Patent ID: 6561627
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A thermal actuator for a micro-electromechanical device comprising:(a) a base element; (b) a cantilevered element extending from the base element and residing in a first position, the cantilevered element including a first layer constructed of a dielectric material having a low thermal coefficient of expansion and a second layer attached to the first layer, the second layer comprising intermetallic titanium aluminide wherein the intermetallic titanium aluminide is from about 65% to about 85% aluminum and from about 15% to about 35% titanium by mole fraction; and (c) a pair of electrodes connected to the second layer to allow an electrical current to be passed through the second layer to thereby cause the temperature of the second layer to rise, the cantilevered element deflecting to a second position as a result of the temperature rise of the second layer and returning to the first position when the electrical current through the second layer is ceased and the temperature thereof decreases.