Device and method for selectively preventing the locking of a shape-memory alloy coupling system
AssigneeSDGI Holdings, Inc.
InventorJeff R. Justis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A shape-memory alloy coupling system for connecting two or more members and selectively preventing premature locking. The coupling system includes a coupling device adapted for connection to a member and being at least partially formed of a shape-memory material. The coupling device has a first configuration that allows relative movement between the member and the coupling device, and a second configuration that limits relative movement between the member and the coupling device. A blocking element co-acts with the coupling device to selectively prevent the coupling device from assuming the second configuration.
Claims35
A coupling device for connection to a member, comprising:
- a coupling element including means for connecting to the member;
- shape-memory means for limiting relative movement of the member relative to said coupling element;
- and
- means for selectively preventing said shape-memory means from limiting said relative movement.
A coupling system for connection to a member, comprising:
- a coupling device adapted for connection to the member and being at least partially formed of a shape-memory material, said coupling device being reformable from a first configuration to a second configuration, said first configuration allowing relative movement between the member and said coupling device, said second configuration limiting relative movement between the member and said coupling device;
- and
- a blocking element co-acting with said coupling device to selectively prevent said coupling device from being reformed to said second configuration.
The system of claim wherein said coupling device has a side wall defining at least one recess, said blocking element having a projection defining a bearing surface, said bearing surface abutting said side wall when said blocking element is in said first position, said projection being at least partially positioned within said at least one recess when said blocking element is in said second position.
A coupling system for connection to a member, comprising:
- a connecting device adapted for connection to the member and being formed at least partly from a shape-memory alloy, said connecting device capable of being transformed from one shape to a different shape, said one shape allowing relative movement between the member and said connecting device, said second shape limiting relative movement between the member and said connecting device;
- and
- a restraining element transitionable from a first state to a second state, said first state preventing said connecting device from assuming said second shape, said second state permitting said connecting device to assume said second shape.
A coupling system for connection to a member, comprising:
- a coupling element defining a passage sized to receive a portion of the member therein;
- at least one locking element formed at least partly of a shape-memory alloy and disposed about at least a portion of said coupling element, said at least one locking element capable of being reformed from a first configuration to a second configuration, said first configuration co-acting with said coupling element to allow relative movement between the member and said coupling element, said second configuration co-acting with said coupling element to limit relative movement between the member and said coupling element;
- and
- a blocking element disposed within said passage and transitionable between a first state and a second state, said first state preventing said locking element from assuming said second configuration, said second state permitting said coupling device to assume said second configuration.
A method, comprising:
- providing a coupling device adapted to be connected to a member, the coupling device being at least partially formed of a shape-memory material and capable of being reformed from a first shape to a different second shape;
- providing a blocking element positioned adjacent the coupling device;
- preventing the coupling device from reforming toward its second shape through co-action between the coupling device and a first state of the blocking element to allow relative movement between the member and the coupling device;
- and
- transitioning the blocking element from the first state to a second state to permit the coupling device to reform toward its second shape and limit relative movement between the member and the coupling device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.