Abstract: Method of assembling a fence that includes posts and rails, wherein the method provides for placing a plurality of spaced apart posts in the ground, sliding at least two post brackets over an end of each post, sliding at least one first rail bracket over an end of a rail, sliding at least one second rail bracket over an end of another rail, connecting the projecting portion of the first rail bracket to the first projecting portion of one of the post brackets with a first fastener, and connecting the projecting portion of the second rail bracket to the second projecting portion of the one of the post brackets with a second fastener. The first and second rail brackets are movably mounted to the one of the post brackets via the first and second fasteners.

Abstract: Bracket system for assembling a fence that includes posts and rails, wherein the bracket system includes a post bracket including a first projecting portion and a second projecting portion. The post bracket is securable to a post. The first projecting portion extends in one direction and the second projecting portion extends a different direction. A first rail bracket includes a first end securable to the first projecting portion and a second end that is securable a rail. A second rail bracket includes a first end securable to the second projecting portion and a second end that is securable another rail. The post bracket has an internal opening whose size and shape generally corresponds to a size and shape of the post. Each of the first and second rail brackets is configured to lengthen or shorten a respective rail upon movement of the post bracket relative to the post. Prior to being secured thereto, the post bracket can slide up and down relative to the post.

Abstract: Method of fastening a first article having an opening to a second article using a fastener which includes a connecting member and a rotatably mounted member which includes at least one of an external thread, a spline and a row of teeth, wherein the method includes securing the fastener to the second article, moving the first article towards the fastener, allowing the fastener to penetrate the opening of the first article, and causing the rotatably mounted member to cut into or self-thread into the opening of the first article upon movement of the first article towards the fastener, wherein the fastener is adapted for use in a medical or surgical area.

Abstract: Retractable anchor device includes a mounting part which is securable to a surface and a generally U-shaped member to which a tension member can be secured. The U-shaped member is slidably mounted to the mounting part and including a first end and a second end. A retracting system is included that causes the U-shaped member to move to a retracted position when the U-shaped member experiences a predetermined external force sufficient to disengage the locking system. The retracting system has at least one of (a) first and second biasing mechanisms wherein the first biasing mechanism biases the first end towards the retracted position and the second biasing mechanism biases the second end towards the retracted position, or (b) an actuator, wherein the actuator moves the U-shaped member towards at least one of the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A fastener that cuts into or self-threads into an article upon movement of the article towards the fastener and a method of securing the article via the fastener. The fastener includes a connecting member having a first end which is adapted to be secured to a surface and a second end, a member rotatably mounted on the connecting member and being substantially axially retained with respect to the connecting member. The member includes at least one of an external thread, a spline and a row of teeth. A stop surface is arranged between the first end and the second end, and the stop surface is adapted to engage the surface. Wherein, when the article is moved into engagement with the member of the fastener, the member is caused to at least one of rotate with respect to the connecting member and cut into the article. The method provides for attaching the first end of connecting member to the surface, and moving the article towards the member.

Abstract: A flexible vacuum gripper device and method of gripping. The device includes a housing, an inflatable gripper element defining an internal chamber and being radially or circumferentially expandable, the inflatable gripper element having a front end which is adapted to grip an object and a rear end coupled to the housing, a vacuum source communicating with the internal chamber of the inflatable gripper element, and a pressure source communicating with the inflatable gripper, wherein the vacuum gripper device is adapted to grip the object using vacuum formed in the internal chamber and wherein the inflatable gripper element is adapted to be inflated using the pressure source.