Abstract: An advanced reflexive structure system is disclosed. The reflexive system mimics the pain withdrawal reflex on which the human body relies. The reflexive system incorporates a continuous health and performance monitoring system via an embedded dielectric film, an adaptive composite structure based on shape memory composite material, and an intelligence system which will be interfaced with both the health/performance sensors and the adaptive structure. When activated shape memory polymer will recover its structural integrity via shape recovery and a reptation healing process. These features enable the use of SMP as an adaptive structure in the proposed reflexive system. The development of a reflexive system for structures will enable increased safety and security and demonstrate a better understanding of integrated performance systems.

Abstract: An advanced reflexive structure system is disclosed. The reflexive system mimics the pain withdrawal reflex on which the human body relies. The reflexive system incorporates a continuous health and performance monitoring system via an embedded dielectric film, an adaptive composite structure based on shape memory composite material, and an intelligence system which will be interfaced with both the health/performance sensors and the adaptive structure. When activated shape memory polymer will recover its structural integrity via shape recovery and a reptation healing process. These features enable the use of SMP as an adaptive structure in the proposed reflexive system. The development of a reflexive system for structures will enable increased safety and security and demonstrate a better understanding of integrated performance systems.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the unique shape recovery properties of shape memory materials, especially shape memory polymers, to provide an inexpensive and easily identified method of determining when a product has been exposed to environmental conditions that would make it likely that the product has expired or is unfit for use. By allowing the shape memory material to alter its shape from a deformed shape to a memory shape in response to exposure to environmental conditions while attached to a visual indication device a viewer can easily determine if a product has expired.

Abstract: The disclosed devices use shape memory materials, and specifically shape memory polymers and composites to allow or disallow mechanical or physical movement. By positioning the shape memory polymer so it is near the mechanical device which is to be moved, the shape memory polymer will allow or disallow the motion of the mechanical device depending on the state the shape memory polymer is in. When the shape memory polymer is in its hard rigid state the device cannot move. Once activated the shape memory polymer will become soft and pliable, whereupon with sufficient force the mechanical device can be moved to a new position. Once in this new position the SMP can either remain in its relaxed state, the SMP can return to a hard rigid state and maintain its deformed shape, or the SMP can return to its original shape to ensure the device does not move.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the unique shape recovery properties of shape memory materials, especially shape memory polymers, to provide an inexpensive and easily identified method of determining when a product has been exposed to environmental conditions that would make it likely that the product has expired or is unfit for use. By allowing the shape memory material to alter its shape from a deformed shape to a memory shape in response to exposure to environmental conditions while attached to a visual indication device a viewer can easily determine if a product has expired.

Abstract: An advanced reflexive structure system is disclosed. The reflexive system mimics the pain withdrawal reflex on which the human body relies. The reflexive system incorporates a continuous health and performance monitoring system via an embedded dielectric film, an adaptive composite structure based on shape memory composite material, and an intelligence system which will be interfaced with both the health/performance sensors and the adaptive structure. When activated shape memory polymer will recover its structural integrity via shape recovery and a reptation healing process. These features enable the use of SMP as an adaptive structure in the proposed reflexive system. The development of a reflexive system for structures will enable increased safety and security and demonstrate a better understanding of integrated performance systems.

Abstract: A device utilizing the unique properties of shape memory materials to securely hold items of varying geometric shape and size securely in place is disclosed. This device and process works equally well for securely holding in place small items, such as would be stored in a cup holder, or for securely larger items in a cargo container. By deforming the shape memory material such that it conforms to the outer dimensions of the item to be held in place a secure and tight fit is assured.

Abstract: The methods of manufacturing molds from shape memory materials and molds made thereby, in accordance with the present invention, provide numerous advantages for molding castable composite parts. The initial mold cost is low enough to accommodate economical production of as few as a single part incorporating high surface definition and intricate three dimensional detail. The preferred methods and molds made thereby are transparent, thereby, curing of the corresponding part by ultra-violet and infra-red light is made possible, as well as, visual inspection during injection and curing of the given resin. Removal of the cured part from within the mold is simplified.