shaped; leg; heating; cooling; device; thermally; connected; legs; capable; simultaneously; devices; thermoelectric; thermoionic; elements; memory alloy; shape memory; device capable; simultaneously heating; thermally connected; cooling device; /60/

Citation Formats

Varma, Venugopal K. Shape memory alloy actuator. United States: N. p., 2001. Web.
Varma, Venugopal K. Shape memory alloy actuator. United States.
Varma, Venugopal K. Mon . "Shape memory alloy actuator". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/873922.
@article{osti_873922,
title = {Shape memory alloy actuator},
author = {Varma, Venugopal K},
abstractNote = {An actuator for cycling between first and second positions includes a first shaped memory alloy (SMA) leg, a second SMA leg. At least one heating/cooling device is thermally connected to at least one of the legs, each heating/cooling device capable of simultaneously heating one leg while cooling the other leg. The heating/cooling devices can include thermoelectric and/or thermoionic elements.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2001},
month = {Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2001}
}

Works referenced in this record:

Multilayer Thermionic Refrigeration
journal, May 1998