Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for electronic locks with a selectable power off function. The electronic lock includes an electronic controller disposed within a lock housing and operable to control a state of the lock between locked and unlocked positions. An electronic actuator electrically coupled to the controller is movable between first and second positions corresponding to a locked position and an unlocked position of the lock, respectively. The electronic lock further includes at least one electrical energy storage device and a selector switch coupled to the controller to define a desired state of the lock between one of an electrically locked (EL) and an electrically unlocked (EU) state in an electric power off condition.

Abstract: A method of operating an access control system connectable to a power supply, including the steps of comparing the supplied power voltage to a threshold power supply voltage, determining a power-good condition when the supplied power voltage exceeds the threshold power supply voltage, determining a power-fail condition when the supplied power voltage does not exceed the threshold power supply voltage, and in response to the power-good condition: charging a capacitor to a capacitor charge not less than a threshold charge, and thereafter powering an electromechanical actuator, transitioning the access control system to a first state selected from locked and unlocked states wherein the capacitor charge is not less than the threshold charge upon completion of the transitioning, and in response to the power-fail condition: powering with the capacitor the electromechanical actuator and transitioning the access control system to the another of the locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.

Abstract: An illustrative access control system includes a locking assembly operable in locked and unlocked states, and a drive assembly operable to actuate the locking assembly. The drive assembly includes an electromechanical actuator, and energy storage device, and a control system. The electromechanical actuator is operable, upon receiving power, to transition the locking assembly between the locked state and the unlocked state. The energy storage device is electrically coupled to the electromechanical actuator, and configured to store electrical power from the power supply when the drive assembly is coupled to the power supply. The control system is configured to couple the drive assembly to the power supply in response to a first condition, and to thereafter transmit energy only from the energy storage device to power the electromechanical actuator, based at least in part upon a level of energy stored in the energy storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for electronic locks with a selectable power off function. The electronic lock includes an electronic controller disposed within a lock housing and operable to control a state of the lock between locked and unlocked positions. An electronic actuator electrically coupled to the controller is movable between first and second positions corresponding to a locked position and an unlocked position of the lock, respectively. The electronic lock further includes at least one electrical energy storage device and a selector switch coupled to the controller to define a desired state of the lock between one of an electrically locked (EL) and an electrically unlocked (EU) state in an electric power off condition.

Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.