US 11,668,288 B2
Shape memory alloy actuators and methods thereof
Ryan N. Ruzicka, Waconia, MN (US); and Yasushi Sakamoto, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Assigned to Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed by Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed on Apr. 5, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/714,069.
Application 17/714,069 is a division of application No. 17/195,497, filed on Mar. 8, 2021, granted, now 11,306,706.
Application 17/195,497 is a continuation in part of application No. 16/775,207, filed on Jan. 28, 2020, granted, now 11,105,319, issued on Aug. 31, 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 63/044,305, filed on Jun. 25, 2020.
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 2022/0228576 A1, Jul. 21, 2022
Int. Cl. F03G 7/06 (2006.01)
CPC F03G 7/065 (2013.01) [F03G 7/0614 (2021.08); F05C 2251/08 (2013.01)] 3 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An actuator comprising:
a base; and
one or more bimorph arms, the one or more bimorph arms including:
a beam portion,
at least one fixed end, and
a load point end, the beam portion disposed between the fixed end and the load point end, at least one of the fixed end and the load point end including flat surfaces including a resistance weld region.