Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080254688 | Electronic component socket and methods for making and using the same - A socket or clip adapted to provide an interconnect between an electronic component, such as an automotive blade fuse, and a printed circuit board or other device. The clip comprises a substantially unitary structure for attaching the electronic component to the printed circuit board substrate. In one embodiment, the clip also comprises a closed-entry structure receiving element to receive the electronic component; a terminating element for interfacing the clip to the printed circuit board; a spring clip element for receiving terminations from said electronic component; and an overstress feature for preventing the spring clip element from becoming overstressed. | 10-16-2008 |
20100108922 | MULTI-STABLE ACTUATION APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Actuator apparatus having a multi-stable element actuated by memory alloy actuating elements. In one embodiment, the multi-stable actuator comprises a bistable (two-state) diaphragm element adapted to alternate between two stable configurations via forces exerted on the diaphragm by more than one memory alloy filaments in response to thermal activation. In another embodiment, the bistable diaphragm of the multi-stable actuator transitions from a first to a second stable configuration via forces exerted by a single filament in response to direct or indirect thermal activation. A portion of the assembly is displaced when the assembly is in the second configuration. The bistable diaphragm transitions back to the first stable configuration via application of mechanical force on a portion of the assembly which was displaced. Methods for making and using the bistable actuator apparatus are also disclosed. | 05-06-2010 |
20100119863 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FILAMENT CRIMPING AND MANUFACTURING - Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed. | 05-13-2010 |
20110000577 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FILAMENT CRIMPING AND MANUFACTURING - Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed. | 01-06-2011 |
20120151913 | MEMORY ALLOY-ACTUATED APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Actuator apparatus having a multi-stable element actuated by memory alloy actuating elements. In one embodiment, the multi-stable actuator comprises a bistable (two-state) diaphragm element adapted to alternate between two stable configurations via forces exerted on the diaphragm by more than one memory alloy filaments in response to thermal activation. The bistable diaphragm element is coupled to a magnetic actuator element resident on a dry portion of a valve fitting, while a plunger actuated by the magnetic actuator element is resident on a wet portion of a valve fitting. Methods for making and using the bistable actuator apparatus are also disclosed. | 06-21-2012 |
20120153043 | POWER-EFFICIENT ACTUATOR ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - 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. | 06-21-2012 |
20120261025 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FILAMENT CRIMPING AND MANUFACTURING - Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed. | 10-18-2012 |
20130111896 | MEMORY ALLOY-ACTUATED APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Improved actuator apparatus and methodologies for manufacturing and using the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator apparatus includes an SMA filament that: (1) minimizes size and increases stroke length via a serpentine-like routing of the SMA filament within the device itself; (2) reduces power consumption as a result of a relatively flat stroke force as a function of stroke displacement operating profile; (3) enables the actuator assembly to remain in a fully actuated state, at a consistent stroke force, for longer periods of time; and (4) is also fully reversible so as to be capable of use in both push-based and pull-based actuator applications. Methods of operation and manufacturing associated with the aforementioned actuator apparatus are also disclosed. | 05-09-2013 |