Abstract: A system, method, and computer storage configured for determining period-ending positions of multiple parts movable by select actuation of corresponding active materials. The operations include receiving, from a work-source sensor, work-source input indicating a distance moved by the work source and a direction of the movement, and determining, based on the work-source input and a first and second status histories, corresponding to a first and a second part, respectively, first and second distances travelled by the parts, respectively. Operations also include calculating, based on the first and second distances determined and first and second period-starting positions, corresponding to the first and second parts, respectively, first and second period-ending positions for the first and second parts, respectively.

Abstract: An actuator system for use in selectively engaging an input to an output. The actuator system includes an input sub-system having an input component configured to connect to an input element which is in turn connected to a work source. The actuator system also includes an output sub-system being connectable to the input sub-system for receiving work from the work source via the input sub-system. The actuator system further includes an actuator sub-system having an active material and an actuating component. The actuator sub-system is configured so that the active material, when activated, causes the actuating component to move from a first state to a second state to disengage the input and output sub-systems.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer storage configured for determining period-ending positions of multiple parts movable by select actuation of corresponding active materials. The operations include receiving, from a work-source sensor, work-source input indicating a distance moved by the work source and a direction of the movement, and determining, based on the work-source input and a first and second status histories, corresponding to a first and a second part, respectively, first and second distances travelled by the parts, respectively. Operations also include calculating, based on the first and second distances determined and first and second period-starting positions, corresponding to the first and second parts, respectively, first and second period-ending positions for the first and second parts, respectively.

Abstract: An actuator system for use in selectively engaging an input to an output. The actuator system includes an input sub-system having an input component configured to connect to an input element which is in turn connected to a work source. The actuator system also includes an output sub-system being connectable to the input sub-system for receiving work from the work source via the input sub-system. The actuator system further includes an actuator sub-system having an active material and an actuating component. The actuator sub-system is configured so that the active material, when activated, causes the actuating component to move from a first state to a second state to disengage the input and output sub-systems. In another embodiment, the present technology includes a pinch-protection system that determines whether a present value for a work-source physical characteristic exceeds a running average by at least a preset offset value.