公开(公告)号：US07220927B2

公开(公告)日：2007-05-22

申请号：US11229337

申请日：2005-09-16

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones

IPC分类号： H01H3/16

CPC分类号： B60Q1/40

摘要： Turn signal assemblies for motor vehicles that employ shape memory alloy actuators to provide automatic cancellation of turn signals. A controller is in operative communication with the shape memory alloy actuator and is programmed to provide an activation signal to the shape memory alloy.

摘要翻译： 转动使用形状记忆合金致动器的机动车辆的信号组件，以提供转向信号的自动取消。 控制器与形状记忆合金致动器可操作地通信，并被编程为向形状记忆合金提供激活信号。

公开(公告)号：US06893079B1

公开(公告)日：2005-05-17

申请号：US10739609

申请日：2003-12-18

申请人： Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Gary L. Jones

发明人： Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Gary L. Jones

IPC分类号： B60R19/40 ,  B60R19/42

CPC分类号： B60R19/42 ,  B60R19/40

摘要： A side impact protection system for a motor vehicle body having a stowed position and a deployed position, the system includes a first L-shaped rigid structure comprising a first portion and a second portion; a second L-shaped rigid structure comprising a first portion and a second portion; a synthetic cable fixedly attached to the second portions of the first and second L-shaped rigid structures, wherein the synthetic cable is made from a plurality of helically braided bundles of fibers selected from a group consisting of aramid fibers and liquid crystal polymer fibers characterized by strain-at-failure exceeding about 3 percent; and a deployment device in operative communication with the first portions of the first and second L-shaped rigid structures to selectively extend the first portion outwardly from the deployment device, and wherein in a stowed position the second portions are at about the same plane and in a deployed position the second portions are parallel and the synthetic cables form a web-like structure. Processes for suppressing intrusion into a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle body by an object laterally impacting the vehicle body are also described.

摘要翻译： 一种用于具有收起位置和展开位置的机动车身的侧面碰撞保护系统，该系统包括第一L形刚性结构，其包括第一部分和第二部分; 第二L形刚性结构，包括第一部分和第二部分; 固定地连接到第一和第二L形刚性结构的第二部分的合成电缆，其中合成电缆由选自由芳族聚酰胺纤维和液晶聚合物纤维组成的组的多根螺旋编织的纤维束制成， 应变失效超过3％; 以及展开装置，其与第一和第二L形刚性结构的第一部分可操作地连通，以将第一部分选择性地从展开装置向外延伸，并且其中在收起位置中，第二部分处于大致相同的平面并且在 展开位置，第二部分平行并且合成电缆形成网状结构。 还描述了通过横向冲击车身的物体来抑制机动车身的乘客舱的入侵的过程。

公开(公告)号：US08282153B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-09

申请号：US12116371

申请日：2008-05-07

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Mark A. Kramarczyk ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones ,  John C. Ulicny

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Mark A. Kramarczyk ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones ,  John C. Ulicny

IPC分类号： B60J10/08

CPC分类号： B32B7/045 ,  B32B25/04 ,  B32B2307/20 ,  B32B2307/51 ,  B32B2479/00 ,  Y10T428/24983

摘要： A device for concealing a seam between a first and second surface includes a seam concealment body having a body surface, the body overlaying and attached to a first surface and a second surface, the body surface being substantially co-planar with a portion of the first and second surfaces, the seam concealment body configured to transition between a first shape and a second shape, wherein the transition permits movement of one or both of the first surface and the second surface such that the seam concealment body forms a hinge. The device also includes an active material in operative communication with the seam concealment body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the seam body from the first shape to the second shape.

摘要翻译： 用于在第一表面和第二表面之间隐藏接缝的装置包括具有主体表面的接缝隐蔽体，所述主体覆盖并附接到第一表面和第二表面，所述主体表面与所述第一表面的一部分基本上共面 以及第二表面，所述接缝隐蔽体构造成在第一形状和第二形状之间转变，其中所述转变允许所述第一表面和所述第二表面中的一个或两者的移动，使得所述接缝隐蔽体形成铰链。 所述装置还包括与接缝隐蔽体本体可操作地通信的活性材料，其中所述活性材料配置为在接收到激活信号时经历至少一种性质的变化，其中至少一种性质的变化对转变有效 接缝体从第一种形状到第二种形状。

公开(公告)号：US20090058130A1

公开(公告)日：2009-03-05

申请号：US11848488

申请日：2007-08-31

申请人： Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Mark A. Kramarczyk ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  John C. Ulicny ,  Gary L. Jones

发明人： Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Mark A. Kramarczyk ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  John C. Ulicny ,  Gary L. Jones

IPC分类号： B60J10/08

CPC分类号： B60R13/06 ,  B60R2013/0293

摘要： A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface includes a moveable body fixedly attached to a selected one of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the moveable body is configured to transition between a first position and a second position to conceal and expose the seam, and an active material in operative communication with the moveable body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the moveable body from the first position to the second position.

摘要翻译： 用于在第一表面和第二表面之间隐藏接缝的装置包括固定地连接到所述第一表面和所述第二表面中的所选择的一个的可移动主体，其中所述可移动主体被配置为在第一位置和第二位置之间转换 隐藏和暴露所述接缝以及与所述可移动主体可操作地通信的活性材料，其中所述活性材料被配置为在接收到激活信号时经历至少一个属性的改变，其中至少一个属性的变化是有效的 以使可动体从第一位置转移到第二位置。

公开(公告)号：US20080200570A1

公开(公告)日：2008-08-21

申请号：US12113364

申请日：2008-05-01

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Ching-Shan Cheng ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones ,  Scott R. Webb ,  Francis D. Wood ,  Ruth M. Gusko ,  Chin-Hsu Lin

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Ching-Shan Cheng ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones ,  Scott R. Webb ,  Francis D. Wood ,  Ruth M. Gusko ,  Chin-Hsu Lin

IPC分类号： C08J9/00

CPC分类号： B60R21/04 ,  B60R19/00

摘要： A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.

摘要翻译： 一种操作体积填充结构的方法，包括感测冲击事件并且在所感测到的碰撞事件时将体积填充结构从非展开状态扩展到展开状态。 体积填充结构包括开孔材料，连接到开孔材料的一端的第一端盖和连接到开孔组件的第二端的第二端盖。 体积填充结构还包括响应于激活信号而将开放细胞材料从非扩张状态扩展到膨胀状态的激活机构，并且激活机构包括与端盖接合的致动器。 实施例可以包括触发气动装置以迫使第二端盖从第一端盖。 另外，实施例可以包括触发机械事件以迫使第二端盖从第一端盖。

公开(公告)号：US07331616B2

公开(公告)日：2008-02-19

申请号：US10893118

申请日：2004-07-15

申请人： Diann Brei ,  John Redmond ,  Nathan A. Wilmot ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones

发明人： Diann Brei ,  John Redmond ,  Nathan A. Wilmot ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Gary L. Jones

IPC分类号： E05C19/10 ,  E05C3/06

CPC分类号： E05B83/16 ,  E05B47/0009 ,  E05B2047/0033 ,  Y10S292/66 ,  Y10T292/0949 ,  Y10T292/1082 ,  Y10T292/699 ,  Y10T292/702

摘要： A latch for engaging and disengaging two opposing surfaces includes a pin disposed on one surface and a gate disposed on an opposite surface; an active material in operative communication with the pin or the gate; an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an engagement or a disengagement of the pin or the gate from the other of the pin or the gate; and a spring in operative communication with the pin or the gate, wherein the spring is configured to provide a force opposite to a force provided by the active material, wherein the activated active material is effective to overcome the force provided by the spring

摘要翻译： 用于接合和分离两个相对表面的闩锁包括设置在一个表面上的销和设置在相对表面上的门; 与销或门操作性地连通的活性材料; 激活装置，其与所述活性材料可操作地连通，其中所述激活装置可操作以选择性地将活化信号施加到所述活性材料并且实现所述活性材料的性质的可逆变化，其中所述可逆变化导致接合或 销或门与销或门的另一个分离; 以及与所述销或所述门可操作地连通的弹簧，其中所述弹簧构造成提供与由所述活性材料提供的力相反的力，其中所述活化的活性材料有效地克服由所述弹簧

公开(公告)号：US07548010B2

公开(公告)日：2009-06-16

申请号：US11231332

申请日：2005-09-20

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Gary L. Jones

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Gary L. Jones

IPC分类号： H02N2/00

CPC分类号： H02N2/023 ,  F03G7/065 ,  H02N2/101

摘要： An actuator adapted to incrementally translate and/or rotate an object, the actuator comprising a body comprising a first portion, a second portion, and an opening coaxially extending from the first portion and the second portion, wherein the opening is dimensioned to accommodate a diameter or cross section of an object; a first element disposed in the first portion, and a second element disposed in the second portion, wherein the first and second elements are adapted to selectively clamp the object; a spring in operative communication with the first and second portions; and a third element fixedly attached to the first and second portions, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third elements or spring is formed of an active material.

摘要翻译： 适于逐渐平移和/或转动物体的致动器，所述致动器包括主体，所述主体包括第一部分，第二部分和从所述第一部分和所述第二部分同轴延伸的开口，其中所述开口的尺寸被设计成适应直径 或横截面; 设置在第一部分中的第一元件和设置在第二部分中的第二元件，其中第一元件和第二元件适于选择性地夹紧物体; 与第一和第二部分操作性地连通的弹簧; 以及固定地连接到第一和第二部分的第三元件，其中第一，第二或第三元件或弹簧中的至少一个由活性材料形成。

公开(公告)号：US07204472B2

公开(公告)日：2007-04-17

申请号：US11064422

申请日：2005-02-23

申请人： Gary L. Jones ,  Paul R. Meernik ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Jan H. Aase

发明人： Gary L. Jones ,  Paul R. Meernik ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Jan H. Aase

IPC分类号： F16K21/04

CPC分类号： F16K15/035 ,  B60H1/249 ,  F16K15/031 ,  F16K15/033

摘要： Active pressure relief valves and methods of use for regulating atmospheric conditions within an interior compartment of a vehicle generally include an active material to effect movement of a flap relative to an opening. The active material has the ability to remember its original at least one attribute such as dimension, shape, and/or flexural modulus, which can subsequently be recalled by applying or removing an external stimulus, as will be discussed in detail herein. Suitable active materials include, without limitation, shape memory alloys, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers, piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers, magnetorheological fluids and elastomers, electrorheological fluids, composites of one or more of the foregoing materials with non-active materials, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials, and the like. Depending on the particular active material, the activation signal can take the form of, without limitation, an electric current, a temperature change, a magnetic field, a mechanical loading or stressing, or the like.

摘要翻译： 主动减压阀和用于调节车辆内部隔室内的大气条件的使用方法通常包括活动材料以实现翼片相对于开口的运动。 活性材料具有记住其原始的至少一个属性（例如尺寸，形状和/或挠曲模量）的能力，其随后可以通过应用或去除外部刺激来召回，这将在本文中详细讨论。 合适的活性材料包括但不限于形状记忆合金，铁磁形状记忆合金，形状记忆聚合物，压电材料，电活性聚合物，磁流变流体和弹性体，电流变流体，一种或多种前述材料与非活性材料的复合材料， 包含至少一种前述材料的组合等。 取决于具体的活性材料，激活信号可以采取但不限于电流，温度变化，磁场，机械加载或应力等形式。

公开(公告)号：US08210979B2

公开(公告)日：2012-07-03

申请号：US12754048

申请日：2010-04-05

申请人： Gary L. Jones ,  Farzad Samie ,  Chunhao J. Lee ,  Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale ,  Andrew L. Bartos ,  John I. Manole

发明人： Gary L. Jones ,  Farzad Samie ,  Chunhao J. Lee ,  Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale ,  Andrew L. Bartos ,  John I. Manole

IPC分类号： F16H31/00 ,  F16D19/00

CPC分类号： F16D25/10 ,  Y10T477/638

摘要： A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种常啮合离合器，其具有具有第一侧和相对的第二侧的摩擦元件，构造成用于在第一侧上压靠摩擦元件的第一板和构造成用于将摩擦元件 在第二边 离合器还包括偏置装置，其构造成向第二板施加第一力以将第二板压靠在摩擦元件上以接合离合器。 此外，离合器包括用于向第一板施加第二力的施加活塞和用于向第二板施加第三力的释放活塞。 当第二板在没有第二力的情况下通过第三力将第二板推离摩擦元件时，离合器分离，并且当第一板通过第二力压靠在摩擦元件上时，离合器被接合。

公开(公告)号：US20110245035A1

公开(公告)日：2011-10-06

申请号：US12754048

申请日：2010-04-05

申请人： Gary L. Jones ,  Farzad Samie ,  Chunhao J. Lee ,  Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale ,  Andrew L. Bartos ,  John I. Manole

发明人： Gary L. Jones ,  Farzad Samie ,  Chunhao J. Lee ,  Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale ,  Andrew L. Bartos ,  John I. Manole

IPC分类号： B60W10/00 ,  F16D19/00

CPC分类号： F16D25/10 ,  Y10T477/638

摘要： A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种常啮合离合器，其具有具有第一侧和相对的第二侧的摩擦元件，构造成用于在第一侧上压靠摩擦元件的第一板和构造成用于将摩擦元件 在第二边 离合器还包括偏置装置，其构造成向第二板施加第一力以将第二板压靠在摩擦元件上以接合离合器。 此外，离合器包括用于向第一板施加第二力的施加活塞和用于向第二板施加第三力的释放活塞。 当第二板在没有第二力的情况下通过第三力将第二板推离摩擦元件时，离合器分离，并且当第一板通过第二力压靠在摩擦元件上时，离合器被接合。