A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.

Bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator capable of preventing accidental actuation caused by environmental temperature variations, its method of operation and its use in devices.

A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.

The present invention concerns an electric actuator (A, A′), comprising a rotor member (6) and an actuating assembly (4) configured to interfere with said rotor member (6), causing it to rotate, characterized in that said rotor member (6) comprises a pair of eccentric reliefs (63) arranged so as to interfere with said actuating assembly (4), and in that said actuating assembly (4) comprises a shape memory wire (2), wherein said actuating assembly (4) is configured to cause the rotation of said rotor member (6) when electric current flows through at least a portion of said shape memory wire (2).

Bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator capable of preventing accidental actuation caused by environmental temperature variations, its method of operation and its use in devices.

A flow control device (2) having: an outer wall; a static part (10) enclosed by the outer wall and at least partially defining a fluid path (42); a movable element which is movable relative to the static part (10) and arranged such that movement of the movable element relative to the static part (10) causes the fluidic resistance of the fluid path (42) to change; and an actuator arrangement (30″) arranged such that when energy is supplied to the actuator arrangement it causes the movable element to move relative to the static part, wherein the actuator arrangement (30″) and/or movable element are arranged such that the movable element does not move relative to the static part (10) when no energy is supplied to the actuator arrangement, and further wherein the actuator arrangement (30″) and the movable element are positioned within the fluid path (10).

A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.

An apparatus includes an electrical switch that includes (i) multiple first electrical contacts and (ii) a second electrical contact configured to bridge the first electrical contacts in order to form at least one electrical connection. The apparatus also includes a shape-memory actuator configured to move the second electrical contact in order to selectively open the electrical switch and break the at least one electrical connection. The shape-memory actuator may be configured to be returned to an original shape and the second electrical contact may be configured to be returned to a bridging position in order to reset the apparatus. The apparatus may further include a shutter member configured to be moved between the first electrical contacts in order to prevent re-bridging of the first electrical contacts and to extend an arc-gap between the first electrical contacts.

An apparatus includes an electrical switch that includes (i) multiple first electrical contacts and (ii) a second electrical contact configured to bridge the first electrical contacts in order to form at least one electrical connection. The apparatus also includes a shape-memory actuator configured to move the second electrical contact in order to selectively open the electrical switch and break the at least one electrical connection. The shape-memory actuator may be configured to be returned to an original shape and the second electrical contact may be configured to be returned to a bridging position in order to reset the apparatus. The apparatus may further include a shutter member configured to be moved between the first electrical contacts in order to prevent re-bridging of the first electrical contacts and to extend an arc-gap between the first electrical contacts.

The present invention is a combination of a shape-memory alloy (SMA) element and a fiber sleeve. The SMA connects at each end to a support element, the support elements being moveable relative to each other. The fiber sleeve comprises an electrically insulating sleeve made of flexible fiber material, and is sized so that the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the SMA element. When the SMA element is deformed upon heating or cooling, causing the support elements to move relative to each other, the fiber sleeve also deforms and continues to surround the portion of the SMA element, inhibiting the flow of electric current from the SMA element to its surroundings.