Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #02408
To: beam beam@corp.sgi.com
From: Richard Piotter richfile@rconnect.com
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 22:45:26 -0500
Subject: [alt-beam] Shape Memory Alloy (Trivia???)
I know this probably isn't pertenent to BEAM, but I just thought it was cool!
Since I got my new G3, I disassembled my Apple PowerBook 1400cs to sell
for parts and or salvage. Amazingly, I've managed to even sell the
motherboard! Anyway, i looked at the PCMCIA eject mechanisms, and i just
realized, they are driven by a pair of Shape memory alloy wires: MUSCLE WIRE!!!
COOL!!!
I thought it was cool enough that they used some on the Mars Pathfinder!
Geeze! The powerbook uses at least twice as much! Shape memory alloy is
a good technology, and it shows! I can't wat to see teh developments
over the next decades! Maybe we can someday use it for tiny solar
walkers! Think of how efficient it may become in the future... Imagine
what we'll figure out in the future! I personaly don't care about the
"legalese" of BEAM, cause i build my bots with whatever technology
works, and I do it for MY pleasure (that and to show them off! Hehe! :)
--
Richard Piotter
richfile@rconnect.com
The Richfiles Robotics & TI web page:
http://richfiles.calc.org
For the BEAM Robotics list:
BEAM Robotics Tek FAQ
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/bushbo/beam/FAQ.html
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