EP0112618A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Connecting device with a heat-recoverable metal driver member
Assignee: Raychem Corp
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Filing: 1983-10-20
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2003-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A reusable heat-recoverable connecting device (20) has an annular driver member (22) and a circumferentially split annular spring biasing means (24) inside and generally concentric with the driver member (22). The spring biasing means (24) exerts an outward radial force against the inside surface of the driver member (22). The driver member is made from a heat-recoverable metal having a martensitic state and an austenitic state. The driver member (22) is expanded radially outward by the spring biasing means (24) when the driver member (22) is in its martensitic state to facilitate insertion of a substrate. The driver member (22) recovers to its non-expanded dimension when it returns to its austenitic state to cause engagement between the spring biasing means (24) and the inserted substrate.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas Haynes Mcgaffigan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:16
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/01; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S174/00; Y10S174/08; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/932
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
A reusable connecting device (20) comprising an annular driver member (22) having a continuous inside contact surface, and at least one circumferentially split annular spring biasing means (24) inside and generally concentric with the driver member (22); the driver member (22) being made from a heat-recoverable metal having a martensitic state and an austenitic state, said driver member (22) being expanded radially outward while in its martensitic state, a change from its martensitic state to its austenitic state recovering said driver member (22) to its non-expanded dimension; and the spring biasing means (24) contacting and exerting a radially outward force against the inside contact surface of the driver member (22), the driver member (22) overcoming the force when changed from its martensitic state to its austenitic state recovering to its non-expanded dimension to engage the spring biasing means (24) with a substrate inserted, in use, inside the spring biasing means (24), and the spring biasing means (24) expanding the driver member (22) radially outward to release the inserted substrate when the driver member (22) changes from its austenitic state to its martensitic state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
A reusable connecting device (20) comprising an annular driver member (22) having a continuous inside contact surface, and at least one circumferentially split annular spring biasing means (24) inside and generally concentric with the driver member (22); the driver member (22) being made from a heat-recoverable metal having a martensitic state and an austenitic state, said driver member (22) being expanded radially outward while in its martensitic state, a change from its martensitic state to its austenitic state recovering said driver member (22) to its non-expanded dimension; and the spring biasing means (24) contacting and exerting a radially outward force against the inside contact surface of the driver member (22), the driver member (22) overcoming the force when changed from its martensitic state to its austenitic state recovering to its non-expanded dimension to engage the spring biasing means (24) with a substrate inserted, in use, inside the spring biasing means (24), and the spring biasing means (24) expanding the driver member (22) radially outward to release the inserted substrate when the driver member (22) changes from its austenitic state to its martensitic state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the spring biasing means (24) is generally C-shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A device according to claim 2, wherein the spring biasing means (24) comprises a middle section (30) and two end sections (32,34), the middle section (30) being thicker in radial cross section than the end sections, recovery of the driver member (22) effecting a diametrical reduction of the spring biasing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
92 words
A device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the spring biasing means (48) includes two end sections (50), the end sections (50) each having generally parallel abutting surfaces (54,55) which are at an angle to the radial axis of the spring biasing means (48) to define sliding surfaces, recovery of the driver member effecting a diametrical reduction of the spring biasing means (48) and further causing one of the end sections (50) to slide generally radially inward effecting a further reduction of the engagement dimension of the spring biasing means (48).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the spring biasing means includes a pair of end sections (60,62), the end sections (60,62) being spaced apart and extending substantially parallel to each other in a direction generally radially inward of the spring biasing means to define a substrate engagement space therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the spring biasing means comprises a disc-like member (84) having a substantially central opening, the periphery of the opening comprising at least one chamfered surface (86).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to Claim 6, wherein the periphery of the opening comprises more than one chamfered surface.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
20 words
A device according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of spring biasing means (24) that are substantially axially aligned.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the spring biasing means (4) is circumferentially split in the form of a helix (42).
Claim 11
Independent Claim
20 words
A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the spring biasing means includes a conductive element (38,44) for electrical connection.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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