Abstract: A combined actuator provided with: a mobile element; a driver for displacing the mobile element; and a rheological control brake, which is mechanically coupled to the mobile element to adjust the displacement of the mobile element; the rheological control brake has: two contiguous adjustment chambers; a rheological fluid contained in the two adjustment chambers; a sliding piston, which tightly separates the two adjustment chambers and is mechanically connected to the mobile element; at least one external connection pipe, which reciprocally connects the two adjustment chambers; and a driving device which is coupled to the external connection pipe so as to apply a variable electromagnetic field to the rheological fluid contained in the external connection pipe for varying the viscosity of the rheological fluid between a minimum value and a maximum value.

Abstract: An actuator having a fixed part, a movable part movable with respect to the fixed part in a travelling direction, and a non-contact position sensor connected to the movable part to read the position of the movable part. The position sensor has a reading device connected to the fixed part and having a ferromagnetic core; and a magnetic cursor, which is integrated in the movable part, is defined by a magnetized portion of the movable part, and is so magnetized as to locally saturate the ferromagnetic core at the magnetic cursor.

Abstract: A combined actuator provided with: a mobile element; a driver for displacing the mobile element; and a rheological control brake, which is mechanically coupled to the mobile element to adjust the displacement of the mobile element; the rheological control brake has: two contiguous adjustment chambers; a rheological fluid contained in the two adjustment chambers; a sliding piston, which tightly separates the two adjustment chambers and is mechanically connected to the mobile element; at least one external connection pipe, which reciprocally connects the two adjustment chambers; and a driving device which is coupled to the external connection pipe so as to apply a variable electromagnetic field to the rheological fluid contained in the external connection pipe for varying the viscosity of the rheological fluid between a minimum value and a maximum value.

Abstract: A choke device for an intake system of an internal combustion engine; the choke device has at least one choke body fitted movably inside an intake conduit, and an actuating device for moving the choke body to and from a work position in which the choke body reduces the cross section of the intake conduit; and the actuating device has a filiform actuating member made of a shape-memory material that changes shape when subjected to physical external stress, and having a first portion embedded in the choke body, and a second portion located outside the choke body and secured mechanically to a fixed part.

Abstract: An actuator having a fixed part, a movable part movable with respect to the fixed part in a travelling direction, and a non-contact position sensor connected to the movable part to read the position of the movable part. The position sensor has a reading device connected to the fixed part and having a ferromagnetic core; and a magnetic cursor, which is integrated in the movable part, is defined by a magnetized portion of the movable part, and is so magnetized as to locally saturate the ferromagnetic core at the magnetic cursor.

Abstract: A choke device for an intake system of an internal combustion engine; the choke device has at least one choke body fitted movably inside an intake conduit, and an actuating device for moving the choke body to and from a work position in which the choke body reduces the cross section of the intake conduit; and the actuating device has a filiform actuating member made of a shape-memory material that changes shape when subjected to physical external stress, and having a first portion embedded in the choke body, and a second portion located outside the choke body and secured mechanically to a fixed part.