Abstract: A security system adapted for use on an aircraft to prevent unauthorized access into a cockpit area of the aircraft via a cockpit door. The system includes a keypad accessible by individuals in a cabin area of the aircraft. A logic system is in communication with the keypad and also with a switch disposed inside the cockpit. Occupants of the cockpit, via the switch, have the ability to manually unlock the cockpit door, to deny the request for entry, or to do nothing, in which case the door will be automatically unlocked after the expiration of a predetermined time interval. A pressure sensor in communication with the controller allows the electronic door locking member to be automatically overridden, and the door immediately opened, in the event of a decompression condition occurring in the cockpit.

Abstract: An aircraft door mechanism includes a solenoid connected to a support assembly. The solenoid displaces the latch pin between a solenoid energized and a solenoid de-energized position. A catch assembly rotatably connected to the support assembly is positioned to engage a 3½ degree or less taper portion of the latch pin in the solenoid energized position. When the latch pin moves to the solenoid de-energized position, a latch bolt supported by the door rotates the catch assembly. The latch bolt includes a distal bulbous end which multiplies the force applied to the door to rotate the catch assembly. If the latch pin is extended, a substantially greater force is required to force the latch pin to the solenoid de-energized position owing to the reduced taper of the latch pin. Authorized door entry is therefore easier and unauthorized door entry is made more difficult.

Abstract: An aircraft door mechanism includes a solenoid connected to a support assembly. The solenoid displaces the latch pin between a solenoid energized and a solenoid de-energized position. A catch assembly rotatably connected to the support assembly is positioned to engage a 3½ degree or less taper portion of the latch pin in the solenoid energized position. When the latch pin moves to the solenoid de-energized position, a latch bolt supported by the door rotates the catch assembly. The latch bolt includes a distal bulbous end which multiplies the force applied to the door to rotate the catch assembly. If the latch pin is extended, a substantially greater force is required to force the latch pin to the solenoid de-energized position owing to the reduced taper of the latch pin. Authorized door entry is therefore easier and unauthorized door entry is made more difficult.

Abstract: A dead bolt lock apparatus specifically adapted for use with a flight deck door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a dead bolt member which can be moved between locked and unlocked positions via a key. A lockout handle is included on the side of the apparatus which faces the flight deck area of the aircraft. The lockout handle is movable rotationally from a first position, wherein it has no affect on the use of the key to unlock the dead bolt, to a second position wherein it prevents the dead bolt from being moved out of a locked position by use of the key. The apparatus thus provides an additional degree of security to occupants of the flight deck by allowing them to prevent unlocking of the apparatus even with the key.

Abstract: A security system adapted for use on an aircraft to prevent unauthorized access into a cockpit area of the aircraft via a cockpit door. The system includes a keypad accessible by individuals in a cabin area of the aircraft. A logic system is in communication with the keypad and also with a switch disposed inside the cockpit. Occupants of the cockpit, via the switch, have the ability to manually unlock the cockpit door, to deny the request for entry, or to do nothing, in which case the door will be automatically unlocked after the expiration of a predetermined time interval. No amount of tampering with the keypad or destruction of the keypad can unlock the cockpit door if the cockpit occupants decide to deny a request for entry via appropriate positioning of the switch. A pressure sensor in communication with the controller allows the door to be automatically unlocked in the event of a decompression condition occurring in the cockpit.

Abstract: A dead bolt lock apparatus specifically adapted for use with a flight deck door of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a dead bolt member which can be moved between locked and unlocked positions via a key. A lockout handle is included on the side of the apparatus which faces the flight deck area of the aircraft. The lockout handle is movable rotationally from a first position, wherein it has no affect on the use of the key to unlock the dead bolt, to a second position wherein it prevents the dead bolt from being moved out of a locked position by use of the key. The apparatus thus provides an additional degree of security to occupants of the flight deck by allowing them to prevent unlocking of the apparatus even with the key.