An actuator, a release device, and a method of actuating a release device are provided. The actuator comprises a housing defining a first path; an actuating element disposed within the first path, the actuating element being made from a shape memory alloy having a transition temperature, the actuating element being configured to couple with a power source, at least portion of the actuating element being further configured to not change shape when the power source applies a first current for a predetermined amount of time and moves at least a portion of the actuating element from the first position to a second position when the power source applies a second current; and a heat transfer material disposed in the first path between the actuating element and the housing.

The present disclosure is an electrical power generating and storage unit configured to generate electricity using magnetic forces and gravitational forces. The power generator can be scaled for various applications, including mobile and stationary power production. One example of the power generator includes nano-coated coils placed along the walls of a cylindrical housing around a centrally placed sphere containing a gel compound. The gel compound is produced by an electrochemical reaction between metals and a salt contained in a supersolution.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a drive device, and a tension applicator. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside of the actuator member. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The tension applicator is configured to apply the actuator member a tension, which enables correction of a tension change generated by at least one of elongation and contraction of the actuator member that is induced by natural deformation of the actuator member.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a drive device, and a tension applicator. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside of the actuator member. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The tension applicator is configured to apply the actuator member a tension, which enables correction of a tension change generated by at least one of elongation and contraction of the actuator member that is induced by natural deformation of the actuator member.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a first drive device and a second drive device. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The first drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The second drive device is configured to displace the drive subject in a different direction that is different from the deforming direction of the actuator member.

An actuator device includes an actuator member, a drive subject, a first drive device and a second drive device. The actuator member is configured to be deformed in response to application of energy to the actuator member from an outside. The drive subject is coupled to the actuator member. The first drive device is configured to apply the energy to the actuator member and thereby displace the drive subject in a deforming direction of the actuator member. The second drive device is configured to displace the drive subject in a different direction that is different from the deforming direction of the actuator member.

An actuator device that includes a first actuating segment of an artificial muscle fiber, where one end of the first actuating segment is connected to a first terminal and the other end of the first actuating segment is connected to a second terminal. The device also includes a second actuating segment of an artificial muscle fiber, where one end of the second actuating segment is connected to a third terminal and the other end of the second actuating segment is connected to a fourth terminal. The device also includes a paddle disposed on both the first and second actuating segments and a heating provision disposed on the first and second actuating segments. The heating provision independently provides energy in the form of heat to the first and second actuating segments, and the actuator device moves rotates the paddle to a desired position through activating the first or second actuating segments.

A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a static member or plate; a moving member or plate movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; a sensor mounting region on the moving plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.

A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a static member or plate; a moving member or plate movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; a sensor mounting region on the moving plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.

A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft.