The present application relates to compositions and methods of making flexible composite materials that are capable of moving, on a micro- or macro-scale, in response to an applied magnetic field and localized heat from a heat source. The present disclosure further provides systems and methods of using the flexible composite material as an actuator for performing a mode of actuation. In one embodiment, the flexible composite material forms a wireless actuator that, when irradiated with light, is capable of micro- and macro-scale motion acting through the interplay of optically absorptive elements and low-Curie temperature magnetic particles.

The present application relates to compositions and methods of making flexible composite materials that are capable of moving, on a micro- or macro-scale, in response to an applied magnetic field and localized heat from a heat source. The present disclosure further provides systems and methods of using the flexible composite material as an actuator for performing a mode of actuation. In one embodiment, the flexible composite material forms a wireless actuator that, when irradiated with light, is capable of micro- and macro-scale motion acting through the interplay of optically absorptive elements and low-Curie temperature magnetic particles.

The present invention relates to a switch and has particular application in temperature regulation devices used in domestic and commercial electrical appliances such as stoves, ovens or the like. It includes an arrangement of a pair of arms that co-operate with a biasing means in combination with magnetic components provided on each of the arms. This arrangement does away with the need for the switch to use relatively expensive bi-metallic components and which may be prone to arcing and potential damage to or fusing of the contacts of the switch.

The present invention relates to a switch and has particular application in temperature regulation devices used in domestic and commercial electrical appliances such as stoves, ovens or the like. It includes an arrangement of a pair of arms that co-operate with a biasing means in combination with magnetic components provided on each of the arms. This arrangement does away with the need for the switch to use relatively expensive bi-metallic components and which may be prone to arcing and potential damage to or fusing of the contacts of the switch.

Switch assemblies and a switching method are disclosed. In some embodiments, a switch assembly may include a first contact element, and a second contact element operable with the first contact element. The first and second contact elements form an open circuit in a first configuration and form a closed circuit in a second configuration. At least one of the first contact element and the second contact element includes a magnetostrictive material. During operation, a magnetic field from a magnet causes the magnetostrictive material to deform or change shape/dimensions, thus causing the first and second contact elements to open or close. In some embodiments, the switch assembly is a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch.

Switch assemblies and a switching method are disclosed. In some embodiments, a switch assembly may include a first contact element, and a second contact element operable with the first contact element. The first and second contact elements form an open circuit in a first configuration and form a closed circuit in a second configuration. At least one of the first contact element and the second contact element includes a magnetostrictive material. During operation, a magnetic field from a magnet causes the magnetostrictive material to deform or change shape/dimensions, thus causing the first and second contact elements to open or close. In some embodiments, the switch assembly is a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch.

Medical or dental instruments, preferably handpieces, can have different temperature-measuring devices for measuring the temperature in the instrument or of at least a part of the instrument. The temperature-measuring devices can be designed, for example, to measure the temperature contactlessly by detection of electromagnetic radiation or to measure the temperature of an interior of the instrument that can be heated by a heat source. The temperature-measuring devices may be designed, for example, as electrical temperature-measuring devices or may have a magnetic material whose magnetic property is a function of temperature and/or has a temperature-dependent course. The temperature-measuring device may have, for example, an electrical switching device and a signal device wherein the signal device is switched at least between a first signal condition and a second signal condition when a temperature limit value is reached or exceeded or is underrun.

Switch assemblies and a switching method are disclosed. In some embodiments, a switch assembly may include a first contact element, and a second contact element operable with the first contact element. The first and second contact elements form an open circuit in a first configuration and form a closed circuit in a second configuration. At least one of the first contact element and the second contact element includes a magnetostrictive material. During operation, a magnetic field from a magnet causes the magnetostrictive material to deform or change shape/dimensions, thus causing the first and second contact elements to open or close. In some embodiments, the switch assembly is a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch.

A passive thermal switch device, for regulating a temperature of a thermal component configured to generate heat, includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is provided on the thermal component. The first plate includes a thermal switch material that switches from an antiferromagnetic state to a ferromagnetic state upon exceeding a state transition temperature. The second plate includes a permanent magnet. The second plate is moveable between a thermal insulator position and a thermal conductor position based on a temperature of the thermal switch material. In the thermal insulator position, the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate. In the thermal conductor position, the second plate is in contact with the first plate.

A passive thermal switch device, for regulating a temperature of a thermal component configured to generate heat, includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is provided on the thermal component. The first plate includes a thermal switch material that switches from an antiferromagnetic state to a ferromagnetic state upon exceeding a state transition temperature. The second plate includes a permanent magnet. The second plate is moveable between a thermal insulator position and a thermal conductor position based on a temperature of the thermal switch material. In the thermal insulator position, the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate. In the thermal conductor position, the second plate is in contact with the first plate.