Abstract: An SMA actuator includes an SMA element having a first end, a second end, and a central portion therebetween, the SMA element being oriented so that the first and second ends are adjacent one another and attached to one of an anchor interface or payload interface, and so that the central portion of the SMA element is attached to the other of the anchor interface or the payload interface. An electrical shorting device electrically connects the first and second ends, whereby electrical potential may be provided between a first point located between the first end and the central portion and a second point located between the second end and the central portion, thereby causing the SMA element to activate reducing the length of the SMA element. Related latches are disclosed including such actuator, or other simplified or more complex actuators.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a transparent window member, a transparent distensible membrane, an inner ring between the window member and membrane, and a top ring disposed such that the membrane is between the piston ring and the inner ring. A layer of liquid may be stored between the window member, the inner ring and the membrane. The top ring may be adapted to apply a liquid displacement force to the membrane in a direction perpendicular to a plane of an aperture of the inner ring to cause a change in a radius of curvature of the membrane. The membrane may be pre-tensioned prior to assembly with the other components.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

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: A valve system including a number of shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated valves for controlling the flow of fluids is disclosed as is a variety of types of SMA-actuated valves and methods of operation. In one embodiment, a valve system includes a housing having a substantially closed cavity as well as a second port for communicating a fluid. Further, the valve system includes a first SMA actuator configured to control the position of the first seal to vary fluid flow through the firs port, and a first temperature compensator for adjusting the position of the seal by an amount proportional to temperature. A second SMA-actuated valve, driven by either a unidirectional or a bidirectional SMA actuator, controls the position of the second seal to vary fluid flow through the second port, and a second temperature compensator for adjusting the position of the second seal by another amount proportional to temperature.

Abstract: An electrostatically actuated fluidic device capable of providing a variable focal length lens is disclosed. The device includes an elastic capacitor section, an elastic lens section in fluid communication with the capacitor section, the elastic lens section being characterized by a focal length and a fluid capable of fluid motion disposed at least partially in the capacitor and lens sections. A voltage may be applied to the capacitor section causing it to deform, which causes a portion of the fluid to flow into or out of the lens section. As a result, a change in volume of fluid in the lens section causes it to deform resulting in a variation in the focal length of the lens section.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling an article is provided. The apparatus comprises an enclosure having top, bottom, and side walls and an entrance and an exit. A first belt system comprising one or more belts extends from a loading position through a portion of the enclosure. The first belt system has a loading end and an unloading end. A second belt system comprising one or more belts extends from the unloading end of the first belt system to an unloading position. The second belt system has a loading end and an unloading end. The enclosure includes one or more heating sources positioned adjacent the first belt system for heating the first belt system.

Abstract: An apparatus for two degree of freedom positioning a moveable structure relative to a support structure is provided. The apparatus includes a moveable structure, a support structure, a compliant support disposed between the moveable structure and the support structure. The compliant support biases the moveable structure away from the support structure. In addition, three shape memory alloy actuators are provided between the structures and symmetrically arranged about the compliant support. The shape memory alloy actuators are selectively activated to provide two degrees of freedom of movement for the moveable structure relative to the support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling an article is provided. The apparatus comprises an enclosure having top, bottom, and side walls and an entrance and an exit. A first belt system comprising one or more belts extends from a loading position through a portion of the enclosure. The first belt system has a loading end and an unloading end. A second belt system comprising one or more belts extends from the unloading end of the first belt system to an unloading position. The second belt system has a loading end and an unloading end. The enclosure includes one or more heating sources positioned adjacent the first belt system for heating the first belt system.

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 number to another.

Abstract: An actuated gauge pointer that includes a shape memory alloy element configured to move the gauge pointer when activated is provided. The actuated gauge pointer includes a first shape memory alloy element disposed within the perimeter of the gauge pointer housing. Additionally, the actuated gauge pointer may include a second shape memory alloy element to provide temperature compensation, and a bias member to return the gauge pointer to an initial condition.

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: A method of controlling a shape memory alloy actuator includes applying power to a shape memory alloy actuator. A measured actuation parameter is obtained from the shape memory alloy actuator. An operational characteristic parameter is derived based upon the power and the measured actuation parameter. An actuation state parameter is identified from the operational characteristic parameter. The actuation state parameter is used to modify the control of the shape memory alloy actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and cooling an article is provided. The apparatus comprises an enclosure having top, bottom, and side walls and an entrance and an exit. A first belt system comprising one or more belts extends from a loading position through a portion of the enclosure. The first belt system has a loading end and an unloading end. A second belt system comprising one or more belts extends from the unloading end of the first belt system to an unloading position. The second belt system has a loading end and an unloading end. The enclosure includes one or more heating sources positioned adjacent the first belt system for heating the first belt system.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus for thermally processing a workpiece having a process chamber, a workpiece support positioned inside of the process chamber, a heater positioned inside of the process chamber to heat the workpiece; and an ultraviolet light source positioned inside of the process chamber to irradiate ultraviolet light onto the workpiece.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated helical spring brake comprises a rotatable member and a helical wrap spring arranged concentrically about the rotatable member. The spring has a first spring end and a second spring end and includes a number of turns that are based radially inward and are configured to frictionally engage the rotatable member. The turns permit rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction and inhabit rotation in a second direction. The SMA-actuate helical spring brake also include an anchor point coupled to the second spring end, and an SMA actuator having an output drive member coupled to the first spring end. The SMA actuator is configured to, for example, deflect the first spring end to permit the rotatable member to rotate.

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 number to another.