Abstract: An operating system (10) for operating an article of furniture (12), the article of furniture (12) comprising a support structure, at least one component displaceably arranged relative to the support structure and a receiver. The operating system (10) includes a (controller 34) which communicates wirelessly with the article of furniture (12), the controller (34) outputting operating signals (46) containing operating instructions. A signal processing module communicates with the wireless controller (34) via a routing arrangement (48), the signal processing module receiving the operating signals (46) and converting the operating signals into control signals to be provided to the receiver to effect displacement of the at least one component of the article of furniture (12) relative to the support structure under the control of a user.

Abstract: An operating system (10) for operating an article of furniture (12), the article of furniture (12) comprising a support structure, at least one component displaceably arranged relative to the support structure and a receiver. The operating system (10) includes a (controller 34) which communicates wirelessly with the article of furniture (12), the controller (34) outputting operating signals (46) containing operating instructions. A signal processing module communicates with the wireless controller (34) via a routing arrangement (48), the signal processing module receiving the operating signals (46) and converting the operating signals into control signals to be provided to the receiver to effect displacement of the at least one component of the article of furniture (12) relative to the support structure under the control of a user.

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: 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: 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: An electronic communication system including: (a) a fastener (2) operable to close or open to secure an item such as a seat (20) to a vehicle; (b) electronic communication means (42) linking the fastener (2) to at least one separate device, such as a second fastener (2) or a handheld remote user-controlled device (40), to communicate information to the separate device; and (c) electronic circuitry to detect the status of the fastener and to generate the information to be communicated by the electronic communication means to the separate device, wherein the information, which may be an electrical signal such as electrical pulse, relates to the open or closed status of the fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving performance and life of a material adapted to contract when heated to a critical temperature such as shape memory alloy wire (SMA). The method includes the steps of measuring ambient temperature before activation, measuring voltage applied to the SMA wire and/or current flowing in the SMA wire, calculating power and energy required to heat the material from the ambient to the critical temperature and providing the calculated power and energy.

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 5 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 o the channel (22).

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: A track (20) for a relocatable seat including a first channel (22), having a slot opening into the track with a plurality regions where slot is enlarged. The enlarged regions receive a foot (50) of a seat and the non-enlarged regions of the slot retain the feet. The track includes a second and third channel for receiving a power block (54) and/or communication data block (58), and each including a plurality of apertures (44) for receiving a retractable tongue (76) on the blocks to locate the blocks in the track. The invention further relates to a releasable fastening system having two sleds (78, 80) for insertion in a track (20) and a locking lever (84) with an end (86, 88) connected to each sled. Each sled has at least one aperture (82) inclined towards the track. Movement of the locking lever from an open to a locked position causes a lug (92) inserted in the aperture to travel down the incline towards the track.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed to for detecting movement of an object. In one embodiment, a system (10) is disclosed to detect movement of an object (12) (e.g., a tire). The system includes a sensor (14) that is operative to sense at least a pressure condition within an enclosed space of the object (12) based on an operating mode of the system. A control system (16) controls the operating mode of the system based at least in part on whether movement of the object (12) is detected. The movement of the object (12) is detected based on a variation in the at least a pressure condition over time. The system (10) can be implemented as part of a tire pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: A system adapted for robust storage of parking meter information in a parking meter system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of cash boxes (106) and a corresponding plurality of parking meters (108), wherein the cash boxes (106) are periodically and substantially randomly, (i) mated with the corresponding plurality of parking meters (108) for a collection period, and (ii) subsequently collected from said corresponding plurality of parking meters (108).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring posture deficiencies in the spine and including a flexible body (30) encapsulating a flexible operating arm (31) cantilevered from a base moulding (34). The operating arm (31) is provided with upper (37) and lower (40) strain gauges bonded to the upper and lower faces respectively of the operating arm (31) at the point beyond the stiffening base moulding (34) to ensure that differential strain is experienced on deflection of the operating arm (31). Wire tails (41) are terminated as a PCB assembly (45) mounted to the printed circuit support (35), which assembly comprises a PC board bearing an LSI processor (46), rechargeable battery (47), vibrating motor (50) and inductive coil (51) selected to fulfil the functions of transmitting and receiving element, and inductive power supply for charging the battery (47), under the control of processor (46).