Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for cryogenically cooling a substance. The apparatus of the present invention includes a thin film evaporator comprising a microstructured surface and an applicator for dispensing a working fluid onto the microstructured surface. The apparatus preferably contains a pressure-controlled vessel enclosing the thin film evaporator and at least a portion of the applicator. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to the method of using a thin film evaporator of the present invention to cryogenically cool a substance by forming a thin film layer of the working fluid on the microstructured surface of the thin film evaporator.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) based torque actuators are described. These torque actuators include a magnetic trigger and an FSMA member, which when actuated by the magnetic trigger, produces a torque for rotating a member. Examples of magnetic triggers include hybrid magnetic triggers having at least one electromagnet and at least one permanent magnet. The FSMA member can be configured as a coil (or plate) spring and can be fabricated of a true FSMA alloy (i.e., an alloy that exhibits both ferromagnetic and shape memory properties) or of an FSMA composite that includes a ferromagnetic portion and an SMA portion. Several embodiments include a central orifice in which the FSMA member and an axial rod configured to rotate when actuated are disposed; the magnetic trigger system is disposed about the periphery of the orifice.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) based torque actuators are described. These torque actuators include a magnetic trigger and an FSMA member, which when actuated by the magnetic trigger, produces a torque for rotating a member. Examples of magnetic triggers include hybrid magnetic triggers having at least one electromagnet and at least one permanent magnet. The FSMA member can be configured as a coil (or plate) spring and can be fabricated of a true FSMA alloy (i.e., an alloy that exhibits both ferromagnetic and shape memory properties) or of an FSMA composite that includes a ferromagnetic portion and an SMA portion. Several embodiments include a central orifice in which the FSMA member and an axial rod configured to rotate when actuated are disposed; the magnetic trigger system is disposed about the periphery of the orifice.

Abstract: The present invention employs an optimized cross-sectional shape for a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) composite that is used in a spring-type actuator, an improved hybrid magnetic trigger for use in FSMA based actuators, an a FSMA composite based spring type actuator, an a FSMA based spring type actuator including a stack of triggering units and FSMA springs, a FSMA composite based torque actuator. The invention also includes a model that can be employed to evaluate different materials being considered as components a FSMA for a FSMA composite used in either a FSMA based torque actuator or a FSMA spring actuator.

Abstract: The present invention employs an optimized cross-sectional shape for a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) composite that is used in a spring-type actuator, an improved hybrid magnetic trigger for use in FSMA based actuators, an a FSMA composite based spring type actuator, an a FSMA based spring type actuator including a stack of triggering units and FSMA springs, a FSMA composite based torque actuator. The invention also includes a model that can be employed to evaluate different materials being considered as components a FSMA for a FSMA composite used in either a FSMA based torque actuator or a FSMA spring actuator.