Shape memory alloy device and control method

Fluid reaction surfaces (i.e. – impellers) – Having positive means for impeller adjustment – Motor bodily rotatable with impeller hub or shaft

Reexamination Certificate

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C060S527000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07037076

ABSTRACT:
A preferred rotary actuator includes an actuator assembly having a torque tube formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA), a superelastic NiTinol return spring associated with the torque tube and adapted to bias the torque tube toward an initial position, and a torque tube heating element, especially a thermoelectric device, for switching the SMA to cause rotation to an object connected to the actuator or to generate a torque upon that object. The torque tube (24) includes a proximal end (32) and a distal end (34). The return spring and torque tube are connected at their ends, with the torque tube being pretwisted while in a martensitic state relative to the spring. Activation of the heating element causes the torque tube to enter an austenitic state in which it returns to its previous untwisted configuration. Removal of heat allows the torque tube to return to a martensitic state, when the return spring retwists the torque tube. A unique locking assembly22is used with the preferred actuator assembly. A helicopter blade twist rotation system for a rotorcraft blade200having a blade root202and a tip204includes a SMA rotary actuator18located within the blade near the blade root, and a passive torque tube (206) located within the blade and having a proximal end connected to the rotary actuator and a distal end connected to the blade near to the blade tip.

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