Abstract: A method of controlling power delivered to an actuator assembly (2) comprising at least four actuator components (30) arranged, on actuation, to move a movable part (20) relative to a support structure (10), the method comprising: •scheduling PWM control signals comprising a series of PWM pulses for driving actuation of the at least four actuator components, wherein the PWM pulses are scheduled in a series of time slots defined by a PWM frequency, each time slot being divided into a plurality of sub-slots; •and sorting the PWM pulses by width into pairs, wherein each pair of PWM pulses is scheduled in a respective sub-slot and is allowed to overlap in the respective sub-slot.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: An inspection feature for an adhesive bond portion between parts of a component comprising the inspection feature extending from a surface of the part of the component a predetermined bond line thickness, the inspection feature having a density configured to imitate a defect of the adhesive bond portion responsive to a non-destructive inspection scan.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: An inspection feature for an adhesive bond portion between parts of a component comprising the inspection feature extending from a surface of the part of the component a predetermined bond line thickness, the inspection feature having a density configured to imitate a defect of the adhesive bond portion responsive to a non-destructive inspection scan.

Abstract: The computer-implemented systems, methods, and interfaces for collecting, organizing, and conveying information and preferences regarding certain end-of-life issues. The integrated systems, methods and interfaces guide the user to create a customized output that communicates certain information and preferences about estate planning, end-of-life issues, or final arrangements for the user, for user and their spouse, or for another third party. Inputs are solicited from the user and those inputs and other interactions are used in a decision engine to dynamically determine which queries should be presented to the user, what and how inputs are requested from the user, how the interfaces are rendered, and the ultimate content of the output. A customized output is automatically generated that organizes the user's inputs into a more productive form and combines the user's inputs with additional content and instructions.