Abstract: A linear motion actuator is disclosed in which an actuator shaft is held in a ready position by a latching ring. A spring is attached to the actuator shaft to exert a biasing force on the actuator shaft biasing it toward its actuated position. The latching ring receives one end of the actuator shaft and has locking elements that hold the actuator shaft in the ready position. A latching ring is rotated to selectively release the locking element. A shape memory alloy link extends partially around the latching ring and is secured to the latching ring. The link is shortened when current is applied to the link causing the link to rotate and release the locking element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of actuating by means of a wax actuator and to a wax actuator. The wax actuator (10, 100, 200) includes a wax expansion generator comprising a housing (12) defining a chamber (18) which is partially filled with wax (20.1) and partially filled with hydraulic fluid, the wax (20.1) and the hydraulic fluid being separated by at least one sealing interface (20.2, 202), and heating means (22) for heating the wax (20.1) to cause it to melt and expand. The wax actuator (10, 100, 200) further includes a hydraulic transmission device comprising a hydraulic line (38) in communication with the hydraulic fluid within the chamber (18) and a connector (40) at a downstream end of the hydraulic line (38) for use in connecting the hydraulic line (38) to a working object.

Abstract: A drive apparatus having: a shape memory alloy having a property such that a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of austenite transformation (As) at a predetermined stress to an end point of austenite (Af) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range, and a temperature transformation sensitivity in a temperature range from a starting point of martensite transformation (Ms) at a predetermined stress to an end point of martensite transformation (Mf) is higher than a temperature transformation sensitivity in other temperature range; and a driven member which is moved by a transformation of the shape memory alloy; wherein the driven member is moved in a temperature range of higher temperature transformation sensitivity.

Abstract: A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus provides an auto-macro function in which a camera lens element has two focus positions. In one type of apparatus, a shape memory alloy actuator arranged to drive movement of the camera lens element relative to a support structure against an end-stop arranged to limit the movement. The shape memory alloy actuator is connected to one of the movable element and the support structure by a compliant connector. This limits the stresses on the shape memory alloy actuator and therefore increases its lifetime. In another type of apparatus, the suspension system supporting the movable element on the support structure provides the movable element with two stable positions along the movement direction.

Abstract: A movement device suitable for performing a mechanical movement upon being powered by a power source includes a control element, a temperature chip, and two memory deforming elements. The temperature chip has a first surface and a second surface. The two memory deforming elements have a connection part and a movement part respectively. The temperature chip is electrically connected to the control element. The connection parts of the two memory deforming element are respectively disposed on the first surface and the second surface. The control element controls a direction of a current from the power source when passing through the temperature chip, and the first surface and the second surface respectively generate an exothermic effect or an endothermic effect according to a direction of the current from the power source, so the two memory deforming elements are heated or cooled, thus the movement part produces a movement through temperature control.

Abstract: An actuator capable of flagellar motion is disclosed. The actuator comprises a carbon nanotube (CNT) rope and at least one metal/CNT composite part formed on the CNT rope.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a groove formed in a surface of a shape memory alloy (SMA) substrate establishing a trace pattern for a layer of conductive material formed over an electrically insulative layer. The trace pattern includes a first end, a second end, and a heating element disposed between the first and second ends. The SMA substrate is trained to deform at a transition temperature achieved when electricity is conducted through the conductive material via first and second interconnect pads terminating the first and second ends of the trace pattern.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: A wing-flap assembly includes a flap made up of a plurality of flap sections, in which each flap section is connected to the preceding one in a rotatable manner, and one or more actuator devices adapted to control the rotation of the flap sections. Each actuator device includes an extended element made of shape memory alloy and an arch-shaped framework made of elastic material, to which the extended element is fixedly connected under tension. Each end of the extended element is fixed to a respective end of the arch-shaped framework. At least one of the actuator devices is connected at one end to the first of the flap sections, and on the other side it is adapted to be connected to a wing structure.

Abstract: A thermally driven piston assembly's housing has (i) a first material slidingly fitted therein, and (ii) at least one plug of a second material slidingly fitted therein and abutting the first material. The first material is one (e.g., a liquid crystal elastomer) that undergoes a stiffness change and/or a dimensional change when subjected to a temperature change in the temperature range of interest. When subjected to the temperature change while in the housing, the first material is restricted to changing dimensionally along a single dimension. The second material retains its shape and size throughout the temperature range of interest. As a result, the plug moves in the housing in correspondence with the dimensional change of the first material or the plug's movement is damped by the stiffness change of the first material.

Abstract: In an auto image stabilization system, a driving member formed as a wire of shape memory alloy (SMA) is retained by a projection of an image capturing unit. A distance Lb from the rotation center of an elastic deforming part to center of gravity (point of application) of the image capturing unit is longer than a distance La from the rotation center of the elastic deforming part to the projection (power point). In the configuration, equivalent mass (apparent mass) of the image capturing unit becomes (Lb/La) times, and it causes deterioration in response. Consequently, the driving member having an ellipse-shaped section in which a value obtained by dividing the width in the longer direction of the section by the width in the shorter direction is 1.3 or larger is employed. As a result, heat dissipation of the driving member increases, so that response in the SMA actuator can be properly improved.

Abstract: Underspringing arrangements for mattresses are known, in particular for mattresses of furniture for sleeping on, which have resilient slats that act as support elements for the mattress and that at opposite ends are mounted with elastic bearing means on a frame. The bearing means and the resilient slats yield elastically when the mattresses are subjected to a load. Otherwise, however, the bearing means and the resilient slats are passive. The invention relates to stimulation actuators that exert any desired movements on the underspringing arrangement. The underspringing arrangement has lifting members (11) that are mounted elastically by means of elastic elements (14). The elastic elements (14) are arranged such that at least a main direction of work extends at an angle with respect to the direction of the movement of the lifting member. In this way, the lifting member (11) can have a particularly low overall height.

Abstract: An overheating protection system adapted for use with a shape memory alloy actuator element, includes at least one switching shape memory alloy element presenting a slower activation period than that of the actuator element, and configured to selectively prevent activation of the actuator element, when the actuator element is actually or predicted to be experiencing overheating; and a circuit comprising the system, wherein the switching element and/or a circuit implement functions to modify activation of the actuator element.

Abstract: A system of manufacturing an actuator for driving a to-be-driven object by extension/contraction of a shape memory alloy, the system comprising: a mounting unit configured to mount the shape memory alloy between an actuator body and the to-be-driven object; and a heater configured to heat the shape memory alloy mounted by the mounting unit on a mounting path between the actuator body and the to-be-driven object to a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: This thermostatic element comprises a metal cup (1) that contains a material (3), which can expand and contract according to the direction of variation in its temperature, and is provided on the inside with a means (9) that devices its inside volume (V1) into a number of cavities (14) for storing the material (3). The thermostatic element also comprises a piston (5), which can move relative to the cup while following an axial direction (X-X) thereof and which is coupled to the material (3) for displacing in opposite directions according to whether this material expands or contracts. In order to improve the reliability of this element as well as to stabilize the hysteresis of its behaviors during its heating and cooling, the dividing means (9) comprises, in its part opposite the piston (5), at least one opening (971, 972) for enabling the passage of the material (3) between at least two of the cavities (14) for storing this material.

Abstract: A power transmission for a thermal elastic wire including a frame for supporting a pair of anchor posts which stretch said wire there between. One of the posts being pivoted in the frame and having an extension arm projecting therefrom towards the other post. A spring biased rotator drum is rotatably supported in the frame proximate to the end of the extension arm. A flexible connection interconnects the periphery of the rotator drum with the end of the extension arm of the pivoted anchor post. A power takeoff connection on the rotator drum is provided for the attachment of a connecting link there to whereby as the thermal elastic wire changes phase, a smooth power stroke can be extracted from the transition at the power takeoff connection and stored in a spring.

Abstract: Movement of a gel structure is propagated by successively applying external stimuli to cause volume phase transition in the gel structure by alternately causing the gel structure to collapse and swell to move the center of mass of the gel structure in the direction of successive stimuli application. The movement is mediated by confining structure for the gel and anchoring the starting side of the gel in the swelling cycle.

Abstract: A system for and method of harvesting, storing and converting naturally occurring energy, includes exposing an active material, and more preferably a shape memory element to an ambient activation signal or condition, harvesting a portion of the energy by pseudoplastically straining or superelastically deforming the element, storing the energy by causing a change in the element and/or engaging a locking mechanism, and converting the energy by exposing the mechanism to an activation signal and/or otherwise releasing the mechanism.

Abstract: A method of sequentially transitioning a thermally active shape memory device progressively translocates the thermally active shape memory device through a first controlled temperature zone and through an additional controlled temperature zone. The thermally active shape memory device is thermally transitioned and changed in geometric shape as a result of thermal communication of the shape memory device with either or both of the controlled temperature zones to produce a transitioned thermally active shape memory device. Novel devices produced according to the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An active air intake adapted for selectively regulating fluid flow into an engine generally includes a housing defining an opening, a covering member disposed relative to the opening and translatable between opened and closed conditions, an actuator including an active material element operable to effect movement of the member, a load limit protector configured to present a secondary output path for the element, an overheat protection mechanism for preventing unintentional activation and stress loads in the element, a biasing mechanism for returning the member to the original condition, and a latching mechanism for retaining the member in the closed condition.

Abstract: A method of string an SMA, method of manufacturing the SMA actuator, SMA actuator and apparatus for manufacturing the SMA actuator, wherein a drive member made up of an SMA is extended between a moving member and wire supporting member via a drive member supporting member, and current is applied to the unnecessary portion of the drive member located between the wire supporting member and drive member supporting member, whereby the unnecessary portion of the drive member is cut off by melting, with the result that the size of the protrusion left behind after cutting of the SMA is reduced, and there is no need of giving consideration to the durability of a cutter otherwise used for cutting purposes.

Abstract: A thermal actuator and component part wherein the guide tube of the thermal actuator is integral with the component part. The cup containing the thermally responsive wax is crimped over a flange on the end of the guide tube. An actuating piston is positioned in the guide tube. The component part has a portion having a larger external diameter than the external diameter of the cup. The thermal actuator and component part are assembled by enclosing a split die member about the component part and integral guide tube member, placing the split die member with the component part and tube member into a lower tool member and advancing an upper tool member containing the cup toward the die member to cause the wall of the cup member to be crimped around the flange.

Abstract: A thermal actuator for micro mechanical or micro electro-mechanical devices comprises a supporting substrate; an actuator extension portion; an anchor block extending from the substrate; a first group of at least two elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end thereof to a heating circuit at the anchor block and at a second end to the extension portion, the first group being arranged to be conductively heated through connection to the heating circuit; and a second group of at least two elongate corrugated arms attached at a first end to the anchor block and at a second end to the extension portion, the second group not being connected to a heating circuit and being spaced apart from the first group. The first edge of the at least two elongate corrugated arms of the first group and a first edge of the at least two elongate corrugated arms of the second group are in a common plane.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy material may be incorporated in an assembly structure.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator includes a housing, a plunger, a shaft, a resilient member, and a shape memory alloy component. The plunger is slidably but non-rotatably received in the housing and has a first locking component. The shaft has a second locking component. The resilient member is positioned to slidably urge the plunger into a disengagement position of the first and second locking components allowing rotation of the shaft. The shape memory alloy component is positioned to slidably urge the plunger into an engagement position of the first and second locking components, when the shape memory alloy component is heated, preventing rotation of the shaft. In one application, the first and second locking components are interdigitable vehicle-parking-brake latch teeth.

Abstract: The current invention provides a stepping actuator, achieving large range up to ±35 ?m with low operating voltages of 15V or lower and large output forces of up to ±110 ?N. The actuator has an in-plane-angular deflection conversion which allows achieving step sizes varying from few nanometers to few micrometers with a minor change in the design. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the stepping actuator comprises a geometrical structure with a displacement magnification ratio of between 0.15 and 2 at operating voltages of 15V or lower. The present invention also provides a method for forming such stepping actuators.

Abstract: Fuel-powered actuators are described wherein actuation is a consequence of electrochemical processes, chemical processes, or combinations thereof. These fuel-powered actuators include artificial muscles and actuators in which actuation is non-mechanical. The actuators range from large actuators to microscopic and nanoscale devices.

Abstract: To provide a shape memory alloy actuator using a shape memory alloy that mechanically restrains a moving body in position to prevent oscillation, the actuator has a moving body pushing member adapted to be capable of abutting to the moving body, a bias spring for the moving body pushing member that exerts an external force on the moving body pushing member in the direction opposite to the direction of change in the shape of a shape memory wire caused by heating, a bias spring for the moving body that exerts an external force on the moving body in the direction same as the direction of change, a first stopper that restricts the movement of the moving body to a predetermined position upon cooling. One end of the shape memory wire is fixed, the other end is mechanically linked with the moving body pushing member.

Abstract: To provide a position control method for a shape memory alloy actuator that improves positioning accuracy of the actuator while ensuring satisfactory response until achieving positioning, the method includes a commanded resistance value setting step of setting a commanded resistance value that corresponds to the predetermined length, a resistance value measurement step of measuring the value of resistance, a resistance value comparison step of comparing the commanded resistance value and the measured resistance value, a first control step of controlling the length of the shape memory alloy using a first gain based on the result of comparison until the commanded resistance value is reached, a termination determination step of making a determination as to a condition for terminating the first control step, and a second control step of keeping the moving body stationary, upon determination of termination in the termination determination step, by retaining the length of the shape memory alloy using a second gain

Abstract: In a shape memory alloy actuator driving device, a predetermined constant current is applied to a shape memory alloy member as a retrieval signal to detect a terminal voltage of the shape memory alloy member, and a detection result of the terminal voltage is compared with a target voltage value to be calculated based on a target resistance value of the shape memory alloy member and a value of the constant current to cause a driving circuit to output, to the shape memory alloy member, a drive current that makes the detection result substantially equal to the target voltage value.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy material may be incorporated in an assembly structure.

Abstract: The multistable actuator (10) includes: a mobile part (12) intended to be moved between at least two stable positions, movement means (14, 16) for moving the mobile part, guide means (122, 186, 24, 246, 247, 248, 249) for guiding the movement of the mobile part (12), and support means (20, 22, 28, 30, 246, 247, 248, 249) for holding the mobile part (12) in each of the stable positions that it occupies, wherein the movement means (14, 16) are two opposing movement means made of a shape memory alloy. Application in a tactile interface.

Abstract: A thermal bend actuator (6) is provided with a group of upper elongate actuator arms (23, 25, 26) and a group of lower elongate actuator arms (27, 28) which are non planar, so increasing the stiffness of the arms. The arms (23, 25, 26, 27, 28) may be spaced transversely of each other and do not overly each other in plan view, so enabling all arms to be formed by depositing a single layer of arm forming material.

Abstract: Linear actuators including coupled elongate members formed of shape memory alloys are provided. Members that lengthen when heated are coupled to members that shorten when heated such that stroke amplification gains are derived from each member. The members may be tubular and may be coaxially arranged for telescopic extension and collapse. Sections of a modular structure such as a space vehicle may be latched and clamped together for assembly or for docking by utilizing linear actuators having shape memory alloys that are actuated thermally.

Abstract: A mechanical self-reciprocating oscillator and mechanism and method for establishing and maintaining regular back and forth movement of a micromachined device without the aid of any electronic components are provided. The fully mechanical micromachined oscillator and mechanism are driven using only a DC power source on at least one substrate such as a semiconductor chip. The oscillator and mechanism preferably include an electrothermal actuator, that, when actuated, opens a switch to cut off supply current to the actuator. Two versions of the oscillator and mechanism are provided using distinct hysteresis mechanisms, one structural and the other thermal.

Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) positioner, including an actuator and method for making the same, includes a stage formed within a first layer of semiconductor material, along with a series of beams, flexure hinges and controlled input thermal actuators. The actuators are operatively engaged with a second layer, and are selectively actuatable to effect longitudinal expansion thereof, so that relative actuation between individual ones of actuators spaced in the planar direction relative to one another is configured to generate controlled movement of the stage within the planar direction, and relative actuation between individual ones of actuators spaced orthogonally to the planar direction relative to one another is configured to generate controlled movement of the stage out of the planar direction. The relative position between the stage and the support is adjustable in each of six degrees of freedom, so that the compliant mechanism forms a quasi-static precision manipulator.

Abstract: The driving device includes a bendable shape memory alloy member, a resilient member for applying a tension to the shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof, a bending member for bending the shape memory alloy member, and a movable body moved by a displacement of the shape memory alloy member. The bending member contacts the shape memory alloy member, so that the tension is applied to the shape memory alloy member in the longitudinal direction thereof. Compared with the driving device in which the shape memory alloy member is linearly disposed, the decrease in the amount of displacement can be suppressed, so that a space efficiency can be enhanced and the downsizing of the driving device can be accomplished.

Abstract: A foil moveable by non-mechanical means, such as light or heat, comprises an alternating array of first and second foil sections each resiliently and non-mechanically moveable between a flattened state and a bent state. The direction in which the first foil sections bend, when moved from the flattened to the bent state, is opposite to the direction in which the second foil sections bend when moved from the flattened to the bent state. When, in the flattened state, non-mechanically stimulating the first and second foil sections in unison, the first and second foil sections bend in opposite directions causing the foil to wrinkle, which results in a movement which is substantially linear. Using a different or removing the non-mechanical stimulus, the foil sections can be made to unbend resulting in a flattening and expansion of the foil to its original shape.

Abstract: A driving mechanism using shape memory alloys comprises a first and a second shape memory alloys coils (1, 2), a pin-like drive member (3) connected to each of the shape memory alloys coils (1, 2) extending in the axis direction, a substrate (4) having a wiring pattern (11) and a drive circuit (4a) to supply current to the shape memory alloys coils (1, 2), and a magnetic latch part (9) to hold the drive member (3), and the magnetic latch part (9) has a latch position in the axis direction of the drive member (3), the drive circuit (4a) selectively current-drives the first and the second shape memory alloys coils (1, 2), the driven first or second shape memory alloys coils (1, 2) is heated and compressed to move the drive member (3) in the axis direction, and magnetic bodies (9a, 9b) provided to the drive member (3) is magnetically fixed at the latch position, thereby fixed and held in the axis direction.

Abstract: An operating device has a pair of linear members (43, 44) made of a shape memory alloy and contracting axially due to heat generated by electrification and generating tension in the contracting direction, a drive lever (19) supported to pivot about a pivot shaft (19a), a pair of drive rods (33, 34) respectively connected to both sides of the drive lever (19) with the pivot shaft (19a) being disposed between the sides of the drive lever (19), and a power supply circuit for selectively electrifying the linear members (43, 44). One end of each of the linear members (43, 44) is fixed to a stationary member, and the other end is connected to each of the drive rods (33, 34).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of forming solid state thermal engines that provides a closely-spaced thermal tunneling gap between a hot and cold electrode. The effective gap may be on the order of one nanometer. In one embodiment, a via is etched through a first side of first and second substrates, and metal electrodes are attached to a second side of the first and second substrates. The second sides are opposite the first sides. The metal electrodes are mated by bonding the second side of the first substrate to the second side second substrate. The gap may be formed by applying a voltage greater than a threshold voltage across the mated electrodes.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator for engaging and actuating a device. The actuator includes an engagement mechanism, a bias element, and a SMA object(s). The SMA actuator may automatically and passively transfer to a backup or redundant feature that resets or extends the actuator's operational life. In one embodiment, the SMA actuator includes an additional SMA object(s) that replaces the primary SMA object(s) in the event the primary SMA object(s) breaks. The SMA actuator may also be configured to apply a dynamic stress to the SMA object during transition of the object to modify the transition temperatures of the object. The SMA actuator may be part of a fluid distribution system, such as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and used to control the flow of fluid, such as air, from the distribution system.

Abstract: A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for achieving high work output per unit volume in micro-robotic actuators, and in particular TiNi actuators. Such actuators are attractive as a means of powering nano-robotic movement, and are being developed for manipulation of structures at near the molecular scale. In these very small devices (one micron scale), one means of delivery of energy is by electron beams. Movement of mechanical structures a few microns in extent has been demonstrated in a scanning electron microscope. Results of these and subsequent experiments will be described, with a description of potential structures for fabricating moving a microscopic x-y stage.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille member to another.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for achieving high work output per unit volume in micro-robotic actuators, and in particular TiNi actuators. Such actuators are attractive as a means of powering nano-robotic movement, and are being developed for manipulation of structures at near the molecular scale. In these very small devices (one micron scale), one means of delivery of energy is by electron beams. Movement of mechanical structures a few microns in extent has been demonstrated in a scanning electron microscope. Results of these and subsequent experiments will be described, with a description of potential structures for fabricating moving a microscopic x-y stage.

Abstract: An active material actuator assembly is provided having first and second active material components operatively connected to a movable member. Movement of the movable member is modulated, which may be due to activation of the first and second active material components being at least partially temporally distinct or the active material components differing in at least one characteristic affecting movement.

Abstract: Active material actuator assemblies are provided that enable simplified control systems and faster actuator cycle times. A movable member is provided that has multiple active material components operatively connected to it. The active material components are separately selectively activatable for moving the movable member. Movement of the movable member via activation of a first of the active material components triggers activation of the second active material component to further move the movable member. Alternatively or in addition, previously activated active material components are protected from undesired stretching during activation of another active material component or, when desired, an active material component may be reset via activation of another of the active material components in order to prepare it for subsequent activation.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated device capable of stress inducing the SMA to its martensite state to reset the device. The device having at least one SMA wire utilized to move a movable member from a first position to a second position. The device further configured to utilize force from a first source to reset the device when the SMA is at or below the first temperature, and utilize force from at least a second source to reset the device when the SMA is above the first temperature.