Abstract: Active texturing systems adapted for selectively and reversibly modifying the texture of a surface utilizing a variably foldable structure in communication with the surface, and active material actuation to enable and/or cause folding.

Abstract: A transmission fluid circuit includes a transmission, a cooler, and a valve. The valve includes a housing, a spool and an actuator. The spool is movable inside the housing between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes a smart material configured to be activated in response to the temperature of the fluid exhibiting at least a first temperature such that the actuator is in a first state. The smart material is configured to be deactivated in response to the fluid being a sufficient number of degrees less than the first temperature such that the actuator is in a second state. The fluid flows from the housing to the transmission and from the transmission the cavity when the spool is in the first position. The fluid flows from the housing to the cooler and from the cooler to the transmission when the spool is in the second position.

Abstract: An electronic device finder system includes a vehicle having a door handle, a piezo switch operatively positioned within the door handle, and a signal transmitter operatively connected to the piezo switch. The piezo switch has an on state that is triggered by door handle movement, and the signal transmitter is to generate a signal in response to detection of the on state of the piezo switch. An electronic device, selected from the group consisting of a key-fob and a mobile device, includes a signal receiver to receive the signal from the signal transmitter and an alarm system operatively connected to the signal receiver. The alarm system is to generate an alarm in response to the signal receiver receiving the signal.

Abstract: A method of testing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated device includes cyclically operating the device. The method further includes determining a number of cycles in a functional life of the device based on observations of the device during the cyclical operation. The functional life is a range of consecutive cycles of operation of the device beginning with a first cycle during which the device performs within a specified limit. The functional life is immediately followed by a cycle during which the device performs outside of the specified limit. The method still further includes applying a progressive substitution sub-process to identify an opportunity to increase the number of cycles in the functional life of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus provides an air shield over a portal access opening between a vehicle access member and a stationary vehicle trim member. An air supply device disposed within the vehicle. The air supply device includes an active material creating the burst of air. The air supply device produces a burst of air that discharges upon opening of the vehicle access member. At least one output port outputs the burst of air. The burst of air forms the air shield in a direction substantially transverse to the portal opening. The air shield is formed across at least a portion of a perimeter of the portal access opening between the vehicle access member and the stationary vehicle trim member. The air shield inhibits precipitation from entering the compartment of the vehicle during a pressure equalization phase that occurs in response to the opening of the vehicle access member.

Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted to protect against overload conditions, includes an active material actuator and an active material overload protection device either with or without a manual reset.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler for cooling exhaust gas via a coolant includes at least one channel having an inlet and an outlet, and a casing defining a cooling chamber for carrying the coolant around the at least one channel. The exhaust gas is flowable through the at least one channel from the inlet to the outlet. At least a portion of the at least one channel is variable between a fully compressed position and an uncompressed position. The casing includes a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet through which the coolant enters and exits the cooling chamber. The casing also includes an exhaust gas inlet from which the exhaust gas enters the at least one channel, and an exhaust gas outlet into which the exhaust gas exits the at least one channel.

Abstract: A conformable shape memory article comprises a deformable enclosure covering and discrete particles disposed within the enclosure covering, wherein the discrete particles comprise a shape memory polymer, or the discrete particles have a hollow shell structure comprising a shape memory alloy. In a more specific embodiment, the enclosure is elastically deformable.

Abstract: An air shield is provided over a portal access opening between a vehicle access member and a stationary vehicle trim member. The vehicle access member provides access to a compartment of an interior of the vehicle. An air supply device is disposed within the vehicle. The air supply device is capable of producing a burst of air that discharges upon opening of the vehicle access member. An air concentrator device is in fluid communication with the air supply device. The air concentrator device outputs the burst of air that forms the air shield in a direction substantially transverse to the portal opening. The air shield is formed across at least a portion of a perimeter of the portal access opening between the vehicle access member and the stationary vehicle trim member. The air shield inhibits precipitation from entering the compartment of the vehicle during a pressure equalization phase that occurs in response to the opening of the vehicle access member.

Abstract: Active texturing systems adapted for selectively and reversibly modifying the texture of a surface utilizing a plurality of discrete mechanisms in communication with the reconfigurable structure.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. Some pre-determined temperature, greater than the highest normal operating temperature of the equipment, is presumed or known to be indicative of impending equipment failure if no remedial action is taken. A resettable, temperature-sensitive device, containing a shape memory alloy actuator, pre-selected to operate at the pre-determined temperature, is disclosed. The device is placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-determined temperature, the shape memory alloy actuator causes the device to display a flag or provide some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may trigger an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system adapted for use by an internal combustion engine, and for selectively diverting a recirculated portion of the engine exhaust away from the EGR cooler, includes a by-pass conduit and/or feed line shiftable between open and closed conditions, and an active material actuator.

Abstract: Mechanical devices powered by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires or other linear elements offer advantages in automotive applications. Such SMA-powered devices are commonly reliable and long-lived but have a finite lifetime. Measurements of the electrical resistivity of an SMA element during operation of the element may be related to the remaining lifetime of the element. Because operation of SMA elements is promoted by heating the element, usually by passage of an electric current, the resistivity measurements, and hence assessment of SMA element operation, may be made without interruption to the operation of the SMA-powered device and without addition of dedicated sensors.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. A temperature-sensitive, active material-containing actuator is pre-selected to operate at a pre-determined temperature indicative of impending equipment failure and placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-selected temperature the actuator signals this by displaying a flag or providing some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may issue an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: A method of and system for preventing particulate matter, such as debris, precipitation, and condensation from occupying a space or accumulating upon a surface by directly engaging the surface or creating an air-curtain effect adjacent the space utilizing a selectively actuated gaseous flow.

Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.

Abstract: A method of controlling an energy harvesting system that converts excess thermal energy into mechanical energy and includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) member, includes obtaining current operational parameters of the energy harvesting system, such as a maximum temperature, a minimum temperature and a cycle frequency of the SMA member. The current operational parameters are compared to a target operating condition of the energy harvesting system to determine if the current operational parameters are within a pre-defined range of the target operating condition. If the current operational parameters are not within the pre-defined range of the target operating condition, then a heat transfer rate to, a heat transfer rate from or a cycle frequency of the SMA member is adjusted to maintain operation of the energy harvesting system within the pre-defined range of the target operating condition to maximize efficiency of the energy harvesting system.

Abstract: Fit and finish methods using shape memory polymers (“SMP”) are disclosed herein. In an example of the fit and finish method, a first part and a second part are positioned adjacent to one another such that a shape memory polymer in a temporary shape is adjacent to a gap between the first part and the second part. The SMP is heated to a switching temperature of the SMP, which causes the SMP to initiate conversion to a permanent shape so that the SMP extends into the gap to close the gap between the first part and the second part.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuating elements are commonly simpler and of lower mass than alternative actuator designs and may find particular application in the transportation industry. Such SMA-powered devices are usually reliable and long-lived but the phase transformations which occur in the SMA alloy and are responsible for its utility are not totally reversible. This irreversibility, a consequence of irrecoverable strain, may progressively degrade the long-term actuator performance as the irrecoverable strain accumulates over many operating cycles. Methods and devices for compensating for these effects and extending the useful cycle life of SMA actuators are described.

Abstract: An assembly for and method of reinforcing interconnection between an active material wire actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, and structure, includes the generation and engagement of an enlarged formation affixed to or integrally formed with the actuator.