Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for generating positioning movements by means of shape memory elements, comprising a housing on which an actuation element that carries out positioning movements in conjunction with shape memory elements is arranged, and means for adjusting and altering the positioning movement of the actuator, wherein a modular actuator has an actuation element (2) that is arranged on a housing (1) and carries out longitudinally guided positioning movements. The actuation element (2) is coupled to two shape memory elements (7, 8) in such a manner that when a transition temperature is exceeded the first shape memory element (7) generates a translatory or rotational positioning movement of the actuation element (2) and the second shape memory element (8) generates an adjustable return movement of the actuation element (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive spring, damping or hinge system having functional characteristics that are adaptable to various operating conditions, with provision being made for at least one adaptive spring system or a damping or hinge system formed of shape memory material to be activatable in such a manner that by subjecting it to heating or to an annealing treatment, the spring, damping or hinge characteristics may be modified in operation condition, and/or that at least one variable actuator element formed of a shape memory material is provided and is capable of changing the spring, damping or hinge characteristics of the adaptive system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive spring, damping or hinge system having functional characteristics that are adaptable to various operating conditions, with provision being made for at least one adaptive spring system or a damping or hinge system formed of shape memory material to be activatable in such a manner that by subjecting it to heating or to an annealing treatment, the spring, damping or hinge characteristics may be modified in operation condition, and/or that at least one variable actuator element formed of a shape memory material is provided and is capable of changing the spring, damping or hinge characteristics of the adaptive system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear motion actuator, comprising an operating member (12), which can be displaced from a basic position (14) in a control position (31) against the force of a spring member (28) using at least one actuating element (22), the operating member (12) being held in the basic position (14) by applying the force of the spring member (28) and the force of the spring member (28) acting on the operating member (12) being smaller than an actuating force of at least one actuating element (22) that is made of shape memory alloy, wherein the spring member (28) is configured as part of a carrier device (61), which comprises an operating member (12) or to which an operating member (12) may be attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear motion actuator, comprising an operating member (12), which can be displaced from a basic position (14) in a control position (31) against the force of a spring member (28) using at least one actuating element (22), the operating member (12) being held in the basic position (14) by applying the force of the spring member (28) and the force of the spring member (28) acting on the operating member (12) being smaller than an actuating force of at least one actuating element (22) that is made of shape memory alloy, wherein the spring member (28) is configured as part of a carrier device (61), which comprises an operating member (12) or to which an operating member (12) may be attached.