US Patent 8714199 Method and apparatus for actuating a valve

A valve (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve (100) comprises a body (102) including a plurality of ports (204, 205, 206). The valve (100) also comprises a valve actuator (150) positioned within the body (102). The valve actuator (150) includes a slider (110) and one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b). The one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) are coupled to at least one side (113, 114) of the slider (110). The slider (110) is movable between a first position and at least a second position upon energizing at least one of the shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) of the one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) in order to actuate the valve (100).