Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving performance and life of a material adapted to contract when heated to a critical temperature such as shape memory alloy wire (SMA). The method includes the steps of measuring ambient temperature before activation, measuring voltage applied to the SMA wire and/or current flowing in the SMA wire, calculating power and energy required to heat the material from the ambient to the critical temperature and providing the calculated power and energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a lock assembly (10) which has a support base (80) and a bolt (14) movable between an unlocked position, in which the bolt (14) is substantially within the support base in (80) and a locked position in which the bolt (14) extends from the support base (80). The lock assembly (10) also includes locking means (32) to block movement of the bolt (14) in the locked position and actuating means (46) for moving the blocking means (32) to release the bolt (14) from the locked position. The actuating means (46) can comprise electromechanical means, an electro restrictive polymer, piezoelectric material or a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy wire (36).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to for detecting movement of an object. In one embodiment, a system (10) is disclosed to detect movement of an object (12) (e.g., a tire). The system includes a sensor (14) that is operative to sense at least a pressure condition within an enclosed space of the object (12) based on an operating mode of the system. A control system (16) controls the operating mode of the system based at least in part on whether movement of the object (12) is detected. The movement of the object (12) is detected based on a variation in the at least a pressure condition over time. The system (10) can be implemented as part of a tire pressure monitoring system.