Patent ID: 7299630
Filing Date: 2007-11-27
Classification: F03G

Abstract:
1. A locking mechanism for positioning or locking an article comprising: a housing; an element in operative communication with a connecting means, wherein the active element and the connecting means are disposed within the housing; wherein the element upon being activated is capable of exerting a force on the connecting means, wherein the connecting means is in slidable communication with the housing and comprises a shaft, a first disc and a second disc, wherein the first and second discs are spaced apart and fixedly attached to the shaft; a compression initiation element located within the housing and disposed between the first and second discs, wherein the compression initiation element comprises a shape memory material, and wherein the compression initiation element upon activation facilitates the movement of the element; and a spring stack disposed between the first and second discs and adjacent to the compression initiation element, wherein the spring stack is in operative communication with the compression initiation element and wherein the spring stack is configured to axially expand within the housing.