Abstract: An assembly comprises first and second components provided with holes receiving a retaining element in the form of a pin, in order to retain the components together. The pin is made from a shape memory effect material, and is inserted into the holes in a straight configuration, following which a change in temperature causes a retaining portion of the pin to deform into a second configuration, in which withdrawal of the pin is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal-expansion compensator for holding a light module in a housing of a headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a compensation pin extending along a pin axis with a stop element, wherein the compensation pin can be connected to the housing by means of a connecting means, a compensation element with a compensation body extending along a compensation axis and at least two stop receptacles that are each formed for holding the stop element of the compensation pin, and a holder that is arranged rigidly on the light module.

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 example adjustable linking member of a mounting assembly includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion connects a linking member to a first component. The second attachment portion connects the linking member to a second component. A variable portion of the adjustable linking member varies a distance between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in a first direction when heated. The variable portion varies the distance between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in a second direction when cooled. The first direction is opposite the second direction.

Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

Abstract: A fusible link is described comprising a first member selectively coupled to a second member via a connection member. The connection member is retained by way of first and second stop members that are defined in the second member and bear against the connection member and the first member.

Abstract: A guide shaft bearing including an internal ring mounted on a cylindrical contact surface of a shaft and a device for the axial locking of the ring including a ring mounted sliding on the cylindrical contact surface and an annular rib made of shape memory material mounted in two annular grooves of the cylindrical contact surface and of the ring is disclosed. The annular rib is able to expand radially by shape memory effect when it is subjected to a temperature greater than a transition temperature of its material to pass to a locking position of the ring on the cylindrical contact surface.

Abstract: An expansion joint bracket retains an expansion joint board in a concrete installation. The expansion joint bracket may include a base member having multiple nail holes for securing the bracket to the earth (or sand or gravel put down prior to pouring concrete there upon). First and second board support members may run perpendicular to the base and parallel to each other to hold the expansion joint board in place. Gussets, typically triangular shaped gussets, extend from the board support members to the base member. The expansion joint brackets may be disposed every 12-24 inches on the expansion joint board and concrete may be poured over the expansion joint brackets, resulting in a quick and simple concrete installation.

Abstract: An expansion joint having gaps is used for cracks in surfacing. In an embodiment, an expansion joint has an upper body having an upper body gap. The expansion joint also has a lower body having a lower body gap. In addition, the expansion joint has a wedge. The wedge is disposed between the upper body and the lower body.

Abstract: A preload reducing fastener adapted to be fastened into a system in which includes a release system. The fastener may have an integral collar which is adapted to change shape, as in the case of a shape memory alloy. The application of heat to fastener may deform the collar such that the fastener may move axially in the load direction, thus reducing the preload previously held by the fastener. A preload reducing device including a preload reducing fastener may include an outer case adapted to center and capture a preload reducing fastener. The case may center the fastener in a desired location in a preloaded system, and may also capture the fastener after release of the system.

Abstract: A micro-coupling active release mechanism including a shape memory alloy (SMA) cylindrical ring that is fit into a bushing or other mating attachment creating an interference joint held in place by frictional forces. The interference joint can be released upon actuation in which the SMA cylindrical ring is heated causing it to shrink in size, relieving the frictional forces of the interference joint thereby releasing the SMA cylindrical ring from the bushing or other mating attachment.

Abstract: In order e.g. to provide a connection for connecting shafts in a wind turbine which is able to withstand a torque of a modern wind turbine, while still being relatively inexpensive, simple and effective to use, there is disclosed a connection including a first shaft and a second shaft which are inter-connectable by connecting an interconnection part of the first shaft and an interconnection part of the second shaft, and a shrinkable disk positioned and adapted so as to lock the first shaft to the second shaft by providing pressure to the interconnection parts of the first and second shaft when the interconnection parts are interconnected, and where the interconnection part of each of the first and second shafts comprises a plurality of friction surfaces transferring moment between the first and second shafts by friction.

Abstract: Embodiments of hollow generally T-shaped couplers suitable for coupling respective ends of two tubular members to an upright member for a trampoline support are disclosed. Neither manufacture of the coupler nor the manner of its coupling between the tubular members and the upright member requires welds. The coupler has a hollow cross piece for coupling with the respective ends of the two tubular members. It also has a hollow upright piece extending from an underside of and intersecting the cross piece that receives in female fashion a male end of the upright member. Both the underside of the cross piece and sides of the upright piece are of split form along their respective lengths. The upright piece is provided with location regions that cooperate with corresponding location regions on the male end of the upright member to locate the upright member longitudinally of the upright piece.

Abstract: A releasable connection connects a first component to a second component. The second component includes and is manufactured from a Shape Memory Polymer (SMP), and defines a pocket. The first component includes a portion disposed within the pocket. The pocket is deformed from an initial shape permitting insertion of the portion into the pocket to assembly the releasable connection into a connected shape wherein the pocket is deformed to secure the first component relative to the second component. The pocket is transformed from the initial shape into the connected shape by heating the SMP material of the second component to a switching temperature. Re-heating the SMP second component to the switching temperature returns the pocket back to the initial shape from the connected shape to disassembly the releasable connection.

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: Particular embodiments of the present invention relate generally to connecting structures comprising heated flexures for aligning a first component with a second component. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical package includes a laser, a wavelength conversion device, a mirror and a connecting structure. The mirror reflects a laser beam such that the laser beam is incident upon the wavelength conversion device. The connecting structure includes a structure base and three bipod flexures. Each of the bipod flexures includes first and second bipod legs extending from the structure base to the mirror. A heating element is thermally coupled to the first and second bipod legs. The bipod flexures are arranged in a tripod configuration such that changes in the length of the bipod legs alter the reflection of the laser beam from the mirror.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention relate generally to connecting structures comprising heated flexures for aligning a first component with a second component. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical package includes a laser, a wavelength conversion device, a mirror and a connecting structure. The mirror reflects a laser beam such that the laser beam is incident upon the wavelength conversion device. The connecting structure includes a structure base and three bipod flexures. Each of the bipod flexures includes first and second bipod legs extending from the structure base to the mirror. A heating element is thermally coupled to the first and second bipod legs. The bipod flexures are arranged in a tripod configuration such that changes in the length of the bipod legs alter the reflection of the laser beam from the mirror.

Abstract: This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.

Abstract: An expansion joint for use between a turbine duct and an exhaust duct. The expansion joint may include a flange attached to the turbine duct and a number of plates attached to the exhaust duct that extend towards the flange. The plates and the flange may include a gap therebetween, the gap being narrower when the turbine duct is hot than when the turbine duct is cold.

Abstract: This invention relates to the art of processing and treating molten metal. More particularly, this invention relates to a new and improved coupling design for a molten metal processing system to provide coupling design for rotor/shaft systems which has a heat break to prevent heat flow to a motor. This disclosure deals with a cross sectional area reduction heat break which provides a restriction prevent heat transmission through a conductive material by providing a coupling for connecting a motor to a shaft in a molten metal processing system to restrict heat flow to a motor, which will ultimately extend the life of the motor.

Abstract: A system to couple a plastic part and a body structure includes a plate and an elastic member as part of the body structure. Additionally, the plastic part includes an opening and an oblique stop at an end of the opening. The plate is received within the opening. The elastic member includes a first end that is free and a second end that is fixed to the plate. The elastic member biases the plate with respect to the plastic part. In a first position, the first end of the elastic member contacts the oblique stop. In a second position, the first end of the elastic member contacts the oblique stop such that the first end of the elastic member is displaced in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction compared to the first position. Additionally, the elastic member is slideable along the oblique stop.

Abstract: A Bolted Flanged Connection (BFC) includes “negative creep” bolts with cores manufactured from Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and “negative creep” gasket manufactured from the same SMA. The gasket is shape-memorized to the “swelling”, and bolt cores are shape-memorized to the compression. Temperature interval of reverse martensitic phase transformation of SMA is close to operational temperature interval of the assembly. The constrained shape recovery of the gasket and bolt cores is combined with inverse flexion flange design that constitutes original type of BFC with feature to inhibit flange rotation and creep of bolts and gasket under conditions of a variety of operational temperatures and internal pressures.

Abstract: A clockable device for use with an electrostatic chuck configured to hold a substrate in a plasma environment is disclosed. The clockable device comprises a first portion of the electrostatic chuck having at least one face with variable thermal contact areas located thereon. A second portion of the electrostatic chuck has at least one face with variable thermal contact areas located thereon. The at least one face of the second portion is configured to be placed in thermal contact with the at least one face of the first portion to control a thermal gradient across a face of the substrate.

Abstract: A composite seal is disclosed having first and second metal layers overlying one another in spaced relation. A mineral layer is positioned between the metal layers. The metal and mineral layers have inner and outer perimeters, the inner perimeters overlapping to define an aperture. The metal layers are joined at a perimeter, preferably the outer perimeter, by welding. The metal layers are preferably precious metal or high temperature alloy foil and the mineral layer may be formed of mica, vermiculite, or modifications of vermiculite.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting or aligning two or more parts, elements, devices, or structures coupled together by an adjustable interface is described. The apparatus includes an adjustable joint at the interface, which includes a housing adapted to receive a portion of one of the two or more parts. The housing also includes a filler that is cycled between a liquid state and a solid state to facilitate adjustment and rigidity, respectively, between the portion of the two or more parts and the housing. The housing may include integral heating members to heat the filler. The method includes heating the filler to facilitate adjustment, adjusting the portion of the two or more parts, and cooling the filler.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably securing or connecting together at least two components includes a securing element that interconnects the components and that can be melted, thermally decomposed or otherwise separated by applying heat thereto. The securing element is preferably a monofilament or multifilament thread of natural or synthetic material, such as high strength polymer material. The arrangement further preferably includes a compression bracing structure such as a housing that bears compression forces between the components, while the securing element bears tension forces. The arrangement further preferably includes an electric resistance heating element that can be electrically energized and is arranged to apply heat to the thread, so as to melt or decompose and separate the thread and thereby release and separate the two interconnected components.

Abstract: An improved thermal expansion compensation manifold support is disclosed. The support includes a spring having a barrel and a skirt extending from the barrel, the skirt forming a recess. The spring has a first shoulder extending into the recess, and an end opposite the barrel. The support also includes a block having opposite ends, a finger portion formed at one end and a second shoulder formed at the opposite end. The finger has an end opposite the second shoulder, with the finger being dimensioned and configured to be inserted into the skirt's recess. The skirt and the block are dimensioned and configured such that when the finger is inserted into the recess, the skirt end abuts against the second shoulder and the finger end is separated from the first shoulder by a gap.

Abstract: There is provided a fastening component and an appliance having a fastening structure, in which the appliance can be readily disassembled without detaching the fastening component from a structural body. The fastening component is constituted of a head disposed at an end of a shaft, a washer disposed at an end portion of the shaft, and made of a shape-memory member being contractible in a radial direction with the application of heat, and a washer holder formed around an outer circumference of the shaft. The washer holder includes a washer container having a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the washer when contracted due to application of heat, and a washer locker formed adjacently to the washer container at an end of the washer container opposite to the head and having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the washer when contracted due to the application of heat.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching components of dissimilar material includes a fastener, a spacer, and a mechanism for tightening the assembly. The spacer compensates for differences in thermal expansion rates between the non-metal component and the metal component while providing a tight attachment therebetween. An opening formed within the metal component is an elongated slot that accommodates the body portion of the fastener passing therethrough with the spacer and allows relative movement between the non-metal component and the metal component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rocker arm shaft for an automobile engine, which is effectively capable of offsetting the length change of the rocker arm shaft, which caused by heat. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rocker arm shaft can be divided into at least two shafts. An elastic member, such as a coil spring, is positioned between the shafts. When the length change of the shafts is changed by heat, the elastic member offsets the changed length of the shafts. The rocker arm shaft is divided into a hollow first shaft and a hollow second shaft. A one end of the second shaft of the rocker arm shaft forms a receiving groove for inserting the elastic member. With this structure, the rocker arm shaft for an automobile engine does not bend nor get twisted by offsetting the changed length of the shafts by means of the elastic member.

Abstract: Joint formations that, in joining together joining members employed in a variety of electrical and electronic components, yield sufficiently high joint strength in the direction perpendicular to the plane in which two joining members join, and meanwhile in the direction parallel to the joint plane. First and second joining members have respective joint phases each formed with a different number of distinct yet continuous conformational faces, defining the joint phases so that neither is the matching complement of the other. A bonding agent interposed between the joint phases joins the joining members together. The difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the two joining members, and between them and the bonding agent, is 5.0×10?6/° C. or less. The joining members are a metal such as tungsten or Cu—W, or a ceramic such as AlN or Si3N4; and glass or a solder material is utilized for the bonding agent.

Abstract: A stop device with a shape memory actuator includes two stop elements sliding within a fixed support structure and usually hold in their mutual distant position by cam means pushed through spring means. A shape memory actuator is started through an electric current passage for causing the displacement of the cam means in a position wherein they permit the backward movement of the two stop elements towards a mutual close position.

Abstract: A releasable fastening system for retaining two surfaces at each other or disengaging the two surfaces from each other comprises a first electrode disposed at a first surface, a second electrode disposed at a second surface, and a polymer film disposed between the first and second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode, the polymer film, and the second electrode. A volume of the polymer film is controllably variable to cause the retention of the first surface at the second surface. A method of releasably fastening adjacently-positioned surfaces comprises disposing a first electrode at a first surface, disposing a second electrode at a second surface, and increasing the volume of an electrolyte disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the retention of the first surface at the second surface.

Abstract: A method of attaching a first member of one of quartz and a ceramic to a metal member. The method includes creating a hole in the metal member, the hole being smaller in size than the size of the first member over a temperature range, heating the metal member to a temperature sufficient to expand the hole to allow insertion of the first member in the hole, inserting a portion of the first member into the hole, and cooling the metal member to form a joined structure of the first member and the metal member.

Abstract: The clearances between an array of turbine blades and its surrounding blade track may be controlled by an expansion control material system supporting the blade tracks. The blade track support hoop is placed in tension by the expansion control material placed therein and the expansion control material is placed in compression.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: An improved spool assembly for non-explosive actuators used in electro-mechanical structural separation devices. The spool assembly includes two spool halves each having external surfaces and a generally flat internal surface, a unitary and integral internal member made of an electrically conductive material and having a link-wire portion and two electrical terminal portions, and an external wrap-wire wound around the two spool halves and having a connecting end connected to the link-wire portion of the unitary and integral internal member such that the wrap-wire tightly binds the two spool halves together to form a spool for retaining an external structural member.

Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: A coupling structure includes a shaft member having an outer periphery formed with an axial groove and a circumferential groove, each groove having a cross section having opposed faces substantially parallel to each other; a cylindrical member fitted to the outer periphery of the shaft member and formed out of a material greater in linear expansion coefficient than that of the shaft member; and a caulked portion provided to the cylindrical member at a position corresponding to the grooves of the shaft member. The caulked portion has a deformed inner surface in press contact with the opposed faces of the grooves.

Abstract: A device for fastening and fixing components to a cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may be both the convex-cylindrical outer contour of a cylinder and the concave-cylindrical inner contour of a hollow cylinder, in which the component is fixed in the radial, axial and circumferential directions. The fastening and fixing is effected by shaped elements which are attached to the component and by a counterpart to each shaped element on the wall. In each case a shaped element and a counterpart interlock, such that the component has at least three shaped elements, of which at least one shaped element has a defined accuracy of fit with its associated counterpart in the radial direction and has clearance in the axial and circumferential directions. At least one shaped element has a defined accuracy of fit with its associated counterpart in the axial direction and has clearance in the radial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: A releasable clampband apparatus and an associated method gently alter clampband tension, such that clampband tension may be reduced after the need for high clampband tension is no longer present, but before clampband separation. Thus, equipment or electronics contained in elements joined by the clampband are protected from excessive shock upon clampband separation. The releaseable clampband apparatus includes a discontinuous clampband having at least one opening. A connector is fixed to one side of the clampband opening and extends across the opening. A housing is fixed to the other side of the clampband opening and has a cavity surrounding at least a portion of the connector. A moveable positioning assembly is at least partially disposed within the housing cavity and is connected to the connector such that movement of the assembly with respect to the housing alters the clampband tension by varying the size of the opening.

Abstract: A resin member has a first barrel member 30, which can be welded to the fuel tank, and a second barrel member having a higher melting temperature than the first barrel member. The first barrel member is joined to the outer circumference of the second barrel member and protrudes at one axial end. The second barrel member protrudes at the other axial end. A bolt is inserted from one end where the first barrel member protrudes through the second barrel member out of an end face where the second barrel member protrudes. The first barrel member of the resin member is welded to the fuel tank. The bolt is inserted into a mounting hole of the heat insulation plate and securely fastened. A flange spreading diametrically is preferably formed on a protruding end face of the second barrel member.

Abstract: A gas operated contraction drive with a contractible hose, which undergoes longitudinal contraction when a working space defined by it is subjected to a pressurizing drive gas. The contractible hose is fitted with at least one pyrotechnic gas generator.

Abstract: A chuck for the clamping of tools by shrink fit includes a chuck member which has a longitudinal section having a central receptacle with clamping surface for the insertion and holding of the tool to be clamped with its shank. The longitudinal section includes a plurality of segments arranged at distances from one another in the circumferential direction and separated from each other by clearances in between, the segments extending essentially axially parallel and forming the clamping surface with their inner peripheral areas. The segments are surrounded on the outside by a sleeve part. The segments are either in one piece with the sleeve part or, as separate structural elements, are a component of a mounted insert.

Abstract: A wall framework includes top and bottom tracks, a horizontal channel and vertical studs. A first vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a first opening sized and shaped to permit the horizontal channel to extend therethrough and a second opening vertically spaced from the first opening. A second vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a third opening sized and shaped to permit the channel to extend therethrough and a fourth opening vertically spaced from the fourth opening. At least one clip extends through the first opening and the second opening. A fastener connects the horizontal channel to the clip. The clip cooperates with the fastener to secure the horizontal channel in a fixed relationship to the first vertical stud.

Abstract: Split spool release apparatus for retaining and deploying a deployable appendage. Exemplary apparatus comprises a housing which houses a split spool clamping device, a release nut attached to the deployable appendage, a locking mechanism or fuse assembly, and an actuator. The split spool clamping device comprises a plurality of separable sections that secure the release nut and deployable appendage using the restraining wire that is wrapped around them. In one embodiment, the split spool clamping device may comprises a threaded split-nut. The restraining wire is preferably wrapped using variable pretension, having low tension at the fuse end and higher tension at the nut end (load application end). The fuse assembly is coupled to the restraining wire at a location that is distal from the deployable appendage, and is activated by the actuator to release the restraining wire.

Abstract: A reinforcing assembly for use with roll bars adapted to be mounted to motor vehicles such as an automobile. The reinforcing assembly includes a heat-expandable synthetic resin reinforcing member and a retainer configured to attach the member to the interior of a two-piece telescopically interfitting tubular roll bar construction. Upon heating, the reinforcing member expands to form a seal between the two roll bar tube sections thereby providing sound-reduction and stability of the roll bar assembly.

Abstract: Remote activation mechanism for equipment regulated deployment or release, that includes a cylindrical housing (1), connected by means of a rod (10) with the external equipment to be deployed including the acting mechanism, and has adhered a fusible material band in its internal surface (11). Inside the housing a cylindrical frame (2) connected with the fixed part of the equipment is disposed. That frame is provided with means to perform the local and progressive fusion of the fusible material band. Additionally a cylindrical sealing piece (3) is disposed in between the fusible material band (11) and the frame (2).

Abstract: A retention and triggering mechanism with a shape memory actuator which ensures safe triggering and is of simple design and requires little energy. An end (7, 8) of a stressed wire is held by a free end of a wire made of shape memory material (9, 10) which contracts along its length when heated, thus withdrawing its free end from an opening (27, 28) formed in the end (7, 8) of the stressed wire thereby releasing the stressed wire.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for linking for example actuator rods to the nozzle ring of a variable geometry turbine. First and second components of the mechanism are interconnected by at least two links which are displaceable in a predetermined direction relative to the first component and connected at spaced apart locations to the second component. At least one of the links incorporates an element which is pivotal relative to the first component about a first axes and pivotal relative to the second component about a second axis, the two axis being parallel to each other, parallel to the predetermined direction, and offset relative to each other.