Abstract: An integrated circuit package having a substrate of ceramic material having a cavity therein, a resilient seal rim connected to the substrate, a lid that may be inserted within said rim and a band of shape-memory alloy surrounding the rim to compress the rim into contact with the lid to seal the package.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a surgical staple which experiences some spring back following deformation. The invention enables the surgical staple to assume a rectangular shape with the tips thereof positioned together after the staple is closed. Specifically, the staple is deformed to overlap the tips so that release of deforming pressure results in tip-to-tip contact upon spring back. The invention addresses problems relating to skin being interposed between the spaced tips when a staple is closed. Also, as a result of the square-cornered rectangular shape of the closed staple, the problem of rotation of the staple after it is applied to the tissue is impeded. Preferably, the staple is heat recoverable having an open-shape memory configuration.

Abstract: A unitary disposable conduit extends from the intravenous reservoir along a gravity-flow path to the patient, and incorporates a valve block containing an externally controlled flow-control valve. An electronic controller monitors the drop rate in a drop chamber which is an integral part of the disposable conduit, compares this rate with an operator-selected rate, and controls the valve by varying the current in a shape-memory actuator element whose movements, caused by the resultant Joule heating, are coupled to the valve to proportionally vary the flow rate in the conduit. The valve block is securely received within a recess in the controller, and is automatically coupled to the controller when inserted within this recess. The shape-memory actuator element may be incorporated within the disposable valve block, or may form a part of the controller, with a simple mechanical coupling to transmit its movements to the valve.

Abstract: Shape memory materials, preferably metals, are employed to replace levers to control opening and closing of opposed pairs of contacts in cam operated, multi-contact, zero insertion force connectors; the shape memory material replacing levers for translating or rotating cam actuators in the connectors.

Abstract: A common problem in the art of connecting two electrical components is the providing of a convenient and effective zero insertion force coupling therebetween especially where a plurality of parallel conductors along one component are to be connected with a corresponding plurality along the other. The present apparatus and method address this problem by providing a split tube edge along one of the two electrical components, the split tube including a memory shape material therein. When the split tube is opened, the second electrical component is inserted therein whereupon the split tube can be closed. Conductors along the split tube make contact with corresponding conductors along the second component when the tube is closed. The memory shape material in the split tube acts to either open the split tube or close the split tube when the material reaches a characteristic transition temperature.