Abstract: A micromechanical actuator having the ability to move in two directions. The actuator can be manufactured in planar arrays using semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The planar array of actuators can be used as a microcillia array.The actuators are formed from two layers of electrically resistive material which are used to heat a non-conductive material which has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The pattern of resistive material in the two layers is arranged such that the actuator can be bent in two directions, both in the plane of the actuator and normal to the plane of the actuator.

Abstract: A mesh of quantum wires is utilized in a non-conductive material to improve its conductivity. The non-conductive material can be highly expansive interposed in the mesh. The expansive material is ideally polytetrafluoroethylene which has a high coefficient of thermal expansion and the wires can comprise carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The centrifuge (1) described has at least one device (11,12) designed to control the operation of the centrifuge, the devices being mounted to rotate with the rotating part of the centrifuge and to be operated by a mechanical actuator (13) also rotating with it. Such devices may, for instance, be drain valves, periodically opening discharge valves, sill height adjustment devices, pressure-control devices, temperature-control devices, etc. At least one part of the devices of this centrifuge to be controlled independently of the centrifugal force is designed so that the rotating actuator (13) changes its shape as a function of the temperature and has at least one temperature-specific shape.

Abstract: A microactuator preferably in the form of a microminiature valve for controlling the flow of a fluid carried by a flow channel includes a first substrate having a thermally-actuated member selectively operated by a thermal actuator such that the first substrate thereby develops thermal energy, and a second substrate having opposed first and second major surfaces. The second substrate is attached to the first substrate at the first major surface. The second major surface defines an isolation cell for enclosing a volume when the second substrate is attached to the support to thereby reduce the thermal mass of the microactuator and to thermally isolate the first substrate from the support.

Abstract: A plurality of inflation devices are linked to one another to form a loop that is movably restrained so that a segment of the loop is disposed at a lower reference location at the given depth in a first body of water, another segment of the loop is disposed at an upper reference location situated above the lower reference location, another segment of the loop extends along a first path that extends generally upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location, and another segment of the loop extends along a second path that extends generally parallel to the first path and upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location. At least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the first path are inflated with gas and at least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the second path are deflated so that inflation devices in the first path move upward and inflation devices in the second path move downward.

Abstract: A valve construction and method of assembling the same are provided, the valve construction having a deflector unit for directing fluid flow from the inlet of the housing means of the valve construction away from an operating part of a bimetallic lever means of the valve construction that controls a valve seat means thereof, the deflector unit having a part engaging one of a top and bottom edge of a screen at the inlet of the housing means so as to hold another part of the deflector unit in a cantilevered manner in the internal chamber of the housing.

Abstract: A micro-actuator includes force elements and compensation elements arranged on a bending element such that a change in the environmental temperature does not cause any flexing of the bending element.

Abstract: An electrically operated thermally responsive valve having a bimetal operator arm heated by an electrical resistance heater for deflection to move a resilient poppet between an open and closed position on a valve seat for controlling flow to the valve outlet port. The base or active portion of the bimetal arm is formed of a first bimetal material with linear deflection properties up to 700.degree. F. for valve operation. The outboard end or compensator portion of the bimetal arm is formed of a second bimetal material having linear deflection properties up to 300.degree. F. for ambient compensation, but very low deflection properties at valve heater temperatures in the range 300.degree. F.-700.degree. F. for minimizing overcompensation from heating of the outboard portion due to heat transfer from the active portion.

Abstract: A microactuator of a silicon substrate having a frame with a central circular flexible diaphragm suspended from the substrate by a hinge. The hinge is a layer of silicon dioxide of uniform thickness which is formed by etching a groove in the silicon substrate and then conformally forming a silicon dioxide layer of uniform thickness in the groove. The substrate backside is then etched to the desired diaphragm thickness, exposing the bottom portion of the silicon dioxide layer which thereby becomes the hinge. Further a split hinge structure includes two such hinges which are parallel in part and so overlap in length, with a silicon bridge portion of the diaphragm lying therebetween. The electrical traces which extend from the frame to the central portion of the diaphragm are deposited on the silicon bridge, minimizing the mechanical stress on the traces due to hinge flexing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micromechanical manipulator composed of substrate 1, heating lements and a manipulator arm 2 which is based on the principle of the bimaterial effect. Prior art bimaterial manipulators execute movements perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. However, it is often desirable to have a manipulator which executes movements in the surface of the substrate. The invented manipulator is based on the substrate surface counteracting steering of the manipulator arm with mechanical resistance, which leads to bulging and shortening of the effective length of the arm and thereby to movement in the surface of the substrate. The invented manipulator arm is suited as a drive means for elements, such as toothed disks or joints, which are movably disposed in the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An actuator is comprised of a plurality of three-dimensionally arranged containers each of which is constructed into deformable configuration and each of which is set to accommodate therein an amount of expandable fluid in response to the increase of the temperature, a heat supply device for supplying the heat to the fluid in each of the containers, a cooling device for cooling the fluid in each of the containers and a control device for controlling the heat supply device and the cooling device.

Abstract: A semiconductor microactuator has a silicon semiconductor substrate having suspension means connected thereto. The suspension means has a first layer of material having a first thermal expansion coefficient and a second layer of material having a second thermal expansion different than the first thermal expansion coefficient and may be a part of a diaphragm or a pair of connecting members. A movable element, which may be a second part of the diaphragm or a boss, is connected to the suspension to be displaced thereby as the temperature of the first and second layers of material is varied. The displacement is solely irrotational with respect to the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The multi-way valve comprises two valve seats (12, 14) formed in the valve chamber whose seat surfaces are parallel. Two closing bodies (22, 24) cooperating with one of these valve seats (12, 14) respectively are attached to both ends of an elongated actuating member (20). To this actuating member (20) there is attached the one end of an elastic lamella (18) whose other end (18A) is braced at the valve chamber (10). The actuating member (20) may swivel rocker-like around a swivel axis (28) which is not fixed in space. Although no direct guide for the actuating member (20) is provided, a precise guiding largely free from tolerances is guaranteed so that the drive power required is low.

Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing provided with a chamber therein and with an inlet leading to the chamber and outlet leading from the chamber, a valve seat carried by the housing and leading to the outlet, a movable bimetallic lever carried by the housing and having an operating bimetallic part, a heater wire disposed in coiled relation about the operating part to heat the same when an electrical current flows through the heater wire, and a valve member carried by the bimetallic lever for opening and closing the valve seat under the control of the operating part of the bimetallic lever, the operating part of the bimetallic lever having a fastening unit operatively interconnected to the heater wire to tend to hold the heater wire in the coiled relation on the operating part of the bimetallic lever, the heater wire comprising a length of the wire doubled upon itself to define a looped end and pair of free ends adjacent each other with t

Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing provided with a chamber therein and with an inlet leading to the chamber and outlet leading from the chamber, a valve seat carried by the housing and leading to the outlet, a movable bimetallic lever carried by the housing and having an operating bimetallic part, a heater wire disposed in coiled relation about the operating part to heat the same when an electrical current flows through the heater wire, and a valve member carried by the bimetallic lever for opening and closing the valve seat under the control of the operating part of the bimetallic lever, the operating part of the bimetallic lever having a fastening unit operatively interconnected to the heater wire to tend to hold the heater wire in the coiled relation on the operating part of the bimetallic lever, the heater wire comprising a length of the wire doubled upon itself to define a looped end and pair of free ends adjacent each other with t

Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing, a valve seat carried by the housing, a movable lever carried by the housing and having an opening passing through opposed sides thereof, a valve member for opening and closing the valve seat and having a stem projecting through the opening of the lever whereby the valve member is carried by the lever, and a tubular member disposed in the opening of the lever and telescopically receiving the stem of the valve member therein whereby the tubular member spaces the stem from the lever at the opening thereof.

Abstract: An active member can deform in accordance with its temperature. The active member is connected to a mechanically-operated valve member so that the operated member is driven in accordance with deformation of the active member. The temperature of the active member is adjusted to control the operated member.

Abstract: An actuator comprising an actuator body, a shape memory member mounted on the body and a heating element in heat exchange relationship to the shape memory member. By activating the heating element, sufficient heat is generated to heat the shape memory member to its transition temperature so that it deforms from a distorted shape toward its original shape.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting helix members in series, which consists of a pair of U-shaped elements, one of which is attached to each helix end with the "U" sections of the elements interlocked. The coupling is particularly beneficial for interconnecting helical Nitinol elements utilized in thermal actuators or engines. Each coupling half is attached to the associated helix at two points, thereby providing axial load while being easily removed from the helix, and reusable.

Abstract: A rotary actuator with tailored torque output comprises a shape memory alloy rod or tube encased within or filled with a burnable chemical grain. In its initial state, the rod or tube has zero degree rotation about its longitudinal axis. The rod or tube is then rotated or twisted about its longitudinal axis when the shape memory alloy is in a malleable state. The rod or tube may be progressively, selectively heated by the burning of the chemical grain to cause the shape memory alloy to return locally to its original shape with the consequence that a free end of the rod or tube is rotated.

Abstract: Method and equipment for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy by means of a thermal power machine (1). A member of metal alloy contained in the thermal power machine is heated to a certain temperature, whereat its physical properties are changed. This physical change is used as the mechanical drive power of the thermal power machine. The metal alloy member of the thermal power machine (1) is heated by means of heat which is transferred by means of one or several heat pumps (6) from an external medium (9) that contains heat. The heat pump is operated by means of part of the mechanical energy generated by the thermal power machine (1), and the rest of this mechanical energy is used for other purposes, for example for moving a vessel (8).

Abstract: A compact linear operator is provided for a gas valve. The operator may be of modular form for operative combination with combination gas controls of existing design, as by threaded engagement with an existing threaded bore in the control. The operator is suited for directly controlling displacement of a valve or more typically, for controlling displacement of the seat for the regulating spring associated with a servo pressure regulating diaphragm/valve arrangement. The operator includes a controllably heated bimetallic actuator, and a plunger directly or indirectly driven linearly by deflection of the actuator. To enhance compactness of the operator, a displacement-amplifying lever is interposed between the actuator and the plunger. Stops are included for establishing "high fire" and "low fire" limits for the regulated gas pressure.

Abstract: A simple nitinol wire powered engine which employs a pair of interconnected drive members which oscillate in a horizontal plane about two different axes of rotation.

Abstract: A simple nitinol wire powered engine employing a four bar linkage which oscillates the nitinol wire in a vertical plane into and out of a pair of aligned different temperature baths.

Abstract: A valve construction and method of making the same are provided, the valve construction comprising a housing, a valve seat carried by the housing, a movable lever carried by the housing and having an opening passing through opposed sides thereof, a valve member for opening and closing the valve seat and having a stem projecting through the opening of the lever whereby the valve member is carried by the lever, and a tubular member disposed in the opening of the lever and telescopically receiving the stem of the valve member therein whereby the tubular member spaces the stem from the lever at the opening thereof.

Abstract: A heat engine is provided with twin crankshafts and coil shaped power elements mounted between each of two crankshafts. Each power element moves upward and downward, parallel with the surface of a tank of hot water, in which the engine is partially submersed, so that every part of the power element is allowed to remain submersed in the hot water for the same time interval so as to achieve maximum rotating power.

Abstract: The biomedical pump includes a housing with an internal pump chamber defined by a first rigid concave wall formed by the pump body, and an opposed flexible wall defined by a diaphragm incorporating a heat responsive disc for a thermal-responsive pumping movement between a first position overlying and conforming to the body defined first wall and a second position outwardly spaced therefrom. An inlet passageway and an outlet passageway each communicate with the interior of the chamber through the pump body. Each passageway incorporates a one-way check valve for a directional control of the fluid flow in response to the heat induced diaphragm movement.

Abstract: An over-the-shoulder automotive safety seat belt system having a latch providing a tensionless comfort setting for the belt during use and having remotely operable thermostat metal means to release the latch and permit automatic belt retraction after use is shown to have an improved electrically operable latch release mechanism providing reliable latching and providing fast and reliable latch release operation at low power levels.

Abstract: The motion produced by a temperature change in a bimetallic element is used as a source of mechanical work energy in a way similar to the way that the bimetallic strip operates in a thermostat but in this thermal engine an array of massive bimetallic strips is repeatedly, alternately heated and cooled by a draft of air which draws first heated air and then cooled air over the bimetallic elements to thereby provide a continuous reciprocating action. In the principal embodiment the required draft is provided by a solar heated convection column which by means of valving draws air first from a solar collector and then from a cooling duct.

Abstract: An over-the-shoulder automotive safety seat belt system having a latch providing a tensionless comfort setting for the belt during use and having remotely operable thermostat metal means to release the latch and permit automatic belt retraction after use is shown to have an improved electrically operable latch release mechanism providing reliable latching and providing fast and reliable latch release operation at low power levels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manual reset type bimetal thermostat where a reversible plate is affixed to a disc type bimetal which can reverse in response to temperature change, characterized in that at least either of the reversible plate and the bimetal is provided with an air passage hole.

Abstract: A bimetal driven control valve comprises: a main body having an inflow channel, an outflow channel, and an orifice which connects the inflow channel and the outflow channel; a first bimetal which constitutes part of a tubular body, an outer portion of the bimetal being fixed to the main body; a second bimetal which constitutes part of the tubular body and whose outer circumferential surface is formed by the same metal used for the inner circumferential surface of the first bimetal, and whose inner circumferential surface is formed by the same metal used for the outer circumferential surface of the first bimetal, the inner circumferential surface of the second bimetal being opposed to the inner circumferential surface of the first bimetal: hinges for connecting respective ends of the first and second bimetals to form the tubular body; a value member which is mounted in the main body and which is connected to an outer portion of the second bimetal for moving the valve member between a first position at which th

Abstract: A thermal-mechanical energy converting device including a fixed cylinder, a frame mounted to co-axially rotate about the fixed cylinder, at least one wheel rotatably support on the frame, and endless transmission elements of a material having a memory effect capable in the bending mode of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy when heated from a temperature below its transition temperature to a temperature above its transition temperature. The transmission elements serve to drive the wheel and the frame about the cylinder upon the application of thermal energy to the transmission elements. This is accomplished by supplying the thermal energy to the cylinder. The thermal energy is transferred from the cylinder to the transmission elements over at least a major portion of the circumferential contact therewith.

Abstract: A thermal engine utilizing a strip of nitinol material or other thermally responsive shape memory effect material to drive a reciprocating output shaft, said strip of material forming a common wall between two different alternating temperature sources which thermally cycle the material.

Abstract: An engine for conversion of low grade thermal energy into useful rotational energy incorporates a plurality of shape memory elements coupled in series to the crankpins of a crankshaft and to load limiting members. Hot and cold fluids are alternately directed through a sprayer head to the external surfaces of the shape memory elements to provide rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An engine for conversion of low grade thermal energy into useful rotational energy incorporates a plurality of hollow deformable shape memory elements coupled in series with the crankpins of a crankshaft and with load limiting members. Hot and cold fluids are alternately directed through the crankshaft to the inner surface of the shape memory elements to provide rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A thermal actuator or heat motor employing end-to-end bimetal, bistable strip portions spanning a pair of supports but having a total length greater than the straight-line distance across the supports and capable, upon the selective application of heat to either portion to the exclusion of the other to cause the strip portions to snap back and forth across a centerline representing the straight-line distance across the supports, together with selective heat-applying means and a force-transmitting element connected to the midpoint of the strip portions for supplying mechanical, electro-mechanical, etc., power.

Abstract: A heat engine employing a memory alloy and a force field such as gravity for converting heat energy into mechanical work. Field effect elements are mounted on the distal ends of flexible spokes which in turn are mounted about a hub to form a rotating wheel. The memory alloy is in the form of a helix disposed about the circumference of the wheel and interconnecting the ends of adjacent spoke pairs. Heat is transferred to segments of the memory alloy on one side of the wheel so that the segments deform toward their memory shape and deflect the associated spokes toward each other. Heat is transferred away from the memory alloy segments on the opposite side so that the segments deform toward their trained shape and permit the spokes to flex apart. The concentration of field effect elements onthe first side of the wheel is greater than the concentration on the other side so that the resultant force created by a remote field acts as a torque for rotating the wheel.

Abstract: A pilot controlled, diaphragm actuated valve having simplified construction is provided which is capable of maintaining a variety of valve operating positions. In the preferred embodiment, the valve pin is controlled precisely with respect to the pilot opening in the diaphragm to permit modulation of the diaphragm position. Control of the valve pin is maintained through the use of a power assembly which positions the valve pin in accordance with some sensed system variable. The valve includes structure for reducing instability of the valve over the valve operating range.

Abstract: A regulator valve having a balanced port construction is provided with a balanced piston design, the piston being operated under positive control in all valve positions. The piston regulates fluid flow through the valve. The piston is operatively connected to a heat motor, and the electrical energy input to the heat motor is used to adjust piston position. Because of the balanced piston design, valve operation is dependent solely upon electrical energy input to the heat motor, and precise control of a refrigeration system, for example, may be maintained.

Abstract: A pump for fluid media having different temperatures. The pump has two chambers for the two media, respectively, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet each provided with a respective check valve. The chambers are separated by a displacement body whose shape is a function of temperature and which, upon a change in shape due to a change in temperature, changes the sizes of the two chambers. The displacement body is arranged in the two chambers such that initially there is a greater heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in one of the chambers than there is between the displacement body and the fluid in the other of the chambers, but that subsequent to the shape change brought about by the heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in the one chamber, the heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in the other chamber will be greater than the heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in the one chamber.

Abstract: A thermal energy scavenger assembly including a plurality of temperature-sensitive wires made of material which exhibits shape memory due to a thermoelastic, martensitic phase transformation. The wires are placed in tension between fixed and movable plates which are, in turn, supported by a pair of wheels which are rotatably supported by a housing for rotation about a central axis. A pair of upper and lower cams are fixed to the housing and cam followers react with the respective cams. Each cam transmits forces through a pair of hydraulic pistons. One of the pistons is connected to a movable plate to which one end of the wires are connected whereby a stress is applied to the wires to strain the wires during a first phase and whereby the cam responds to the unstraining of the wires during a second phase.

Abstract: A thermal energy scavenger assembly including a plurality of temperature-sensitive wires made of material which exhibits shape memory due to a thermoelastic, martensitic phase transformation. The wires are placed in tension between fixed and movable plates which are, in turn, supported by a pair of wheels which are rotatably supported by a housing for rotation about a central axis. A pair of upper and lower cams are fixed to the housing and cam followers react with the respective cams. Each cam transmits forces through a pair of hydraulic pistons. One of the pistons is connected to a movable plate to which one end of the wires are connected whereby a stress is applied to the wires to strain the wires during a first phase and whereby the cam responds to the unstraining of the wires during a second phase.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical motion. Transducers, such as nickel-titanium alloys, are employed which change their configuration and pliancy upon the application of stimulus such as heat. In the absence of a suitable stimulus, they are pliant and easily flexed. However, when stimulated they tend to assume a prederminable configuration and then become rigid. Apparatus utilizing these phenomena convert the energy of physical transformation into useful mechanical work.Several embodiments are described. In one, the transducer is belt shaped and drivingly connected to several pulleys. Heat stimulus is applied to the belt locally adjacent at least one of the pulleys. The resultant straightening forces, inherent in an alloy such as nickel-titanium, cause rotation of the belt and hence the pulleys. In another embodiment, the transducers are opposingly connected to a reciprocating member so as to produce reciprocating motion when selectively stimulated.

Abstract: A thermal motor is disclosed for converting heat energy to hydramechanical energy. A plurality of heat-responsive elements are mounted on a rotor to periodically expose the elements to heating and cooling. Thermally responsive elements generate a mechanical movement in response to the heating and cooling. The mechanical movement actuates a hydraulic cylinder which, in turn, operates a hydraulic motor. The output of the hydraulic motor is used to perform useful work and also to rotate the rotor. In one preferred form, the heat-responsive elements are in the form of bimetallic strips which mechanically deflect.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical motion. Transducers, such as nickel-titanium alloys, are employed which change their configuration and pliancy upon the application of stimulus such as heat. In the absence of a suitable stimulus, they are pliant and easily flexed. However, when stimulated they tend to assume a predeterminable configuration and then become rigid. Apparatus utilizing these phenomena convert the energy of physical transformation into useful mechanical work.Several embodiments are described. In one, the transducer is belt shaped and drivingly connected to several pulleys. Heat stimulus is applied to the belt locally adjacent at least one of the pulleys. The resultant straightening forces, inherent in an alloy such as nickel-titanium, cause rotation of the belt and hence the pulleys. In another embodiment, the transducers are opposingly connected to a swinging member so as to produce reciprocating motion when selectively stimulated.

Abstract: An expansion valve for a refrigeration system is provided in which the flow through the expansion valve is controlled electrically. The preferred valve embodiment utilizes a straight line configuration in that a valve body is mounted within a suitable shell. The valve body has an axial opening through it, and one end of the valve body defines an expansion port. A valve pin is movably mounted between a first position closing the expansion port and a second position opening the expansion port. Electrically energizable means are mounted to the valve body. The electrically energizable means include thermostatic expansion means operatively connected to the valve pin. The thermostatic expansion means expand axially in response to temperature change, which movement actuates valve pin operation, between closed and opened positions.