Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a face of a computer rack includes a brace mountable by hinges to one side of the face of the computer rack. A latch is mountable to the other side of the face of the computer rack. When the brace is closed against the face of the rack, the latch may be closed to capture elements of the brace and thereby provide rigidity to the face of the computer rack.

Abstract: A security box inter alia for tools has a metal box and a lid of the swing and slide type utilizing a pair of box hinges fixed to the box and a pair of lid hinges fixed to the lid, and a pair of intermediate hinges connected to both sets of hinges by links which make all the hinges parallel and enabling the door hinge to lie outside the plane of the door opening. In a variant, there is no intermediate hinge and the lid opening angle is less. The lid and box have interengaging profiled edges which in the closed position mutually obstruct but, when the lid slides to the open position, the profiles separate and the lid is free to swing open.

Abstract: A modular latch assembly for selectively securing a cover member to a base due to actuation of an input member is disclosed. The latch assembly includes an arm that is supported for substantially linear movement between a latched position and an unlatched position. The arm secures the cover member to the base when in the latched position, and the arm releases the cover member from the base when in the unlatched position. Moreover, the latch assembly includes a link that is operably coupled to the arm for rotation relative to the arm simultaneously as the arm moves between the latched and unlatched positions. The arm and the link have a first modular configuration in which the input member engages the arm for unlatching the assembly and a second modular configuration in which the input member engages the link for unlatching the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock mechanism for a casement window having a keeper adapted to be attached to a sash, a lockbar adapted to be attached to a frame for engaging with the keeper to lock the casement window, and an actuator for actuating the lockbar to engage with the keeper. The actuator includes a fork having a V shaped groove, the V shaped groove includes a first leg and a second leg, and the actuator includes a switch having a channel for placement of a drive pin. The switch is rotatably mounted at a juncture of the first and second legs so that the channel generally aligns with either the first leg or the second leg for facilitating alignment of the drive pin within the V shaped groove.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically controlled lock assembly (1) including a housing (10) and a retainer (6) mounted on the housing for movement relative thereto between an open and closed position. The lock assembly also includes locking means (12) including a detent (21) that when retained in an active position stops the retainer from moving relative to the housing. The lock assembly also includes an electrical actuator (14) being operable to cause the (10) retaining means to adopt a locked or released condition.

Abstract: An improved multipoint door lock system of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,077 additionally includes header and sill lock pins actuated by lost motion mechanisms for respective movement from a retracted position to an advanced deadbolt locking position engaged with respective header and sill keepers, in response to movement of one or more latch bolts from a normal latched position to a further extended deadbolt position. The latch bolts are further movable between the normal latched position engaged with associated strike sets on the adjacent door jamb for maintaining the door in a closed position, and a retracted position to permit swinging movement of the door to an open position. The lost motion mechanisms associated with the header and sill pins accommodate latch bolt movement between the latched and retracted positions, without displacing the header and sill pins.

Abstract: A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively movable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.

Abstract: A bolt mechanism comprising a backing plate adapted to be mounted on a complementary surface of a flat panel, a bolt assembly housing attached to the backing plate, a sliding bolt assembly carried on the bolt assembly housing one end of which has means adapted to engage and latch to a striker, a spring on said housing for keeping the end of the bolt extending out of the bolt assembly housing, the backing plate having means adapted to enable attachment to and detachment from an actuator housing assembly having complementary means adapted to enable attachment and detachment. An actuator housing assembly comprising an actuator housing having an opening therein, a movable actuator member received in the opening, the actuator member having a front surface and a rear surface and being digitally movable in said opening, and a hammer extending from the rear surface of said movable actuator member.

Abstract: A window lock with an automatic latch retention mechanism and an associated method of securing adjustable frame members of a window are provided. The lock generally includes a housing that can be secured to a first window frame member, a latch member slidably mounted in the housing, a rotatably handle configured to actuate the latch member, and a retention mechanism configured to automatically retain the latch member in the retracted position until the first and second window frame members are relatively adjusted to a closed configuration. The lock can automatically adjust to a locked configuration when the window is closed and remain in an unlocked configuration while being adjusted. The rotatable handle, which can be used to retract the latch member, is configured to provide an indication of the configuration of the lock so that a user can easily identify whether the lock is locked or unlocked.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an expansion base module, a pair of sliding members mounted slidably on the expansion base module, a system module connected to the sliding members, and a synchronizing unit including a pair of first front and rear pulleys, a pair of second front and rear pulleys, and an endless cord that is connected to the sliding members and that trains on the first front and rear and second front and rear pulleys in such a manner to permit synchronous sliding movements of the sliding members.

Abstract: An apparatus for latching a door against a frame has a door pin extending from the door and a handle lever rotatably mounted to the door and having an extending handle pin. A latch bar is mounted for reciprocating travel relative to the frame, the latch bar having a first slot having a cam surface adapted to receive the door pin, and a second slot adapted to receive the handle pin. The latch bar and handle have a first position where the handle pin enters the second slot and the door pin enters the first slot, and a second position where the handle pin contacts the second slot and the cam surface bears against the door pin. Rotation of the handle when the latch bar is in the first position causes the handle pin to bear against the second slot, moving the latch bar in a latching direction from the first position to the second position, so that the first slot on the cam surface bears against the door pin and urges the door in a closing direction.

Abstract: An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly for a sash window slidable within a master frame, including a handle movable among a first, a second and a third position to adjust the assembly among a respective locked, unlocked and tiltable position. The integrated assembly further comprises a rotor coupled to the handle and having a locking cam. The integrated assembly also includes a keeper adapted to be connected to an upper sash window. The integrated assembly further includes a latch bolt housing having a latch bolt slidably disposed therein and a spring for biasing the latch bolt towards the master frame. The integrated assembly further includes a connector coupled proximate a first end to the latch bolt and proximate a second end to a first end of a linkage member. The second end of the linkage member is pivotably coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: A multi-compartment facility having a master door which can be opened by use of a master key and, when opened, admits substantially unrestricted access to all of the mailbox compartments, the master door incorporating a plurality of pivotally-mounted, sub-doors arranged to register each with a different one of the compartments and the sub-doors being individually lockable and openable only by assigned key holders. A manually operable control determines the condition of the flaps and employs a gear and rack system which moves a cam to longitudinally displace hinge rods for the sub doors, flap locking members being carried by the hinge rods and either preventing opening of the flaps or permittting them to open depending on the displacement condition of the hinge rods. In a modified arrangement, the flaps can be selectively and individually rendered non-lockable whereby the users can opt to receive junk mail and other deliverables.

Abstract: A plastic casement windows operator has a plastic housing, a plastic sliding tounge and a plastic operating lever. The housing has a plastic main body and a plastic cover with complementary peripheral steps and peripheral energy directors and inward extending receivers and pins with energy directors for joining the cover and main body after the plastic sliding tounge and plastic operating lever are installed. The main body has an inward extending cylindrical bearing opening, which holds a cylindrical bearing integrally formed between an operating handle and an activator arm. An activator cylinder at a remote end of the arm moves in an oval groove in the sliding tounge. Wings on the tounge support opposite jugs and cylindrical guides which slide along inner guides on the cover and main body. An extension on the flat body tounge has a U-shaped opening for connecting a window linkage. Integral rims extend around the tounge, the U-shaped opening and the oval groove.

Abstract: A snap lock for securing to a sash of a sliding window or door by interacting with a striking plate and for securing to a frame of the sliding window or door. The snap lock comprises stationary lower and upper plates for sandwiching a rectilinearly mobile plate for locking the snap lock with respect to the striking plate. The snap lock includes as well: a three-point pivoting mechanism for interconnecting the foregoing plates to perform an unlocking operation; a springy feature for keeping, when relieved from tension, the rectilinearly mobile plate in an unlocked, retracted position, and when under tension, for keeping the rectilinearly mobile plate in a locked position, the springy feature being attached to the stationary lower and upper plates and being actuated by a contact with the striking plate; and a cover having an aperture for locating and accessing a button for acting upon the three-point pivoting mechanism.

Abstract: A multipoint locking mechanism for locking a window sash in a closed position in a window frame. The locking mechanism is of the type having a slider portion translating longitudinally in a window frame in response to an actuation of a handle to engage at least two engagement members of the slider portion with corresponding keeper portions in the window sash for locking the window sash to the window frame. At least one of the at least two engagement members is a cam wedge having at least one ramped portion and a rest portion. The cam wedge is positioned on the slider portion such that the at least one ramped portion abuts the corresponding keeper portion during a translation of the slider portion, and is guided by the corresponding keeper portion to abut the rest portion thereagainst to prevent a displacement of the window sash toward an open position thereof.

Abstract: A dual hinge door assembly is provided that enables selective opening of one side of a two sided door or removal of the door. The two sides of the door have identical assemblies that connect via a horizontal bar. Actuating a switch causes the bar to move horizontally in one of two directions. Movement of the bar causes assemblies on each side of the door to rotate and translate the horizontal motion of the bar to vertical motion of a set of lock pins, and causes the handle on the side of the door selected for opening to become visible to the operator. Upon pulling the handle, the side of the door adjacent to the lock will open while the opposite side remains stationary. Alternatively, the assembly may be modified to cause both handles to release. The operator may then pull both handles to remove the door from the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe mechanism for resistance to drilling, by use of a door mounted crankshaft mechanism. The crankshaft includes a shoulder which transfers force to the safe door rather than transmitting it to other lock mechanism components. A crank plate attached to the crankshaft rotates from an open position to a locking position, and by rotation moves a link arm with attached locking pins laterally into engagement with the doorframe. A re-locker device locks both the crank plate and the link arm in place to make entry more difficult.

Abstract: An arc-resistant switchgear cabinet includes a frame disposed on a floor and a door movably mounted on the frame. The frame includes a floor plate that is disposed against the floor and that includes a plurality of pins extending vertically upward from the floor plate. The door includes a plurality of corresponding receptacles into which the pins are received when the door is in a secured position. The pins in the receptacles resist the lower end of the door from moving in a horizontal direction away from the frame in the event of an arcing fault. A pair of bolts additionally fasten the lower comers of the door to the frame. The switchgear cabinet further includes interlocking tabs formed on the frame and on the door that overlap one another when the door is in the secured position.

Abstract: An actuator having a housing with a pivot opening therein. An actuator handle has a pivot pin extending from an end thereof for connecting the handle to a crank which includes a drive pin. The handle is assembled to the housing with the pivot pin extending through the pivot opening. A bushing may be disposed between the pivot pin and the pivot opening to take up tolerances between the parts and provide smooth handle rotation. The drive pin on the crank extends into a drive slot on a slider which translates within the housing to actuate a window locking mechanism. The drive slot is generally pear-shaped with, preferably symmetrical, opposed curved sidewalls along which the drive pin rides during rotation of the handle. The slider may further include a pair of fulcrum tabs disposed on a top thereof adjacent opposite sides of the drive slot for contacting a side surface of the crank during rotation of the handle to provide mechanical advantage at the handle.

Abstract: A mechanical latch for securing a moveable structure to a fixed is provided. The mechanical latch includes a movable catch pin and a proximity pin disposed within a housing cavity. Both pins are spring loaded to urge the pins towards the moveable structure, and both pins also include stops projecting therefrom to limit this movement. An insert member is attached to the housing between the pins and has an end which is engaged by the stops. In an engaged position, the catch pin interacts with a slot in the moveable structure. In the engaged position, the proximity pin and the moveable structure generate a gap between its stop and the insert which allows the other catch pin to be selectively drawn rearward from its latched condition. A peg carried by the catch pin is urged into the gap and against the insert which secures the catch pin in a latched condition.

Abstract: A casement window utilizes a multi-locking system having a pair of spaced keepers and a tie bar with a corresponding pair of rollers. In the locking action the rollers ride against the inclined and straight vertical surfaces of the keepers. A lifting block is located immediately above the lower roller when the locking system is in its locked condition. The lifting block prevents sagging and supports the sash in the locked condition. The provision of a lifting block in combination with the known multi-point locking system takes advantage of the locking system components to prevent sagging.

Abstract: A double-hung window construction includes a window jamb and a pair of sashes slidably movable within the window jamb. A pivot member pivotally connects each sash to the window jamb such that the sash can tilt relative to the window jamb around the pivot member. A combined locking and tilting mechanism is attached to each sash. The mechanism is movable between a locked position preventing sliding or tilting of the window, an operative position permitting sliding of the sash and preventing tilting of the sash, and a tilting position which allows the tilting movement of the sash. Each locking and tilting mechanism is independent of the operation of the remaining locking and tilting mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a latch is disclosed that impedes opening the latch by those, regardless of age, who lack the necessary mental acuity. The latch includes a release mechanism that requires two vertical slide members to be displaced in a first direction and held in that displaced position before a horizontal slide member can be displaced in a second direction that is not parallel with the first direction. The horizontal slide member is connected by a cord with a latch portion of the mechanism. When the horizontal slide member is displaced in the second direction, the latch portion is released from engagement and the latch is itself opened.

Abstract: A secure enclosure (10) for an automated banking machine includes a chest portion (12) and a moveable door (14). The door of the secure enclosure has mounted thereon a locking bolt work mechanism (24) which operates in a secure condition to engage locking bolt engaging apertures (46). The door further includes dead bolt projections (150) which engage apertures (62) when the door is in the closed position. The bolt work mechanism includes a drive cam (122) which is engageable by a member of a lock (126). The drive cam is connected to a pair of idler cams (118, 120) by L-links (134, 136). The idler cams are connected to a locking bolt (102) by S-links (138, 140). Movement of the drive cam enables moving the locking bolt between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A door security arrangement with the frame member which is mountable in a wall alongside the opening edge of a door and has an elongate member slideably mounted therein, the member being substantially the same length of the door edge and being movable from a retracted position in which it lies within the frame member and permits the door to swing past it to an extended position in which it lies alongside and substantially against the inner face of the door and the arrangement including releasable means, located within the frame member which hold the elongate member in its retracted and extended positions and are operable by the normal door locking mechanism.

Abstract: A non-handed actuator for window locks, including a base securable to the window frame, a handle secured to the base for pivoting about a first axis through an angle of approximately X degrees, an oppositely extending drive link secured for pivoting with the handle, and a connecting link securable to the lock control member of a window lock. The connecting link is pivotable relative to the drive link and includes a spacing member and a connecting member. The connecting member is securable to the lock control member and pivotable relative to the spacing member between limit positions approximately 180 degrees apart. Tabs on the spacing member abut the connecting member when the connecting member is at either of the limit positions, with the connecting link being pivotable relative to the drive link through an angle of approximately 2X degrees, where X is between 140 and 180.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for progressively engaging a plurality of strikes with a corresponding plurality of receivers to secure and lock a window sash to a window frame. A force transmitting device may be included with a guide forming a channel for an elongated tape transmits a horizontal movement provided by an operator mechanism into a vertical movement at a locking mechanism. The operator mechanism may include a removable bezel and a removable handle to facilitate access to the operator mechanism.

Abstract: An actuator for a window lock including a housing mountable to a window frame and defining an opening between opposite sides, one of the sides having a recessed portion therein. A handle is pivotable about an axis within the housing opening and has a central opening with sloped cam surfaces therearound. A cam bushing is receivable in the handle central opening and has sloped cam surfaces engageable with the handle cam surfaces whereby pivoting of the handle relative to the cam bushing axially biases the cam bushing relative to the handle toward a locking position. The cam bushing further includes a stop tab extending from one side of the cam bushing and receivable in the housing recessed stop when the actuator is in a locking position. The cam bushing one side is axially biased toward the housing one side. A lock link is operatively connectable to a window lock for operating a lock in response to pivoting of the lock link, and is pivotally connected to the cam bushing.

Abstract: A door locking mechanism is disclosed including a door locking member in communication with a lock-actuated bolt which selectively allows rotation of a rotatable actuator plate member. The rotating actuator plate member is attached to a rotatable handle and to a plurality of actuator bars which move locking bolts so as to selectively prevent opening of the door. The rotatable actuator plate member enables all of the actuators to be moved from a single location so that a plurality of cams, etc., are not needed to move locking bolts positioned about the perimeter of the door between open and locking positions. In an additional aspect of the invention, horizontally extending actuator bars are adjustably attached to elongate locking bars having a plurality of locking bolts attached thereto, so as to enable assembly of the locking structures of the door locking mechanism without assembly, and to enable interchangeability of parts.

Abstract: A device for controlling the opening and closing of at least two doors, each enabling access to an enclosure, a single control means adapted to allow separate and controlled access to each of the enclosures. The control means operates locking means for keeping the doors closed or for releasing them, in such a manner that the doors can be simultaneously either all closed at the same time or else at least one open and another closed. The locking means includes, for each door, at least one sliding bolt associated with a receiving seat provided on a corresponding door.

Abstract: A universal lock for securing any of a variety of different design window sashes closed against any of a variety of different design window frames. The lock includes a pair of spaced keepers on the window sash, and a tie bar mounted to the window frame and having a pair of rollers thereon. The tie bar is reciprocable along its axis to selectively move the rollers into or out of engagement with the keepers of the closed window sash to selectively lock or release the sash from the frame. A base pivotally mounts a handle member to the window frame. A coupler link is pivotally secured at one end to the handle member and has a flange at the other end pivotally secured to the tie bar. The flange has a narrow portion with a first width adjacent the coupler link and a wide portion with a second width spaced from the coupler link.

Abstract: An animal gate latch mechanism having upper and lower latch units movable successively and alternatively between gate open and gate latching positions therefor by a linkage system including a single actuating arm. From a gate open position of both latch units, movement of the actuating arm in one direction will independently move the latch units to the gate latching positions therefor. An intermediate latched condition of the gate is thus provided which can quickly and easily be effected by an operator on horseback. With both latch units in the latched position therefor, the gate is securely latched at two spaced-apart locations to prevent twisting of the gate by a confined animal and its possible escape therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a swinging end of a hinged door in a closed position is disclosed. A slidable latch assembly including spaced rollers for engaging angled contact surfaces extending from a door are all arranged with appropriate spacing to secure the door in position upon slidable displacement of the latch assembly. A complex pivoted latch handle is utilized to appropriately displace the latch assembly for either securing or opening the door.

Abstract: Latching mechanism for releasably securing a closure panel or door member to an open side of a cabinet structure, in which latching means in the form of a latching bar is mounted on the outer surface of the closure for reciprocable rectilinear movements into and out of engagement with a plurality of aligned keeper members fixedly mounted on the cabinet, movement of the latching bar being in response to selective movements of a swingable handle having a linkage connected with the latching bar. Coacting camming surfaces at each of the keeper members, responsive to movement of the latching bar to its latching position, operate to generate high load forces of engagement between the closure and the cabinet structure, the closure thereby serving to structurally strengthen and rigidify the associated closed side of the cabinet structure.

Abstract: A casket lock structure for securing a casket top in a closed and sealed position. An elongated lock bar is slideably mounted inside the front of a casket. A connecting bar is pivotally mounted at one end to the lock bar and at the other end to an offset portion of a shaft extending through the wall of the casket such that rotation of the shaft causes a lateral translational movement of the lock bar. Striker pins fastened to the casket top are adapted to engage hook portions formed into the lock bar as the top is closed.