Abstract: A fastener having an elongated shank formed of a shape memory alloy, a head at the upper end of the shank, and an annular segment at the lower end of said shank having a deformed cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion into an opening extending through adjacent workpieces. The annular segment has a frusto-conical trained shape that is larger than this opening. The annular segment radially flares from the deformed shape to an approximation of the trained shape when heated above a critical transformation temperature, thereby securing the fastener in place with respect to the workpieces. Alternatively, a sleeve made of a different material (e.g. aluminum) extending over a portion or the entire length of the fastener can be added for improved deformational characteristics, by providing the same frusto-conical shape through axial contraction of the shank.

Abstract: A coupling device with a thermal interface occuring along a curved vertical surface is disclosed. One curved surface is on a cold pin extending from a "cold" object and the other curved surface is on a hot pin extending from a "hot" object. The cold pin is fixed and does not move while the hot pin is a flexible member and its movement towards the cold pin will bring the two curved surfaces together forming the coupling and the thermal interface. The actuator member is a shape-memory actuation wire which is attached between the hot pin and the hot object. By properly programming the actuation wire, heat from the hot object will cause the actuation wire to move the hot pin towards the cold pin forming an effective thermal interface. The shape-memory actuation wire is made from a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol.

Abstract: A structure for preventing from readjusting an adjustment member, which adjusts an extent of operation by rotating the adjustment member, and more particularly, for preventing from readjusting an adjustment member in a carburetor. The structure for the adjustment member includes a hollow tube of a heat shrinkable resin to be fitted around the outer surface of a rotating operational portion of the adjustment member in such a manner that when the hollow tube is heated to be shrunk, it is securely fixed around the outer surface of the adjustment operational portion. Owing to such an arrangement, it will be impossible to fit a tool or the like onto the adjustment operational portion of the adjustment member once it has been available to the user, thus preventing the readjustment. Even if it is readjusted, the readjustment will be easily recognized during a particular inspection of performance.

Abstract: A heat sink of a circuit package for high density integrated circuits is fastened by a spring element that has shape memory. The fastening is carried out in a manner so that the element can be easily removed for disassembly.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy spring washers passing from a flat shape to a truncated cone shape on exceeding a given critical temperature (Tc) can be stacked in opposition or in the same sense with identical and/or different washers, in order to bring about a development in stages of the pressure (P) applied by the stack of washers when the temperature (T) varies. These washers can advantageously be used for the bonding and polymerization of composite material parts (C), because they make it possible to simultaneously treat several parts in the same ventilated oven and in a less expensive manner.

Abstract: A lock nut comprising a lock member prepared from a shape memory alloy and serving as a backup member for a fastening nut.

Abstract: A retainer post for tightly engaging a printed circuit board employing surface mounted technology. The retainer post has a hollow neck portion for insertion in a hole in a printed circuit board, an adjoining shoulder section for engaging the surface of the printed circuit board and, preferably, a retaining means for retaining said post in the printed circuit board. The retaining means preferably is formed of a circumferential, radially projecting barb containing longitudinal notches so that it may be inwardly compressed as the retaining post is inserted in a hole in a printed circuit board. The neck section contains a plurality of longitudinal spaced (i) grooves on its outer surface forming opposing frangible webs or (ii) cuts through said neck section. The neck section contains a cavity in which is disposed a material that expands upon heating.

Abstract: A quick-release radial clamp for fitting over and clamping a hose onto a rigid fitting. The clamp has a split ring with an inner and outer surface. The split in the ring extends in the axial direction of the ring and forms two abutting ends. A stretched elastomeric sleeve is placed upon the outer surface of the ring and is held in that position by the ring as long as the shape of ring is held by the abutting ends. A quick-release mechanism is provided at the ends for disengaging them from their abutting positions, thereby permitting the stretched sleeve to recover and contract. This contracts the rings as well by causing the ends to slide past each other. This clamping contraction is accomplished quickly and easily and provides a sure clamp.

Abstract: According to the invention a multi-layered furnace wall construction for industrial use is provided. The wall construction comprises an outermost iron shell layer, an innermost refractory fiber block layer and an intermediate layer interposed between the iron shell layer and the refractory fiber block layer. The refractory fiber block layer is secured to the intermediate layer by means of stud bolts and washers of ceramic material. The fibers constituting said refractory fiber block layer are oriented such that they extend in the direction substantially perpendicular to the surface plane of the furnace wall.

Abstract: A disk file data disk stack assembly is clamped using a preloaded heat shrink ring that has an interference fit with the assembly hub. In addition to an inner diameter slightly smaller than the cooperating hub surface, the shrink ring has a full or extended outer cylindrical surface and a reduced area inner cylindrical surface and a reduced area axial end surface to permit effective heat transfer to the ring with minimal conductive heat transfer to the hub and clamping element to enable a differential temperature for effecting shrink ring removal when required.

Abstract: A retaining member (26) is constructed undersized from a memory metal for permitting a member (26) disposed in an element retaining position to recover and grippingly engage a stud (12) on which the member (26) is arranged. The retaining member (26) can be used alone, or in combination with a load-carrying nut (16) for greater strength. Providing a convex face (46) on the retaining member (26), and a concave surface (40) on the load-carrying nut (16), permits the total height of the arrangement to be limited to only slightly more than the height of the load-carrying nut alone in order to meet existing space limitations.

Abstract: A linkage element for releasing a mechanism under influence of temperature, such as a fire extinguishing sprinkler or ventilation shutter. The element must be capable of retaining a maximum bias force, but has also to show a short response time to excessive temperature conditions. The linkage element comprises a pair of coplanar flat jaws, opposite to each other and having a common base. The resistance to flexion in the plane of each jaw is high, whereas the resistance in a plane perpendicular thereto is low. The element further comprises a shape memory alloy, treated for moving the jaws apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the jaws when the critical temperature is reached. The element is preferably made in the form of a small thin plate of shape memory alloy.

Abstract: The staples are made of a material having the intrinsic property of shape memory, such that heating the material above a certain temperature known as the transition temperature causes any deformation introduced at temperatures below the transition temperature to be reversed, and the staple recovers fully to its shape prior to the deformation. By forming the staple into any desired closed position at a temperature above the transition temperature and then cooling the staple below the transition temperature before deforming it into an open position, the resulting staple will revert to its closed position when it is subsequently reheated above the transition temperature. Consequently, the staple can be used for surgical suturing by merely positioning it in contact with the tissues to be sutured and heating it sufficiently to cause it to penetrate and clinch the tissues together.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reinforced plastic rivet comprising a plurality of substantially continuous carbon fibres encapsulated in a partially polymerized thermoset resin matrix and enveloped in a high tensile strength low modulus tubular sheath. A portion of the rivet is deformable to form a head and fully polymerizable upon heating thereof.

Abstract: An elastic cover for couplings or splices comprising a radially stretched and axially twisted elastic cover supported on a core of spirally wound polymeric material which is progressively removed from within the cover member as a continuous narrow strip.

Abstract: An improved assembly for mounting a part onto a base member is provided by incorporating a tubular insert having a hollow inner core in a mounting hole in the part. A fastener, such as a bolt, machine screw or rivet may then be inserted through the insert in the mounting hole for attachment to the base member. When the assembly is subjected to axial compression by the fastener, the insert collapses uniformly in an axial direction to absorb a substantial amount of the total compressive load exerted upon tightening the fastener.

Abstract: An improved assembly for mounting a part onto a base member is provided by incorporating a tubular insert having a hollow inner core in a mounting hole in the part. A fastener, such as a bolt, machine screw or rivet, may then be inserted through the insert in the mounting hole for attachment to the base member. The tubular insert has an integral flange on the end which engages the fastener. The flange functions as the "washer" in conventional fastener assemblies. When the assembly is subjected to axial compression by the fastener, the insert collapses uniformly in an axial direction to absorb a substantial amount of the total compressive load exerted upon tightening the fastener.