公开(公告)号：US08388773B2

公开(公告)日：2013-03-05

申请号：US12400500

申请日：2009-03-09

申请人： Jonathan E. Luntz ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Diann Brei ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Anupam Pathak ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Pablo D. Zavattieri

发明人： Jonathan E. Luntz ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Diann Brei ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Anupam Pathak ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Pablo D. Zavattieri

IPC分类号： C22F1/00 ,  C21D11/00 ,  C21D1/54 ,  C21D1/55

CPC分类号： C21D11/00 ,  C21D8/06 ,  C21D9/525 ,  C21D9/54 ,  C21D2201/01 ,  C21D2211/001 ,  C21D2211/008 ,  C22C19/03

摘要： An apparatus for and method of conditioning a thermally activated shape memory alloy wire for use in an application, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable hard-stop and the preferred method includes pre-determining a minimum activating current, allowable strain, and a loading magnitude and form based on the wire configuration and application, and further includes applying a double-exponential model to determine a final recoverable strain over fewer cycles.

摘要翻译： 一种用于在应用中使用的热活化形状记忆合金丝的调节装置和方法，其中所述装置包括可调节硬止动件，并且优选的方法包括预先确定最小激活电流，允许应变和负载量值， 形式，并且还包括应用双指数模型以在更少的周期上确定最终的可恢复应变。

公开(公告)号：US20120216526A1

公开(公告)日：2012-08-30

申请号：US13340942

申请日：2011-12-30

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Wayne Brown ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Richard J. Skurkis

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Wayne Brown ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Richard J. Skurkis

IPC分类号： F03G7/06

CPC分类号： F03G7/065

摘要： An energy harvesting system in thermal communication with a hot region and a cold region includes a hot end heat engine in thermal communication with the hot region, a cold end heat engine in thermal communication with the cold region, and an intermediate heat engine disposed between the hot end heat engine and the cold end heat engine. The hot end heat engine includes a hot end shape memory alloy (SMA) element, the cold end heat engine includes a cold end SMA element disposed, and the intermediate heat engine includes an intermediate SMA element. A hot side of the intermediate SMA element is in thermal communication with a cold side of the hot end SMA element. A cold side of the intermediate SMA element is in thermal communication with a hot side of the cold end SMA element.

摘要翻译： 与热区域和冷区域热连通的能量收集系统包括与热区域热连通的热端热机，与冷区域热连通的冷端热机，以及设置在冷区域之间的中间热机 热端热机和冷端热机。 热端热机包括热端形状记忆合金（SMA）元件，冷端热机包括设置的冷端SMA元件，中间热机包括中间SMA元件。 中间SMA元件的热侧与热端SMA元件的冷侧热连通。 中间SMA元件的冷侧与冷端SMA元件的热侧热连通。

公开(公告)号：US20120216525A1

公开(公告)日：2012-08-30

申请号：US13340897

申请日：2011-12-30

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Jeffrey W. Brown ,  Richard J. Skurkis

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Jeffrey W. Brown ,  Richard J. Skurkis

IPC分类号： F03G7/06

CPC分类号： F03G7/065

摘要： A shape memory alloy (SMA) heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley, a second rotatable pulley, and an SMA material disposed about the first and second rotatable pulleys and between a hot region and a cold region. A method of starting and operating the SMA heat engine includes detecting a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region using a controller, decoupling an electrical generator from one of the first and second rotatable pulleys, monitoring a speed of the SMA material about the first and second rotatable pulleys, and re-engaging the driven component if the monitored speed of the SMA material exceeds a threshold. The SMA material may selectively change crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite and between the hot region and the cold region to convert the thermal gradient into mechanical energy.

摘要翻译： 形状记忆合金（SMA）热机包括第一可旋转滑轮，第二可旋转滑轮和围绕第一和第二可旋转滑轮设置的热材料区域与冷区域之间的SMA材料。 启动和操作SMA热机的方法包括使用控制器检测热区和冷区之间的热能梯度，将发电机与第一和第二可旋转滑轮中的一个相分离，监测SMA材料的速度约 第一和第二可旋转滑轮，并且如果SMA材料的监测速度超过阈值，则重新接合被驱动部件。 SMA材料可以选择性地改变马氏体和奥氏体之间以及热区域和冷区域之间的结晶相，以将热梯度转化为机械能。

公开(公告)号：US20120216523A1

公开(公告)日：2012-08-30

申请号：US13340892

申请日：2011-12-30

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Jeffrey W. Brown ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Richard J. Skurkis

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  John Andrew Shaw ,  Christopher Burton Churchill ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Geoffrey P. Mc Knight ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Jeffrey W. Brown ,  Peter Maxwell Sarosi ,  Richard J. Skurkis

IPC分类号： F03G7/06

CPC分类号： F03G7/065

摘要： An energy harvesting system for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a heat engine that operates using a shape memory alloy active material. The shape memory alloy member may be in thermal communication with a hot region at a first temperature and a cold region at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The shape memory alloy material may be configured to selectively change crystallographic phase between martensite to austenite and thereby one of contract and expand in response to the first and second temperatures. A driven component, such as an electric generator, may be selectively coupled with the heat engine through a coupling device, which may be controlled via a controller.

摘要翻译： 用于将热能转换为机械能的能量收集系统包括使用形状记忆合金活性材料操作的热机。 形状记忆合金构件可以在第一温度的热区域和低于第一温度的第二温度的冷区域热连通。 形状记忆合金材料可以被配置为选择性地改变马氏体与奥氏体之间的结晶相，从而响应于第一和第二温度而收缩和膨胀。 诸如发电机的被驱动部件可以通过耦合装置选择性地与热力发动机耦合，耦合装置可以通过控制器来控制。

公开(公告)号：US08109087B2

公开(公告)日：2012-02-07

申请号：US12437867

申请日：2009-05-08

申请人： Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nicholas William Pinto ,  Kenneth A. Strom

发明人： Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nicholas William Pinto ,  Kenneth A. Strom

IPC分类号： F01B29/10 ,  F02G1/04

CPC分类号： F03G7/065

摘要： An overheating protection system adapted for use with a shape memory alloy actuator element, includes at least one switching shape memory alloy element presenting a slower activation period than that of the actuator element, and configured to selectively prevent activation of the actuator element, when the actuator element is actually or predicted to be experiencing overheating; and a circuit comprising the system, wherein the switching element and/or a circuit implement functions to modify activation of the actuator element.

摘要翻译： 适合与形状记忆合金致动器元件一起使用的过热保护系统包括至少一个开关形状记忆合金元件，其具有比致动器元件的启动周期更慢的启动周期，并且构造成当致动器致动器 元素实际上或预计会经历过热; 以及包括所述系统的电路，其中所述开关元件和/或电路工具用于修改所述致动器元件的启动。

公开(公告)号：US20110120115A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-26

申请号：US12947914

申请日：2010-11-17

申请人： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Christopher P. Henry

发明人： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Christopher P. Henry

IPC分类号： F02G1/04 ,  F16H7/08 ,  F16H7/12

CPC分类号： F03G7/065 ,  F02G5/04 ,  F16G1/26 ,  F16H7/02 ,  Y02T10/166

摘要： An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component configured to be driven by operation of the heat engine. The heat engine includes a first member, a second member, a shape memory alloy material, and a tensioner. The second member is spaced from the first member. The shape memory alloy material operatively interconnects the first member and the second member. The shape memory alloy material is configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from martensite to austenite and thereby contract in response to exposure to a first temperature. The shape memory alloy material is also configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and thereby expand in response to exposure to a second temperature. The tensioner is configured to apply tension to the shape memory alloy material as the shape memory alloy material selectively expands and contracts such that the shape memory alloy material is taut.

摘要翻译： 能量收集系统包括热引擎和构造成由热机的操作驱动的部件。 热机包括第一构件，第二构件，形状记忆合金材料和张紧器。 第二构件与第一构件间隔开。 形状记忆合金材料可操作地将第一构件和第二构件相互连接。 形状记忆合金材料构造成选择性地将结晶相从马氏体转变为奥氏体，从而响应于暴露于第一温度而收缩。 形状记忆合金材料还被配置为选择性地将结晶相从奥氏体转变为马氏体，从而响应于暴露于第二温度而膨胀。 张紧器构造成当形状记忆合金材料选择性地膨胀和收缩使得形状记忆合金材料拉紧时，向形状记忆合金材料施加张力。

公开(公告)号：US20110094216A1

公开(公告)日：2011-04-28

申请号：US12685698

申请日：2010-01-12

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Paul W. Alexander

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight ,  Paul W. Alexander

IPC分类号： F03G7/06

CPC分类号： F02G5/00 ,  Y02E20/14 ,  Y02T10/166

摘要： A vehicle includes an energy harvesting system. The energy harvesting system includes a fluid, a heat engine, and a component. The fluid has a first fluid region at a first temperature and a second fluid region at a second temperature that is different from the first temperature. The heat engine is configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy and includes a shape-memory alloy disposed in contact with each of the first fluid region and the second fluid region. The component is driven by the heat engine in response to the temperature difference.

摘要翻译： 车辆包括能量收集系统。 能量收集系统包括流体，热力发动机和部件。 流体具有在第一温度下的第一流体区域和与第一温度不同的第二温度的第二流体区域。 热机被配置为将热能转换为机械能，并且包括与第一流体区域和第二流体区域中的每一个接触地设置的形状记忆合金。 该组件由热引擎响应于温差而驱动。

公开(公告)号：US07931337B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-26

申请号：US12051845

申请日：2008-03-20

申请人： Jennifer P. Lawall ,  Diane K. McQueen ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Paul W. Alexander

发明人： Jennifer P. Lawall ,  Diane K. McQueen ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Paul W. Alexander

IPC分类号： B60N2/00

CPC分类号： B60N2/22 ,  B60N2/0224

摘要： A recliner adjustment system and method utilizing active material based actuation is adapted for use with a recliner defining an engaging surface and operable to adjust the angle of inclination of the surface, and includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the surface from pivoting, an unlocking actuator including at least one active material element configured to release the mechanism when activated or deactivated, a signal source operable to generate and deliver to the element an activation signal, and more preferably, a second adjusting actuator including a second active material element configured to rotationally displace the surface, so as to adjust the angle, when activated or deactivated and the mechanism has been released.

摘要翻译： 利用基于活性材料的致动的躺椅调节系统和方法适于与限定接合表面的躺椅一起使用并且可操作以调节表面的倾斜角度，并且包括被配置为选择性地防止表面枢转的锁定机构，解锁 致动器包括至少一个活动材料元件，所述至少一个活性材料元件被配置为当被激活或去激活时释放机构;信号源，其可操作以产生并向所述元件传递激活信号，更优选地，第二调节致动器包括被配置为旋转的第二活性材料元件 移动表面，以便在激活或停用并且机构已经释放时调整角度。

公开(公告)号：US20110050148A1

公开(公告)日：2011-03-03

申请号：US12546857

申请日：2009-08-25

申请人： Xiujie Gao ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Lei Hao ,  Ke Dong

发明人： Xiujie Gao ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Lei Hao ,  Ke Dong

IPC分类号： G05D15/01 ,  H02N10/00

CPC分类号： H01L41/1132 ,  H01L41/125

摘要： An active material actuator adapted for use in a circuit includes an active material member, and a piezoelectric or piezoresistive element or otherwise force sensing device, wherein the element or device is communicatively coupled to the member and operable to vary the current within the circuit when the member is caused to achieve a predetermined stress, such that, in one aspect, the element presents an overload protection mechanism.

摘要翻译： 适于在电路中使用的活性材料致动器包括活性材料构件和压电或压阻元件或其他力感测装置，其中元件或装置可通信地耦合到构件并且可操作以在电路内改变电流时 导致构件达到预定的应力，使得在一个方面，元件具有过载保护机构。

公开(公告)号：US20100066113A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-18

申请号：US12558515

申请日：2009-09-12

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Matthew Edward Gedris ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  John Thomas Goscicki ,  James Holbrook Brown

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Matthew Edward Gedris ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  John Thomas Goscicki ,  James Holbrook Brown

IPC分类号： B60R7/04

CPC分类号： B60N3/102 ,  B60N2/773 ,  B60N2/793 ,  B60R7/04

摘要： A center console comprising a manipulable structural component, such as a pivotal lid, sliding armrest, tambour door, or pivotal cup holder, and at least one active material actuator including an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change, drivenly coupled to the component, and configured to autonomously cause and/or enable the component to be manipulated as a result of the change.

摘要翻译： 中心控制台包括可操纵的结构部件，例如枢转盖，滑动扶手，鼓形门或枢转杯保持器，以及至少一个活动材料致动器，其包括可操作以经受可逆变化的活动材料致动器，该活动材料元件被驱动地联接到部件 并且被配置为自主地引起和/或使该组件作为改变的结果被操纵。