US 11,892,759 B2
Shape memory alloy actuators and methods thereof
Ryan N. Ruzicka, Waconia, MN (US); Yasushi Sakamoto, Hutchinson, MN (US); and Mark A. Miller, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Assigned to Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed by Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed on Jan. 31, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/103,745.
Application 18/103,745 is a division of application No. 17/569,268, filed on Jan. 5, 2022.
Application 17/412,030 is a division of application No. 16/775,207, filed on Jan. 28, 2020, granted, now 11,105,319, issued on Aug. 31, 2021.
Application 17/569,268 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/412,030, filed on Aug. 25, 2021.
Application 16/775,207 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/971,995, filed on May 4, 2018, granted, now 10,920,755, issued on Feb. 16, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/152,299, filed on Feb. 22, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/826,106, filed on Mar. 29, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/650,991, filed on Mar. 30, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/502,568, filed on May 5, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2023/0176458 A1, Jun. 8, 2023
Int. Cl. G03B 17/56 (2021.01); F03G 7/06 (2006.01); G02B 6/35 (2006.01); G02B 6/38 (2006.01); G03B 17/38 (2021.01); H10N 30/00 (2023.01); H10N 30/50 (2023.01)
CPC G03B 17/563 (2013.01) [F03G 7/0665 (2021.08); G02B 6/3576 (2013.01); G02B 6/3859 (2013.01); G03B 17/38 (2013.01); H10N 30/00 (2023.02); H10N 30/50 (2023.02); G03B 2205/0061 (2013.01); G03B 2205/0076 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An actuator comprising:
a base comprising multiple isolated sections;
an autofocus actuator coupled to the base;
a plurality of flat spring circuits configured to create multiple isolated electrical paths to direct an electrical current to the autofocus actuator, each of the plurality of flat spring circuits connected to each of the multiple isolated sections of the base and each including a spring configured to have a stiffness that controls a movement of an object.