Cover, Lid, Cap, Encasing Shield Patents (Class 70/158)
  • Patent number: 11619077
    Abstract: A vehicular storage box that includes a compartment for holding articles, the compartment comprising four sides, a bottom and a top lid. The compartment is fabricated from an engineered plastic or a polymer matrix composite. The box further includes a locking assembly situated within the lid. The locking assembly comprises a central locking wheel connected to a linkage, a plurality of pawls for each of at least three of the sides of the compartment, and a solenoid switch. The locking wheel is movably connected to the plurality of pawls. Further, the solenoid switch is connected to the linkage to move the wheel to drive the plurality of pawls into and out of the at least three of the sides of the compartment into a respective locked position of the lid and an unlocked position of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Clifford Dalton, Steven Nicholas Fidh, Frank Qiukui Liu
  • Patent number: 11591823
    Abstract: A door-locking device (1) including an actuator (20); a locking pin (11) controllable by the actuator (20) and adapted to cooperate with a movable latching slider (7) to lock a door of an electrical household appliance, the locking pin (11) being movable between a rest position, wherein the locking pin allows the latching slider (7) to move, and a lock position, wherein the locking pin prevents the latching slider (7) from moving; a detection switch (45) able to switch between an open position and a closed position following a movement of the latching slider (7), the detection switch (45) including a fixed contact element (45e) and a movable contact element (45c) resiliently stressed in closure towards the fixed contact element (45e), and a movable control member (46) interacting with the movable contact (45c). The control member (46) is also movable by a movement of the locking pin (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BITRON S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Promutico, Massimo Nardini, Marcello Pollastri
  • Patent number: 9758989
    Abstract: A locking cap having a push button reset and method for operating the locking cap having a push button reset are disclosed. The locking cap with a push button reset system is a deterrent to keep medications in the correct hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GATEKEEPER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20150114052
    Abstract: A lid locking device of the present invention is provided with a power transmission mechanism which includes a worm gear, a worm wheel, a pressurizing protrusion portion, a pressurized face and an interference avoiding space between a motor and a locking member. The power transmitting mechanism transmits backward-driving power which allows the locking member to move backward to an unlocked position from the motor to the locking member but does not transmit the power from the locking member to the motor and cuts off the power. That is, the backward driving power received by the locking member from an engagement protrusion piece of a lid on closing the lid is cut off by the power transmitting mechanism and not transmitted to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro KITAMURA, Takumi NIWA, Tatsuya SHIMIZU, Masayuki NOMURA, Yoshichika ITO
  • Publication number: 20150096336
    Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a bracket configured for mounting on a wall of a securable box and receiving a lock body to selectively secure a cover to the securable box preventing access to an interior of the box. The mechanism further includes a blade that is movable relative to the bracket between a locked position and an unlocked position to secure or remove the blade and bracket to or from a securable box wall respectively. The blade and bracket can be secured to and removed from the securable box without an operator's hand extending into the interior of the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: INNER-TITE CORP.
    Inventors: Stephen Spinney, John Mahaney
  • Patent number: 8967184
    Abstract: A locking fire hydrant includes a fire hydrant body having an internal channel extending between a main cap recess and an auxiliary cap recess defined therein. A plunger assembly including first and second plungers is disposed within the internal channel. The first plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into a main cap recess and the second plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into an auxiliary cap recess. When the second plunger is actuated by mounting a locking cap on the fire hydrant body, one of the ratchet teeth provided on the back side of the auxiliary cap engages the second plunger to prevent the auxiliary cap from being removed from the fire hydrant body. A locking cap, an opening tool, and methods of securing an auxiliary cap to a fire hydrant also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sigelock Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: George Sigelakis, Matthew Hayduk
  • Patent number: 8938999
    Abstract: A locking cap apparatus includes a cap assembly having an outer cap and an inner cap received within the outer cap, and further includes lock setting members. The outer cap includes an actuator coupled with a plunger. The plunger and the actuator are movable within and relative to the outer and inner cap. The cap assembly is rotatably and releasably coupled with external threads of a bottle. The plunger has a locked position, an unlocked position, and a lock change position, where the outer cap is rotatable relative to the bottle when the plunger is in the locked position, unlocked position, and optionally in the combination change position. Lock setting members are interactively coupled with the shaft of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: protectRx LLC
    Inventor: Derek Dahl
  • Patent number: 8931652
    Abstract: A lockable cap is a security feature for a medical prescription bottle. The lockable cap may have a dial locking mechanism that is attached to the cap and the dial locking mechanism and the cap can be attached or removed from the bottle only when the user has the correct combination on the dial lock. When the combination is incorrect, the cap cannot be removed from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cap N Lock LLC
    Inventor: Joseph C. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20140347815
    Abstract: An attachment device includes a casing, a fastener member provided in the casing and movable between an attachable and detachable position where an electronic device is attachable to or detachable from the casing and a fastening position where the electronic device is fastened to the casing, a lock member provided in the casing and configured to restrain the fastener member from moving from the fastening position to the attachable and detachable position, and a stop member provided in the casing and configured to stop the lock member from restraining the movement of the fastener member, the stop member stopping the lock member until the fastener member fastens the electronic device to the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Hiroto YAMAZAKI
  • Patent number: 8881560
    Abstract: A theft-protecting electronic device (16;116) recharging assembly comprising a block-shaped stand (12; 112) having a cavity (14;122c) into and from which the device can be partly inserted and retrieved by a substantially linear sliding movement. A rigid jacket (30;130) embracing the device from at least three sides thereof is provided, one of which being the side opposite the one inserted into said cavity. A lock-receiving porting (30e;130g) is integrally formed with the jacket. A lockable device (20,120) is associated with the stand, being manipulatable between a locking position wherein it engages the said lock-receiving portion, thereby arresting the electronic device within said cavity, and an unlocked position wherein the electronic device is freely retrievable from said cavity. The stand is adapted to be secured by a cable (40;140) to an immovable object (42,142).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Meir Avganim
  • Patent number: 8810361
    Abstract: A smart lock that can be built into or mounted onto a trash container with a lid and a can consists of two interlocking parts. The smart lock contains a primary lock operably connected to a secondary lock. The primary lock can be opened in presence of the trash collection vehicle or by a command from the owner. The secondary lock can be opened by the same conditions or when it senses mechanical and gravitational movement characteristics of the collection process, only when the first lock is open. Each lock comprises a timer and electronic circuitry that detects authorized commands and opens the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Dhruv Thukral, Viviane Soraya Ghaderi, Shervin Moloudi
  • Patent number: 8800331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical barrier which prevents tampering with a filler pipe on an underground storage tank for gasoline, fuel, chemicals, or other valuable liquids. The barrier fits within a cylindrical metal liner that surrounds the filler pipe. The barrier includes two spaced posts with semi-circular brackets at their lower ends, for securement about the filler pipe. An annular plate is secured between the upper ends of the post. A lock fits into a cut-out in the plate. A plunger within the lock is extended through an opening at the upper end of one post to maintain the barrier in locked position around the filler pipe, to prevent unauthorized withdrawal of or tampering with the contents of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Alex Sofianos
  • Patent number: 8792803
    Abstract: A housing engagement structure used for a housing to accommodate therein an apparatus body includes a first housing member and a second housing member. The first housing member includes a first wall having a first overlap portion being an end of the first wall. The second housing member includes: a second wall having a second overlap portion being an end of the second wall configured to be in contact with an inner surface of the first overlap portion and overlapped with the first overlap portion; and a first reinforcement rib projected from the inner surface of the second wall and extending to a position to be in contact with an inner surface of the first wall in the vicinity of the first overlap portion thereby reinforcing the first overlap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Imai
  • Patent number: 8748742
    Abstract: A kit and method for preventing theft of wires interconnected within a pull box includes a steel cover plate having a downwardly protruding cup which has a central perforation in its base that receives the upstanding shank of a J-bolt anchored in concrete poured into a bore made in the floor of a pit holding the pull box. A template plate inserted into the open upper end of the pullbox has a central hole which receives the shank of the J-bolt while the concrete is hardening to maintain the pull box centered on the J-bolt, removed after the concrete has hardened, and replaced by the cover plate which is secured in place by tightening an oval external cross-section security nut onto the upper surface of the cup base plate using a novel socket wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Corbas Marketing Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos J. Cordova, Sammy Vargas
  • Publication number: 20140137612
    Abstract: Button comprising a nut (1), a support (3) and a cover (5) fitted on the aforesaid support (3) defining a chamber (6) and having at least one window (51, 52) for an indicator for at least one position chosen from a first position for the button roughly corresponding to a minimum tightening torque for the nut (1) and a second position for the button corresponding to a lower tightening torque than the tightening torque for the first position, with the aforesaid indicator (30) being connected to a plate (13) by a means which ensures that a rotation of the plate (13) is translated into a rotation of the indicator (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: EURO-LOCKS S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Gresse
  • Publication number: 20140083146
    Abstract: A locking security cover for an in a ground junction box that opens to the earth. A has an opening for access to the interior of the ground box and a lock receiver fixed thereto. Plural legs support the frame and a base flange engages the bottom of the ground box side walls. The leg mounts are selectively engaged to either a flexible connection suitable for insertion of the frame and the first leg into the ground box as a unit, and a fixed connection. A rigid cover engages the frame and provides a lock recess and lock shroud. A lock inserted into the lock shroud engages a lock receiver fixed to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Richard L. Ousley
  • Patent number: 8662330
    Abstract: A lockable cap, is a security feature for a medical prescription bottle. The lockable cap has a dial locking mechanism that is attached to the cap and the dial locking mechanism and the cap can be attached or removed from the bottle only when the user has the correct combination on the dial lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cap-N-Lock, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph C. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20140020436
    Abstract: A refuse container lock having a latch that is mounted in a lock housing and includes a latch head and a latch tail, such that the latch head in a closed position grasps behind a hook of a counterlocking part and can be brought into a release position by tipping the lock housing from an upright position into a tipped position or by actuating a locking cylinder and by the action of a locking cam of the locking cylinder upon the latch head that is coupled to the latch tail held immovably in the upright position so as to pivot contrary to an elastic return force. For refinements that are advantageous to the user, it is proposed that the locking cylinder should be situated in the lock housing and that the locking cam should act on an actuation arm extending down from the latch head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Manfred Matuschek
  • Patent number: 8632103
    Abstract: A lock for a cam-and-groove coupler comprises a collar member positionable around the cam-and-groove coupler. The collar member comprises at least first and second wall portions. The first wall portion is positionable adjacent the first lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the first lever arm to an unsecured position. The second wall portion is positionable adjacent a second lever arm of the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent movement of the second lever arm to the unsecured position. The lock further comprises at least one projection extending inwardly from the collar member and configured to engage the cam-and-groove coupler to prevent the collar member from sliding off of the cam-and-groove coupler. At least one securing member is coupled to the collar member and configured to releasably secure the collar member around the cam-and-groove-coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Parrish Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Brian Fahie, Blair John Pike, Michael Stanley Parsons, Paul Maxwell Smith, Scott Maxwell Pike
  • Patent number: 8616393
    Abstract: Drug delivery systems and methods involve associating unique keys to patients. Medication intended for a patient is then locked in a container that may only be unlocked with the particular unique key associated with that patient or a master key. The master key may have a counter to count the number of times that it is used, so as to discourage unnecessary use of the master key. The medication containers may be locked with template locks that are subsequently encoded to be unlocked by a particular unique key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Matthew Vessa
  • Patent number: 8550281
    Abstract: A safety dish forms a secure food container and has a dish for holding food, a cover for enclosing the dish and food, and a lock mechanism for securing the cover to the dish to prevent unauthorized access to the food and/or tampering with the food. A key or correct input of a combination is required to access the food contents of the container. The safety dish and locking mechanism is preferably formed from dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nelson, Khalil & Kayden Corporation
    Inventor: Nelson Todd Williamson
  • Publication number: 20130249234
    Abstract: A fuel housing assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel housing having sidewalls and an interior wall defining a fuel nozzle receiving volume for receiving a fuel nozzle. A sealing retainer assembly includes a retainer base integrally formed with the fuel housing and a seal member that engages a locking shaft of a fuel door lock system in both unlocked and locked configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Higgins
  • Patent number: 8495803
    Abstract: A mechanical-magnetic connecting structure for releasably connecting a first element with a second element is provided. The connecting structure consists of a module A which is firmly connected with the first element or is rotatably arranged in the first element, and a module B which is firmly connected with the second element or is rotatably arranged in the second element. The module A is rotatably guided in module B. In module A at least one magnet and in module B at least one armature or second magnet is arranged and the shape, location and polarity of the magnets or of the magnet and the armature are designed such that when rotating module A relative to module B, the magnets or magnet and armature move from a closed position with maximum magnetic attraction into an open position with weakened magnetic attraction or a magnetic repulsion of module A and module B is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8484809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical/magnetic connecting structure, that is to say a mechanical interlock by means of magnetic-force assistance, which is particularly suitable for closures such as those which are used on bags, rucksacks and comparable objects, wherein the connecting structure has the following features: an interlock apparatus having at least one spring interlock element which moves in a direction and is arranged in one of the connecting modules, and having a blocking piece for interlocking of the connecting modules, which blocking piece is arranged in the other connecting module, and having a movable unlocking element with a force-deflecting rising sliding surface, which is likewise arranged in the other connecting module, and a magnet armature structure having at least one magnet which is arranged in one of the connecting modules, and at least one armature which is arranged in the other connecting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Publication number: 20130160503
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a locking cap system useful for controlling access to a gaseous system includes an outer cap, an inner lock, a metallic key and a magnetic opener. The inner lock rotates freely relative to the outer cap and is releasably engaged with the gaseous system. The metallic key is configured to be at least partially axially movable within the inner lock and the outer cap. The magnetic opener is useful to bias the metallic key so that the metallic key engages the inner lock and the outer cap simultaneously to allow the inner lock to rotate concurrently with rotation of the outer cap and engage or disengage from the gaseous system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: THE RECTORSEAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: The Rectorseal Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130145801
    Abstract: Locks for use with pest-control devices such as bait stations or other loadable devices, kits that include a lock and key, and pest control devices that include a lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Covington
  • Publication number: 20130104609
    Abstract: An access opening closure device is provided for enabling passage of food or medication into a confined space without providing direct access from within the confined space to outside of the confined space. The device includes a housing assembly including a body and a cover, and a slide assembly including an access door and a frame. The body defines a receptacle and first and second openings. The housing assembly is pivotally coupled to the slide assembly and is movable from an operative position to a stowed, non-operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Thomson Alexander
  • Patent number: 8413851
    Abstract: A security device protects the vulnerable portions or accessories of a bulk storage tank or container against unauthorized access. The device includes a housing that covers the vulnerable portions of the tank, the housing having two or more lockable doors that selectively permit access to the tank or container via two or more respective apertures. A first door is openable after unlocking a readily-accessible lock, while the second movable door is openable after an elongate lock member that is positioned internally within the housing is moved to an unlocking position. The elongate lock member can be moved to its unlocking position after the first door is opened. Certain tank operations, such as dispensing fuel, may be carried out after unlocking and opening a single door, while other operations, such as refilling the tank, may be accomplished after opening a second door once the first door has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Burlingame Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Bruinius
  • Patent number: 8393188
    Abstract: A sanitary dispenser (1) has a housing (1) having an openable cover (20). A locking mechanism (7) locks the cover (20) laterally to the housing (1) and unlocks it by means of a key (25). The locking mechanism (7) has a push rod assembly (9, 14) having two centrally coupled rods (11, 16) which can be displaced in opposite directions and each of which ends at an insertion opening (6). The insertion of the key (25) on either of the two sides (4) of the housing in each case displaces both rods (11, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hans Georg Hagleitner
  • Patent number: 8381751
    Abstract: A self service automated dump station is provided using a control mechanism for the collection of money that releases a latching mechanism located on a removable lockable cap that sits upon the dump station's drain line. In one embodiment provided, the removable lockable cap is lifted from the dump station inlet line by a remote foot pedal—this allows for a cleaner and more efficient means for inserting the hose from the waste tank of a vehicle into the dump station inlet line. Money payment can be either made by cash or by credit or debit cards. The operation of the dump station is made more efficient and requires fewer interactions between those who need to transfer waste from their vehicle waste tanks, such as operators of campers or recreational vehicles, and the dump station operator. Remote sensors can also be deployed to minimize the possibility of spillage or over-fill of the dump station if the dump station is not hooked up to a sewer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Vito Ignatius Bartolotta
  • Patent number: 8353309
    Abstract: A hydrant locking device inhibiting unauthorized operation of a fire hydrant and includes a flip-top lid positioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to a base. The flip-top lid is hingedly connected to the base of the locking device. The base may be releasably secured to an operating nut of the fire hydrant or more specifically an operating nut extension that engages the operating nut of the fire hydrant. The flip-top lid may also include a sealed cavity that may include electronics. These electronics may be in electrical communication with a wireless mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Joel Embry, King Embry
  • Patent number: 8347475
    Abstract: A handle structure suitable for disposing on a surface of a carrier is provided. The carrier has a locating part is assemble to a case. The handle structure includes a holder, an elastic element and a fastening element. The holder has a rotating axis and a locating element, and has a first end and a second end opposite thereto. The rotating axis connecting to the carrier is disposed on the first end, and the holder is pivoted on the surface. The locating element disposed on the first end interferes with the locating part. The elastic element has a first fixing part fixed to the carrier and a pushing part connected to the first fixing part and pushing against the holder. The fastening element has a second fixing part fixed to the carrier and a fastening part connected to the second fixing part and fastened to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Shi-Feng Wang, Ji-Peng Xu, Tsai-Kuei Cheng
  • Patent number: 8297089
    Abstract: A theft deterrent enclosure that eliminates unauthorized access is disclosed. The enclosure includes a door assembly having three sides and a wrapper assembly having three sides that mate to form a lockable enclosure. A key lock cylinder is mounted in a lock opening of the door assembly such that it blocks the lock opening in a locked position. A keyed interface operates a fastener, such as a compression latch, threaded coupling or lock plate, which is mounted on the door assembly such that the fastener secures the door assembly and the wrapper assembly in a closed position. The keyed interface is positioned on an interior side of the enclosure that is opposite and aligned with the lock opening. A guide sleeve is positioned inside the enclosure that guides a security keyed tool inserted through the lock opening toward the keyed interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Johnny Edward Walker
  • Patent number: 8252067
    Abstract: A latch and latch handle recessed into the computer cover is provided, with the latch handle preferably presently a cam surface internally that interacts with a compatible cam surface associated with a lock bar. Preferably, a key lock is functionally integrated with the latch in such a way that when the key lock is unlocked the latch handle and latch are free to displace and to then urge the retention bar to disengage detents or hooks from slots or receptacles, by way of releasing the cover from a chassis or body of the desktop or workstation. Accordingly, in essentially one efficient movement via engaging the latch handle, a user will be able to quickly remove the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Farrow, William F. Martin-Otto
  • Patent number: 8240500
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for securing access to an underground device such as a storage tank. A lockable blocking plate is secured to a filler cap for an underground storage tank in a manner to inhibit access to the filler cap. The locking mechanism is configured such that the lock and blocking plate may freely rotate with respect to the filler cap. The blocking plate may include a side skirt extending to cover portions of the filler cap and, optionally, portions of a standpipe and coupling for the filler cap. Free rotation is enabled by way of an annular groove in a portion of the locking mechanism, and into which groove one or more locking portions may be inserted, or by way of a freely moving swivel boss attached to the filler cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Jr., Matthew R. Greiner
  • Patent number: 8201705
    Abstract: A safety dish forms a secure food container and has a dish for holding food, a cover for enclosing the dish and food, and a lock mechanism for securing the cover to the dish to prevent unauthorized access to the food and/or tampering with the food. A key or correct input of a combination is required to access the food contents of the container. The safety dish preferably includes a handle and is formed from dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Nelson Todd Williamson
  • Patent number: 8196919
    Abstract: A lock mechanism is disclosed for a sheet store adapted for the dispensing or accepting of sheets. The sheet store comprises a container having a lid operable for access to the interior of the container and a shutter operable for the passage of sheets therethrough. The lock mechanism comprises: a locking plate movable relative to the container, the locking plate being operable to control a lid lock element and a shutter lock element; and an actuator arranged to control movement of the locking plate. The locking plate is movable between three positions, including: a closed position, in which the shutter lock element prevents opening of the shutter; a primed position, in which the shutter can be opened; and an open position which controls the lid lock element to permit opening of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Talaris Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven Copestake, Steven Michael Hosking, Fiona Joan Mancini
  • Patent number: 8191296
    Abstract: An elevating billboard and control method thereof, which includes a hollow column, a billboard stent, and a windlass controlling a motor, forward relay and back relay, wherein a hollow cylinder is fixed with the billboard stent and rings the column so as to slide along the column up and down, a fixed pulley disposed on the top of the column, a free end of a guy cable of the windlass connecting with the hollow cylinder by the fixed pulley. By using the motor of the windlass and the fixed pulleys, the elevating billboard is easy to assemble, disassemble or maintain, and is capable of completing the up and down movement easily and quickly. And using the real-time monitor of the anemoscope, the elevating billboard completes the up and down movement easily and quickly by wind scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Peiyuan Xu
  • Patent number: 8181495
    Abstract: An anti-theft device and method for securing and preventing access to components within an interior of a fuel dispenser cabinet having an access door located on one side of the cabinet. The device includes structure for securing the anti-theft device to the periphery of the cabinet, structure for preventing the anti-theft device from being laterally and vertically removed from the cabinet, and a releasable assembly for selectively allowing and preventing access to the interior of the cabinet through the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Northern Indiana Mechanical, Inc.
    Inventors: Terence Brian Kiest, Michael Steven Kiest, Michael Anthony Hawley
  • Patent number: 8152194
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a way for a person to lock and secure the hitch of an unhitched utility trailer. Another object of this invention is to allow a person to keep an unhitched utility trailer from being stolen when the utility trailer is not hooked to a truck hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Larry Landgraf, Sam F. Manna, Jr., Maggie Ann Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8151607
    Abstract: A pallet arrestor and method for preventing the movement of a pallet, having one or more pallet tunnels for receiving the tines of a forklift is disclosed. The pallet arrestor includes a molded plastic plug which has a first portion which is configured to slot into a pallet tunnel and a front portion whose height prevents its entry into the tunnel. The pallet arrestor prevents ingress of a forklift tine into that pallet tunnel, and hence inhibits movement of the pallet, without having to move the pallet to a caged area, or the like. The plug may include a rotatable latch which in one (retracted) position allows the pallet arrestor to be inserted and removed from the pallet tunnel and which in a second (locked) position prevents or inhibits the removal of the pallet arrestor from the pallet tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lion Nathan Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: George Bearzot
  • Publication number: 20120031708
    Abstract: A control unit for an elevator installation comprises a cover and a base. The control unit further comprises a lock which can lock the cover to the base or release it from the base. The lock comprises a locking bar with a magnet, wherein this locking bar is movable back and forth between a closed position and an open position by movement of a magnetic lock on a surface of the cover. The locking bar with the magnet is stabilized in the closed position by a first magnetic element and the cover is locked. The locking bar with the magnet is stabilized in the open position by a second magnetic element and the cover is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Marco Aluisetti
  • Patent number: 8068342
    Abstract: An electronic device using a cover mechanism to cover a hole is described. The cover mechanism includes a locking member slidably mounted on a base member and a cover member. The cover member can be locked to the base member by locking of the cover member to the locking member in a locked position, can rotate around the locking member in a released position, and can expose the hole and physically attach to the locking member in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang, Zheng Shi
  • Publication number: 20110283755
    Abstract: An electric seal includes an antenna device engaged in a lock member and having a contact located in the lock member, a lock shaft engageable into the lock member and having a circuit board engaged in the bore of the lock shaft and having an RFID chip coupled to an electric circuit, the electric circuit includes a contact for electrically engaging with the contact of the antenna member when the lock shaft is engaged into the compartment of the lock member for identifying the RFID-based electric seal, the RFID chip do not generate and emit the signal to identify the electric seal when the lock shaft is disengaged from the lock member or when the circuit board is disengaged from the antenna member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Chih Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8051688
    Abstract: A lock device includes a main body, a lock that locks and unlocks a lid member, an operating button, an engagement member, a rotor that rotates by locking and unlocking the lock, a coupling member, and an arm disposed on the rotor and coupled to one end of the coupling member. The coupling member interlocks the operation button and the engagement member with unlocking the lock and releases an interlock between the operation button and the engagement member with locking the lock. The engagement member slides through the coupling member to disengage the engagement member from the main body by operating the operating button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Soma
  • Publication number: 20110241508
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus with a metal control panel includes a cabinet, a control panel formed of a metal and mounted to one side of a front surface of the cabinet, one or a plurality of installation members mounted at a rear surface of the control panel and disposed within the metal control panel, and at least one of a payment unit, a display unit and a manipulation unit disposed within the control panel, wherein the at least one of the payment unit, the display unit and the manipulation unit is fixed to the installation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Namyeong HEO
  • Publication number: 20110203334
    Abstract: One embodiment of a lockable utility box lid (20) for a utility box enclosure (10) comprises a box lid (12) having at least one upper tool aperture (22) and at least one clamping mechanism (30) coupled to the underside of the box lid (10). The clamping mechanism (30) includes at least one lower tool aperture (38) of a lock plate (32) oppositely corresponding to the upper tool aperture (22) of the box lid (12). The lock plate (32) may be coupled to a plurality of side plates (40). The clamping mechanism (30) may also include a pivot arm (60) coupled with a jaw plate (72). A pivot tab (34) of the lock plate (32) may be inserted through a pivot tab aperture (76) of the pivot arm (60) thereby creating a fulcrum point. A back plate (50) inserted into a plurality of back plate apertures (52) of the side plates (40) and a threaded plate (64) inserted into a plurality threaded plate apertures (68) of the pivot arm (60) may be aligned to receive a bolt (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Zachary D. Rix
  • Publication number: 20110203900
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing documents of value has a checking device for checking at least one property of a document of value in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion with a sensor device, a storage-area housing including a securable storage area in which documents of value recognized as authentic are storable, and has a first opening through which the documents of value can be transported from the processing area to the storage area, a transport device for the singled transport of documents of value along a transport path to the checking device and from there to the storage area, and a processing-area cover has a cover element which can be moved between a close position, in which the processing area is covered by the processing-area cover, and an open position, in which an operator is enabled to access the transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Michael STAPFER
  • Publication number: 20110203335
    Abstract: A securing apparatus is provided for securing, in one embodiment, a plurality of enclosures, such as for example, a plurality of electric meter boxes, the apparatus being mountable to the at least one of the plurality of enclosures. The securing apparatus comprises an enclosure locking member which includes at least a bracket arm, a fastening member and a housing mountable to at least one enclosure; the securing apparatus further comprises a securing member having first and second ends, with the securing member including at least a securing bar and a coupling member being moveably attachable to the securing bar, wherein the coupling member is pivotably mateable with the extended flange of the enclosure locking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Norman Binz DeWalch, Tyler Dean Todd, II
  • Publication number: 20110185779
    Abstract: An improved method of rotating the lockrod of a tool storage unit to the “locked” or “unlocked” position by use of a linear actuator to rotate the lockrod actuator, where the linear actuator operates electrically, allowing for control by any remotely or automatically operated system. The tool storage unit locking mechanisms include a center-neutral key position that rotates 90 degrees in either direction from center to lock and unlock the unit. This design allows a standard key to operate the locking mechanism, but also allows a secondary mechanism (such as an electromagnetically driven mechanism) to directly operate the lock. Due to its specifics, the design would also allow for retrofitability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Matthew M. Crass, Jon M. LaRue, Mark T. Gordon, John J. Landree, Robert Keith Folkestad, II