A microfluidic device, including a substrate including a microchannel, an activation setup disposed in the microchannel, and a matrix array of controllable shape-changing micropillars connected to the activation setup. A shape of the controllable shape-changing micropillars changes based on an activation of the activation setup.

A lock-washer of conical, annular or other shapes capable of elastic flattening when the threaded connection, of which it is a part, is tightened and having tabs along the perimeter of the central hole. For most embodiments the tabs' tips form a circle of a diameter slightly larger than that of a threaded part which is to pass through the central hole. When during tightening the axial force acting on the lock-washer reaches a pre-determined level and the lock-washer flattens, its central hole diameter decreases and the tab tips enter the thread channel, which will cause the thread to jam, thus preventing further tightening, thereby limiting the axial load in the threaded connection to a pre-determined level. Another embodiment provides a lock-washer which compresses and expands radially during tightening providing a visual and/or audible signal for the worker when said expansion and a corresponding axial load reach the designated level.

A multi-flexure payload isolation device for isolating a payload from outside forces. The device can include a housing comprising an interior cavity configured to receive and support the payload. The device can further include a first flexure and a second flexure, each including a plurality of spokes made of a pseudoelastic shape-memory alloy anchored to the housing and configured to support the payload from the housing through an opening in the housing. The first and second flexures can each further include a common hub attached to a side of the payload and disposed in the opening in the housing wherein the each of the pluralities of spokes are anchored to the respective common hub.

An unlocking apparatus which includes a circuit board, a snap-on structure, and a shape memory alloy strip. The circuit board is configured to supply power to the shape memory alloy strip, the snap-on structure is fixedly connected to the shape memory alloy strip, and after being powered on, the shape memory alloy strip deforms, so that the snap-on structure is driven to move and to be unbuckled from a card slot of a locked component. In the foregoing structure, components for driving unlocking are merely the shape memory alloy strip and the circuit board supplying power to the shape memory alloy strip, greatly simplifying the entire unlocking structure.

A reusable attaching apparatus includes (a) a reversible adhesive comprising a shape memory polymer and (b) a mounting structure bonded to the reversible adhesive. The shape memory polymer has a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) and comprises a deformable state at temperatures above the T.sub.g and a rigid state at temperatures below the T.sub.g.

A connection between at least two components of a motor vehicle includes at least one connection unit which is arranged and/or formed on one of the components, and provides at least one connection surface of the connection. At least one characteristic of the connection unit is deliberately changeable, in such a manner that an adhesion capability of the connection surface is adjustable.

A completion method involves a telescoping joint in the completion string that needs to be locked when pumping fluid through it as part of the completion method. The joint is locked with two locks and one is thermally activated using a shape memory locking member to handle the stresses from component contraction. The setting of the thermally actuated lock occurs when the temperature is lowered during pumping. At other times the temperature of well fluid defeats the thermal lock leaving a non-thermal lock actuated until such time that the telescoping joint can be used in production. The non-thermal lock is defeated so allow normal telescoping action during production. The non-thermal lock is defeated with string manipulation or pressure or other ways depending on its design.

A connector for joining concrete structures such as double tee beams to one another. The connector includes a curved bolt that is formed with a shape memory alloy. Through utilization of the bolt, a joint can be post-tensioned following assembly through application of heat to the joint. Post-tensioning can be re-applied following loosening of the joint through application of heat. When considering a super elastic shape memory alloy, the bolt can be a smart bolt that can self-correct following deformation due to excessive load.

The present application refers to a connection for connecting hydraulic tubing as used by subsea devices, by using a shaped memory alloy material. The sleeve connection made of a shaped memory alloy material, is originally manufactured with an internal diameter shorter than the external diameter of the tubing, internally has a cover material made of dielectric material and, most internally, has a layer of an anti-corrosive material which is contiguous to the external face of said tubing The layer of an anti-corrosive material internally has protruding portions designed to grasp the external surface of the tubing, forming streaks.

The present disclosure provides a method for assembling members, at least one of which is provided with a polymer member, comprising steps of: deforming at least one portion of the polymer member; putting the deformed portion of the polymer member into a second member; heating the deformed portion for engaging the portion with the second member. Through the steps described above, the portion of the polymer member may be in interference-fit engagement with the second member, based on which, adhesive is no longer necessary for improving reliabilities of engagement therebetween.