Abstract: A ground cloth is adapted for use between the ground and a ground engagable floor to protect the floor from contamination by the ground. The ground cloth includes a plurality of drain holes for draining to the ground moisture entering between the ground engagable floor and the ground cloth to minimize the retention of moisture between the ground cloth and the floor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strut assembly 10 comprising a locking device 11 in operative communication with a piston 3, wherein the locking device 11 comprises an active material operative to resist motion of the piston 3 in response to an activation signal. Disclosed herein too is a method of operating a strut assembly 10 comprising displacing a suspended body 60 in mechanical communication with a piston 3; activating an active material in operative communication with the piston 3; and controlling the motion of the suspended body 60.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a locking mechanism for positioning or locking an article comprising a housing 3; an optional active element 6 in operative communication with a connecting means 22, wherein the active element 6 and the connecting means 22 are disposed within the housing 3; wherein the active element 6 upon being activated is capable of exerting a force on the connecting means 22; a compression initiation element 4 located within the housing 3, wherein the compression initiation element 4 comprises a shape memory material, and wherein the compression initiation element 4 upon activation facilitates the activation of the active element 6; and a spring stack 8 disposed adjacent to the compression initiation element 4, wherein the spring stack 8 is in operative communication with the compression initiation element 4 and wherein the spring stack 8 is configured to radially expand within the housing 3.

Abstract: Active pressure relief valves and methods of use for regulating atmospheric conditions within an interior compartment of a vehicle generally include an active material to effect movement of a flap relative to an opening. The active material has the ability to remember its original at least one attribute such as dimension, shape, and/or flexural modulus, which can subsequently be recalled by applying or removing an external stimulus, as will be discussed in detail herein. Suitable active materials include, without limitation, shape memory alloys, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, shape memory polymers, piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers, magnetorheological fluids and elastomers, electrorheological fluids, composites of one or more of the foregoing materials with non-active materials, combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials, and the like.

Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.

Abstract: A self locking apparatus comprising: a housing; a load initiating element located within the housing; a spring located adjacent to the load initiating element, and configured to expand in compression against the housing; and wherein the load initiating element and spring are slideable within the housing until the spring is loaded into a self locking mode. A self locking apparatus comprising: an outer tube; a cylindrical body, with a plurality of slotted surfaces forming a plurality of load transfer segments, and with a bottom annulus, the cylindrical body located within the outer tube; a spring located adjacent to the bottom annulus and configured to expand in compression against the load transfer segments; and the slotted cylindrical body and spring are slideable within the outer tube in the absence of the spring being loaded into a self locking mode.