Abstract: A shape memory alloy comprises Co, Ni and Al with a two-phase structure comprising a ?-phase having a B2 structure and a ?-phase having an fcc structure, at least 40% by area of crystal grain boundaries of the ?-phase being occupied by the ?-phase. The shape memory alloy can be produced by a first heat treatment step comprising heating at 1200 to 1350° C. for 0.1 to 50 hours and cooling at 0.1 to 1000° C./minute, and a second heat treatment step comprising heating at 1000 to 1320° C. for 0.1 to 50 hours and cooling at 10 to 10000° C./minute.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a magnetic, resilient, shape memory member formed by a substance having a twin structure, and a magnetic field generator, at least part of the magnetic, resilient, shape memory member being disposed in a gradient magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generator such that the twin structure is reoriented by the magnetic field, whereby the shape memory resilient member is driven.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a magnetic, resilient, shape memory member formed by a substance having a twin structure, and a magnetic field generator, at least part of the magnetic, resilient, shape memory member being disposed in a slanting magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generator such that the twin structure is reoriented by the magnetic field, whereby the shape memory resilient member is driven.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a supporting unit with a stopper, a linear output unit, a movable unit, a magnetic flux generating unit and a control unit. The movable unit is connected to a stopper of the outer pipe at one end of the outer movable unit and to the linear output unit at the other end. The magnetic flux generating unit generates first magnetic fluxes. The movable unit has elasticity, and expands or contracts based on action of the first magnetic fluxes and the elasticity. The linear output unit linearly moves in response to the expansion or contraction of the movable unit.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a supporting unit with a stopper, a linear output unit, a movable unit, a magnetic flux generating unit and a control unit. The movable unit is connected to a stopper of the outer pipe at one end of the outer movable unit and to the linear output unit at the other end. The magnetic flux generating unit generates first magnetic fluxes. The movable unit has elasticity, and expands or contracts based on action of the first magnetic fluxes and the elasticity. The linear output unit linearly moves in response to the expansion or contraction of the movable unit.

Abstract: A SmFe-based magnetostrictive material having an excellent magnetostrictive performance and an excellent mechanical strength provided by achieving a division of crystal grains. The SmFe-based magnetostrictive material includes boron (B) as an additive component, which contributes to the fine division of crystal grains. The content of boron (B) is set in a range of B.ltoreq.0.01% by weight.