Abstract: A thermal-mechanical linear actuator can include a first stage comprising one of a positive coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) material or a negative CTE material and a second stage comprising the other of the positive CTE material or the negative CTE material. The second stage can be at least partially inserted into the first stage. The actuator can further comprise a thermal isolator disposed between the first stage and the second stage to thermally isolate the first stage from the second stage. Heat inputs can be provided where the heat inputs can control the temperature of the first and second stages independently. A hyperbolic meta material can be wrapped or coated around the first stage.

Abstract: A gas-buffered brush seal assembly and associated method are provided. The seal assembly includes at least one brush seal that defines an interface with a rotatable member. The seal assembly is configured to deliver a gas to the interface so that the gas at least partially prevents the flow of a fluid therethrough. In addition, the seal assembly can be adjustable so that the flow of the fluid is controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the gas through the seal assembly.