Abstract: A shape memory alloy wire actuator includes a first body member, a second body member and a strand of shape memory alloy wire. The first body member and the second body member extend along a longitudinal axis and are slidably engageable with one another along the longitudinal axis. The first and second body members move in a linear, coaxial fashion relative to one another between an extended state and a contracted state. The first and second body members are resiliently biased away from one another by a spring. The strand of shape memory alloy wire interconnects the first and second body members in a serpentine manner. When the shape memory alloy wire is energized, such as by an electrical current, the shape memory alloy wire shortens causing the first body member and the second body member to move from the extended state to the contracted state. When the shape memory alloy wire is de-energized, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for operating an aerosol container equipped at one end with a dispenser valve having a valve stem urged outwardly to a normally closed position away from a depressed open position. The apparatus, which actuates the dispenser valve, comprises a housing constructed to receive at least the valved end of the container. A lever is pivotably mounted in the housing and is operatively associated with the valve stem when the housing receives the valved end of the container. The lever is pivoted to depress the valve stem and open the dispenser valve by a drive assembly that includes a drive shaft rotatably mounted in the housing, a motor for rotating the drive shaft, and a flexible band having one end attached to the lever and an opposite end attached to the drive shaft to be wound thereon.

Abstract: A system, which induces air flow past a gel type product and into the environment, comprises a cartridge that includes a porous container for holding the product and a battery mounted with the container. The cartridge is formed to be received in an air flow inducing device that includes a housing having an air admitting opening and an air discharging opening. A fan is mounted in the housing to induct air flow through the air admitting opening, through the container, past the product and out of the air discharging opening into the environment. The fan is driven by a motor that is connected to two contacts mounted in the housing and positioned to make contact with the terminals of the battery when the cartridge is received in the air flow inducing device.