Abstract: A pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) actuator includes first and second end caps, an elastic bladder connected to the end caps, and a covering around the elastic bladder and connected to the end caps. At least one of the first and second end caps is configured to move and narrow a distance between the end caps in response to inflation of the elastic bladder by a fluid. At least one of the end caps includes a vent configured to allow the fluid to exit the elastic bladder and collapse the covering after activation of the PAM actuator. At least the covering is configured to provide braking for the PAM actuator. The covering may be configured to collapse at least partially between the first and second end caps to provide at least some of the braking for the PAM actuator.

Abstract: A pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) actuator includes first and second end caps, an elastic bladder connected to the end caps, and a covering around the elastic bladder and connected to the end caps. At least one of the first and second end caps is configured to move and narrow a distance between the end caps in response to inflation of the elastic bladder by a fluid. At least one of the end caps includes a vent configured to allow the fluid to exit the elastic bladder and collapse the covering after activation of the PAM actuator. At least the covering is configured to provide braking for the PAM actuator. The covering may be configured to collapse at least partially between the first and second end caps to provide at least some of the braking for the PAM actuator.

Abstract: A passively operated thermal diode for controlling heat transfer from heat-generating electronic components to an external environment through an airframe is provided. The thermal diode comprises: (a) an electronics package within the airframe; (b) a heat-transferring mechanism thermally connected to the electronics package and controllably disengagable from thermal contact with the airframe at a predetermined temperature; (c) a shape-memory alloy component having a phase change at the predetermined temperature for thermally disconnecting the electronics package from the airframe once the predetermined temperature is exceeded; and (d) a spring for maintaining the heat-transferring mechanism in thermal contact the airframe below the predetermined temperature. The present invention solves the problem of heat transfer by introducing a shape-memory-alloy sensor-actuator component.