| 摘要 |
The disclosed thermal motor utilizes the unidirectional contraction of a nickel-titanium alloy wire (12) heated above its transition temperature to convert thermal energy to mechanical energy. Force exerted by the contracting alloy wire (12), which has been resistively heated electrically, is transmitted by a rectilinearly moveable force transfer member (16). In the one embodiment, a pivoted pawl (36) coupled to the force transfer member cooperates with a rotatable, shaft-mounted ratchet (28) to provide a rotary mechanical output. In another embodiment the piston (54) of a reciprocating pump (46) is coupled to the force transfer member (16) and the force of the contracting alloy wire (12) powers the pump.
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