Remotely releasable support strut

Details Remotely releasable support strut Remotely releasable support strut

2005-07-26

2005-07-26

Siconolfi, Robert A. (Department: 3683)

Brakes

Internal-resistance motion retarder

With means for locking parts together temporarily

C188S268000, C267S140140, C244S205000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06920966

ABSTRACT:
Methods and apparatus are provided for locking and releasing ends of a support strut coupled between a mounting platform and a load. In a preferred embodiment, the strut comprises a damping section coupled between the ends and having a gap therein when the strut is unlocked, a locking section coupled between the ends for closing the gap by applying stress to a portion of the damper section through a force transmitting member, and a releasing section coupled in parallel with part of the force transmitting member, the releasing section including a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and heater therefore. Heating the SMA relieves the stress and opens the gap. Release from the locked condition occurs gradually and without fracture or sudden shock and the heater can be actuated remotely. In a preferred embodiment, a worm drive turnbuckle arrangement is used to apply force to lock the strut.

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patent: WO 03/058091 (2003-07-01), None

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