Patent ID: 7104056
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: C08L,F03G,F05B,F05C,F16F,F16K,H01F,H01H,H01L,H02N

Abstract:
1. A spring actuator, comprising: (a) a spring comprising a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) composite, the FSMA composite including a ferromagnetic material and a shape memory alloy (SMA) material, the FSMA having a generally quadrilateral cross section, such that the ferromagnetic material exhibits a generally stretched X shaped cross section, with the SMA material being disposed peripherally about the generally quadrilateral cross section; (b) a hybrid magnetic trigger, the hybrid magnetic trigger including at least one permanent magnet and at least one electromagnet; and (c) a yoke configured to couple a magnetic flux from the hybrid magnetic trigger to the spring, such that when the hybrid magnetic trigger is energized, the spring is attracted to the yoke and contracts.