IL279578B2

IL279578B2 - Device for holding and controlled release

Info

Publication number: IL279578B2
Application number: IL279578A
Authority: IL
Inventors: Alman Benjamin
Original assignee: Israel Aerospace Ind Ltd; Alman Benjamin
Priority date: 2020-12-14
Filing date: 2020-12-14
Publication date: 2024-09-01
Also published as: IL279578B1; IL279578A

Description

0270772647- A HOLD-DOWN AND CONTROLLED RELEASE DEVICE TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a device configured to hold down and controllably release a cargo e.g. in zero-gravity environment, the device comprising a hold down and controlled release mechanism (HDRM) using a shape-memory alloy (SMA) actuator.

BACKGROUND One example of an HDRM of the kind used in a device to which the presently disclosed subject matter refers, is disclosed in US 5771742A.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION In accordance with one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided hold-down and controlled release device for cargo, the device having a cargo holding state and a cargo releasing state, and comprising: (a) a housing having a vertical central axis and an interior extending along the central axis and disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the housing, the proximal end having a top opening; and (b) a hold-down and release mechanism (HDRM) within the housing, comprising: an HDR unit movable with respect to the housing by an action of a compression force acting thereon along the central axis, between a first, arrested position and a second, released position; and a cargo engaging end of the HDR unit, operable to hold the cargo when the HDR unit is in the first position and the cargo engaging end is at a first disposition relative to the top opening, and release the cargo when the HDR unit is in the second position and the cargo engaging end is in a second disposition relative to the top opening at a distance from the distal end of the housing which is different than that in the first disposition; and (c) an arresting mechanism configured to selectively arrest the HDR unit from moving between the first and the second positions, the arresting mechanism comprising: a lockable element having a lockable axis and pivotable to change an angle defined by the lockable axis with the central axis, between a locked orientation in which the lockable element prevents the HDR unit from moving and an unlocked orientation in which the 0270772647- lockable element allows the HDR unit to move, the angle being greater in the unlocked orientation than the locked orientation; and a locking element operable to selectively arrest the lockable element in its locked orientation and release the lockable element from being arrested, allowing the lockable element to pivot into the unlocked orientation. In accordance with another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a kit comprising: (1) a hold-down and controlled release device for cargo, the device having a cargo holding state and a cargo releasing state, and comprising: (a) a housing having a vertical central axis and an interior extending along the central axis and disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the housing, the proximal end having a top opening; and (b) a hold-down and release mechanism (HDRM) within the housing, comprising: an HDR unit movable with respect to the housing by an action of a compression force acting thereon along the central axis, between a first, arrested position and a second, released position; and a cargo engaging end of the HDR unit, operable to hold the cargo when the HDR unit is in the first position and the cargo engaging end is at a first disposition relative to the top opening, and release the cargo when the HDR unit is in the second position and the cargo engaging end is in a second disposition relative to the top opening at a distance from the distal end of the housing which is different than that in the first disposition; and(c) an arresting mechanism configured to selectively arrest the HDR unit from moving between the first and the second positions, the arresting mechanism comprising: a lockable element having a lockable axis and pivotable to change an angle defined by the lockable axis with the central axis, between a locked orientation in which the lockable element prevents the HDR unit from moving and an unlocked orientation in which the lockable element allows the HDR unit to move, the angle being greater in the unlocked orientation than the locked orientation; and a locking element operable to selectively arrest the lockable element in its locked orientation and release the lockable element from being arrested, allowing the lockable element to pivot into the unlocked orientation; and (2) a resetting tool set configured to move the HDR unit from its cargo releasing state to its cargo holding state and induce the arrest thereof by the arresting mechanism, the resetting tool set comprising at least: (a) a first reset tool, configured to be introduced, at least indirectly, through the bottom opening of the housing so as to engage the HDR unit and induce the movement thereof to its holding orientation, wherein the movement of the HDR unit to its holding orientation pivots the lockable element to its locked 0270772647- orientation; and (b) a second reset tool configured to be introduced, at least indirectly, through the top opening of the housing so as to engage the locking element and induce the movement thereof to its locking orientation. Due to the arresting mechanism of the device described above with respect to both aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, the device can be configured to hold and release a cargo while being compact and light relative to the cargo it is configured to hold and release, and being able to be resettable, i.e. capable of being brought from a releasing state, in which cargo attached to the HDR unit is released and a new cargo can be attached thereto, to a holding state, in which the cargo is securely fastened to the HDR unit. It is emphasized that the configuration of the arresting mechanism is configured to enable the transition from the arrested position to the released position The device according to any of the above aspects can have any one or more features described below in any combination thereof. The lockable element can be aligned with the central axis in its locked orientation. The lockable element can be configured to be automatically movable into its unlocked orientation when it is free from being arrested. The lockable element is pivotably connected, at least indirectly, to the housing at one area and operably connected to the HDR unit at another area by at least one articulating link. The articulating link can be pivotally connected at an HDR-connected end and a lockable-element-connected end thereof, respectively, to the HDR unit and to the lockable element. The articulating link can be configured to apply a pushing force on the lockable-element-connected end thereof when moved together with the HDR unit under the compression force acting thereon. Further, the articulating link can have an articulation axis extending from the top articulation point to the bottom articulation point, and form an acute angle with the central axis when the lockable element is in its locked orientation, where the value of the angle increase when the lockable element moves to its unlocked orientation. The lockable element can be in the form of an elongated body having a first portion configured to be selectively arrested by the locking element and a second portion pivotally connected to the housing, and being connected to the articulating link at a third portion between the first and second ends along the length thereof. Further, the lockable element can have a longitudinal axis passing at least through the second and third 0270772647- portions, configured to be aligned with the central axis in the locked orientation of the lockable element. The locking element can be pivotable about a locking element pivoting point between a locking orientation, in which the lockable element extends along a horizontal axis and an unlocking orientation, in which the lockable element is inclined with respect to the horizontal axis. Further, the locking element can comprise an arresting portion configured to engage the lockable element for arresting thereof, at one side of the locking element pivoting point, and an actuated portion at the other side of the locking element pivoting point, wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to pivot the locking element by its actuated end. The arresting portion can be configured to arrestingly engage the first portion of the lockable element, in its locked orientation. The arresting portion of the locking element and the first portion of the lockable element can have engaging surfaces along which the elements are configured to contact when the lockable element is in its locked orientation and the locking element is in its locking orientation, the surfaces being perpendicular to the horizontal axis. The device can further comprises an activating mechanism configured to operate the locking element to release the lockable element from being arrested and thereby allow it to pivot into the unlocked orientation, thereby releasing the HDR unit from being arrested and enable the movement of the HDR unit from the first to the second position. The activating mechanism can comprises an activating element formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) selected from a material which has a phase-change transition temperature and is configured to change its state under the application of an electric current or application of heat thereon and to actuate thereby said arresting mechanism. By being formed from a shape memory alloy, the activating element can comprise multiple forms, enabling it to elongate and to shorten multiple times. The activating element can be configured to selectively change its state between an initial state allowing the locking element to arrest the lockable element and an operational state allowing the locking element to release the lockable element. In its initial state, the SMA has a first length, and at its operational state, the SMA has a second length shorter than the first length. 0270772647- The SMA component can extend between a proximal end at which it is fixed to the actuated end of the locking element and a distal end held within the housing at a location closer to the distal end thereof than the proximal end. The activating mechanism can further comprise a resistance measurement unit configured to enable discharge of electric current to the SMA component only when the ohmmeter indicates that SMA component is in its initial state. The HDR unit can be defined with a hollow cavity and the arresting mechanism can be positioned, at least partly, inside said cavity. The housing can further comprise a bottom opening in the bottom end thereof. The bottom opening of the housing can be configured to enable access of a first reset tool, at least indirectly, to the HDR unit, enabling the first reset tool to manipulate the HDR unit from its releasing state to its holding state. The top opening of the housing can be configured to enable access of a second reset tool, at least indirectly, to the locking element, enabling the second reset tool to manipulate the locking element from its unlocking orientation to its locking orientation. The kit according to the above aspect can have any one or more features described below in any combination thereof. The resetting tool set can be constituted by a resetting tool having a frame configured to receive the device in a certain position in which the central axis C of the device aligns with the longitudinal axis of the resetting tool. The resetting tool can comprise a first surface having a first aperture disposed at the center thereof and a second surface opposite to the first surface, having an insertion recess disposed on a lateral edge thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. 1 A-D are perspective views of a hold-down and controlled release device according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter from the front, right side, rear and left side; 0270772647- Figs. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the device shown in Fig. 1, taken along the respective planes A-A (plane of symmetry) and B-B (reference plane), with the HDR unit being in an arrested position; Fig. 2Cis a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 2A, with the HDR unit being in a released position; Fig. 3 is a partially exploded view of the device shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4Ais a perspective view of the HDRM as seen in Fig. 3; Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the HDRM of Fig. 3 as seen from direction opposite to that in Fig. 3; Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the HDRM of Fig. 4 with its HDR unit being removed; Fig. 5B is cross-sectional view of the HDRM of Fig. 5A, taken along the plane of symmetry A-A; Fig. 5C is an enlarged view of area 5C in Fig 5B; Figs. 6Ato 6Dillustrate the manner of operation of the device shown in Fig. 1, including an initial state of the device (Fig. 6A), its state with an activated activating mechanism (Fig. 6B), its state with a released HDRM (Fig 6C), and its state with a coupler detached from the device (Fig 6D); Fig. 7is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 2C, with a first access path and a second access path providing axial access to the HDR unit. Fig. 8Ais a perspective view of a resetting tool which can be used for resetting an HDRM of the kind shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, according to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter; Fig. 8Bis a perspective view of a frame of the device shown in Fig. 6A. and Figs. 9Ato 9Dillustrate the manner of resetting of an HDRM of the kind to which the presently disclosed subject matter refers, using the resetting tool of Fig. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS One example of a hold-down and controlled-release device (hereinafter, ‘the device’), according to the presently disclosed subject matter, will now be described with reference to two planes, a plane of symmetry of the device and a reference plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry and intersecting it along a longitudinal central 0270772647- axis of the device. The device is configured to operate as a linear actuator allowing holding down and releasing a cargo along the central axis, while being compact and light relative to the cargo, i.e. occupying smaller space and having smaller weight than the cargo itself. The device is configured to have a holding state, in which the cargo is held by the device, and a releasing state, in which the cargo is released from the device in an automatic or a semi-automatic manner. The device can further be resettable, i.e. capable of being brought from its releasing state to its holding state, which can be useful to enable testing the device prior to its exploitation. Optionally, the device can be resettable at least once. In general, the device comprises a housing, a hold-down and release mechanism (HDRM) with a hold-down and release (HDR) unit located within the housing and movable along the central axis thereof, being configured to be selectively arrested from such movement in the holding state of the device and released from being arrested to bring the device into its releasing state. The HDR unit extends along the central axis and has a cargo engaging end operable to hold-down the cargo when the HDR unit is arrested and to release the cargo when the HDR unit is released and allowed to move as mentioned above. The HDRM further comprises an arresting mechanism configured to selectively arrest the HDR unit from moving, and an activating mechanism configured to cause the arresting mechanism to release the HDR unit from being arrested so as to enable the HDR unit to move along the central axis and thereby release the cargo from the cargo engaging end. Whilst the device with all its mechanisms is symmetrical relative to the plane of symmetry, at least some of its components can be asymmetrical with respect to its reference plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry and intersecting it along the longitudinal central axis of the device. More particularly, at least the arresting and activating mechanisms can be asymmetrical relative to the reference plane. With reference to Figs. 1A-1D, 2A and 2B, the device of the present example designated as 10 has a central axis designated as C, a plane of symmetry designated as A-A and a reference plane designated as B-B, and it generally comprises the following main components: a housing 20, a compression element 32, and an HDRM 40 which in turn comprises an HDR unit 50 with a proximal, cargo engaging end 52 and an opposite distal 0270772647- portion 51, via which a compression force can be exerted on the HDR unit by the compression element 32; an arresting mechanism 100; and an activating mechanism 130. The HDRM mechanism further comprises an HDRM support 26 which is fixed within the housing 20 (constituting its integral part or formed as a unitary body therewith) and which holds directly or indirectly a number of elements of the HDRM. Whilst all the above components are symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry, at least the arresting mechanism, the activating mechanism and the HDRM support are asymmetrical with respect to the reference plane In general, the HDR unit has a hollow body having a major, functionality portion with open sides via which the interior of this portion can be accessed, to assemble therein components of the arresting mechanism and the actuation mechanism such that the HDRM can be inserted into the housing by introducing therein the assembly of the HDR unit, the arresting and activating mechanisms, together with the HDRM support and the compression element, from the distal end of the housing, which is then closed with a plug. The plug of the device 10 of the present example, is designated as 35, its proximal plug end is designated as 34 and its distal end 24 constituting a distal end of the housing 20. The HDR unit 50 of the present example is best seen in Figs. 4A and 4B, where its major, functionality portion is designated as 60, its open sides are designated as Oand O2, its walls extending therebetween are designated as 62, its proximal, cargo-engaging end is designated as 52, and its distal end, which in the present example is configured to be received at least partially within the plug 35, is designated as 51. The HDR unit 50 is positioned within the housing 20 so that its walls 62 are located on two sides of the plane of symmetry A-A, and its open sides are located on two sides of the reference plane B-B. The device 10 further comprises cargo releasing arrangement associated with the cargo engaging end portion of the HDR unit configured to cause the cargo to be detached from the cargo engaging end portion of the HDR unit when this unit moves along the central axis after it is released from being arrested by the arresting mechanism. The housing 20 has an interior extending between a first, proximal housing end and an opposite second, distal end 24. The proximal housing end 22 is formed with a proximal opening 23, via which the cargo engaging end 52 of the HDR unit is configured to engage with the cargo, in this example, via a coupler 15. The housing has elongated 0270772647- cut-outs 27 disposed on four sides of the reference plane and providing access to the interior thereby facilitating assembly of the HDRM therein. Whilst the device 10 and its components are shown in the drawings oriented vertically so that the first, proximal housing end 22 of the housing 20 is its proximal end, the second, distal end 24 of the housing is its distal end, and the central axis C has a vertical orientation, the device in use can have different orientations, and it should be understood that such terms as ‘upwards’, ‘downwards’ and the like are used in the present application solely to simplify the description of the structure and manner of operation of the device. Thus, in the present description, the upward direction should be understood as a proximal direction toward the first end of the housing and the downward direction should be understood as a distal direction towards the second end of the housing. The interior of the device 10 with its HDRM 40 including the HDR unit 50, arresting mechanism 100, activating mechanism 130 and HDRM support 26 integrally assembled with the housing 20, and located within the interior of the housing between the first, proximal and second, distal housing ends, is best seen in Figs. 2A to 2C, and Fig. 3, and the HDRM itself is best seen in Figs. 4A and 4B. In general, the HDR unit can be so oriented within the housing that its open sides are located on two sides of the reference plane, allowing the HDRM support to pass through the HDR unit interior and project from its open sides for secure mounting of the HDRM support to the housing. In this case, the extension of the open sides of the HDR unit along the central axis is such as to allow this unit to be movable along the central axis relative to the HDRM support between a first, arrested position associated with the holding state of the device, in which at least a portion of the HDR unit with the cargo engaging end protrudes outwardly from the top opening of the housing and a second, released position associated with the releasing state of the device in which the HDR unit does not protrude from the top opening of the housing or protrudes therefrom to a smaller extent than in the first position. The above states of the device 10 of the present example are illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2C, respectively. More specifically, Fig. 2A illustrates the device 10 in its holding state, in which the cargo engaging end 52 of the HDR unit 50 is in a first disposition relative to the proximal opening 23, being spaced from the proximal housing end 22 to a distance D1, and Fig. 2C illustrates the device 10 in its releasing state, in which the cargo engaging end 52 of the HDR unit 50 is in a second disposition relative to the proximal 0270772647- opening 23, being spaced from the first housing end to a distance D2 smaller than that in the first position. The HDR unit 50 comprises a stopping skirt 31 fixedly mounted thereto or formed integrally therewith between the major, functionality portion 60 and the distal portion of the body of the HDR unit 50, and the compression element 32, which in the present example is in the form of a spring, is located between the stopping skirt 31 and the HDRM support 26. In some cases, the plug 35 comprises a mitigating spring 36 configured to mitigate the abutment of the skirt 31 of the HDR unit 50 and the proximal plug end 34. To provide the movement of the HDR unit 50 between the first and the second positions, the compression element 32 is configured to have an initial compressed state associated with the holding state of the device 10, in which it is compressed by the HDR unit 50 against the HDRM support 26, i.e. in the proximal direction, and a triggered state associated with the releasing state of the device 10, in which the compression element applies compression force on the stopping skirt 31 of the HDR unit 50 so as to initiate movement of the HDR unit 50 towards the distal end 24 of the housing, i.e. in the distal direction. To limit the movement of the HDR unit towards the distal end 24 of the housing, the proximal plug end 34 of the plug 35 is configured to function as a stopper, which the stopping skirt 31 of the HDR unit 50 is configured to abut so as to stop the movement of the HDR unit 50 towards the distal end 24, i.e. in the distal direction. The stopping skirt 31 can be integrally assembled or unitarily formed with the HDR unit and it is configured to protrude laterally outwards from its body. The maximal lateral dimension of the stopping skirt corresponds to that of the proximal plug end 34 of the plug 35 and also corresponds to the diameter of the compression element 32. Thus, the stopping skirt 31 is configured to compress the compression element 32 upon movement of the HDR unit 50 from the second position to the first position (i.e. upon the assembly of the device), and receive the compression forces of the compression element in order to move the HDR unit 50 from the first position to the second position thereof during the operation of the device. As mentioned above, a device according to the presently disclosed subject matter comprises an arresting mechanism to selectively prevent, either directly or indirectly, the HDR unit from moving from its first position to its second position, i.e. towards the 0270772647- second, distal housing end. For this purpose, the arresting mechanism can comprise a lockable element connected at least indirectly to either one of the housing and the HDR unit, and a locking element connected at least indirectly to the other one of the housing and the HDR unit, configured to engage with, and disengage from, each other to respectively prevent and allow the above movement of the HDR unit. More specifically, the lockable and locking elements can be movable between their locking orientation in which corresponding engaging portions of the two elements engage with each other and the movement of the HDR unit is prevented, and unlocking orientation in which the engaging portions of the two elements disengage from each other, and the movement of the HDR unit is allowed. In this way, the arresting mechanism is operable between an arresting state, in which the two elements are in their locking orientation and the locking element prevents the lockable element from its movement, and a releasing state, in which the two elements are in their unlocking orientation and the locking element allows the lockable element to move. Still more specifically, the lockable element can be at least indirectly movably, e.g. pivotally, connected to the housing, and the locking element can be at least indirectly movably, e.g. pivotally, connected to the HDR unit. The lockable and locking elements can be at least partially located within the interior of the HDR unit so that the plane of symmetry divides each of the elements into two identical parts. However, as mentioned above, these elements can be asymmetric with respect to the reference plane of the device. More particularly, their engaging portions can be located on one side of the reference plane, whilst a portion of any of them that is configured to be actuated to change the state of the arresting mechanism from the arresting to the releasing state can be located on the other side of the reference plane. The lockable and locking elements can have respective lockable and locking axes along which they extend, oriented transversely to each other, with an angle therebetween changing when they move from their locking into their unlocking orientation. Optionally, this angle can be greater in locking orientation than in the unlocking orientation of the elements. Optionally, the two axes can be perpendicular to each other, when the locking and lockable elements are in their locking orientations. Thus, in general, the axes of the lockable and locking elements can lie in the plane of symmetry of the device and these elements can be configured to have the following locking and unlocking orientations in the respective locking and releasing states of the 0270772647- arresting mechanism: in the locking orientation of the lockable element its axis can extend along or be parallel to the central axis or define therewith a small acute angle, and in the unlocking orientation of the lockable element, an angle defined by its axis with the central axis can be increased; in the locking orientation of the locking element its axis can form a greater angle with the central axis than in the unlocking orientation. In case the two elements are pivotable, they can be configured to pivot in opposite directions from their locking orientations into their unlocking orientations.

Reverting to Figs. 2A and 2C, in the present example, the arresting mechanism is designated as 100, the lockable element is designated as 110, the locking element is designated as 120 and their engaging portions are designated as 112 and 122 respectively. The lockable element 110 is pivotally connected to the housing 20, more particularly to the HDRM support 26, and the locking element 120 is pivotally connected to the HDR unit, more particularly, to the walls 62 of the HDR unit 50 by an axle at the mounting point 121.

The arresting mechanism 100 is shown in Fig. 2A in its arresting state and in Fig. 2B - in its releasing state. The locking and lockable elements have their respective locking and lockable axes X and Y, respectively (best shown in Fig. 5B) and in the arresting state of the arresting mechanism, the lockable element 110 is configured to be oriented so that its axis extends along the central axis C and the locking element 120 is configured to be oriented so that its axis extends perpendicular to the central axis C. As seen in Figs. 2A to 2C, the lockable and locking elements 110 and 120 are at least partially located within the functionality portion 60 of the HDR unit and so that their axes lie in the plane of symmetry. To bring the arresting mechanism 100 into its releasing state the locking element 120 is operable to pivot away from the lockable element 110 thereby causing its engaging portion to disengage from that of the lockable element and allowing the lockable element 110 to pivot away from the locking element 120 thereby increasing spacing therebetween. In other words, to bring the arresting mechanism 100 into its releasing state, the locking and lockable elements are pivoted in opposite directions away from each other, first the locking element and then the lockable element, into their unlocking orientations each of which is defined by an acute angle relative to the locking orientation of the corresponding element in the arresting state of the arresting mechanism. 0270772647- The arresting mechanism can further comprise at least one articulating link operable to apply a pushing force on the lockable element toward its unlocking orientation when the HDR unit is moved towards the distal end of the housing, and in the present example, under the compression force acting on the HDR unit as described above. When the lockable element is connected at least indirectly to the housing as in the presently disclosed example, the at least one articulating link operably connects the lockable element to the HDR unit. More specifically, the articulating link can have two ends and can be connected to the lockable element at one of the ends and to the HDR unit at the other end, so as to allow the compression force exerted on the HDR unit in the distal direction to be converted into a lateral pushing force exerted on the lockable element and causing it to pivot. The at least one articulating link can be connected to the lockable element at an articulation region thereof disposed between two ends of the lockable element, one end – at which it is connected at least indirectly to the housing and the other end associated with the engaging portion of the lockable element, at which it is configured to engage the engaging portion of the locking element. Optionally, the arresting mechanism can comprise two identical articulation links positioned on two sides of the lockable element and at two sides of the plane of symmetry. As shown in in Figs. 2A and 2C, in the present example the lockable element 1has a mounting point 121 at one end thereof, at which the lockable element 110 is pivotally connected to the HDRM support 26, having the engaging portion 112 at the other end thereof which is configured to engage the corresponding engaging portion 1of the locking element 120, and an articulation region 115 disposed therebetween at which the lockable element 110 is pivotally connected to two identical articulation links 1positioned on two sides of the lockable element 110 and two sides of the plane of symmetry (only one being seen in Figs. 2A and 2C and both being seen in Fig. 2B). The lockable axis Y of the lockable element when seen in a plan view, passes through the mounting point and the articulation point of the lockable element. Each articulation link comprises an HDR-connected end 114a pivotally connected to the HDR unit 50 and a lockable-element-connected end 114b pivotally connected to the lockable element 110 at its articulation region 115. The HDR-connected ends and the lockable-element-connected ends of the two articulating links can be connected, respectively, to the HDR unit and to the lockable element, by means of corresponding common axles oriented perpendicular to the plane 0270772647- of symmetry, i.e. an HDR-connection axle and a locking-element-connection axle. In the present example, these axles are designated as 114C in Figs. 2B and 5A. Each of the articulating links 114 has an articulation axis 116 passing through two ends thereof (best seen in Fig. 5C), which forms with the lockable axis Y a first acute angle when the lockable element 110 is in its locked orientation and a second acute angle greater than the first acute angle, when the lockable element 110 is in its unlocked orientation. Since the articulation axis 116 is angled to the lockable axis, the compression force exerted by the compression element 32 on the HDR unit 50 in the distal direction is transmuted by the articulation links 114 to a lateral pushing force F directed perpendicularly to the lockable axis, exerted on the lockable element 110 so as to pivot it towards its unlocked orientation. Thus, the lockable element 110 is configured to automatically move into its unlocked orientation when its engaging portion 112 is released from engagement with the engaging portion 122 of the locking element 120, i.e. when the lockable element 110 is free from being arrested by the locking element 120, upon the locking element having been pivoted into its unlocking orientation once activated by the activating mechanism 130. The locking element 120 comprises a mounting point 121 about which the locking element 120 is pivotally connected to the HDR unit 50, the locking engaging portion 1on one side of the mounting point 121, including one end 125 of the locking element and configured to engage the lockable engaging portion 112 of the lockable element 110, and an actuated end portion 124 on the other side of the mounting point 121, of the locking element, operably connected to the activating mechanism 130 so as to allow the activating mechanism 130, when activated, to exert on this end a pulling force causing pivoting the locking element 120 about the mounting point 121 into its unlocking orientation. The locking axis X of the locking element 120 passes through the mounting point 121 and the articulation end of the locking element.

Thus, the lockable and locking elements have their engaging portions located on one side of the reference plane, whilst the actuated portion of the locking element is located on the other side of the reference plane.

In general, the engaging portions of the lockable and locking elements can comprise at least one arrestable surface and at least one corresponding arresting surface, 0270772647- respectively, the former being configured to abut the latter, when the two elements are in their locking orientation. Optionally, the lockable element can have a first arrestable surface configured to abut the corresponding first arresting surface of the locking element, when the two elements are in their locking orientations, along a first engagement interface parallel to the reference plane of the device or defining therewith a small angle, e.g. an angle smaller than 45 degrees, more particularly, smaller than 30 degrees, still more particularly, smaller than 10 degrees. In addition, the lockable element can have a second arrestable surface configured to abut the corresponding second arresting surface of the locking element along a second engagement interface oriented transversely to the reference plane of the device, when the two elements are in their locking orientations, e.g. defining with the reference plane a large angle, i.e. an angle greater than 45 degrees, particularly, greater than 60 degrees. Optionally, in the locking orientations of the two elements, the first engagement interface is spaced from the reference plane, optionally to a distance which at least does not exceed that between the reference plane and a point at which the locking element is connected to the HDR unit, and the second engaging interface is disposed closer to the reference plane, e.g. so that the central axis passes therethrough.

As shown in Figs. 5A-5C, in the present example, the first and second arrestable surfaces of the lockable element 110 are designated as 113 and 117 respectively, and the first and second arresting surfaces of the locking element 120 are designated as 123 and 128 respectively. Best shown in Fig. 5C, in the locking orientation of the lockable and locking elements, the first engagement interface designated as F1 between the corresponding first arrestable and arresting surfaces of the lockable and locking elements is oriented generally parallel to the reference plane and is spaced therefrom to a distance smaller than that between the reference plane and the mounting point 121 of the locking element 120, and the second engagement interface designated as F2 between the corresponding second arrestable and arresting surfaces of the lockable and locking elements is oriented transversely to the reference plane is disposed closer thereto than the first engagement interface and so that the central axis passes therethrough.

The arresting mechanism 100 of the present example, further comprises a safety spring 150 that is configured to increase the force applied on the locking element in order to prevent pivoting of the locking element 120 towards its unlocking orientation when the 0270772647- activating mechanism 130 is not activated. As shown in Fig. 2B, the safety spring 150 is configured with a base 151, that is attached to the upper and inner side of the proximal housing end 22, and from which a torsion spring 152 extends toward an upper surface 120a of the locking element 120. To controllably manipulate the arresting mechanism from its arresting state to its releasing state, and more particularly, to cause the locking element to change its orientation from the locking orientation to the unlocking orientation and thereby to disengage from the lockable element, a device according to the presently disclosed subject matter can comprise an activating mechanism. When the locking element is pivotably mounted to the housing at its mounting point (as described above with respect to the specific example shown in the drawings), the activating mechanism can be configured to apply to the actuated portion of the locking element, a pulling force towards the distal end of the housing, causing the locking element to pivot about its mounting point so that its actuated portion is moved downwardly and the engaging portion of the locking element is moved upwardly, thus disengaging from the corresponding portion of the lockable element. This can be provided by the activating mechanism comprising at least one activating element configured to change its geometry in response to an activation signal sent thereto when it is desired to release the cargo from the device, the activating elements being connected to the actuated portion of the locking element so that the change in the geometry of the former resulting in the above force being applied to the actuated portion. In particular, the or each activating element can be configured to change its length. More particularly, the or each activating element can be configured to shorten in response to the above signal received thereby. Namely, it can be configured to have a first, initial state which this element has when the arresting mechanism is in its arresting state and a operational state when the arresting mechanism is brought into its releasing state such that, in the initial state the activating element has a first length which is longer than the second length which the activating element has in its operational state, thereby exerting on the locking element the downward pulling force causing the locking element to change its orientation from the locking into the unlocking orientation and thus to release the lockable element. For example, the activating element/s can be made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material having a phase-change transition temperature, can have an elongated 0270772647- shape and can be configured to change its/their length under the application of heat. More particularly, the activating element/s can be in the form of an SMA wire loop having two wire ends fixed to the actuated end of the locking element and constituting a proximal loop end, a curved loop portion fixed at least indirectly to the HDR unit and constituting a distal loop end. This option is used in the presently disclosed example, as best seen in Figs. 5A to 5C.

More particularly, the activating mechanism 130 of the present example comprises two identical activating elements 131 forming two loops located on two sides of the plane of symmetry and are equally spaced therefrom. Each activating element 1has two ends securely fixed to the actuated end portion 124 of the locking element 1by corresponding anchoring members 132 and constituting a proximal loop end 137 and a curved loop portion constituting a distal loop end 138. As best seen in Figs. 2A, 2C and5A to 5C, each activating element 131 has a first length corresponding to the locking orientation of the locking element (Fig. 2A), which is longer than the second length which the activating element 131 has in its operational state (Fig. 2C), in which the locking element 120 is in its unlocking orientation. In other words, the activating elements 131 are configured to shorten upon transition to their operational state. The activating mechanism 130 further comprises loops positioning arrangement 136, which in the present example is in the form of a plurality of pulleys located at different positions between the actuated end portion 124 of the locking element 120 and the distal portion 51 of the HDR unit 50.

In general, the SMA wire loop forming the activating element, can be configured with a sufficient length, such that shortening thereof under application of electricity or heat would cause the loop proximal end to move towards the fixed loop distal end thereby pivoting the locking element to an extent required for its engaging portion to disengage from the engaging portion of the lockable element. For example, the SMA wire forming the activating element 131 can be configured to shorten up to 10% thereof). In the present example, the loop positioning arrangement 136 comprises a bottom pulley 133 positioned at the bottom of the functionality portion 60 of the HDR unit 50, a central pulley 134 positioned about the articulation region 115 of the lockable element 110 and a side pulley 135 fixed to the HDRM support 26, all pulleys having parallel 0270772647- guiding grooves spaced from each other to receive therein corresponding portions of the two activating elements 131. The bottom and central pulleys 133 and 134, respectively, are located along the central axis C of the device and the side pulley 135 is spaced from it to a distance not exceeding, e.g. smaller than, that of the end of the actuated portion of the locking element. In the present example, the loop positioning arrangement 136 further comprises a guiding groove 118 formed in the lockable element 110 positioned laterally from the HDR articulation region 115 thereof that is configured to facilitate the activating elements 1from the central axis C towards the arresting end 122 of the locking element 120. In general, the bottom pulley can be configured with a tension mechanism configured to adjust the vertical position thereof in relation to the HDR unit for calibrating the tension of the activating component.

In the present example, the bottom pulley 133 comprises a tension mechanism 138 extending towards the distal opening from the bottom pulley 133 and is accessible from the distal end 24 of the housing via the distal opening 25.

The activating mechanism can be configured to operate multiple times and can be enabled to undergo resetting. As such, the activating mechanism can be provided with means for notifying a user whether it is in the initial state or the operational state.

In general, the shortening of the SMA wire forming the activating element by application of heat changes the inner resistance thereof. As such, by determining the resistance of the SMA component a user can be notified in which state the SMA component is. Thus, the activating mechanism can comprise a resistance measurement unit and a communication module in electrical communication therewith for providing information about the current state of the activating mechanism. In other cases, the activating mechanism can be configured to operate (i.e. shorten the SMA component by electric current) only when the resistance measurement unit indicates that the activating element is in its initial state.

For guiding the HDR unit 50 towards the proximal opening 23 at the proximal end of the housing 20 and for preventing deviation thereof, the housing 20 comprises a scaffold portion 28 being integrally assembled or unitarily formed with the housing 20. The scaffold portion 28 comprises an upper dome shaped surface 29A having a vertical 0270772647- hollow protrusion 29B extending upwards along the central axis C and configured to receive therein the cargo engaging end 52 of the HDR unit 50. The scaffold portion has a base surface 29C to which the HDRM support 26 is connected, either directly or indirectly. The base surface 29C of the scaffold portion 28 is connected to, which is configured to span through the entire width of the open side of the HDR unit 50, so as to maintain its alignment with the central axis and to prevent excess movement thereof along the central axis C. For this purpose, the HDRM support 26 comprises a lockable connecting portion, positioned between the wall 62 of the HDR unit 50 and having a central slit 63, in which the lockable element 110 is positioned and to which it is pivotally connected at its articulation region 115. As mentioned at the beginning of this description, cargo can be detachably attached to the cargo engaging end of the HDR unit via a coupler. The coupler can be configured to be fixedly attached to the cargo at one end thereof and detachably attached to the cargo engaging end of the HDR unit at the other end thereof, so as to enable the coupler to be held-down and released by the operation of the device. In the present example, with reference to Figs 3, 4A and 4B, the cargo engaging end 52 of the HDR unit 50 is configured with a neck portion 53 formed as a cylinder having a narrow upper portion 53A protruding upwards therefrom and having a smaller diameter than the neck portion 53. The neck portion 53 comprises a plurality of depressions 54 along the circumference thereof and configured to receive intermediate transmission elements 56. The intermediate transmission elements 56 are configured to induce friction between the neck portion 53 and the coupler by which the cargo is attached, so at to enable it to be detachably attached to the cargo engaging end 52. Concurrently, the intermediate transmission elements 56 are adapted to reduce the load which the attached cargo applies on the HDR unit via the coupler 15. The intermediate transmission elements 56 of the present example are formed as metallic spheres, as known in the art, and are configured to be firmly positioned against matching recesses (not shown) disposed in an internal surface of the coupler 15, which is either integrally assembled or unitarily formed with the cargo attached to the HDR unit 50. The housing 20 has a sleeve 57 retractably connected to the first, proximal housing end 22 of the housing 20 around the circumference of the proximal opening 23. The retractable sleeve 57 is configured with a retracted state, in which the coupler 15 is 0270772647- connected to the HDR unit and the retractable sleeve 57 is pressed by the coupler against a sleeve spring 58 interconnecting the retractable sleeve 57 to the proximal housing end 22, and an expended state, in which the retractable sleeve 57 is positioned further from the proximal housing end 22 and being positioned against the intermediate transmission elements 56 thereby preventing detachment thereof from the device 10. Figs. 6A-6D illustrate the method in which the device 10 operates. In Fig. 6A, the device 10 is in its holding state and having the coupler 15 attached to the cargo engaging end 52 of the HDR unit 50. The HDR unit 50 is positioned in its first position within the housing 20 and a compression force is applied thereon by the compression element towards the distal end 24. A part of the compression force acting on the HDR unit is transmuted by the articulation links 114 to a lateral pushing force F directed perpendicularly to the lockable axis, of the lockable element 110, whose arrestable surfaces F1 and F2 abut the arresting surfaces of the locking element 120 having its locking orientation. Upon activation of the activating mechanism 130 by a user, a current circulates through the activating element 131 which in turn accumulates heat. When the heat of the activating element 131 surpasses a predetermined threshold, the activating elements 1shorten to their operational state (as shown in Fig. 6B), thereby applying a pulling force on the actuated end portion 124 of the locking element, pivoting it about its mounting point 121 so that its actuated end 122 pivots away from the lockable element 110, as a result of which the locking element is brought into its unlocking orientation. Then, the locking element 120 disengages from the first engagement interface Fallowing the lockable element 110 to pivot about its axis towards its unlocked orientation (as shown in Fig. 6C), causing the HDR unit 50 to initiate movement towards the distal end 24 of the housing 20 until the stopping skirt 31 abuts the proximal plug end 34 thereby bringing the HDR unit 50 into its releasing state. In the releasing state of the device 10, the intermediate transmission elements are allowed to move inwards towards the central axis C and to the space around the narrow upper portion 53A, which results in the coupler 15 ceasing to be held by the HDRM 40 and being detached from the cargo engaging end 52, by a compression force of the sleeve spring 58 causing the retractable sleeve 57 to push the coupler 15, and the cargo attached thereto, away from the housing 20 as shown in Fig. 6D. 0270772647- As mentioned at the beginning of this description, the device can further be resettable, i.e. capable of being brought from its releasing state to its holding state, which can be useful to enable testing the device prior to its exploitation. More specifically, the device can be configured with at least one opening for providing external access to the HDRM in order to change the state of the device from its releasing state back to its holding state. In general, the housing of the device can be configured with at least one access path, through which external access to the HDR unit and the arresting mechanism therein is enabled. The at least one access path may provide access for a resetting tool set to be inserted into the device so as to move the HDR unit from its releasing state to its holding state and to establish its arrest by the arresting mechanism. In some cases, the at least one access path can be constituted by at least one opening in the housing. In the present example, with reference to Fig. 7 the device 10 has a first access path (arrow P1) configured to provide axial access to the HDR unit 50 via a distal opening formed in the distal portion 51 and in the plug 35 coaxially about the central axis C. Through the first access path P1, the HDR unit 50 is accessible from the outside of the housing 20, allowing insertion of an object therein for pushing the HDR unit 50 in the proximal direction along the central axis C.

The second access path P2 in the device is provided via a proximal opening 23 of the housing 20 and a top access opening 29C disposed at the top end of the vertical hollow protrusion 29B and being concentric with the proximal opening 23 of the housing 20. The top access opening 29C is configured to enable access to the interior of the housing 20. More specifically, the second access path P2 further comprises an HDR bore 59 extending axially along the HDR unit 50 from its cargo engaging end 52 through the major, functionality portion 60 thereof so as to enable access to an upper surface 120a of the locking element 120 from outside of the housing 20 at its proximal end. In order to reset the device, a resetting tool set can be provided, which together with the device can constitute a kit. The resetting tool set can comprise at least a first reset tool and a second reset tool. The first reset tool can be configured to be introduced, at least indirectly, through the first access path of the device so as to engage the HDR unit at its distal end and to induce the movement thereof along the central axis in the proximal direction to bring it into its holding orientation. Such movement of the HDR unit will 0270772647- cause the lockable element to pivot into its locked orientation and stretch the activating elements from their operational state to their initial state. The second reset tool can be configured to be introduced, at least indirectly, through the second access path of the device so as to engage the locking element and induce the movement thereof to its locking orientation. In general, the resetting tool set can be constituted as two separate tools or a single tool having at least two components. In the present example illustrated in Figs. 8A and 8B, there is provided a resetting tool 200 comprising a frame 201, a first reset tool 210 and a second reset tool 220. The frame 201 The frame 201 is configured with a rectangular shape comprising a first surface 202, a second surface 204 being opposite to the first surface 202 and a longitudinal axis L extending between the center of the first and second surfaces 202 and 204. The first surface 202 comprises a first end cavity 203 having a U shape and disposed on a top edge of the first surface configured to accommodate the proximal housing end 22 of the device 10. The second surface 204 comprises a second end aperture 205 disposed at the center thereof and being aligned with the first end cavity 203 along the longitudinal axis L. The second end aperture 205 is configured to be positioned on the second surface 204 such that when the first end cavity 203 of the frame 201 accommodates the proximal housing end 22, the second end aperture 205 thereof is configured to concentric with the distal opening 25 and the central axis C aligned with the longitudinal axis L. The first reset toll 210 of the resetting tool 200 is constituted by a elongated bolt, dimensioned and configured to be inserted and retracted through the second end aperture 205 so as to follow the first access path P1 and press the HDR unit 50 so as to move it from its second position to its first position. The second reset toll 220 is constituted by an elongated bolt, dimensioned and configured to be inserted and retracted along the second access path P2 for enabling a user to apply force on the locking element 120 so as to pivot it from its unlocking orientation to its locking orientation. In general, the resetting tool can be configured to enable attachment of a coupler to the device, and thereby a cargo, alongside the resetting process thereof. more specifically, the device can comprise a resetting tool cover which is configured to receive therein the coupler, and to attach the coupler to the housing. The resetting tool cover and the coupler can comprise a central aperture for enabling the second reset tool to pass therethrough. 0270772647- In the resent invention, the resetting tool 200 further comprises a resetting tool cover 230 configured to enable attachment of the coupler 15 to the cargo engaging end of the HDR unit 50 when the device 10 is in its releasing state. For that purpose, the resetting tool cover 230 comprises a body having a receiving aperture 232 disposed at a bottom surface 233 thereof. The receiving aperture 232 is configured to snugly receive the coupler 15 within. For that purpose, a plurality of cover recesses 234 are disposed on the inner surface of the receiving aperture 232 and are configured to receive therein at least a portion of intermediate transmission elements 56. The resetting tool cover 230 is configured and dimensioned to be attached to the proximal housing end 22 of the housing 20 by a plurality of connecting elements 235 that are configured to fit within corresponding receiving apertures disposed on the proximal housing end 22. The plurality of connecting elements 235 and the corresponding receiving holes are positioned such that when the resetting tool cover 230 is attached to the device 10, a coupler positioned within the receiving aperture 232 is configured to align with the central axis C of the device 10. The resetting tool cover 230 is further configured with a vertical bore 236 transversing the coupler 15 from an upper surface 2thereof to the receiving aperture 232, where the vertical bore 236 is configured to align with the central axis C when the resetting tool cover 230 is connected to the device. Figs. 9A-9E illustrate the device 10 during the reset process thereof. As shown in Fig. 8A, the first step is to align the device 10 within the rectangular frame having its proximal housing end 22 fitted within the first end cavity 203 of the frame 201 and its distal opening 25 aligned with second end aperture 205 such that its central axis C passes through both of the first end cavity 203 and second end aperture 205. Then, the resetting tool cover 230 having the coupler 15 snuggly positioned within its receiving aperture 232, is connected to the proximal housing end 22 of the housing by a plurality of connecting elements 235. (Figs. 9B and 9C). during the attachment process, a bottom surface 238 of the resetting tool cover pushes the retractable sleeve back into its first position. When the resetting tool cover 230 is attached, the second reset tool 220, which is already threaded in the first end cavity 203 of the resetting tool 200 is further inserted through the distal opening 25 up to the distal portion 51 of the HDR unit 50, and then it pushes the HDR unit 50, against the compression force of the compression element 32, from its second position in the housing 20 to its first position in the housing 20, in which 0270772647- the lockable element 110 is aligned with the central axis C (i.e. in its lockable orientation) (Fig. 9D). Then, the first reset tool 220 is inserted into the device 10 through the vertical bore 236 in the resetting tool cover 230 and the distal opening 25 in the cargo engaging end 52 of the HDR unit 50 and into the functionality portion 60 thereof. In the functionality portion 60, the first reset tool 220 is pressed against the locking element 120, which is at its unlocking orientation, and forces it to pivot downwards to its locking position, thereby arresting the HDR unit 50 from moving in the direction and thereby completing the reset process.

Claims

- 25 - 0270772648- CLAIMS:

1. A hold-down and controlled release device for cargo, said device having a cargo holding state and a cargo releasing state, and comprising: (a) a housing having a vertical central axis and an interior extending along the central axis and disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the housing, the proximal end having a top opening; and (b) a hold-down and release mechanism (HDRM) within the housing, comprising - an HDR unit movable with respect to the housing by an action of a compression force acting thereon along the central axis, between a first, arrested position and a second, released position; and - a cargo engaging end of the HDR unit, operable to hold said cargo when the HDR unit is in the first position and the cargo engaging end is at a first disposition relative to the top opening, and release the cargo when the HDR unit is in the second position and the cargo engaging end is in a second disposition relative to the top opening at a distance from the distal end of the housing which is different than that in the first disposition; and (c) an arresting mechanism configured to selectively arrest the HDR unit from moving between the first and the second positions, said arresting mechanism comprising: - a lockable element having a lockable axis and pivotable to change an angle defined by the lockable axis with the central axis, between a locked orientation in which the lockable element prevents the HDR unit from moving and an unlocked orientation in which the lockable element allows the HDR unit to move, said angle being greater in the unlocked orientation than the locked orientation; and - a locking element operable to selectively arrest the lockable element in its locked orientation and release the lockable element from being arrested, allowing the lockable element to pivot into the unlocked orientation.

2. The device of Claim 1, wherein the lockable element is aligned with the central axis in its locked orientation.

3. The device of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the lockable element is configured to be automatically movable into its unlocked orientation when it is free from being arrested. - 26 - 0270772648-

4. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the lockable element is pivotably connected, at least indirectly, to the housing at one area and operably connected to the HDR unit at another area by at least one articulating link pivotally connected at an HDR-connected end and a lockable-element-connected end thereof, respectively to the HDR unit and to the lockable element.

5. The device of Claim 4 when dependent on Claim 3, wherein the articulating link is configured to apply a pushing force on the lockable-element-connected end thereof when moved together with the HDR unit under the compression force acting thereon.

6. The device of Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the articulating link has an articulation axis extending from the top articulation point to the bottom articulation point, and forming an acute angle with the central axis when the lockable element is in its locked orientation, wherein the value of the angle increase when the lockable element moves to its unlocked orientation.

7. The device of any one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein said lockable element is in the form of an elongated body having a first portion configured to be selectively arrested by the locking element and a second portion pivotally connected to the housing, and being connected to the articulating link at a third portion between the first and second ends along the length thereof.

8. The device of Claim 7, wherein the lockable element has a longitudinal axis passing at least through said second and third portions, configured to be aligned with the central axis in the locked orientation of the lockable element.

9. The device of any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking element is pivotable about a locking element pivoting point between a locking orientation, in which the lockable element extends along a horizontal axis and an unlocking orientation, in which the lockable element is inclined with respect to the horizontal axis. - 27 - 0270772648-

10. The device of Claim 9, wherein the locking element comprises an arresting portion configured to engage the lockable element for arresting thereof, at one side of the locking element pivoting point, and an actuated portion at the other side of the locking element pivoting point, wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to pivot the locking element by its actuated end.

11. The device of Claim 10, when dependent on Claim 8, wherein the arresting portion is configured to arrestingly engage the first portion of the lockable element, in its locked orientation.

12. The device of Claim 11, wherein the arresting portion of the locking element and the first portion of the lockable element have engaging surfaces along which the elements are configured to contact when the lockable element is in its locked orientation and the locking element is in its locking orientation, said surfaces being perpendicular to the horizontal axis.

13. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises an activating mechanism configured to operate the locking element to release the lockable element from being arrested and thereby allow it to pivot into the unlocked orientation, thereby releasing the HDR unit from being arrested and enable the movement of the HDR unit from the first to the second position.

14. The device of Claim 13, wherein said activating mechanism comprises an activating element formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) selected from a material which has a phase-change transition temperature and is configured to change its state under the application of an electric current or application of heat thereon and to actuate thereby said arresting mechanism.

15. The device of Claim 14, wherein the activating element is configured to selectively change its state between an initial state allowing the locking element to arrest the lockable element and an operational state allowing the locking element to release the lockable element. - 28 - 0270772648-

16. The device of Claim 15, wherein the SMA component, in its initial state has a first length, and at its operational state, a second length shorter than the first length.

17. The device of Claim 16, when dependent on Claim 10, wherein the SMA component extends between a proximal end at which it is fixed to the actuated end of the locking element and a distal end held within the housing at a location closer to the distal end thereof than the proximal end.

18. The device of any one of Claims 9-17, wherein the activating mechanism further comprises a resistance measurement unit configured to enable discharge of electric current to the SMA component only when the ohmmeter indicates that SMA component is in its initial state.

19. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the HDR unit is defined with a hollow cavity and wherein the arresting mechanism is positioned, at least partly, inside said cavity.

20. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further comprises a bottom opening in the bottom end thereof, and wherein the bottom opening of the housing is configured to enable access of a first reset tool, at least indirectly, to the HDR unit, enabling the first reset tool to manipulate the HDR unit from its releasing state to its holding state.

21. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top opening of the housing is configured to enable access of a second reset tool, at least indirectly, to the locking element, enabling the second reset tool to manipulate the locking element from its unlocking orientation to its locking orientation.

22. A kit comprising: (1) a hold-down and controlled release device for cargo, said device having a cargo holding state and a cargo releasing state, and comprising: (a) a housing having a vertical central axis and an interior extending along the central axis and disposed between a proximal end and a distal end of the housing, the proximal end having a top opening; and - 29 - 0270772648- (b) a hold-down and release mechanism (HDRM) within the housing, comprising - an HDR unit movable with respect to the housing by an action of a compression force acting thereon along the central axis, between a first, arrested position and a second, released position; and - a cargo engaging end of the HDR unit, operable to hold said cargo when the HDR unit is in the first position and the cargo engaging end is at a first disposition relative to the top opening, and release the cargo when the HDR unit is in the second position and the cargo engaging end is in a second disposition relative to the top opening at a distance from the distal end of the housing which is different than that in the first disposition; and (c) an arresting mechanism configured to selectively arrest the HDR unit from moving between the first and the second positions, said arresting mechanism comprising: - a lockable element having a lockable axis and pivotable to change an angle defined by the lockable axis with the central axis, between a locked orientation in which the lockable element prevents the HDR unit from moving and an unlocked orientation in which the lockable element allows the HDR unit to move, said angle being greater in the unlocked orientation than the locked orientation; and - a locking element operable to selectively arrest the lockable element in its locked orientation and release the lockable element from being arrested, allowing the lockable element to pivot into the unlocked orientation; and (2) a resetting tool set configured to move the HDR unit from its releasing state to its holding state and induce the arrest thereof by the arresting mechanism, the resetting tool set comprising at least: (a) a first reset tool, configured to be introduced, at least indirectly, through the bottom opening of the housing so as to engage the HDR unit and induce the movement thereof to its holding orientation, wherein the movement of the HDR unit to its holding orientation pivots the lockable element to its locked orientation; and (b) a second reset tool configured to be introduced, at least indirectly, through the top opening of the housing so as to engage the locking element and induce the movement thereof to its locking orientation. - 30 - 0270772648-

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the resetting tool set is constituted by a resetting tool having a frame configured to receive the device in a certain position in which the central axis C of the device aligns with the longitudinal axis of the resetting tool.

24. The kit of claim 23, wherein the frame resetting tool comprises a first surface having a first aperture disposed at the center thereof and a second surface opposite to the first surface, having an insertion recess disposed on a lateral edge thereof. For the Applicants, REINHOLD COHN AND PARTNERS By: