Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Electric switch details – Actuators
Reexamination Certificate
2005-09-06
2005-09-06
Friedhofer, Michael A. (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Electric switch details
Actuators
C337S037000, C337S066000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06940031
ABSTRACT:
A switching device in which the intermediate part of shape-memory-alloy wire (17) is retained by actuator (9) connected to one end of link mechanism (4), and both ends of shape-memory-alloy wire (17) are fixedly retained by printed-circuit board (13). Both end parts of shape-memory-alloy wire (17) are fixed on printed-circuit board (13). This shape-memory-alloy wire (17) generates heat due to electric power supplied from the circuit, generates the shape-memory effect to deform. This causes actuator (9) to operate. On this occasion, because the electrically connected part is fixed, even for frequent repetitive operations, damage due to fatigue does not occur, thus improving reliability. In addition, the device can be simplified because it dispenses with a separate part such as a current-carrying wire, and not requiring a process such as an installation work for current-carrying wires offers low-cost switching devices.
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Friedhofer Michael A.
Matsushita Electric - Industrial Co., Ltd.
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
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