WO2002002309A1 - Controlled rigidity articles - Google Patents

Abstract

Articles of adjustable diameter and of adjustable rigidity are disclosed. Articles of adjustable rigidity may contain articles (180) having engageable surfaces that are only engaged upon expansion of a member (175) within the article. Tubes having elongated flexible rods with frictional surfaces are flexible when the rods are free to move relative to one another and rigid when the rods are fixed relative to one another by pressure, adhesives, or other techniques. Tubes having adjustable diameter have internal expansion mechanisms such as bladders containing material that expands upon heating and a source of heat, or bimetal actuators that actuate upon exposure to heat.

Description

CONTROLLED RIGIDITY ARTICLES Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to articles having adjustable rigidity and/or cross-sectional area and articles and devices constructed from such articles.

Background of the Invention.

Flexible cables, tubes, and sheeting and other generally elongated objects are used for a wide variety of purposes. It is often desirable to have elongated items which can be manipulated to be placed in a selected configuration, and then made to remain in that configuration. Articles of other forms and shapes also must be manipulated into a particular position or location, which is made difficult by the absence of flexibility in shape, or, as applicable, flexible items are not appropriate for the task at hand. A wide variety of items, including fabrics of various types, are made of threads. The properties of the threads are one of the factors determining the properties of the fabrics.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is a member capable of changing between a flexible and rigid state. In one aspect of the invention, the rigidity can be continuously modulated, or a permanent or semi-permanent state of flexibility or rigidity can be achieved. Elongated members having multiple flexible rods or fibers therein, that may be selectively engaged with one another, to cause the member to be relatively rigid, or disengaged, to cause the member to be relatively flexible, are disclosed. Elongated tubes or threads of variable diameter are provided. Fabrics may be made out this thread with specialized properties.

Brief Description of the Figures

Fig. 1 is a partial cutaway view of an article in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of a portion of an article of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a partial view of the article shown in Fig. 2.

Fig.4 is a partial view of an alternative of the rod of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a partial isometric view of an alternative rod in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 6 is a partial isometric view showing two rods in accordance with the invention. Fig. 7 is a partial isometric view showing a rod in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 8 is a partial isometric view of a rod in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 9 is partial cross-section of the rod of Fig. 8. ,

Fig. 10 is a partial isometric view of a rod in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 11 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 12 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 13 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 14 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 15 is an isometric view of a wedge in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 16 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 17 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 18 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 19 is a partial isometric view of a rod in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 20 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 21 is a cross section of the bundle of Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 23 is a cross section of the bundle of Fig. 22 in a different state.

Fig. 24 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 25 is a cross section of the bundle of Fig. 24 in a different state.

Fig. 26 is an isometric view of a component of the bundle of Fig. 24.

Fig. 27 is a cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 28 is a partial cross section of a bundle in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 29 is a partial cross section of the bundle of Fig. 28 in a different state.

Fig. 30 is an isometric view of an article in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 31 is a side view of an article in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 32 is partial cross section of the article of Fig. 33.

Fig. 33 is an article in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 34 is a cross section of the article of Fig. 33 in use.

Fig. 35 is a cross section of the article of Fig. 33 in use.

Fig. 36 is a partial isometric view of a device in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 37 is a partial cross section of the device of Fig. 36 taken along line 37 - 37. Fig. 38 is a partial cross section of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 39 is another view of the device of Fig. 38 in a different state.

Fig. 40 is a partial cross section of a device according to the invention.

Fig.41 is a partial cross section of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 42 is a partial cross section of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 43 is a partial isometric view of the device of Fig. 42.

Fig. 44 is a partial top view of the device of Fig. 42.

Fig. 45 is an isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig 46 is a partial sectional view of the device of Fig. 45.

Fig. 47 is a partial sectional view of the device of Fig. 45 in a different state.

Fig. 48 is a partial sectional view of the device of Fig. 45 in a different state.

Fig. 49 is an isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 50 is a cross sectional view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 51 is a cross sectional view of the device of Fig. 52.

Fig. 52 is an isometric view of a device in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 53 is a cross sectional view of the device of Fig. 52.

Fig. 54 is a cross sectional view of the device of Fig. 55.

Fig. 55 is an isometric view of a device in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 56 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the device of Fig. 55.

Fig. 57 is an exploded isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 57.

Fig. 59 is an exploded isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 59.

Fig. 61 is an isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 62 is a cross section of the device of Fig. 61.

Fig. 63 is a somewhat schematic view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 64 is a somewhat schematic view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 65 is a somewhat schematic view of a detail of the device of Fig. 64.

Fig. 66 is a somewhat schematic view of a detail of the device of Fig. 64.

Fig. 67 is a somewhat schematic view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 68 is a front view of the device of Fig. 67. Fig. 69 is a view of a modified version of the device of Fig. 67.

Fig. 70 is a view of a modified version of the device of Fig. 67.

Fig. 71 is an isometric view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 71 A is a cross-section of the device of Fig. 71.

Fig. 72 is a cross-section of a modified version of the device of Fig. 71.

Fig. 73 is a view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 74 is a view of devices similar to that of Fig. 73.

Fig. 75 is a cross-section of a detail of a modified version of the device of Fig. 73.

Fig. 76 is a view of a device of Fig. 73.

Fig. 77 is a partial isometric view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 78 is a partial cross-section of the device of Fig. 77 and a similar device.

Fig. 79 is a partial isometric view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 80 is a top view of the device of Fig. 79.

Fig. 81 is an isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 82 is a cross-section of the device of Fig. 81 after actuation.

Fig. 83 is a cross-section of a device of the invention.

Fig. 84 is a partial cutaway view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 85 is a cross-section of the device of Fig. 84.

Fig. 86 is a top view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 87 is an isometric view of the device of Fig. 86.

Fig. 88 is a side view of the device of Fig. 86.

Fig. 89 is an isometric view of the device of Fig. 86 after actuation.

Fig. 90 is a partial isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 91 is an isometric view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 92 is a schematic view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 93 is a top view of a detail of the device of Fig. 91.

Fig. 94 is a side schematic view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 95 is a side schematic view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 96 is a schematic cross-section of the device of Fig. 97.

Fig. 97 is an isometric view of a device of the invention.

Fig. 98 is an isometric view of a device of the invention. Fig. 99 is a cross section of the device of Fig. 98. Fig. 100 is a cross-section of a device of the invention. Fig. 101 is a detail of the device of Fig. 100.

Detailed Description

[0001] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown in partial cutaway an elongated - bundle 10 of semi-rigid rods 15. The rods are generally cylindrical, and of substantially smaller diameter than the diameter of bundle 10. The rods 15 are parallel to the major axis of bundle 10. There may be at least three, with no upper limit as to the number, of rods 15 in bundle 10. The rods may be made of a material that permits them to flex. They may be made of NYLON ® or other synthetic fiber, for example. Rods 15 have outer surfaces that are adapted to interlock when pressed together, as better seen with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, there are a plurality of equally-spaced circumferential ridges 20, creating the deeply-serrated edges. Rods 15 are bundled together to form bundle 10. Bundle 10 is bound by an elastic wrapper 25. Wrapper 25 preferably has properties similar to rubber. The tension provided by wrapper 25 is selected to achieve the following effects. When no force, or a force below a threshold, is applied, ridges 20 interlock to prevent relatively movement of rods 15. If a distorting force above a threshold is applied laterally to the length of bundle 10, ridges 20 are caused to separate or slide relative to one another in a zone of distortion, allowing the rods 15 to realign against one another. When the force is removed, bundle 10 maintains its new distorted shape.

[0002] Various alternative frictional surfaces may be provided on rods 15 to achieve the foregoing properties. Referring to Fig. 4, alternative rod 30 has a random texture. The average distance between evenly or stochastically placed textural elements, and the depth and average angle of rise of those elements, when combined with a wrapper selected for varying compressive force, controls the amount of force needed to distort the device. A sandpaper-like grain of selected grit 32 is an example of such a method. The material of which the texture is formed might be identical to, or of a different material applied to, the rod. The choice of material will affect the mutually frictional or adhesive properties of the rods. [0003] Alternatively, an interlocking texture may be provided, as shown in Fig. 5, on alternative rod 35. For example, the surface may have numerous projections 36 with relatively thin supporting rods and wide heads, made of a flexible material, which will tend to interlock.

[0004] As a further alternative, hook and loop surfaces may be employed, as indicated by rods 40, 45 of Fig. 6. Rod 40 has, as indicated schematically, a hook-type surface, and rod 45 has, as illustrated schematically, a loop-type surface. Rods 40, 45 will be placed in generally alternating positions in bundle 10. Alternatively, rod 50 of Fig. 7, which features hook-type areas 55 alternating with loop-type areas 60 may be employed. The shapes of areas 55 and 60 and the pattern of alternation may be selected as desired.

[0005] Referring to Fig. 8, beads 70, of size small relative to the diameter of rod 65 of Figure 8, may also be employed. Beads 70 are hollow, generally spherical objects that encapsulate a fluid. As shown in Fig. 9, which is a partial cross-section of rod 65 and a cross-section of bead 70, bead 70 has an outer shell 75 containing fluid 80 therein. Shell 75 is selected to be of a material that does not crack or leak during bundling of rods 65 into bundles, but does break upon application of pressure. Thus, application of pressure to a bundle of rods 65 results in leading of fluid 80. Fluid 80 may be a glue or other binding substance, or combination of binding substances. Fluid 80 therefore causes the bundle to rigidly maintain a selected configuration.

[0006] Referring to Figure 10, there is shown rod 90 having polymeric fibers 95 thereon. Suitable polymers are those capable of being reliably formed into durable fibers. Most plastics are suitable for the general purpose described. The fibers are selected or formed to have a mutually attractive force, such as frictional interplay, adhesive coatings, electrostatic attraction or, in micro-fibers for example, van der Waal's forces, Coulomb attraction and hydrogen bonding forces, so that rods 90 will ordinarily not move relative to one another.

[0007] Referring to Fig. 11, there is shown in cross-section bundle 100 having outer sleeve 105 compressing rods 110, which may be of any of the foregoing types. In addition to rods 110, bundle 100 contains hollow tubes 120. Hollow tubes 120 preferably are perforated, and having one or more openings to the exterior of bundle 100 to permit the introduction of a resin or two-part substance such as epoxy or fiberglass. This substance is then spread throughout the interstitial spaces of bundle 100 at manufacture. Upon assumption of the proper shape, the tubes 120 are employed to introduce the second substance in order to secure the desired shape.

[0008] Referring to Fig. 12, a tube 130 with rods 135 and conductor 140 substantially in the center thereof is shown. The uses of the conductors may be for braiding, spring stress relief, transmitting heat energy, and other purposes as described below.

[0009] Referring to Fig. 13, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a bundle of Figure 1. In this alternative embodiment, bundle 150 is shown. Rods 155 have a geometric shape with flat sides, such as hexagonal, to provide for greater area of mutual contact than provided by circular cylindrical rods. The choice of polygonal cross-section, and the number of faces, or circular cross-section, is largely a function of the elasticity of the rods and the amount of deformation to be required. Compressible sheath 160 may be as above.

[00010] Referring now to Fig. 14, there is shown in cross-section alternative bundle 170. Rods 180 are generally wedge-shaped, as shown better in Fig. 15. Rods 180 are distributed in a single layer about tube 175. In the central axis of bundle 170 there is, for its entire length, an elastic tube 175, shown in a deflated state. For example, a substance similar to that used for surgical tubing may be employed. The tubing is preferably reinforced with structural elements, such as open cell rigid foam, or a string o foamed ceramic inserts or an asterisk-shaped set of vanes that fills the hollow of the tube. Such reinforcement also prevents direct contact between a heating element and the tubing. In this deflated state, rods 180 are in mutual engagement by ridged flat sides 185. The relative dimensions have been selected to achieve this effect. The center tube 175 is filled with gas or liquid through a port, not shown, to the exterior of bundle 170. Upon filling the tube 175, the tube 175 inflates and, becoming distended, increases its circumference, as shown in Figure 16. This increase in circumference forces rods 180 to move apart, thus reducing their mutual binding force. While in this inflated state, bundle 170 can be easily flexed into a new profile. Upon removal of the inflating substance or pressure from tube 175, the rods again nestle together creating a rigid structure in the new shape.

[00011] Referring now to Fig. 17, a design with inverse behavior of the aforementioned device described in Figs. 15 and 16. In this implementation, the resting- state of bundle 190 is a flexible one. This is accomplished through the use of a non- elastic but flexible outer sheath 195. Sheath 195 may be made, for example, of a woven or non- woven fabric. Bundle 190 contains a plurality of rods 200. When the inner inflatable tubing 205, which is located along the axis of bundle 190, is expanded by pressure introduced within it, rods 200 are forced into tight contact with one another. Also shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 are further refinements that are optional. Rods 200 may be serrated, as at 210, or textured to increase interlocking and/or frictional force between them when they are forced into close proximity to one another, but to hold them reliably apart in the non-pressurized state they are fitted at intervals with a gently compressible washer 205. The lateral cross-section of the washer could be in the form of a small area of the arc of a circle, with gently-sloping presenting sides, as indicated by washer 206 of Figs. 98 - 99, with adhesive applied at 207, firmly adhered to the rod, with a low-friction finish or coating on its outer surface. Washer 205, 206 may be of a foamed polymer or a material with elastic properties. Although^'the texturing is pictured as a regular serration 210 for ease of representation, the surface may be a randomized series of small textural elements described below . In addition, and for use particularly in a device utilizing inward-directed pressure from an elastic outer sheath, the hollow core of the tubing 215 has now been augmented with a flexible member 220 of something like NYLON ® or material with similar physical properties. This member 220 is hollow and the outer wall of the member is perforated. Inflating gas or liquid sent through member 220 escapes from the perforations and inflates the central tubing 215. This refinement allows greater pressure to be exerted by the outer elastic sheath without regard to the collapse of the central inflation hose. Additionally, the presence of, say, elongated metal fibers or wires 225 interior to member 220 allows a manually-molded shape to be gently maintained before pressurization of the elements.

[00012] A further alternative shown in Figs. 73- 75 is a rod 950 having a plurality of bearings 955 on an outer surface thereof and a plurality of frictional posts or studs 960 on that outer surface. Bearings 955 are relatively smooth and project outward beyond the posts 960, so that, in the absence of pressure, rod 950 will slide with relatively little friction on similar rods, as indicated by Fig. 75. Bearings 955 are either compressible, or mounted on compressible material, so that, under pressure, the bearings are deformed and posts 960 interface as shown in Fig. 74. Preferably, the friction between bearings 955 is reduced by selecting a size for the bearings 955 that they are nearly touching in the bundle, placing a low-friction sheath around the rods, or setting the bearins moe deeply in the device walls to allow free rotation, as suggested by Fig. 76, showing bearing 955 received in pocket 970 below the wall of rod 950

[00013] Referring now to Figs. 20 and 21, in yet another variation, the inflatable, or otherwise pressurizing, member is placed on the outside of bundle 235 rather than at the center of a bundle of members. The outer skin 230 of bundle 235 is substantially non- elastic. When an inflatable elastic bladder 240 lying below this surface 230 is inflated, the inner region of the bladder 240 exerts a compressing force against members 245 thus forcing them toward the center of bundle 235 and into contact with one another. Members 245 have opposing surfaces at 250 which have interlocking teeth or are otherwise adapted to be immovable when under force. Members 245 are roughly wedge- shaped and are kept apart by a spider 255 having innate elastic or springy character and secured on an interior surface of members 245 and on an exterior surface of an incompressible central hub 260. Alternatively, or in addition, member 245 are held apart by a central tube of compressible foam, shown in phantom at 265, then this spider, foam, or spring system holds the members slightly out of contact with one another, or in a state of gentle contact until an outer pressure that is inward-directed compresses the members together. Such a 'gentle' contact might be achieved by simply allowing the ends of the frictional elements of adjacent members 245 to touch. This touch would generate the desired/required amount of friction between members 245 without activating any of the binding or gluing strategies outlined above. Beads of solvents, for instance, might reside in the troughs of such a system of frictional members thus not being ruptured or otherwise activated by gentle contact, but being ruptured upon inflation of bladder 245. This outward pressure can take many forms. It should also be clear that the dual layer outside/inside pressurizing methods described here can be employed with rods of any shape.

[00014] Referring to Figs. 22 and 23, in bundle 270, the members 275, here with wedge-shaped cross-sections, are inflatable below a restraining inelastic outer surface 280.

[00015] It will be appreciated that rather than inflatable members, central tubing, surrounding tubing or any other strategies described above, it is possible to make any or all of these elements to be composed of some form of expandable material. Compressed foam (locked in a semi-permanent compressed state), for example, or an anhydrous assembly or material, might be enlarged by the addition of water. The introduced element would cause the expansions outlined above. The strategy would work with any of the numerous combinations of materials or structures that expand with the addition of a second substance, information, or energy. In a low-cost, passive implementation tubing could be made flexible for agricultural uses such as irrigation or runoff ditches if surrounded by a non-elastic, porous, compressing layer of dry material (like Psyllium husk) that expands greatly upon becoming wet. Contact with, in this case, water would render the cluster either firm or flexible, depending on the internal configuration. All ensuing strategies would apply here as well. A timed or remotely-activated release of, or re-introduction of, the inflating gas or other material or energy would allow for a new ' family of applications for this technology where remotely-timed, or cyclical use of such a device might be useful. A timed or electrically-activated valve, for instance, may be provided as a part of the device, or a reservoir of, say, CO₂ could be fitted to, or installed within the cluster-device. Electrical heating action might freeze and thaw the members, or even a trigger mechanism might be fitted to the locking members themselves.

[00016] Referring now to Figs. 24 - 26, bundle 290 has a bladder 295, shown in an isometric view in Fig. 26, having a plurality of radial projections 300 about a central tube 305. Members 310 are in the form of wedges in cross-section. At least a portion of the space between adjacent members 310 is occupied by bladder projections 300. Another portion is a contact area at 315, where adjacent members are in close, immobilized, frictional contact. As shown in Figure 25, upon inflation of bladder 295, members 310 are forced out of contact with one another as a result of the selection of the dimensions of members 310 and the amount of space occupied by bladder 295 when inflated. Outer sleeve 320 is preferably elastic to permit separation of members 310. [00017] Referring now to Figs. 27 - 29, there is shown a bundle 330 having central tube or bladder 335 with rigid rods 340 positioned on its outer surface and oriented radially outward. Expansion of bladder 335 forces rigid rods 340 to be thrust into generally-wedge-shaped members 345 in any of several ways. Rods 340 may, for example, be ejected or retracted indirectly by inflation/deflation thrusting piston-like implants in the tube 335, or directly molded as part of tube 335 as pictured in Fig. 27. In Fig. 28, there is depicted the position of rod 340 when tube 335 is deflated. Hinged extensions 350 of a circumferential surface 355, part of a member, are contained within a housing 360. Outer surfaces of extensions 350 and inner surfaces 360 are high-friction, mating connector, ridged, or otherwise capable of resisting and preventing movement of various elements. In Fig. 29, tube 335 has been inflated, and rod 340 has forced extensions 350 into contact with an inner surface of housing 360. The extensions 350 shown could be hinged, flexible, or gently distortable.

[00018] It is worth mentioning that the hydraulic or pneumatic pressure described above could be replaced with, for example, rotational energy. Referring to Fig. 30, one end of bundle 370 is (momentarily or permanently) fitted with a motor (or some type of bolt or screw-head attached to the end), directly or through gearing, to a central flexible- but-firm (nylon-like) threaded shaft 385, then the expansion/contraction energy is provided through such a threaded core. A cantilever 395, similar to Fig. 21, is made stationary, by anchoring it to a non-threaded collar 390 that is free to rotate about a non- threaded, smaller-diameter, portion of the central threaded shaft 385, while the other arm of the cantilever is attached to a threaded collar 400 that rides on the central shaft 385, then the rotation of the shaft would control the disposition of the wedges 405 as shown. While this can be used in contexts requiring an enormous amount of force, mecahnical actuation can be accomplished with any of several known mechanical methods. These might include, for example, the use of hydraulic or pneumatic pistons in place of the cantilevers shown. Accommodating Length Variations Within the Cluster

[00019] In short lengths of such a cluster of semi-rigid rods, the difference in length between the elements on the inside circumference of a bent cluster and those on the outside circumference of the cluster will often need no management strategy. In longer lengths of clusters, or in critical applications where differing lengths of rods at the ends of a cluster would be unacceptable, strategies must be employed to accommodate the length differences created in actual use. In actual use two solutions are available for, especially, devices without the described telescoping characteristics. The first is the use of standardized end-caps that would span the normal region of length-variation encountered at the end of a bent cluster. These end caps would maintain structural rigidity as well as provide a standardized interlocking mechanism. The second is the concept of supplying the units with a nominal length of exposed, excess rods projecting from each end of the sheath. These would be sawed-, melted- or burned-off near to, or evenly, with the end of the cluster-device. This obviates the need for telescoping members. The following methods are among the appropriate solutions to this design issue.

[00020] Most simply, the rods can be made slightly stretchable along the axis of their length. One problem with implementation of this simple solution is that a regular pattern of ridges, teeth or serrations would not achieve an effective interlocking of rods when the mean-distance between serrations were increased due to stretching. The stretchability of the rod's substance or structure will also compromise the rigidity of the final assemblage unless steps are taken to reduce or eliminate elasticity. One solution to this challenge is to create a stochastic surface with semi-random ridges, something hke the surface of sandpaper. This solution is only workable if the act of re-clamping the individual rods causes the elasticity or stretchability of the rods to be lost upon application of pressure to the bundled rods. This objective is perhaps best achieved through the use of various telescoping strategies. Referring now to Figs. 32 - 35, an idealized possible method of realizing this goal is pictured. The members of any of the foregoing devices might be made to telescope at will when a member is not under compression. At one end of member 425 an enlarged hollow tube 435, with an interior serrated surface, is provided. When pressure is applied, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 35, the cavities in element 420 at an end of member 425 having circumferential ridges 430 collapse upon the member 425 rendering it unable to vary in length for the duration of the pressure's application. It is important to note that ridge systems can be configured to allow either the compression or expansion of the rods exclusively so only that a single, irreversible direction of change is allowed if that is the objective. Steep ridges on one side of the binding topography and sloping ridges on the other accommodate this. When bi-directional change is desirable, sloping ridges would be positioned on both sides of the binding areas. It is also significant to note that stochastic ridge-elements or surface-grain can be configured to accommodate these objectives.

[00021] Referring now to Figures 51 - 56, there are shown variations on the foregoing structures. In Fig. 52, element 700, having a hollow cylindrical end 705, a generally spherical opposite end 710, joined by a rod 715. Cylindrical end 705 is open at one end and closed at the end interfacing with rod 715. Elements 700 are shown in Fig. 51 in cross-section joined together. Spherical end 710 and cylindrical end 705 are so dimensioned that spherical end 710 may be received in cylindrical end 705. The length of the hollow interior of cylindrical end 705 and of rod 715 are sufficient to allow some relative movement. As shown in Fig. 53, the size of the open end of cylindrical end 705 may be selected relative to the diameter of rod 715 to control the angle between interlocked elements 700.

[00022] Referring now to Figs. 54 - 55, there are shown two-piece connectors. Rods 730, having two spherical ends 735 are shown in cross-section in Fig. 54 and in an isometric view in Fig. 55, with ends 735 received in connecting tubes 740. Each connecting tube 740 is substantially a hollow cylindrical tube with two open ends. The interior of tube 740 is divided into two chambers of equal size by, here, internal circumferential flange 745, although other forms, such as solid wall or a wall with perforations, may be provided to define the two chambers. One end 735 is received in each chamber. The depth of the chambers defines the extent of telescoping action available.

[00023] Referring to Fig. 56 there is shown in cross-section a variation in which the individual rods may be locked to a specific length. Connecting tubes 740 as above are shown. Rods 750 have therein a control wire 755, which extends through each of the rods joined at tube 740. The wire 755 is a resistive heating wire equipped with heat sinks 760 to aid in the transfer of thermal energy to the surrounding thermally-expanding materials 765 contained within an elastic or otherwise deformable exterior 770.

[00024] In Figures 36 - 37, the telescoping concept is applied to a hypothetical wedge-shaped member 440 on an inflatable bladder or central rigid core 445. A hollow, collapsible, generally rectangular tube 450 is provided radially outward from the wedge 440. Tube 450 has interlocking lateral edges. Tube 450 receives an elongated rectangular ridged member 455. A compressible spacer 460 is provided on the outward surface of wedge 440. When there is not a compression force, or a compression force exceeding a threshold, the elements of the wedge and the attendant telescoping unit are free to slide relative to one another. A small, say, compressible spacer 460 keeps the serrations, frictional surface or stochastic grid from making direct contact with each other. Upon the application of pressure, from the bottom up or from the top down, the spacer 460 is compressed to allow the serrated or other high-friction surfaces to interact locking the elements together. This is one of many implementations of the telescoping concept as applied to non-rod-like situations.

Binding Surfaces Within a Cluster

[00025] In addition to grained or ridged surfaces, in any of the embodiments described above, it is also possible to employ compressible surfaces with a very high coefficient of static friction when under compression. Such 'sticky' surfaces can also be made to join semi-permanently or permanently by various chemical or adhesive coatings.

[00026] One solution, for example, is the use of interlocking structures. Even a randomly-textured binding surface might be structured so that, upon application of surface-pressure, the textural elements of the surface tend to lock together. This might be accomplished by, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 38 canting the walls of a randomly-spaced 'grain' element 470 on a member 475 in such a way that the grain presents an undercut profile (mushroom-like or keystone-like) where the width of the average top, or presenting, surface 480 of the grain-element 470 is slightly larger than the average distance between grain elements. The statistical model underlying the stochastic model might be an equi-spaced array of hexagons. In a refinement of this scheme, the grain elements 470 themselves might be releasable. For example, the grain elements may be mounted on an inflatable membrane 475. By inflation of the membrane, as suggested by Fig. 39, inflation will increase the spacing between elements 470 sufficiently to eject, or facilitate the ejection of, the interlocked grain elements. Any friction-inducing or interlocking arrangement such as these could be made reversible or permanent in locking- structure. For instance, if solid 'mushroom-like' posts, or grain-elements, were replaced by tufts of elastic fibers, or by solid mushrooms with tufts of elastic or wire-like fibers beneath the 'caps' of the mushroom-like elements, relatively irreversible friction-profiles might be achieved.

[00027] In two variants of this scheme, extreme variation in the durability or reversibility of an interlocked state could be engineered. In one, shown in Fig. 40, a tuft of fibers 500 are attached to an inner inflatable tube 505 and extend through opening 515 in an outer rigid tube 510. Fibers 500 are configured so that they bend outward, umbrella-like, from a central stack. By deflation of tube 505, these fibers 500 can be withdrawn into opening 515. Of course, the entire surface of the member in question would have repeating fibers 500 aligned with holes 515. Conversely the surface of tube 510 might rise to nearly engulf the fibers 500, thus collecting them into a bundle and collapsing the 'umbrella' .

[00028] For permanent configurations of the deployed cluster, adhesives or bonding or solvent liquids, slurries, or gases might be selectively introduced to induce a permanent state in the cluster by bonding the members to one another. Rods made of substances such as hydrocarbon-based plastics might be rendered temporarily viscous along their abrading surfaces by the introduction of softening solvent liquids or gases. These substances might be introduced through the normal 'inflating' channels and distributed through pores allowing leakage from the central chamber. Solvents or glues might also be introduced through a specific 'hardening' port that feeds the isolated chamber containing the members.

[00029] Coatings on the members themselves may be used as adhesives. These could be (micro-) encapsulated in breakable capsules or pores lining the surface of the members, as indicated above. Conversely, opposing, but contacting, sides of the members might be coated with a two-part mixture. One contact-side might be coated with a viscous glue, the other with a hardening agent. The sides would be kept out of direct contact in the resting state of the device. There are numerous ways to do this. One method would be to encapsulate the elements as described above, in rupturable beads. When the bundle is bent, the pressure between the members in the bundles is sufficient to rupture the beads and release the elements throughout the interior of the bundle, thus sealing the bundle into the new, desired shape. Another would be to simply coat the bonding elements with a low friction surface (or to interpose a rupturable low-friction sheet) in such a manner that upon application of pressure, the integrity of the protective surface is violated, allowing the mixing of the disparate elements of the bonding agents. One variant (especially when employed in situations where direct contact with the cluster is impossible), shown in a partial-sectional view in Fig.41, is the use of metallized or metallic elements 530 which line the contact surfaces between members 520, 525, or are embedded as particles in either the material itself (of the members or of capsules) or other bonding-sensitive devices. These metallic surfaces when exposed to current-flow or to radio-frequency radiation such as microwave radiation, will heat. This heating can be made to cause heat-induced changes in the materials of the array. The material of the rods, for example, might melt and fuse or the restraining material might be breached allowing solvent to flow. In one of many variations, a heating element or microwave- heatable distribution of particles, toroids, or microwave-sensitive materials, melts a rigid substance allowing it to be made temporarily or permanently fluid or malleable. There are many strategies for attaching or applying the heating, or other softening, force to the bundle. In fact, the bundle might be entirely replaced with a meltable/dissolvable/softenable substance retained within a non-softening membrane. Interlocking structures such as beads, hexagonal elements or frictional members might still be employed to achieve greater integrity or flexing-characteristics along with even an amorphous slurry-like. In the variation described below, the members are simply held apart until fixation of the desired final shape Other Configurations

[00030] Although the discussion here has been limited to the use of this concept with long cord-like or bar-like members, elements of this system might be employed in block-like, panel-like, or other structural elements. Interlocking structural blocks, for example, may be made to durably lock using the inflatable keystone structure moved to the exterior surface of the block, thus allowing the blocks to selectively interlock or disconnect. The interior of such a block or panel may also be composed of telescoping or sliding members. Thin panels thus made would, by way of example, allow the transfer of complex contours to a relatively thin sheet of material where it could be temporarily or durably stored and/or erased

External Devices for Manipulation of a Bundle

[00031] Several implementations utilizing external devices or procedures which may be applied to the exterior surface of the cluster will be discussed here. However, referring to Fig. 95, the basic concept is that an inflating or heating 'gun' or handle 1260 will be made to reliably grip the end of the cluster, using a two-part chuck 1265 and to puncture, pierce or otherwise enter the structure automatically upon attachment of this installation aid. These entrances will provide reliable, sealed, access for the application of, or release of, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, and/or the application of electricity or other power to the cluster device. Thus, a handle might snap to the cluster-device using standardized detents on the outer surface of the cluster. Seal might be made with the end of the device through the use of fitted compressible grommets. Electrical connection might be made by the alignment and interlocking of electrodes. Having accomplished this fit, the requisite actions described above would be performed. It is also possible to provide a power supply integral with the bundle, such as disposable batteries, (miniature) fuel cells, photocells and associated storage elements, manual and motor-driven power generation through such traditional methods as inductive generators, and the like. There are specific uses for these self-powered methods. These include large-scale variable- rigidity devices for such purposes as the deployment of instant roadways and bridges, and construction members and devices such as concrete-casting forms, molds, guides, braces, and ladders. These are able to be rolled up or otherwise reduced in size and/or volume for shipping and positioning prior to deployment. [00032] Also, in the case especially of reverse-acting bundles where, for instance, pneumatic pressure is encapsulated in lengths of bundle-material upon manufacture, the conversion of a bendable cluster to a rigid cluster might be accomplished by simple perforation of the cluster. This perforation might be globally, or even selectively, accomplished by a tool attached to one end of the structure.

[00033] A device for traveling along a cluster and modifications to the cluster or bundle will now be discussed with reference to Figs. 91 - 93. Modified bundle 1200 has a large internal cavity 1205. Cavity preferably has position information, a power supply, and injection ports for traveling actuator 1240. By way of example, there may be provided bar coded information 1215, providing position or other information, for reading by bar code reader 1217 of actuator 1240, electrical contacts 1220 to provide power to traveling actuator 1240 through its spring loaded contacts 1222, a geared track and alignment channel 1225 for motive gears 1227 of actuator 1240, a second line of electrical contacts 1230, index marks 1235 to provide positioning information, and injection ports or valves 1240. Referring to Fig. 94, actuator 1240 is shown, with the above-mentioned features and injectors 1245 with pistons 1250 for injecting fluid to expand bladders, or to inject glue for hardening, for example.

[00034] A device, referring to Fig. 96 - 97, 1300, in the form of a moveable ringlike structure that surrounds the flexible cluster 1310 is provided. This device might be capable of indexing itself along the selectively flexible member of the invention by straddling the outside skin of the device 1310 and using power/index wheels 1305 and photocell bar code reader 1315. Spaced ridges and/or optically or magnetically-sensed 'lines' encode position along the length of the member of the invention. In its simplest implementation, a standardized distance between gear-like ridges is employed for each (standardized) scale of device. A motorized- or other movable device then straddles the cluster-device. The device can be manually slid along the length of the cluster-device or motorized, perhaps employing the standardized teeth, markings or other methods for accurately indexing the position of the sliding unit. In a refinement, the markings might contain actual positional-data encoded within them. There are several uses for such a device. First, the external skin of the device or member of the invention could be heat- shrinkable, zip-able, zip-lockable or other closure method that could be accomplished by a ring-like device sliding over the outer surface of the cluster. The series of internal wedges or members, for example, could simply be made to interlock or fuse or cement in some way with the application of (significant) localized heat, pressure, magnetic-energy, infrared- or ultraviolet-, or radio-frequency energy supplied by the ring 1300.

[00035] It should be said that the device of the invention can be fabricated to contain one or more cavities. One practical use of the device, for example, is as a pipe, conduit, or hose. Such a useful cavity could reside in the center of the device, around its periphery, or even distributed within multiple capillaries spread throughout the device. (A specific, mid-size, application for this might be the use of cavities to contain individual insulated strands of wire, such as three-strand 120 volt household wire in a controlled- rigidity system allowing selective rigidity to be maintained while snaking long runs of wire inside walls.)

[00036] Significantly, the skin of the device of the invention may be perforated, contact-bearing, or puncture-able, perhaps in localized, indexed areas spaced along the length of the cluster-device allowing the area-specific, selectable insertion of inflating/deflating force as a gas or liquid or other input such as heat, solvents, or electricity, to the cluster-device. If the ring-device were made to span an area of the tubing of the cluster, then the ring-device (or its internal counterpart) might also be made to apply external positioning force to the cluster to selectively release, position, and resolidify the cluster. Such selective positioning might be accurately positionally-indexed to the markers described above. Such positioning would, ideally, be relayed to a remote operator controlling the 'ring-device'. Also worthy of mention is that the pressurizing or zipping functions mentioned above might also be reversing - or un-zipping - functions as well. In the case of, for instance, medical uses of this strategy, there are numerous refinements that present themselves for use with this scheme, especially when used internally to the cluster and implemented in micro-scale or transitional nano-technology.

[00037] Referring to Figs. 100 - 101, there is shown cluster 1350, on which may be seen indexing slots 1355, contacts for injection points 1360, inflatable bladder area 1365, hollow central core 1370, rods 1375, optional indexing control lines or contacts 1380, self-sealing needle valve 1385, gear track 1390, contact wire 1392, and bladder, schematically, at 1394.

[00038] It is important to understand that the cluster can be made to be either rigid or flexible in its normal or resting state. Pressure, for example can be sealed inside the central tube of the variation shown above in Fig. . This would allow the penetration of that central tube to solidify the cluster. There are other variants such as this one that will perform the same function.

Memory- and Motion-Inducing Structures

[00039] Memory-wire, spring-steel, selected thermoplastics or other materials able to memorize and store positional configurations might be placed within the cluster-device. The device might, upon softening (or when pliable) assume the desired shape. When solidified however, any shape might be possible. The process might work in reverse as well. With shape memory-wire or thermoplastics, the desired shape could be memorized, the cluster returned, perhaps, to its flexible state, and the memorized configuration reached again by again making the cluster flexible. This might imply the use of three states - flexible (or rigid), memorize, and then the opposing rigid (or flexible) state. In a purely heat-driven scenario, a high temperature might be used to store a configuration and a lower temperature might recall it. Multiple devices might be employed simultaneously. For instance, a purely pneumatic structure might control rigidity/flexibility while a purely electrical or microwave-driven heat-state might control shape-memorization. These uses also might allow the device to be used for its motion- imparting, motor-like ability, where the desired result of such a (memorized) state-change would be to perform physical work or motion, rather than simply to assume shape.

[00040] Intricate configurations and changes of configuration might be accomplished through the use of zones. If, for example, the memory/tension-containing structures outlined above passed in parallel through length of the cluster-device, then the controlled release of these zones would allow selective motion or re-shaping to occur. In a simple variant, three fully-implemented clusters, or one structure with a triangularly- spaced spacing to accommodate control cabling arranged in a triangular pattern and passing through the length of the main-structure in parallel to one another are provided.Needs a figure Each cluster contains, say, a small steel or nylon line or cable passing lengthwise through that cluster. These three cables are placed in such a way that the act of pulling each wire would cause the device to tilt in the direction of that cluster. Equal pressure on all three cables would create no net bend of the device. It's clear that in its flexible state, the three cables will allow the global bending of the device at will. The handle or gun described above might contain a joy-stick-like controller for said manipulation.

[00041] In lower-force conditions the same effect achieved above could be created electrically. The cluster(s) described above might house three memory-wires in such a configuration that if electrical flow were applied to the length of any blend of the memory wires then by balancing the relative heating of these wire-elements (by current- control), any direction and amount of curvature could be achieved as the individual or collective memory- wires shortened with heat application. The cluster(s) would then be re-solidified. In a significant strategy, contact-points could be made at points along the length of the cluster in such a way as to allow the memory wire to introduce shape- distortions in selected short lengths of the cluster-device.

[00042] Finally, it should be mentioned that variations exist with spine-like 'inflatable' discs that also allow lateral movement of the stiffening elements within the cluster-device. The creation of a fan-like structure utilizing an expanding spider deployed by an expending inner-core has myriad potential medical uses and variations. These structures can also be linked together to form arrays of remarkable rigidity and ability to expand and contract at will.

Consider also that the outer sheath could be made variable in the pressure it exerts on the clustered rods, hence the resistance to movement in the loose state is controllable as is the rigidity when gripped. These methods might include:

a surround of heat-shrinkable tubing. This could be shrunken by heat-gun, by imbedding heater wires or tape into the surround, or by layering it with such wire or tape, by mixing metallic particles or other conductive elements which could be heated by magnetic induction or RF-energy such as microwave energy.

A surround of hydrophilic, or water-absorbing, material that would cause the surround to expand below a rigid sheath and thus to pressurize the rods. Mixed with a water-soluble glue or binder this could become rigid.

A mechanical strap or wrap, like for example an adjustable hose-clamp such as might be used for automobile radiator hoses. Such a clamping system could wrap radially around the assembly and be tightened from a single location for an entire length of the device.

A plastic or polymer with any of the required characteristics - tightening or shrinkage upon drying/cooling/setting.

A sequestered material in a bladder surrounding the entire device that, when activated by energy, mechanical trauma, or additional substances, grows in volume to pressurize the cluster of rods. One part of the sequestered substance could be held apart by, say, ampoules or beads. This substance, when mixed with the first sequestered substance would cause the appropriate volume-increasing reaction. Blowing agents would be one example. The second sequestered substance could be introduced by the intentional rupturing of beads or ampoules through physical pressure or applied energy.

The specific case of such agents as are mentioned above is worthy of further mention. Small beads that are non-soluble in either material could be fitted with either:

1/ mechanical rupturing devices 2/ heating devices

In the case of mechanical devices, the first type is simply a rupturable membrane or containment device. The techniques are well-known, although the application is unusual. The second type is described with reference to Figures 42 - 44. Each bead or packet 600 of catalyst is attached to a line 605, such as a mono-filament line. This line 605 is bonded to the bead or packet 600 in such a way as to break it if pulled. The other end of the line 605 passes through a (perforated) outer sheath 610 and is bonded to a pull- tab or tape or backing 615. This tape 615 is applied to the outside surface of the device 620 and, for example, marked "pull to solidify". When the tape 615 is pulled off of the device 620 it yanks several lines 605 attached to its underside, thus rupturing the packets 600 and freeing the lines 605. The tape 615 is then discarded. The sequestered 'catalyst' is released into the sequestered expansion, heating or pressurizing agent and rigidifying is begun. An array of tear out openings 612 is indicated in Fig. 44. This method can be used for other applications. The lines attached to the tabs may be employed more generally to cause some deployment to occur within the tabbed device. In a particular example referred to above, a viscous substance such as an oil, for example, might be embedded with small beads of compressed gas or tightly-compressed elastic foam held compressed by the bead itself. If the bead 600, for example also held a hardening agent for the oil, such as an alcohol for example, then the act of rupturing the beads would cause both the intermixing of the two, in this case, plasticizing agents as well as introducing gas bubbles perhaps supported by foam structures. The result would be a large expansion, especially if the sequestering bead held a substance that would generate blowing-agent-like gas upon contact with the surrounding substance.

Expansion methods may be described further as follows. Physical trauma, for example caused by pressure, rolling, folding, peeling and the like could initiate a variety of processes causing the kinds of volume/rigidity transformations anticipated above. The trauma of peeling a seal away (see above) could be made to both rupture sequestered stiffening agents, polymers, and the like, while at the same time optionally pulling a physical matrix into place that causes the physical re-orientation of structural elements within the device. Likewise the process could be initiated by the processes outlined elsewhere in this application. The sudden presence of air within such a sequestered, airtight environment internal to the device, could set expansion processes in motion, by, for example, allowing air to rush into evacuated pockets within the sheeting which are equipped with, or structurally created to contain, adequate opening force to self-expand, for example. Air-reactive solvents, glues, and the like may also be caused to be released - for example in the form of bubbles within an air-drying foam - into the interior of such a device. Microscopic, or small, membrane-encapsulated bubbles of highly compressed gas or air may be sequestered within a slurry, for example, of liquid that will foam upon the rupture of these bubbles. The rupture could be caused by various methods. For example the device could be held tightly compressed by evacuating the interior of all air, leaving only such a potentially foaming/hardening mixture impregnated with compressible beads filled with, for example, a hardener mixed with a compressible gas. After deployment a hermetic tab might be pulled, or a air-tight score broken that would allow the in-flow of air to the evacuated area between the sheets. A matrix of, for example, tiny plastic, spring-elements or repellent structures might then force the device apart into a deployed state, thus rupturing the beads, by, for example, shearing or by pure pressure differentials. By pressure differentials, I mean the ability of such encapsulating substances or forms to resist the expanding force of a gas sequestered within the capsules would be engineered to be less than the differential pressure formed across the boundary formed by the capsule when the external seal guarding the interstitial void within the device was broken.

Similarly, the beads might be formed of a sequestering substance degraded by air or by other secondary process set in motion by the pulling of the tab. These processes might include the release of capsule-solvents, or gas-generating chemicals.

In the case of heating devices, the following may be used. Individual packets or beads are formed of a substance able to be burned, melted, or dissolved away by heat directly, or by reactions set-off by the heat (for example by phosphors lit by the heat which line the heater element). A conductive and or resistive band, wire, tape, filings, and the like is bonded to the sequestering bead. Upon the direct application of electricity to the conductive surface, the conductor heats the bead and ruptures it, causing the release of the sequestered contents. Similarly, the introduction of alternating magnetic or RF fields can cause inductive heating in suitably- arranged conductors.

Individual rods having mutually-attractive magnetic fields would have the characteristic, especially when combined with mechanically-frictional surfaces, of very high initial binding force with a quick (inverse square + static friction) release characteristic. Rods of, for example, opposing polarity would tend to self-align with complementary pairs. Such a method would only work in fairly long rods due to the vagaries of alignment due to bending.

We envision using the hermaphroditic interlock for providing electrical and mechanical connections as well as reversible and irreversible interlocking of individual members of the cluster devices.

Because of the extremely small thicknesses required for a micro- or nano- manufacture of the binding topographies listed here, it is worthy of note that a matching set of binding topographies - say ball and orifice types, might be supplied in, say, rolls of male and female tape able to be dispensed from a traditional tape dispenser holding perhaps both types of tape. Such a 'tape' (or border or other surface) could be manufactured in an 'hermaphroditic' design that intermixes both male and female elements in such a way that an effective number of male/female couplings are achieved to effect a suitable adhering of two such surfaces. Such an hermaphroditic binder could be made in a variety of scales and depths and bonding strengths. Referring now to Fig. 45, one basic form of such a hermaphroditic assembly is the even spacing of mushroom-like 'knobs' 640 on stems 642 on tape 645 in such a way that the distance between knobs 640 is greater than the stem 642 diameter, but less than the knob 640 diameter, while the height from the mounting surface 645 itself to the underside of the knob 640 is slightly greater than the depth of the knob. There are numerous variants. Such moldings, lithographic elements, strips, tapes or sheets might be adhered using an adhesive that is stronger over a short (pull-apart) time than the strength of the hermaphroditic binding force, or by any other suitable means. A quick-drying viscous material like a solvent- immersed plastic might be made to simply form into curling hairs, or knob-like protrusions by being pulled away from a suitable protective barrier at the moment of, or just prior to, dispensing of the 'tape' . Upon swiftly hardening, these hairs/mushrooms/springs would be inclined to entangle upon mutual contact thus providing the basis for a removable/releasable tape or surface or strip. It should be clear that many of these methods are usable as integral surfaces divorced from the concept of 'tapes'.

Referring to Figs. 46 - 48, a further embodiment is described. The posts 642 and knobs 645 of the hermaphroditic array are caused to be encased in magnetic fields such that the tips of all of the knobs are of one polarity, say north, while the bases are the other polarity, say south. This could be accomplished by protrusions from a ceramic or metallic magnetic panel which forms the base of the devices and which has been magnetized so that the poles lie across its depth front-to-back. Magnetization could be also accomplished by embedding small bar-magnets or magnetic regions in the posts, the posts themselves could be magnetic if sufficient 'give' could be retained. The result would be that two surfaces of posts brought in contact with one another would resist contact and repel, as shown with magnetized posts 641 in Fig. 46, adopting a distinct orientation. Finally, in either method, it is potentially enhancing to further encase the magnetic regions in ferrofluids. These fluids would repel one another and relocate causing the 'knobs' to shrink upon the approach of an opposing member. By limiting the angle-of-freedom of the posts, to, say, 45 degrees, the posts/knobs would be unable to lie down entirely as a result of repulsive forces. With sufficient force, the repelling elements would begin to intermesh, as shown in Fig. 47, with the temporary effect that the repulsion between knobs would aid in their appropriate alignment and guidance into the voids between posts. In the case of the ferrofluid-filled device the repulsion would then constructively change the contours of the posts: the knobs would shrink, and the stems would engorge. Next, the tips of opposing posts would locate their attractions for the opposite polarity at the base of the destination posts, or wells, of their complementary pairs. Finally, in the case of the ferrofluid device, as shown in Fig. 48, the fluid would relocate to the tips and base of the posts forming a tighter bond through engorging the knobs.

Any of the frictional and interlocking strategies employed or described herein can likely be mimicked through the use of polymer strings. Wliile this is not an exclusive description, it is possible to affix polymer strings by, for example, employing a string having, say, an affinity at one end for a binding site on the 'adhesive' surface of a sheet. This site might be chemical or mechanical in nature or a hybrid. For example a molecular structure, or molecule, for which the polymer might have an affinity could be placed within the structure of a sheet's binding surface by nano/microtech means. Micro- lithography could be employed to, say, introduce pits in the surface which could be filled with the binding substance. This might cause the polymers to become regularly aligned. This alignment might, for example, mimic the spacing descriptions of the hermaphoditic interlock described above. Mating sheet surfaces might be pitted and filled with substances having, say, an affinity for opposing ends of a polymer string, or a nanotech- assembled, or compound, structure having such end-specific affinities. Thus, each sheet would be coated with bristles with a mutual attraction. This attraction might be, for example, an electrical charge, or a chemical bond, or a physical geometry resembling a knob-like, mushroom-like, hook-and-loop-like, or similar, shape that would easily interlock or entangle. Compound shapes such as these, whether implemented at a microtech, nanotech, or humanly-perceivable scale, would be greatly enhanced by the presence of an attractive (opposite) charge on the tips of the mating pair of the proposed interlocking elements. The presence of, therefor, identical charges on the tips of a surface's coating 'threads' could be accurately balanced against the physical resistance of the 'stem' portion of the threads to cause the matrix of threads to experience mild mutual repulsion, and thus to stand erect and naturally spaced from one another.

Clearly, a similar scheme could be implemented with the use of pure lithographic, or similar, etching or pitting techniques. If, say, a regular matrix of carbon-fiber, glass, or similar threads were placed, as suggested, within a clear substrate of, for example, plastic sheeting, the pits could be engineered to gain strength from the regularly-spaced matrix of stiffening fibers. While each pit, and it's matching 'knob', plug, or shaft, could be made of the plastic sheeting material itself, what is suggested is more specific. The tips of the shafts and the rims or bases of the pits could be coated with substances having strong mutual affinity. These substances might also be of an elastic and/or adhesive character. If the surrounding sheeting or fibers contained a weak repellent charge to the opposing interlocking forms, then the, for example, shafts might naturally guide themselves into the appropriate regular orientation for mating. Similarly, elastic coatings might aid in the secure interlocking of these sheets. It should be mentioned that strong general charges, thermal energy, and the like, placed upon such a sheet could be employed to aid in the interlocking process by causing, say, the pits to expand during the assembly/mating phase of the manufacturing process. This could be done through a variety of methods. For example, metallic particles, such as microscopic toroids, exhibiting eddy-currents and/or induced magnetic/diamagnetic forces when exposed to electro-magnetic or, by way of example, microwave radiation, might generate both modest heat and mutually repulsive forces. Such particles, or molecules, might be embedded, or bonded into the sheet itself, either globally or around the pits of the sheet's surface. Under the influence of the application of, say, electromagnetic energy, the pits might expand and open to accept the tip of a mating polymeric or mechanically-engineered mate. Such a durable binding scheme has numerous uses, one of which is the engineering of a strong bond requiring the intentional release/relaxation of the pits to release the captive shafts, or to require the breaking of the captured shafts in order to effect a release of the bound sheets.

Numerous variants on the above strategies suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is called to your attention that there may be other refinements or descriptions of this method elsewhere in the drafting documents.

SECOND INFLATING LAYER

Around any of the designs of controlled-rigidity device discussed may be enhanced by the addition of another inflatable region in the exterior. The function of this exterior sheath is to increase the diameter of the element.

A VARIABLE POROSITY FABRIC

With or without the internal selective rigidity core, the concept of a fabric composed of threadlike elements capable of varying their diameters is a good one. While configurations other than conventional woven strands might be suggested, this time- honored method of the creation of strong sheets is a good one - especially since conventional weaving machinery can be employed to create it. A thread is provided that is formed of a material capable of changing its diameter. The use of tubing for this is one simple solution. Another is any chemical or mechanical process enabling this diameter shift to occur by gaining in cross-sectional area when changing state. Gas to liquid conversions are one such method.

MELTABLE OR SOFTENING BINDING LAYER

The edges of each binding element, such as the wedges, of a controlled-rigidity device might be coated with a material having a characteristic like wax. That is, the material might become soft or liquid-like when heated and adhesive-like when cooled. Any of several methods of heating these surfaces might be employed. One simple implementation is the passing of heating elements across the edges of each wedge-like element. The heating surfaces might contain, for example, complementarily-spaced heater wires recessed in a channel on the edge of each wedge. These elements might be electrically linked to one another with a flexible loop, for example, of conducting material. The cycle of use would be thus: The edges of the wedges would be heated to liquefy the wax-like binding surfaces of wedges. The element internal to the interior tubing is heated, thus driving the wedges apart. The process is reversed to re-fuse the wedges in the next position.

BACKGROUND

By making a long, slender, generally cylindrical, element somewhat like a conventional thread in general appearance and 'feel' that has the ability to change its external diameter on demand or in response to external control factors, we can create as new class of fabric-like materials by weaving, or otherwise combining into a sheet, or planar array (or families of arrays), these elements such that the assembly exhibits variable characteristics. These characteristics can be made to include sensitivity to control signals, light, air pressure, and heat, as well as the ability to respond to light, or pressure, or heat by varying the diameters of the individual elements whether locally or globally along the length of a 'thread' or in a localized area of thread, as well as globally or locally in two or more dimensions. It should also be mentioned that the controlled-diameter device device can be made to share control signals, internal and external structures, and/or environmental sensitivities with the variable rigidity devices.

The device is in the form generally of a hollow thread made with an external impervious skin. In the hollow area of the thread, or in chambers, cells, or areas within the thread, or in the substance composing the body of the thread itself, is sequestered any substance, structure or mechanism that can change volume, or effect a volume change in the Controlled-diameter device device, even if the change is affected by altering the cross-sectional area of the controlled-diameter device. That is, even if the change is in localized areas which are contrived to drive the shift in diameter along the length of the 'thread' . Inside this sequestered substance or mechanism there is an element capable of affecting this volume or area change. This element might be, for example, an electrical conductor, a heating wire or element, a length of tubing through which is transported, on in which is contained, a gas, slurry, semi-solid, gel, or liquid, and most especially a substance capable of volumetric change - for example by state-change, such as a low- boiling-point liquid that upon heating becomes a gas.

Examining the use of sealed tubing or pockets/balloons embedded in the interior of the thread the following methods suggest themselves. Referring to Figs. 49 - 50, threaded through the interior of the tubing 650 is a heating element 655, such as a resistive wire - NiChrome being one common type, conductive ceramic is another. This wire 655 is smaller in diameter than the interior of the tubing and is set-off from the walls 660 of the tubing with heat-resistant standoffs. These standoffs might, themselves, contain or embody such dimensionally- variant or state changing materials or structures. The interior of the tubing is filled with gas or liquid, or other material that undergoes state-change or simple volumetric expansion upon heating. When the resistive element is activated varying levels of heating can be applied to the surrounding material. This causes expansion of the material to occur, thus expanding the diameter of the threadlike element. An application is a fabric that is woven from these expandable threads. In one exemplary implementation, the threads are so arranged in the weave to cause a tight - even watertight - fit to occur between the threads upon full expansion of the threads, and allowing the passage of air, gas, liquid and the like to easily occur when the threads are shrunken.

Referring to Figs. 57 - 58, there are shown a variable diameter or controlled diameter device 770. At the center is a control wire, which may also serve as a strengthening member, 775. The next layer outward is a sheath 780 which may be an electrical insulator. Several bellows layers 785 follow, which preferably have jigsaw/dovetail interlocks. These prevent the belllows layers from moving relative to one another. The next layer is an outer sheathing 790, which is of course flexible to permit changes in diameter.

Referring to Figs. 59 - 60, there is shown a schematic view of the method of connecting a resistive heating element, fuse, spark-gap or similar control wire through the expanding medium to an external connection. Device 800 has at its center central conductor 805. Heating element 810 is configured in a spiral, through a sequestered gas or liquid 820, with electrical contact to central conductor 805 and, through the bladder 815, to a non-heating electrode 810 which is in turn connected to interlocking connector ring 825. The conductive panel 825 may be fused or photoeteched onto the outer surface. In principle, a conductor carrying the other pole of the heater's driving current could be placed anywhere in the device, such as adjacent, and electrically insulated from, the central conductor.

THERMOCOUPLE ELEMENTS EMPLOYED

If the heating element were a thermocouple Peltier device with the dissimilar junctions placed alternately on the interior and exterior of the threadlike elements (or in the case of arrays, if the cooling and heating surfaces of the individual thermocouples align as one, then the dissimilar thermal surfaces are placed alternately) then the application of direct current in opposing directions to the thermocouple assembly could be caused to both heat and cool the interior of the thread. This might allow for faster response time in the shrinking and expanding of the threadlike element.

CURRENT-BEARINGWIRES ON THEEXTERIOR OFTHETHREAD hi order to allow several lengths or matrices of these heated elements to interconnect it is suggested that the heating current be made available on, or near, the outside diameter of the thread. An expandable woven braid or shield, for example like the one employed in coaxial cable might be passed over or through each thread. With appropriate insulating exterior, these might be immune to the woven contact between threads. Thus one thread might carry positive potential while another might carry negative. Conversely, each thread might carry both elements - say one inside the gas- or liquid-bearing region of the tube's interior and one outside of it. Likewise an insulated pair might be interwoven around, or occupy each side of, the thread element. Multiple conductors can be fabricated into the device by any of several known methods. One method worthy of note is the encapsulation of the device in photo-sensitive resist and to remove the resist selectively in the form of long parallel lines down the length of the device. Upon removal of the resist metallic conductors could be deposited by any of several known methods such as vapor deposition and electroplating. These conductors could be then selectively insulated and built-up into, for example, addressing matrices and logic by known photo-lithographic methods.

CONTROL WIRES AND LOCAL CONTROL DEVICES In addition to the heating/cooling wires for the controlled rigidity elements, the external diameter controls, and the current-carrying conductors, one or more control wires or optical fibers might be employed for the purpose of communicating the state or desired state of regions of the threads or fabrics. We suggest localized sensors to allow individual areas of such a woven matrix to respond to pressure, moisture and humidity, airflow, wind direction, temperature, temperature differential, sunlight, UV content of light, and the like. These local control devices might receive power from the current- bearing lines and global control parameters from the control lines, while the units themselves might contain sensors appropriate to tasks such as those named above. These sensor might regulate the current, voltage, frequency and so on proportionally to the locally-sensed state. Thus, for example, a fabric employed as a sail might be made globally more or less porous to wind, or globally more or less rigid, while localized sensors might cause the weave to open or shut locally in response to sensed eddies and reverse air-flow in isolated regions of the sail. SUNLIGHT CONTROLS HEATING

By varying the color or opacity of the threadlike element, or by varying the pressure, ambient temperature, degree of expansion, or temperature of state-change of the sequestered substance, the temperature of, and degree of, expansion might be regulated directly. A black-surfaced thread, for example, might absorb sufficient heat to cause a linear closure of the space between threads to regulate the amount of sunlight passed through a fabric. In this way, a pre-calibrated sun-control film might be created.

The controlled-diameter device device is best engineered to have little or no dimensional freedom through its longitudinal dimension, or length. That is, the length of the 'thread' is not affected by the state-change, or dimensional shift, that affects the diameter of the device. This means, for example, that the skin of the device might be designed to allow elasticity cross-sectionally, but rigidity longitudinally. A rubber-like sheath, for example, made rigid with non-elastic longitudinal fibers or members below it or above it might serve this purpose. A weave of elastic fibers that wrap around the Controlled-diameter device with rigid fibers that run its length, for example, would be effective for this purpose. These fibers, if conductive, could serve the purpose of carrying control signals and/or dimensional-shift energy such as electrical, thermal, chemical, or mechanical energy globally, or locally down the device's length. This suggests, without limitation to the foregoing, a series of parallel wires running the length of the Controlled- diameter device which are separated by insulating spaces or substances, such as rubber or plastic, which are engineered to allow expansion of the gaps between them. Importantly, this configuration could be carried out in layers which are also separated by insulating space or matter. The central core of such a device could also be made of a dimensionally- stable core, such as a conductive wire or bundle of wires. This central core could also supply all, or most, of the longitudinal stability to a purely elastic sheath or external body-structure. This central core is also ideal for carrying higher current loads, or - if hollow or porous - higher volumes of gases or liquids used to affect local or global state change. In this case, the outer 'conductors, if they are present, could be used to carry smaller amounts of energy, or substance, to effect local and regional diametric change, or simply to carry address information to localize, or otherwise modify, such change. Say, for example hat the central core is a conductor capable of carrying (x) watts of electricity for the purpose of heating (or if thermocouples were made present, cooling) energy. Each conductor in the sheath or body of the Controlled-diameter device could be made capable of carrying, for example l/SO^ ) energy to fifty linear regions of the device. The inverse arrangement, naturally is also possible. That is, in one implementation, a conductive sheath could accommodate (x) energy, while an insulated bundle, or distributed group, or internal conductors or control tubes, would each accommodate the fractional energies. Other schemes are possible such as fluidic or semiconductor logic structures which can be exclusively or combinatorially addressed - such as by binary encoding across a family of control-lines, tubes, nerve-like passages, and the like. So if there were, for example, 32 lines connected by exclusive logic to 2³² regions along the length, or otherwise within, such a device, the device could be caused to respond with a high-degree of localization to control signals. Naturally, it should be clear to those schooled in the art, that numerous other address strategies are possible. These include, without limitation, multiplexing by frequency, time, waveform, and modulation, and these methods of addressing the device can be carried, without limitation, by light, radio- waves, electricity, magnetism, chemical coding, and fluid, solid, or gaseous pulsing, motion, and/or pressure. This also implies that control lines need not be present at all, or perhaps present only in regions of the device. It should also be stated that localized areas of control or reactivity could be defined by the aforementioned control signals and environmental stimuli in the linear direction of the controlled-diameter device device as well as in two- and three-dimensional structures, such as weaves, formed of the devices, or of more than one device.

In another strategy, the controlled-diameter device device is made to respond to, for example, environmental stimuli such as heat, cold, light, darkness, the presence of water or water vapor, electromagnetic fields, charges, polarities, the presence of solvents or particulate matter, even the presence of specific molecules such as gases, enzymes or polypeptides. Such an automatic, self-initiated response (as opposed to a response triggered by remote controls) might be global or local. That is, receptor-mechanisms such as heat sensors and/or molecular receptor sites, might be isolated along the length of the controlled-diameter device device to allow diametric (or other) changes to occur in localized cells or regions of the device.

The following will discuss some uses of such a 'fabric' in order to clarify applications of the controlled-diameter device as well to illustrate structural variations that might be required to the elemental device in such a use.

In another simple structure for the Controlled-diameter device device, there is a water-responsive mesh constructed of a planar array of controlled-diameter device devices. The devices might be, without limitation, cylindrical, wedge-shaped, square, interlocking, or irregular. Let's imagine a material that, say, spans a walkway like an awning whose function is to let in light, but block rain. Such an awning might be made of fabric-like micro-structures or of a grosser assembly of controlled-diameter devices running parallel to one another, such that in their un-swollen state they allow the generous passage of light but in their expanded state they form a watertight bond with one another. This application is discussed theoretically, in order to illustrate variations possible on the design and application of the devices on a macro scale. Such a functional use might involve the use of a layered 'fabric' . The top layer of the fabric could be an open weave designed to pass light and water, but to block debris. The second layer, spaced a short distance below the first, could be a singular controlled-diameter device layer, or two or more layers of controlled-diameter device 'fabric' could be spaced at small intervals from one another to reduce the density of each layer while conferring a structural advantage to the span of 'fabric'.

One simple and useful application for a controlled-diameter device fabric would be sun control fabric that has a high strength-to- weight ratio, while presenting a low resistance to the passage of rain, and perhaps a variable resistance to wind.

LOCALIZED ADDRESSING METHODS FOR SELECTIVE RIGIDiTY/CONTROLLED-DIAMETER DEVICE A linear array of sensors can be configured to accept localized inputs without the need for elaborate addressing structures, such as binary word decoding, and without the current-consuming structures of conventional diode logic.

The immediate envisioned use for such a localized addressing system is to communicate state-change information down the length of a straw-like or thread like device, where the device is capable of becoming enlarged or smaller, or more or less rigid at any point along its length.

There are four broad categories of addressing methods envisioned below:

Since, as a practical matter, such devices may often be employed as part of two- dimensional or three-dimensional arrays such as woven fabrics or semi-solids, it is worthy of mention that unconventional uses of traditional x/y and x/y/z addressing structures might be employed. All the threads traveling in parallel in a given direction through the 'cloth' might be given a unique 'x' address, while all of the 'threads' traveling at, say, ninety degrees to the 'x' threads would receive a unique 'y' output and so on. Each 'thread' would be fitted with a driver, such as a current amplifier. In turn, each amplifier would receive the unique output of, for example, a binary-to-unitary decoder. A given binary address, therefor, would energize a particular 'thread'-like member of a sheet-like or fabric-like array. At the intersection of an 'x' and a 'y' element or 'thread', each meeting point would be equipped with an electrical, optical, fluidic, or other method, conductive contact-point. The active device located within the 'thread(s)' at that point would be so configured as to receive a completed circuit from the coincidence of the x/y pair. One way to accomplish this is to put the activated line of each 'thread' on the inside of said 'thread' in such a way that it makes contact with one side of the series of, say, state-change elements that are spread evenly along the length of the thread. The spacing is identical to the desired spacing of the incidence of the x/y pair of threads. Additionally, this conductor is adequately insulated from other elements of the proposed system. Assume an electrically-powered series of micro-heaters - such as resistive-wire or ceramic elements - placed along the length of a thread-like member. The ground side wire passes up the interior of the member and makes electrical contact with, for example, the low, or ground, side of each heater element. This conductor is now coated with an insulating layer. The heater elements are fabricated to essentially surround this central conductor in such a way as to communicate thermal energy effectively to the state-change elements of that member. Each element or group of elements might have its own heater. (In one implementation, without limitation, sequestered liquid is vaporized by the action of the heater-element. The liquid is encapsulated in an elastic membrane or bladder co-located with the heater element. Upon heating, the bladder swells creating a local 'bulge' in the thread-like member.) The entire assembly is now coated in, for example, an elastomeric insulating material, the high-side of the heater 'wire' extends from this elastomer. Each unique area along the length of the member that corresponds to a unique heater is now equipped with a conductive and adhesive ring. Each ring is spaced from the next so as to insulated them from one another. The rings might be fashioned out of, for example, a metal or conductive plastic equipped with hermaphroditic posts or alternating hook and loop elements made of the conductive material. When an x and y member crossed, as in a weave, these rings would intersect making a circuit of two closely spaced (x and y) heaters in series with one another and at a precisely-addressable x/y location. The energizing of an appropriate x/y pair would, in the sample case mentioned above, cause a localized increase in the diameter of a specific x/y addressed section of members. Were the addressable areas increased to adjacent groups, or were the heatable areas - or areas of response - to be, for example, a few millimeters or feet in length, then a localized, addressable reduction in the permeability of the fabric thus created at the x/y location would be achieved.

What follows is the first single-axis addressing method. Tiny hair-like rigid fibers are mounted rigidly at one end, or gently held at their harmonic nodes (like a xylophone bar). The fibers might be, for example, etched from silicon and mounted to the main body of the silicon wafer, or etched assembly at one end. A series of fibers would be manufactured of increasing/decreasing length, width, thickness, and or rigidity in such a way as to cause each element to have a descending/ascending 'free-air' resonant frequency. Each element so crafted would be housed in a cavity or gap across which electro-static, electrical, magnetic, acoustic, or electromagnetic fields might be applied to the fiber-bearing region. The methods are well established. Each unit so comprised of a resonant member placed in a gap capable of both excitation of, and sensing of the resonance of, that member (by means of conductivity, capacitance, magnetism, sound, Doppler-shift, induction, or electromagnetic radiation or interactions) is appropriately sealed, and optionally evacuated or filled with inert gases. These units are provided with appropriate leads for the application of driving energy and the sensing of return energy. Alternately, an additional set of leads could be provided from a switch mechanism created by placing a contact, or contact set, nearby the resonant member in such a way that only highly resonant harmonic motion at the resonant frequency of the vibrating member, would cause contact closure to occur. The units are then appropriately sealed and placed along the length of the variable rigidity, variable diameter, or other device. All of, or groups of, the driving leads are connected in parallel and excited with an appropriate energy source capable of frequency-sweeping. When the appropriate frequency or groups of frequencies were applied, say by means of tunable oscillators driving an appropriate power source, closure or resonance would be sensed using established methods such as those described above. If these elements were to be arranged along the length of the device in sensible order, then the sweeping of the frequency of the driving energy would accurately locate regions of the thread-like device. The outputs could be either fed directly by means of the mechanical switches described above, or by means of sensed output energy (such as induction energy) sent through a threshold switch such as a Schmidt trigger set to trigger only upon the presence of highly resonant harmonic response, to the appropriate state-changing element, such as a resistive heater. More on this is described below in another related method. It is also worthy of mention that direct conversion of resonance into energy is possible using resonant toroids and molecular friction. If the energy applied is sufficiently high, for example in the microwave-heating of resonant water molecules, then the same scheme could be applied directly to the state-changing elements of a device such as that described herein.

This is also a single axis addressing method. It's worthy of mention that the likelihood is high that when one-dimensional addressing is to be employed, that the controlled-rigidity/Controlled-diarneter device is capable of standalone rigidity, and thus is more likely to be of larger diameter or shorter length. There are probably numerous ways to accomplish this, but here is a method that uses a narrow window of available voltage to drive the appropriate heater or other state-change element. Power is provided through the length of the device, and power is divided regionally by, for example, decades of voltage - that is the first section of a device would be provided with, say, from 0-10 volts. The next linear section of device would be provided with 10-20 volts and so on. The regulation could be within the device from a single, or small number of, power- supplies. Within each length of device each of, say, ten heaters or other elements would be equipped with a zener diode driving the base of a transistor which in turns powers the heater element by means of emitter/collector current. Also attached to the base of the control transistor is a zener diode that turns on at, for example a tenth of a volt higher than the first zener and pulls the base back to ground. Suitable current limiting resistors would, of course, be employed. If each successive heater, or other control, element were provided with the same circuitry, but with zener voltages at least a tenth of a volt, for this example, higher values (that is, by way of example, if the first aforementioned diode pair was 4.9 and 5 volts, then next would be 5 volts and 5.1 volts (minimum theoretical value)). If now various voltages were presented across a main powering pair of conductors, the manipulation of the presented voltage would cause varying pairs of zeners to create a narrow conduction band through which to power the base of the switching transistor. This arrangement would cause a narrow band of .1 volts to exist for each segment of the 'thread'-like device. By arranging these segments in, say, linear step- wise order an accurate and repeatable method of address would be achieved. There are other methods of deriving narrow windows of driving voltage known to those skilled in the art, but the address method remains, we believe, inherently novel.

Timed-pulse methods of location are also known to those skilled in the art. A pair of coincident timed pulses would be sent down an x/y pair. The difference in time between the origination of the x and y signals would cause various controlled intersections to occur in the simultaneous arrival of the x and y signals at a concurrent junction of 'thread' elements. Thus, propagation time could be used to isolate thread intersections. Such methods are usually employed in a synchronous, clocked system where the return-path, or ground is established through switching at the computed propagation delay time. The other methods described above are the same.

Referring to Fig. 64, there is shown a schematic representation of a conductor 860, the x-conductor in a weave, formed with alternating areas of high resistance, such as NiCr wire at 870, better seen in Fig. 65. Around the high resistance wire is shown optional heat dissipating vanes or fins 875. Conductor 860 is a multiconductor, as shown at 880. The heat-dissipating device guides current flow through, and to, the resistive wire segments in an x/y addressing scheme. A mechanical join between conductor 860 and resistive portion 870 is shown in Fig. 66.

An application of addressing technology will be described with respect to Figs. 61- 63. Referring to Figs. 61 and 62 in particular, there is shown a variable diameter or size torus 830 or washer fitted in the weave of a fabric having threads 835. It will be understood that this fabric may be conventional or may have addressing technology. The dimensional growth may be optimized, such as by placemnt of expandable material as shown in Fig. 62 in bladders 810. The hole of the torus can be selectively opened and closed.

Referring to Fig. 63, there is shown a simple variable diameter device 840 composed of balloons 845. Dimensionally-stable fibers 850 are provided running longitudinally for strength and length stability. These could be address wires, as discussed above. They might be selectively picked off by internal gates, drivers and heaters.

Referring to Figs. 67 - 69, there is shown an additional configuration for the elements of the variable diameter/rigidity devices internal rods. The rod 880 has a star shape, which may be another shape, such as a polygonal shape, with high rotational integrity. Optional activators or heaters 890 located exterior to the rod may be used to pressurize the units when they are successively nested. The small, internally nesting end of the device might sequester materials capable of state-change or expansion. Contact with the heater elements, for example, could create variable locking between elements. Referring now to Fig. 69, it will be seen that the tapered design may create desirable nesting capabilities in slightly flexible elements. Referring now to Fig. 70, there is provided a cross-section of the device of Fig. 67. The device now has a thermocouple device 890. This may be a Peltier effect semiconductor thermocouple device. By reversing the direction of current flow through the thermocouple, the temperature effect is reversed. Since the device 890 is bipolar, there must be adequate thermal gradients across the length of the semiconductor elements. The thermocouple simulataneously heats reservoir 895 while cooling reservoirs 900 on the opposite side. Reservoir 895 may have material or actuator elements that expand on heating, while reservoirs 900 have state-change materials or actuators that gain in volume or rigidity on cooling. The frictional surfaces of the mating surfaces must be great enough to provide firm interlock and to remove slippage from the slanted mating surfaces upon pressurization or other expansion. Fins 905 are provided for dissipation of heat or cold in state-change material 890, 895. Spring-loaded electrode contacts may be provided at 910 to provide current.

Referring to Figs. 70 - 71, there is shown actuator 920 for use as a bimetal or other sandwiched actuators. Device 920, is generally conical and about a central heat- providing elemetn, such as a pipe or resistive heating element 925. Device 920 expands away from pipe 925 upon heating. This is because of the relative thermal expansion of the metals in layers 930, 935. Of course, if desired, metals can be selected for expansion on cooling, such as by use of a thermocouple or by introduction of a cold fluid in pipe 925. A biasing spring 940 is provided, which may be a compressed or elongated elastic material used to accentuate or reduce the hysteresis curve of the expansion. In Figure 72, current may be directly injected into the actuator, using heater 925, which may be a resistive wire incorporated into actuator 920.

Referring now to Figs. 86 - 89, there is shown a bimetal or hydrophilic/non- hydrophilic, or other two dissimilar layer, actuator 1130 having a plurality of radial sections 1135. It is shown after actuation in Fig. 89. In fig. 86, there is shown a possible path of a heater wire 1140 which may be lithographically or otherwise provided on a bimetal actuator. Heater wire 1140 includes in its path each section 1135, and its path is directed so as to be within a selected distance of all of each section 1135, in order to maximize the likelihood that each section will actuate simultaneously. Referring now to Figs. 79 and 80, there are shown various designs relting to actuators for use in a sheet film actuator. There are shown springs 1000, with its base on the top sheet of a device, and 1005, with its apex on the top sheet of the device. These are formed of the actuator material in such a way that deformation of the actuator film causes a vertical growth or shrinkage upon the application of heat, application of moisture, removal of pressure, or other suitable input. Biasing layers can be added, if desired, and posts added for lockng upon deployment. This is useful for placing between two sheets normally held together by compression.

Referring now to Fig. 81, there is shown a spring 1010, of the same purpose, in a pyramidal polygonal form. Spring 1010 has dissimilar layers 1015, 1020, which may be a bimetallic structure with different thermal expansion properties, a hydrophobic layer and a hydrophilic layer, or any other combination of layers that will result in curving of the surfaces upon application of a suitable input. In Fig. 82, there is shown an actuator 1010 deformed so as to permit the passage of air that may be used to provide a selective air flow impedance, opening, for example, when moisture on one side wets a hydrophilic layer 1020. In Fig. 83, there is in cross-section a fabric-like composite material 1030 having a porous barrier sheet 1035, an open cell foam layer 1040, preferably very soft, a hydrophilic layer 1045, a non-hydrophilic layer 1050 (those two layers being the active layers), and a barrier layer 1055 which may be woven. Layers 1035, 1040 and 1055 are protective layers.

Referring now to Fig. 77, an isometric view, and Fig. 78, a cross-section, there is shown an array of connectors for use in connecting x line and y line devices in an array. Posts 980 have a mushroom configuration, that is, a relatively thin leg with an enlarged head, and a dimple or depression in the center, which facilitates compression. Posts 980 are preferably conductive, and may be made of a conductive plastic material, or may be made of an insulating materials and have a conductive plating or conductive material in their interiors. In Fig. 78 in particular the connection to a control lead 990 is shown. Posts 980 are optionally protected by compressible pad 985 which has recesses therein in which posts 980 are located. Pad 985 should be firm enough to provide some protection to posts 980 and to provide vertical-alignment integrity. Referring now to Figs. 84 and 85, there is shown, in an isometric view and a cross-section, a controlled rigidity device 1060 utilizing certain of the devices and techniques discussed above. Device 1060 has a central heat provider 1065, such as a conductor or pipe for containing a heated fluid, in its center. The next layer 1070 is an insulating layer of, for example, plastics or ceramic beads. The next layer, which need not be circumferential, is an optional return path 1075 which may be of foil or wire braid. The next layer is a heat activated layer 1080. This may be a viscous slurry containing micro-encapsulated hardeners and expansion/blowing agents or micro-devices, and is in contact with a heat source. Associated with layer 1080 is an optional perforated retention layer 1085. The next layer, which may be an alternative to or in addition to heat activated layer 1080 is a layer containing bimetal actuators 1090, in contact with the central heater wire. Biasing springs 1095 are provided. An optional low-friction protective layer 1100 is provided between actuators 1090 and rods 1105 of variable length. A dimensionally-stable sleeve 1110 is provided. Optional external collar electrode 1115 is shown in Fig. 84.

The timed release of heating or cooling (endo-/exothermic reacting substances) substances from within the structure of the device itself may be provided. The substances known to give rise to such a reaction might be doubly sequestered, or singly sequestered as described above. The sequestering devices such as capsules could be ruptured simultaneously with the rupture of the hardening or expanding/pressurizing materials, if present. The function of this could be, minimally, two-fold. First this would cause the heating or cooling of substances like liquids and gases that pass through the device, say in an internal pipe, for some fixed time over which the endo- or exothermic reaction would continue. Suitable blades or other methods of communicating thermal energy might be placed in the internal tubes of the device for this purpose. The thermal-reacting compounds, secondly, might be used to heat or cool reactions requiring this additional input of energy. Low-temperature waxes and plastics, for example, could be rendered liquid and form-able by this method.

The following variations within the scope of the invention should also be noted: Both controlled-diameter device and controlled-rigidity devices can be made in non-cylindrical packages. Polygonal shapes are also possible including square/rectangular packages and thinner ribbon-like packages.

The ribbon-like package is of interest for sun-control, especially where portability and light weight are of concern. A thin profile controlled-diameter device device, for example, could be made in the form of an inverted 'U' in such a way that the more sunlight or heat, for example, impinges upon the U, the flatter and more planar the U becomes. In this way the shadow-profile of the ribbon becomes larger with the application of light and or heat. It is important to note that such a U-shaped device can be formed directly of any of the two- or three-layer self-activating, or externally-activated systems described herein. That is, the elements themselves can be made to exist without need of the enclosing sheath of most variable-diameter/rigidity descriptions herein. Significantly, and this is true of non-ribbon devices as well, if wind resistance is a concern, the 'fabric' assembled out of selective rigidity/controlled-diameter device devices could be in two or more layers. Each layer would employ an open weave where, for example, the mean distance between thread-like elements is approximately equal to the width of the 'U' or cylinder when fully flattened or expanded. In this way, the wind resistance of each array is reduced. If two layers, thus fabricated, are displaced by width of the elements, then when fully expanded excellent shading profiles can be obtained. If the distance between the two layers is held open by an interval by low wind-resistance members, then structural rigidity and unwanted wind-resistance is improved. Lowered wind-resistance can be obtained while retaining the shadow profile and increasing the potential for structural rigidity. Tensegrity principles can be profitably applied to this concept. Among other methods, rigid low-profile spacers could be placed at the x/y junctions of the weave (or arbitrarily equi-spaced in a non-woven sheet-based array) to • hold the planes of 'fabric' apart - say, two inches. Tensioning members in the form of, say, mono-filament line could rigidify the assembly in the manner commonly known as tensegrity.

It should be said that for the assembly of sheets such as those employed for sun- control over such things as pools, especially when those sheets are designed to be withdrawn by, for example, rolling up, that variable rigidity devices - especially in the x or y direction only - could facilitate the rigidifying of such a sheet upon deployment, yet still allow or even assist (in the case of selective rigidity devices with non-rectilinear forms upon softening) the rolling of such a sheet for storage or relocation. Selective rigidity devices could be made in such a way as to passively allow the soft or rigid state to be of any shape. The orientation of the rigidified elements and/or the internal stresses of the component parts and materials alone can accomplish this. Additionally, actuators, motors and the like, including without limitation SMA's and bimetal elements, could impart motivational forces to, for example, roll-up or assist in the rolling up of such a device.

This is also useful for a new kind of sun-responsive parasol, and it should be noted that such a device can be activated by control signals as well as by environmental stimulus.

In the case of woven or non- woven sheets embodying the principles of variable size/diameter in the interstices of the weave or in devices placed at (regular) intervals across the plane of the sheet, the following comments should be made. First, the family of devices described herein can be made in many shapes besides linear ones. One such is a toroid or doughnut. The device could be bent and linked end-to-end. These doughnuts would perform similarly to their linear cousins, but could be placed in the interstices of weaves or in suitably-prepared surfaces to accomplish similar goals to those achieved by rectilinear weaves. For example, devices capable of swelling could open and close to change the porosity of a membrane. In a variant of note, geometric arrangements of flaps could be created. The flaps would be powered by, for example, SMA's, bimetal, bi- hydrophilic/phobic materials and the like as described extensively herein. Heater layers or other activation layers might also be added to the 'sandwich' of materials. The flaps could have a resting state where they would seal, or nearly so, an opening, The resting state could be parallel to the surface of the surrounding plane, or could be, for example, pyramidal. In this way biased flows and non-symmetrical pressure-gradients could be achieved across the valves so constructed. Tetrahedral, conic, pyramidal, and other structures such as raised segments of pentagons (icosahedral fragments) could be constructed. Flaps could be fabricated in a normally-open or normally closed arrangement such that, upon application of environmental or applied energy (or other factors described above) they either open or close in a valve-like manner. Also worthy of note is the magnetic, mechanical, or electrostatic biasing of the locked/closed position of the valve flaps. This has been described elsewhere herein, but suffice to say that additional forces of mutual attraction that act predominantly over the very short range of contact or near-contact can make the opening forces act in a non-linear manner across the opening arc of the flaps. These secondary forces, which can be added to or engineered into the flaps themselves by known methods of manufacture serve to, bias the response- curve of the flaps in a positive or negatively non-linear manner.

Devices such as those described above might, without limitation, be used for smart- or variable response screening such as for insect-control, heat-retention and wind control such as in flow-control valves and windows. Fabrics which change permeability and/or porosity in response to body-heat, perspiration, or ambient temperature and/or humidity are exciting potential applications. A specific mention is made of wind or airflow control and retention. A fabric is proposed with the ability to present a variable resistance profile to air. Such a fabric might be used or example, for parachutes and sails. A specific description follows:

VARIABLE POROSITY SAILS, PARACHUTES AND THEIR CONTROLLERS ARE DESCRIBED

There, is utility to be had from the creation of a fabric able to present variable resistance profiles to air. By the global control of such a fabric or sheet by environmental means some desirable effects might be achieved. For example, the moisture-content of wind striking such a fabric could control the permeability of that fabric, likewise for the temperature of the incident air. In the case of remote, user- or device-initiated, control of the fabric (such as by the application of electrical current), both global and local control of the permeability and/or rigidity of the fabric can be achieved. The individual 'threads' of the device are gathered into a suitable edging that serves to connect the conductors of the individual devices together and carry the conductors to one or more central points. From this/these point(s) they could be connected to a suitable controller. We propose that such a controller receives the conductors from opposite ends of the control circuit of the sheet assembly in such as way as to allow the sensing of the impedance of the final thread-like element(s) to be controlled. The controller then automatically adjusts the drive voltage and/or current that will be potentially supplied to the devices to effect state- change. The controller is fitted with inputs whereby to control the drive voltage/current supplied across the 'fabric' (after the normal range of values has been established by the feedback and calibration just described). These inputs might be fed by a hand-held controller or by an automated source. The hand-held controller might take the form of, for example, a joystick or other popular input device. In the case of global control, the entire surface of, say, a sail or parachute, or curtain, screen, or containment vessel could be controlled by the application of, say, heat-inducing electrical energy. Specifically, for example, a sailing vessel could be equipped with a manual device allowing the sailor the ability to swiftly change the global wind-resistance of a sail by means of, say, a handheld joystick or dial. Such a sail, if automated, could be controlled by attachment to an attitude, or degrees-of-list sensor. Upon sensing undesirable or dangerous tipping, for example, the controller could open the mesh of the fabric thus reducing the wind resistance of the sail. Parachutes could use a similar method. A hand-held controller could give great advantage to a skydiver to, for instance, control the glide or descent rate. Regional control offers more power. If the controller were given regional control of a fabric, and such control could be useful even in very coarse regions of address-ability. Flaps, say, could be emulated by regional control. Two controllers could be placed so as to be gripped by the left and right hands. Global control of mesh-density could be placed on one controller along with regional 'flap' or trim control for the side of the chute, say, corresponding to that flap. The other hand could be given control of the other corresponding flap.

FLEXIBLE DUCTING AND CONDUIT Specific mention should be made of the application of this technology to ducting. Rather than achieve flexibility and ease of transport by the traditional telescoping method (like dryer hose), we propose to achieve it through flattening the flexible ducting and shipping it rolled up on a spool. The two or more layers of the duct's surface-assembly are filled with the controlled rigidity and/or size change material outlined herein. Inflation, in this case, can even be achieved through external means such as by the application of compressed air. Small rigid members can spring up from their horizontal shipping positions to become vertical spacers between, for example, two layers of material tat are separated by air-pressure or other expansion force. Such a simple mechanical solution is elegant, and the vertical members thus deployed could be made to lock into place. All of the methods outlined herein can be applied as well. Sequestered or injected solvents, foams, or adhesives could also cause, or aid in, the expansion as well as optionally make irreversible the deployment. Ancillary benefits are significant. By eliminating the ridges associated with traditional flex-ducting, and by causing high degrees of rigidity upon deployment, the air-flow through such a device could compare favorably with traditional metal ducting, thus eliminating the historically high resistance to airflow associated with flexible ducting. Additionally, the inherent R-value of the selective rigidity material, perhaps especially if the duct or tubing is inflated by, or stabilized by, the injection of foam, is high. By use of such devices as the variable length rods, the compliance with bending can be manufactured into the elements of the rods themselves, thus allowing the ducting to have a minimum deployed radius. In this way, as well as by the natural tendency of the device to self-straighten, eddy-inducing meandering of the duct could be substantially reduced or eliminated. These same principles apply to construction materials such as conduit and casting forms. Likewise these principles could be applied to measuring tapes, and other elements required to free- span significant distances, capable of rigidifying upon unspooling. This same benefit would cause the material to reduce losses when employed as a cladding or surround or conduit for optical fiber and wave-guides.

In one non-standard method, microwave or other electromagnetic radiation, for example, could be used to heat micro-encapsulated water or solvent into steam or vapor. The heating could rupture the beads of water/solvent causing them to explode into the surrounding water/solvent-soluble powder or liquid and act as blowing agents. The resulting foam could be caused to harden in place by any of several accepted means, including short-term immobility and solvent-evaporation.

Synthetically-created plastic, cellulose, or other suitable hydrocarbon 'popcorn' is one variant of this. A compressed sponge-like or fibrous element and/or viscous liquid or slurry is mixed with water or solvent in very small quantities such that the liquid, sponge, or slurry is mobile and mutable until the water/solvent evaporates or departs. Additional water/solvent may be encapsulated at the center of the larger capsule, or otherwise aggregated mass, in such a way that its sudden release both disperses the surrounding mutable materials and shatters any bonds, adhesions, or encapsulation of that surrounding material. A thin film that is slightly porous to the solvent employed in the exploding of the 'grain' can be applied to the outer surface of the then-folded/compressed mass. Upon release of the solvent, the film aids in the retention of vapors momentarily while keeping the material from shattering entirely. Then the film allows the vapors to depart in the moments after the 'explosion'. The method described is potentially ideal for the rigidifying of devices such as the ducting which simply need the increase in volume with a double-layered external skin in order to assume their deployed pipe-like shape.

In the methods and devices described above, it should be mentioned that any of the actuation methods and devices described herein can be employed. For instance, a resistive wire could pass through the individual beads to impart heat or to otherwise start a heat-releasing reaction. Secondly, the 'beads' could be replaced by other suitable sequestering methods such as coatings and matrices like honeycombs.

An alternative to the expansion technologies described above is the use of electroactive polymers, commonly referred to as artificial muscles. One electroactive polymer actuator is based on perfluorinated ion exchange membrane platinum composite. Contraction capabilities with EAP's are known. Actuators are made with polymers of low stiffness and high dielectric constant. These materials are then placed in an electrostatic field, through the use of carbon electrodes or other suitable technologies. These materials may be used to constrict and relax the outer membrane or the expansion materials of the controlled rigidity devices and flexible diameter devices described above. These materials may also be used to constrict and relax the internal and/or core membranes of these devices, to constrict or relax the tensioning across the device, or to constrict and realx the control elements of the devices. These may include the assisting or positive or negative biasing of other control devices and functions within the described device, as well as the use for global or local deformation of the external shape of the device itself, such as the use of EAP's to replace shape-memory alloys described above.

Edge Connections

Referring to Fig. 90, there is a strategy for the edge connections of planar arrays of addressable controlled-diameter device/selective rigidity devices. The individual threads 1150 are brought out of the edge of the array into a stitch-able or fuse-able edging 1160. The edging 1160 has a mounting surface 1165 to hold the electrically inert outer surface 1152 of the selective rigidity/controlled-diameter device 1150. The edging 1160 has conductive lands 1170 capable of clamping or spot-soldering/welding the conductors 1155 of each element 1150. The lands 1170 protrude into the fold 1175 of the edging. The edging can be provided with the conductors grouped globally by the conductive layer of the edging, or in any number of elements per group - a typical number might be, say, six conductors to a land. Conductive thread 1180 can be stitched into the edging 1160 to additionally connect groups of lands 1170 together. The edging 1160 is made to fold up and over the edge of the fabric with a broad surplus 1185 of fabric in which to encase the communication lines 1190 connecting the lands 1170 to the controller electronics. Upon closing the edging down, a durable clamping action is achieved using device clamps 1195, for example, on both the elements and/or their conductive parts. Provision is made for variable- width lands and conductive stitching may be used also to vary the size of lands 1170.

It should be said that the tubing and pipes of the aforementioned designs can be replaced with, or augmented with open-celled ceramics, rigid foams and the like, which allow the passage of gas or liquid but provide structural stability to the tubing/pipe of the selective rigidity/controlled-diameter device devices. It should also be said that conductors residing in areas of the devices removed from their centers might be subjected to length variations, as are the rods. Suitably elastic conductors might be employed, and these might include braids, coils and the like with which to absorb said length variation.

Lastly, it should be made clear that the length-change accommodation devices within the component rods of the selective rigidity device might be spaced by unmodified rod materials. That is, just because we elect to use a length-accommodating device, doesn't mean we need to use them contiguously.

While the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, the invention is not limited to a particular embodiment, and those of skill in the art will appreciate variations within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An. article selectively rigid or flexible, said article comprising an adjustable member and first and second engaging members, said adjustable member being adjustable in one or more dimensions between first and second states, said first and second engaging members having exterior surfaces adapted for mutual engagement, wherein when said adjustable member is in said first state, said first and second engaging members are not engaged and said article is flexible, and when said adjustable member is in said second state, said first and second engaging members are in mutual engagement, whereby said article is in rigid.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein said article is an elongated tube, and said adjustable member is a compressing sheath.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein said engaging members are elongated members having interlocking ridged surfaces.

4. The article of claim 2, wherein said first engaging member has a loop-type surface and said second engaging member has a hook-type surface.

5. The article of claim 2, wherein each of said engaging members has hook-type surface portions and loop-type surface portions.

6. The article of claim 2, wherein each of said engaging members has on its surface a plurality of containers, said containers containing an adhesive substance, said containers being adapted to open and release said adhesive substance upon application of a suitable force to said tube.

7. The article of claim 2, wherein each of said containing members has thereon polymeric fibers, said fibers being adhered to one another by the van der Waals force.

8. The article of claim 2, said tube further comprising a first part of a two-part adhesive distributed along the lengthe thereof, therein, and a hollow tube extending the length thereof and having a plurality of openings therein along the length thereof and an opening exterior to said tube, whereby a second part of said two-part adhesive may be introduced therein.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein said engaging members are radially disposed and wedge-shaped in cross-section.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein low friction compressible spacers are provided on said engageable articles.

11. The article of claim 1, wherein said adjustable member comprises an elongated bladder having radially extending projections.

12. The article of claim 1, wherein said engageable members are elongated flexible rods selectively rigidly or adjustably engaged end-to-end.

13. The article of claim 1, wherein said engageable members are of a heat sensitive material and comprise metal, wherein, upon application of radiation, said metal heats the material to cause adjacent engageable members to bond together.

14. The article of claim 1, wherein said engageable members having projecting magnetized elements, wherein a magnetic force assists in providing engagement of said members.

15. An article of selective rigidity, said article containing a plurality of internal members movable with respect to one another, and an adhesive contained in containers, the containers being adapted to rupture and release the adhesive upon application of pressure, whereby the article is rendered rigid upon curing of the adhesive.

16. An elongated tube having an adjustable diameter.

17. The tube of claim 16, wherein said tube comprises at least one selectively inflatable bladder, inflation and deflation of said bladder causing a diameter of said tube to be adjusted.

18. The tube of claim 16, wherein said bladder contains a substance subject to expansion upon increases in temperature, and a source of heat energy.

19. A fabric woven from tubes having an adjustable diameter.

20. The fabric of claim 19, wherein a porosity of said fabric is adjustable by adjustment of the diameter.