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: 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 (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 jigging device, for example, for positioning parts to facilitate assembly line procedures. The jigging device maintains a first element (10) in a desired spatial relationship with a second element (12). The jigging device has a first fastening means comprising fastener (20) which is connected to the first element (10). The jigging device also has a second fastening means comprising fastener insert (14) together with adjustable capsule (18). Locking pin (22) locks fastener (20) to the adjustable capsule (18).

Abstract: A jigging device, for example, for positioning parts to facilitate assembly line procedures. The jigging device maintains a first element (10) in a desired spatial relationship with a second element (12). The jigging device has a first fastening means comprising fastener (20) which is connected to the first element (10). The jigging device also has a second fastening means comprising fastener insert (14) together with adjustable capsule (18). Locking pin (22) locks fastener (20) to the adjustable capsule (18).

Abstract: The invention concerns a building element[which is a stud (10) having a number of channels (12). Each channel can receive a cooperating means (14) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip (16) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means (14) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element (42) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged (46). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft (71) and a sleeve (72) with cooperating means (73) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastener assembly suitable for joining a first element such as a circuit board to a second element such as a casing or another circuit board. The fastener assembly includes a first component which has a pin and a second component which includes a cavity for receiving at least part of the pin. In one aspect, at least part of the second component capable of being received within a bore in the first element. Either the first component or the second component is made of material which can change from a first shape to a second shape at a particular temperature. The pin of the first component is adapted to be locked into the cavity of the second component when the second shape is attained, through interaction of the material with the cavity, without deformation of the pin.

Abstract: Quick release bolt assembly included shank and head of larger cross-section than that of shank. The screw thread of shank is adapted to rotatably engage with a complementary screw thread in a nut. Disengagement means are adapted in use to disengage the head or the nut without rotation of the nut or shank. The disengagement means includes a material such as shape memory alloy or epoxy resin, adapted to change form to facilitate engagement when activated. Activation may take place by a direct power supply or remotely by a radio frequency, magnetic, ultrasonic or infra red signal. Bolt can be used for anchoring seat belts. Computer systems and methods for the identification of a target, including enquiring as to the status of the target and having means to command the target to change the status are also disclosed and claimed.

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 closure (110), which has processing means (132). The processing means (132), which 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: In the first aspect, the invention provides a fastener which includes a fastening element and an actuating means attached to the fastening element. The fastening element has a flexible beam and an engagement means. The actuating means includes a material, such as shape memory alloy, which contracts when activated. When the material is contracted, the beam moves between an engagement position and a disengagement position. In a second aspect, the invention provides a fastener for use in a network of fasteners. The fastener has address means which serve to distinguish the fastener from the other fasteners in the network. The fastener may be the same as the fastener in the first aspect of the invention, or a different fastener. A network or system of such fasteners is also provided.

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 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 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 concerns a building element which is a stud (10) having a number of channels (12). Each channel can receive a cooperating means (14) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip (16) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means (14) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element (42) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged (46). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft (71) and a sleeve (72) with cooperating means (73) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel.

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: The invention concerns a building element which is a stud (10) having a number of channels (12). Each channel can receive a cooperating means (14) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip (16) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means (14) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element (42) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged (46). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft (71) and a sleeve (72) with cooperating means (73) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a stud of any chosen length. The stud has a plurality of sections (preferably two or four), each of which extends for substantially the length of the stud. The sections may be capable of moving relative to one another in a horizontal or vertical direction. In one embodiment, the sections of the stud are adapted to be fixed by fixing means, such as screws, expanded locking mechanisms and ratchet arrangements. The invention also provides the stud section used to make the stud.

Abstract: The invention concerns a building element which is a stud (10) having a number of channels (12). Each channel can receive a cooperating means (14) which can be used to mount a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining clip (16) which can be connected to a panel or bracket. The joining clip includes the cooperating means (14) for mounting a panel or bracket on the stud. The invention also concerns a building element which is a joining element (42) which can connect one panel to another. The joining element is hinged (46). The invention also discloses two types of bracket for mounting in the stud. The first type has a screw-threaded shaft (71) and a sleeve (72) with cooperating means (73) at one end of the sleeve. The cooperating means is shaped so that it can be inserted horizontally in a channel of the stud and rotated so that the cooperating means cannot be withdrawn horizontally from the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf tee (10) which includes a writing point (18) and an eraser (12). In a preferred embodiment, tee (10) has shaft (11) and head (12), shaft (11) tapering from head (12) to end (13). Received in cylindrical bore 17 is writing point 18 having free end 19. Hollow bore 16 is adapted to receive end 13A of second tee 10A, thus protecting writing point 18A. Circumferential rim (14) defines a hollow depression (15) which is intended to aid in support of a golf ball.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf tee (10) having a head portion (2) and a shaft portion (1). Head portion (2) is adjustable in relation to the shaft portion (1) to vary the length of the tee (10), for example, by having head portion (2) include a sleeve mounted on an extension (3) and adapted to assume a plurality of positions in relation to the shaft portion (1). Tee (10) also includes a writing point (8) and an eraser (11).