Abstract: The invention concerns a lockout/tagout system having a lockout device (100), a master device (200) and a slave device (300). The lockout device (100) and master device (200) are configured in mutual relationship for duplex communication, so that the lockout device (100) can unlock upon a request received from the master device (200), contingent upon an authentication protocol between the master device (200) and the lockout device (100). The master device (200) and the slave device (300) are configured in mutual relationship for duplex communication, such that the master device (200) receives a ‘clear’ request from the slave device (300), which is accepted by the master device (200) contingent upon an authentication protocol between the master device (200) and the slave device (300).

Abstract: The invention is useful for upgrading a mechanical handle assembly to an electronic handle assembly without the need to remove the handle from the door or the like to which the handle is attached. The handle assembly (100) is of the type which is mountable to a surface of a door. Handle (18?) is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A first housing useful for a mechanical locking handle is replaceable by a second housing (80) during conversion of the handle assembly from a mechanical version to an electronic version. Handle (18?) is received at least partially within the housing (80) and is substantially within housing (80) in the locked position. In the unlocked position, handle (18?) protrudes from the housing (80) and can be cause to swing sideways. Opening of the door when handle (18?) is in the locked position is prevented by a lock (24?). When converted to the electronic version, lock (24?) may remain but is capable of being unlocked by electronic actuation means (44, 78, 82).

Abstract: A locking assembly comprising a fastener having a locking stud having a locking cavity and an aperture for receiving the locking stud, a lock having material adapted to contract when activated and having jaws adapted to engage the locking cavity of the locking stud when received in the aperture, and an unlocking mechanism comprising rotating body having an opening for a key.

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention relates to a releasable fastening system (50) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Abstract: The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least one indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security that reduces energy consumption. The fastener system comprises a fastener for fastening a first element to a second element and a sensor of any suitable form and means for activating a third element in response to a signal generated from said sensor. The sensor sends a signal that prompts the third element to act in response to the status received from the fastener. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.

Abstract: The invention deals with methods for assembly and disassembly, especially suitable for assembly and disassembly by a computer. In relation to assembly, a component (10) is positioned in assembly (70) in accordance with a proposed position. The composent (10) is confirmed as being in its correct spatial position in the assembly (70) by sensing means (38) or (46) capable of sensing spatial relationship and/or connection of the component (10) in relation to the assembly (70). Information regarding the sensed spatial relationship and/or connection is communicated to information processing means. A method for disassembly is also disclosed. The assembly and disassembly methods may require steps to be taken in a chosen sequence. The component (10) itself is also described, as is an improved assembly system which includes the component (10) together with information processing means.

Abstract: The invention is useful for upgrading a mechanical handle assembly to an electronic handle assembly without the need to remove the handle from the door or the like to which the handle is attached. The handle assembly (100) is of the type which is mountable to a surface of a door. Handle (18?) is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A first housing useful for a mechanical locking handle is replaceable by a second housing (80) during conversion of the handle assembly from a mechanical version to an electronic version. Handle (18?) is received at least partially within the housing (80) and is substantially within housing (80) in the locked position. In the unlocked position, handle (18?) protrudes from the housing (80) and can be cause to swing sideways. Opening of the door when handle (18?) is in the locked position is prevented by a lock (24?). When converted to the electronic version, lock (24?) may remain but is capable of being unlocked by electronic actuation means (44, 78, 82).

Abstract: This invention provides a secure storage device for a container (20a), the device including rail (60) and fastening means (68) adapted to attach the container (20a) to the rail (60). The fastening means (68) includes a first locking means adapted to release the container (20a) upon receipt of a signal.

Abstract: Access to one or more storage areas is controlled. An indication that a packaged asset is available for delivery to an intended recipient, an indication of a size of the asset, and an identity of the intended recipient are received. An available storage space is determined based at least in part upon the size of the asset and the identity of the intended recipient. When a storage space is determined to be available for the packaged asset, an access code is transmitted to the intended recipient allowing the intended recipient to access the available storage space using the access code.

Abstract: The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: A fastener (10) is adapted to releasably fix a first element (12) and a second element (14). The fastener (10) includes a channel (22) having a plurality of spaced lockers (28). The lockers (28) are movable into the channel (22). The fastener (10) also has a locking tongue (30), having a plurality of spaced blockers (32). The tongue (30) is movable within the channel (22) between a locked position in which the blockers (32) prevent movement of the lockers (28) into the channel (22) and an unlocked position in which the lockers (28) are not prevented from moving into the channel (22).

Abstract: The invention provides a system for controlling access for a storage enclosure. The storage enclosure has one or more walls and an opening defined by at least one of the walls. There is a closure for the opening and a fastener adapted to hold the closure in a closed position relative to the opening and adapted to allow the closure to assume an open position relative to the opening upon receipt of a suitable signal. The system includes a user interface adapted to enable the suitable signal to be received by the fastener upon entry of an access code, means for generating the access code after delivery of an item into the storage enclosure, and means for transmitting the access code to a recipient for the item.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool which has more than one function. As a first function, the tool is capable of activating a fastening element, either by direct physical contact or by remote activation. As a second function, the tool is capable of detecting an attribute of the fastening element. The attribute can include position or location of the fastening element, status of the fastening element, identity of the fastening element, environmental factors affecting the fastening element, size of the fastening element, sequence in which the fastening element must be activated, history of the fastening element, authorization requirements in relation to the fastening element, or activation requirements of the fastening element.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastener (10) which has an actuating means (12), a bias means (14) and a flexible core (16). The flexible core (16) has an means for engaging (18) which may be integral with but is preferable separate from the flexible core (16) The actuating means (12) includes a material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy. Upon contraction of this material, the means for engaging (18) is movable between an engagement position and a disengagement position. The bias means (14) biases the flexible core (16) to the engagement position.

Abstract: A fastener (10) is adapted to releasably fix a first element (12) and a second element (14). The fastener (10) includes a channel (22) having a plurality of spaced lockers (28). The lockers (28) are movable into the channel (22). The fastener (10) also has a locking tongue (30), having a plurality of spaced blockers (32). The tongue (30) is movable within the channel (22) between a locked position in which the blockers (32) prevent movement of the lockers (28) into the channel (22) and an unlocked position in which the lockers (28) are not prevented from moving into the channel (22).

Abstract: The invention provides a closure (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116 and 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116 and 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (e.g. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (e.g. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least on indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilising device (120) for an assembly which includes two shape memory alloy wires (104, 106) adapted to operate in conjunction. The stabilising device (120) includes a rocker plate (108) for attachment to each of the shape memory alloy wires; the rocker plate (108) is adapted to pivot when one shape memory alloy wire (104 or 106) is subjected to a stress greater than that to which the other shape memory alloy wire (106 or 104) is subjected, in order to reduce the stress on the first-mentioned shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a fastener (60) including a stud (54) having a locking cavity (56), an aperture (58) adapted to receive the stud (54), a locking means (teeth) (62) adapted to engage the locking cavity (56), a shuttle (66) rotatable by a rotating means including material adapted to contract when activated and a plug (87) slidable within the shuttle (66) to close off the aperture (58) when not occupied by the stud (54).

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a tag device 4 such as a RFID tag 4 communicating with a master tag for indicating acceptable or not acceptable states of a fastener 12, fastened joint 12a, or an assembled product. It is desirable to have a way of learning of a loosened or damaged fastened joint 12a or fastener 12 immediately, for safety or security purposes. This invention can indicate to a user by remote activation when a change in a fastened joint 12a or fastener 12 is present by attaching at least one tag device 4 utilizing go/no go sensing to the fastened joint 12a or fastener 12 and using a device 14 capable of receiving signals from the tag device 4.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security, that reduces energy consumption. This invention provides a fastener system comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first element to a second element, the at least one fastener having a sensor to determine status of that fastener; a trigger box having an LED panel; a junction box capable of receiving and relaying authorization access; and an IP-connected control appliance with relay input/output for access control applications. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.