Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention relates to a releasable fastening system (50) 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: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention relates to 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: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention relates to 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: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assmeblies 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.