公开(公告)号：US20090277595A1

公开(公告)日：2009-11-12

申请号：US12115700

申请日：2008-05-06

申请人： Xiujie Gao ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson

发明人： Xiujie Gao ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson

IPC分类号： B60J3/02

CPC分类号： B60J1/2011 ,  B60J1/2019 ,  B60J1/2055

摘要： A system for deploying and stowing a cover, including a mechanical assembly coupled to the cover, preferably comprising a plurality of deploy arms and synchronization means, and reconfigurable between deployed and stowed conditions, and further including an actuator presenting an active material element operable to undergo a change, when activated, and operable to cause the assembly to reconfigure as a result of the change.

摘要翻译： 一种用于展开和收起盖子的系统，包括耦合到盖子的机械组件，优选地包括多个展开臂和同步装置，并且可在展开和收起的条件之间进行重新配置，还包括一个致动器，该致动器具有可操作以经历的活性材料元件 更改，当被激活时，并且可操作地导致组件由于改变而重新配置。

公开(公告)号：US08661810B2

公开(公告)日：2014-03-04

申请号：US13048952

申请日：2011-03-16

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV

IPC分类号： F01B29/10 ,  F02G1/04

CPC分类号： F03G7/065

摘要： A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes an SMA element and a flexible outer coating or layer. The element is respectively activated by a heating source. The layer surrounds the element, and enhances the heat transfer characteristics of the element to increase the speed of the actuation cycle. The nominal geometry and/or thermal conductivity may be altered during an activation phase, and may include discrete elements oriented with respect to the element, and partially embedded in the layer. An end gripper assembly may be used to cause the layer to move in concert with the element during a phase transformation. An electro-mechanical system includes the cooling source and the actuator. A method includes connecting the actuator to a load, activating the element using the heating source, and deactivating the element using a cooling source or free/ambient air.

摘要翻译： 形状记忆合金（SMA）致动器包括SMA元件和柔性外涂层或层。 元件分别由加热源激活。 该层围绕元件，并且增强元件的传热特性以增加致动循环的速度。 标称几何形状和/或热导率可以在激活阶段期间改变，并且可以包括相对于元件定向且部分地嵌入在该层中的分立元件。 可以使用端部夹持器组件，以在相变期间使层与元件一起移动。 机电系统包括冷却源和致动器。 一种方法包括将致动器连接到负载，使用加热源激活元件，以及使用冷却源或空气/环境空气来去激活元件。

公开(公告)号：US20120234000A1

公开(公告)日：2012-09-20

申请号：US13048952

申请日：2011-03-16

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao ,  James Holbrook Brown ,  Nilesh D. Mankame ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV

IPC分类号： F01B29/10

CPC分类号： F03G7/065

摘要： A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes an SMA element and a flexible outer coating or layer. The element is respectively activated by a heating source. The layer surrounds the element, and enhances the heat transfer characteristics of the element to increase the speed of the actuation cycle. The nominal geometry and/or thermal conductivity may be altered during an activation phase, and may include discrete elements oriented with respect to the element, and partially embedded in the layer. An end gripper assembly may be used to cause the layer to move in concert with the element during a phase transformation. An electro-mechanical system includes the cooling source and the actuator. A method includes connecting the actuator to a load, activating the element using the heating source, and deactivating the element using a cooling source or free/ambient air.

摘要翻译： 形状记忆合金（SMA）致动器包括SMA元件和柔性外涂层或层。 元件分别由加热源激活。 该层围绕元件，并且增强元件的传热特性以增加致动循环的速度。 标称几何形状和/或热导率可以在激活阶段期间改变，并且可以包括相对于元件定向且部分地嵌入在该层中的分立元件。 可以使用端部夹持器组件，以在相变期间使层与元件一起移动。 机电系统包括冷却源和致动器。 一种方法包括将致动器连接到负载，使用加热源激活元件，以及使用冷却源或空气/环境空气来去激活元件。

公开(公告)号：US09067526B2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-30

申请号：US13616531

申请日：2012-09-14

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Christopher B Churchill ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Guillermo A. Herrera ,  Christopher B Churchill ,  Geoffrey P. McKnight

IPC分类号： G08B21/00 ,  B60Q9/00

CPC分类号： B60Q9/00 ,  F03G7/065

摘要： Mechanical devices powered by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires or other linear elements offer advantages in automotive applications. Such SMA-powered devices are commonly reliable and long-lived but have a finite lifetime. Measurements of the electrical resistivity of an SMA element during operation of the element may be related to the remaining lifetime of the element. Because operation of SMA elements is promoted by heating the element, usually by passage of an electric current, the resistivity measurements, and hence assessment of SMA element operation, may be made without interruption to the operation of the SMA-powered device and without addition of dedicated sensors.

摘要翻译： 由形状记忆合金（SMA）电线或其他线性元件供电的机械设备在汽车应用中提供了优势。 这种SMA功率器件通常是可靠且寿命长的，但具有有限的寿命。 在元件操作期间测量SMA元件的电阻率可能与元件的剩余寿命有关。 由于通常通过电流加热元件来促进SMA元件的操作，可以在不中断SMA功率器件的操作的情况下进行电阻率测量，从而评估SMA元件操作，并且不添加 专用传感器

公开(公告)号：US07823382B2

公开(公告)日：2010-11-02

申请号：US11501405

申请日：2006-08-09

申请人： Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Norman K. Bucknor ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Guillermo A. Herrera

发明人： Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Norman K. Bucknor ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Guillermo A. Herrera

IPC分类号： F01B29/10 ,  F01B7/20

CPC分类号： F03G7/065 ,  H02N2/02 ,  H02N2/021 ,  H02N2/101

摘要： An active material actuator assembly is provided having first and second active material components operatively connected to a movable member. Movement of the movable member is modulated, which may be due to activation of the first and second active material components being at least partially temporally distinct or the active material components differing in at least one characteristic affecting movement.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种活性材料致动器组件，其具有可操作地连接到可移动构件的第一和第二活性材料部件。 可移动构件的运动被调制，这可能是由于第一和第二活性材料组分的活化至少部分地在时间上不同或活性材料组分在至少一个影响运动的特征中不同。

公开(公告)号：US20080034749A1

公开(公告)日：2008-02-14

申请号：US11501405

申请日：2006-08-09

申请人： Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Norman K. Bucknor ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Guillermo A. Herrera

发明人： Ukpai I. Ukpai ,  Norman K. Bucknor ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Andrew C. Keefe ,  Guillermo A. Herrera

IPC分类号： F01B29/10

CPC分类号： F03G7/065 ,  H02N2/02 ,  H02N2/021 ,  H02N2/101

摘要： An active material actuator assembly is provided having first and second active material components operatively connected to a movable member. Movement of the movable member is modulated, which may be due to activation of the first and second active material components being at least partially temporally distinct or the active material components differing in at least one characteristic affecting movement.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种活性材料致动器组件，其具有可操作地连接到可移动构件的第一和第二活性材料部件。 可移动构件的运动被调制，这可能是由于第一和第二活性材料组分的活化至少部分地在时间上不同或活性材料组分在至少一个影响运动的特征中不同。

公开(公告)号：US08857174B2

公开(公告)日：2014-10-14

申请号：US12947870

申请日：2010-11-17

申请人： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

发明人： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC分类号： F01B29/10 ,  F02G1/04 ,  F02G5/04

CPC分类号： F02G5/04 ,  Y02T10/166

摘要： An energy harvesting system comprises a first region having a first temperature and a second region having a second temperature. A heat engine is configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. The heat engine includes a plurality of discrete elements of a shape memory alloy each having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite in response to a temperature difference between the first region and the second region. At least one member of the heat engine is driven to rotate about a first axis by the phase change of the plurality of discrete elements.

摘要翻译： 能量收集系统包括具有第一温度的第一区域和具有第二温度的第二区域。 热机被配置为将热能转换成机械能。 热引擎包括形状记忆合金的多个离散元件，每个元件具有响应于第一区域和第二区域之间的温度差而在奥氏体和马氏体之间具有可变化的结晶相。 通过多个离散元件的相位变化，驱动热发动机的至少一个构件绕第一轴旋转。

公开(公告)号：US20110120113A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-26

申请号：US12947870

申请日：2010-11-17

申请人： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

发明人： Paul W. Alexander ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Patrick B. Usoro ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC分类号： F02G1/04

CPC分类号： F02G5/04 ,  Y02T10/166

摘要： An energy harvesting system comprises a first region having a first temperature and a second region having a second temperature. A heat engine is configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. The heat engine includes a plurality of discrete elements of a shape memory alloy each having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite in response to a temperature difference between the first region and the second region. At least one member of the heat engine is driven to rotate about a first axis by the phase change of the plurality of discrete elements.

摘要翻译： 能量收集系统包括具有第一温度的第一区域和具有第二温度的第二区域。 热机被配置为将热能转换成机械能。 热引擎包括形状记忆合金的多个离散元件，每个元件具有响应于第一区域和第二区域之间的温度差而在奥氏体和马氏体之间具有可变化的结晶相。 通过多个离散元件的相位变化，驱动热发动机的至少一个构件绕第一轴旋转。

公开(公告)号：US08446065B2

公开(公告)日：2013-05-21

申请号：US12979365

申请日：2010-12-28

申请人： Alan L. Browne ,  Jan H. Aase ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao

发明人： Alan L. Browne ,  Jan H. Aase ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Nancy L. Johnson ,  Xiujie Gao

IPC分类号： H01L41/08

CPC分类号： F15B15/10 ,  F03G7/065 ,  F15B2015/208

摘要： A tubular actuator including a flexible tube or roll, operable to shift between first and second configurations so as to define a stroke, and utilizing active material activation to produce, modify, and/or retain the stroke.

摘要翻译： 一种管状致动器，包括柔性管或辊，可操作以在第一和第二构型之间移动以限定行程，并且利用活性材料活化来产生，修改和/或保留冲程。

公开(公告)号：US20130000776A1

公开(公告)日：2013-01-03

申请号：US13173276

申请日：2011-06-30

申请人： Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Scott R. Webb

发明人： Nancy L. Johnson ,  Alan L. Browne ,  Xiujie Gao ,  Paul W. Alexander ,  Nicholas W. Pinto, IV ,  Richard J. Skurkis ,  Scott R. Webb

IPC分类号： B65B31/00 ,  F16K31/00 ,  C22C33/00

CPC分类号： F16K17/0493 ,  B60C23/0494 ,  B60C29/002 ,  F16K17/046

摘要： A device is provided that may be adapted to control or monitor the pressure level of a fluid system. The device includes a member composed of a shape memory alloy in a superelastic state. The member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase and stretch in response to an activation stress. In one embodiment, the member defines two ends such that one end of the member is operatively connected to a fixed point. Another end of the member is operatively connected to a movable element. As the member stretches in response to the activation stress, the movable element is translated relative to the fixed point. In another embodiment, the member includes two plates with respective holes that are selectively aligned when the first and second plates stretch or deform in response to the activation stress.

摘要翻译： 提供了可适于控制或监测流体系统的压力水平的装置。 该装置包括由超弹性状态的形状记忆合金构成的构件。 构件被配置为经历从高模量奥氏体相到低模量马氏体相的相变，并响应于活化应力而拉伸。 在一个实施例中，构件限定两个端部，使得构件的一端可操作地连接到固定点。 构件的另一端可操作地连接到可移动元件。 随着构件响应于激活应力而延伸，可移动元件相对于固定点平移。 在另一个实施例中，该构件包括具有相应孔的两个板，当第一和第二板响应于激活应力而拉伸或变形时，其具有选择性对准。