Patent ID: 6142425
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: B64C,Y02T

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the direction of a jet of compressed fluid comprising:an outer shell formed with a first opening through which the jet of compressed fluid is ejected;an inner shell disposed within said outer shell and having a second opening alignable with said first opening;means for providing compressed fluid to said inner shell for ejection when said first and second openings are substantially aligned;said inner and outer shells being movable with respect to each other for selectively aligning and misaligning said first and second openings to change the direction of the jet of compressed fluid ejected through said openings;a smart material actuator adapted to deform in a predictable way upon application of an appropriate control stimulus; anda coupler for coupling deformations of said smart material coupler to said shells to cause said shells to move relative to each other to control the direction of the jet of compressed fluid.