Abstract: An electrical overload circuit breaker utilizes as the current-responsive tripping mechanism a solenoid, the coil of which is constituted by a helical spring of shape memory effect material and which mechanically acts on the armature. There is a non-SME spring which also acts on the armature but in a direction opposing the SME spring. The current is passed through the SME spring and, when it becomes excessive, the armature is urged both mechanically and electromagnetically in a tripping direction.

Abstract: A jet nozzle has the effective dimensions of its outlet orifice automatically controlled by use of a shape memory effect (SME) material. The nozzle itself may be made wholly or partly of SME material or it may be controlled in position relative to its metering needle by a temperature sensitive actuator incorporating a device of SME material.

Abstract: A mechanical press has a self-adjusting device for automatically setting the position of the mould in the correct position with respect to the stroke of the pressram. The device is located between a fixed platen and a mould carrier and comprises a cylinder having at one end a stiffly resilient plug which normally covers a valve port in the cylinder; a volume of liquid is located between a piston in the cylinder and the plug. If the mould is incorrectly set for the ram stroke, the pressure generated in the liquid so compresses the plug to expose the port for release of sufficient liquid to reposition the mould.

Abstract: A valve which opens and closes according to the temperature of the fluid passing through it has a fluid-controlling valve member consisting of a helix of a shape memory effect material having an elastic modulus which varies significantly with temperature in a reversible manner. At relatively low fluid temperature, the turns of the helix are closely compacted and obstruct the flow, while at relatively high fluid temperature, the turns are expanded and allow flow of fluid between them.

Abstract: A differential temperature detector comprises two springs made of a shape memory effect alloy. The springs are oppositely stressed and are coupled together in stressed condition. When the springs are subject to the same temperature, no movement occurs when that temperature changes, but when the springs are subject to different temperatures, movement occurs dependent on the temperature difference.

Abstract: The noise emanating from a noise-generating source, such as a machine tool or a stock tube, is reduced by covering the surface from or through which the noise emanates with a cladding comprising a first layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. The first layer, 1 to 5 mm thick, of a resilient vibration-isolating material, being plastic foam, rubber foam, rubber, or fibrous material, has the function of decoupling the intermediate layer from the surface. The intermediate layer, 0.25 to 2.5 mm thick, of lead or metal-loaded plastic material in contact with and supported by the first layer, has the function of a sound-insulating barrier. The outer layer, resistant to impact, wear, and abrasion, has the function of surface protection. The total thickness of the three layers need be no more than 6 mm.

Abstract: There are disclosed devices and methods for converting heat energy into mechanical energy utilizing elements formed of materials which exhibit so-called shape memory effect (SME) characteristics, which elements are subjected to stress, strain and temperature conditions in a cyclic manner, the stress and strain conditions in the element being related by a closed loop locus plotted on the stress/strain/temperature spectrum. The elements may also be formed of bi-metallic expansion alloys or of other materials having a high thermal expansion coefficient.