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Actuator and valve assembly

  • US 20070228309A1
  • Filed: 04/03/2006
  • Published: 10/04/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/03/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A valve comprising:

  • a valve body having a passageway through said body, said passageway forming a first port and a second port;

    a valve stem located in said passageway and supported for reciprocal movement in said passageway between a first position and a second position, said passageway being open to permit fluid communication between said first port and said second port when said valve stem is moved to one of said first position and said second position thereby opening said valve, and said passageway being closed between said first and second ports when said valve stem is moved to the other said first position and said second position whereby said valve is closed; and

    an actuator selectively moving said valve stem from said first position to said second position for opening or closing said valve, said actuator comprising;

    a shape memory wire, said shape memory wire contracting when heated, one end of said shape memory wire being fixed relative to said valve body and another end of said shape memory wire being coupled relative to said valve stem wherein when heated said shape memory wire contracts and moves said valve stem in a direction of travel toward said second position; and

    a magnetic field, said magnetic field generating a magnetic force, said magnetic force acting on said valve stem and unloading said shape memory wire, said magnetic force moving said valve stem in said direction of travel to said second position and seating said valve stem at said second position after said shape memory wire initially contracts to thereby open or close the valve.

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