Telezygology Inc.

Geoffrey David Sizer

Dickory Rudduck

Lee David Blattmann

Lachlan Richard Goldspink

Benjamin Ford

Joshua Robert Park

Romain Nicolas Cazalis

Edward David James Farren-Price

Benjamin David Ford

A fastener () is adapted to releasably fix a first element () and a second element (). The fastener () includes a channel () having a plurality of spaced lockers (). The lockers () are movable into the channel (). The fastener () also has a locking tongue (), having a plurality of spaced blockers (). The tongue () is movable within the channel () between a locked position in which the blockers () prevent movement of the lockers () into the channel () and an unlocked position in which the lockers () are not prevented from moving into the channel ().

Strip fastener

The invention relates to a method for improving performance and life of a material adapted to contract when heated to a critical temperature such as shape memory alloy wire (SMA). The method includes the steps of measuring ambient temperature before activation, measuring voltage applied to the SMA wire and/or current flowing in the SMA wire, calculating power and energy required to heat the material from the ambient to the critical temperature and providing the calculated power and energy.

Smart memory alloy control

In the first aspect, the invention provides a fastener which includes a fastening element and an actuating means attached to the fastening element. The fastening element has a flexible beam and an engagement means. The actuating means includes a material, such as shape memory alloy, which contracts when activated. When the material is contracted, the beam moves between an engagement position and a disengagement position. In a second aspect, the invention provides a fastener for use in a network of fasteners. The fastener has address means which serve to distinguish the fastener from the other fasteners in the network. The fastener may be the same as the fastener in the first aspect of the invention, or a different fastener. A network or system of such fasteners is also provided. In a third aspect, the invention provides, in a process for producing product, during which process there are a number of steps in which a first element is releasably fixed to a second element, the use of the fastener in the first aspect or the second aspect of the invention to releasably fix the first element and the second element. The invention also provides a computer system programmed to perform the process of the invention.

Fixing and release systems and fastener networks

Growing community of inventors

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Geoffrey David Sizer