Abstract: The invention provides a fastener (10) for releasably securing a first element, such as an air bag (12) to a second element such as a bracket (14) located in a vehicle. Fastener (10) has a locking pin (16) which is movable between a locked position and a release position. Locking pin (16) has an engageable head (18). Fastener (10) includes clip (22) for engaging head (18). Locking pin (16) is biased to the release position, for example, by spring (26). Fastener (10) includes an actuator such as spring (32), comprising or including shape memory alloy and adapted to elongate upon application of appropriate energy. When spring (32) is elongated, it causes locking pin (16) to move to the release position. The invention also provides a fastener assembly (130) including at least one post (122) having a groove (124). Fastener assembly (130) includes a bar or latch, for example, in the form of wire (126) adapted to engage the groove (124). Attached to bar (126) is connecting means, such as shape memory spring (128).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving performance and life of a material adapted to contract when heated to a critical temperature such as shape memory alloy wire (SMA). The method includes the steps of measuring ambient temperature before activation, measuring voltage applied to the SMA wire and/or current flowing in the SMA wire, calculating power and energy required to heat the material from the ambient to the critical temperature and providing the calculated power and energy.

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention discloses a releasable fastening system (150) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Abstract: In the first aspect, the invention provides a fastener which includes a fastening element and an actuating means attached to the fastening element. The fastening element has a flexible beam and an engagement means. The actuating means includes a material, such as shape memory alloy, which contracts when activated. When the material is contracted, the beam moves between an engagement position and a disengagement position. In a second aspect, the invention provides a fastener for use in a network of fasteners. The fastener has address means which serve to distinguish the fastener from the other fasteners in the network. The fastener may be the same as the fastener in the first aspect of the invention, or a different fastener. A network or system of such fasteners is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a lock assembly (10) which has a support base (80) and a bolt (14) movable between an unlocked position, in which the bolt (14) is substantially within the support base in (80) and a locked position in which the bolt (14) extends from the support base (80). The lock assembly (10) also includes locking means (32) to block movement of the bolt (14) in the locked position and actuating means (46) for moving the blocking means (32) to release the bolt (14) from the locked position. The actuating means (46) can comprise electromechanical means, an electro restrictive polymer, piezoelectric material or a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy wire (36).

Abstract: The invention provides a securing system which is particularly suitable for securing aircraft seats. The securing system (34) includes a first pin (38) having a shaft and a leading edge and a second pin (40) having a shaft and a leading edge. The shaft of the second pin (40) is colinear with or parallel to the shaft of the first pin (38) and the leading edges of the first and second pins (38, 40) face in the same direction. There is a link (42) connecting the first pin (38) with the second pin (40). Optionally, the link (42) includes stop means (46) to limit travel of the securing system (34).

Abstract: A track (20) for a relocatable seat including a first channel (22), having a slot opening into the track with a plurality regions where slot is enlarged. The enlarged regions receive a foot (50) of a seat and the non-enlarged regions of the slot retain the feet. The track includes a second and third channel for receiving a power block (54) and/or communication data block (58), and each including a plurality of apertures (44) for receiving a retractable tongue (76) on the blocks to locate the blocks in the track. The invention further relates to a releasable fastening system having two sleds (78, 80) for insertion in a track (20) and a locking lever (84) with an end (86, 88) connected to each sled. Each sled has at least one aperture (82) inclined towards the track. Movement of the locking lever from an open to a locked position causes a lug (92) inserted in the aperture to travel down the incline towards the track.

Abstract: The invention provides a release for locking system particularly suitable for fastening a first element such as a panel (12) to a beam (35) adjacent to a second element, such as a another panel (42). The system is particularly useful for fastening panels on aircraft. The system includes a projection (32) for the first element (12), the projection having a locking cavity (44). Beam (35) includes an aperture (62) for receiving the projection (32). A locking means is adapted to engage the locking cavity (44) of the projection (32) when the projection (32) is received in the aperture (62), in order to lock the first element (12) to the beam (35), so as to be adjacent to the second element (42). The locking means includes material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy wire (51, 52). The locking means includes engagement means (46) adapted to disengage the locking cavity (44) when the material (51 or 52) contracts. The invention also provides a second type of releasable fastening system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (16) including a fastener having a locking means, actuating means adapted to cause the locking means to engage or disengage, and means for sensing a location. The invention further relates to a method for operating a fastening system. The method including the steps of providing a fastener having a locking means, providing actuating means for causing the locking means to engage or disengage, sensing a location, and actuating the actuating means to cause the locking means to engage or disengage.

Abstract: The invention provides a pin assembly (10) useful for situations of high vibration, such as hatches or lockers on aircraft. Pin assembly (10) has a locking pin (12) adapted for insertion in a latching mechanism. Locking pin (12) has a maximum cross-section. Assembly (10) also includes a base (32) for locking pin (12) and at least one slip plate (20) which has an aperture (21) which is larger than the maximum cross-section of the locking pin (12).

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly (20) for release of an element (8) such as a hatch. The assembly (20) includes first means such as a peg (28) moveable between a first position in which the first means (28) restricts full release of the element (8) and a second position in which the first means (28) does not restrict full release of the element (8), and second means, such as shape memory alloy wire (32) which is adapted to contract when activated to move the first means (28) from the second position to the first position. Optionally, the assembly (20) includes third means, such as shape memory alloy wire (34) which is adapted to contract when activated to move the first means (28) from the first position to the second position. The assembly (20) is useful for testing oxygen release apparatus in aircraft.

Abstract: The invention provides a releasable fastening system particularly suitable for use in banks and similar institutions. The releasable fastening system is intended for use in conjunction with a storage unit having an opening element, such as drawer (18). The fastening system includes a latch means (38) and an engagement (34) for engaging the latch means (38). Also included is a bias means (44), biasing the opening element (18) to an opening position. Each of the latch means (38), the engagement means (34) and the bias means (44) is located internally of the storage unit when the opening element (18) is closed. The engagement means (34) is adapted to disengage the latch means (38) pursuant to a command.

Abstract: Fastener (80) joins together work pieces (14, 18) and has longitudinal body (82) with first work engaging member (86) mounted on it. Second work engaging member (90) is associated with longitudinal body (82) and may be integral with il, or joined to it or mounted on it. Ratchet teeth (22) and ratchet lock (92) allow for adjustment of the position of first work engaging member (86) on longitudinal body (82). Second work engaging member (90) includes leaf members (94) capable of assuming a first position of narrow cross-sectional area (as shown in the drawing), and a second position of a wide cross-sectional area under the influence of expanded part (100). Fastener (80) may be removable from work pieces (14, 18).

Abstract: A fastening assembly (110) including: an engagement means including latch means (130) and locking means. (132), the engagement means being moveable between a s locking position (see FIG. 9) and an unlocking position (see FIG. 10); first biasing means (136) urging the engagement means towards the locking position; drawing means (1.46) for drawing the engagement means from the locking position to the unlocking position, the drawing means (146) comprising or including material adapted to contract when activated; release means (220, see FIG. 14) for moving the locking means (132) to the 10 unlocking position; second biasing means (222, see FIG. 14) urging the release means (220) towards the locking means (132); and restraining means (224, see FIG. 14) for restraining the release means (220) against the urging of the second biasing means (222).

Abstract: The invention relates to a product, which may take a wide variety of forms but which is exemplified by a pipe or a panel. The product has a first function, such as that normally expected of a pipe or a panel, and a second function different from the first. The second function is chosen from a group consisting of: delivery of energy, for a first purpose, delivery of energy for a second purpose, delivery of data for a first purpose, delivery of data for a second purpose, switching. The product has incorporated in its means capable of enabling the product to be used as medium to perform the second function. The invention also concerns a method of manufacturing the products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product, which may take a wide variety of forms but which is exemplified by a pipe or a panel. The product has a first function, such as that normally expected of a pipe or a panel, and a second function different from the first. The second function is chosen from a group consisting of: delivery of energy, for a first purpose, delivery of energy for a second purpose, delivery of data for a first purpose, delivery of data for a second purpose, switching. The product has incorporated in its means capable of enabling the product to be used as medium to perform the second function. The invention also concerns a method of manufacturing the products.

Abstract: The invention provides in a first aspect a closure (10) for a passageway such as a bottleneck. The closure (10) has a concertina element (16). When the concertina element (16) is released, the closure (10) can be removed from the passageway. The concertina element (16) may have folds (18), including compressible folds, may be in the form of a spiral. In a further aspect, the invention provides a second aspect a closure (110), which has a processing (132). The processing (132) may include a computer chip (134), is adapted to receive or convey various types of data, such as characteristics of the contents of the container closed by the closure (10). The first and second aspects may be combined.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastening system (40) which includes a plurality of fasteners (12). Each fastener (12) is adapted to be locked or unlocked upon receipt of a suitable signal, such as an electric, magnetic or infrared signal. The fasteners (12) are included in a single carrier (38).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling access to an object (16), such as a product for sale. The object (16) or its packaging (110) is secured, for example to a sales console (12,68) by use of connecting means (26). The connecting means (26) are either capable of release by a chosen external or internal signal or capable of release by activating remote activating means (18). An internal signal may be provided after expiration of a predetermined period. An external signal may be provided by proximity. Remote activation means (18) may be provided by a password or energy such as a magnetic force. The invention also provides novel packaging (110) for an object (16). Packaging (110) is adapted to secure the object (16) by connecting means (26) capable of release by remote activation. Also provided is a security vending system having security vending means, such as a sale console (68) or a cable (48) or a sale hanger (108).

Abstract: There is provided an adjustment device for adjusting the vertical height of, for example, studs, furniture and large appliances. The device has a base (12), a pine (14) upstanding from and supported by the base and a rotatable cam element (20). The pin has a number of grooves (16) and the cam is capable of engaging one or more of the grooves to alter the distance between the base and cam. Also disclosed is a stud or mullion (30) having two sets of channels, each of which is adapted to receive a cooperating means for mounting a panel or bracket. The sets of channels are parallel to each other and spaced apart by parallel spaced webs (32, 34). The adjustment device may be inserted in the stud or mullion. Further disclosed is a joining clip (not illustrated) for mounting a panel or bracket to the stud or mullion. The clip is in two parts, one part has means to connect the clip to the panel and the other has a pair of resilient arms and is able to mate with the first part.