Abstract: Switch assemblies and a switching method are disclosed. In some embodiments, a switch assembly may include a first contact element, and a second contact element operable with the first contact element. The first and second contact elements form an open circuit in a first configuration and form a closed circuit in a second configuration. At least one of the first contact element and the second contact element includes a magnetostrictive material. During operation, a magnetic field from a magnet causes the magnetostrictive material to deform or change shape/dimensions, thus causing the first and second contact elements to open or close. In some embodiments, the switch assembly is a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator (1) with an armature (3) mounted so that the armature can be moved by virtue of a bearing arrangement (6A, 6B) and an electric coil (4) is provided for moving the armature (3). A magnetostrictive element (8) is provided, by which relative movement between the armature (3) and at least part of the bearing arrangement (6A, 6B) is produced.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic membrane based actuation system comprising magnetic nanoparticles loaded into a polymeric material such as polyurethane and adapted to actuation of to and fro pumping motions of the membrane under application of magnetic field on the magnetic nanoparticles loaded membrane. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the said nanoparticles-loaded polyurethane magnetic membrane based actuation system adapted to function as displacement membrane for various activities requiring such to and fro motion. The magnetic membrane actuation is adapted to be controlled using electronic equipments to regulate the rate, force and frequency of displacement pulses.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for enabling pressure or acoustic waves to induce magnetostrictive volume or shape change, providing greater control over magnetopropants. A coating material and the spacing between a magnetopropant and a magnetic particle are selected such that a certain pressure causes change in the relative distance of magnetopropant and magnetic particle, thereby changing the amount of magnetostriction. The coating material, magnetopropant, and magnetic particle are assembled to form a pressure sensitive magnetopropant. Given this structure, changes in pressure will cause a fluctuation of the amount of magnetostriction. In a pore space environment, this causes a change in pore space with resulting change in permeability and, hence, changes in fluid flow.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for enabling pressure or acoustic waves to induce magnetostrictive volume or shape change, providing greater control over magnetopropants. A coating material and the spacing between a magnetopropant and a magnetic particle are selected such that a certain pressure causes change in the relative distance of magnetopropant and magnetic particle, thereby changing the amount of magnetostriction. The coating material, magnetopropant, and magnetic particle are assembled to form a pressure sensitive magnetopropant. Given this structure, changes in pressure will cause a fluctuation of the amount of magnetostriction. In a pore space environment, this causes a change in pore space with resulting change in permeability and, hence, changes in fluid flow.

Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature rise of a magnetic material is provided. The method includes applying force to the magnetic material to reduce a dimensional change of the magnetic material during a first part of an operation cycle, such as due to magnetostriction. The force is removed from the magnetic material during a second part of an operation cycle, allowing magnetostrictive dimensional changes to occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and corresponding method for ultrafast controlling of the magnetization of a magnetic element. A device (100) includes a surface acoustic wave generating means (102), a transport layer (104), which is typically functionally and partially structurally comprised in said SAW generating means (102), and at least one ferromagnetic element (106). A surface acoustic wave is generated and propagates in a transport layer (104) which typically consists of a piezo-electric material. Thus, strain is induced in the transport layer (104) and in the ferromagnetic element (106) in contact with this transport layer (104). Due to magneto elastic coupling this generates an effective magnetic field in the ferromagnetic element (106). If the surface acoustic wave has a frequency substantially close to the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency ?FMR the ferromagnetic element (106) is absorbed well and the magnetization state of the element can be controlled with this FMR frequency.

Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature rise of a magnetic material is provided. The method includes applying force to the magnetic material to reduce a dimensional change of the magnetic material during a first part of an operation cycle, such as due to magnetostriction. The force is removed from the magnetic material during a second part of an operation cycle, allowing magnetostrictive dimensional changes to occur.

Abstract: The disclosure proposes an electrical switching device having at least one contact point having at least one drive, which opens the contact point directly and/or via a switching mechanism with a latching point and which drive has an element having a predetermined shape, which element consists of a shape memory alloy, which changes its shape under the influence of an electromagnetic field and, in the process, opens or closes a contact point or double contact point or unlatches a switching mechanism.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive clamping device which includes first and second arm members having respective first and second end portions. The first and second arm members are interconnected to permit relative movement between the first and second end portions between a first position in which the first and second end portions are spaced apart and a second position in which the first and second end portions are spaced closer together. An actuator is included for causing relative movement between the first and second arm members from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a drive element made from a magnetostrictive material. An electromagnetic field extends through at least a portion of the drive element. The drive element is changeable between a first shape when in the absence of the electromagnetic field and a second shape when in the presence of the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A kinesthetic feedback apparatus and method whereby braking forces are imposed on a hand-movable lever. The lever is either a joystick or a uniplanar lever, and the braking forces are imposed by a friction plate being pressed against a portion of the lever by a length of magnetostrictive material. An electromagnetic coil around the magnetostrictive material receives a signal from a remote apparatus driven by movement of the lever. The magnitude of the signal is a function of the resistive forces encountered by the remote apparatus so that the braking forces are directly proportional to the resistive forces thereby providing kinesthetic feedback to the person operating the lever.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for restraining the movement of members due to magnetic fields in which a clamp made of magnetostrictive materials is used.

Abstract: Improved magnetostrictive materials are combined in a novel arrangement to provide a transducer of the electromechanical type particularly suited for the precise control of fluid flow. An embodiment according to this invention comprises a valve assembly having a discharge ported, cylindrical housing of a material exhibiting positive magnetostriction, a plunger of a material exhibiting negative magnetostriction disposed within the housing, the plunger provided with a tapered nose initially in close fitment within the discharge port to restrain the flow of fluids, and means to create a magnetic field around the assembly. As the materials are exposed to the magnetic field the housing expands relative to the contracting plunger, causing the plunger to separate from close, seated fitment within the discharge port, thereby allowing flow through the port. One of the materials may be selected from a non-magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: A threshold magnetic switch is described, with adjustable threshold level for varying applications, or for purposes of matching sensitivities of several switches in utilizing apparatus.

Abstract: Devices relying on the Inverse Wiedman Effect. Devices include a current conductive, magnetically anisotropic rod, through which an AC current flows. Wound about the rod is a conductive coil having output terminals. By varying the AC current, the anisotropy, or both, variations in the output across coil terminals can be obtained. Devices may be for current sensing, pressure sensing, fluid flow sensing or an electric push button.

Abstract: Electromechanical transducer comprising a helically wound, magnetostrictive rod that is circularly magnetized. Surrounding said rod is a conductive coil.

Abstract: The invention concerns an overcurrent protection device which comprises contacts adapted to operate in dependence on the current. The set of contacts are arranged in a vacuum vessel, with one of the contacts guided movably via an actuator rod through an end wall of the vessel, while the other is secured to the opposite end. The moving rod cooperates with a latching device, which holds the contact in the open position. The latching device is designed so that it can be released when desired. If an overcurrent occurs, the contacts are separated by electrodynamic forces and are secured in the separated position by the latching device. After release of the latching device, the overcurrent protection device is again ready for use.