A method, system and program product comprise applying a source of heat to a heatable object for a first predetermined period of time. The applying is conveyed by a terminal device. The heatable object is positionable within a sensing range of a motion detector. The applying of the heat source is stopped for a second predetermined period of time. The stopping enables the heatable object to cool in which a cycle of the applying and the stopping with motion of said heatable object is detectable by the motion detector.

A shape memory actuator system is provided that includes a shape memory actuator having a body made of a shape memory material, with individual power conductors interfaced with a first portion of the body, and one or more individual ground conductors interfaced with a second portion of the body in physical contact with the first portion of the body. A power source provides power to the individual power conductors. A controller is provided for controlling a resistive heating current connection sufficient to impart shape memory to the body between the individual power conductors and the one or more individual ground conductors with the proviso that the ground conductors are physically separated from the individual power conductors. A novel shape memory article results. A method for controlling a shape memory actuator and forming a shape memory article are also provided.

SMA actuator wires in an SMA actuation apparatus are connected in tension between a movable element and a support structure, applying forces to the movable element in opposed directions. Measures of the resistances of the SMA actuator wires are detected. A feedback difference measure is derived being the sum of the measures of resistance of the SMA actuator wires, relatively scaled by factors, in respect of the SMA actuator wires, the magnitude of which represents a component along the predetermined axis of a force applied by the SMA actuator wire and the sign of which represents a direction along the predetermined axis. The ratio has opposite signs for respective ones of said opposed directions. The powers of drive signals supplied to the SMA actuator wires are controlled in response to the feedback difference measure to reduce the difference between the feedback difference measure and a target difference measure.

A state of a shape memory material member in an actuator can be monitored and controlled to protect the shape memory material member. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension (e.g., the height) of the actuator increases. A sensor configured to acquire sensor data. A portion of the shape memory material member can operatively engaging the sensor. One or more processors can be operatively connected to monitor a state of the shape memory material member based on the sensor data.

A driving device of a micropump and a microvalve is provided. The driving device comprises a pump driver controlled by a pump controller, a valve driver controlled by a valve controller, a power supply part, a switch part. The pump driver having a first shape memory alloy wire, a micropump of the first shape memory alloy wire, a wiring part arranged in parallel to the first shape memory alloy wire, and a first selector switch that switches between a state where only the first shape memory alloy wire is energizable and a state where the wiring part is energizable. The valve driver having a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires, a plurality of microvalves of second shape memory alloy wires, and a second selector switch that brings into a state where one of the plurality of second shape memory alloy wires is energizable.

An environmental aspect control assembly is configured to control one more environmental aspects. The environmental aspect control assembly may include at least one aspect-controlling portion formed of one or more environmental aspect-controlling materials, and at least one shape-changing actuator operatively connected to the aspect-controlling structure(s). The shape-changing actuator(s) is configured to have a first actuator shape at a first temperature and a second actuator shape at a second temperature that differs from the first temperature. The first actuator shape causes the aspect-controlling structure(s) to form a first structural shape. The second actuator shape causes the aspect-controlling structure(s) to form a second structural shape that differs from the first structural shape.

A variable area fan nozzle comprising an array of hinged rigid petals and a petal actuation system in which the principle of actuation is realized by changes in shape (i.e., deformation) of the actuators rather than by movement of cooperating mechanical parts. Because these actuators have no rotating or sliding mechanical components, wear and associated maintenance are reduced. Each deformable actuator has a portion made of shape memory alloy that has been trained to change shape in a specific manner when heated to a temperature above a transition temperature. In addition, each shape memory alloy actuator is shaped to act as a fairing to reduce aerodynamic drag.

A driving device of a micropump and a microvalve is provided. The driving device comprises a pump driver controlled by a pump controller, a valve driver controlled by a valve controller, a power supply part, a switch part. The pump driver having a first shape memory alloy wire, a micropump of the first shape memory alloy wire, a wiring part arranged in parallel to the first shape memory alloy wire, and a first selector switch that switches between a state where only the first shape memory alloy wire is energizable and a state where the wiring part is energizable. The valve driver having a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires, a plurality of microvalves of second shape memory alloy wires, and a second selector switch that brings into a state where one of the plurality of second shape memory alloy wires is energizable.

An actuator (12) includes a moving member (18) pivotally connected to a base unit (14) for rotation about an axis. The driving force for rotation of the moving member (18) relative to the base unit (14) is provided by a pair of antagonistically operating shape memory alloy (SMA) wires (48, 50) and transmitted via a torsional spring (56). An endoscope, or a snake-like robot (66), may include one or more of the actuators (12).

An apparatus including polymer configured to have a first state or a second state, wherein the volume of the polymer in the first state is different to a volume of the polymer in the second state; an actuator configured to be controlled by an input signal to cause the polymer to change between the first state and the second state; and a constraint configured to constrain the polymer in at least a first direction when the polymer changes between the first state and the second state.