Patent ID: 8707694
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: F03G,F16K

Abstract:
1. An actuator comprising: a first component made of a shape memory alloy (SMA), the first component applying a force to a second component of the actuator, the actuator being a mechanical piston actuator; and a third component made of the SMA, the third component applying an opposing force to the second component; and a valve that reciprocates within a bore, the valve having a plurality of spool sections, one of which is attached to an arm configured to engage a clutching mechanism, the arm selectively engaging and disengaging the clutching mechanism as the force imparted by the first component and the opposing force imparted by the third component selectively move the valve back and forth within the bore, wherein the force imparted by the first component is in the opposite direction of the opposing force imparted by the third component and wherein selective application of the force imparted by the first component and the opposing force imparted by the third component selectively activates and de-activates the actuator.