Abstract: An apparatus T.sub.1 for sealing a well tubing 12 including a housing 20, 21, 22 which has a channel 68 communicating with the bore of tubing 12 and a chamber 43 connected with channel 68. A seal 62 is slidably mounted in the housing and is disposed in a retracted open condition in chamber 43 to enable fluid flow through channel 68. AN actuator 41, 42 also disposed in chamber 43, includes a shape memory alloy material which is responsive to the temperature thereof rising to a predetermined level corresponding to the transition temperature of the shape memory alloy for transforming in shape to extend the seal into an extended condition within channel 68, thereby blocking fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: Subsurface safety valve assembly (16) for oil wells comprising a valve element (57) and a temperature responsive operator comprising multiple coil springs (69, 70), made of shape memory material, operable in opposing directions for opening and closing the valve element and a ratchet locking mechanism comprising wickers (79) for locking the valve in its open position after removal of the heating which causes shape memory effect movement to such position.

Abstract: An improved packing tool (P1) for sealing spaces between the wall (10) of a wellbore and means (12) defining an elongate member (e.g. tubing) disposed longitudinally in the well bore including a sealing mechanism supportable peripherally about the elongate member and including at least one element (27) containing a shape memory alloy material which maintains a radially contracted condition at below a predetermined temperature--corresponding to the transition temperature of the shape memory alloy--to enable introduction of the sealing mechanism into the well bore and which responds to the temperature by transforming into a radially expanded condition to make sealing contact with the wall of the well bore, establishing a tight metal to metal seal therethrough.

Abstract: Pumping in oil wells and like power conversion applications is carried out in an economical manner with efficient utilization of energy and low capital cost by pushing or pulling the plunger mechanism (of conventional type) with a metal wire, rod or tube arranged as a helical coil spring and constructed of a material that exhibits shape memory effect. This is accomplished by cyclically first straining the helical coil by loading it with a mechanical load and thus causing a structural transformation or martensitic transformation in the material and then upon the application of heat thereto (by electrical self heating or an external heater in proximity thereto), reversing the transformation to contract in material length with a fractional multiplier effect on contraction in length of the helical coil to raise the plunger, the coil having an expanded to compressed length ratio of 2:1 or substantially greater.

Abstract: Temperature of a blood bag or other refrigerated package is continuously monitored throughout long periods of low temperature transportation and/or storage by an attached button. If the package contents exceed the predetermined safe upper temperature limit, the button produces an indication of having exceeded such limit sometime during transportation and/or storage. The indication is provided by a visual marker mounted on a metal part having a phase transition temperature corresponding to said limit and formed above the safe temperature to have a position which holds the indicator in a visible position corresponding to excessive temperature. The wire is shaped to a second position at freezing temperatures below said safe temperature by means which provide a visual indication of such setting.

Abstract: Elevating is carried out in a noiseless, relatively frictionless manner with efficient utilization of energy by hanging an elevator from an elongated metal cable of shape memory material which elongates under gravity loading and, upon application of heat thereto, contracts in length to raise a load suspended by the cable.

Abstract: Pumping in oil wells and like application is carried out in a noiseless manner with efficient utilization of energy by raising the plunger or piston in a subsurface pump piston with a long metal rod or cable capable of undergoing memory shape change as a function of a martensitic transformation when worked by application of stress, preferably by gravity through an attached weight, while cold to elongate itself and, upon application of heat thereto, reversing the transformation and contracting in length to raise the piston and associated equipment plus fluid load.

Abstract: A locked enclosure may be eventually automatically unlocked by a simple pin element in a hasp-lock which drops out of the hasp-lock in case of temperatures associated with a fire.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a button structure which may be easily molded. It may be secured to a garment by hand or by automatic machine. The structure includes a simulated button from which depends a shank. The shank includes a post for spacing the button from the garment, a fastening member which clamps the button to a fabric and a hand detachable point which is used to pierce the fabric.