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Application for micro thermal actuator

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rostra

Mechanical
Jun 8, 2011
2
My company (Rostra Vernatherm) has recently developed a micro thermal actuator, and we are looking for uses beyond the original application (shut off fluid flow in a lighter when it gets too hot). The smallest device is about 1/4 inch long and 1/8 inch in diameter with a stroke length of .013 inches. Are there any suggestions as to what else we might be able to do with these? Initial research focused on PEM fuel cells, battery tech, and small engines. (Also this is my first post, so if this is in the wrong forum, please tell me where to re-post). An informational sheet is available if anyone is interested. Thanks in advance.
 
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Your device sounds similar to "wax motors", so look-up the uses for these, which includes air conditioning damper control (Accutherm) and washing machine door locks (Neptune wax motor).
 
ISTR that Texas Instruments made wax motors for a while.
Didn't sell many.
Lost a bundle, I think.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
 
Yes they are wax actuators, just very small. These are thermally actuated (rather than electrically), so they don't draw current. Do you have any information about the TI wax motors? Having trouble finding anything.. And any other applications? Or does this mean that if TI could not find them, we probably can't either? Thank you again for the help.
 
They had a factory for actuators, I think in SE Massachusetts. I forget the city right now. It may have been associated with the TI bimetals operation.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
 
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