Abstract: A locking apparatus includes a first threaded member, a second threaded, two pins, an alarm, and a micro-control unit. When the second threaded member engages in the first threaded member, the micro-control unit deactivates the alarm. When the second threaded shank disengages from the first threaded member, the micro-control unit activates the alarm.

Abstract: Embodiments of separation apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In an embodiment, a separation apparatus is provided that is configured to be disposed between a first component and a second component associated with an aerospace vehicle. The separation apparatus comprises a sealed cavity filled with gas, and the separation apparatus is configured to expand based on a decrease in atmospheric pressure. This expansion is configured to separate the first component from the second component.

Abstract: A safety valve is positioned in supply plumbing that supplies a fluid medium such as natural gas to a point of use structure such as a home. A mechanical actuator is provided remote from the safety valve but mechanically connected to the safety valve. This allows the actuator to be positioned, for example, directly on the point of use structure, avoiding the need for separate bracing for the valve. The valve can be provided with a tee fitting or can be a separate gate valve. The mechanical actuator can be actuated by seismic disturbance, manually, or by activation by remote sensor or home security system.

Abstract: The joint (36) comprises a tubular body (37) having two connecting zones (38, 39) each connected by an end to a tubular element (40) of a fluid transport line, giving continuity to passage of fluid. The tubular body is made of a mixture of an electrically-conductive material such as PVC, with carbon black to give it electrical conductivity. The joint has an internal surface (41) which is destined to come into contact with the transported fluid, and an external surface which is destined to have a grounded galvanic contact. The joint is inserted in the discharge fluid drainage line of a dialyzer filter, in an apparatus for intensive treatment of acute renal insufficiency, for eliminating ECG artefacts due to functioning of peristaltic pumps in the apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-purposed pneumatic tube connector, which is incorporated in a pneumatic system to create a second passageway, includes a main member and an electromagnetic valve. The main member has a main tunnel, a first tunnel, a second tunnel, an inter-tunnel, and a sub-tunnel. The second tunnel is normally communicated with the main tunnel. The inter-tunnel is communicated with the main tunnel, in which a control end of the electromagnetic valve is inserted. The inter-tunnel is communicated with the first tunnel through the sub-tunnel, and the electromagnetic valve may control the communication of the main tunnel and the first tunnel.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly for use in construction. In one embodiment, the invention is an assembly for connecting structural elements including an engaging member, a coupling member, and an elongate member. In another embodiment, the invention is a manifold assembly for use in construction including a manifold, an engaging member, and an elongate member. In yet another embodiment, the invention is structural assembly having dynamic constructive elements, manifolds, and a controller, wherein the controller regulates the environment within cavities of the dynamic constructive elements and conduits of the manifolds.

Abstract: The joint (36) comprises a tubular body (37) having two connecting zones (38, 39) each connected by an end to a tubular element (40) of a fluid transport line, giving continuity to passage of fluid. The tubular body is made of a mixture of an electrically-conductive material such as PVC, with carbon black to give it electrical conductivity. The joint has an internal surface (41) which is destined to come into contact with the transported fluid, and an external surface which is destined to have a grounded galvanic contact. The joint is inserted in the discharge fluid drainage line of a dialyzer filter, in an apparatus for intensive treatment of acute renal insufficiency, for eliminating ECG artefacts due to functioning of peristaltic pumps in the apparatus.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, water pressure-responsive weight belt assembly for use in diving is disclosed. The assembly includes a tensioning portion comprising a housing and a reciprocating member reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The housing comprises a cover and a hollow base to which one end of a flexible belt portion is attached. An end of the reciprocating member is situated external of the housing by being disposed in a position partially outside of the reciprocating member housing cover through a slot defined therein. The other end of the flexible belt portion is attached to one end of the reciprocating member. An air space of variable volume exists within the housing and is defined by the inner walls of the reciprocating member housing base and an end wall of the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves within the housing, thereby adjusting the fit of the assembly on the diver in response to changes in water pressure.

Abstract: The mechanism for mounting and venting an enclosure which includes a mounting bracket which is mountable to an outdoor enclosure having an inner portion. The mounting bracket has an exterior and an interior surface. The interior surface has a mounting aperture for receiving a securement member and a venting aperture in fluid communication with said interior portion of the outdoor enclosure. Further, the mounting bracket has a bottom containing at least one vent hole in fluid communication with the venting aperture for permitting the passage of air between the interior portion of the outdoor enclosure and a space outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A power transmission shaft unit, such as propeller shaft unit, drive shaft unit or the like comprises a universal coupling having a first contact surface; a hollow connecting member having a second contact surface; and a coupling structure that connects the first and second contact surfaces in a manner to constitute an enclosed space that includes an interior of the universal coupling and that of the connecting member. An air passage is provided which extends between the enclosed space and an open air. The air passage is bent in shape.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy hinge assembly for deploying at least a first object in a controllable, substantially shockless manner is disclosed. Generally, the hinge assembly includes at least a first flexure member capable of moving from a first, folded configuration to a second, straightened configuration, and a controller for controlling the movement of at least the first flexure member as the first flexure member moves or reconfigures from the folded configuration to the straightened configuration.

Abstract: A breakaway system (10) for detachably connecting a tension transmitting belt (12) to a pin (20) includes a connector (24) having a pair of jaws (34a, 34b) that clamp against the sides of the pin to preload the connector to the pin thereby preventing relative motion between the jaws and the pin. When the tension load acting between the belt and pin exceeds a threshold level, the jaws of the connector spread sufficiently to allow the pin (20) to pass through an exit gap (42) at the ends of the jaws, which gap is of a nominal width that is smaller than the width of the pin.

Abstract: A shaft coupling structure for male and female shaft components of a vehicular propeller shaft includes a sleeve shaft having a substantially rigid first end, an annular flange formed therearound at a central location at which the sleeve shaft connects to a tube member, and a reduced diameter portion which extends from the flange into the tube portion. A plurality of splines are formed in the axial direction of the sleeve shaft and are interposed between an inner wall of the rigid first end and a stub yoke which is inserted into the first end for co-rotation therewith. Further, a grease cap, or other lubrication device may be provided at an end of the reduced diameter portion. Also, around the reduced diameter portion, between the inner wall of the tube and the outer side of the reduced diameter portion, a vibration damping device, as well as an insertion guide device may be provided for improving smoothness and reducing operational noise for the shaft coupling structure.

Abstract: A release mechanism employing an actuating element of a shape memory alloy material. When the actuating element is heated through its phase-change transition temperature it applies a force which moves a latch to a position which activates the higher energy stored in a drive spring for moving a retaining element out of engagement with a structure. A detent when in a captured position releasably holds the retaining element in its locked position, and the detent is moved from a captured position to a retracted position to release the retaining element when the latch is moved by the actuating element.

Abstract: A release device is actuated to release a workpiece by operation of either of two elongated shape memory metal alloy (SMMA) members. Each SMMA member has on one end a feature that engages a fitting on the workpiece, while its other end is mounted to a housing. A heater on each SMMA member raises its temperature to a transition temperature at which it returns to an unstressed (e.g. shorter) length, thereby releasing the workpiece. The two SMMA elements may be disposed in opposite directions from the housing or may be coaxial or offset and disposed in the same direction.

Abstract: An unlockable connecting device between two objects is provided. The device includes a connecting member for connecting the objects when the device is in a connected state, and an elastic system for applying to the connecting member a tensile stress for breaking the connecting member when the device is in a separation state. The tensile stress is caused by expansion of the elastic system as a result of elastic resiliency of the elastic system.

Abstract: A heavy duty brake assembly including a caliper mounted on a housing in a position to bridge a brake disc, a pair of screws mounted on the housing, a bushing and a washer mounted on each of the screws, a notch formed in the periphery of each of the bushings intermediate the ends thereof, a self-adjusting repeatable retraction device mounted on each of the bushings for supporting the caliper, the device including a plastic sleeve mounted on each of the bushings, a pair of tabs formed in each of the sleeves and aligned with the notches to limit the paths of travel of the sleeve with respect to the bushings, a bell spring formed on one end of each of the sleeves for biasing the caliper to a neutral position with respect to the disc and a seal formed on each end of the plastic sleeve to seal the sleeve to the bushing.

Abstract: Electrode joint for threadably joining two abutting carbon upper and lower electrode sections is provided with a locking pin releasably held in an upper electrode section which when released engages a groove in a lower electrode section.

Abstract: An electromagnet for a nuclear reactor shutdown system, which comprises upper and lower cores disposed in an axially symmetrical arrangement and capable of latching with and delatching from each other. When an ambient temperature increases, the upper and lower iron cores are delatched from each other and a control rod connected to the lower iron core falls down into a reactor core. The lower iron core is provided with a plurality of slits to form a plurality of fins therebetween. A temperature sensitive magnetic material (TSMM) is disposed in the outer circumferential lower corner portion of the lower iron core. An interface between the TSMM and an iron core material takes the form of a side surface of a cone whose central axis is coincident with the symmetry axis and whose apex angle lies in the range of 60.degree. to 120.degree..

Abstract: A strip of copper-based shape memory alloy is used as an actuator element in a restraint/release device (R/R) for a deployment mechanism particularly for space applications; the strip heated by a resistance bends and acts on a lever of a latch means to disengage a moving arm of the R/R device.

Abstract: A rigidity control device is provided to change the natural resonance of an entire building by varying the rigidity of selected structural members such as pillars, beams, braces or floor and pillar, wall and pillar or beam connection members, joints and the like. The rigidity of a structural member is controlled by restraining or releasing a member from restraint or by applying a controlled force to the member. These processes are selectively combined so that the rigidity of the whole building and each section thereof is controlled by a computer according to earthquake forecast analysis. Thus, the proper rigidity of a building is determined and provided responsive to earthquake detection to prevent the building from destructive resonance caused by earthquake tremors.

Abstract: A torque limiting decoupler shaft transmits driving torque in a first sense without torque limiting action. However, torque applied to the shaft in a reverse sense opposite the driving torque results in an axial separating force between two portions of the decoupler shaft. When the reverse torque reaches a certain level a frangible tensile bar member fractures to permit decoupling of the shaft portions. A component of the shaft prevents undesirable recoupling of the shaft portions while also insuring that the relatively rotating portions of the shaft do not flail. An air turbine starter includes such a decoupler shaft.

Abstract: A release mechanism is triggered when the pressure differential on the siall of a sealed container reaches a predetermined threshold level at which the container either implodes or explodes to sufficiently decrease the spacing between the ends of the container and thereby achieve the release. False triggering due to percussion or shock waves may be precluded by disposing a shield about the sidewall.

Abstract: A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.

Abstract: A joint for electrodes with a peg securing electrode members together produces an electrode joint of superior strength, and with resistance to thermal, and mechanical stress which tend to loosen the joint.

Abstract: In order to automatically initiate without any intermediate instrumentation chain the drop of absorbing members into the core of a nuclear reactor, in the of a drop in the cooling liquid level to below a given threshold and, optionally, a rise in the pressure to beyond a maximum permitted value, between each absorbing member and the bar supporting said member is provided an apparatus, which comprises tongs formed by at least two fingers, said tongs normally being locked in a gripping position by locking members, such as balls. A float mounted in the bar controls the unlocking of the tongs in either of the two conditions requiring the dropping of the absorbing members.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning device for tracked vehicles comprising a hydraulically chargeable piston-cylinder unit, coupled on one end with the body of the vehicle, and with the other end to a guide wheel for the track chain which is supported on a rocker arm. In order to obtain the proper track chain tension in any operating condition without providing a separate hydraulic pump, the piston unit is equipped with a tappet supported against the piston unit by means of a spring unit. The tappet closes off a secondary cylinder chamber in the piston unit which is connected with the principal cylinder chamber by two check valves which seal in opposite directions. The tappet effects a pumping action as the result of the vibration generated by the chain links running in and out the guide wheel, thereby pumping the hydraulic oil from a hydraulic oil reservoir into the secondary cylinder chamber and from there into the principal cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A compliant coupling mechaism has a first part (10) connectable to a robot arm (A) and a second part (20) connectable to a robot gripper (G). The mechanism is arranged to allow displacement of the second part relative to first part along a ZZ axis direction, and to allow further relative displacement along and/or about (XX) and (YY) axis directions. A locking device (40) prevents such further relative displacement unless a displacement along the (ZZ) axis direction exceeds a preset amount.

Abstract: A temperature-actuated apparatus is disclosed for releasably supporting a safety rod in a nuclear reactor, comprising a safety rod upper adapter having a retention means, a drive shaft which houses the upper adapter, and a bimetallic means supported within the drive shaft and having at least one ledge which engages a retention means of the safety rod upper adapter. A pre-determined increase in temperature causes the bimetallic means to deform so that the ledge disengages from the retention means, whereby the bimetallic means releases the safety rod into the core of the reactor.

Abstract: An interlock for the throttle and parking brake of a vehicle for retaining the engine at a predetermined speed until the parking brake is released. Includes a fluid supply conduit connected to the parking brake actuating mechanism. The supply of fluid to the parking brake actuating mechanism is controlled. The parking brake is maintained in the brake engaged position in the absence of fluid supply to the brake actuating mechanism. A linkage is interposed between a first member connected to a vehicle operated control mechanism, and a second member connected to an engine speed control mechanism. The link has a first operating mode for effectively connecting the first and second operating members in a second operating mode for effectively disconnecting the first and second operating members. The first member is placed in its first operating mode when fluid is supplied to the parking brake and is placed in second operating mode when the supply of fluid is discontinued.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element (16) movably supported in a flexible conduit (12). The assembly includes a support member (22) adapted to be connected to a support structure (24) (such as a bulkhead) and the conduit (12) includes a slider member (32) slidably disposed in a passageway extending longitudinally through the support member. The support member includes a transverse guideway (36) in which is disposed a metal L-shaped latch member (38) having an aperture in one leg through which the slider member extends. The bottom of the aperture in the latch member has a tooth (48) which coacts with ratcheting teeth (46, 47) on the slider member. A coil spring (44) urges the tooth of the latch member into engagement with the ratcheting teeth of the slider member. A temperature-responsive slug (50) is disposed in parallel with the coil spring.

Abstract: A linkage element for releasing a mechanism under influence of temperature, such as a fire extinguishing sprinkler or ventilation shutter. The element must be capable of retaining a maximum bias force, but has also to show a short response time to excessive temperature conditions. The linkage element comprises a pair of coplanar flat jaws, opposite to each other and having a common base. The resistance to flexion in the plane of each jaw is high, whereas the resistance in a plane perpendicular thereto is low. The element further comprises a shape memory alloy, treated for moving the jaws apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the jaws when the critical temperature is reached. The element is preferably made in the form of a small thin plate of shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly of the type for transmitting forces along a curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element movably supported in a flexible conduit. The assembly includes a support member adapted to be connected to a support structure (such as a bulkhead) and the conduit includes a slider member slidably disposed in a passageway extending longitudinally through the support member. The support member includes a transverse guideway in which is disposed a metal L-shaped latch member having an aperture in one leg through which the slider member extends. A coil spring reacts between the support member and the other leg of the latch member for biasing the bottom of the aperture into engagement with the slider member. The bottom of the aperture in the latch member has a tooth which coacts with ratcheting teeth on the slider member.

Abstract: In the several representative embodiments of selectively-operable well bore apparatus disclosed herein for dependently coupling a well tool to a suspension cable, a collapsible assembly of two or more retaining members is arranged within an enclosed chamber and operatively positioned for normally retaining upper and lower tool-support members in a position where they are tandemly coupled or interconnected. In each of the several embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, electrically-responsive securing means normally maintaining the collapsible assembly in its initial position are cooperatively arranged to be selectively failed so as to allow collapse of the retaining assembly should it become necessary to separate the cable from the well tool while it is in a well bore. Provisions are also made for admitting well bore fluids into the enclosed chamber upon collapse of the retaining assembly so as to assure release of the cable even under extreme well bore pressures.

Abstract: An improved disconnect or power stop mechanism adapted for use in a refrigerant compressor drive system. A soldered connection is operative to initiate a disconnect or declutching action between the driving and driven members if the system should happen to lose its charge of refrigerant or otherwise get into an unsafe, high temperature condition.

Abstract: To permit safe operation of clutch actuated moving ram machines, especially when the operator is to be permitted to "float" the ram, the operating linkage to the clutch is formed with a connection which requires input motion of the linkage in predetermined degree to actuate a safety mechanism. The purpose is to prevent ram operation until the operator is out of harm's way. The linkage is formed such that additional motion of the input elements to the clutch is ineffective to actuate the clutch until the safety apparatus is properly positioned whereupon such additional motion of the input member is made effective to actuate the clutch. An apparatus effective to perform according to that method comprises a piston and a cylinder capable of movement relative to one another and both capable of movement relative to a frame on which the clutch is mounted.

Abstract: A safety clamping device for a pull-cable arrangement for use in an aerial cableway comprising a pair of clamping jaws provided with cable-clamping cups disposed internally thereof, a plurality of synthetic-resin strips interposed between the cable-clamping cups and the clamping jaws and a spring storage device disposed in pressure relationship between one of the clamping jaws and a pressure plate whereby a frictional coupling is provided for a pull-cable and a trolley under normal operation, but being effective to drop the synthetic-resin strips and release the pull-cable, to detension the spring device in reaction to increase in friction and/or heat as a protection against development of excessive friction and/or heat.

Abstract: A fuse device for an automatic emergency shutdown system in fast reactors provides a coupling between a casing tube placed within a fuel can and a series of neutron-absorbing masses held together above the reactor core under normal operating conditions but released in free fall to the lower portion of the casing tube at the level of the reactor core as a result of melting of the fuse when operating characteristics such as temperature or neutron flux attain a level which exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An electromagnetic door holding device for a door closer of the type having a spring operated rotating spindle operatively connected by an arm to a slider mounted for reciprocal movement in a track usually secured to the door frame wherein the slider has a cam which when the door is swung to a fully opened position engages and is held by an electromagnet against movement relative to the slider when the door attempts to return to a closed position and which engages and moves a detent carried by the slider into engagement with detent engaging means in the track so as to prevent movement of the slider relative to the track and thus releaseably hold the door in the open position. The energizing of the electromagnet allows the spring to move the cam out of engagement with the detent and thus permit the slider to move and enable the door to move to a closed position.

Abstract: A power train for heavy duty equipment comprising a flexible power cable and a sensing mechanism for monitoring the contraction of the cable as torque is applied to the cable and a member for decreasing the power to another control mechanism in response to the torque applied to the cable.