SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY VALVE

摘要

A valve apparatus employs a shape memory alloy. In another aspect, a shape memory member acts as a lock or trigger in combination with a separate actuator or spring to move a valve. Still another aspect uses an externally mounted shape memory member to rotate a valve if an unsafe condition causes movement of the member.

主权项

1. A valve apparatus comprising:
a fluid valve; a housing including an internal fluid-carrying passageway within which the fluid valve is located, the housing further including an external engagement surface; a shaft attached to and operably moving with the fluid valve, the shaft having an abutment surface located external to the housing; and a shape memory member located external to the housing and engaging the engagement surface of the housing in a first operating condition, the shape memory member also engaging the abutment surface of the shaft in the first operating condition, and the shape memory member disengaging at least one of the surfaces when in a different operating condition to allow the fluid valve to move, the operating conditions being changeable due to a change of at least one of: (a) temperature, and (b) electrical current.