Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A reusable connector comprising a first member, at least part of which is non-resilient and deformable, a second member made from a memory metal capable of reversing between a martensitic state and an austenitic state, and a third, object member adapted to be engaged with said first member to form a connection, said object member having a portion adapted to deform said first and second members when the memory metal is in its martensite state upon engagement of the object member with or its withdrawal from siad first member, the arrangement of said first and second members being such that when the object member is engaged with the first member to deform said first and second members, and the memory metal warmed above the temperature which it becomes austenitic, recovery of the second member towards its original configuration forces the deformable portion of said first member into secure engagement with said object member to complete the connection.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A reusable connector comprising a first member, at least part of which is non-resilient and deformable, a second member made from a memory metal capable of reversing between a martensitic state and an austenitic state, and a third, object member adapted to be engaged with said first member to form a connection, said object member having a portion adapted to deform said first and second members when the memory metal is in its martensite state upon engagement of the object member with or its withdrawal from siad first member, the arrangement of said first and second members being such that when the object member is engaged with the first member to deform said first and second members, and the memory metal warmed above the temperature which it becomes austenitic, recovery of the second member towards its original configuration forces the deformable portion of said first member into secure engagement with said object member to complete the connection.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A reusable connector according to claim 1 wherein said object member is adapted to be inserted into said first member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A connector according to claim 2 wherein the first connector member comprises a longitudinally slotted tubular portion having a plurality of tines, the tines being substantially non-resilient and deformable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A connector according to claim 3 wherein the recoverable member is a band positioned around said tines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A connector according to claim 4 wherein the band is a continuous ring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A connector according to claim 4 wherein the first member is provided with means for positioning the heat recoverable member with respect to the first member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A connector according to claim 6 wherein the positioning means comprises a peripheral shoulder.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A connector according to claim 1 wherein the memory metal is an alloy that becomes martensitic below about -40° C.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connector according to calim 8 wherein the martensitic transformation occurs below about -75° C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connector according to calim 8 wherein the martensitic transformation occurs below about -75° C.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A connector according to claim 1 wherein the memory metal is an alloy containing approximately equiatomic portions of titanium and nickel.