Abstract: In an example, method for locking/unlocking a structure is described. The method includes attaching a first end of a pawl to a support assembly, wherein the pawl comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA) element configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein the pawl is attached to the support assembly such that a second end of the pawl is movable between a locked position that prevents a rotatable shaft from rotating and an unlocked position that allows the rotatable shaft to rotate, activating the SMA element, thereby causing the SMA element to take on the first configuration and move the second end of the pawl to the locked position, and deactivating the SMA element, thereby causing the SMA element to take on the second configuration and move the second end of the pawl from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: In an example, method for locking/unlocking a structure is described. The method includes attaching a first end of a pawl to a support assembly, wherein the pawl comprises a shape memory alloy (SMA) element configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein the pawl is attached to the support assembly such that a second end of the pawl is movable between a locked position that prevents a rotatable shaft from rotating and an unlocked position that allows the rotatable shaft to rotate, activating the SMA element, thereby causing the SMA element to take on the first configuration and move the second end of the pawl to the locked position, and deactivating the SMA element, thereby causing the SMA element to take on the second configuration and move the second end of the pawl from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dampening a structure in an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a housing, a first compartment located along an axis extending centrally through the housing, a second compartment located adjacent to the first compartment on the axis extending centrally through the housing, a first piston, a rod, and a second piston. The housing has an elongate shape. The first piston is located within the first compartment of the housing. The first piston defines a first chamber and a second chamber of the first compartment as the first piston moves within the housing. The rod is associated with the first piston and extends centrally through the first compartment and the second compartment. The second piston is coaxial to the first piston and located within the second compartment. The second piston moves relative to the rod to accommodate a flow of a fluid into the second compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dampening a structure in an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a housing, a first compartment located along an axis extending centrally through the housing, a second compartment located adjacent to the first compartment on the axis extending centrally through the housing, a first piston, a rod, and a second piston. The housing has an elongate shape. The first piston is located within the first compartment of the housing. The first piston defines a first chamber and a second chamber of the first compartment as the first piston moves within the housing. The rod is associated with the first piston and extends centrally through the first compartment and the second compartment. The second piston is coaxial to the first piston and located within the second compartment. The second piston moves relative to the rod to accommodate a flow of a fluid into the second compartment.

Abstract: A data storage disk cartridge including a shutter assembly with a stress relief mechanism. The disk cartridge includes a housing assembly having an opening for accessing a disk. A molded shutter assembly is operably connected to the housing assembly. The molded shutter assembly is moveable between a closed position across the opening and an open position allowing access to the disk by a disk drive. The molded shutter assembly includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an endwall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A first joint is defined by the junction of the first sidewall and the endwall. A stress relief mechanism is positioned at the first joint whereby the first sidewall is maintained substantially parallel to the second sidewall after removal from a molding process die assembly.

Abstract: A compliant electrical connector pin has opposed convex surfaces to grip the surfaces of a hole in a circuit board, the pin having a compliant region so that the pin compresses to reduce the cross sectional area of the pin as the pin is inserted into the hole with the pin having a transition zone proximate the compliant region with the transition zone and the compliant region sufficiently interrelated so that the transition zone partially expands the hole in the circuit board before the hole in the circuit board begins to compress the compliant region of the pin with the compliant region and the hole coacting to provide a low resistance electrical connection between mating surfaces of the hole and the pin without rupturing the material on the side walls of the hole with the compliant pin structure being able to withstand vibration without fracturing.

Abstract: A circuit board stiffener includes an elongated stiffening member adapted to extend over the board surface in spaced relation to that surface; the member has contact surfaces adapted to engage one side of the board, and bendable retainer structure to retain the member in position relative to the board. The retainer structure may comprise bendable arms that project through board openings to be bent at the opposite side of the board, and to be locked in position by solder at that opposite side. The member may have a zig-zag cross section to enhance its stiffness.

Abstract: A compliant electrical connector has a pin with opposed convex surfaces to grip the boundary of a hole, the pin having at least one groove sunk in the side thereof so that the pin forms a flexure that flexes to reduce the cross sectional area of the groove as the pin is inserted into the hole.

Abstract: An electrical bus strip to receive a terminal post comprises(a) an elongated metallic bus strip;(b) a contact integral with and spaced from said strip, said contact protruding toward a plane defined by said strip, and(c) two pairs of arms having first ends integral with said strip and second ends integral with said contact to support the contact for resiliently yieldable movement normal to said planes in response to insertion of a terminal post into position between the arms of each pair and between the contact and said strip.Typically the bus strip defines an H-shaped opening generally in registration with said contact and arms which were stamped from said strip.

Abstract: A compliant electrical connector has a pin with edges to grip the boundary of a hole, the pin having at least one groove sunk in the side thereof so that the pin forms a flexure that flexes to reduce the cross sectional area of the groove as the pin is inserted into the hole.

Abstract: A double contact electrical bus strip to receive a terminal pin or post comprises:(a) a horizontally elongated bus strip, and(b) two contacts in the form of hook-shaped tangs which are vertically spaced apart and which are integral with the bus strip,(c) each of the tangs extending generally vertically and diagonally relatively toward the bus strip, at one side thereof,(d) the tangs defining vertically spaced openings to pass the terminal post in vertically assembled relation between both tangs and the bus strip.

Abstract: A clip operable to connect an electrical terminal post with a bus strip comprises:A. a channel section having opposed arms between which the bus strip is receivable,B. and a generally hook shaped section integral with one of said arms, said hook shaped section containing an opening to pass said terminal post extending generally parallel to said one arm,C. there being means on the channel section to retain the bus strip in a zone formed by the channel section.

Abstract: A compliant electrical connector .[.has a pin with edges to grip the boundary of a hole, the pin having at least one groove sunk in the side thereof so that the pin forms a flexure that flexes to reduce the cross sectional area of the groove as the pin is inserted into the hole..]. .Iadd.pin has an elongated body with laterally oppositely facing walls for engaging electrical structure forming a hole into which the pin is pressed, the pin having compliant body extent between such walls and including a flexure in yieldable flexed condition, the flexure including a spring for developing outwardly opposing forces for forcing the laterally oppositely facing walls into contact with the structure forming the hole. An electrical connection is thereby provided from the pin and the structure forming the hole. .Iaddend.