Abstract: A seal assembly configured to seal against a surface of a seal depressor includes a body member configured to elastically deform in at least a first direction of motion from an original state into a compressed state in response to experiencing a load. The body member exerts a sealing pressure against the surface of the seal depressor when in the compressed state. The seal assembly also includes one or more shape memory stiffening members constructed from a shape memory material having a high energy state and a low energy state. The one or more shape memory stiffening members are oriented perpendicular to the first direction of motion of the seal assembly and configured to stiffen the body member of the seal assembly when the shape memory material is in the high energy state.

Abstract: A seal assembly configured to seal against a surface of a seal depressor is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a body member configured to elastically expand from an original state into an expanded state. The body member exerts a sealing pressure against the surface of the seal depressor when in the expanded state. The seal assembly also includes one or more actuation members constructed from a shape memory material having a high energy state and a low energy state. The one or more actuation members are configured to urge the body member of the seal assembly from the original state into the expanded state when the shape memory material transitions from the low energy state to the high energy state.

Abstract: A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.

Abstract: A seal assembly configured to seal against a surface of a seal depressor includes a body member configured to elastically deform in at least a first direction of motion from an original state into a compressed state in response to experiencing a load. The body member exerts a sealing pressure against the surface of the seal depressor when in the compressed state. The seal assembly also includes one or more shape memory stiffening members constructed from a shape memory material having a high energy state and a low energy state. The one or more shape memory stiffening members are oriented perpendicular to the first direction of motion of the seal assembly and configured to stiffen the body member of the seal assembly when the shape memory material is in the high energy state.

Abstract: A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.

Abstract: A seal assembly configured to seal against a surface of a seal depressor is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a body member configured to elastically expand from an original state into an expanded state. The body member exerts a sealing pressure against the surface of the seal depressor when in the expanded state. The seal assembly also includes one or more actuation members constructed from a shape memory material having a high energy state and a low energy state. The one or more actuation members are configured to urge the body member of the seal assembly from the original state into the expanded state when the shape memory material transitions from the low energy state to the high energy state.