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Smart memory material lock devices

  • US 9,424,722 B2
  • Filed: 05/14/2014
  • Issued: 08/23/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A tracking device, comprising:

  • a portable housing with a locking mechanism;

    a band in cooperation with the portable housing and configured to be latched about a wrist or ankle of a person;

    a tampering detection device configured in relation to the housing and/or the band to detect tampering with the band or unauthorized release;

    the locking mechanism comprising;

    a power source;

    a latch configured to latch at least one end of the band within the housing;

    a shape memory material component connected to the latch;

    an electrical circuit for controlling the power source to heat the shape memory material component to cause the shape memory material component to change from a first length and/or first shape to a second length and/or second shape during supply of power;

    wherein when the shape memory material component has the first length and/or shape, the latch prevents release of the one end of the band, and when the shape memory material component has the second length and/or shape, the latch is moved to allow release of the one end of the band;

    wherein the electrical circuit is configured to control heating of the shape memory material component based on one or more criteria;

    a timer component associated with the electrical circuit to cause supply of the power for a predetermined period of time when the electrical circuit component is triggered to heat the shape memory material component;

    a two-way network communication device disposed in cooperation with the portable housing;

    a tracking element for facilitating location determination and transmission of a location signal; and

    a tampering signal generation circuit configured to generate a tampering signal for transmission via the two-way communication device when tampering is detected by the tampering detection device.

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