Abstract: An asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator capable of preventing accidental actuation caused by environmental temperature variations but preserving temperature-related safety features and its use in devices.

Abstract: An asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator capable of preventing accidental actuation caused by environmental temperature variations but preserving temperature-related safety features and its use in devices.

Abstract: Bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator capable of preventing accidental actuation caused by environmental temperature variations, its method of operation and its use in devices.

Abstract: A fluidic valve having a first zone and a second zone separated by an aperture that is sealed by a deformable element, where: in the first zone, there is a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire secured to a stationary surface and the SMA acts on a first surface of the deformable element either directly or through a piston; in the second zone, there are at least two ports and a plunger connected to a second surface of the deformable element, opposite to the first surface, and suitable to close one of the ports; and there is a bypass channel that permanently connects the first zone to the second zone through a first end aperture positioned in the first zone and a second end aperture positioned in the second zone.

Abstract: Bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator capable of preventing accidental actuation caused by environmental temperature variations, its method of operation and its use in devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to an actuator subassembly comprising a shape memory alloy wire (15), a biasing spring (16) and magnetic responsive elements (17, 17?) to couple the movement of a first movable element (13) and a second movable element (14) provided with a terminal (18), and in a second aspect to a fluidic valve comprising a plunger whose terminal part controls its opening and closing and where the plunger movement is controlled by the action of a shape memory alloy wire, a biasing element and magnetic responsive elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to an actuator subassembly comprising a shape memory alloy wire (15), a biasing spring (16) and magnetic responsive elements (17, 17?) to couple the movement of a first movable element (13) and a second movable element (14) provided with a terminal (18), and in a second aspect to a fluidic valve comprising a plunger whose terminal part controls its opening and closing and where the plunger movement is controlled by the action of a shape memory alloy wire, a biasing element and magnetic responsive elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a balanced pressure two-zone fluidic valve (10) with a shape memory alloy control element wherein control of the valve (10) is achieved by deformation of a deformable element (14) upon actuation of a shape memory alloy wire (15) to move a plunger (16), and in a second aspect to the use of said valve for controlling a fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock absorbing device incorporating a plurality of wavy shaped elements made of a superelastic material arranged in a crossing pattern, wherein pairs of crests or troughs of said wavy shaped elements made of a superelastic material are restrained to each other in a locking manner by way of connecting elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock absorbing device incorporating a plurality of wavy shaped elements made of a superelastic material arranged in a crossing pattern, wherein pairs of crests or troughs of said wavy shaped elements made of a superelastic material are restrained to each other in a locking manner by way of connecting elements.

Abstract: A lock for closing a door with respect to a frame. The lock includes a lock body mounted on the door and a striker mounted on the frame, or vice versa. The lock body includes a catch element mounted so as to rotate between a striker keep position and a striker release position; elastic means suitable for driving the catch element from the striker keep position to the striker release position; a lever suitable for moving between two positions, a closing position in which it maintains the catch element in the striker keep position and an opening position in which it is disengaged from the catch element; and a service actuator suitable for applying a force f on the lever so as to bring it from the closing position to the opening position. The lock body further includes an emergency SMA actuator suitable for applying a force on the lever so as to bring it from the closing position to the opening position.

Abstract: A lock for closing a door with respect to a frame. The lock includes lock body mounted on the door and a striker mounted on the frame, or vice versa. The lock body includes a catch element mounted so as to rotate between a striker keep position and a striker release position; elastic means suitable for driving the catch element from the striker keep position to the striker release position; a lever suitable for moving between two positions, a closing position in which it maintains the catch element in the striker keep position and an opening position in which it is disengaged from the catch element; and a service actuator suitable for applying a force f on the lever so as to bring it from the closing position to the opening position. The lock body further includes an emergency SMA actuator suitable for applying a force on the lever so as to bring it from the closing position to the opening position.

Abstract: An SMA wire actuating element is described, having a shape memory alloy wire intended to be operably connected to an actuatable element of an actuator device, and a first and a second elongated elements made of a non-SMA material. The elongated elements are respectively restrained at a first end thereof to the ends of the shape memory alloy wire by way of crimping means of the SMA wire actuating element. The SMA wire actuating element further has a first and a second connection means intended to be operably connected to a body of the actuator device. The elongated elements are respectively restrained at a second end thereof to the connection means, whereby the portion of each elongated element comprised between its first and second ends is free to move between the crimping means and the connection means.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator includes a supporting body, a driven element pivotably mounted on the supporting body and in permanent contact with a driving element whose movement is determined by a SMA actuating member and by at least one resilient return member acting in opposition to the SMA actuating member. The driven element is able to take two stable positions under the action of a bistable moving system connecting the driving element to the driven element such that each toggling between the two stable positions is due to an activation of the SMA actuating member, the latter being arranged together with the bistable moving system. The resilient return member, the driving element and the driven element on a same side of the supporting body are in a substantially co-planar arrangement.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator is described. The shape memory actuator has a supporting body, a driven element slidably mounted on the supporting body for movement between a stable rest position and a stable operative position, a driving element that drives the driven element, the movement of the driving element being determined by a SMA wire and by first resilient return means acting to return the driving element to the rest position upon deactivation of the SMA wire, second resilient return means acting on the driven element in opposition to the SMA wire, engaging means suitable to achieve at the operative position a reversible engagement between the driven element and the supporting body, either directly or indirectly, said engagement being able to resist the action of second resilient return means, and a control system for the engagement and disengagement of the engaging means.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator is described. The shape memory actuator has a supporting body, a driven element slidably mounted on the supporting body for movement between a stable rest position and a stable operative position, a driving element that drives the driven element, the movement of the driving element being determined by a SMA wire and by first resilient return means acting to return the driving element to the rest position upon deactivation of the SMA wire, second resilient return means acting on the driven element in opposition to the SMA wire, engaging means suitable to achieve at the operative position a reversible engagement between the driven element and the supporting body, either directly or indirectly, said engagement being able to resist the action of second resilient return means, and a control system for the engagement and disengagement of the engaging means.

Abstract: An instant drink vending machine is described. The instant drink vending machine has a water supply system for obtaining mixed warm water with a temperature selected among a set of pre-determined temperatures comprised between an upper and a lower value corresponding to temperatures of hot water and cold water to be mixed, said system including thermostatic shape memory alloy devices.

Abstract: A bistable electric switch is described. The switch has as actuators a pair of opposing SMA wires acting on a drive element integral with a snap-action spring so as to toggle the snap-action spring between two stable positions corresponding to two operating positions of the switch, the drive element being shorter than the distance existing between the two opposing SMA wires when one of the SMA wires is contracted and the other SMA wire is uncontracted. The entire force exerted by the activated SMA wire is used to overcome the resistance of the snap-action spring.

Abstract: An SMA wire actuating element is described, having a shape memory alloy wire intended to be operably connected to an actuatable element of an actuator device, and a first and a second elongated elements made of a non-SMA material. The elongated elements are respectively restrained at a first end thereof to the ends of the shape memory alloy wire by way of crimping means of the SMA wire actuating element. The SMA wire actuating element further has a first and a second connection means intended to be operably connected to a body of the actuator device. The elongated elements are respectively restrained at a second end thereof to the connection means, whereby the portion of each elongated element comprised between its first and second ends is free to move between the crimping means and the connection means.

Abstract: A shape memory actuator includes a supporting body, a driven element pivotably mounted on the supporting body and in permanent contact with a driving element whose movement is determined by a SMA actuating member and by at least one resilient return member acting in opposition to the SMA actuating member. The driven element is able to take two stable positions under the action of a bistable moving system connecting the driving element to the driven element such that each toggling between the two stable positions is due to an activation of the SMA actuating member, the latter being arranged together with the bistable moving system. The resilient return member, the driving element and the driven element on a same side of the supporting body are in a substantially co-planar arrangement.