Abstract: A pivotal electrical connector for connecting a shape memory alloy element in the form of a coil spring to a fixed member, the connector including a strip of electrically conductive material having a clip or a pair of legs for securing the connector to one of the coils of the element. A pair of holes may be provided in the strip through which the coil is threaded. A rotational connector is provided in the strip for engaging the fixed member.

Abstract: A high temperature titanium-based shaped memory alloy contains from at least 0.1 at. % hafnium. Articles formed from the disclosed alloy have high transformation temperatures. The alloy of the invention can be successfully hot and cold worked to make articles such as springs and wires.

Abstract: A pivotal electrical connector for connecting a shape memory alloy element in the form of a coil spring to a fixed member, the connector including a strip of electrically conductive material having a clip or a pair of legs for securing the connector to one of the coils of the element. A pair of holes may be provided in the strip through which the coil is threaded. A rotational connector is provided in the strip for engaging the fixed member.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator for controlling the position of a control member, such as a damper plate in a duct, the actuator including first and second shape memory elements each having an austenite phase transition temperature above which each element assumes a predetermined memory shape and a lower phase which forms when said element is stretched from the predetermined memory shape, the first and second elements being connected to move the control member in different directions when one or the other of the elements are heated to a temperature above its austenite phase transition temperature and an electrical circuit for selectively raising the temperature of one or the other of the elements. The control member may be held in a position between full open and full closed by holding mechanisms which connect the actuator to the control member.

Abstract: A battery module for insulating a battery from the heat of the engine of a motor vehicle, the module including a battery compartment, an air inlet and an air outlet, a first air flow path connecting the air inlet to the air outlet and a second air flow path around the outside of the battery compartment connecting the air inlet to the air outlet, a damper positioned in the housing for movement between a first position wherein the first air flow path is open and the second air flow path is closed and a second position wherein the first air flow path is closed and the second air flow path is open, a shape memory alloy member for moving the damper from the first position to the second position when the ambient temperature exceeds a predetermined minimum and a spring for biasing the damper to the first position when the ambient temperature is less than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fluid pumping apparatus includes pumping means for supplying a fluid under pressure and an energizer arranged in driving relationship therewith. The energizer includes a generally planar flexure member having first and second piezoelectric laminates supported thereon. The flexure member includes a first edge and a second edge, the edges being resiliently constrained for substantially preventing longitudinal movement thereof when an electrical signal is applied to the laminates. Preferred embodiments of the flexure member include bimorphous, biunimorphous and quadrimorphous piezoelectric structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing relatively dry, oil free compressed instrument air includes a first compressor for receiving air at ambient temperature and pressure and compressing it to an elevated pressure. A cooler is provided for cooling the compressed air while a vortex directs its cold fraction discharge air to a second compressor. A heat exchanger is disposed intermediate the cooler and the vortex tube for transferring heat from the cooled, compressed air to the cold fraction discharge air. An air-water separator may be disposed between the vortex tube inlet and the heat exchanger for removing any condensed water from the compressed air. The second compressor receives the cold fraction discharge air and generates a supply of instrument air at a pressure not in excess of 25 p.s.i.g. and which has a dewpoint below the freezing temperature of water. A method for producing relatively dry, compressed instrument air is also disclosed.