Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first abutting surface of a first article and a second abutting surface of a second article, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam.

Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first abutting surface of a first article and a second abutting surface of a second article, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam.

Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first and second surface includes a seam concealment body having a body surface, the body overlaying and attached to a first surface and a second surface, the body surface being substantially co-planar with a portion of the first and second surfaces, the seam concealment body configured to transition between a first shape and a second shape, wherein the transition permits movement of one or both of the first surface and the second surface such that the seam concealment body forms a hinge. The device also includes an active material in operative communication with the seam concealment body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the seam body from the first shape to the second shape.

Abstract: Active material actuator assemblies are provided that enable simplified control systems and faster actuator cycle times. A movable member is provided that has multiple active material components operatively connected to it. The active material components are separately selectively activatable for moving the movable member. Movement of the movable member via activation of a first of the active material components triggers activation of the second active material component to further move the movable member. Alternatively or in addition, previously activated active material components are protected from undesired stretching during activation of another active material component or, when desired, an active material component may be reset via activation of another of the active material components in order to prepare it for subsequent activation.

Abstract: A method of concealing a component is disclosed. The method includes positioning a member in operable communication with the component, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the component and the second form is configured to expose the component. The method also includes activating an active material in operative communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in a property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.

Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface includes a moveable body fixedly attached to a selected one of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the moveable body is configured to transition between a first position and a second position to conceal and expose the seam, and an active material in operative communication with the moveable body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the moveable body from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A concealment assembly includes a component, a member configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the component and the second form is configured to expose the component, thereby making the component accessible for use, appearance, or function, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.

Abstract: An active material actuator assembly is provided having first and second active material components operatively connected to a movable member. Movement of the movable member is modulated, which may be due to activation of the first and second active material components being at least partially temporally distinct or the active material components differing in at least one characteristic affecting movement.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes an active material in operative communication with a seat surface configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to change at least one feature of the seat surface.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method are provided that enable secure crimping of objects to one another even when the objects are subject to thermal or stress cycling. Specifically, an apparatus for crimping a work-piece includes a die pair with a first die that defines a first groove characterized by a first cross-sectional shape as well as a second die opposing the first die. The second die defines a second groove characterized by a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. When the dies are moved together for crimping the work-piece, the first and second grooves are aligned to define a die cavity with a compound cross-sectional shape for crimping the work-piece.

Abstract: A flow-regulating valve has at least one active material component that may be passively activated (e.g., in response to changes in surrounding temperature) to control fluid flow through the valve. Additionally, an actuator, which may be of any type, such as a solenoid or even another active material component, actuates due to active activation, such as resistive heating in response to a sensor/control signal, which could be due to external conditions (such as existence of high acceleration) or internal conditions (such as change in fluid temperature) to provide an active level of control of fluid flow through the valve. The flow-regulating valve may be used in an oil level control system of a transmission to ensure adequate oil availability during various operating conditions while minimizing the adverse effects such as spin and windage losses. Similar applications can be made in other fluid flow or fluid level control systems.

Abstract: A headrest assembly including active material drivenly coupled to a headrest component, such as for example, an interior frame member, bag, or gear device wherein the material is actuated upon receipt of an activation signal, and configured to morph, reposition, reduce the resistance of, change a modulus property of, or otherwise modify an engaging surface defined by the headrest when actuated, and autonomously restore the headrest upon the deactivation of the material.

Abstract: A concealment assembly includes a component, a member configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the component and the second form is configured to expose the component, thereby making the component accessible for use, appearance, or function, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.

Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first surface and the second surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam.

Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface includes a moveable body fixedly attached to a selected one of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the moveable body is configured to transition between a first position and a second position to conceal and expose the seam, and an active material in operative communication with the moveable body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the moveable body from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Active material actuated headrest assemblies and their methods of operation are described herein. The headrests include an active material incorporated in a frame member, a bag, gear device, or the like, wherein the active material actuates upon receipt of an activation signal.

Abstract: A headrest assembly including active material drivenly coupled to a headrest component, such as for example, an interior frame member, bag, or gear device ,wherein the material is actuated upon receipt of an activation signal, and configured to morph, reposition, reduce the resistance of, change a modulus property of, or otherwise modify an engaging surface defined by the headrest when actuated, and autonomously restore the headrest upon the deactivation of the material.

Abstract: A flow-regulating valve has at least one active material component that may be passively activated (e.g., in response to changes in surrounding temperature) to control fluid flow through the valve. Additionally, an actuator, which may be of any type, such as a solenoid or even another active material component, actuates due to active activation, such as resistive heating in response to a sensor/control signal, which could be due to external conditions (such as existence of high acceleration) or internal conditions (such as change in fluid temperature) to provide an active level of control of fluid flow through the valve. The flow-regulating valve may be used in an oil level control system of a transmission to ensure adequate oil availability during various operating conditions while minimizing the adverse effects such as spin and windage losses. Similar applications can be made in other fluid flow or fluid level control systems.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and method are provided that enable secure crimping of objects to one another even when the objects are subject to thermal or stress cycling. Specifically, an apparatus for crimping a work-piece includes a die pair with a first die that defines a first groove characterized by a first cross-sectional shape as well as a second die opposing the first die. The second die defines a second groove characterized by a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape. When the dies are moved together for crimping the work-piece, the first and second grooves are aligned to define a die cavity with a compound cross-sectional shape for crimping the work-piece.

Abstract: An active material actuator assembly is provided having first and second active material components operatively connected to a movable member. Movement of the movable member is modulated, which may be due to activation of the first and second active material components being at least partially temporally distinct or the active material components differing in at least one characteristic affecting movement.