Abstract: An energy-recovery device comprises an engine, an immersion chamber, a drive, and a power module. The engine comprises a core comprising a core element that comprises working material, the core element comprising a fixed first end and a second end that is connected to the drive. The immersion chamber houses the engine and is configured to be sequentially filled with fluid to expand and contract the core element. The power module applies a controlled stress to the core element during at least one of a heating phase and a cooling phase of a power cycle carried out by the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic muscle comprises a hollow carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn tube comprising: a plurality of CNT sheets twisted and wrapped in form of a hollow tube; and a binding agent infiltrated in the plurality of CNT sheets that binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together. A method of manufacturing a hydraulic muscle comprises: twisting and wrapping a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets around a core fiber; infiltrating a binding agent in between the plurality of CNT sheets, wherein the binding agent binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together; and removing the core fiber from the plurality of CNT sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proportional emulsion valve (1), configured to be used inside a fluid treatment machine, comprising a main body (2) in which an inlet duct (3) is defined, operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of a fluid treatment machine and configured to allow the entrance into said valve (1) of a fluid at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and an outlet duct (4) operatively connectable to the hydraulic circuit of the machine and configured for the expulsion of the fluid from the valve (1), the inlet duct (3) and said outlet duct (4) being in fluid communication one another, the valve (1) comprising a slider (7) selectively positionable in an opening position, in which it allows the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet duct (4), and being selectively positionable, against the pressure exerted by a fluid when it is contained in the inlet duct (3), in a closing position in which the fluid communication between the inlet duct (3) and the outlet du

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an elongated body that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, and one or more electroactive elements in at least one of the proximal portion or the distal portion of the elongated body. The one or more electroactive elements each include a contractive material configured contract in response to an application of an electrical signal to the respective electroactive element. The contraction of the electroactive elements is configured to change a dimension or a shape of the elongated body. The electroactive elements may be distributed around the elongated body at the distal portion of the elongated body, such as in different axial or radial positions. The electroactive elements may comprise a nickel titanium (NiTi) alloy having a Ni:Ti composition of about 50:50.

Abstract: An inflatable structure includes an inflatable membrane with an outer surface, and a skin with a textured space-filling Turing pattern disposed on the outer surface of the inflatable membrane. A variable stiffness filament is coupled to the inflatable structure and the variable stiffness filament has a first stiffness at a first temperature and a second stiffness different than the first stiffness at a second temperature different than the first temperature. An electrical energy source is included and in electrical communication with the variable stiffness filament, and the electrical energy source is configured to apply Joule heating to and increase a temperature of the variable stiffness filament from the first temperature to the second temperature such variable stiffness actively controls a stiffness of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid drive device including a main power source; an auxiliary power source; a main deformation part configured to be deformable in response to receiving a voltage from the main power source; and an auxiliary deformation part configured to connect to the main deformation part and to be deformable in response to receiving a voltage from the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: Cooling by a twist-untwist process, by a stretch-release process for twisted, coiled, or supercoiled yarns or fibers, and methods and systems thereof. High mechanocaloric cooling results from release of inserted twist or from stretch release for twisted, coiled, or supercoiled fibers, including natural rubber fibers, NiTi wires, and polyethylene fishing line. Twist utilization can increase cooling and cooling efficiencies. A cooler using twist insertion and release can be shorter and smaller in volume than a cooler that requires a large elastomeric elongation. The cooler system can be utilized in mechanochromic textiles and remotely readable tensile and torsional sensors.

Abstract: An optical element driving system is provided. The optical element driving system includes an optical element driving mechanism and a control assembly. The optical element driving mechanism includes a movable portion, a fixed portion, a driving assembly, and a position-sensing assembly. The movable portion is used for connecting to an optical element. The movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion is in an accommodating space in the fixed portion. The driving assembly is used for driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The control assembly provides a driving signal to the driving assembly to control the driving assembly. The position-sensing assembly is used for detecting the movement of the movable portion relation to the fixed portion and providing a motion-sensing signal to the control assembly.

Abstract: Locking device comprising: a support, a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being mounted on the support and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, an intermediate member movable between a retaining position and a release position, the intermediate member in the retaining position retaining the first locking member in the locked position, and a shape-memory member, the shape-memory member being connected to the intermediate member and configured to move the intermediate member to the release position when the shape-memory member is activated.

Abstract: A multi-stable actuator includes a first superelastic-shape memory alloy (SE-SMA) wire extending between a first fixed support and a movable element and a second SE-SMA wire extending between a second fixed support and the movable element. The first SE-SMA wire is in tension against the second SE-SMA wire and the second SE-SMA wire is in tension against the first SE-SMA wire. The multi-stable actuator also includes at least one heating device configured to heat the first SE-SMA wire independent of the second SE-SMA wire and to heat the second SE-SMA wire independent of the first SE-SMA wire such that the movable element moves between and to at least three fixed positions without use of a brake or clutch.

Abstract: Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber yarn or twist-inserted polymer fibers generate actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize polymer fibers non-coiled or coiled yarns and can be either neat or comprising a guest. Devices comprising these artificial muscles are also described. In some embodiments, thermally-powered polymer fiber torsional actuator has a twisted, chain-oriented polymer fiber that has a first degree of twist at a first temperature and a second degree of twist at a second temperature in which the bias angles of the first degree and second degree of twist are substantially different.

Abstract: A force transmission transmits forces received by three levers to an input gimbal plate having three support points. The input gimbal play may in turn transmit the force to a wrist assembly coupled to a surgical tool. The three axes of rotation for the three levers are parallel. Two of the levers may have half-cylinder surfaces at an end of the lever to receive a support point of the input gimbal plate. Two of the levers may be supported with one degree of rotational freedom orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the fulcrum. A spring may draw the second and third levers toward one another. Two levers may have stops that bear against the support points. The force transmission may include a parallelogram linkage that includes a rocker link pivotally coupled to the first lever and having a flat surface that supports the first gimbal support point.

Abstract: A device for thermally actuating a deformable mirror includes a monolithic block that includes a mirror plate having a front face forming or configured to support a mirror, a base, and a one-dimensional array of thermally expandable actuators. The thermally expandable actuators mechanically connect a rear face of the mirror plate to the base such that shape, tilt, and/or location of the front face depend on temperature of the thermally expandable actuators. The mirror plate, base, and thermally expandable actuators are defined by slits that span between opposite-facing top and bottom surfaces of the monolithic block. The monolithic block may be made of a metal and may be manufactured at relatively low cost by wire eroding the slits in a metal block, using a wire that passes through the metal block between its top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly for a cage for a field replaceable computing module includes a heat sink, a thermal interface material (TIM), and an actuation assembly. The heat sink includes a mating surface. The TIM includes a first surface that is coupled to the mating surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. Thus, the second surface can engage a heat transfer surface of a field replaceable computing module installed adjacent the heat sink. The actuation assembly includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) element. When the SMA element is in a first position, the second surface of the TIM contacts the heat transfer surface of the computing module. When the SMA element moves to a second position, the second surface of the TIM is moved a distance away from the heat transfer surface of the computing module.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to an actuator subassembly comprising a shape memory alloy wire (15), a biasing spring (16) and magnetic responsive elements (17, 17?) to couple the movement of a first movable element (13) and a second movable element (14) provided with a terminal (18), and in a second aspect to a fluidic valve comprising a plunger whose terminal part controls its opening and closing and where the plunger movement is controlled by the action of a shape memory alloy wire, a biasing element and magnetic responsive elements.

Abstract: The present application relates to a stepwise discrete actuator (10) with two shape memory alloy wires (15, 15?) used in an antagonistic configuration to drive a slider (13) that moves a toothed element (12) through tooth-engaging fingers (131, 132) that are spaced at rest by a distance F that is shorter than the distance T between adjacent teeth by an amount sufficient for a stationary finger lifter (14) to lift that of the slider fingers (131, 132) that does not engage the movable toothed element (12) such that it clears the teeth of the latter.

Abstract: A driving mechanism is provided. The driving mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a driving assembly. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is used for driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is driven by a control signal provided by a control assembly. The driving assembly includes shape memory alloy.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: Actuator assemblies comprising a core made up of a shape memory alloy wire and a coating containing a distribution of Phase Changing Material (PCM) particles with a given weight ratio between said particles and said shape memory alloy wire, and active cloths incorporating one or more of said actuator assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is inherent to an actuator subassembly comprising at least one bendable slender structure (12) mounted on a stationary body base (11) and carrying on a first surface an installation feature (17) and a plug (16) in its distal portion, the bending of the slender structure (12) being controlled by a shape memory alloy wire (13) through coupling means (15) located in its distal portion on a second surface opposite to the first surface. The invention also concerns a fluidic valve incorporating such an actuator subassembly.

Abstract: Provided is a driver assembly for driving a moving component. The driver assembly includes: a motor; a transmission portion; and an execution portion; and a shape memory alloy wire connecting the moving component with the execution portion. The moving component is slidably connected to the transmission portion and spaced apart from the execution portion. The motor can drive the transmission portion to lead the execution portion to move along a first direction, in such a manner that the moving component is driven by the shape memory alloy wire to move along the first direction. The shape memory alloy wire is configured to drive the moving component to move along the first direction relative to the execution portion under an external electrical signal. When being applied in the camera module, the driver assembly can drive the movable lens assembly to move along an optical axis, facilitating the zooming and autofocus.

Abstract: An optical assembly, a camera module having the optical assembly, and a smart device having the camera module.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators and thermal management systems including the same. An SMA actuator includes an SMA lifting tube and a process fluid conduit configured to convey a process fluid through the SMA lifting tube. The SMA actuator assumes a conformation that is based on the temperature of the process fluid. The SMA lifting tube includes a first end and a second end configured to translate relative to the first end at least partially along a lateral direction. A thermal management system is configured to regulate a temperature of a process fluid. The thermal management system includes a heat exchanger that at least partially defines a heat transfer region, a process fluid conduit configured to convey the process fluid through the heat transfer region, and an actuator assembly including the SMA actuator. The actuator assembly is configured to selectively position the heat exchanger within a thermal management fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charge air cooler (5) for fuel engine comprising: a casing having an inlet (16) and an outlet (20), a heat exchanger (10) within the casing between the inlet (16) and the outlet (20), a thermally responsive draining mechanism (50, 60) for draining condensates, the draining mechanism (50, 60) being configured to drain condensates when temperature within the charge air cooler (5) is below a defined temperature, draining mechanism comprising a drain port (58, 68), a valve (51, 61, 52, 62, 53, 63) arranged on the drain port (58, 68), an actuation device (53, 63, 64) for moving the valve between an opened state and a closed state, wherein the actuation device includes a phase change material.

Abstract: A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes predicting, via a predictive analytical model, a time interval associated with a future key-on event for a vehicle. The predictive analytical model is based at least in part on key-on event data. The method includes generating, based at least in part on the predicted time interval, a power mode instruction configured to cause a vehicle Telematics Control Unit (TCU) or Phone as a Key (PaaK) system to change a TCU state from a low energy state to a higher energy state, and transmitting, based on the predicted time interval, the power mode instruction to the vehicle TCU.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to improving an actuator for a support system of a seat. In one embodiment, an actuator includes a body that is bi-stable with a coiled state and an uncoiled state. The actuator also includes a strip, coupled to the body, that coils the body according to heat caused by a power source. The actuator also includes a wire coupled to a side of the body opposite from the strip and the wire uncoils the body in response to heating caused by the power source.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide an actuator that comprises segments of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wire that can be used to deliver a relatively large output stroke. In particular, two segments of SMA actuator wire may be mechanically coupled together around a corner of a static component of the actuator such that a displacement (e.g. contraction) of one segment causes a displacement (e.g. contraction) of the other segment. In this way, the displacement of each segment combines in an additive manner to generate a large output stroke that is able to move a moveable component of the actuator.

Abstract: An actuator includes a strand of shape memory material having a length that is variable between a first length corresponding to an undeformed state and a second length corresponding to a state of lengthwise deformation. The strand is arranged to return to the undeformed state when it is heated to a predetermined temperature. The strand includes a fixed end and a mobile end arranged to move between a first and a second position when the variable length of the SMM strand changes. The actuator further includes a heating wire coiled around the strand for heating the strand, the coiled heating wire forming a circular helix, the uniform slope of which is selected so as to avoid any substantial change of the arc length of the circular helix caused by the strand changing its length.

Abstract: An integrated functional multilayer structure includes a flexible, 3D-formable substrate film having a first surface facing towards an environment of the structure and a user therein, and an opposite second surface facing towards the internals of the structure, wherein the first and second surfaces and remaining material of the substrate film in between locally define a three-dimensional protrusion extending from a plane of surrounding substrate film material and formed from locally stretched and shaped material of the substrate film, side walls perceptible by touch; circuitry provided upon the substrate film includes a number of conductive traces, electrodes and/or components to detect touch on two or more of the plurality of side walls and at least one fill layer upon the substrate film to at least partially embed the circuitry.

Abstract: Described are several embodiments of parabolic reflective antenna systems where a flexible primary reflector is supported by radial ribs of shape memory material deployed by application of heat. Several feeds made with shape memory materials working with the reflector are presented. Feed preforms include corrugated, telescopic and flattened ribbon types which extend or unfurl into final shapes upon application of heat. Several antenna and feed embodiments also contain supports for secondary reflectors and patch antennas.

Abstract: Microgrippers adapted to capture, manipulate, and contain single cells in both in vitro and in vivo cell applications are disclosed. The energy required to actuate these microgrippers is derived from the release of residual stress and does not require any wires, tethers, or batteries. Because the microgrippers are made from biocompatible and biosorbable materials, they do not accumulate in tissue. Accordingly, they can be used for in vivo applications, such as for gripping single cells in tissue biopsies.

Abstract: A method for producing heat transfer between two or more media and a device or system for carry out said method, usable for air conditioning a space, or any use that requires heat transfer between two or more media to be used for domestic, commercial or industrial use.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of structural vibration control, and provides a composite axial energy consumption device based on piezoelectricity and shape memory alloy, comprising a screw, steel pipes, stiffening ribs, steel sheets, bolt-nuts, piezoceramics, screw caps and SMA wire bundles. The mechanical energy of the structure under pressure is converted into the electric energy of the piezoceramics and then the electric energy is converted into heat energy, so that energy consumption efficiency is high and mechanical performance is good. The SMA wire bundles have large tensile bearing capacity, shape memory effect and good corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. The number of the segments and the specifications of the piezoceramics and the SMA wire bundles can be adjusted according to the actual needs, so that the structure can be adjusted according to the size of an axial force and specific stress conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a thermostatic valve including a first valve body, a second valve body, a third valve body, a first thermal actuator, a second thermal actuator, a valve core, a first valve port, a second valve port and a third valve port. The first valve body includes a second cavity and a third cavity. The second thermal actuator is sealedly fixed in the first valve body to isolate the second cavity from the third cavity. At least a part of the valve core is located in the second cavity. The valve core is connected to, or is integrated with, or abuts against a second valve stem of the second thermal actuator. The second thermal actuator is configured to act in response to a change in temperature of a fluid in the third cavity. The valve core is configured to open the second valve port or the third valve port in response to an action of the second valve stem.

Abstract: An actuator device comprises a stack formed from a plurality of photoresponsive layers, which deform in response to light, which are partitioned by respective deformable non-photoresponsive layers. The deformable non-photoresponsive layers guide light between and to the photoresponsive layers, and can follow the deformation of the photoresponsive layers.

Abstract: A thermal actuator has a bellows construction with a heat-transfer fluid (e.g. oil) located outside the bellows and a thermal expansion material (e.g. wax) located inside the interior volume of the bellows.

Abstract: An actuator and method of manufacturing an actuator that includes a core fiber with polymers aligned along the length of the core fiber, and a wire that is wound around and fixed to the core fiber. The winding of the wire is engineered based on the torsional actuation. Upon heating the core fiber, the wire impedes radial expansion of the core fiber and converts the radial expansion into a torsional actuation.

Abstract: An apparatus having an optical structure and ridges is described, wherein adhesive is arranged between the ridges and the optical structure, wherein the adhesive is effective to effect, after its annealing, a predetermined orientation of the optical structure in relation to a reference plane.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: The application discloses an energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine core comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to the drive mechanism. A block mechanism is positioned between the engine core and the drive mechanism to restrict movement of the drive mechanism until the elements reach a desired temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery method and system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a change in temperature, and a fluid provides a temperature change to activate the first core, to generate a power stroke; and a back load is applied to the SMA core with a force higher than a maximum relaxation force of the SMA core. The advantage of the invention is to be able to allow a multistage variable loading regime on an SMA engine to increase the system efficiency. The invention provides a method of transferring large reciprocating forces into a steady rotary motion.

Abstract: A scalable plurality of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements are configured to provide a continuous rotation actuator system. The plurality of SMA elements are coupled to a Ring Gear element, as well as to a Sun Gear element and a provision for thermal cycle return assist of the SMA elements. A plurality of Transmission elements provide for controlled rotary actuation in a desired direction with lock capability that provides for continuous rotary motion even as the SMA elements undergo reciprocating rotary action during their thermal cycling without running into system component rotation limits. The innovation distinguishes over other innovative approaches by way of at least the Ring Gear element, the manner of lock control, and the return assist element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a solution from a solid product in contact with a liquid is provided. A solid product is housed within a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into contact with the solid product. The solution formed between the solid product and the liquid is collected, and a makeup liquid can be added thereto to further dilute or control the concentration of the formed solution. The amount of makeup liquid added to the solution can be controlled based on the temperature of the liquid to provide an automatic, continuously variable amount of liquid added to the solution. In addition, a method of providing a pressure independent control of the makeup liquid is also provided.

Abstract: A lens drive device includes a lens holder capable of holding at least one lens and a frame arranged around the holder and holding the holder relatively movable along a light axis of the lens. At least three stopper convex portions protruding toward the frame are formed on an outer circumference of the holder. Stopper concave portions housing each of the stopper convex portions are formed on the frame correspondingly to the stopper convex portions. A convex intersection corner between the first convex end surface and the convex side surface has a chamfering portion or an R curved surface portion to avoid touching a concave intersection corner between the concave bottom surface and the concave side surface.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus for building an object is provided. The apparatus includes a build chamber having at least one chamber wall, a powder delivery mechanism, and a build platform. The build chamber and build platform defines while in operation a powder bed. At least one surface of the build chamber or build platform is moveable in a manner that is capable of adjusting forces on the object in the powder bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve drive unit that has first and second SMA wires that can be alternatively activated. The valve drive unit further includes a pivoting member pivotably arranged around a pivoting member axis, the pivoting member including a valve driver arranged at a distance from the pivoting member axis. The first and second SMA wires are coupled to the pivoting member such that an activation of the first SMA wire causes the pivoting member to pivot into a first direction and an activation of the second SMA wire causes the pivoting member to pivot into a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The valve driver is configured to releasably engage a valve driver coupler of a valve unit, such that, in the engaged state, a pivoting of the pivoting member is transmitted to the valve driver coupler via the valve driver.

Abstract: An actuating device and a method for manufacturing an actuating device, where the method includes wrapping a conductive wire (204) around a polymer fiber (202) at a set tension, and heating the polymer fiber and wire to a temperature that exceeds the glass transition temperature of the polymer fiber for a predetermined amount of time to partially embed the conductive wire into the polymer fiber. The method also includes cooling the polymer fiber and wire to below the glass transition temperature resulting in a wired polymer fiber wherein at least part of the conductive wire is embedded in the polymer fiber.

Abstract: This assembly comprises a cup containing a thermally-expandable material, a piston designed to move in translation along an axis (X-X) under the action of the thermally-expandable material, a guide (40) for guiding the piston and intended to be fixed to the cup, and a buffer (60) made of an elastomer material and designed to be interposed between the thermally-expandable material and the piston. The guide is provided with a bore (41) that is intended to be centered on the axis and comprises a first bore portion (41.2) having a constant cross-section, a second bore portion (41.1) provided to receive the piston and having a cross-section that is both constant and smaller than that of the first bore portion, and a third bore portion (41.3) that continuously connects the first and second bore portions.