Autoveyors Ltd.
84 Victoria St, London SW1 (1919  – 1927)

Lectro Linx, Ltd.
254 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1 (1927 – 1937)

British Mechanical Productions, Ltd. 
79a Rochester Row, Westminster, London, SW1. (1937 – 1951)

Edison Swan Electric Ltd. 
155 Charing Cross Road, London WC1 (1954)

Brand: Clix

Originating with Autoveyors Ltd. in the 1920s and known for innovative electrical components, the Clix brand transitioned through several companies, including Lectro Linx and British Mechanical Productions. Ultimately, it was acquired by Edison Swan Electric Co. in 1951, where it was gradually absorbed and faded from prominence, losing its distinct identity within the larger organisation.

Early Years: Autoveyors Ltd. (1919-1927)
The history of Clix in the UK begins with Autoveyors Ltd., a company registered in November 1919 with a capital of £1001. Initially specialising in aircraft, motor, and motor launch dealing and manufacturing, Autoveyors quickly diversified into various sectors.[1]

Automotive Industry
By 1923, Autoveyors had become a prominent agent for A.C. cars, offering various models and flexible payment options. [2]

Expansion into Wireless Technology
In addition to their automotive ventures, Autoveyors Ltd. made significant strides in wireless technology:

• July 1923: Introduced a wide range of wireless components, including the innovative "Filtron" variable grid leak and "Chicco" lightning and static discharger. [3]
• 1923-1924: Developed the 3-E.V.C. Three Electrode Variable Condenser, patented in 1922 (British Patent 17703/22). This device is claimed to eliminate interference and improve reception selectivity.

Electron Tubes
In 1925, Autoveyors Ltd. further expanded its wireless technology portfolio:

• Two electron tubes were manufactured for Autoveyors by the North London Valve Company: the Relay Tube and the Thermionic Tube. [4]
• These tubes were part of a new shortwave communication system proposed by Autoveyors Ltd., featuring a compound focusing apparatus and a special relay valve designed for long-distance communication using low power.

Despite claims of improved efficiency and electromagnetic control of electron emission, practical tests conducted by Radio Press Laboratories showed disappointing results. The relay valve performed no better than ordinary valves and exhibited negligible magnetic control of emission. [Forum article]

Superheterodyne Radio
Autoveyors Ltd. made a notable entry into the superheterodyne radio market:

• October 1926: At the First National Radio Exhibition, Autoveyors Ltd. showcased one of the smallest super-heterodyne sets at the show.
• The set measured 15 by 9 by 6 inches and weighed 25 pounds. It comprised separate oscillator and detector valves with three intermediate high-frequency and one low-frequency stages, totaling seven valves.
• The batteries and a "Celestion" loudspeaker were contained in a separate case of similar dimensions, also weighing 25 pounds.

Introduction of Clix
On May 7th, 1924, Autoveyors applied for the trademark "Clix" for "A combined plug and socket for use in electrical work as a contact or terminal". [5]

This compact superheterodyne radio demonstrated Autoveyors' ability to innovate in the rapidly evolving field of wireless technology, even as the company approached its final years before liquidation in March 1927.

These developments in electron tubes and superheterodyne radio technology, although not all successful, highlight Autoveyors Ltd.'s commitment to innovation and its significant role in the early years of the British wireless industry.

Transition: Lectro Linx Ltd. (1927-1937)
Autoveyors Ltd. went into voluntary liquidation in March 1927. [6] Shortly after, in April 1927, Lectro Linx Ltd. was formed to exploit the "Clix" specialties. [7]

Key Developments

• 1931: Introduced a new range of plugs and sockets, including solid pin plugs and resilient sockets.
• 1933: Launched the first anti-microphonic, non-metal chassis mounting valve holder.
   

British Mechanical Productions Ltd. (1937-1951)

In April 1937, the businesses of British Mechanical Productions Ltd. and Lectro Linx Ltd. merged to form a new company under the name British Mechanical Productions Ltd. [8]  Lectro Linx, Ltd. was wound up voluntarily at the same time. [9]

Notable Events

• 1937: Exhibited at the British Industries Fair, showcasing electrical accessories, plugs, sockets, and wireless component parts.
• 1945: Acquired a large interest in General Accessories Co Ltd of Bristol.
• 1946: Patented improvements in socket members for electrical pin-plug and socket connections, and holders for thermionic valves.

Edison Swan Electric Co. Ltd. Acquisition (1951 onwards)
In December 1951, Edison Swan Electric Co. Ltd. acquired British Mechanical Productions Ltd. and General Accessories Co. [9]

Key Developments

• 1954: Introduction of the Ediswan Clix Television Turret Tuner, featuring a rotating drum that indexed accurately to twelve positions.

Technical Innovations
The CLIX system was patented through multiple patents granted to C.R. Cook between 1932 and 1935, including GB371404, GB371418, GB403448, and GB45711311. These patents likely covered various aspects of the plug and socket design that made CLIX unique.

It's important to note that while CLIX was innovative, some of its designs, such as top-entry flex cable plugs, did not comply with later British Standards like BS 372 Part I or BS 73, which required side entry.

Throughout its history, the Clix brand demonstrated a commitment to innovation in electrical connectivity, adapting to the changing needs of the electronics and broadcasting industries in the UK.

The end of the Clix brand can be summarised as a gradual absorption into larger entities, driven by financial pressures and strategic acquisitions. While the brand initially gained prominence through Autoveyors Ltd. and Lectro Linx Ltd., its identity became less distinct after the merger with British Mechanical Productions Ltd. The acquisition of British Mechanical Productions Ltd. by Edison Swan Electric Co. Ltd. in 1951 marked a significant turning point, integrating Clix products into Ediswan's broader portfolio. By the mid-1950s, Clix was featured as part of Ediswan products, like the "Ediswan Clix Television Turret Tuner," indicating that it was no longer marketed as a standalone brand. The financial difficulties of Radio and Television Trust, the parent company of British Mechanical Productions, further accelerated this transition. In essence, the Clix brand faded as it became a component of larger corporate entities, losing its identity in the process.

[1] Flight Nov 13, 1919, Page 1490.
[2] Aurocar Magazine May 1923; Page xxxiii.
[3] Wireless Weekly Jul 11, 1923, Page 822.
[4] British Radio Valves, The Early Years 1904-1925, Page 113.
[5] Electrical Review May 16, 1924, Page 798.
[6] Electrical Review Mar 11, 1927, Page 388.
[7] Electrical Review Apr 20, 1927, Page 889.
[8] Electrical Review Apr 9, 1937, Page 549.
[9] Electrical Review Apr 16, 1937, Page 594.
[10] Electrical Review Dec 21, 1951, Page 1274.