Abstract: An actuator having a housing, a connecting element, a shape memory element which changes shape when heated, a heating element and a heat conducting element. The shape memory element is configured in substantially elongate form and is arranged in the housing such that it displaces the connecting element when it changes shape. The heating element, when activated, heats the shape memory element. The heat conducting element is in contact with the shape memory element at least some of the time, at a contact surface which is larger than 0.1 times the total surface of the shape memory element. While in contact with the shape memory element, the heat conducting element bears at least partially displaceably against the latter and has a free surface which is not in contact with either the shape memory element or the heating element that is at least 1.6 times larger than its contact surface.

Abstract: A lancing device for piercing skin to obtain a bodily fluid, such as blood, for testing has an electrically activated actuator, such as a shape memory alloy or electro-active polymer, that changes shape upon the application of electrical energy to advance and withdraw the lancing element. The lancing device operates when the actuator changes shape to advance a lancing element to pierce the skin when the actuator changes shape, delaying the lancing element tip near the advanced position to allow fluid to flow into the lancing tip, withdrawing the lancing element to remove the lancing element form the skin when the actuator again changes shape.

Abstract: A feed device for a soldering iron possesses a coil through which current flows, located in the soldering iron itself, and an armature that is displaceably driven in the central bore of the coil. This armature cooperates with a clamping device connected to it. Thus, an intermittent clamping and feeding action may be effected in the clamping device. Such a device is space saving and has substantially no parts subject to wear.