Abstract: An instant drink vending machine is described. The instant drink vending machine has a water supply system for obtaining mixed warm water with a temperature selected among a set of pre-determined temperatures comprised between an upper and a lower value corresponding to temperatures of hot water and cold water to be mixed, said system including thermostatic shape memory alloy devices.

Abstract: A bistable electric switch is described. The switch has as actuators a pair of opposing SMA wires acting on a drive element integral with a snap-action spring so as to toggle the snap-action spring between two stable positions corresponding to two operating positions of the switch, the drive element being shorter than the distance existing between the two opposing SMA wires when one of the SMA wires is contracted and the other SMA wire is uncontracted. The entire force exerted by the activated SMA wire is used to overcome the resistance of the snap-action spring.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator includes a supporting body, a driven element pivotably mounted on the supporting body and in permanent contact with a driving element whose movement is determined by a SMA actuating member and by at least one resilient return member acting in opposition to the SMA actuating member. The driven element is able to take two stable positions under the action of a bistable moving system connecting the driving element to the driven element such that each toggling between the two stable positions is due to an activation of the SMA actuating member, the latter being arranged together with the bistable moving system. The resilient return member, the driving element and the driven element on a same side of the supporting body are in a substantially co-planar arrangement.

Abstract: A bistable electric switch is described. The switch has as actuators a pair of opposing SMA wires acting on a drive element integral with a snap-action spring so as to toggle the snap-action spring between two stable positions corresponding to two operating positions of the switch, the drive element being shorter than the distance existing between the two opposing SMA wires when one of the SMA wires is contracted and the other SMA wire is uncontracted. The entire force exerted by the activated SMA wire is used to overcome the resistance of the snap-action spring.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive label is described. The temperature-sensitive label has a temperature-sensitive system having a filiform shape memory member that has a first end portion having a terminal part fixedly secured to a first contact member, a second end portion having a terminal part restrained by a second contact member in a non-permanent way, and a central curved portion. The central curved portion is in the martensitic phase while the first and second portions are in the austenitic phase at a same environmental temperature above a critical threshold temperature to be monitored by the label such that in case of exposure to a temperature lower than the preset critical threshold temperature the end portions of the filiform shape member perform a phase transition, from austenitic phase to martensitic phase, which causes its irreversible disengagement from the restraint formed by the second contact member.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive label is described. The temperature-sensitive label has a temperature-sensitive system having a filiform shape memory member that has a first end portion having a terminal part fixedly secured to a first contact member, a second end portion having a terminal part restrained by a second contact member in a non-permanent way, and a central curved portion. The central curved portion is in the martensitic phase while the first and second portions are in the austenitic phase at a same environmental temperature above a critical threshold temperature to be monitored by the label such that in case of exposure to a temperature lower than the preset critical threshold temperature the end portions of the filiform shape member perform a phase transition, from austenitic phase to martensitic phase, which causes its irreversible disengagement from the restraint formed by the second contact member.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive label is described. The temperature-sensitive label has a container provided with means for the application on an item to be monitored and housing a temperature-sensitive system made up of a filiform shape memory member. The filiform shape memory member is restrained to a filiform bias member provided with an engaging seat, and is introduced in such a way that in case of exposure to a temperature lower than a preset critical threshold temperature (Tc), the filiform shape memory member performs a phase transition, causing an irreversible disengagement condition visible through a transparent window.

Abstract: An instant drink vending machine is described. The instant drink vending machine has a water supply system for obtaining mixed warm water with a temperature selected among a set of pre-determined temperatures comprised between an upper and a lower value corresponding to temperatures of hot water and cold water to be mixed, said system including thermostatic shape memory alloy devices.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive label is described. The temperature-sensitive label has a container provided with means for the application on an item to be monitored and housing a temperature-sensitive system made up of a filiform shape memory member. The filiform shape memory member is restrained to a filiform bias member provided with an engaging seat, and is introduced in such a way that in case of exposure to a temperature lower than a preset critical threshold temperature (Tc), the filiform shape memory member performs a phase transition, causing an irreversible disengagement condition visible through a transparent window.

Abstract: An actuator is described in which a functional element is made of a shape memory alloy, and the actuator includes means for increasing the load applied onto the functional element when the external temperature increases, thus causing a consequent variation of transition temperatures characterizing the hysteresis cycle of the functional element.

Abstract: A system for distributing air in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, e.g. of a motor vehicle, comprises at least one outlet for the outflow of air in the passenger compartment which can be activated placing a hand at a short distance therefrom without touching it.

Abstract: An impact resistant tool or tool bit holder has an active end for driving a fastener and a shanking end for securing to a power tool. The active end includes a body with a bore to receive the shank and a pocket to receive a damping mechanism. The shank includes an end to engage the bore in the body, and a pocket to receive the damping mechanism. The shank is received in the bore in the body for limited rotation with respect to the body. A damping mechanism is positioned in the pockets to provide damping between the body and the shank during torque loading.

Abstract: An actuator (10) is described in which the functional element (11) is made of a shape memory alloy, and comprising means (14, 18) for increasing the load applied onto the functional element when the external temperature increases, thus causing a consequent variation of the transition temperatures characterizing the hysteresis cycle of said functional element.

Abstract: A shape-memory actuator device comprises means for interrupting electrical supply to a shape-memory element when the axial load applied to said element exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An impact resistant tool or tool bit holder has an active end for driving a fastener and a shanking end for securing to a power tool. The active end includes a body with a bore to receive the shank and a pocket to receive a damping mechanism. The shank includes an end to engage the bore in the body, and a pocket to receive the damping mechanism. The shank is received in the bore in the body for limited rotation with respect to the body. A damping mechanism is positioned in the pockets to provide damping between the body and the shank during torque loading.

Abstract: A lock device which includes a bolt actuated by a flexible shape memory element. The memory element can assume an extended or a shortened configuration as a result of heating. A constraining element which includes two points between which an intermediate portion of the shape memory extends is also provided. The two points belong to a moveable transmission element which moves when the shape memory element extends. As a result, a controlled element is moved from between an operating position and a non-operating position.

Abstract: A household appliance comprises a cabinet, a door and a door block/release device. In normal conditions, the device is actuated by electrically powered actuator means whilst in case of need the device can be actuated by means of a release system. The device comprises an actuation element, preferably made of shape memory material, inserted within a movable body. The device is capable of passing from the condition of blocking to that of releasing the door both by means of a movement of the actuation element caused by the electrical power supply control of the actuator means and by means of a manual actuation, using the housing body as an element of manual mechanical transmission.

Abstract: A door for a motor vehicle of the type without frame for the side window is provided with a device for controlling a slight movement of the window from and into its completely raised position upon opening and closing of the door. Said device comprises shape-memory actuating means.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle bumper is provided with a number of piezoelectric elements which are connected to an electronic control unit programmed to operate one or more of the piezoelectric elements such that each of them, or one or more groups of them, fulfil different functions in different conditions of operation of the motor-vehicle.

Abstract: A lock (1) comprises at least a bolt (7) actuated by means of a flexible shape memory element (14), which can take an extended and a shortened configuration as a result of heating. Constraint means (P, 10, 17) cause the arrangement of at least an intermediate portion of the shape memory element (13), within which portion said element is associated to the bolt (7); the constraint means (P, 10, 17) are in such relative positions that said intermediate portion of the shape memory element (14) takes a substantially V-shaped arrangement at least when the first controlled element (7) is in its operating position.