Remotely operable locking mechanism
AssigneeJames F. Dalby
InventorJames F. Dalby
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A locking mechanism for securing together two separable pieces, such as two components of a spacecraft during launch. An elongated rod of heat contractible material provides a single active member which changes from a locking length to a contracted length upon application of sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the rod from below to above its transition temperature. Mounting and housing structures are provided for mounting and heating this transducer rod and an apertured member or recessed stop is provided for engaging a projecting portion thereof. Heating may be provided by redundant, electrically actuated heating coils surrounding a major portion of the rod length. At least a major portion of the transducer rod may be made of 55-Nitinol.
Claims20
A locking apparatus for securing together two separable pieces of a fastening device, said locking apparatus comprising:
- an elongated member of heat contractible material capable of changing from a locking length to a contracted length substantially smaller than said locking length upon an application of heat to said elongated member sufficient to cause contraction of said heat contractible material;
- engaging means on one of said separable pieces for engaging a mating portion of said elongated member;
- means for mounting said elongated member on the other of said separable pieces such that the mating portion of said elongated member is engaged by said engaging means to lockingly fasten together said separable pieces when said elongated member has said locking length, and such that the mating portion of said elongated member is disengaged from said engaging means to allow said two pieces to be separated when said elongated member has said contracted length;
- and,
- means for heating said elongated member so as to cause said elongated member to change from said locking length to said contracted length.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.