Joints and connections – With fluid pressure responsive component
Reexamination Certificate
2002-09-23
2008-05-06
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3677)
Joints and connections
With fluid pressure responsive component
C089S001140, C102S378000, C102S275120, C403S290000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07367738
ABSTRACT:
The apparatus and method for releasably joining first and second elements according to the present invention include a retaining member mounted to one of the elements and a reshapeable tube near the retaining member. The reshapeable tube has at least two states, an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially expanded state. As such, the retaining member joins the elements while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially collapsed state. Furthermore, the retaining member releases the other element while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially expanded state, which deflects the retaining member. Thus, because components of the apparatus are not broken during the release of the elements, the amount of constrained or potential energy that is released when the retaining member releases the elements is substantially reduced or eliminated, which protects the elements from being damaged during the release.
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Alston & Bird LLP
Brittain James R.
The Boeing Company
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