Patent ID: 6474065
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: F03G

Abstract:
A multijunction thermoelectric actuator comprising in combination a plurality of alternating electrically conducting strips consisting of at least:a first strip of an electrically conducting material of a first type having an upper and lower surface; a second strip of an electrically conducting material of a second type having an upper and lower surface, said second strip disposed beside said first strip, the upper surfaces of said first and second strips being electrically connected to form a first junction; a third strip of an electrically conducting material of a third type electrically equivalent to said first type, said third strip having an upper and lower surface, said third strip disposed beside said second strip, the lower surfaces of said second and third strips being electrically connected to form a second junction; and power supply means connected between said first and third strips whereby current flowing in one direction will cause said upper surfaces of said strips to heat and said lower surfaces of said strips to cool whereby said actuator will bend toward said upper surfaces; and whereby current flowing in the opposite direction will cause said upper surfaces to cool and said lower surfaces to heat whereby said actuator will bend toward said lower surfaces.