Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable fastening system (10) including a tongue (20) moveable along a first path between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a shuttle (24) moveable along a second path at an angle to the first path. The shuttle (24) is adapted to be moved along the second path by a material adapted to contract when activated. The releasable fastening system (10) also includes a means linking the tongue (20) and the shuttle (24) such that movement of the shuttle (24) along the second path is adapted to cause movement of the tongue (20) along the first path. The invention further relates to a releasable fastening system (50) for releasably fastening a first element (44) to a second element (46). The releasable fastening system (50) includes a first fastening means (56) for the first element (44) and a second fastening means (62, 66) for the second element (46).

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable fastening system (10). The releasable fastening system (10) includes a fastening means having a pair of legs (12), at least part of the legs (12) being adapted for movement towards and away from a channel (16) between the legs (12). Each leg (12) has a foot (22) for engagement with external means (track) (26). The releasable fastening system (10) further includes means (wedge) (30) movable in the channel (16) between a locked position in which the feet (22) are in engagement with the external means (track) (26) and an unlocked position in which the feet (22) are disengaged from the external means (track) (26).

Abstract: The invention provides a release for locking system particularly suitable for fastening a first element such as a panel (12) to a beam (35) adjacent to a second element, such as a another panel (42). The system is particularly useful for fastening panels on aircraft. The system includes a projection (32) for the first element (12), the projection having a locking cavity (44). Beam (35) includes an aperture (62) for receiving the projection (32). A locking means is adapted to engage the locking cavity (44) of the projection (32) when the projection (32) is received in the aperture (62), in order to lock the first element (12) to the beam (35), so as to be adjacent to the second element (42). The locking means includes material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy wire (51, 52). The locking means includes engagement means (46) adapted to disengage the locking cavity (44) when the material (51 or 52) contracts. The invention also provides a second type of releasable fastening system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (16) including a fastener having a locking means, actuating means adapted to cause the locking means to engage or disengage, and means for sensing a location. The invention further relates to a method for operating a fastening system. The method including the steps of providing a fastener having a locking means, providing actuating means for causing the locking means to engage or disengage, sensing a location, and actuating the actuating means to cause the locking means to engage or disengage.

Abstract: The invention provides an assembly (20) for release of an element (8) such as a hatch. The assembly (20) includes first means such as a peg (28) moveable between a first position in which the first means (28) restricts full release of the element (8) and a second position in which the first means (28) does not restrict full release of the element (8), and second means, such as shape memory alloy wire (32) which is adapted to contract when activated to move the first means (28) from the second position to the first position. Optionally, the assembly (20) includes third means, such as shape memory alloy wire (34) which is adapted to contract when activated to move the first means (28) from the first position to the second position. The assembly (20) is useful for testing oxygen release apparatus in aircraft.

Abstract: The invention provides a releasable fastening system particularly suitable for use in banks and similar institutions. The releasable fastening system is intended for use in conjunction with a storage unit having an opening element, such as drawer (18). The fastening system includes a latch means (38) and an engagement (34) for engaging the latch means (38). Also included is a bias means (44), biasing the opening element (18) to an opening position. Each of the latch means (38), the engagement means (34) and the bias means (44) is located internally of the storage unit when the opening element (18) is closed. The engagement means (34) is adapted to disengage the latch means (38) pursuant to a command.

Abstract: The invention provides a locking assembly (2) suitable for use in locking an aircraft seat in an upright position in an aircraft, for example. The locking assembly (2) includes a locking stud (10) having a locking cavity (12) and an aperture (14) for receiving the locking stud (10). A locking means (18) engages the locking cavity (12) when the locking stud (10) is received in the aperture (14). The locking assembly (2) also includes an unlocking means, which includes material adapted to contract when activated, such as shape memory alloy wire, to allow for disengagement from the locking cavity (12). The locking stud (10) is guided towards the aperture (14) by a locking stud guide (20).

Abstract: Fastener (80) joins together work pieces (14, 18) and has longitudinal body (82) with first work engaging member (86) mounted on it. Second work engaging member (90) is associated with longitudinal body (82) and may be integral with il, or joined to it or mounted on it. Ratchet teeth (22) and ratchet lock (92) allow for adjustment of the position of first work engaging member (86) on longitudinal body (82). Second work engaging member (90) includes leaf members (94) capable of assuming a first position of narrow cross-sectional area (as shown in the drawing), and a second position of a wide cross-sectional area under the influence of expanded part (100). Fastener (80) may be removable from work pieces (14, 18).

Abstract: A fastening assembly (110) including: an engagement means including latch means (130) and locking means. (132), the engagement means being moveable between a s locking position (see FIG. 9) and an unlocking position (see FIG. 10); first biasing means (136) urging the engagement means towards the locking position; drawing means (1.46) for drawing the engagement means from the locking position to the unlocking position, the drawing means (146) comprising or including material adapted to contract when activated; release means (220, see FIG. 14) for moving the locking means (132) to the 10 unlocking position; second biasing means (222, see FIG. 14) urging the release means (220) towards the locking means (132); and restraining means (224, see FIG. 14) for restraining the release means (220) against the urging of the second biasing means (222).

Abstract: The invention relates to a product, which may take a wide variety of forms but which is exemplified by a pipe or a panel. The product has a first function, such as that normally expected of a pipe or a panel, and a second function different from the first. The second function is chosen from a group consisting of: delivery of energy, for a first purpose, delivery of energy for a second purpose, delivery of data for a first purpose, delivery of data for a second purpose, switching. The product has incorporated in its means capable of enabling the product to be used as medium to perform the second function. The invention also concerns a method of manufacturing the products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product, which may take a wide variety of forms but which is exemplified by a pipe or a panel. The product has a first function, such as that normally expected of a pipe or a panel, and a second function different from the first. The second function is chosen from a group consisting of: delivery of energy, for a first purpose, delivery of energy for a second purpose, delivery of data for a first purpose, delivery of data for a second purpose, switching. The product has incorporated in its means capable of enabling the product to be used as medium to perform the second function. The invention also concerns a method of manufacturing the products.

Abstract: A connecting means adapted to releasably fix or release a first element (4) and a second element (5) includes a locking pin (1) which is moveable by remote activation means between a locked position, in which leg (8) expands wall (9) into recess (10), and an unlocked position. The remote activation means may be magnetic, electromagnetic or any other suitable means. There is no permanent material connection between the pin (1) and the remote activation means. A method of fixing or releasing first and second elements by remote activation means is also disclosed. The invention further provides an embodiment where the first element is a first panel and the second element is a second panel. The first panel has means (166 or 169) which co-ordinate with means (165 or 170) on the second panel.

Abstract: The invention provides in a first aspect a closure (10) for a passageway such as a bottleneck. The closure (10) has a concertina element (16). When the concertina element (16) is released, the closure (10) can be removed from the passageway. The concertina element (16) may have folds (18), including compressible folds, may be in the form of a spiral. In a further aspect, the invention provides a second aspect a closure (110), which has a processing (132). The processing (132) may include a computer chip (134), is adapted to receive or convey various types of data, such as characteristics of the contents of the container closed by the closure (10). The first and second aspects may be combined.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastening system (40) which includes a plurality of fasteners (12). Each fastener (12) is adapted to be locked or unlocked upon receipt of a suitable signal, such as an electric, magnetic or infrared signal. The fasteners (12) are included in a single carrier (38).

Abstract: A connecting means adapted to fix or release a first element (4) and a second element (5) includes a locking pin (1) which is moveable to remote activation means between a locked position. In which leg (8) expends wall (9) into recess (10), and an unlocked position. The remote activation means may be magnetic, electro-magnetic or any other suitable means. A method of fixing or releasing first and second elements by remote activation means is also disclosed. The invention further provides a first element having first means (166) adapted to cooperate with second means (165) on a second element to facilitate connection of the first and second elements. A method of manufacturing the first element includes the steps of depositing discrete amounts of setable material on a surface of the first element and inverting the element to permit the material to set under the influence of gravity. A method of reducing the spacing between first and second elements by remote activation means is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assmeblies and related areas. In particular, the invention discloses a releasable fastening system (150) 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 method of controlling access to an object (16), such as a product for sale. The object (16) or its packaging (110) is secured, for example to a sales console (12,68) by use of connecting means (26). The connecting means (26) are either capable of release by a chosen external or internal signal or capable of release by activating remote activating means (18). An internal signal may be provided after expiration of a predetermined period. An external signal may be provided by proximity. Remote activation means (18) may be provided by a password or energy such as a magnetic force. The invention also provides novel packaging (110) for an object (16). Packaging (110) is adapted to secure the object (16) by connecting means (26) capable of release by remote activation. Also provided is a security vending system having security vending means, such as a sale console (68) or a cable (48) or a sale hanger (108).

Abstract: There is provided an adjustment device for adjusting the vertical height of, for example, studs, furniture and large appliances. The device has a base (12), a pine (14) upstanding from and supported by the base and a rotatable cam element (20). The pin has a number of grooves (16) and the cam is capable of engaging one or more of the grooves to alter the distance between the base and cam. Also disclosed is a stud or mullion (30) having two sets of channels, each of which is adapted to receive a cooperating means for mounting a panel or bracket. The sets of channels are parallel to each other and spaced apart by parallel spaced webs (32, 34). The adjustment device may be inserted in the stud or mullion. Further disclosed is a joining clip (not illustrated) for mounting a panel or bracket to the stud or mullion. The clip is in two parts, one part has means to connect the clip to the panel and the other has a pair of resilient arms and is able to mate with the first part.

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 provides a fastener (10) for releasably securing a first element, such as an air bag (12) to a second element such as a bracket (14) located in a vehicle. Fastener (10) has a locking pin (16) which is movable between a locked position and a release position. Locking pin (16) has an engageable head (18). Fastener (10) includes means such as clip (22) for engaging head (18). Locking pin (16) is biased to the release position, for example, by spring (26). Fastener (10) includes an actuator such as spring (32), comprising or including shape memory alloy and adapted to elongate upon application of appropriate energy. When spring (32) is elongated, it causes locking pin (16) to move to the release position. The invention also provides a fastener assembly (130) including at least one post (122) having a groove (124). Fastener assembly (130) includes a bar or latch, for example, in the form of wire (126) adapted to engage the groove (124).