Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling access to a space using an improved locking apparatus. The locking apparatus includes a central member having an actuator, a shaft connected to the actuator, at least one cam attached to the shaft, a control circuit configured to control operations of the locking apparatus, and a lifting member configured to be raised or lowered according to a command position. A method is provided for operating a mounted locking apparatus in a locked or unlocked state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling access to a space using an improved locking apparatus. The locking apparatus includes a central member having an actuator, a shaft connected to the actuator, at least one cam attached to the shaft, a control circuit configured to control operations of the locking apparatus, and a lifting member configured to be raised or lowered according to a command position. A method is provided for operating a mounted locking apparatus in a locked or unlocked state.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer comprises an active element which changes in length along a first axis in response to an audiofrequency input signal, the element being mounted between an inertial mass and a foot which in use engages a surface whereby audiofrequency vibrations produced by the active element are transmitted to the surface, characterised in that the foot is hingedly connected to the inertial mass and the active element is located between the foot and the mass such that the angle between the first axis and the surface is less than 90°, in use.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator comprises a rod of giant magnetostrictive material, biasing permanent magnets arranged at each end thereof and coaxially therewith so as to pass a magnetic field through the rod. An energizing electromagnetic coil is connected to an energizer so as to superimpose on the magnetic field passing through the rod an alternating magnetic field to cause variation in the length of the rod in response thereto. The permanent magnets are each in the form of a disc having a cross-sectional area substantially greater than that of the rod and are spaced from the ends of the rods by material of low magnetic permeability. The magnetic field in the rod is thereby substantially linear along the length thereof.

Abstract: A telephone handset construction is provided, which has a movable cover which is articulable from a closed position to an open position. The cover has a rigid portion and a flexible portion. When the cover is in the closed position, the flexible portion thereof is furled around front and top portions of the main body of the telephone handset. Upon deployment of the cover, by pulling the rigid portion of the cover in a direction away from the main body of the handset, the flexible portion of the cover is unfurled and moved to a position substantially covering the back of the main body portion of the handset.

Abstract: An infusion container having an interior receiving a liquid to be infused and an infusible substance. Mounted to the container is a pivotal member which cooperates with a baffle means to define a region in the container which receives the infusible substance. Both the pivotal member and baffle means are adapted to permit passage of the infusing liquid, but not of the infusible substance. In use, the pivotal member can be pivoted through the interior by moving handle, to lift the infusible substance out of the infusing liquid to halt the infusion process at the desired time.