Abstract: An electrical energy generator device comprising an array of micro-fans each associated to a respective dynamo-electric generator by means of a respective connecting shaft, further comprises, for at least some of the micro-fans (3), a lug element (6) associated to the respective connecting shaft (4) which mechanically co-operates at each revolution with a piezoelectric element (7), for the production of additional electrical energy. In addition or instead of the aforesaid arrangement, it is possible to provide plates (10) made of piezoelectric material which vibrate in the flow of air that invests them, thereby producing electrical energy.

Abstract: A sunshade device comprises a sunshade in the form of a roller blind forming part of a roller-blind device, comprising a supporting structure, a shaft for rolling of the sunshade blind, mounted so that it can rotate on the aforesaid supporting structure, and a shape-memory actuator device for causing displacement of the blind from the rolled-up condition to the distended condition.

Abstract: An actuator comprises an elongated shape-memory element wound around a first element and having one first end connected to the first element and one second end connected to a second element. Heating means are provided for heating the shape-memory element in order to obtain a displacement of one of the ends thereof. The elongated shape-memory element is guided so that it can slide within a closed channel made of a material having a low coefficient of friction, for example defined by a sheath.

Abstract: A suspension system for the cab of a lorry comprises a rotational damper preferably of a magneto-rheological type.

Abstract: An air-distribution system for the dashboard of a motor vehicle comprises a plurality of auxiliary ducts that branch off in parallel from a manifold. Associated to each auxiliary duct is an additional and independent unit for regulating the flow rate and/or the temperature of the air flow that traverses the respective auxiliary duct. Each auxiliary duct branches off into a number of terminal ducts and is provided with means for the distribution of the air to the terminal ducts, which are preferably of the type comprising means of deviation of the air by the Coanda effect.

Abstract: A valve for gases, liquids or powdery material, comprises a diaphragm shutter element having a central part and a peripheral edge connected, respectively, to a central support and to a peripheral support. Said supports can be displaced axially with respect to one another between a first relative end position and a second relative end position corresponding, respectively, to the open condition and to the closed condition of the valve, or vice versa. The relative displacement in the axial direction of said first and second supports is controlled by shape-memory means, preferably formed by a first shape-memory wire and a second shape-memory wire set on the two opposite faces of the diaphragm shutter element.

Abstract: Described herein is a valve for fluids, liquids or dusts, which can be used to particular advantage for controlling openings for passage of cooling air in refrigerating apparatuses or the like. The valve comprises a diaphragm open/close element having a central part and a peripheral edge connected, respectively, to a central support and to a peripheral support. Said supports are axially displaceable with respect to one another between a first relative end position and a second relative end position corresponding, respectively, to the open condition and to the closed condition of the valve, or vice versa. The relative displacement in an axial direction of said first and second supports is controlled by shape-memory means, including at least one shape-memory wire, which extends at least in part along the periphery of the diaphragm and is activated by electrical supply means.

Abstract: A suspension system for the cab of a lorry comprises a rotational damper preferably of a magneto-rheological type.

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: A valve for gases, liquids or powdery material, comprises a diaphragm shutter element having a central part and a peripheral edge connected, respectively, to a central support and to a peripheral support. Said supports can be displaced axially with respect to one another between a first relative end position and a second relative end position corresponding, respectively, to the open condition and to the closed condition of the valve, or vice versa. The relative displacement in the axial direction of said first and second supports is controlled by shape-memory means, preferably formed by a first shape-memory wire and a second shape-memory wire set on the two opposite faces of the diaphragm shutter element.

Abstract: A system for the distribution of air to a row of seats in a passenger compartment of a means of transport, such as for example an aeroplane, train or bus, or in the room of a building, comprises a main duct and a series of outlets. The outlets are without valves for opening and closing, and the flow of the air through the outlets is controlled by control means associated to each outlet that exploit the Coanda effect.

Abstract: An air-distribution device based upon the Coanda-effect comprises two mobile elements that move in synchronism and in phase opposition for distributing an air flow into two ducts.

Abstract: Described herein is a Coanda-effect air distributor for distributing a flow between a number of ducts set downstream. Provided in the area that separates the initial ends of two ducts set downstream is the inlet of a recirculation duct that creates an air circulation that masks the entrance of a duct set downstream when the flow is deviated into the other duct.

Abstract: An electrical energy generator device comprising an array of micro-fans each associated to a respective dynamo-electric generator by means of a respective connecting shaft, further comprises, for at least some of the micro-fans (3), a lug element (6) associated to the respective connecting shaft (4) which mechanically co-operates at each revolution with a piezoelectric element (7), for the production of additional electrical energy. In addition or instead of the aforesaid arrangement, it is possible to provide plates (10) made of piezoelectric material which vibrate in the flow of air that invests them, thereby producing electrical energy.

Abstract: A motor vehicle air conditioning system including a Coanda effect air distributor device and mixing means which allow to vary the temperature of the air available to the different outlet conduits of the distributor device for the same setting of the means for regulating the temperature of the system. In this way, for a same setting of the temperature regulating means, the air conveyed to the outlets situated at the base of the windshield is at a higher temperature than the air conveyed to the other outlets and in particular to those adjacent to the floor of the motor vehicle passenger compartment. Preferably, a third, still lower temperature level is available to the outlets situated in the front part of the dashboard of the motor vehicle in the direction of the motor vehicle occupants.

Abstract: Controlled oscillating damper, comprising: a housing (12) provided with a cavity (14), an oscillating element (18) moving sealingly within the cavity (14), in which the housing (12) and the oscillating element (18) have respective walls defining at least one chamber (44) filled with magneto-rheological or electro-rheological damping fluid, and at least one electrically controlled excitation device (46) equipped with at least one fluid passage (52) which a fluid flow gets through during the motion of the oscillating element (18). The excitation device (46) is stationary with respect to the housing (12) and is arranged so as to divide the damping chamber (44) into two sections of variable volume (44a, 44b) communicating one with the other through the passage (52).

Abstract: A shape memory bistable actuator includes an element movable mounted on a fixed support structure, having an intermediate position of dead center and two end positions. Spring means tend to return the movable element towards either end positions, depending on that it is on either part with respect to the dead center position. Shape memory means are provided for causing a displacement of the movable element from either end positions, against the action of the spring means, at least until the dead center position is exceeded. After this exceeding, the activation of the shape memory means can be stopped, as the spring means provide to proceed the movable element toward the new desired working position, and to hold it in such a position, despite the shape memory means are deactivated.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle suspension having oscillating arms, in which one of the arms is formed by the casing of a rotational shock-absorber, wherein the oscillating piston of the shock-absorber is connected to the structure of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the casing of the rotational shock-absorber is also used for the anchorage of a respective end of a leaf spring, which constitutes the elastic element of the suspension.

Abstract: Described herein is a Coanda-effect air distributor for distributing a flow between a number of ducts set downstream. Provided in the area that separates the initial ends of two ducts set downstream is the inlet of a recirculation duct that creates an air circulation that masks the entrance of a duct set downstream when the flow is deviated into the other duct.

Abstract: An air-distribution device based upon the Coanda-effect comprises two mobile elements that move in synchronism and in phase opposition for distributing an air flow into two ducts.