Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizing device (120) for an assembly which includes two shape memory alloy wires (104, 106) adapted to operate in conjunction. The stabilizing device (120) includes a rocker plate (108) for attachment to each of the shape memory alloy wires; the rocker plate (108) is adapted to pivot when one shape memory alloy wire (104 or 106) is subjected to a stress greater than that to which the other shape memory alloy wire (106 or 104) is subjected, in order to reduce the stress on the first mentioned shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a fastener (60) including a stud (54) having a locking cavity (56), an aperture (58) adapted to receive the stud (54), a locking means (teeth) (620) adapted to engage the locking cavity (56), a shuttle (66) rotatable by rotating means including material adapted to contract when activated and a plug (87) slidable within the shuttle (66) to close off the aperture (58) when not occupied by the stud (54).

Abstract: A fastener (10) is adapted to releasably fix a first element (12) and a second element (14). The fastener (10) includes a channel (22) having a plurality of spaced lockers (28). The lockers (28) are movable into the channel (22). The fastener (10) also has a locking tongue (30), having a plurality of spaced blockers (32). The tongue (30) is movable within the channel (22) between a locked position in which the blockers (32) prevent movement of the lockers (28) into the channel (22) and an unlocked position in which the lockers (28) are not prevented from moving into the channel (22).

Abstract: An electronic communication system including: (a) a fastener (2) operable to close or open to secure an item such as a seat (20) to a vehicle; (b) electronic communication means (42) linking the fastener (2) to at least one separate device, such as a second fastener (2) or a handheld remote user-controlled device (40), to communicate information to the separate device; and (c) electronic circuitry to detect the status of the fastener and to generate the information to be communicated by the electronic communication means to the separate device, wherein the information, which may be an electrical signal such as electrical pulse, relates to the open or closed status of the fastener.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security that reduces energy consumption. The fastener system comprises a fastener for fastening a first element to a second element and a sensor of any suitable form and means for activating a third element in response to a signal generated from said sensor. The sensor sends a signal that prompts the third element to act in response to the status received from the fastener. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.

Abstract: The invention provides a closure (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116 and 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116 and 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (e.g. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (e.g. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilising device (120) for an assembly which includes two shape memory alloy wires (104, 106) adapted to operate in conjunction. The stabilising device (120) includes a rocker plate (108) for attachment to each of the shape memory alloy wires; the rocker plate (108) is adapted to pivot when one shape memory alloy wire (104 or 106) is subjected to a stress greater than that to which the other shape memory alloy wire (106 or 104) is subjected, in order to reduce the stress on the first-mentioned shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a fastener (60) including a stud (54) having a locking cavity (56), an aperture (58) adapted to receive the stud (54), a locking means (teeth) (62) adapted to engage the locking cavity (56), a shuttle (66) rotatable by a rotating means including material adapted to contract when activated and a plug (87) slidable within the shuttle (66) to close off the aperture (58) when not occupied by the stud (54).

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a tag device 4 such as a RFID tag 4 communicating with a master tag for indicating acceptable or not acceptable states of a fastener 12, fastened joint 12a, or an assembled product. It is desirable to have a way of learning of a loosened or damaged fastened joint 12a or fastener 12 immediately, for safety or security purposes. This invention can indicate to a user by remote activation when a change in a fastened joint 12a or fastener 12 is present by attaching at least one tag device 4 utilizing go/no go sensing to the fastened joint 12a or fastener 12 and using a device 14 capable of receiving signals from the tag device 4.

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 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: This invention relates to a stacked, bending actuator 2 comprising at least two leaves 8 having bending or morphing capabilities, material adapted to contract when activated 6 attached to said leaves S; and electronic control IO wherein said leaves 8 and said material adapted contract when activated 6 are stacked in a desired arrangement. This arrangement allows an actuator to have bending capabilities for amplifying linear or rotational movement.

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: A fastener (10) is adapted to releasably fix a first element (12) and a second element (14). The fastener (10) includes a channel (22) having a plurality of spaced 5 lockers (28). The lockers (28) are movable into the channel (22). The fastener (10) also has a locking tongue (30), having a plurality of spaced blockers (32). The tongue (30) is movable within the channel (22) between a locked position in which the blockers (32) prevent movement of the lockers (28) into the channel (22) and an unlocked position in which the lockers (28) are not prevented from moving into o the channel (22).

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 fastener (10) which has an actuating means (12), a bias means (14) and a flexible core (16). The flexible core (16) has an engagement means (18) which may be integral with but is preferable separate from the flexible core (16). The actuating means (12) includes a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy. Upon contraction of this material, the engagement means (18) is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position. The bias means (14) biases the flexible core (16) to the engagement position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilising device (120) for an assembly which includes two shape memory alloy wires (104, 106) adapted to operate in conjunction. The stabilising device (120) includes a rocker plate (108) for attachment to each of the shape memory alloy wires; the rocker plate (108) is adapted to pivot when one shape memory alloy wire (104 or 106) is subjected to a stress greater than that to which the other shape memory alloy wire (106 or 104) is subjected, in order to reduce the stress on the first-mentioned shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a fastener (60) including a stud (54) having a locking cavity (56), an aperture (58) adapted to receive the stud (54), a locking means (teeth) (62) adapted to engage the locking cavity (56), a shuttle (66) rotatable by a rotating means including material adapted to contract when activated and a plug (87) slidable within the shuttle (66) to close off the aperture (58) when not occupied by the stud (54).

Abstract: An electronic communication system including: (a) a fastener 2 operable to close or open to secure an item such as a seat 20 to a vehicle; (b) electronic communication means 4 linking the fastener 2 to at least one separate device, such as a second fastener 2 or a handheld remote user-controlled device, to communicate information to the separate device; and (c) electronic circuitry to detect the status of the fastener and to generate the information to be communicated by the electronic communication means to the separate device, wherein the information, which may be an electrical signal such as an electrical pulse, relates to the open or closed status of the fastener.

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.