Abstract: A flat motor. The flat motor comprises a substrate, a cantilevered, resilient lever arm mounted, by a passive end, on the substrate; and a shape-memory transducer acting on the lever arm wherein movement of the transducer deflects the lever arm.

Abstract: A heater mechanism incorporating a thermoelectric converter for use with a self-powered, solid, liquid or gaseous fueled, heater. During operation of the heater mechanism the thermoelectric converter supplies sufficient electrical power to (a) sustain the heater in operation, (b) maintain the starter battery at full charge, and (c) provide auxiliary power to remove and transport heat to desired locations away from the heater. The converter is a highly compact design (high power output per unit volume of space) and lends itself to high volume (mass production) and automated assembly techniques to produce it inexpensively. The thermoelectric converter is made of fewer components than prior art devices. A number of components in the thermoelectric stack serve dual or even multi-functions. The thermoelectric stack components are bonded or mounted together in such a manner as to permit handling as a unit.

Abstract: A micromanipulator suited for use in vacuum and microscopic systems is prded for moving objects permitting variable step spans up to approximately 100 .mu.m while having high precision of movement and a high degree of miniaturization. The micromanipulator is equipped with bimaterial tongues which can be positioned with the aid of heating and sensor elements. The object carrier is moved by suitable coordination of the tongue movements. The micromanipulator permits any desired movements in a plane and rotary and tilting movements of the object carrier.

Abstract: A linear motion actuator which has a body; a member which is movable in a linear direction with respect to the body; an extended member made of shape memory alloy material, extended in a direction transverse to that linear direction so as to intersect it, supported at its ends by the body, and substantially coupled at its intermediate portion to the movable member at least with regard to mutual movement therebetween in that linear direction; and an element for biasing the movable member and the intermediate portion of the extended shape memory alloy member in that linear direction, so as to apply an elongation deformation to the extended shape memory alloy member. This linear motion actuator is inexpensive, compact, and light, and can be operated with a low voltage electrical supply, without being made bulky. Also, this linear motion actuator has an appropriate stroke to force relationship, and can be arranged to have a considerably large stroke.

Abstract: A d.c. motor comprises a cylindrical yoke, at least one set of field magnets of permanent magnets fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the yoke, an armature wound with armature windings so as to be surrounded by the field magnets, a commutator firmly mounted on a rotary shaft of the armature, a set of brushes being in slide-contact with the commutator, and a displacing means for shifting the position at which the brushes are made in slide-contact with the commutator in the counter direction of the rotation of the armature depending on rise in temperature of the d.c. motor.

Abstract: A thermal linear actuator assembly comprises, a plurality of primary linear expansion members, a plurality of secondary linear expansion members having a substantially different coefficient of expansion to that of the primary members, the primary and secondary members being alternately arranged in a side-by-side array and serially connected at opposite ends thereof, the array including first and last members each having a free end for attachment to opposite actuator attachment points whereby the thermal linear motion of the free ends in use is proportional to the total summed length of all members of the array.

Abstract: A resistance thermal unit for a thermal electric energy demand meter responsive to a variable electric quantity characterized by a dielectric housing having a pair of opposed chambers for accommodating a pair of thermal responsive bimetallic spiral springs wound on a common shaft, the springs being effective when heated to rotate the shaft in opposite directions, heating means including a heating element for each spring which element includes a flattened heat resistant dielectric core and an electric-resistant wire spirally wound on the core which wire is connected to spaced load terminals, and the assembly being disposed in a clearance space around each corresponding spring.