Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, a wall construction system includes a plurality of blocks configured to interfit in multiple courses with aligned interior voids being defined by the blocks. At least one shim is disposed between two of the plurality of blocks, wherein each shim includes a main body having a curved surface including a portion having a non-constant radius of curvature. In addition, a cementitious material is disposed in the aligned interior voids.

Abstract: The present invention includes door locks having a cam having three lobes, and to systems including such door locks. The outer lobes of the cam can limit the rotation of the cam. By limiting the rotation of the cam, the outer lobes can ensure that the cam is always ready for immediate activation. The outer lobes can also strike against outer pins of a locking mechanism to cause the cam to rotate with the locking mechanism when the locking mechanism is activated from the opposite side of the locking mechanism. The present invention also extends to methods of installing and using a door lock including three lobes.

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 moveable 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 throw lever assembly used to secure an accessory such as a sight or a flashlight to a firearm. The throw lever assembly includes a base unit having a cam bed wherein the cam resides. An engagement rod, connected to the cam, extends through the base unit to an anchor clamp used to clamp the entire assembly to a firearm. A handle portion is manually locked to the cam so that when locked to the cam mechanism, the lever allows the operator to manually rotate the cam to force movement of the engagement rod to tighten or release the assembly from the firearm. In one embodiment, the handle portion is secured to an arm extending from the cam.

Abstract: The invention is a throw lever assembly used to affix an accessory to a firearm. The throw lever assembly utilizes a base unit having a cam bed in which rests the cam. An anchor clamp secured to one end of an engagement rod with the other end affixed to the cam. The cam has an arm extending from it which is used connected to a handle portion. The handle portion is selectively locked/unlocked to the cam via an upper surface the arm. When locked to the arm, the handle portion is able to move the cam causing the assembly to be either locked or unlocked from the firearm.

Abstract: A door lock device for a household appliance door provided with a prong is described. The device has a mechanical module for retaining the device in a closed position, or releasing the prong for opening the device. The device also has opening means with an unlock slider, returning means of the unlock slider, and an activation member.

Abstract: A locking device for containers with a container lock housing and with a locking hook. The locking hook has a pivot axis, which is stationary relative to the container lock housing and which can pivot about the locking hook into a standby position and a locking position. An activation mechanism is included for the locking hook, which has a first actuating element and a second actuating element as well as a release mechanism. The first actuating element holds the locking hook in its standby position, while the second actuating element is configured such that it blocks and clamps the locking hook in its locking position. The release mechanism after the releasing acts on the first actuating element and/or on the second actuating element, which automatically brings about the clamping and blocking of the locking hook in its locking position by the second actuating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a latching box for selectively retaining a movable element such as an undercarriage or a hatch in position, the box comprising a body carrying: a hook pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the movable element; a locking member pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis to pivot between a position for blocking the hook in the engagement position and a release position for releasing the hook; and at least one cam actuator in which the cam co-operates operationally with the locking member to move it towards the release position. The cam of the actuator is a cylindrical cam mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first and second pivot axes.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a sheet storage portion mounted on a device main body so as to be drawn from the device main body and the sheet storage portion stores sheets, a sheet feeding portion that feed a sheet from the sheet storage portion, a pushing portion that applies a force to the sheet storage portion in a drawing direction where the sheet storage portion is drawn from the device main body, a locking mechanism configured to lock the sheet storage portion in the device main body, and a pressing operation member that is pressed in a direction opposite to the drawing direction. A lock of the locking portion is released while interlocking the release of the press of the pressing operation member.

Abstract: A latch includes a catch pivotable about a first axis between a latched position for retaining a striker and an unlatched position for releasing the striker. The catch has a cam surface. A pawl is pivotable about a second axis and is engageable with the cam surface of the catch. In some embodiments, the pawl secures the catch in the latched position by resting on a first portion of the cam surface, the curvature of which is substantially concentric with the second axis when the catch is in the latched position. The pawl is movable off of the first portion of the cam surface to release the catch from the latched position. The catch can be drivable toward the latched position by the pawl.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first body, a second body pivotally attached on the first body for covering on the first body, and a latching device for locking the second body on the first body when the second body covers the first body. The latching device includes a locking member rotatably attached on the first body, a hook disposed on the second body and capable of hooking on the locking member for locking the second body on the first body, and a driving subassembly rotatably connecting with locking member and slidably disposed on the first body. The driving subassembly drives the locking member to rotate to engage and disengage with the hook.

Abstract: It is an object to obtain a lock device for vehicle which ensures smooth rotation of a lock release lever by preventing the lock release lever from coming in contact with a cam member in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the lock release lever. The solution therefor is to provide one of a portion of a straddle portion 118 of a lock release lever 115 which is positioned beyond a cam member 104 and a support member 81 with a holding portion 95 which holds a cam follower 119 and a portion of a cam member other than a cam surface 110 thereof in a state of being spaced from each other in a direction parallel to a rotational support shaft 92 by being in slidable contact with the other.

Abstract: A lock arrangement comprises a first jaw component (28) pivotally moveable about a pivot axis (12), a second jaw component (30) releasably securable to the first jaw component (28) to form a pivotable jaw assembly (10), and an actuator arrangement operable to drive the jaw assembly from a locked position to a released position.

Abstract: A display includes a main frame, a support base, and a locking mechanism. The support base including a first locking member is selectively connected to the main frame. The locking mechanism selectively connected to the first locking member of the support base includes a base, a plate, a pivot, and a second locking member. The base with a hole is movably disposed on the main frame. The plate is connected to the base, and is neighboring the hole. The pivot including a raised edge is disposed on the main frame, through the hole, and is near the plate. The second locking member is connected to the base for selectively engaging with the first locking member. When the raised edge abuts against the plate, the base is moved towards the first direction, and the second locking member is detached from the first locking member.

Abstract: A rotary pawl latch has a lock bar that engages with the pawl when the pawl is latched and that moves toward the center of the pawl to release the pawl for unlatching. This lock bar never completely becomes disengaged from the envelope of the pawl. There are cutouts in the pawl which allow the pawl to rotate as the lock bar is actuated.

Abstract: The vehicle storage box of the present invention provides significant advantages over conventional vehicle storage boxes. Featured in the present invention is a vehicle storage box that comprises a base structure; a lid, pivotally connected to the base structure, shaped to enclose the base structure; divider means, pivotally connected to the base structure, for dividing the storage box into two compartments for holding articles; divider coupling means, connected to the divider means and the lid, for releasably coupling the divider means to the lid; and lid coupling means, connected to the lid and the base structure, for releasably coupling the lid to the base structure, and having a first coupling position occurring when the lid is in an opened position.

Abstract: A door safety latch for air cleaner is provided. The door safety latch includes a latch arm including a latch projection, with the latch arm configured to pivot with respect to a door of the air cleaner, and a slider that traps a portion of the latch arm. The slider is configured to hold the latch arm in a first, latched position and further configured to pivot the latch arm to a second, unlatched position. The door safety latch further includes a release button that includes a stop shoulder. The release button is biased to a normally extended position with the stop shoulder blocking movement of the slider and the latch arm to the second, unlatched position.

Abstract: A locking window that is selectively movable between a first closed position and a second open position and a window latch adapted to be attached to the window is disclosed. The window latch includes a cam latch, a housing including a support wall, a pivot fastener for attaching the cam latch to the housing, and a detent for retaining the cam latch in one of the open and the locked positions.

Abstract: A latch structure includes a base, a connecting unit, a first spring member, at least one hook unit and a button. In this case, the connecting unit has a first side and a second side, and the connecting unit is disposed on the base. The first spring member has a first end and a second end. The first end connects to the connecting unit and the second end connects to the base. At least one hook unit is located at the first side of the connecting unit. The hook unit has a moving member with a hook portion and a connecting portion, and the hook portion locates in a first site. The button is located at the second side of the connecting unit. When the hook portion does not locate in the first site, the button moves toward a first direction, the button pushes the connecting unit in a second direction, and the connecting unit touches the connecting portion. Accordingly, the hook portion turns to the first site.

Abstract: A fixing base is suitable to fix an electronic device having a locking hole. The fixing base includes a housing, a driving structure and a cam. The electronic device is suitable to be held in the housing. The driving structure is provided through the housing, and the cam is disposed in the housing. The cam has a hook, and the driving structure is fixedly connected to the cam. When the driving structure drives the cam to rotate, the hook is locked to the locking hole.

Abstract: A hidden fastening structure applied to an electronic device is provided, which comprises a actuator and a fastener controlled by the actuator, wherein the fastener is rotatably disposed on the electronic device. When the actuator is pushed by external forces in the horizontal direction, the fastener is driven to rotate about the electronic device, thereby providing a hidden position accommodated within the electronic device or a fastening position outside the electronic device.

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 moveable 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 fastener module for portable computers that is disposed on the host of a portable computer to fasten the LCD with the host, no matter whether the LCD is closed directly or after rotating 180 degrees; the fastener module has a pivotable eccentric hook rod biased in a normal horizontal position when not affected by magnetic effect, when the LCD closes on the host of the computer, both sides of the hook rod are affected by the magnetic effect of the magnetic component on the LCD; since the pivot of the hook rod is designed eccentrically, the magnetic moment generated by the magnetic effect for each side of the hook rod is different, so that the hook rod changes its position instantly from the normal horizontal state to a vertical state and hooks within the opening of the LCD to fasten the LCD onto the host of the portable computer.

Abstract: A latching system includes a rotatable cam formed of substantially symmetric pieces with a cable, connected to oppositely disposed bolts, extending therethrough. The configuration of the cam is such that when rotated, the cable is pulled in both directions with respect to each of the bolts, allowing for the bolts to move so as to disengage from their respective strikers, unlatching the system.

Abstract: A wafer container, and methods of constructing a wafer container. The wafer container has an enclosure portion with at least a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back, an open front, and a door to close the open front. The door includes a door chassis with at least a first latching mechanism. The latching mechanism has a rotatable cam member and at least one latching arm. The latching arm has a bifurcate cam follower portion that engages with the periphery of the cam member.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a mounting plate that carries a locking hook. The locking hook is pivotal with respect to the mounting plate and may be pivoted from an unlocked position to a locked position. A motor is in communication with a locking hook, and is capable of causing the locking hook to be pivoted to the locked position. The locking mechanism may be opened by use of an electronic key, and may contain electronics capable of recording the date and time a particular key was used to open the locking mechanism. Also, the locking mechanism may be capable of being locked without the use of the motor when the motor is disabled due to power disruption or other circumstances.

Abstract: A latch device intended for use with sliding and hung window systems. The latch device has a body (10) and a latch element (11) which is moveable between a latching position where it projects from the body (10) and a non-latching position where it is retracted into the body. A slide element (15) in a body (14) is coupled to a movable sub-housing (12) so that movement of the sub-housing (12) by the slide element (15) causes the latch element (11) to be moved. The body (10) is insertable into an opening in a window section and snap locks in place by the action of fingers (27) and face plate (18) acting on opposite sides of the window section adjacent the opening. The latch device can thus be fixed into a window section without any additional fasteners.

Abstract: A mechanism for manoeuvring a door more particularly designed to be associated with a bar for avoiding panic. The mechanism comprises a pivoting bolt (26) provided with a slot wherewith it can co-operate with a lock-bolt keeper, a pivoting cam (35) for preventing the bolt from rotating towards a so-called loose escaping position and a member actuating (45) the cam to release the bolt.

Abstract: A wafer container, and methods of constructing a wafer container. The wafer container has an enclosure portion with at least a top, a bottom, a pair of opposing sides, a back, an open front, and a door to close the open front. The door includes a door chassis with at least a first latching mechanism. The latching mechanism has a rotatable cam member and at least one latching arm. The latching arm has a bifurcate cam follower portion that engages with the periphery of the cam member.

Abstract: A latch mechanism comprising a bolt assembly and a striker plate assembly. The bolt assembly itself comprises a bolt housing which is fabricated from a ferrous material. Pivotally connected to the bolt housing is an arm which is moveable between an inward position and an outward position relative to the bolt housing. Slidably attached to the bolt housing is a bolt which itself is moveable between an unlatched position and a latched position relative to the arm. Attached to the bolt is a first magnet, while attached to the bolt housing is a second magnet. The first and second magnets are oriented relative to each other such that the first magnet is magnetically repelled by the second magnet when the bolt is moved to the unlatched position so as to bias the arm to the outward position. The first magnet is magnetically attracted to the bolt housing when the arm is moved to the latched position so as to draw the arm to the inward position.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a box having a cover and a base hingeably connected to each other. The locking mechanism comprises a cover latching mechanism and a base latching mechanism. The cover latching mechanism is in a latching position. The two latching mechanisms are in latching engagement with each other to lock the box closed. An unlatching mechanism is provided which is activated to place the latching mechanism in an unlatching position to disengage the latching mechanisms from each other and unlock the box. An activating mechanism to active the unlatching mechanism. A deactivating mechanism is provided to return the cover latching mechanism back to its latching position so that closing the cover will cause the latching mechanisms to become in locking engagement with each other to lock the box. A box opening assembly in the box which is adapted to open the cover as soon as the latching mechanisms are disengaged from each other.

Abstract: A latching system for an automotive vehicle convertible roof employs a slide having a camming surface which is operably movable in a generally linear direction for moving a cam follower which, in turn, causes a linkage mechanism to pivot a latch. In a further aspect of the present invention, a centrally mounted actuator operably drives a pair of linear slides in a generally cross-car direction for operating a pair of hook-like latches.

Abstract: A security override system for a locked box comprising a hasp portion connected to a bracket slideably mounted within a locked box, the hasp portion extending through an opening in an outer door of the box; the bracket being movable between a closed position, wherein the hasp portion mates with the opening to form a padlock receiving portion, and an open position, wherein the hasp portion does not mate with the opening to enable the selective insertion and removal of a locked padlock in the padlock receiving portion without first unlocking the padlock; a cam member attached to the box and controllable from outside the box; the cam member comprising a pushing portion positioned and dimensioned to cooperate with a corresponding cutout in the bracket such that the bracket is movable between the open position and the closed position by the interaction of the cam member pushing portion with the cutout.

Abstract: A panel fastener has a hook and cam assembly with a C-shaped leaf spring mounted in a recess in the camming surface of the cam. The recess is formed with a central barrier with opposed ledges on which the spring is mounted. Rotation of the cam causes the spring to frictionally engage the hook and in so doing become compressed and to flex below the recess edges without crimping.

Abstract: A simple and low cost locking mechanism that is unlocked by a simply configured key while protecting against tampering through limited access and unique geometry. Access is limited by a spin bushing that guards access to a cam twister having a keyhole with a unique star geometry.

Abstract: A hatch cover locking mechanism for securing a roof member onto a hatch opening of a railway hopper car is provided. The hatch cover lock utilizes camming engagement between an operation handle and a keeper member in order to rotate the keeper member and lock or unlock the keeper member to a strapping associated with the hatch roof member.

Abstract: A lock structure for a container having a first part carrying a resilient latch and a second part carrying a latch retainer, the lock structure including a first housing mounted on the second part and having a chamber for containing the latch retainer, and a second housing mounted on the second part of the container and containing a key-operated latch-moving member for biasing the latch out of latching engagement with the latch retainer, the latch-moving member being of a configuration to be moved to a non-unlatching position by the resilient latch when the latch-moving member is not actuated to an unlatching position by a key.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an opening device for a microwave oven door. A hook is moved up and down to open/close the door. A swing lever moves the hook upwardly when swinging around a swing shaft at a predetermined angle. An elastic piece is protrudingly formed from an inside of the microwave oven to the swing lever for supporting the swing lever through one direction. By this construction, the elastic piece is deformed because the swing lever is swung. This bending restoring force restores the push button and swing lever to their initial positions, when the push button is released. As a result, the push button is restored without special spring part. Therefore, the number of parts is decrease, and the production cost is lowered. Also, the assembling work is improved, since the elastic piece is produced with swing lever integrally.

Abstract: A security latch mechanism suited for use with a splice chamber in a building telephone entrance terminal. The mechanism includes a latch member having a hook at its top end for engaging a splice chamber cover. A stem arrangement including a fastening member joins a bottom end of the latch member to part of the entrance terminal while permitting the latch member to move between a latch open position and a latch closed position. A spring mechanism associated with the fastening member urges the latch member toward the open position. The fastening member has a head for governing movement of the latch member, wherein the latch member advances toward the entrance terminal and its hook engages the splice chamber cover to define the latch closed position when the fastening member head is operated in a first sense, and the latch member advances toward the splice chamber cover and the hook disengages the cover to define the latch open position when the fastening member is operated in a second sense.

Abstract: A hatch cover locking mechanism for securing a roof member onto a hatch opening of a railway hopper car is provided. The hatch cover lock utilizes camming engagement between an operation handle and a keeper member in order to lock or unlock the keeper member over a hinge pin associated with the hatch roof member. A hook rotates along an orientation generally the same as that of the keeper, and the hook retains the hinge pin as desired when the hinge pin is not locked down by the keeper.

Abstract: The Consistent-Force Quick Latching System (CQLS) provides a means for athing and detaching two objects quickly, using consistent force regardless of the dimensions of the individual objects. The CQLS, usually secured to object A, utilizes a notched cam and a detent that enters one of the notches in response to externally applied pressure and rotates the cam in conjunction with the rotation of a handle that is pivotally coupled to the cam. When the handle rotates in one direction, the cam rotates so as to raise the hook that is also pivotally coupled to the cam, thereby forcing against object A object B that has been slid onto the hook. The two objects are separated from each other by a release mechanism that pulls the detent out of a notch, allowing the handle to rotate in the opposite direction. This lowers the pivot point and thus the hook, resulting in separation of object B from object A.

Abstract: A tightening latching device includes a housing having a pair of curved slots. A roller is rotatably engaged in the housing and includes an actuating piece. A latch is engaged on the roller and has an opening for engaging with the actuating piece. The latch includes two rods for slidably engaging with the curved slots of the housing and movable from one end to the other end of the curved slots. The latch is rotated by the actuating piece and the rods of the latch are moved from one end to the other end of the curved slots so as to engage the latch with an object.

Abstract: A lock or catch (10) is shown for a sliding door or window. The lock has a tongue (13) which can pivot to engage or disengage with a fixed frame part of a frame in which the door or window can slide. The lock has two buttons (16,17) which are respectively operable to move a lock (20,21,23,25,31) so the tongue (13) is moved to a first position (such as an unlocked condition) and to a second position (such as a locked condition).A cylinder lock (not shown) can be used to lock the lock and therefore the tongue (13) in a locked condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latch mechanism particularly adapted to be used with helicopters or other structures subject to intensive vibrational forces. The latch mechanism includes a hook member which grasps a striker rod. The hook member is carried in a body member which has a recess therein for receiving the hook member. A groove provides access to the recess. The groove is along one edge of the body member and it receives the striker rod as the hook member pulls the striker rod inwardly. A pair of spaced apart curved openings in the hook member provide a cam for controlling the path of movement of the hook member so that the hook member moves between an open position and a closed position along a right angle path of travel. As the hook member changes direction, making a 90 degree turn as it moves along its path of travel, it pulls the striker rod inwardly to the locked position. An actuator arm is coupled to the hook member and moves rectilinearly within a channel in the body of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A door interlock arrangement for an appliance such as a self-cleaning electric oven has an operating lever manually movable in a limited arc to move a door bolt into and out of door latching position and provide further motion to close the door very securely, and has a lock arranged in a novel cooperative relationship with an electrical interlock unit to permit certain appliance operations only when the door is latched and to permit opening of the door after the end of those appliance operations only when a selected appliance zone has cooled to a safe temperature.

Abstract: A latch especially adapted for sliding closures is provided comprising a rocker 36 having a hooked terminus 46, and means to deflect said rocker into engagement with a latch keeper 30, comprising a housing 12 having a slot 28 about which the rocker 36 rocks, and rocker rocking means comprising a biasing spring 34 and an oppositely acting pivot 38 having first and second shoulders 42, 43 in offset relation for rocking the rocker into keeper 30 engagement upon pivot rotation, the shoulders 42, 43 being locally relieved at 52 to permit return movement of the rocker 36 out of keeper engagement responsive to reverse pivot 38 rotation.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for a closure member, such as a sliding door. The mechanism comprises a housing for securement to the sliding door. A locking slide member is slidingly guided in the housing. The slide member has a locking element to engage and disengage with a keeper member secured to the frame of a door opening adjacent the sliding door. A slide activating rotating knob is rotatably retained in the housing for limited rotating displacement therein. A slide displacing pin is secured to the rotating knob and offset from the central rotating axis of the knob. The slide member has a pin receiving slot which coacts with the pin whereby limited rotation of the knob causes displacement of the pin to frictionally engage the slide in the slot to cause limited sliding displacement of the slide between a locked and unlocked position. The pin and the slide also coact, when in the locked position, whereby to provide positive interlocking to prevent displacement of the slide by force applied thereto.

Abstract: A panel fastener having a first section to be buried in one panel and a second section to be buried in another mating panel, said first section including: a hook plate fitted to an eccentric cam rotatably provided in said first section; and a leaf spring forced in between said hook plate and said eccentric cam. The two panels are connected and fastened together by rotating said eccentric cam in order to rotate said hook plate together with said eccentric cam, and by further rotating said cam in order to allow an end hook portion of said hook plate and a pin provided in said second section to tightly engage with each other. The panel fastener comprises a means for restricting rotational angles of said eccentric cam with respect to said hook plate within a specific range.The panel fastener can reliably connect and fasten the panels together without any possibilities of failure of engagement between the hook plate and the pin due to an erroneous operation.

Abstract: A device is provided for releasably locking a parked vehicle to an adjacent loading dock. The device includes a vertically adjustable carriage mounted on the front wall of the dock, and a hook-like member supported by the carriage for independent rotary movement between an operative vehicle-interlocking position and an inoperative vehicle-release position. A carriage-supported first member is disposed coaxially with the axis of said hook-like member and moves therewith as a unit. A flexible second member engages the first member and upon a predetermined pulling force being applied to said second member, causes the hook-like member to move to the operative vehicle-interlocking position. A unit is operatively connected to the flexible second member whereby the predetermined pulling force applied thereto is enhanced so as to effect a substantially greater turning force being exerted on the first member.

Abstract: A latch assembly for picnic coolers and the like includes a base, a latch, and an operating knob which is movably mounted on the base. The latch is pivotally supported by a fulcrum on the base, and the operating knob includes a pair of cams which pivot the latch between latched and unlatched positions.