Abstract: A mechanical actuator is disclosed. The mechanical actuator can comprise an interface portion configured to interface with an object, a spring configured to exert a force on the interface portion, and a shape memory member coupled to the interface portion. The shape memory member can be configured to fracture at a predetermined temperature range. Upon fracture of the shape memory member, the force of the spring can cause the interface portion to act on the object.

Abstract: A control system for a missile includes a plurality of control surfaces that can be arrayed across a surface of the missile body, and a controller connected to the control surfaces to selectively move the control surfaces between an aerodynamic stowed position where the control surfaces conform to the surface of the body, and a deployed control position removed from the aerodynamic stowed position where the control surfaces extend from the surface of the body to interact with airflow over the body. The control surfaces are made of a material that includes a shape-memory alloy. Heating the control surfaces causes the shape-memory alloy to move the control surfaces from the aerodynamic stowed position to the deployed control position. By selectively extending and retracting the control surfaces, the control system provides the ability to control the missile's direction of travel or to reduce roll about a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A system includes a structure having a first structural element and a second structural element. The system also includes a latch configured to releasably secure the first structural element to the second structural element. The latch includes first and second portions. The latch also includes a ball lock configured to hold the first and second portions of the latch together when the ball lock is engaged. The ball lock is also configured to allow the first and second portions of the latch to separate when the ball lock is disengaged. The latch further includes a shape memory material member configured to fracture when exposed to an elevated temperature and thereby disengage the ball lock. The shape memory material member could include an elongated structure that is configured to decrease in length when exposed to the elevated temperature. The elongated structure could have at least one notch.

Abstract: A robotic finger includes a shape-memory alloy and a shape-memory polymer connected to and adjacent to the shape-memory alloy. Heating the shape-memory polymer causes it to soften, heating the shape-memory alloy causes the alloy to bend in the direction of the shape-memory polymer to press the shape-memory polymer against an object to be grasped, and cooling the shape-memory polymer causes it to stiffen and to retain its shape. An opposing member is positioned to cooperate with the finger to grasp an object positioned between the finger and the opposing member. A selectively controllable heat source is capable of applying heat to the finger.

Abstract: A robotic finger includes a shape-memory alloy and a shape-memory polymer connected to and adjacent to the shape-memory alloy. Heating the shape-memory polymer causes it to soften, heating the shape-memory alloy causes the alloy to bend in the direction of the shape-memory polymer to press the shape-memory polymer against an object to be grasped, and cooling the shape-memory polymer causes it to stiffen and to retain its shape. An opposing member is positioned to cooperate with the finger to grasp an object positioned between the finger and the opposing member. A selectively controllable heat source is capable of applying heat to the finger.

Abstract: A shape memory stored energy assembly includes a projectile housing having a projectile lumen. A projectile is within the projectile lumen and the projectile is movable relative to the projectile housing. A shape memory actuator is coupled between the projectile anchored end and the projectile housing. The shape memory actuator is configured to transition from a strained energy stored configuration to a fractured kinetic delivery configuration at a specified temperature range to propel the projectile through the projectile lumen. A method includes storing energy in a shape memory actuator coupled with a projectile. The stored energy in the shape memory actuator is released and propels the projectile. Releasing the stored energy includes heating the shape memory actuator, tensioning the shape memory actuator, and fracturing the tensioned shape memory actuator at a fracture locus to propel the projectile away from the fracture locus.

Abstract: Embodiments of separating apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In one embodiment, a thermal sensor assembly includes a shape memory substrate anchored within an isolation housing and braced between first and second anchors. The shape memory substrate is configured to transition from the strained configuration to the fractured configuration at a specified temperature range, and the first substrate end fractures from the second substrate end at the specified temperature. In another embodiment, a fracture indicator is coupled with the shape memory substrate, and the fracture indicator is configured to indicate the fractured configuration corresponding to meeting or exceeding of the specified temperature. In one example, the specified temperature range includes a range of temperatures or a single temperature.

Abstract: A release mechanism passively releases a mechanically coupling as a result of a temperature rise. The release mechanism includes a breakable element, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, that is configured to break when the element is heated to a predetermined temperature. The breakage of the breakable element releases a mechanical coupling, such as a coupling holding a lid onto a container. The release mechanism may be part of a handle or other device to close the container. The release mechanism may have a mechanical load on it prior to release, a load that in part passes through the breakable element. Most of the load may pass through one or more other members of the release mechanism, providing the force for separation after the release mechanism is triggered. The release mechanism may be used to provide a passive way of releasing a mechanical coupling in response to heating.

Abstract: Embodiments of separating apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In an embodiment, a separating apparatus is provided that comprises a pre-strained member formed from a shape memory alloy that is configured to separate upon application of heat.

Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.

Abstract: A nose cone formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a recoverable strain of at least 2% collapses about the dome for storage, deploys at launch to protect the sensor dome and reduce drag during atmospheric flight and is shed to allow sensing for terminal maneuvers. The SMA is shape-set at elevated temperatures in its Austenite phase with a memorized shape having a radius of curvature greater than that of the sensor dome to reduce aerodynamic drag. The temperature is reduced and the SMA collapsed to conform to the curvature of the sensor dome within the recoverable strain for storage. A first mechanism is configured to return the collapsed SMA to its memorized shape at launch or prior to going supersonic. In one embodiment, the SMA is stored below its Martensite finish temperature in a temperature-induced Martensite phase in which case the mechanism heats the SMA above the Austenite finish temperature to return the material to its memorized shape.

Abstract: A shape memory circuit breaker includes a shape memory substrate having first and second opposed substrate ends. The shape memory substrate is configured to transition from a strained conductive configuration to a fractured non-conductive configuration. An isolation housing is coupled with the shape memory substrate. The isolation housing includes first and second anchors coupled near the first and second substrate ends. A brace extends between the first and second anchors, and the brace statically positions the first and second anchors and the respective first and second substrate ends. The shape memory substrate is configured to transition from the strained conductive configuration to the fractured non-conductive configuration at or above a specified temperature range corresponding to a specified overload current range or voltage range, and the first substrate end fractures from the second substrate end at or above the specified temperature range resulting in an open circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of separating apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In one embodiment, a thermal sensor assembly includes a shape memory substrate anchored within an isolation housing and braced between first and second anchors. The shape memory substrate is configured to transition from the strained configuration to the fractured configuration at a specified temperature range, and the first substrate end fractures from the second substrate end at the specified temperature. In another embodiment, a fracture indicator is coupled with the shape memory substrate, and the fracture indicator is configured to indicate the fractured configuration corresponding to meeting or exceeding of the specified temperature. In one example, the specified temperature range includes a range of temperatures or a single temperature.

Abstract: A shape memory stored energy assembly includes a projectile housing having a projectile lumen. A projectile is within the projectile lumen and the projectile is movable relative to the projectile housing. A shape memory actuator is coupled between the projectile anchored end and the projectile housing. The shape memory actuator is configured to transition from a strained energy stored configuration to a fractured kinetic delivery configuration at a specified temperature range to propel the projectile through the projectile lumen. A method includes storing energy in a shape memory actuator coupled with a projectile. The stored energy in the shape memory actuator is released and propels the projectile. Releasing the stored energy includes heating the shape memory actuator, tensioning the shape memory actuator, and fracturing the tensioned shape memory actuator at a fracture locus to propel the projectile away from the fracture locus.

Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.

Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.

Abstract: Embodiments of separating apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In an embodiment, a separating apparatus is provided that comprises a pre-strained member formed from a shape memory alloy that is configured to separate upon application of heat.

Abstract: A nose cone formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a recoverable strain of at least 2% collapses about the dome for storage, deploys at launch to protect the sensor dome and reduce drag during atmospheric flight and is shed to allow sensing for terminal maneuvers. The SMA is shape-set at elevated temperatures in its Austenite phase with a memorized shape having a radius of curvature greater than that of the sensor dome to reduce aerodynamic drag. The temperature is reduced and the SMA collapsed to conform to the curvature of the sensor dome within the recoverable strain for storage. A first mechanism is configured to return the collapsed SMA to its memorized shape at launch or prior to going supersonic. In one embodiment, the SMA is stored below its Martensite finish temperature in a temperature-induced Martensite phase in which case the mechanism heats the SMA above the Austenite finish temperature to return the material to its memorized shape.

Abstract: A spring including a wire having an elasticity by which the wire is compressible by an external force to a first position at which first and second ends thereof of are separated by a first distance and when the force is removed or an electrical current applied, the wire is extensible in response to an internal spring force to a second position at which the wire is substantially straight. A spring assembly is disclosed including a plurality of inventive wires cross-coupled with a support structure consisting of a plurality of coaxial rings. In the assembly, the wires extend parallel to an axis through a center of the rings.