Abstract: This invention relates to the exploitation of porous foam articles exhibiting the Shape Memory Effect as actuators. Each foam article is composed of a plurality of geometric shapes, such that some geometric shapes can fit snugly into or around rigid mating connectors that attach the Shape Memory foam article intimately into the load path between a static structure and a moveable structure. The foam is open-celled, composed of a plurality of interconnected struts whose mean diameter can vary from approximately 50 to 500 microns. Gases and fluids flowing through the foam transfer heat rapidly with the struts, providing rapid Shape Memory Effect transformations. Embodiments of porous foam articles as torsional actuators and approximately planar structures are disposed. Simple, integral connection systems exploiting the ability to supply large loads to a structure, and that can also supply hot and cold gases and fluids to effect rapid actuation are also disposed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the exploitation of porous foam articles exhibiting the Shape Memory Effect as actuators. Each foam article is composed of a plurality of geometric shapes, such that some geometric shapes can fit snugly into or around rigid mating connectors that attach the Shape Memory foam article intimately into the load path between a static structure and a moveable structure. The foam is open-celled, composed of a plurality of interconnected struts whose mean diameter can vary from approximately 50 to 500 microns. Gases and fluids flowing through the foam transfer heat rapidly with the struts, providing rapid Shape Memory Effect transformations. Embodiments of porous foam articles as torsional actuators and approximately planar structures are disposed. Simple, integral connection systems exploiting the ability to supply large loads to a structure, and that can also supply hot and cold gases and fluids to effect rapid actuation are also disposed.

Abstract: A comparatively high vacuum pressure method of manufacturing two-way shape memory effect devices produces devices having a compositional gradient through the thickness of a film of shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy film exhibits two-way shape memory effect, which is useful for fabricating cyclical actuating devices without need of a biasing mechanism. Examples of shape memory alloys include Ni:Ti—, Au:Cd—, Fe:Mn:Si— and Cu:Ni:Al-based binary, ternary and higher order alloys. Three-dimensional devices may be mass produced using the shape memory alloy and process.

Abstract: A comparatively high vacuum pressure method of manufacturing two-way shape memory effect devices produces devices having a compositional gradient through the thickness of a film of shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy film exhibits two-way shape memory effect, which is useful for fabricating cyclical actuating devices without need of a biasing mechanism. Examples of shape memory alloys include Ni:Ti-, Au:Cd-, Fe:Mn:Si- and Cu:Ni:Al-based binary, ternary and higher order alloys. Three-dimensional devices may be mass produced using the shape memory alloy and process.

Abstract: An artificial pancreas comprises a first reservoir for retaining insulin; at least one second reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent; at least one pump in fluid communication with the first reservoir and the at least one second reservoir; and a glucose monitor in electrical communication with the pump.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and a method of fabrication of devices using a shape memory effect, thin film with a compositional gradient through the thickness of the film. Specifically, a NiTi SME thin film is disclosed that can be used in actuators, MEMS devices and flow control. The process of fabrication includes a gradual heating of the target over time during the sputter deposition of a thin film on a substrate under high vacuum, without compositional modification. The resulting thin film exhibits two-way shape memory effect that can be cyclically applied without an external bias force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and a method of fabrication of devices using a shape memory effect, thin film with a compositional gradient through the thickness of the film. Specifically, a NiTi SME thin film is disclosed that can be used in actuators, MEMS devices and flow control. The process of fabrication includes a gradual heating of the target over time during the sputter deposition of a thin film on a substrate under high vacuum, without compositional modification. The resulting thin film exhibits two-way shape memory effect that can be cyclically applied without an external bias force.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and a method of fabrication of devices using a shape memory effect, thin film with a compositional gradient through the thickness of the film. Specifically, a NiTi SME thin film is disclosed that can be used in actuators, MEMS devices and flow control. The process of fabrication includes a gradual heating of the target over time during the sputter deposition of a thin film on a substrate under high vacuum, without compositional modification. The resulting thin film exhibits two-way shape memory effect that can be cyclically applied without an external bias force.

Abstract: An aircraft door adapted to substantially seal with a door frame. The aircraft door is provided with an edge portion which is formed to engage the door frame. The edge portion has a sealed position wherein the edge portion is engaged with the door frame. The edge portion further has an unsealed position wherein the edge portion is spaced from the door frame. The aircraft door is further provided with a substantially rigid door body and an elastic portion interposed between the door body and the edge portion. The elastic portion is selectively expandable and compressible for permitting movement of the edge portion between the sealed and unsealed positions. The aircraft door is further provided with an actuator device which mechanically couples the door body with the edge portion for selectively moving the edge portion between the sealed and unsealed positions. The actuator device comprises a shape memory metal material having a predetermined transition temperature.

Abstract: Active and adaptive vibration damping devices are provided. The damping devices include heterostructures having a layer of ferroelastic or SME material coupled with a first and second layer of ferroelectric material having a layer of dielectric material therebetween. Methods of making the active and adaptive vibration damping devices are also provided.