Chaitanya Arekar,Leonid Foshansky,Kyle James Ovard, JR.,Robert Bogursky,George Marc Simmel
申请号：
US13149508
公开号：
US20120153043A1
申请日:
2011.05.31
申请国别(地区):
US
年份:
2012
代理人:
摘要：
Power-efficient actuator apparatus and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly utilizes a shape memory alloy (SMA) filament driven by an electronic power source to induce movement in the underlying assembly to actuate a load (e.g., water valve). In addition, a circuit board is included which allows the actuator assembly to be readily incorporated or retrofit into a wide range of systems such that the signal characteristics of the supply line can, among other applications, be conditioned in order to protect the SMA filament. Furthermore, the circuit board can also readily be adapted for use with “green” power sources such as photovoltaic systems and the like. Methods for manufacturing and utilizing the aforementioned actuator assembly are also disclosed.
