Abstract: A thermal energy scavenger assembly (10) includes a plurality of integral elements (12) made of temperature sensitive material having first and second ends (14, 16). The integral elements (12) comprise a first portion (18) which is subjected to predetermined cyclic temperature changes to cause the first portion (18) to undergo thermoelastic, martensitic phase transformations in response to heat to pass from a martensitic phase when at a temperature below a phase transformation temperature range and capable of a first high level of recoverable strain to an austenitic parent phase and a memory shape when at a temperature above the phase transformation temperature range and capable of a second lower level of recoverable strain. The integral elements (12) further include a second portion (20) which is integral with the first portion (18) but which is also incapable of the shape memory responses. The second (20) portion is not subjected to the predetermined cyclic temperature changes.

Abstract: A nickel-titanium-palladium based alloy for converting heat energy into mechanical energy. The alloy exhibits shape memory. The alloy contains palladium to raise the temperature at which the alloy flexes between a deformed condition at a relatively colder temperature and a nondeformed condition at a relatively higher temperature. The alloy is characterized by including boron for increasing the fabricability of the alloy.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator assembly including a primary or armature member movable between first and second positions and biased to remain in either the first and second position to which it is moved with wires each made of shape memory material attached to the primary or armature member and acting in opposition to one another but, alternatively, when electrical current is passed through the respective wires to increase their temperature whereby they shorten in length to move the primary or armature. A switch supplies electrical current selectively through contacts interconnected by the primary or armature member, but only to one wire at a time for moving the armature from one position to another. The armature or primary member may move rectilinearly between first and second positions or may be rotatably supported for movement between first and second positions. The armature or primary member may also interconnect a set of load contacts to supply power to a load in one of the positions.