Patents Examined by Christopher Boswell
  • Patent number: 9447608
    Abstract: A locking cartridge including a housing, first and second plates rotatably mounted in the housing, a blocking member, and a movable member. The cartridge also includes a cam interface which urges the first plate toward the second plate when the plates are rotated. The blocking member is configured to move among a blocking position and an unblocking position in response to engagement with a first cut on a key. When in the blocking position, the blocking member blocks the first plate from moving toward the second plate. With the second plate blocked from moving toward the first plate, the cam interface prevents rotation of the first plate. The movable member is configured to move among a first position and a second position in response to engagement with a second cut on the key. In certain embodiments, the movable member may be a control pin or a second blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason Curtis Clifford, Evan Earl Evans
  • Patent number: 9441399
    Abstract: A lock comprises a lock casing, a shackle, an indicating device and a button component. The shackle is movably disposed on the lock casing. The indicating device is disposed in the lock casing, and moves from one original position to an indicating position with respect to the lock casing. The button component connects to the indicating device for restricting the movement of the shackle, the button component moves from a first position to a second position, for enabling the indicating device to move from the indicating position back to the original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 9440619
    Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock bolt configured to correspond to rotation of a key cylinder and to unlock a steering shaft, and an ignition switch configured to correspond to the rotation of the key cylinder and to perform switch operation. In the steering lock device, the lock bolt is provided to a rear side of a body in a direction of a body side orthogonal to a rotation axis of the key cylinder. Also, the ignition switch includes a first switch and a second switch and is arranged to a side part of the body in a direction different from the forward movement direction of the lock bolt. The first switch is configured as the ignition switch and the second switch is configured as a key detection switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: U-SHIN LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sugihara
  • Patent number: 9428938
    Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund
  • Patent number: 9428939
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Locking/unlocking system of superimposable elements, comprising a first element (2) or upper element, and a second element (3), or lower element, to be locked and unlocked, superimposed each other along a plane (4) of relative motion, and a operating device (1), said system being characterized in that said first element (2) and said second element (3) provide each one the same number of a plurality of housings (210, 310), and reciprocally positioned so as to form pairs of housings (210, 310), each one providing inside centering means (220, 320), said system being further characterized in that it provides a plurality of first magnetic elements (230?) having a first length, a plurality of second magnetic elements (230?) having a second length, lower than the length of said plurality of first magnetic elements (230?), and a plurality of third magnetic elements (230?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: Fabio Fontana, Massimo Fontana
  • Patent number: 9422761
    Abstract: Device for invalidating notes of value, which comprises at least one combined dyestuff and trigger module, the dyestuff and trigger module being connectable via at least one first connecting element to a second connecting element of the value note transport container complementary to the first connecting element. The device has a dyestuff distributing unit for distributing dyestuff exiting from an outlet opening of the dyestuff and trigger module onto the notes of value. By means of the first connecting element a disconnectable plug connection to the second connecting element is establishable. Further, the disclosure relates to a cash box comprising such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventor: Elmar Berendes
  • Patent number: 9422751
    Abstract: The lockout device has a body with one or more continuous sidewalls, an open end and a bottom defining an interior volume. It also has a lid pivotally attached to at least one of the sidewalls and moveable between an open and closed position. The lid is located to cover at least a portion of the open end of the body when in the closed position. The device also has a closure mechanism capable of holding the lid in a closed position. A pin extends at a downward angle from one of the side across a gap in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Roto Hammer Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Craig T. Sutton, Katherine J. Sutton, Steven Sweeden
  • Patent number: 9422746
    Abstract: An electronic locker lock with outer and inner housings similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,644 has a cable connector extending from one housing to the other. When the two housings are installed against outer and inner sides of a locker door, with the door panel sandwiched between housings, the inner housing provides a pocket for storage of the cable after pin connections have been made. In addition, a locking connection is made between the two parts of the pin connector, with a plastic spring lock, preventing disconnection while the lock is in service, and the lock allows for a range of locker door thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Digilock Asia Ltd.
    Inventors: An Zhang, Asil T. Gokcebay
  • Patent number: 9424701
    Abstract: A locking device comprises a key that comprises a key power coil and a key data coil and an electronically-actuatable lock comprising a lock power coil and a lock data coil. The key power coil and the lock power coil are coaxial and at least partially overlapping one another when the key engages the lock. The key data coil lies in a first plane and the lock data coil lies in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Knox Company
    Inventors: Dohn J. Trempala, Keith Wolski
  • Patent number: 9410344
    Abstract: In some embodiments of the invention, a security apparatus for a portable electronic device is provided. The security apparatus may include a plurality of interlocking shell portions, wherein the interlocking shell portions are shaped to, when interlocked, wrap around at least part of a perimeter of the portable electronic device, and wherein at least two shell portions comprise an aperture. The security apparatus may also include an attachment device configured to be at least partly inserted into the apertures of the at least two shell portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Stacey, Jonathan Corpuz, Dominic Peralta, Stephen Myers
  • Patent number: 9404289
    Abstract: An anti-theft tag that has a fixed component and a moving component, with the moving component moved to frictionally clamp and secure the anti-theft tag onto an article without damaging the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Universal Surveillance Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Adel O. Sayegh, Edgardo Redublo, Yuequn Lu, Yinghong He
  • Patent number: 9394727
    Abstract: A security device for protecting a merchandise item that includes a housing, a first cable, a second cable, a spool, a locking mechanism and a crossover device that is in the housing and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The locking mechanism locks the spool so that it is not rotatable about the vertical axis. The cable crossover device is placed on a side of a merchandise item opposite the housing. The crossover device in is formed with a crossover body and a latch. The crossover body has the first cable slidably attached to it. The latch is configured to be locked to the crossover body. The second cable slidably is attached to the latch. The latch is configured to be partially released from the crossover body when it unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 9393932
    Abstract: A steering lock apparatus is provided that can protect a steering column 2e from damage, such as cracking, even when a steering wheel is forcibly rotated with the ignition key off. Protrusions 24 in the circumferential direction are provided at a plurality of locations in the axial direction of peripheral edge portions on both sides in the circumferential direction, which is a rotational direction of the steering wheel, of a peripheral edge of a lock through hole 16d. The protrusions 24 in the circumferential direction absorb the large force, that is applied to the peripheral edge portions of the lock through hole 16d in an attempt to rotate the steering wheel with the ignition key off by plastically deforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Matsushima, Tooru Kamei, Tadashi Hibino
  • Patent number: 9394724
    Abstract: A mounting and securing device for a handgun or other article. The device has a cylindrical locking member that is securable to a post. Radially-extending change pins disposed in the sidewall of the locking member engage and move a plurality of control pins axially within pin bores. A tumbler disposed between each control pin and the central post is moved into and out of engagement with a groove in the post, in response to the axial movement of the control pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 9394722
    Abstract: Mechanisms are provided to thwart an overtorquing attack on a cylindrical lockset. The cylindrical lockset comprises a lock cage, a split retractor assembly, and a torque-attack-activated spring-loaded blocker assembly coupled to the lock cage. The blocker assembly is set to a default non-blocking configuration. An overtorquing attack triggers the blocking assembly into a blocking setting. When in the blocking setting, the blocking assembly blocks movement of at least an outside door portion of a retractor assembly from translating into a latch-retracting position, but does not block the inside door handle from retracting the latch. A new split retractor assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TOWNSTEEL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. Moon, Michael J. Wright
  • Patent number: 9376836
    Abstract: A “minimalized” key has the smallest length, overall volume and weight commensurate with the ability to operate a lock in the same manner as a corresponding conventional key. It is easily formed from a conventional key blank, preferably after unique edge profiling to suit the lock, by eliminating the head portion and providing an aperture in the remaining body portion for attachment of means that facilitate application of a torque to turn it to operate the lock. Minimalized key blanks are also easily and inexpensively made from strip stock of rectangular cross-section of appropriate dimensions by forming longitudinal grooves and an aperture in selected lengths thereof, and the minimalized key blanks so formed are then individually profiled to make minimalized keys to fit specific locks. They may also be color-coded to make them visibly distinguishable from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Chittaranjan N. Nirmel
  • Patent number: 9366057
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a padlock, comprising a lock cylinder rotatable between a lock position and an unlock position with rotation of a key. The lock cylinder comprises a keyhole, at least one first through hole extending along a first direction for housing at least one first pin, and at least one second through hole extending along a second direction for housing at least one second pin. When the key is in the keyhole, the teeth of the key are aligned with the at least one first pin and the at least one indentations are aligned with the at least one second pin, allowing the lock cylinder to rotate between the lock position and the unlock position with rotation of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Vastmax Corporation Limited
    Inventor: William Ng
  • Patent number: 9366060
    Abstract: A security device may include a housing, a security element disposed within the housing and configured to wirelessly interface with an alarming gate, a flexible strap with an affixed pin, and a pin lock mechanism. The flexible strap may be rotatably attached to the housing via a strap holding assembly that permits the flexible strap to rotate relative to the housing. The pin lock mechanism may be disposed within the housing to enable the pin to be locked to the housing to attach the security device to an object. The flexible strap may be removable from the housing and may be replaceable without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventors: William Jacob Kozlowski, Jr., Matthew R. Shute
  • Patent number: 9341004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dual use cycle accessory which may adopt a first folded configuration in which it forms a mudguard and a second unfolded configuration in which is comprises tow free ends (101, 201) which may be locked together to form a locked loop suitable for locking a cycle, preferably a bicycle, to a stationary object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Patrick Elson
  • Patent number: 9340998
    Abstract: A lock assembly is disclosed to lock a moveable structure to a fixed structure. The lock assembly includes an electric actuator operable to move a locking lug between first and second axial positions to correspond with a locked and unlocked configuration of the lock assembly. A resilient member can couple the locking lug to the electric actuator and drive the locking lug between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Vijayakumar Mani, Prem Ratan Mohan Ram, Abdul Khadar Jailani Mannanayak