Patent ID: 8056335

Claim:
A shape memory alloy actuated device for engaging a movable object, comprising: a housing; a first component movable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, the first component having a first end adapted to engage the movable object when the first component is in the first position; a shape memory alloy object for moving the first component from the first component first position to the first component second position, wherein the shape memory alloy object is adapted to expand to a SMA first position and contract to a SMA second position as a function of temperature; and a first biasing element configured to expand the shape memory alloy object to the SMA first position and apply a tensile force to the shape memory alloy object when the shape memory alloy is in both the SMA first position and the SMA second position; and wherein the first component is movable between the first component first position and the first component second position other than by transferring force to the shape memory alloy object; wherein the shape memory alloy object has a first end attached to a second component and a second end fixed relative to the housing, wherein the shape memory alloy moves the second component from a second component first position and a second component second position relative to the housing when the shape memory alloy object contracts to the SMA second position: wherein movement of the second component from a second component first position to a second component second position moves a third component movable from a third component first position and a third component second position relative to the housing; and wherein the second component is spaced apart from the third component when the second component and the third component are in their respective first positions.